Agreed. Definitely true that Pitino could be just as ineffective as Tim Brewster, however Pitino and Brewster diverged in the messages they sent right off the bat. Brewster was immediately touting end goals of "Rose Bowl, homeboy" right when he was hired, coming in with a gust of hot air whether it be his helicopter recruiting or the patch of Pasadena grass he kept in his office. There was all show no substance.
The encouraging aspect of immediate impressions Pitino gave is he was very much more substantive touting the 'hard work', day-by-day philosophy that is more similar to Jerry Kill. However at the same time, unlike Kill, Pitino has also made sure that there is high ambition to guide the diligent work ethic Pitino sating those that were tired with this program settling for mediocrity as a high water mark. His back-ended remarks of "sky is the limit [at the U]" along with suggesting, after seeing Louisville win the title, that now it's his turn to get Minnesota there - are all comments that show at Pitino gets it on the micro and macro level of leading a program.
Personally, I actually have no doubt there is potential to see next-level success from this program even Clem hadn't even seen before. I believe that because honestly, that's how success is built in anything, in someone's life or institutionally, everyday hard-work mixed with the guiding path of wise ambition. Only thing I'm concerned about is how well does Richard have his game day coaching down? In interviews he mentioned early in the FIU season he was uneasy with what kind of coach he'd be on the sidelines. While he said he eventually found his own rhythm, wonder how secure Richard is with it, or will the brighter Big Ten lights engender some uncertainty from him? Only real concern.
