This is a masterclass by Rick Pitino. All this talk about him vs Calipari or him vs Self and he decides to throw a little wrench in all of that. He doesn’t consider Calipari a rival, even though it’s pretty well documented how they’ve felt about each other. Self? Never heard of him. There’s only one man who Rick Pitino considers a rival. The legend, Jim Calhoun. I say that with all honesty. Jim Calhoun is one of the 5 or 6 best coaches we’ve had in college basketball. You could argue he’s the best program builder considering what he did for UConn.

But this is about Pitino right now. He’s back in Providence, he’s got the world by the balls after winning the Big East regular season, Big East Tournament and basically has everyone showering him with praise and rightfully so. He’s told this story before. He loves to bring up the BU vs Northeastern games and the 300 fans in the stands. Play the hits, baby. He’s at the point now where it doesn’t matter if he’s repeating stories, we’re going to pay attention. 

Look at the glee in his voice. Look at the smirk. He knows exactly what he was doing. Every single person in the world was ready to talk about the Calipari/Pitino rivalry, but nope. He only acknowledges Jim Calhoun as his rival. It makes sense. They’ve been around each other forever. I’ll tell you what though. I’d listen to him and Calhoun shoot the shit these days. Two legends of the game, two guys who will say whatever is on their mind and you know they have stories. Just the perfect Pitino answer here to get people talking. 

Hit the press conferences!