Other Sports Pitino and Calipari both refuse to deny they are leaving - Page 9

**jAZ** · 03-28-2009, 10:06 AM

On Thursday, Rick Pitino was asked about the rumors of him going to Arizona. He responded by refusing to say he wouldn't leave:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/co...na_rumors.html

"I wouldn't answer any other job because it would be disrespectful to the University of Louisville," Pitino said when asked about his interest in a job that he has been linked to since Lute Olson retired last October. "Any time a coach says he's not interested in a job, he's dead interested in a job. So you know, I don't mislead you. All I can say to you is for eight years I've given every ounce I've had to the University of Louisville. I will continue to do that."

...

"The only job I've thought about for a 24-hour period since I've been at the University of Louisville was Providence College last year," said the 56-year-old Pitino. "Because of the personal things I went through at Providence, I wanted to sit down and talk with them about the job to see if I did want to come back because of personal reasons that were very deep to me. I sat down with them and realized Louisville was the place for me. Outside of that, for eight years, I haven't thought about any job except the University of Louisville, and that's answering you the honest way."

Then on Friday, Calipari used nearly the same sort of carefully chosen non-answer when he was asked about Kentucky:

My transcription from video below:

Reporter: "kentucky, the rumors are already starting to fly, can you comment on that?".

Cal: "no, I want to be here, this is where I want to coach, my name will be tied to every job that's open, our fans have gotten used to it, but I'm so tired... (avoids followup questions by moving quickly away from the topic)"

Compare both of those to Billy Donovan's response, which was a bit more direct and certain:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/colle...-florida_N.htm

"In response to the rumors circulating about my interest in other jobs, I wanted to address this as quickly as possible, " Donovan's statement said. "I am committed to the University of Florida and look forward to continuing to build our program here."

UK moved on after that, and Grant accepted the Alabama job, which was the final evidence that there will be no BD at UK.

Pitino and Calipari are trying not talk about their interest in leaving UM and UL, but they don't want to lie either. Both are doing a good job of hiding it, while leaving the door open. Something Les Miles couldn't find a way to do right before the national championship game.

KC_Connection · 03-30-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

wonder what happends to the recruits? they follow?

Xavier Henry signed...so I'm not sure he can.

Both Cousins and Wall could follow, though, I suppose. Or maybe Wall heads to Kansas or Duke now?

**jAZ** · 03-30-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

gary parrish on memphis radio reported an offer of 6 yrs for 40 mill...

$4.5M base + $1.5M sponsorship/incentives.

Jerm · 03-30-2009, 11:41 AM

That's crazy money....how can he turn that down?!?

I wonder who Memphis will target if Cal leaves.

Pants · 03-30-2009, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jAZ

$4.5M base + $1.5M sponsorship/incentives.

Jesus...

**ChiTown** · 03-30-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

Xavier Henry signed...so I'm not sure he can.

Both Cousins and Wall could follow, though, I suppose. Or maybe Wall heads to Kansas or Duke now?

I think Wall ends up at Duke.

Cousins? Depends on who Memphis ends up with as the Head Coach

WilliamTheIrish · 03-30-2009, 11:55 AM

Cousins best friend since 5th grade said on facebook ....

**jAZ** · 03-30-2009, 01:08 PM

Bad news for me is that Pitino is more likely to stay at Louisville than come to Arizona at the moment. Full court press is on Pitino alone, now that Cal is out of the picture.

Lon Krueger and Mark Few are next on the list, it seems.

KC_Connection · 03-30-2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jAZ

Bad news for me is that Pitino is more likely to stay at Louisville than come to Arizona at the moment. Full court press is on Pitino alone, now that Cal is out of the picture.

Lon Krueger and Mark Few are next on the list, it seems.

Going to Arizona from Louisville would be a downgrade for Pitino. It makes no sense.

WilliamTheIrish · 03-30-2009, 02:21 PM

jAZ, I gotta give it up. Never thought the dominoes would fall like this.

**jAZ** · 03-30-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamTheIrish

jAZ, I gotta give it up. Never thought the dominoes would fall like this.

Cal is one big domino, but he's just one.

Sounds like news on Pitino won't be today. Later in the week.

Seems like he's got more reasons to stay in Louisville than come to Tucson, and a big factor is that Cal/UK just exploded the payscale. We can't afford more than about $2.5M base +.

Mr. Plow · 03-30-2009, 02:44 PM

How many coaches are looking for raises after what UK is paying for Cal?

**jAZ** · 03-30-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Plow

How many coaches are looking for raises after what UK is paying for Cal?

All of the good ones.

**jAZ** · 03-30-2009, 03:22 PM

Pitino is sitting on our offer, not looking good.

My fear is that we are going to end up with Kruger.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lon_Kruger

Kruger was the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association. It was as head coach of the Hawks that Kruger guaranteed season-ticket holders that the Hawks would make the playoffs or get a $125 refund. The Hawks failed to make the playoffs and Kruger was fired midway through the season.

03-28-2009, 10:06 AM
jAZ Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Tucson, AZ Casino cash: $9847493	Pitino and Calipari both refuse to deny they are leaving On Thursday, Rick Pitino was asked about the rumors of him going to Arizona. He responded by refusing to say he wouldn't leave: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/co...na_rumors.html "I wouldn't answer any other job because it would be disrespectful to the University of Louisville," Pitino said when asked about his interest in a job that he has been linked to since Lute Olson retired last October. "Any time a coach says he's not interested in a job, he's dead interested in a job. So you know, I don't mislead you. All I can say to you is for eight years I've given every ounce I've had to the University of Louisville. I will continue to do that." ... "The only job I've thought about for a 24-hour period since I've been at the University of Louisville was Providence College last year," said the 56-year-old Pitino. "Because of the personal things I went through at Providence, I wanted to sit down and talk with them about the job to see if I did want to come back because of personal reasons that were very deep to me. I sat down with them and realized Louisville was the place for me. Outside of that, for eight years, I haven't thought about any job except the University of Louisville, and that's answering you the honest way." Then on Friday, Calipari used nearly the same sort of carefully chosen non-answer when he was asked about Kentucky: My transcription from video below: Reporter: "kentucky, the rumors are already starting to fly, can you comment on that?". Cal: "no, I want to be here, this is where I want to coach, my name will be tied to every job that's open, our fans have gotten used to it, but I'm so tired... (avoids followup questions by moving quickly away from the topic)" Compare both of those to Billy Donovan's response, which was a bit more direct and certain: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/colle...-florida_N.htm "In response to the rumors circulating about my interest in other jobs, I wanted to address this as quickly as possible, " Donovan's statement said. "I am committed to the University of Florida and look forward to continuing to build our program here." UK moved on after that, and Grant accepted the Alabama job, which was the final evidence that there will be no BD at UK. Pitino and Calipari are trying not talk about their interest in leaving UM and UL, but they don't want to lie either. Both are doing a good job of hiding it, while leaving the door open. Something Les Miles couldn't find a way to do right before the national championship game.
Posts: 24,799

03-30-2009, 11:41 AM	#123
Jerm Mahomes > God Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $5808996	That's crazy money....how can he turn that down?!? I wonder who Memphis will target if Cal leaves.
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03-30-2009, 11:55 AM	#126
WilliamTheIrish Champion Golfer Of The Year Join Date: Aug 2001 Casino cash: $6040607	Cousins best friend since 5th grade said on facebook ....
Posts: 34,633

03-30-2009, 01:08 PM	#127
jAZ Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Tucson, AZ Casino cash: $9847493	Bad news for me is that Pitino is more likely to stay at Louisville than come to Arizona at the moment. Full court press is on Pitino alone, now that Cal is out of the picture. Lon Krueger and Mark Few are next on the list, it seems.
Posts: 24,799

03-30-2009, 02:21 PM	#129
WilliamTheIrish Champion Golfer Of The Year Join Date: Aug 2001 Casino cash: $6040607	jAZ, I gotta give it up. Never thought the dominoes would fall like this.
Posts: 34,633

03-30-2009, 02:44 PM	#131
Mr. Plow In Search of a Life Join Date: Dec 2005 Casino cash: $1957391	How many coaches are looking for raises after what UK is paying for Cal?
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03-30-2009, 03:22 PM	#133
jAZ Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Tucson, AZ Casino cash: $9847493	Pitino is sitting on our offer, not looking good. My fear is that we are going to end up with Kruger. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lon_Kruger Kruger was the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association. It was as head coach of the Hawks that Kruger guaranteed season-ticket holders that the Hawks would make the playoffs or get a $125 refund. The Hawks failed to make the playoffs and Kruger was fired midway through the season.
Posts: 24,799