Mark Pope comes to Rick Pitino realization that John Calipari is about to find out
Given that Rick Pitino, Bill Self, and John Calipari all reside in the same subregion, the selection committee suggested a possible heavyweight bout in the west. Even though Self is a superb coach in his own right, the prospect of Calipari and Pitino facing off in the second round is alluring. Pitino departed Kentucky to become the head coach of Louisville, so these two are at odds. Years after Pitino left, Calipari took up the same role at Kentucky, although he was never completely free from his predecessor’s shadow.
In the sport, Pitino is practically a myth. He is unkillable, much like a crime boss in a police drama. Pitino made a long journey back despite the sanctions imposed on him and the horrible accusations made against him during his time at Louisville. At 72, Pitino now has an opportunity to reclaim his place atop the NCAA basketball Everest at St. John’s.
John Calipari versus Rick Pitino is what Mark Pope wants to witness. There has never been much of a rapport between Pitino and Calipari. During his time at Kentucky, Calipari and Pitino engaged in one of the most intense rivalries in college basketball. Pitino felt optimistic about his chances after this past weekend’s bracket announcement, not only against Calipari but against any team in the tournament.
Mark Pope, the current head coach of Kentucky, expressed disappointment that his Wildcats were not invited to the celebration. Despite not being on the west side of the bracket, Kentucky qualified for the NCAA Tournament and will play No. 14 seed Troy later this week. It seems like the committee lost the chance to put the UK in the same quadrant as two of its iconic head coaches. Pope would concur.
I see that as a warning. Since Pitino coached Pope during his playing career, the two share a cordial connection that is undoubtedly superior to Pitino’s rivalry with Calipari. Calipari was concerned about whether Arkansas would even qualify for the tournament, but Pitino and Pope are thrilled about what lies ahead.
“I was concerned. All day, I was anxious. Why worry, I kept saying. We are out if we are not. However, my staff stated that we are doing well. Are those teams? We defeated everyone twice, and if they agree, we accept. Then suddenly, they are all, you know, and you are like, “Wait a second, what is going on here?” “Calipari said.”
