Category Archives: Rick Pitino

Pitino The Pessimist

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Good thing Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino never became a doctor; he’s not very good at analyzing injuries. He would have been better as a psychiatrist because he likes to mess with people’s heads. He is wrong so often on diagnosing injuries that he has to be doing it for motivational purposes.

Shortly after Palacios was injured, Pitino proclaimed that he was thinking seriously about red shirting the 6-foot-8, 250-pound senior. He reminded fans that Juan is a slow healer and has had almost every possible injury in his college career.

Surprise. The latest word is that Palacios showed up for practice Thursday, moving around for about 35 minutes. No heavy duty action. Primarily shooting around. Must be getting better. You think?

Fans were somewhat concerned when David Padgett collided with another player in the Jackson State game. Pitino first said it was a minor injury, and fans breathed a collective sigh of relief. Then less than 24 hours later, Pitino shocked the Cardinal world with the pronouncement that Padgett had busted his knee cap and that his career was most likely finished.

Now we hear from David that he has always healed quickly, and that he expects to be ready by January — despite Pitino’s public pronouncements to the contrary. Padgett is confident, Pitino is doubtful.

The only thing certain is that David Padgett intends to return. Fans can only hope that Dr. Pitino is wrong again.
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No Looking Ahead To Next Year

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One of the things fans look forward as the basketball opens is a first look at the incoming freshmen. They are, after all, the future of the program. So much for that tradition: Attrition has struck the class big time.

The NCAA Clearinghouse didn’t live up to its name once again, failing to clear George Goode, a 6-foot-8, 205-pounder lacking a couple of high school credits. The doctors are at least a year away from allowing 7-foot-2 Clarence Holloway anywhere near a basketball court. That leaves only Preston Knowles, a guard from Winchester that Pitino says plays good defense, and Lee Steiden, a walk on guard from St. X.

Fast forward to next season: David Padgett, Juan Palacios and Terrance Farley will have graduated. At least three starters could jump to the NBA. Pitino will be practically starting all over again, with a team that will essentially include eight or nine people new to the college scene. Some of the incoming frosh will have extraordinary talent but also much to learn.

But that’s next year. The cup is full of talented veterans right now, and there’s every reason for U of L fans to live for the moment.

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The U of L marketing staff has outdone itself this year with the basketball schedule posters. They are larger than usual, 18 x 24 inches, and on a heavier paper stock. The design is classic, a real keeper. You can pick them up at Thornton’s locations while they last. A nod, too, to V. G. Reed & Sons Printing Company for the quality.

Rick Pitino Is Calling

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Watch for a message from Rick Pitino on your answering machine. He’s making automated calls to all football and basketball season ticket holders. The message is simple: He wants the Louisville section packed during the John Wooden Classic in Indianapolis.

The Cardinals will face Purdue in the roundball classic on Dec. 15 at Conseco Fieldhouse. Tickets are available in five levels for the doubleheader: $65 for lower corners and end zone seats, $50 for mid-club level seats in the corners and end zone, $20 for upper level balcony side court seats and $10 for upper level seats in the corners and end zone. Tipoff for the game is at 3:30 p.m.

No, Rick doesn’t expect a return call. Buy tickets in person at Papa John’s stadium or call 852-5151.

Rick Pitino Is Calling

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Watch for a message from Rick Pitino on your answering machine. He’s making automated calls to all football and basketball season ticket holders. The message is simple: He wants the Louisville section packed during the John Wooden Classic in Indianapolis.

The Cardinals will face Purdue in the roundball classic on Dec. 15 at Conseco Fieldhouse. Tickets are available in five levels for the doubleheader: $65 for lower corners and end zone seats, $50 for mid-club level seats in the corners and end zone, $20 for upper level balcony side court seats and $10 for upper level seats in the corners and end zone. Tipoff for the game is at 3:30 p.m.

No, Rick doesn’t expect a return call. Buy tickets in person at Papa John’s stadium or call 852-5151.

Pitino Making Good On Promise

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One thing is clear after two exhibition games: This year’s basketball Cards are light years ahead of any Rick Pitino team since he arrived in Louisville in 2001. He appears to finally have all the pieces together for what could be a special season.

Few coaches could have survived the challenges of his first few seasons. The program was plagued by a lack of talented veterans, few recruits in the pipeline, and players with eligibility and discipline issues. Then came the disappointments of talented recruits skipping college for the pros, accompanied by the crushing blow of injuries to key players. The coach was even dealing with personal health issues at one point.

It’s hard to believe that some skeptics were questioning whether Pitino had lost his touch and desire to win as recently as last season, despite having guided the Cards to the Final Four during the 2004-05. That, of course, was before they won 12 of the last 15 regular season games last year.

Pitino is making good on his promise “to return the Cards to national prominence.” It’s going to be fun to watch.

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Here’s a must see video to tide U of L fans over until the regular basketball season officially begins against Hartford on Nov. 17:

Football factor

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Another reminder of the importance of college football in Louisville came when U of L basketball coach Rick Pitino devoted 11 minutes of his pre-season remarks to the football coaching issue.

Pitino said any time you see a coach suspending players, it means he “won’t sacrifice his principles for winning games, he’s building a program, he’s not trying to win a half, and you know he’s doing the right thing.”

Pitino is right. He also recognizes that football fever has gripped Louisville over the last several years and the community expects to win. Be patient, he is saying, we’re thinking long-term here.

Football factor

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Another reminder of the importance of college football in Louisville came when U of L basketball coach Rick Pitino devoted 11 minutes of his pre-season remarks to the football coaching issue.

Pitino said any time you see a coach suspending players, it means he “won’t sacrifice his principles for winning games, he’s building a program, he’s not trying to win a half, and you know he’s doing the right thing.”

Pitino is right. He also recognizes that football fever has gripped Louisville over the last several years and the community expects to win. Be patient, he is saying, we’re thinking long-term here.