The pressure is on Rick Pitino to win, and win big. The past year or so has been full of let-downs in Louisville, and in some cases, it has been a public relations nightmare. The Cardinals lost in the first round of the Big East and NCAA tournaments. Several of Pitino's prized 2011 recruits changed their mind, and de-committed from the Cardinals. Preston Knowles got into a fight with his girlfriend’s father, and Jerry Smith and Terrence Jennings were both arrested in Jeffersonville, IN after an altercation with off-duty police officers. A couple of Pitino's recruits have had issues with their eligibility. Oh yeah, there was that whole affair thing too. And adding to the pressure is Kentucky coach John Calipari, who led the Cats to an Elite 8 appearance in his first season as the Wildcats head coach. Coach Calipari is about to secure his third consecutive top-ranked recruiting class in 2011, a class that features former Louisville (verbal) commitment Marquis Teague. Love or hate John Calipari, there's no question he's adding to Pitino's stress level these days.
The 2010 season is quickly approaching and the Louisville Cardinals are not considered to be contenders for the national title. They may not be legit contenders in the Big East. Smart money says Pitino is already looking forward to next season. Louisville is ready to welcome Pitino’s best recruiting class in 2011. The class is currently ranked 4th by Rivals.com, and features two players in the top 32. So during the KFC Yum! Center’s inaugural season Pitino and the Cardinals will focus on rebuilding. But Pitino must also rebuild his reputation. The best way to do that is simple: keep your team and yourself out of trouble. The program doesn’t need anymore distractions.
That being said, Louisville is the preferred destination of Wake Forest transfer Tony Woods. Woods, a 6’11’’ 250 pound center, was originally a five-star recruit. But he hasn’t lived up that label. Last season he averaged 4.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. He left Wake Forest after being suspended indefinitely by Coach Jeff Bzdelik. Woods was suspended after he pled guilty to misdemeanor assault of a female. Last month, he assaulted his girlfriend, who is the mother of his infant son. He reportedly hit and kicked her, breaking her spine. Woods received a 60-day suspended jail sentence and 100 hours of community service. He visited Louisville the weekend of October 16th. He wants to be a Cardinal, and he's planning to enroll at Louisville in January. Pitino hasn't approved or rejected Woods' request.
First, I would like to say that I believe everyone deserves a second chance. BUT, that second chance should come after some time has passed. Once he's proven he can stay out of trouble...once he can prove he's a changed man...once he learns his lesson...he should get a second chance. It’s been SIX WEEKS. Woods hasn’t grown up or changed in a month and a half. You don’t magically mature in that amount of time.
I admit I assumed Woods would end up at a mid-major program. The reward far outweighs the risk for a smaller school. But Woods has high-major talent. He has the potential to be great, and I’m not surprised someone is taking a chance on him. The problem I have with Pitino taking him is more about timing, rather than the decision itself. Bringing in Tony Woods is foolish. Does he really think this is the way you rebuild your reputation? Does he really think this is a good move for the University? I understand that over 20 schools inquired about Tony Woods. And yes, I know Kentucky was one of them. With Coach Calipari’s history and the more recent (albeit entirely different) situations with Eric Bledsoe and Enes Kanter, he doesn’t need a high-profile recruit with such baggage. It would be stupid for Calipari to bring in Woods. It would be ridiculous for Bruce Pearl to do the same. But Pitino is desperate. And thank God he is, because I don’t want Tony Woods anywhere near Lexington. It looks like Pitino is willing to sacrifice what's left of his reputation to bring in a high-profile, basketball "star."
Mark Ennis (@Mengus22), who runs www.collisioncourseblog.com, a Louisville Cardinals blog, tweeted, “Would you let your daughter go anywhere near Louisville basketball right now?” The answer is no. And that pretty much sums it up.
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