Re: I met Rick Pitino

[bocelts@scsn.net (R. Bentz Kirby)]

- --- On Thu, 22 May 1997 17:26:54 -0400  Mike Dynon 
<mdynon@ix.netcom.com> wrote:
<snip introduction>
- --He does not yet know who they will draft.  He said they would 

be working
out Croshere today, not as a high pick, but in case they decide 

to trade
#6.



- --He pointed out that Kentucky won more games than the Celts 
did in an
82-game schedule.  He added that, no matter what the talent 
level or injury
problems, a team that wins only 15 games "was not motivated."  
(Ouch!--the
only thing ML got credit for last year was being a good 
motivator.)

>>>>>>I disagree with this, but that is up to him and his 
opinion.

- --My question was, what do you plan to do about Fox and Wesley. 


Unfortunately, he said they would probably take their games 
elsewhere.  He
wants to keep them, but said he will pay for winning, not 
expectations.  If
they want "to make an honest living" they will be back, but if 
they want
"$4-5 million a year," it will mean goodbye.

>>>>>>I agree with his attitude on this one. Fox and Wesley can 
both help the team, but it is not worth that kind of contract 
to keep them.





- --Pitino predicted that Utah would meet Chicago in the finals, 
and that
"Utah will give them all they can handle."  He added that the 
Bulls look
beatable, and predicted they will be broken up after this 
season.

>>>>>>Not difficult to figure out.  The result depends on 
Rodman.  Funny isn't it.


- --He wanted Bird to be the GM, and offered him the job, but he 
said that
Bird wanted to coach instead.  With an opportunity to coach a 
veteran team
in his home state, it was the ideal situation for Bird.

>>>>>>Glad Bird went home, Boston was not a good place for him 
to start.  A good little piece in last week Sports Illustrated 
on Bird, Pitino etc.




- --For what it's worth, he used to be a big baseball fan, but he 
has given
it up since the strike.

- --Marty Conlon will definitely be back.

- --I could not get a read on who he wants to dump, but I don't 
think it will
be Dino.  Pitino mentioned several times how he feels he can 
motivate Dino,
help him improve his self-esteem (this is HUGE in Pitino's 
system), and
become an outstanding player.  Dino may well be traded one day, 
but
apparently not until Pitino has time to try to mold him.

- --Pitino avoids negative or moody people.  For example, he 
doesn't listen
to sports talk radio.  He probably wouldn't read our postings 
either :)

My summary: His success is no accident.  He's figured out how 
to "flip 12
different light switches" (his words) and get results.  With 
his charisma
and a core of young players to develop, Pitino will definitely 
bring the
Celts back to the top.

Mike Dynon
North Kingstown, RI


Mike Dynon
North Kingstown, RI

- ---------------End of Original Message-----------------
Mike,

Thanks for the good post.

Peace,

- --------------------------------------------------------
Name: R. Bentz Kirby
E-mail: R. Bentz Kirby <bocelts@scsn.net>