USA Today: Starting Five: New coaches with most to prove in 2013-14 (Pitino #3)

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BleedGopher

BleedGopher

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per USA Today:

3. Richard Pitino, Minnesota: The Gophers were ready for a turnover, which was enforced by the firing of former national title-winning coach Tubby Smith. Pitino's last name is synonymous with greatness but Richard Pitino's experience (one season as a head coach at Florida International after assistant stints with his father and Billy Donovan) was not indicative of a surefire hire. Still, pedigree is only one measure of coaching, and Pitino proved he can lead a team in his one season in the Sun Belt, directing FIU to an 18-14 overall record. That's not bad considering it was the school's first winning season since 1999-2000 and the fact that Pitino was cleaning up much of the mess Isiah Thomas left behind.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...s-with-something-to-prove-in-2013-14/2691515/

Go Gophers!!
 

From everything we've seen so far, RP is exceptionally organized and prepared as indicated by his recruiting program. While this doesn't directly translate onto the hardwood yet, based upon his elevation of FIU and the improving resources with which he has to work, how can we not be enthused about the program's prospects (double meaning intended). Go RP, now close some deals.
 

He has some things to prove, not just for himself but for his athletic department, namely that the Shaka Smart hire wasn't a fluke and that Teague and Ellis have the knack for evaluating coaching talent.
 

Bad Gopher said:
He has some things to prove, not just for himself but for his athletic department, namely that the Shaka Smart hire wasn't a fluke and that Teague and Ellis have the knack for evaluating coaching talent.
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He was hired because of his last name.
 

B1GSportsGuy said:
He was hired because of his last name.
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I'm going to give Teague and Ellis a little more credit than that. It's laughable to suggest that his connections to Louisville/Florida and his reasonably successful first year at a basketball doormat didn't factor into the decision. Not to mention his apparent rapport with recruits and pretty much anybody he talks to. It goes a little deeper than his last name. No doubt it helped him get into the industry, but come on....
 





I think Coach P. is a great hire. That said, I do believe the Pitino names opens some doors and any help we can get is appreciated.
 




howieramone said:
UU, can you find us any pictures of trolls? I remember you we able to capture the fight at Bogart's.
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Travelling to much this week to look through my collection, remind me in a couple of weeks and I might be able to do something for you.
 

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