The Challenge Richard Pitino Faces
Posted on April 16, 2012 by Rick Bozich
Richard Pitino is off to Florida International to begin his head coaching career. He started early, jumping into the profession by working with a high school team when he was a student at Providence College.
He replaces Isiah Thomas, who only lasted three wacky and unsuccessful years. And Thomas left the same thing he left at other stops — a mess. Losing team, muddled roster, no momentum.
Some stats: Louisville averaged 21,503 fans per home game this season.
FLU drew 11,785 fans (total) all season, averaging 1,071 for 11 home games.
Yikes.
FIU went 8-21, losing six of its last seven. It was the sixth time in the last 10 years the Panthers won fewer than 10 games.
The last three FIU coaches have exited without delivering a winning season. Legendary Miami prep coach Shakey Rodriguez was the last FIU coach to have a winning team. The Panthers went 16-14 in 1999-2000.
By my count, the Panthers have played 31 seasons of hoops — with seven winning teams.
The Panthers have played in the NCAA Tournament once — in 1995. They lost to UCLA, 92-56. Hey, the Bruins won the title that season.
A challenge? You bet.
But if Richard Pitino can win at FIU, he’ll move quickly in the coaching ranks.
View attachment 1153
Posted on April 16, 2012 by Rick Bozich
Richard Pitino is off to Florida International to begin his head coaching career. He started early, jumping into the profession by working with a high school team when he was a student at Providence College.
He replaces Isiah Thomas, who only lasted three wacky and unsuccessful years. And Thomas left the same thing he left at other stops — a mess. Losing team, muddled roster, no momentum.
Some stats: Louisville averaged 21,503 fans per home game this season.
FLU drew 11,785 fans (total) all season, averaging 1,071 for 11 home games.
Yikes.
FIU went 8-21, losing six of its last seven. It was the sixth time in the last 10 years the Panthers won fewer than 10 games.
The last three FIU coaches have exited without delivering a winning season. Legendary Miami prep coach Shakey Rodriguez was the last FIU coach to have a winning team. The Panthers went 16-14 in 1999-2000.
By my count, the Panthers have played 31 seasons of hoops — with seven winning teams.
The Panthers have played in the NCAA Tournament once — in 1995. They lost to UCLA, 92-56. Hey, the Bruins won the title that season.
A challenge? You bet.
But if Richard Pitino can win at FIU, he’ll move quickly in the coaching ranks.
View attachment 1153