Feb. 13, 2004

	Rick Pitino

Forget about the story and the reports that came out Thursday that Louisville coach Rick Pitino is going to St. John's.

It absolutely will not happen! It is ludicrous and absurd -- there is no way Pitino will be leaving Louisville. In fact, my sources tell me that he'll be signing a long-term extension to remain as coach of the Cardinals.

Pitino is happy with his situation at Louisville. He's excited about the future of Louisville basketball, as well he should be with a solid recruiting class coming in, led by New York City phenom Sebastian Telfair.

At St. John's, the basketball program can get healthy again in a hurry after the sex scandal involving several players. With the great atmosphere of New York City and Madison Square Garden, the visibility of the Big East and the rich tradition of the program, the St. John's situation can be turned around quickly.

Bobby Gonzalez would be the perfect hire to get the Red Storm rolling again.

I really feel that St. John's needs to hire someone from the New York City area who has good connections and a passion for basketball.

The school needs someone who understands what NYC basketball is all about.

Pitino has endorsed current Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez. I echo that sentiment, because Gonzalez would be the perfect hire to get the Red Storm rolling again. It would be good to see St. John's back on track.

It just won't be Pitino leading the revival.

Dick Vitale coached the Detroit Pistons and the University of Detroit in the 1970s before providing color commentary for ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979 (he's been an analyst for ESPN ever since). Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.