Re: MERCER & PITINO

[Dan Forant Sr <dforant1@nycap.rr.com>]

Maybe Pitino thought he could get out of the gates fast last season with
the shortened schedule and make an impression and playoffs. He is a very
hands on guy, remember he has the college mentality. Teach, teach, teach.
Even with the Knicks, after each game you never knew who needed the shower
more, him or the players. I hope he calms down some this season with a
better overall club. Pierce looked frustrated at times, we don't want to
mess him up. My favorite coach of all times was Tommy Heinsohn, he would
come to the game all duded up, and leave looking like a homeless drunk. But
at least he took it out on the refs. A crescendo of hope is building for
this team, I would be satisfied with a nice improved season and the 8th
spot, and because of the toughness of the East, that would be an
accomplishment.

At 11:07 AM 8/8/99 -0400, you wrote:
>Without getting into any discussion about Mercer's attributes as a player,
I have said all along that Pitino's style would not set well with many
players.
>If I worked for someone who yelled the whole day long and was never
satisfied, and whose word you couldn't trust, I'd bail out too.  Don't give
me any crap about this being a sport, not a regular job - some players will
be able to shrug it off, but some won't.  I'm wondering how long Pierce
will be able to stand it.  If he's such a good coach, and he's teaching
them properly, has a game plan and sticks with it, why should he feel he
has to call out every darned play?  It's annoying to the audience, so what
can the players feel?  The coach is not supposed to be the focal point of
the game, and I think Rick wants to be.  He's an egomaniac who will brook
no interference.  Bill Parcells, for all his disposition, doesn't do that.
Even if he did, we couldn't hear him on television.  I can't imagine
sitting very close to the Celtics' bench and having to listen to that all
evening for the many $ it costs to sit there.  
>
>Sorry for venting, I'll go back to being myself now.  
>
>Dorine
>
>
>