Pitino leaving

["Berry, Mark S" <berrym@BATTELLE.ORG>]

I don't think McDonough's column today is anything earth-shattering. We've
all known Pitino was leaving after this season for some time. But I do think
it's revealing that this came out after Monday's game. I don't think I'm the
only observer whose eyes were opened by that effort. It sounds like Pitino
saw the same thing.

I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again in response to all the
anti-Pitino crowers out there today, Pitino is only part of the problem. The
guy is a great basketball coach who has failed here. Part of that failing is
his fault, but at least as much blame falls at the feet of the players. A
new coach doesn't make a difference with this group. Blow it up. Start over.
The only unfortunate thing about this situation is the fact that Pitino
almost certainly will stick with the nucleus of this team through the
season, allowing the next guy to chart his path with the personnel. That's
too bad, because some team desperate at the trading deadline may just sell
the farm for a guy like Pierce.

Anyway, Pitino will go back to college coaching and win again. And that
means national championships. It may be Indiana. Maybe UCLA. Maybe Michigan.
Doesn't matter. He will win again. This group of players will never do the
same in Boston.

Mark