“I totally get it” — Rick Pitino finally grasps why Kentucky fans were “bitter” to him after his switch to Louisville

Rick Pitino is a big name in college basketball. He coached the Kentucky Wildcats from 1989 to 1997 and guided them to an NCAA championship. Following this, he moved into coaching the Boston Celtics in the NBA, only to return to collegiate basketball four years later,

In 2001, Pitino became the head coach of Kentucky's archrival Louisville, which did not sit well with the Wildcats' fanbase.

Pitino showed up on the podcast "KSR" on Thursday, where he discussed his connection with the Kentucky fanbase, acknowledging that their anger was justified.

"The Kentucky fans, to me, are very special, They treated me, my family, with great reverence," Pitino said. "I've got nothing but great things to say about the Kentucky fan. I totally get it today why they were bitter at me for going to the University of Louisville."

After almost 30 years since Rick Pitino left, Kentucky still holds a special place in his heart. Now coaching at St. John's, Pitino recently expressed that his decision to join Louisville was influenced by his deep affection for his time at Kentucky and his desire to recreate that experience.

Under Pitino, the Kentucky Wildcats once again dominated the NCAA tournament. He led the team to three Final Four appearances, reaching the final twice and winning the national championship once.

Rick Pitino donates to Kentucky Football NIL

Despite past conflicts, Pitino still cares about the Wildcats. He has helped out with the UK's football NIL efforts and is open to supporting the basketball team under new coach Mark Pope.

"Well, I actually cut a check to the football program because I'm a casual friend of Mark (Stoops) and Eddie Gran. I cut a check to the football program," Pitino said on the "KSR" podcast. "But I would definitely cut a check if Mark (Pope) needs me for anything no matter what it is. Except for my first-born, Michael? He can have it."

Kentucky's HC Mark Pope played for Rick Pitino from 1994 and 1997. Pope also led the 1995 and 1996 Wildcats team as captain when they won an NCAA national championship under Pitino.

"I absolutely love Mark (Pope) and would do anything for his program," Pitino added. "I always called the University of Kentucky Camelot for me. I never had a bad year, never had a bad day. They treated me like a king."

Pitino's upcoming games against Kentucky with St. John’s in 2025 mark an intriguing chapter in college basketball.