LEXINGTON, Ky. — Whereas we’re doing homecomings at Kentucky, would possibly as effectively convey Corridor of Fame coach Rick Pitino again, proper? That must-see return is seemingly now imminent, if just for a day.
Mark Pope, the captain of Pitino’s 1996 nationwide championship staff at UK, is now the Wildcats’ coach and one of many many loud cheers he acquired from the packed Rupp Enviornment crowd throughout his introductory press convention on Sunday got here after this line: “Anyone right here down for a recreation versus St. John’s?”
Pitino, who simply completed his first season as St. John’s head coach, responded on Monday by way of social media, accepting the invitation.
Wow, simply noticed clips from our Captain’s press convention. Not shocked, however pleasantly stunned. Would count on nothing much less from @CoachMarkPope. Additionally, @StJohnsBBall accepts, this 12 months at UK, subsequent 12 months on the Mecca! Trying ahead to saying goodbye to @KentuckyMBB.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) April 15, 2024
“This 12 months at UK, subsequent 12 months on the Mecca!” Pitino wrote, referring to Madison Sq. Backyard in New York as the positioning of the return recreation. Pitino continued that he was “wanting ahead to saying goodbye” to a spot he’s all the time referred to as Camelot. Bringing Pitino again to Rupp may present closure for each the coach and a fan base that has beloved and hated him, the latter coming after he left Kentucky for the NBA, solely to return to Rupp as coach of rival Louisville.
So does that imply the collection is a performed deal? In all probability, if it’s what Pope desires. He additionally floated the thought Sunday of a return to the Maui Invitational, a beloved early-season event predecessor John Calipari had refused to play in since 2010.
“If that’s one thing he desires to do, that’s fantastic,” athletic director Mitch Barnhart stated. “If it’s one thing that helps in recruiting, if it’s one thing he thinks is sweet for our program, then that is his program. He’s gotta design it. Cal designed it his manner, and now Mark is within the chair and he will get to design it his manner. And if that’s one thing he says, ‘I wish to do,’ then we’ll assist that and determine it out.”
Bringing his former coach dwelling to fix outdated wounds and be honored for reviving an almost useless program within the early Nineties is clearly essential to Pope.
“Coach Pitino modified me,” he stated Sunday. “And I’ll inform you, like, he modified me to my soul, modified my DNA as a human being. He allowed me to be somebody who appears like they will stroll into any room and tackle any unattainable job. And I’ll love him without end. So I say (let’s play) St. John’s as a result of I’ve a lot admiration for him. He’s the very best that did it.”
Required studying
(Picture: Clare Grant / Courier Journal / USA In the present day)
