Quotes & Notes From Rick Pitino’s Press Conference

Rick Pitino spoke with the media this afternoon at 2 PM to preview Sunday’s game against Marquette. Coach Pitino spoke a lot how his time like every other team in the country is battling distractions. Here is a brief rundown of some of Pitino’s other comments.

• “I think with every game left on our schedule, you’ll see exactly what the Big East really is.”

• “If I had to say who the top three teams in the country are I’d say Michigan, Florida and Kansas.”

• “I think we’re right where our ranking is probably.”

• “The only thing I’m disappointed in is losing the Syracuse. Disappointed you lost, but pleased with the way you played.”

• “Like most of the teams in the country, we have to get better at certain facets of the game.”

• “Wayne went through practice today and he’ll play on Sunday. I’m not sure how much.”

• Pitino says Kevin Ware will not play on Sunday.

• “These guys are great guys, they really are. They’re so fun to be around, but they just get so distracted.”

• On the comeback aginst Marquette in 2011—”It was an unusual and incredible come back. We don’t want to have to experience that again at home. We were happy to be a part of it, but we don’t want to be in that situation again.”

• “Junior Cadougan has really improved this year. I don’t think we’ll have the same success against him this year as we did last year.”

• On Marquette big man Davante Gardner—”He is a Tractor Traylor type of guy. He’s a tough guy to get around.”

• Pitino says Ware practiced yesterday for the first time.

• “I think Gorgui is having a terrific season. Russ is winning all of the accolades and all of the awards, but Gorgui is having just as good of a season. He’s doing the most things to help this team win.”

• “The one common denominator between the really good teams this season is great guard play.”

• “We try to get the ball to Chane a lot, but he drifts. Our opponents have taken him away.”

• When Pitino was asked about his white suit—”I don’t think so this year. I’m almost positive no. I’m so concerned about this game; I’m a little self conscious.”