Richard Pitino Wins Big Ten Coach Of The Year

[shadow force]

Improving the Gophers’ record from 8-23 to 23-8 in one season, University of Minnesota men’s basketball coach Richard Pitino was named the Big Ten’s coach of the year.

The award caps an incredible turnaround for a team that completed the worst season in program history a year ago and led to questions over Pitino’s job security.

But with a revamped roster that included five new contributors, Pitino guided the Gophers to an 11-7 record in the Big Ten this season, their most conference wins in 20 years.

“With a young team, with a lot of newcomers who played significant minutes, it’s a testament to them that we were able to win 23 games and finish top four (in the conference),” Pitino said in an interview on Big Ten Network. “And obviously for me to get this award is humbling, and I’m appreciative of it.”

Pitino was coach of the year in separate voting by coaches and the media.

 

[Cal4Pres.]

Richard will have a short ride if he continues this. Even if he don't, I'd say someone still gives him a shot in a program with more resources to see what he can do. It will be interesting to follow him in the future. Maybe he'll go to Missouri, that way Ole Cream can stay in Indiana. Those people are about to lose their minds hahaha

 

[zipp]

No reason for Little Ricky to consider any SEC job. He doesn't need the job security of a program that cares more about baseball and Spring football.

A move up could be another Big Ten gig or even one of the better Big East jobs. I hope he stays away from the ACC meat grinder...

 

[Cincycard80]

Richard will have a short ride if he continues this. Even if he don't, I'd say someone still gives him a shot in a program with more resources to see what he can do. It will be interesting to follow him in the future. Maybe he'll go to Missouri, that way Ole Cream can stay in Indiana. Those people are about to lose their minds hahaha

Why would he leave Minn. to go to Mizzou? If you remove UK from the SEC it is a mid major conference at best. Leaving the Big 10 for a mid major is not going to happen.

 

[Cal4Pres.]

Ummmm. It was a joke???? Sarcasm???

 

[MDCardsFan]

He could stay @ Minn till his dad retires and replace his dad here.

 

[Cal4Pres.]

No reason for Little Ricky to consider any SEC job. He doesn't need the job security of a program that cares more about baseball and Spring football.

A move up could be another Big Ten gig or even one of the better Big East jobs. I hope he stays away from the ACC meat grinder...

Yea Kevin Stallings showed everyone that's a bad idea

 

[Morgantown Card]

He could stay @ Minn till his dad retires and replace his dad here.

Louisville is home for him, so it's possible. He'll definitely be on "the list" if this keeps up.

I have not watched Minnesota AT ALL. What kind of style do they play?

 

[ciswilldean3215]

I'm interested to hear everyone's thoughts on this. I'd like to think it'd be a two man race with Keatts and Little Rich being the front-runners. Old hairs(my father in particular) that I know want Billy Donovan as the next coach after CRP, although I'm not sure he's interested in coming back to college bball. What do you guys think?

He could stay @ Minn till his dad retires and replace his dad here.

 

[BPGhost]

I'm interested to hear everyone's thoughts on this. I'd like to think it'd be a two man race with Keatts and Little Rich being the front-runners. Old hairs(my father in particular) that I know want Billy Donovan as the next coach after CRP, although I'm not sure he's interested in coming back to college bball. What do you guys think?

Given that 40 is the new 20, I don't consider myself old - lol. I definitely would rather have Billy D than either Lil P or Keatts. Unless the Thunder make some moves to get Westbrook some help, his NBA time might be limited. He might be in the perfect place mentally to come back to the college game and continue the tradition of excellence that is Louisville basketball coaches.

Plus, it would drive the yuts crazy...

 

[ciswilldean3215]

I'd love to have Donovan or Archie Miller personally...

Given that 40 is the new 20, I don't consider myself old - lol. I definitely would rather have Billy D than either Lil P or Keatts. Unless the Thunder make some moves to get Westbrook some help, his NBA time might be limited. He might be in the perfect place mentally to come back to the college game and continue the tradition of excellence that is Louisville basketball coaches.

Plus, it would drive the yuts crazy...

 

[nccardfan]

I'd love to have Donovan or Archie Miller personally...

Here's one for you. I have heard some credible info that CRP thinks buzz Williams would be a good replacement if he were to retire...
Not sure how that would sit with me.

 

[GoCardsfromNY]

It's going to be real interesting to see what Pitino, Jr. decides to do. I think he stays at Minnesota for longer than people think, but we'll see. I don't see him coming here, but that's just a hunch. I don't see Donovan returning to college hoops; I think he rides the NBA as along as he can and then goes into broadcasting.

Archie Miller is an interesting name. Keats is interesting, too. Someone mentioned Missouri on here -- maybe Keats should take that job? Or is it a career-breaker? Maybe Keats could get the NC State gig?

 

[Cue Card]

Richard has done one hell of a good job turning that program around. I'm glad to see him doing his thing. It's obviously in his blood.

 

[Cue Card]

Here's one for you. I have heard some credible info that CRP thinks buzz Williams would be a good replacement if he were to retire...
Not sure how that would sit with me.

It would be an interesting choice for sure. Whomever takes over for Pitino will have to fill huge shoes, just like Pitino had to do when coach Crum retired/pushed out. I'm not 100% convinced Williams has that type of profile as a coach. Hopefully Jurich is still the AD when Pitino decides to hang it up. He'll go out there and get the best man for the job. I fully trust TJ on that.

 

[ciswilldean3215]

Here's one for you. I have heard some credible info that CRP thinks buzz Williams would be a good replacement if he were to retire...
Not sure how that would sit with me.

Really? Hmm..that's definitely something I hadn't heard before. Interesting. Not sure how that would sit with me either. Buzz can coach, but can he recruit at a high level?

 

[Morgantown Card]

Yea Kevin Stallings showed everyone that's a bad idea

 

[JohnKBA]

Given that 40 is the new 20, I don't consider myself old - lol. I definitely would rather have Billy D than either Lil P or Keatts. Unless the Thunder make some moves to get Westbrook some help, his NBA time might be limited. He might be in the perfect place mentally to come back to the college game and continue the tradition of excellence that is Louisville basketball coaches.

Plus, it would drive the yuts crazy...

Somebody called into Adam Schein's show the other day inquiring as to whether or not Donovan would be gettable for Indiana. After laughing at the guy, Schein said he hears Donovan wants to stay in the NBA long term, whether it's with OKC or somewhere else.

Would be a great fit at U of L though. You never know.

 

[zipp]

Pure speculation, but I think the list is short and starts with Little Ricky if he's ready. That's a decision that Jurich makes by himself. No question that Richard would take the job.

If Richard's not deemed ready, the first call is to Billy Donovan--with the perspective that Richard may someday be ready.

Not that it's essential, but all of this meets with Pitino's approval...

 

[BPGhost]

Here's one for you. I have heard some credible info that CRP thinks buzz Williams would be a good replacement if he were to retire...
Not sure how that would sit with me.

NEVER

 

[BPGhost]

Somebody called into Adam Schein's show the other day inquiring as to whether or not Donovan would be gettable for Indiana. After laughing at the guy, Schein said he hears Donovan wants to stay in the NBA long term, whether it's with OKC or somewhere else.

Would be a great fit at U of L though. You never know.

Westbrook seems to like being a one man show more than I thought he would but, if he were to have bailed last year - Billy D would have been a sitting duck. I always thought Pitino would try to lure him here when he was ready to hang it up but, the more Richard has success, the more that RP might work to get him the gig. I personally don't think it would be a good move for Richard, I mean when has that type of situation ever really worked out well? That said, with Mark's ascension in the A.D. office, clearly TJ is not adverse to nepotism.

 

[Knucklehank1]

I think the Louisville job lends itself to someone that has the qualities of a NBA coach in terms of personality and management style. That's why I would rule out Buzz Williams (although multiple sweet 16s and an elite 8 on his resume is impressive).

I'm biased but I think Louisville is the second best job in the country behind UNC. Passionate but not crazy fans, beautiful facilities, top pay, opportunity to live in a real city, rich tradition, biggest fish in a relatively big pond.

The names I'd start with are: Jay Wright and Billy Donovan. Then I'd move down to Gregg Marshall and Fred Hoiberg.

To even be considered you better have a proven track record in the tourney with multiple rosters or have a solid NBA/college background.

 

[BPGhost]

I think the Louisville job lends itself to someone that has the qualities of a NBA coach in terms of personality and management style. That's why I would rule out Buzz Williams (although multiple sweet 16s and an elite 8 on his resume is impressive).

I'm biased but I think Louisville is the second best job in the country behind UNC. Passionate but not crazy fans, beautiful facilities, top pay, opportunity to live in a real city, rich tradition, biggest fish in a relatively big pond.

The names I'd start with are: Jay Wright and Billy Donovan. Then I'd move down to Gregg Marshall and Fred Hoiberg.

To even be considered you better have a proven track record in the tourney with multiple rosters or have a solid NBA/college background.

Solid post - completely agree. Think Wright might be at Nova for the long haul - he seems like a Philly guy and winning it all last year probably cements him. Of course Nova doesn't have that P5 football dough to throw at him.

 

[Cue Card]

Love the thought of Gregg Marshall being the next UofL head coach. Seems like a man who could really blossom in the right setting. Throw the ACC recruiting carrot along with the cash in his direction, and I could see him doing great things at UofL.

His coaching style fits the L1C4 mantra too IMO. Solid choice.

 

[Knucklehank1]

Solid post - completely agree. Think Wright might be at Nova for the long haul - he seems like a Philly guy and winning it all last year probably cements him. Of course Nova doesn't have that P5 football dough to throw at him.

It will be interesting what Jay Wright does when the big jobs (unc, UofL, Duke) come open in the next 4-7 years. He might be a Philly guy but:

- as you said, the football money might be too much for a small private FBS school to compete with

- Big East tv ratings on FS1 have been embarrassingly low. Tough to see that lucrative of a tv deal the next time around

- his highest success at Nova has come during a time of utter incompetence from Philly pro teams. If any of the big 3 pro teams were successful right now, Nova would go back to being an inside page item

 

[HRTheCard]

I dont want Richard Pitino unless he wins the B10 in the next 2-3 years and continues his success. He hasn't shown much yet.

If this isnt a fluke season just because the B10 is down this year, then he will be considered. But for now, he is probably last in the top 5 I'd want.

Louisville is a job where you've had success prior to Louisville. This isn't a rebuilding program. You have to come in and have automatic success.

 

[zipp]

Check the talent (or lack thereof) that Minnesota has recruited the last five years. By my count, three 4-star kids the last five recruiting classes and everyone else 3-star or less.

I'm not championing Little Ricky as our next coach. But you have to gauge how Minny has performed in that timeframe against schools operating with a talent advantage, then decide how well Richard has performed...

 

[Deathclutch]

Richard will have a short ride if he continues this. Even if he don't, I'd say someone still gives him a shot in a program with more resources to see what he can do. It will be interesting to follow him in the future. Maybe he'll go to Missouri, that way Ole Cream can stay in Indiana. Those people are about to lose their minds hahaha

As a Minnesota fan, I am offended and am going to my safe space now.

Seriously though, you act like we are Rio Grande Valley State or something. Minnesota is top 25 in athletic department revenue and Tubby Smith was among the top 15-20 highest paid coaches when he was here. We are also opening a new $166 million athletic facility next year, so it's not like we don't spend or make money on athletics.

I am not naive enough to say that there is no way Richard ever leaves though.

 

[Deathclutch]

Check the talent (or lack thereof) that Minnesota has recruited the last five years. By my count, three 4-star kids the last five recruiting classes and everyone else 3-star or less.

I'm not championing Little Ricky as our next coach. But you have to gauge how Minny has performed in that timeframe against schools operating with a talent advantage, then decide how well Richard has performed...

Richard's recruiting started out slow, but it has continually gotten better. This past class he was able to land 2 4-star guys Amir Coffey (Big Ten All Frosh Team) and Eric Curry.

He has one of the highest rated out of state recruits we have gotten in a couple decades, coming in next year.
http://247sports.com/Player/Isaiah-Washington-76739

He already has another 4-star guy committed for 2018 as well, in Daniel Oturu.
http://247sports.com/Player/Daniel-Oturu-93594

As far as talent on the current roster, he was able to find a couple talented 3-star guys who in hindsight were underated. Nate Mason was one of his first high school recruits and played his way onto the All Big Ten First Team. Jordan Murphy was originally a VCU commit and Richard scooped him up when Shaka left for Texas. Murphy was on the All-Big Ten Freshman team last year and made 3rd team All-Big Ten this year.

Richard also added transfer Reggie Lynch from Illinois State, who is one of the best interior defenders in the country.

 

[zipp]

As a Minnesota fan, I am offended and am going to my safe space now.

Seriously though, you act like we are Rio Grande Valley State or something. Minnesota is top 25 in athletic department revenue and Tubby Smith was among the top 15-20 highest paid coaches when he was here. We are also opening a new $166 million athletic facility next year, so it's not like we don't spend or make money on athletics.

I am not naive enough to say that there is no way Richard ever leaves though.

You're responding to a slapd!ck (UK fan), so there's an easy explanation.

Congrats on a good season and Richard's success. He obviously has plenty of fans in this area even against the backdrop of slappies who have to live with a coach who can't measure up to a Pitino with the Xs and Os.

"Elite program," my a$$...

 

[JohnKBA]

You're responding to a slapd!ck (UK fan), so there's an easy explanation.

Congrats on a good season and Richard's success. He obviously has plenty of fans in this area even against the backdrop of slappies who have to live with a coach who can't measure up to a Pitino with the Xs and Os.

"Elite program," my a$$...

“It’s not the X’s and O’s, it’s the Jimmys and Joes”

 

[CardVille]

I fully expect to be in the same region as Minnesota in the NCAAT

 

[Morgantown Card]

I fully expect to be in the same region as Minnesota in the NCAAT

Agreed 100%.

 

[BPGhost]

I fully expect to be in the same region as Minnesota in the NCAAT

I hope so - RP's records vs his ex assistants is incredible.

 

[Deathclutch]

I hope so - RP's records vs his ex assistants is incredible.

Rick has been to a few games at the barn this year. He probably has a thorough scouting report on us already.