Rick Pitino, Kentucky and Mark Pope
Rick Pitino, the legend returning to Kentucky to support Mark Pope
The coach received a standing ovation after turning out to show his unwavering support for Kentucky's new coach. Rick Pitino was wildly cheered in a surprise return to Rupp Arena, with the Hall of Fame coach saying "I am so happy to be back" in a show of support for first-year Kentucky coach and former captain Mark Pope on Friday night at the Big Blue Madness public practice.
Rick Pitino makes surprise visit to Kentucky, says 'I'm so happy to be back' to support Mark Pope
Rick Pitino was wildly cheered in a surprise return to Rupp Arena, with the Hall of Fame coach saying “I am so happy to be back” in a show of support for first-year Kentucky coach and former captain Mark Pope on Friday night at the Big Blue Madness public practice.
So how do we actually feel about Rick Pitino’s return?
To the surprise of the Big Blue Nation, Rick Pitino made his return to Rupp Arena for the first Big Blue Madness of the Mark Pope era. Hours after the event wrapped up, we still don’t know if what we experienced was real.
Video: Rick Pitino Honored By Kentucky, Gets Standing Ovation in Return to Rupp Arena
Those boos from the Kentucky faithful when Rick Pitino returned to college basketball to coach archrival Louisville? A thing of the past. Pitino returned
Big Blue Madness magic returns and so does Rick Pitino
The Kentucky coach introduced his squad to the Bluegrass during Big Blue Madness on Friday night at Rupp Arena. A former player who helped lead the Wildcats to a national championship in 1996, Pope was the main attraction during the annual preseason event to kick off the season.
Rick Pitino made his shocking return to the Kentucky basketball program (VIDEO)
Hell hath frozen over as former Kentucky head coach Rick Pitino stood in the middle of Rupp Arena, decked out in the iconic blue. Pitino won his only national championship with the Wildcats in 1996 (Sorry, Louisville fans, 2013 doesn't exist. Look it up). The former Kentucky coach shocked the entire college basketball world with his appearance.
Watch: Rick Pitino returns to 'Camelot' for Kentucky Big Blue Madness event
The end of Kentucky's Big Blue Madness event was marked by the return of former Wildcats coach Rick Pitino, who shared a few words with the crowd.
Pitino makes emotional return to Kentucky, endorses Pope
Rick Pitino receives a rapturous reception in Kentucky before thanking the fans and giving a passionate endorsement of coach Mark Pope.
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CRAWFORD | Pope rings in his first Big Blue Madness with Pitino’s return to Rupp
If there were any question about whether Rick Pitino’s return to the Bluegrass State this weekend would include an appearance ...
Rick Pitino returns to Rupp Arena for Big Blue Madness. ‘I am so happy to be back.’
Rick Pitino was back in Rupp Arena and wearing blue and white to support new UK basketball coach Mark Pope at his first Big ...
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Big Blue Nation goes ‘mad’ for Rick Pitino appearance at Big Blue Madness
Pitino took the floor and the microphone in front of former UK men’s basketball players as the crowd erupted in applause.
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Rick Pitino to attend Kentucky vs Vanderbilt football game. Will he be at Big Blue Madness?
LEXINGTON — Rick Pitino confirmed rumors Tuesday he'll be back in the Bluegrass ... Ask Carson Beck and Jaxson Dart 3 ...
Madness ushers in a new era of UK basketball. ‘There is no place like Kentucky, baby!’
New Kentucky basketball coaches Mark Pope and Kenny Brooks introduced their teams to fans at Big Blue Madness on Friday night ...