Still amazed that Rick Pitino was able to get the U of L basketball team to the Elite Eight. Two leading seniors missing almost a third of the season to injuries, another third getting into shape, and never fully recovering the final third.
One sophomore a major discipline problem, negatively influencing his New York-area classmates in ways fans will never fathom. Poor three-point shooting, miserable free-throw shooting, unpredictable passing at times. Academic deficiencies to start the season.
Just imagine what Pitino could do without all the challenges.
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Welcome to the Big Time — If Western Kentucky University wants to be considered more than a stepping stone, the Hilltoppers need boosters with deeper pockets. Their coaching hires seem to jump at the first decent offer they get, the latest Darrin Horn, a WKU alumnus, going to South Carolina.
“I was pretty confident we could withstand the outside pressure,” WKU athletic director Wood Selig told ESPN. “I hate it for us, hate it for our fans, hate it for Darrin and his family.”
Doesn’t work that way in sports, Wood; not when there’s big money involved. They teach that in Athletic Directing 101.
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Happy Trails — The late Bill Keightley, the equipment manager at Kentucky for 45 years, was probably a good man. Like too many Kentuckians, however, he never had anything good to say about the University of Louisville. Rick Pitino was only half kidding when he said Keightley blamed many of his Big Blue world’s problems on U of L.
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Mr. Frantic Meets The Frantic — The hyperactive Tom Crean is apparently taking his dizzying sideline marathon from Marquette to Indiana University. With their depleted roster next season, Hoosier fans were already destined for another traumatic season. The relationship will get off to a shaky start, with Crean crashing madly about looking for answers where there are none. Bad case of nerves for all.
I am not amazed. They ended up about where I expected them to. I had them losing to UNC in the Elite 8 in my bracket. Too much speed from Lawson and Hansborough. The preseason prognosticators had the Cards in the top 6 or 7. I am happy though, but another banner would have been sweet.