How the State of Kentucky Reacted to Rick Pitino at Rupp Arena

Rick Pitino is on the Mt. Rushmore of Kentucky Sports Figures. The New York transplant spent just shy of 25 years coaching the two biggest programs in the state. He won a National Title for each school and made six trips to the Final Four. If that isn’t “Kentucky” enough for you, he’s owned horses who have raced in the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.

His actions made him a centerpiece of sports in the state of Kentucky. His hyperbolic words made him the most interesting character we’ve seen in a generation.

If you were casting a reality TV show, Rick Pitino would be your first choice. Some hate him, some love him. No matter what, when he does something, it elicits an emotional reaction and that is exactly what happened on Friday night when he returned to Rupp Arena for the first time in almost a decade.

Once the villain, he returned as a conquering hero, blowing kisses to the Big Blue Madness crowd . Instead of boos, he received an ovation. It wasn’t the only reaction felt across the commonwealth of Kentucky.

The marriage analogy feels spot-on. It’s also impossible to ignore the connection between Pitino, Calipari, and Kentucky.

Some UofL fans are handling it better than others.

Others had more positive reactions to Rick Pitino’s return. Oscar Combs, who was courtside for his entire 8-year tenure at Kentucky, called this the best Big Blue Madness in 40 years.

National Media Reaction to Pitino

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.

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