Gotta feel sorry for UNLV basketball fans, someone messing with their minds, suggesting that Rick Pitino would consider leaving the University of Louisville to coach in Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal, which should have known better, citing an unnamed source saying Pitino would be interested. Might want to bring his son Richard with him as a coach-in-waiting as well.

Rick-PItinoAlmost laughable to consider the report seriously. But apparently some UNLV fans are still yearning for the the days of yesteryear. Remembering Jerry Tarkanian, who took the program to the Final Four four times and won a national championship in 1990. Not willing to accept the status quo after Coach Dave Rice was fired in the middle of this fifth season at UNLV.

UNLV was placed on probation in 1992 and Tarkanian was fired by the school for numerous recruiting violations. For some, UNLV has never shaken the stigma of the Jerry Tarkanian association. The program was never a serious national contender after he left.

We wouldn’t be surprised if someone in Las Vegas actually reached out to Pitino. Nor would we be shocked if someone in the coach’s circle indicated that he might listen to an offer. Pitino loves attention and he likes having contacts in Las Vegas.

Pitino being Pitino, he may have entertained and welcomed the notion of still being high sought after. The Rick Pitino we know was never going to slam the door shut, especially on some movers and shakers in Sin City. Pitino says a lot of things not meant to be taken seriously, and this was probably one of those instances.

One of the keys to understanding Pitino is that he never wants to be perceived as predictable. He likes to keep people guessing, often throwing them off track while he considers his options. Someone in Las Vegas falling for the deflection.

Pitino has never been as passionate about coaching, specifically about coaching at the University of Louisville, as he is right now. The passion is reflected in his pale and wrinkled facial features, at times appearing to be ill, his complexion reflecting an all-consuming desire for another deep run for Louisville in the NCAA tournament.

This observer has to conclude that Rick Pitino would be interested in Las Vegas only if he were unable to pursue his agenda at Louisville.

Share this

By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

5 thoughts on “Las Vegas not in cards for Rick Pitino”
  1. Thank God. Why would we want that scumbag who got Louisville in trouble. That trouble would only follow him. UNLV & Tark cleared our name when we sued the NCAA & won. Why give the NCAA a reason to come after us. We have the best college b-ball facilities in the nation, that’s why we are the home to USA men’s basketball & the NBA summer league. We have Gucci Row full of donors to get us any coach we want. We want a young proven coach not and old cheater. Just say no to Pitino. He had his chance.

      1. UNLV OWNS & Operates all of its on campus basketball facilities. We have the Mendenhall Center, our state of the art practice facilitiy, which has 2 basketball courts, an academic area and film theater room, locker rooms, athletic training, strength & conditioning , and equipment areas. the Cox Pavilion a multi purpose venue connected to the T & M, a 5000 seat arena for the Lady Rebels and the Thomas and Mack center itself which just underwent a $72 million dollar renovation. I know Louisville has NOTHING close to our facilities. When was the last time the NBA had its All-Star game on your campus? Has the NBA summer league ever called Louisville home? Has the USA Men’s basketball team ever called your facilities home? Can’t compete with us there.

        1. Ever heard of the $257 million KFC Yum! Center or the $16 million KFC Yum! practice center? Go ahead and claim the facilities award but no one around here or elsewhere is overly envious of UNLV basketball.

Comments are closed.