Rick Pitino left Kentucky 26 years ago after losing the 1997 championship, and since then his career has been filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Now the head coach of Saint John’s and in the twilight of his career, Pitino is slowly getting back into the good graces of Kentucky fans, in what may one day result in an applause at Rupp Arena.
His most recent act of grace comes from Twitter where Pitino spoke while watching Reed Sheppard stuff the staff sheet and leading Kentucky to a 95-73 win over No. 8 Miami. While watching Reed, Pitino said he reminded of his parents Jeff Sheppard, who he coached, and Stacey Reed Sheppard, who he helped recruit to the women’s basketball program.
“I’m watching Reed Sheppard play n thinking of his Mom n Dad as if it were yesterday,” Pitino said. Ending his tweet with, “Make it happen Reed!!!”
Six years removed from being fired at Louisville, it does seem like Pitino is in a better place mentally and has found some peace. Hopefully, soon Kentucky and St John’s can take part in a home-and-home series between Madison Square Garden and Rupp, and Pitino will once again receive recognition for the success he had at Kentucky.
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