Recap: Rick Pitino Press Conference

On Kareem Richardson

We’re excited for Kareem. He worked two years at that university and he’s quite familiar with it. He knows the problems that they’ll have to overcome. We’re excited for him and look forward to him having a bright future.

On playing in Lexington

It’s not an advantage and it’s not a disadvantage. We played there two years ago and won the first game and lost the second. It really comes down to execution. Certainly more convenient, but doesn’t make a difference once the game starts.

On the Syracuse game

For the first time, we were not really zoned in and focused on our scouring report. Our smartest players were in the wrong defense multiple times. We obviously did a much better job in the second half.

On earning a number one seed

We’re very pleased to be one of the one’s that means we have a great regular season. But it really doesn’t make a difference in today’s world.

The team being humble

I think our guys are humble enough to realize they can get beat on any given night and they know their good enough to go very far. We have to execute at both ends. We don’t think of seeds we just focus on executing.

Montrezl Harrell’s performance

I think he was the beneficiary of the ball going high and he was able to finish because of his link. He’s also been able to greatly improve his skills throughout the year.

On tonight’s play-in game

We’ll watch the game tonight and obviously you don’t have three days to prepare for the opponent. We have no clue who’ll win tonight.

On traveling to Lexington

We’re probably going to commute back and forth between Lexington rather than stay the night. We’ll fly though…

On Digger Phelps

As long as you don’t listen to Digger, you’ve got a good shot. That’s why we keep winning, because that man knows nothing.

On the Midwest Region

Colorado State has the most experience than any team in college basketball and St. Louis is one of the best teams I’ve seen in the country.

How the Big East schedule helps

The Big East prepares of for everything because of the quantum of teams in the league. You see so many different styles.  

On winning the Big East tournament

We’re certainly not content and not embracing anything we’ve accomplished. We’re on to our next goal. One of our goals is to still improve in each practice. The celebration was different this year. Last year it was a surprise we were there. This year we expected it. It was very exciting to do that in the last year of the conference.

Chane Behenan’s play

Chane hasn’t rebounded well over the last six games. If he would rebound better he would play better he would score more and do more.

I’m very impressed with Chane. He has a very healthy ego and he was the biggest cheerleader for Montrezl Harrell the other night. That shows what type of team player he is. That showed his maturity. He was playing for what was on the front of the jersey.

On SVT

When we put Stephan Van Treese in the game, as far as +/- we come out ahead and he doesn’t even score. He does so much.

On playing in Rupp Arena

Bill Keightly comes to mind Cawood Ledford comes to mind.  I have nothing but fond memories about Rupp.

On Gorgui Dieng

Gorgui needs to pick up his play or he’ll be back next year. He’s got to dominate for 40-minutes.