Courier-Journal columnist Rick Bozich hits the nail squarely on the head in his diagnosis of John Calipari’s sickness in his most recent column: Clearly a case of Rick Pitino Envy (RPE).
Thanks, Rick, for exposing Calipari for what has become blatantly obvious. He has ascended to what he and Kentucky fans consider the ultimate coaching job in the collegiate ranks, what they consider the premiere college basketball program. Yet he feels compelled to belittle Rick Pitino and the University of Louisville.
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With his constant shots, Calipari defines himself as childish and petty, the total opposite of what one would expect of a person in his position. Instead of enjoying his considerable achievements, he is driven to belittle the accomplishments of others.
Apparently unable to rise above the thinking of an everyday fan, he embodies the attitude of many UK fans — insecure and angry at any school or group of individuals who would dare to have ambitions of their own. UK fans are not unique in that regard. Seems to be universal among fan bases, disrespecting other programs.
But coaches, especially one in Calipari’s position, should be able to rise above the self-centered and shallow thinking. He has been successful wherever he has coached. Uncomfortable with that success, he stoops to the level of a jealous school girl, incapable of acknowledging a rival’s positive attributes.
We suspect that he’s plagued by those shortcomings — the taking down of two Final Fours and numerous wins and having yet to win a national championship. Meanwhile, his antithesis, Rick Pitino, has won the big one and is not plagued by suspicions of recruiting irregularities. Calipari would never admit it, not in his lifetime, but it has to be a nagging concern, something he is unable to shake.
Calipari could help himself by admitting the obvious that he has a severe case of RPE. That would be the first step toward a cure. Never going to happen, he’s set in his ways, unable to admit his weakness, unable to change. He will never be secure, even if he were to win all the marbles some day.
Sad.
Wow. You nailed it right on the head, Katbluefan. Thanks for checking in with us and sharing thoughts and insights that make others on this board pale in comparison.
Oh…Louisville 24 – UK 17. In Commonwealth.
All you Pitino Suckups in Looserville can’t stand the fact that Cal’s Cats rule the State of Ky and it’s just eating your A$$s that your Little Ricky is seen his better days. All he is good for now is cleaning up at the tables at some eating places. Looserville Cards are DEAD and so are the C.J. sports writers. BOO HOO
You really have a way of putting things in perspective. Thanks for making our point.
“We’re a little like the Green Bay Packers, The entire state of Kentucky owns our basketball team.”
-Slick Rick Pitino, 1996
Could it be something in the water over there? Whatever. Pitino got over it.
Loved the Bozich column, too. Couple of things–
1. Raise your hand if you’ve been to the Final Four three times, but had two times revoked by the NCAA…so far. What, only one coach in history? My, my…
2. Raise your hand if you’ve had five ‘number one’ recruits in the same freshman class, but couldn’t win a game when it counted most, in the Fial Four. Same guy? No surprise there.
3. “even if he were to win all the marbles some day?” Gimme a break. Last year was the peak–it’s all downhill from here on out. Sorry, Cat fans–it’s a slow, downward spiral until you get new blood in the coach ranks. You’ve seen the ‘best’ Cal you’re ever going to see. Been there, actually.
Straight downhill, you’re right. Easily a top 5 recruiting class EVER coming in this year. And maybe an even better class next year…Don’t know what Cal will do with all these mediocre players….right downhill
What else is new? Your response reminds me of the adjectives used for UK football. “Bigger, faster, stronger” every year. Enjoy what you have, you don’t really need to be casting aspersions on other teams.
You’re right, that is petty. But is it anymore petty than Rick taking shots at the SEC? Lets face it, Rick’s comments about the SEC were directed right at UK. You Rick, are a clown