Timing is everything in life or we would probably have either Brad or Rick Pitino coaching at IU. I know, no way they were going to hire RP if they weren't going to hire Beard. BUT, for sake of discussion, and seeing as how RP is now a "sports media darling" in the much the same manner as Tom Izzo, where would IU basketball be right now if they had hired Rick Pitino instead of Mike Woodson??? Pair that with the success of the FB program....Jeeze-O-Pete.
Pitino would likely have killed it here. But as you say, if they wouldn't consider Beard, no way they touch him.
How about if we had hired Pitino in 2001 before he went to Louisville? Have read many times on IU forums that Pitino was lobbying for the job after Knight was fired.
It was rumored to have almost happened in 2001 after the Kent St disaster but "internal politics" and a certain BOT member killed the idea.
In 2001 he didn't have any baggage, did he? Not yet anyway?? The whole Italian restaurant thing happened well after he got hired at U of L.
@redandrowdy there were rumors of money and benefits given to Anthony Davis and others. But that was always the case at kentucky.
@redandrowdy Not to mention the whole "hookers for high school recruits" thing...
So many missed opportunities. So much meddling by the Board of Trustees. So many bad athletics directors.
@ams66 is that even against the law any more? what's a few hookers amongst friends anyway!
@redandrowdy there were rumors of money and benefits given to Anthony Davis and others. But that was always the case at kentucky.
that was calipari no or he was bribing him to go to Louisville ?
@hoosiers94 oh right, my bad. Davis played for Cal. I'm sure there were rumors of stuff happening with Mashburn and others while Pitino was there. This is kentucky we're talking about! That was a long time ago, I don't remember. I can barely remember what I ate for lunch today.
Obviously but sure didn't bother a squeaky clean Catholic school when it came down to winning. If he beats Duke, that hooker thing will be long, long forgotten.@redandrowdy Not to mention the whole "hookers for high school recruits" thing...
Guess he went to confession and said his Hail Marys. All is forgiven.
Always lobbied for Ricky P. Top 3 coach of all time. They beat duke my bracket looks golden.