Re: Russell goes on TV

["Jim Meninno" <jim_meninno@hotmail.com>]

Isn't it ridiculous, Josh?  Ray or MG post something from god-knows-where saying that Pitino has agreed to some trade or another, or that it was set to go until the other GM pulled out, and the next thing you know Paul and others are using this as evidence of what a poor judge of talent Pitino is.  Peter Vescey and Jackie MacMullin (to whom Pitino doesn't speak, because of her employer) print that he's after Jamal Mashburn, and the same people on this list say he's got some pathological desire to reassemble the Wildcats, in some perverted Frankenstein fashion.  I'm with you, let's stick to crucifying him for moves that have actually been made.  And, as far as I can see, the only questionable ones came from his desire to completely break up the ML Carr Celtics.  And I can't really fault him for that.

Now, having said all that, I think the blame for this season's poor results lays squarely at Pitino's feet.  This team is clearly more talented than their record shows.  No training camp and no practices certainly hurt, but it's up to the president and coach to work around these obstacles.  He will be the first to state that these things should not be used as excuses.  Other teams have done far better (Philly, Toronto).  Has he tried to do too much, knowing there wasn't enough time to teach all of this stuff?  Why does it take so long to learn this press when most of the team was here last year?  Didn't Kenny learn anything last year?  

I have to think that Pitino could have got more wins out of this team by focusing on short term goals that could win games now.  But that might have sacrificed his overall long term scheme.  If that's the case, this year is essentially one long exhibition season and I think we have a right to judge Pitino harshly if the playoffs are not reached next year.  I know these things take time, but surely three years is enough to make the playoffs.  With or without a lockout.  I'm not ready to say that I think Pitino's in over his head but I do think he's done a poor job of adjusting to this freaky season and motivating his players so far this year.  Conversely, I thought he did a good job coaching last year.

One further point.  I'm among those who think the yelling on the sidelines is pointless.  By the time he's shouting "Get a man, Paul", Paul's man has already drained the three.  This is stuff that has to be drilled through practice and watching films, and no amount of yelling will change the fact that the rotation came too late.  If he needs to make a point during the game, I'd rather he called a timeout, or pulled the guy out of the game to talk to him on the bench.  I am very hopeful, however, that this will diminish as the players improve and blend together into a cohesive unit.  That is unless Paul, Ray and MG are right and there are major trades every summer and before every trading deadline.

Jim


>From: Josh Ozersky <josh_ozersky@yahoo.com>

>I wish you guys would lay off
>Pitino.  It has never been confirmed that Pitino
>wanted Rogers, nor has he said that he would take
>Turner with anything but a second round pick.  Why are
>you complaining about a 2nd round/free agent fringe
>player.  My only complaint with Pitino is that he
>hasn't gotten the players to run a sensible offense,
>but that is plainly an aberration.
>

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