Re: PITINO

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

Pitino took over the Knicks with a very rigid, demanding style of play that
was successful for awhile. The Knicks had talent and were in great physical
condition. They also understood basketball. The Celts couldn't grasp the
style, nor did we have the talent to implement it. He made promises he could
not keep. Therefore Pitino self destructed before our very eyes. Pitino Ball
is not readily accepted in the pros. Personally I like the guy, he gave it
100%. Toward the end, it looked like he was going to need medic. He
resembled many failing NBA coaches. O'Brien promises little, goes with the
flow, and to date is very successful. I believe his success has something to
do with the League catching down to us, as well as some improvement on our
part.

DanF


 ----- Original Message -----
From: "Dorine Pratt" <norine@sover.net>
To: "Celts" <celtics@igtc.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2001 9:14 PM
Subject: PITINO


> Hi, all
>     Here I go again!  I don't believe Antoine or anyone else drove Pitino
> away except his own pride.  He insulted the fans, insisted on playing "his
> system" which was a college system, and just drove himself out.  Antoine
may
> have his warts like the rest of us, but he's a nice person, who does a
great
> deal for young people - he's very generous.  I wasn't a big fan at first,
> because of the wiggle and a few other things, mainly because I firmly
> believe a player needs to prove himself before he showboats (if at all)
but
> I've come to realize all the good things about him.  He's a very decent
> young man who doesn't deserve to be accused of driving Pitino away.  Even
if
> he did, I would thank him.  Pitino's demise came as no surprise to me, I
> only wish it had come sooner.  O'Brian is a different breed of cat than
> Pitino, by far.  No matter that he coached under Pitino, he's not an
> egomaniac.  He has no qualms about getting people with big names in to
help
> when it's needed.  He takes advice, too, from everything I've read about
> him, doesn't think he's the only one who knows anything.
>     This team is doing well - much better than it has in years.  For one,
> I'm just enjoying it.
> Dorine