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Following a successful season at New Mexico, Richard Pitino was the subject of many different coaching rumors. Some thought that he would take the Villanova job. In recent days, rumors swirled all across social media: He was at VCU, Villanova, West Virginia, and more, all on the same day. However, it was announced that Xavier would hire Pitino. The move seems to be a huge move for the Musketeers after they lost Sean Miller to Texas over the weekend. What does Pitino bring to Xavier? Can he find Power Conference success again? What are some interesting storylines to watch? And most importantly, what is the grade for the Richard Pitino hire?
Xavier Hires Richard Pitino: Grading the Move
Richard Pitino’s Coaching Resume
The most obvious positive is the basketball pedigree he brings because of his father, Rick Pitino. However, Richard Pitino has established himself as a strong coach on his own. After starting his career at Florida International, he moved on to Minnesota, where he led the Golden Gophers to 141 wins in eight seasons. He led Minnesota to the NCAA Tournament two times during his time in the Big Ten before being fired after the 2020-21 season. Pitino then moved to New Mexico, where he won 88 games over his four seasons as head coach. He led New Mexico to the NCAA Tournament each of the past two years, including an upset win over Marquette in the first round this season.
To properly grade the Richard Pitino hire, one must look at the staple of Pitino teams: defense. New Mexico finished this season with a top-20 defensive efficiency. In 2023-24, the unit ranked 23rd in defensive efficiency, so he has been consistent. He also coached the Mountain West Player of the Year, Donovan Dent. Players like a coach who can bring elite play out of elite players.
Storylines to Watch
They may not have to do with a grade, but there are major stories with the Richard Pitino hire. The first major storyline revolves around Dent, who entered the transfer portal on Tuesday. He is possibly the best transfer available in the class at this point. If Dent knew that Pitino might have been leaving, he could have entered the portal to join his coach at his new stop. Dent would be a huge pickup for the Musketeers if this happens to be a combo deal.
The other great storyline revolves around the great Pitino vs. Pitino rivalry that will now take place a minimum of two times each year. Rick has supported his son Richard throughout his career, even being courtside for their Round of 32 loss to Michigan State on Sunday. A father-son rivalry in one of the best conferences in college basketball promises to have serious drama and viewership. They’re likely to be the hardest games they’ll ever have to coach (and Rick’s won two national championships).
Grading the Richard Pitino Hire
Sentimental storylines aside, the hire is a good one for Xavier. Pitino has amassed 247 wins in his 13-year career. He has won a highly respected conference championship and an NCAA Tournament game. However, questions will remain about his time in Minnesota. Over five years, he made the tournament twice and had a losing record three times. That is the inconsistency that got him fired. The current Big East isn’t as strong as the Big Ten, but it’s still a power conference. With more and more rumors coming about a potential ACC-Big East merger, there will be questions about his ability to win in a power conference until he proves himself.
Grade: B
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Five Takeaways: Arizona Men's Basketball Press Conference
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Quinn Ewers’ Camp Performance Forces Dolphins Into Tough QB Decision
Being the backup quarterback isn't necessarily the most exciting role for anyone, but for a team like the Miami Dolphins, where starter Tua Tagovailoa has suffered four concussions since entering the NFL in 2020, it could be vital. As of now, a clear battle for that spot has formed between rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers and veteran former first-round selection Zach Wilson as they go head-to-head. Of course, training camp is where these kinds of questions can be solved, and so far, it appears that Ewers has done a good job in putting his best foot forward. On Friday, David Furones of the Sun Sentinel gave a very positive update on the young quarterback, stating, "Dolphins rookie QB Quinn Ewers had a strong third practice of training camp. Made several impressive, big-time throws." The update sparked conversations among many fans, both supporting Ewers and a serious showing that there's interest in seeing who comes out on top. "Show ‘em, Quinn," said one comment. "He just does a lot of things (anticipatory throws, timing throws, MOTF accuracy, etc.) that fit this system much better than what Wilson does. I think with refinement and development we could have a backup in Miami that can operate the offense efficiently…finally," said another. "Love to hear it!" a third added. A fourth stated, "I'd be surprised if he's not the backup.." "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Quinn Ewers has the physical tools to stick at the next level. It’s just a matter of shaping the rest," a fifth continued. "That’s QB2 potential QB1 in the future Glad we drafted Ewers," said another. Another big test for both Ewers and Wilson will be during the Dolphins' three preseason games, as the coaching staff will get a much better look at how these two perform during live matchups. Luckily for both, though, being the backup is all they're truly fighting for, as Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports predicts that each will make the final 53-man roster, with cuts needing to be made by Aug. 27.
All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit in the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
Packers rookie could miss time after suffering injury in training camp
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