Leopards do not change their spots. It is only a matter of time that Pitino gets into some kind of sleazy mess at Iona. They at Iona will get what they deserve at that time by introducing this virus into their program. I for one look forward to having the opportunity to let that mutt Pitino know how I feel from the stands when Pitino coaches his first game at the WBA.
It’s not like Pitino is a one time offender-he’s serial. Ensor is celebrating it on Twitter-most of us think he’s a jackass already. Nemec and the rest of the presidents should publicly rebuke this decision even if it has no real effect. Tenured professors at Iona (they actually have a lot of power) need to come out against it too. Parents can’t be thrilled that this guy is shaping minds. I hope the NCAA holds him to account via show cause penalties.
I hope that adults reclaim this decision
Pitino is a brilliant basketball mind - that’s not what the league is only about. That’s not what Iona is only about.
Wouldn't it be great if one of the Presidents with some guts would take the lead and have an immediate conference call with the other schools to bring a grievance to the league or perhaps more extreme action.
I guess my issue is we should not just stand back and accept this blight on our conference.
That’s because some schools bring more fans than does Fairfield to Fairfield home games. Whose fault is that? Fairfield Basketball has had no buzz for many years now.
some schools bring more fans than does Fairfield to Fairfield home games.
Absolutely not true. More non Stag fans do go to the WBA but not more than Fairfield fans and not in Alumni Hall on campus. The WBA in downtown Bridgeport has had no buzz for many years now.
I think the issue has been settled the past 2 years. If you want more fans, more buzz, energy, etc., on campus is the place to be and FU is putting up $45 million based the FACTS. The WBA debate is over. Now you have to win.
Our next goal is to get out of this wretched conference.
Hopefully, this hire will be the push Fairfield needs to get out of the MAAC. The University simply has little in common with most of the schools and I see no reason to stay. If Fordham won't go, (and they won't) grab Marist (an 8th football team) and head to the Patriot League. Better TV contract, better market exposure, better alumni outreach, exponentially higher academic profile, and a renewal of old rivalries. This is NOT the Patriot League Fordham left the MAAC for. and instead of the MAAC having solid academic institutions like Fordham, Holy Cross, and Army, you have Monmouth, Niagara, Rider, and Canisius, none of whom are in the Forbes Top 400. Add St Peter's, and you have 3 MAAC schools NOT in the Forbes Top 600. Iona bringing in Pitino, who had 29 regular season wins and 6 Tournnament wins, including a National Championship VACATED, due to his lack of oversight in regards to a scandal involving prostitutes and recruits, should be the final straw. We'll leave his other scandals out as that one should be more than enough.
I belive little Ricky owes the NCAA a several game suspension which he did not serve when removed-at Louisville because he was coaching in Greece. Now that he is back in the NCAA he will need to serve that suspension. Let’s see if the NCAA has any balls and enforces the suspension.
Rick Pitino: “I took the job wanting it to be my last job. I spoke to numerous people about it and I’m glad I’m ending it with a small Catholic school that has the potential to be built up into a major power. It's a perfect fit at a perfect time in my life.
"I am delighted to welcome Rick Pitino to Gael Nation," said Director of Athletics Matthew Glovaski. "Rick is a Hall of Fame coach who has won at the highest levels and he is committed to leading our student-athletes and our program to national prominence. He brings passion and energy and shares our desire to build a winning program that will make our community proud."
Iona Board Chairman Jim Hynes looks forward to Pitino coaching at the Hynes Athletics Center. "Iona has a long tradition of success on the court, and with Coach Pitino at the helm, this program will reach unfathomable new heights."
Vice Chair Patrick Dunican noted he is "Ecstatic about the opportunity to welcome a phenomenally talented Coach and Hall of Famer to Iona Basketball."
Bob LaPenta, Iona Trustee shared "I have known Rick and his family for over 20 years and he is without question one of college basketball's greatest head coaches having won national NCAA championships at the University of Kentucky, and University of Louisville. He will bring Iona's already highly regarded programto another level locally and nationally."
Pitino said he needs to bring in 6 players, but their is a recruiting moratorium until April 15.
I'm sure Rick won't be making any contacts over the next month (wink wink nudge nudge) but don't be surprised if six show up on his doorstep on April 16.
Especially as the game will be played off campus at the WBA in downtown Bridgeport which feels like a neutral court for Iona and to their fans.
That’s because some schools bring more fans than does Fairfield to Fairfield home games. Whose fault is that? Fairfield Basketball has had no buzz for many years now.
Fairfield is responsible for their lack of buzz. What would the buzz be if someone other than Sydney had been hired? When sydney left what would the buzz have been if Luke Murray had been hired? Or if Fairfield had gone out and gotten and paid for a big name coach. Quite different.
I would not have hired Pitino, but the lack of buzz at Fairfield is a result of decisions that have been made for 30 years. And the buzz at Iona is going to be a result of a decision they made.
I bet it's not that hard to win, even in the SEC or Big East, if you are a cheater. No matter how good a coach he is, it doesn't mean he's getting SEC caliber players to come to Iona. Unless he can find a way to pay them like he has in the past.
In addition to sold out home games at the 2,611 seat Hynes Athletic Center, here is what some of the Gael fans believe will happen with Rick Pitino now at Iona:
Opportunities we will now have with Pitino here:
Quality games at the Garden and Barclay Higher rated recruits A game or two on ESPN, maybe even a network like Fox Sell outs at Hynes A few high end mid major games at Hynes Scores actually mentioned on radio N.Y. Post coverage Playing in some quality tournaments like in Orlando Good enough OOC to have a chance at an at large A better defensive team which will make it easier to win an NCAA game Maybe just maybe an opportunity to join the A10