There have been recent rumors that Rick Pitino is considering leaving his current position as head coach for Louisville. Pitino has denied any interest in the job. Rumors have been swirling especially since Louisville has struggled this year and are coming off a embarrassing loss to St. Johns 74-55 on Thursday night. The question in question is can the Nets lure Pitino back to the Pro game?
Can the Nets lure Rick Pitino?
Pitino is 57 and is in his ninth year at Louisville. He has had success at Louisville taking them to the final four in 2005 ,and they are current Big East champions. Louisville has not played to potential this year and have no real quality wins to mention.
Right now they stand at 15-9(6-5) are on the bubble at best for a bid to the tournament. They need to make a good run the rest of the season and have a good showing in the Big East tournament to get to the big dance in March.
Pitino does have eight years Pro experience. He knows the difference between coaching a Pro and College athlete. The Pro athlete is much tougher to coach now as the money has changed the player and game forever. Pitino would be crazy to take any job in the pros at this point in his career.
The Nets are on pace to have the worst record in the history of the NBA. They are currently 4-47 and need some massive rebuilding. How much patience does Pitino have for that? He thinks that the Louisville coaching job is as good as any job out there. Add the fact that they are building a new arena in Louisville, and you see that he is most likely staying put no matter how much money is thrown at him.
Pitino is a great College coach and is great not only for Louisville but for the college game. Players respond to him ,and he loves all that comes with the college game. To me the question is answered, the Nets cannot lure Rick Pitino.
Tags: big east, Louisville Cardinals, nba, New Jersey Nets, Rick Pitino, St. Johns Red Storm
If Pitino comes back to the NBA, I think his contract needs two stipulations. The first is that he should be required to wear the white suit that is in the picture for every game. Additionally, he needs to agree not to have sex on top of tables in closed restaurants. Jersey girls like that kind of action and the Nets need to make sure Pitino understands that kind of stuff is off limits, even if it is Snooki!