"I say this very humbly, and I mean it," Pitino said. "There's not a doubt in my mind that I would not have won a championship with that basketball team. I didn't think it was a championship-caliber team."
Pitino again benchmark for Tubby's team | courier-journal | The Courier-Journal
Wow. I have said it. Others have said it. Now Pitino has said it.
But too many UK fans find it easy not to believe it.
about 3 years ago
Glenn Logan
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Easy To Say 10 Years Later
UK fielded NCAA championship caliber teams in 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, and 2005.
UK won NCAA championships only in 1996 and 1998.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 20, 2008 10:41 AM EST reply actions
I was making the point ...
… that I agreed with Pitino. You seem to be trying to argue with yourself.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Championship Caliber Does Not Equal Championship Team
Uk has fielded lots of the former over the years but only 7 of the latter.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 21, 2008 5:33 PM EST up reply actions
Its hard to win a title
I think a lot of people forget that.
To be the last one standing out of 344 teams is a staggering feat.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Pitino has said basically the same thing since '98.
Regardless, some UK fans will never give credit where credit is due.
I wonder if Roy Williams encounters the same mindset among Carolina fans. You know, the ones who say he won his title with Matt Doherty’s players.
Roy will be able to put that
dent to right this year. Much as Tubby did today and will again when the Gophers get a national title.
Typical Pitino Spin
Pitino had 10 years to say this, but didn’t. Right before the game, to take some of the wind out of the opposing team’s sails, he likes to make statements like this. Remember “I made a mistake leaving UK” (or some such) right before the UK vs. UofL game? Classic Pitino gamesmanship.
Good to see him ’fess up though.
I Agree With Him
The path to 1998 title went through Duke. Pitino has never beaten them (or UNC). He would not have won in 1998 either.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 21, 2008 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
Oh I agree too...
…and I believe I’ve said so in other threads, but still, it’s typical Pitino Spinville. At least he keeps the pre-game interesting, I’ve got no problem with it.
Not so ...
… as I noted above, Pitino has said since ‘98 that he didn’t think he would have won the chmaphionship with that team. I’ve read, and heard him say this many times.
UK Was Fortunate To Win 1998 Title Regardless Of Which Coach It Was
The Cats had to beat 3 straight 30 W teams, coming from behind in each game, to do so. Up until last year, that had never been done (before or since).
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 22, 2008 8:22 AM EST up reply actions
Oh, I definitely agree.
After-all they are nicknamed the “Comeback Cats.”
But, the biggest break they got was when Kansas lost. They were really good, and I believe the overall #1 seed. When they lost I thought UK MIGHT have a chance.
The Elite 8 game versus Duke aged me 10 years. I had almost, almost given up on them, and then bam, Sheppard gets elbowed, and the ’Cats took control. Turner beat Wojo like a rented mule.
by Ken Howlett on Dec 24, 2008 12:45 AM EST up reply actions
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