BigGopherFan
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I know, I know, Richard Patino technically isn’t an assistant coach having served as the head man at FIU, but his background is an assistant at several high-profile schools.
Overall, I like the hire, but there are some things to consider.
BIG NAME: The name “Pitino” is about as big as it gets when it comes to college basketball. His dad is one of the true coaching legends of the game. Does his son have the same basketball brain? More importantly, can he recruit like his old man? Because if he cannot land at least one of the Big 3 from the junior class, it’s going to be tough sailing.
HOW LONG WILL HE STAY: It seems to me that he would be in line to takeover at Louisville after his father finally calls it quits, which could be sooner than later – especially if the Cardinals it all this season. Could Minnesota simply be a mere pit-stop on his way to coaching at Louisville?
TAKE AWAY HIS LAST NAME: Let’s say his name wasn’t “Pitino,” the fans – including myself – would be outraged. I’m talking a giant groundswell here. From what I understand, he’s got the charisma and energy to make an impression and obviously possesses the resources to make things happen having worked for his dad and Billy Donavan. He led FIU to one of its best seasons in over a decade after inheriting a complete mess from Isiah Thomas.
WILL HE FIT IN?: With the B1G filled with old, seasoned coaches, it’s going to be interesting to see how a fresh-faced 30-year-old conducts himself around his coaching peers in one of the toughest conferences in the game. Will he be accepted? I say, who cares? As long as he can bring in good players and turn this ship back in the right direction, I’ll be happy. The first thing he needs to do is fix the offense. We all grew sick of watching Tubby’s inept offensive sets. How crazy is it going to look when this team actually runs a crisp in-bounds play and gets an easy lay-up instead of lobbing the ball over the defense to the top of the key?
No, Richard wasn’t the first choice, but at this point, I’m happy the program brought someone in with a little name recognition. I think that was vital.
Overall, I like the hire, but there are some things to consider.
BIG NAME: The name “Pitino” is about as big as it gets when it comes to college basketball. His dad is one of the true coaching legends of the game. Does his son have the same basketball brain? More importantly, can he recruit like his old man? Because if he cannot land at least one of the Big 3 from the junior class, it’s going to be tough sailing.
HOW LONG WILL HE STAY: It seems to me that he would be in line to takeover at Louisville after his father finally calls it quits, which could be sooner than later – especially if the Cardinals it all this season. Could Minnesota simply be a mere pit-stop on his way to coaching at Louisville?
TAKE AWAY HIS LAST NAME: Let’s say his name wasn’t “Pitino,” the fans – including myself – would be outraged. I’m talking a giant groundswell here. From what I understand, he’s got the charisma and energy to make an impression and obviously possesses the resources to make things happen having worked for his dad and Billy Donavan. He led FIU to one of its best seasons in over a decade after inheriting a complete mess from Isiah Thomas.
WILL HE FIT IN?: With the B1G filled with old, seasoned coaches, it’s going to be interesting to see how a fresh-faced 30-year-old conducts himself around his coaching peers in one of the toughest conferences in the game. Will he be accepted? I say, who cares? As long as he can bring in good players and turn this ship back in the right direction, I’ll be happy. The first thing he needs to do is fix the offense. We all grew sick of watching Tubby’s inept offensive sets. How crazy is it going to look when this team actually runs a crisp in-bounds play and gets an easy lay-up instead of lobbing the ball over the defense to the top of the key?
No, Richard wasn’t the first choice, but at this point, I’m happy the program brought someone in with a little name recognition. I think that was vital.
