Only One Coach

[NorthernDancerColt]

Can reach the triumvirate of Lewis, Garcia, and DJ.
Can teach said triumvirate.
Keep them in-the-fold.
Instantly put us back on the map.
Command respect from Day1.
Renew by-the-wayside fan interest.
Grow fan interest to include non-alums and much of Milwaukee.
Capture just some of the magic of a certain long-gone, much-revered fast-talking NYer.
Will get donors lining up, checkbooks out for B&G Fund and the program.
Have us competing for NCAA titles (quickly)
Breathe life into a moribund program.

I think it's obvious who this coach is.
He is contrite about his past, from everything I have heard.
He loves coaching at a small Catholic college.

He is NOT going to write more negative things onto his epitaph.
He deserves a second chance...to go out with style, at a great university.
A school whose ideals he would live up to.
At a place which puts only reasonable pressure on its head BBall coach.
But is still big-time, and sees itself that way.

MU, administrators: Make it So.
Hire.         Rick.         Pitino.

[willie warrior]

Can reach the triumvirate of Lewis, Garcia, and DJ.
Can teach said triumvirate.
Keep them in-the-fold.
Instantly put us back on the map.
Command respect from Day1.
Renew by-the-wayside fan interest.
Grow fan interest to include non-alums and much of Milwaukee.
Capture just some of the magic of a certain long-gone, much-revered fast-talking NYer.
Will get donors lining up, checkbooks out for B&G Fund and the program.
Have us competing for NCAA titles (quickly)
Breathe life into a moribund program.

I think it's obvious who this coach is.
He is contrite about his past, from everything I have heard.
He loves coaching at a small Catholic college.

He is NOT going to write more negative things onto his epitaph.
He deserves a second chance...to go out with style, at a great university.
A school whose ideals he would live up to.
At a place which puts only reasonable pressure on its head BBall coach.
But is still big-time, and sees itself that way.

MU, administrators: Make it So.
Hire.         Rick.         Pitino.

Spoken like a true thoroughbred lover
Great defense of squirmy Rick
And why should Iona have him when MU deserves him
It would take $5 million plus per year, and shares in Arlington, which is likely to be torn down
Just remember one final thing; Secretariat  is the greatest race horse--none even close

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Scholl basically said he's not hiring Pitino outright so I'd maybe just give up on this one.

[Goose]

I definitely understand the anti Pitino crowd and respect those opinions in regards to his history. That said, I 1000% believe in giving people second or third chances in life. While I do not believe MU would hire him, I think it would be mistake not to make run for him. He is truly the only guy that could turn things around in a very short period of time. In addition, it would be instant credibility to the program.

Again, for the anti Rick guys, I really do get it. I will even go as far as saying that Rick might be needing a fourth or fifth chance to the right the ship and I hope someone big gives him that chance. His teams have been much watch basketball for me for many years and I hope to see him deliver on a big stage one more time.

[PhillyWarrior]

There is no way MU would hire Pitino and that makes me happy.

[CountryRoads]

Scholl clearly stated they are not looking for a coach with a history of NCAA sanctions against them. Pitino is out, although it would be cool. It'd be an us against the world feeling with him as coach. We wouldn't be very well liked by other teams.

[tower912]

I thought that was a pretty clear line in the sand from Scholl.   

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Scholl clearly stated they are not looking for a coach with a history of NCAA sanctions against them. Pitino is out, although it would be cool. It'd be an us against the world feeling with him as coach. We wouldn't be very well liked by other teams.

Good.  Every other coach/team loved Wojo.  Cuz he was a wuss and easy to beat.

I want a team of tough MFers and a coach that everyone hates.

[warriorfred]

I've wrestled with the Pitino idea for the last 24 hours.  I now like the idea.  Actual, genuine excitement for Marquette basketball; something I've been missing since Hausershima.

[SonOfWarrior]

Has anyone even considered, outside of the moral issue, that Pitino has a large contract buy out? In an ESPN interview Pitino says he has a very simple contract and that his buy out is ridiculously large.

[dgies9156]

Good.  Every other coach/team loved Wojo.  Cuz he was a wuss and easy to beat.

I want a team of tough MFers and a coach that everyone hates.

In other words, you want Al!

Wonder if Bruce Pearl wants to come back to Milwaukee?

[connie]

I know he can coach and recruit, but I don't want a 68 year old table-banging, multiple NCAA offender. 

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

I dunno, if he pulls this one off I may reconsider my hardline stance on not wanting Pitino.

Would probably leave the program in shambles when it all comes crashing down but boy would it be a fun 5-7 years.

[cven7]

Rick is not walking through that door.


"People have reached out," Pitino said. "I'm not going to say where."

"I'm here at Iona because they were there for me, and I'm going to be there for them," Pitino said. "That's the end of the story. That's why I'm on record publicly all the time on interviews like this one."

"I have publicly done that for a reason, to be on record," Pitino said. "Now, would I possibly someday way down the road if my health is good enough to go back to the Euro League and coach there? That's a possibility. Would I want to coach anywhere else in college? Absolutely not."

https://www.radio.com/wfan/sports/rick-pitino-wants-his-college-coaching-career-to-end-at-iona


Yes, coaches lie or change their mind about jumping schools; Pitino did in 1987 with Providence.  But his comments this week weren't the vague "I'll be here as long as they'll have me.  He was open about considering going back to the pro leagues.  At 68 years old after being black balled by larger schools, already being financially secure, and getting a second chance at a low pressure school in his hometown area, I don't think he's jumping to another college.  I'd love to be wrong, but he isn't coming here.

[marquette09]

With Rick it would be fun to go to the final four in 2024.   It would be less fun to have that final four appearance vacated in 2028.

I'll pass. 

[4everwarriors]

In other words, you want Al!

Wonder if Bruce Pearl wants to come back to Milwaukee?

Eye kan get ya dat info wit won fone kall, hey?

[warriorfred]

With Rick it would be fun to go to the final four in 2024.   It would be less fun to have that final four appearance vacated in 2028.

I'll pass.

I'm kind of in a "ride the lightning mood today."  Maybe it changes tomorrow?

[nyg]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31103212/rick-pitino-heaven-coaching-iona-men-basketball-wants-no-part-big-programs-anymore

Here's another article about his intentions. 

Still going to wait a week and see if he gets that "big time gig". 

[mu_hilltopper]

Iona is a Catholic college, run by Christian Brothers.

They hired Pitino.  Explain how MU would not?  Jesuits > Christian Brothers?

[rocky_warrior]

Iona is a Catholic college, run by Christian Brothers.

They hired Pitino.  Explain how MU would not?  Jesuits > Christian Brothers?

Scholl literally said NCAA infractions would disqualify someone.

This link should jump you to the criteria. Watch for at least a minute.
https://youtu.be/Lj5qNW4T-Pk?t=517

[CowtownWarrior]

https://youtu.be/vS95B4qhxgs

I am guessing Coach Rick will retire happily from Iona after a few successful seasons and rehabbing his image.
I could be wrong. In any case this interview is a good watch.

[harryp]

Any chance that Wade or Rivers would come as a favor to MU?

[StillAWarrior]

Any chance that Wade or Rivers would come as a favor to MU?

I'd say "no" for both of them. I'd add, "I hope not" for Wade.