Xavier Moves Faster, Hires Richard Pitino
In what has been described as quick and calculated, Richard Pitino has been appointed head basketball coach for Xavier University just days after Sean Miller moved on to Texas. This new hire seems to affirm Xavier’s determination to stay competitive in the Big East while propelling the program into future growth.
Welcome and anticipated is the return of Pitino as he takes over a Musketeers program that finished fifth in the Big East and qualified for the NCAA Tournament. With a phenomenal coaching resume and pedigree, Pitino could probably give Xavier what is necessary to take it up to the next level.
Pitino’s Coaching Path
Richard Pitino, 42, has accumulated a pretty solid coaching pedigree; he most recently saw the Lobos of New Mexico qualify for consecutive NCAA Tournaments and claim a Mountain West Tournament title. Superior high-energy, hard-nosed defense has built a reputation for New Mexico as a perennial contender in the conference under Pitino.
Before that, Pitino coached at Minnesota for eight seasons and guided the Golden Gophers to a couple of trips to the NCAA tourney plus an NIT championship. His all-time coaching record stands at 247-186, which means that he has the magic touch for building programs and sustaining them.
A Big East Family Rivalry
There is an additional layer to Pitino’s hire at Xavier: his dad, Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, coaches the St. John’s basketball team. So, father and son would be coaching against each other for the first time in their careers during actual conference play.
Ever since the very start of their family legacy, Pitinos have been in college basketball, and Richard has been cutting his way for years. Now, their games in the Big East go ahead to add a compelling new chapter to their family history. Expect to see some really fierce competition between St. John’s and Xavier, with both coaches after supremacy within the conference.
What Pitino Brings to Xavier
Xavier showed confidence in Pitino by choosing him as their new coach because they believed he could train athletes while searching for the best recruits, along with implementing successful team strategies. His energizing basketball system and defensive mindset perfect the competitive nature of the Musketeers. The growing competition levels across the Big East might have Pitino serving as the key factor to keep Xavier at the conference’s peak.
Recent success by the Musketeers needs to be sustained according to Pitino’s assignment. His coaching experience at the Big Ten and Mountain West levels gives him the essential qualifications to achieve success within such a competitive national basketball convention.
The Road Ahead
Everyone will observe how Richard Pitino builds the team’s future at the beginning of his Xavier tenure. Given his ability to develop talent and his returner strength, his demonstrated success appears achievable. Xavier University is committed to Big East prominence, and they have placed its leadership responsibilities on Richard Pitino.
