A 70 year old Rick Pitino to continue chasing Kentucky Wildcat’s John Calipari

I realize the news is older, but for Halloween, nothing could be more appropriate than a near 70 year old Rick Pitino trying to keep up with the juggernaut that is John Calipari. Despite last year saying that he would not coach past 2017, Pitino signed an extension yesterday that will keep him in Louisville another decade.  In the end, its really not much of a story.  Pitino will not see the end of the contract, and his good buddy Jeff Goodman even implies as much:

"I know Pitino said he has a new outlook now, but few change their mind as often as Pitino. I’m not saying he won’t go until 2022, but I’m also far from confident that his coaching career will last another decade. Maybe it was last year’s improbable trip to the Final Four that rejuvenated Pitino — or the fact that his team this season can stack up with anyone in the country in terms of overall talent. Whatever the case, Pitino’s mind has changed on this topic (he had previously said he would coach through 2017). At least for the time being."

There is a interesting scenario in that John Calipari enjoys tormenting Pitino so much that he signs on for another decade as well and stays at UK until 2012.  These two deserve to retire together.

Apr 2, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Anthony Davis (23) celebrates with with teammates after defeating the Kansas Jayhawks 67-59 in the finals of the 2012 NCAA men

The last time the Kentucky Wildcats took the court for a meaningful basketball game, they cut down the nets in the national title game versus Kansas. And when they take the court on November 9 versus Maryland, they will still be ranked number one by at least pundit. While most preseason polls have Kentucky at number three or so, Ken Pomeroy has Kentucky atop his preseason poll.  Eammon Brennan talked to Pomeroy recently and he explained how in part, he comes up with his rankings:

As Ken wrote by way of explanation, “these rankings might not match what you’ve seen in any other venue.” That is true. Pretty much everyone — including Hanner — lists Indiana at No. 1 to start the season. In Ken’s rankings, the Hoosiers are No. 3, ensconced behind No. 1 Kentucky and No. 2 Ohio State. Now, Indiana fans, before you start flaming Pomeroy on Twitter, at least take the time to figure out how the system works:

"The logic goes like this: If you could have one thing to predict a team’s offense, what would it be? It turns out last season’s offensive efficiency would be that thing. It does a good job of predicting offense the following season. After that, the previous season’s offensive efficiency is the next best predictor, and after that, last season’s defensive efficiency helps a bit. (Flip the script for the defensive predictors.) Those three things are the foundation of the system."

July 13, 2012;Alexandria, VA USA;China guard YANG Jinmeng (8) passes the ball by USA East guard Jaquan Lyles (13) during the Nike Global Challenge at Episcopal High School. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE

Now that the list of 2013 recruits is down to Aaron Gordon, Andrew Wiggins, and Julius Randle, let’s turn attention to the 2014 class. PG Jaquan Lyle cut his list to 10 yesterday and well … he is a top PG, so Kentucky made the list. Lyle’s total list is Kentucky, Texas, Louisville, IU, Georgetown, Illinois, NC St., Cincinnati, Ohio State and Tennessee. Lyles does not have an offer from UK but he did attend BBM. Lyles is rated 17th by Rivals and the 2014 class is heavy on PG’s.