Rick Pitino receives huge ovation in return to Kentucky | ESPN College Basketball

[@Kobebok248]

Pitino brought UK basketball back to life. We will never forget.

[@jwalk7134]

Still has Louisville inked on his skin. How’s it feel to have your ex wife leave you for someone else and then come crawling back?

[@kakkycoasties8670]

@@jwalk7134 he regrets it. His heart has always been @ Kentucky, you can tell he regrets leaving that program.

[@toddseales8222]

@@jwalk7134 he’s used to crawling back to his wife after cheating on her. Just ask his real wife. If she’s still around.

[@johnnya390]

​@@jwalk7134he brought Kentucky back from the ashes and then destroyed Louisville's program. Id say one of the greatest Wildcats ever

[@jwalk7134]

@@johnnya390 uk is still the most penalized program in ncaa history.

[@mgers75]

Ive never seen Pitino get choked up like that in the 35 years ive followed him

[@dhomg5875]

same

[@hbg143]

I have watched this 25+ times and will probably watch it another 100 times. The crowd's initial cheer makes me tear up every time.

[@chiproller]

He always said that his biggest regret was leaving Kentucky. It makes me feel good that there was an opportunity for Rick Pitino to receive a long standing ovation from the fan base. Had it not been for him, our program could have languished for decades but he brought us ALL the way back to the championship twice (and could likely have done it 3 years had he not left). Probably my favorite UK coach of all time.

[@shelbyesters5732]

Rick Pitino calling Kentucky Camelot is a statement of what Kentucky represents. It is and will always be the top of college basketball. GO BIG BLUE!!!

[@jasonpeters9716]

Lol. Comimg fr a criminal/one shaddiest Coaches in CBB history.(R. Pitino) Lol, plus ex-Coach Calipari had TWO FFs stripped UK? Hasnt made a FF in a Decade. UK hasnt won a National Titles in 13yrs. "Camelot?" 😅😅😅😅

[@shelbyesters5732]

@jasonpeters9716 Tf are you yapping about?

[@jasonpeters9716]

@@shelbyesters5732 Oh nothing. Just stating "ACTUAL FACTS&STATS." LOL. Two^^^ things that currently make Kentucky Bball fans INSECURE. ✌️

[@jasonpeters9716]

@@shelbyesters5732 SMH, Mark Pope? COMPLETE "$$$ Grab" UK fans will want Pope's head on a skillet by May2026. After UK misses b2b NCAA Tournaments. *at best? UK makes 1 of nxt 2 NCAA Tournaments. (Lol, DEF not this upcoming Season.) UK goes 1&done, 2026 NCAA Tournament. UK fans run Pope out town. Pope all smiles, cuz he just fooled Kentucky into taking care his "Grandkids, Grandkids"

[@jasonpeters9716]

LOL...how long will it take a UK fan remind me of thier 5 National Titles b4 electricity?

[@TheRCBuildersPost]

Welcome home, Pitino. Always welcome here!!

[@madhattersc4051]

Long overdue. Was great to see this finally happen.

[@dhomg5875]

i cant agree more!

[@mabdman2140]

Yep, I agree. Never hated him for going to Louisville. It's not like he left UK to go straight to UL. Glad he's back.

[@BobBaker-v9v]

Lol..He cheated!!!

[@mabdman2140]

@@BobBaker-v9v At Louisville

[@billwilliamson3764]

First time in years I’ve got chills from a Kentucky coach this is it. Let’s go get #9

[@justinmoran6097]

What a great Night for Kentucky basketball history! This goes beyond wins and trophies. This is amazing. Thanks for coming back coach pitino. You’re always welcome in Kentucky!

[@ladybassplayer23]

Welcome Home Coach Pitino. BBN❤

[@billwilliamson3764]

This is full circle. I love this

[@Evroyal]

My fav coach of all time

[@elwalker9034]

College Basketball. Absolutely. The man.

[@wildcatrewind]

Coach Pitino is my all time favorite coach. My parent took me to watch his teams when I was very young and made core memories for me. I re.ember asking why he never sat down lol and my dad said bc he wins😊

[@kcsipngollc1]

Mannnn is a better coach than a lot of coaches in college. Especially at Louisville. He didn’t have many 5 stars and still was winning

[@McDreamyn_mdphd]

I'm so glad the Mark Pope opened the door for Rick Pitino to come back and receive the welcome he deserves. I don't know if Coach P ever said it out loud, but I'll bet he totally regrets leaving UK. Big Blue Nation also showed a lot of class in welcoming him back.

[@williamowsley9771]

Actually, he's always said that.

[@Jaws135]

He has said several times that it was the biggest mistake of his career.

[@furb1nat0r]

Said the only reason he took the job at Lil bro was because of how much he loved the state of kentucky

[@davidfrey5654]

Love to see Coach Pitino get so much love. As a BYU fan, I’m grateful that Pope has this opportunity to coach at his legendary Alma Mater. BYU is looking good this year so Pope just opened up more opportunity for others. It’s all good. I’m a Kentucky fan now too and am rooting for Pope and his squad.

[@benhoskins4719]

Big shout out to BYU for taking such good care of our guy and giving him a chance to lead.

[@blondekyfan]

@davidfrey5654 welcome to the BIG BLUE NATION, David 💙🏀💙

[@lisamcdonald-lm1is]

I am not a KY fan, but the welcome they show coach P is remarkable! You guys made me a true believer and i will be rooting for BBN! Thamks Coach Pope and look forward to watching you grow, way to go

[@blondekyfan]

@lisamcdonald-Im1is Welcome to the BIG BLUE NATION, Lisa 💙🏀💙

[@dannyjaynes34]

That was one of the best things I've ever seen in college basketball,GO BIG BLUE 💙💙💙

[@marvinhill119]

Pitino is one of the all-time greatest coaches for Kentucky I was glad to see the reaction for his return

[@PizzaTheHutt69]

He deserves this. Yes he made mistakes, who hasn't, but what he did for UK was and always will be special. Welcome home!!

[@PAtriciaWebster-i8v]

This is so awesome!❤ Way to go UK!!!

[@ncs23]

So glad you are back coach!

[@shannanbegley8189]

Welcome back Coach Pitino💙

[@iLuseMy1v1s]

As a lifelong Kentucky fan, Rick Pitino brought UK back to the national scene. I wish he stayed at UK longer than he did.

[@constantineandreu9377]

Mark Pope.....What! That's crazy from the NBA and watching him work his way up humbly through the coaching ranks❤ Let's go Coach Pope💪💪

[@ToasterCowboy]

Very refreshing! Pope and Pitino..So awesome to feel the optimism, excitement and unity. This has been missing for so long.. Once again it’s about the team concept and University not about a Coach and his hope to get his pets into the NBA!! And this guy can actually Do x and o’s

[@billwilliamson3764]

This is honestly the coolest thing I’ve ever seen most definitely my favorite Kentucky moment besides 2012 winning a championship

[@majorcajun5524]

UK would be ahead of UCLA in nattys if he had never left

[@Kentuckyfx]

Kentucky is still known as the best college basketball program oat

[@jwalk7134]

@@Kentuckyfxalso the most penalized program of all time

[@BobBaker-v9v]

Lol..And you think Santa Claus is real right? Lol

[@BobBaker-v9v]

​@@Kentuckyfx- Ridiculous..Who has more National Titles? UCLA or Kentucky?

[@Jason-ws3cd]

We are college basketball, it ain't even close

[@keonhall9702]

As a Louisville fan, this is great. Rick deserves this. Hope Mark Pope Succeeds!

[@TommyNelson00]

Pat Kelsey is the next Danny Crum

[@toddseales8222]

@@keonhall9702 not a real Louisville fan then.

[@toddseales8222]

@@TommyNelson00 don’t know about all that, but at least he’ll be much better than the last scumbags that came in after Crum got ousted.

[@TommyNelson00]

@@toddseales8222 stay mad🤣🤣

[@jmcgee39]

Kentucky Wildcat fans, Acknowledge him.

[@theblakex]

We just did bro

[@jmcgee39]

@@theblakex The reference went over your pea-sized head "bro"

[@zacharybowman09]

☝🏼

[@RobbieStacks90]

The '96 Kentucky Wildcats just might have been the greatest college basketball team of all-time. I would only put the '09 Tar Heels, Anthony Davis' UK team, and maybe last year's UConn team in the same class.

[@mantis-mike5882]

As a Louisville fan, I agree about the 96 team.

[@GMC-hr6if]

If Rick Pitino would've coached the 2014-15 team. They would've definitely went 40-0. That other guy was a sorry coach. Glad he's in Arky.

[@cmitchel35]

None of them better than UNLV

[@drycreekforge749]

The 96 team was so stacked. They would've given any NBA team a run for their money.

[@bobbyyoung4243]

​@@cmitchel35straight ballers!!!

[@mugwhamp]

Warmed my heart immensely to see Coach Pitino back in Kentucky blue. Hoping that Coach Pope can bring us back the pride and glory!

[@gregtoy4202]

Had pitino never left this would be him passing the torch to Pope possibly, either way glad to see him back at home in good graces with fans🔥🔥🔥

[@BobBaker-v9v]

Ridiculous

[@rblfrmthewstdwn]

I’m not crying…you are.

[@dhomg5875]

i knew we shouldnt have cut onions before this came on.

[@BobBaker-v9v]

If you're crying you need counseling

[@Nsgbro1]

i was

[@rblfrmthewstdwn]

@@BobBaker-v9vnot refuting that haha

[@mrmidwest614]

I ROCK WITH COACH P HE'S A LEGEND FOR SURE‼️‼️

[@youngeazy2011]

I’m a Louisville fan but I loved this for Rick Pitino. It is weird seeing him in UK blue tho again

[@toddseales8222]

You’re wearing the wrong colors then. Go be a KenSUCKy fan.

[@youngeazy2011]

@@toddseales8222 F*** UK and f*** you for even makin that suggestion

[@bobbyyoung4243]

​@@toddseales8222WYS!!💯 GO CARDS!

[@TommyNelson00]

​@@toddseales8222stay off the meth buddy

[@toddseales8222]

@@youngeazy2011 stop kissing Pitino’s nuts then.

[@BigBlueGr8ness]

GO BIG BLUE we love you Pitino 💙🏀🤍

[@sim396]

What a great role model

[@randallmadison9910]

??

[@toddseales8222]

@@sim396 *smelling sarcasm*

[@rzob.5729]

He's MY UK coach. Pitino is the best UK coach I've ever seen. Welcome back coach P.

[@williamowsley9771]

So awesome! 🥹

[@decafmocha211]

Respect

[@madking8178]

Love Rivky P! He's one of the best coaches who ever coach for UK and in College Basketball.

[@shelbyesters5732]

You cant deny Rupp is #1 but Pitino is 2nd. He's the greatest coach still active in college basketball.

[@EricArmstrong-vo6dp]

Rick looks much better in blue.

[@BS-dq1kz]

I grew up in a very dysfunctional home. However, during the Pitino years, my dad was pretty happy on game days because we were winning a lot. Ha! So, we’d gather and watch them together sometimes with no fighting. It was Pitino who made me first love Ky basketball. His energy and the way he’d slide his suit jacket off with so little effort, always stood out to me. lol. I’ve still yet to see a man who can do that like he did. I’m 43 now. I can look back on only a few happy moments from my childhood with my family as a whole. Watching Pitino coach his team with so much passion, along with my family rooting for the CATS, is one of those memories. I’ve always admired Pitino and still do today.

[@Henry-fx2vp]

Pitino,Pitino,Pitino…In the house!!!

[@bubbawatson1852]

People only knew, he got us back, and the groups he did it with. We were a nobody, beating shq

[@grimeybeast1465]

He pulled UK Basketball out of the ashes. Thanks, coach P.

[@michaelmitchell7350]

Pitino's Kentucky teams were must watch tv in the 90's. That full court press and they shot 100 three pointers per game.😂😂😂😂

[@philholloway4424]

Was so great to see Coach Pitino again!!! Love ya Rick!!!🙀

[@Bettorlnformed]

Closure!💙

[@codymoran7815]

I was a little kid when Pitino left in ‘97 and I still remember my mother being heartbroken. Him going to U of L was a knife in the heart for a long time but this put a bow on making everything right again. BBN will always love those who made us better, even if we need a little time to let the wounds heal. Cal will get the same ovation in ~15 years and it will be just as emotional and satisfying.

[@kevinlakeman5043]

Not for me. Pitino never gave up trying to hang banners while at UK. Cal quit trying after he was incompetent in winning a title w/ that '15 team, and just started letting guys go out and play 1-on-3, try to get their own shots, and impress the NBA scouts.

[@glenosborne9807]

That was a fitting welcome home y'all.

[@Beardlovesdog]

Greatest of Alltime! In my opinion better than Rupp in the time he had at UK.

[@mitchslaven7646]

We are kentucky

[@mikethompson7613]

We miss you coach p

[@DeborahAnderson-d4v]

Love Coach Pope❤❤❤. Perfect for Kentucky ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Cozzzyboy]

And they thought this was a one coach program😂.. I love cal, fell in love with Kentucky because of Cal but BBN has been what it has been 💪🏾💪🏾

[@nevans8231]

Time heals all wounds. And there was too much time from his reign until his welcome home.

[@benhoskins4719]

All those kids in Rupp were wondering why the adults were whiping away tears❤

[@BillyW80]

Best ❤❤

[@BlackMtCreek]

Pitino will always be the Captain of BBN in my opinion! The man brought UK out of the depths and in my opinion will always be the greatest coach in UK Basketball history! Go Cats!!!

[@markstumpf4637]

Goat

[@johnnycorn7225]

I don't believe enough people see the defensive potential of our team this year considering this guy is behind the scenes . Pitino did create the 96 monster

[@markhayden3462]

Glad to see him back where he belongs. GBB

[@HarveyBlevins-i4h]

Old boy down south is TIGHT after seeing that😂😂😂

[@jodywells7519]

The cats are back baby!!!

[@gregtoy4202]

Lets go🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥☝🏼

[@Alapaha89]

WOW

[@billwilliamson3764]

If you don’t love this you don’t love Kentucky basketball

[@Junkman2008]

Way to be classy UK fans. Pitino took you all to unseen height's so there's no need to have any bad blood. I was happy to see that reception.

[@eugenehovekamp6038]

It's long past time to let bygones be bygones. Pitino resurrected this program. We've won two more championships since he left. I'll look forward to seeing him at the football game tomorrow.

[@dusfug]

Used to think we'd never accept Pitino back into the fold, now it's obvious that this is what it was meant to be all along. Tough for Louisville, who now has to disavow the only coach that made them relevant in the past 40 years. Hopefully manlet in chief Pat Kelsey can stay within 20 points of Kentucky, he certainly failed to make Louisville Live rival Big Blue Madness.

[@choppermorgan9946]

Nobody as good as slick RICK

[@reretaylor5764]

God what happened to UK fans hating this man

[@TommyNelson00]

They couldn't hate him forever. He literally saved the program after they got in trouble for cheating

[@toddseales8222]

@@TommyNelson00 and then cheated in Louisville and set us back 10 years. We will be back though.

[@TommyNelson00]

​@@toddseales8222He destroyed Louisville 🤣🤣🤣

[@reretaylor5764]

@@TommyNelson00 he didn't

[@Venomx-nb1jr]

Rick was never hated at Uk. Maybe for a few years after he left and for a few more when he went to Louisville but by the time he had Peyton siva at Louisville it was all respect.

[@dylanzinner2004]

This gonna be a redemption year for Kentucky I can already feel it hope we get far into the tournament this year and don’t screw it up this time happy new era for Kentucky the pope era. 🎉

[@DeborahAnderson-d4v]

Love Pope❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Bill-v7m6b]

He’s so fine

[@JonasHamilton-cm3og]

Yay

[@Kentuckyfx]

Pitino should come back as the assistant coach for Kentucky as his final year of coaching

[@bluegrassreb]

Man o man if he hadnt left.....

[@tlcp53b49]

There might not be one student in Rupp who was alive when Pitino was coaching there

[@g00senek2]

Guaranteed

[@jasonpeters9716]

Lol, all those SAME students were shitting in thier diapers. The LAST TIME Kentucky won a National Title.

[@gratefuldeadly7899]

That took about 15 seconds 😂

[@KingKayadagod515]

He back at uk ?????

[@jaflynn34]

What is the emblem on Popes shirt?

[@dixonspressurewashingllc1005]

kobe bryant's logo

[@jaflynn34]

@dixonspressurewashingllc1005 that's what I was thinking but Kobe didnt have a clothing brand.

[@johnnya390]

Rebuilt Kentucky to greatness. Then went and destroyed Louisville. One of the greatest Wildcats ever

[@codyrockarano5220]

Legend

[@MrNaturalSez]

What the hey, he's in the neighborhood... why not swing by Louisville?

[@toddseales8222]

@@MrNaturalSez they can keep that scumbag.

[@hianxiety940]

Was Billy Gillespie there too?

[@BlueBloodUK110]

No other fanbase in the world like BBN…Try and prove me wrong…You can’t

[@toddseales8222]

@@BlueBloodUK110 I can name 5 better on the top of my head.🙄

[@Nsgbro1]

💙💙💙💙💙

[@g00senek2]

Tell me who's in the house tonight? UK!!!

[@daledonnell8155]

So does he coach for them?

[@trocksuk4415]

🔵⚪️🔵⚪️

[@Unknown98146]

should've hired him again

[@aquemeni1979]

Chills…

[@joeymiddleton5821]

whats this got to do with duke

[@CBB1981]

💙🤍

[@WentworthKY]

Pat Kelsey is gonna own us whatever this 'Campaigning for Coach' culture that we're being sold to support at Kentucky

[@Nobody-n2m]

Wow. I bet Cal is overdosing on cracklins after seeing that

[@ST-cb8rv]

Johnnies should fire him!

[@krissmith9952]

I'm so glad UK fans evolved!! When he came to Louisville he was everything except a child of GOD! This full circle moment is vibezz. Also Louisville as much as I love my city, was wrong to fire him, this was political for so many reasons.

[@BrentJones-g2x]

I was born in 94. I don’t remember him being with us. My earliest memories are Tubby Smith. But man……..this will bring a tear to any Kentucky Fans eye. Rick belongs in Kentucky

[@charlottecorday8494]

TAKE THAT SWEATER OFF, what are you doing?!? Did he forget who signs his checks?