The University of Louisville basketball team will play at least nine games in Puerto Rico starting Aug. 11th, but Rick Pitino will be coaching the Puerto Rico teams against the Cardinals.
The schedule was leaked Monday by Terry Meiners, of WHAS TV and Radio, on his Facebook page:
Aug 11 – 5:30 pm UofL vs Puerto Rico Junior Team; 8 pm UofL vs PR National Team (Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan)
Aug 12 – repeat Aug 11 schedule (Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum)
Aug 13 – 8 pm UofL vs PR Junior Team (Mario Morales Coliseum in Guaynabo, PR)
Aug 14 – 8 pm UofL vs PR National Team (Municipal Coliseum, Manati Ave, Manati, PR)
Aug 15 – 5:30 pm UofL vs PR Junior Team; 8 pm UofL vs PR National Team (Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum, Bayamon, PR)
Aug 16 – 8 pm UofL vs Puerto Rico National Team (Humacao Coliseum)
UofL beat writer Jeff Greer of the Courier-Journal indicated that “Pitino will coach the Puerto Ricans, as he is in two international events this summer, while his U of L staffers direct the Cardinals.”
The ultimate conflict for Pitino, coaching against his own team, during a crucial extra period of development time for a young, newly-blended team. Who comes first for Pitino? The Cards or the Puerto Ricans?
Good thing Ralph Willard, who rejoins the team this year as Pitino’s right hand man, will be involved in this confusing arrangement. Pitino once said Willard is there to critique his coaching. He may have his hands full.
No word on broadcast access yet.