Summary of "Hour 2 - Rick Pitino" Episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Rick Pitino
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Introduction
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in an in-depth conversation with famed basketball coach Rick Pitino. The discussion spans a range of topics, including the current NBA draft, college basketball dynamics, the evolving landscape of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and transfer portals, and insights into Pitino's strategies at St. John's University.
NBA Draft Analysis
Timestamp: [02:54] - [05:10]
Colin opens the episode by delving into the NBA draft, highlighting the prominence of domestic players and notable prospects like Cooper Flag from Duke. Pitino shares his perspective on the draft's strength, emphasizing the maturity and readiness of top picks compared to other sports leagues. He states:
"I think it's good at the top, but again, it's an NBA draft. These are young players. It's not the NFL where guys come in at 23. They've been in college for three or four years, their bodies are mature. I mean, even Cooper Flagg right now, had he not taken the opportunity to move ahead, he would be in high school getting his diploma right now."
[03:31] - [03:32]
Pitino predicts that Cooper Flag will go number one to Dallas, discussing the potential for trades and the Spurs' interest in Dylan Harper. He elaborates on Harper's playmaking abilities and his development trajectory:
"You know, he's a smooth lefty and he is probably in the fifth inning of his development. He's just starting."
[04:44]
Evaluating Draft Prospects
Timestamp: [06:14] - [12:32]
The conversation shifts to comparing past draft prospects like Wemby and Zion with current players. Pitino praises Cooper Flag's physical readiness and versatility, asserting that he is poised to make an immediate impact in the NBA:
"He's got a good inside game, good outside game, he drives with force, knows how to play the game. He actually is young, he skipped a year of high school so he's ready for the NBA and I think he'll be an impact basketball player right away."
[10:40] - [11:08]
Regarding Dylan Harper, Pitino highlights his understanding of the game and his ability to elevate teammates:
"He has great pace, great tempo, gets his shot off in traffic, but really understands how to make players better. There aren't too many guys in the draft that make players better. He's one of those."
[12:10] - [12:32]
College Basketball Renaissance and NIL Impact
Timestamp: [08:43] - [19:48]
Pitino discusses the renaissance in college basketball, attributing it to factors like the NIL and the transfer portal. He emphasizes how these elements have retained talented players in college longer and attracted international talent:
"College basketball's back. They got seven NBA guys that that team could compete against anybody. That's a real basketball team."
[09:56]
He shares his strategy at St. John's University, focusing on player development and adapting to the new landscape without grumbling about changes:
"We have player development sessions every morning, Monday through Friday... Our practices, yes, are very difficult, but I will say this, they're not long. We don't go more than two hours, but we go hard for two hours."
[15:26] - [16:14]
Pitino also touches upon the challenges posed by the NIL, particularly the increased involvement of parents and agents:
"It's so many agents out there are negotiating during the year to get a player more money. And who's involved in this? Now? I will say this more so than any period of my 51 years in coaching."
[19:21] - [19:48]
Highlighting Caitlin Clark's Talent
Timestamp: [16:14] - [17:21]
The discussion briefly shifts to women's basketball, where Pitino lauds Caitlin Clark's exceptional skills. He draws parallels between her playmaking abilities and those of Steph Curry:
"She reminds me of Steph Curry. When Steph Curry came into the league, she's doing what Steph did early on. She has unbelievable range. She has great vision. She's a terrific passer."
[16:57] - [17:21]
Critique of NIL and Transfer Portals
Timestamp: [17:48] - [19:57]
Pitino voices concerns about the negative aspects of NIL and transfer portals, such as players being discontent and seeking more lucrative opportunities, potentially disrupting team dynamics:
"It's so many agents out there are negotiating during the year to get a player more money... it's, that's the bad thing of the NIL."
[19:21] - [19:48]
He also remarks on the heightened involvement of parents in the recruiting process, which differs significantly from past practices:
"I have never seen parents as involved in this whole thing like I'm seeing in the last four to five years..."
[19:30] - [19:48]
Personal Insights and Stories
Timestamp: [21:06] - [24:58]
Pitino shares personal anecdotes about his early love for baseball, his experiences growing up in New York, and his passion for the sport. He reflects on the evolution of college basketball and its relationship with professional leagues, advocating for the importance of college environments in player development.
He emphasizes the value of strong coaching and the benefits of competing in high-stakes college tournaments like March Madness, which he believes provide better preparation for the NBA compared to alternative leagues like the G League.
Conclusion
In the latter part of the episode, Pitino reiterates his commitment to developing players at St. John's and navigating the complexities introduced by NIL and transfer portals. He underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and strategic planning in maintaining competitive advantage in college basketball.
Notable Quotes
-
Rick Pitino:
"College basketball's back. They got seven NBA guys that that team could compete against anybody. That's a real basketball team."
[09:56] -
Rick Pitino:
"He actually is young, he skipped a year of high school so he's ready for the NBA and I think he'll be an impact basketball player right away."
[11:08] -
Rick Pitino:
"She reminds me of Steph Curry... She has unbelievable range. She has great vision. She's a terrific passer."
[16:57] - [17:21] -
Rick Pitino:
"It's so many agents out there are negotiating during the year to get a player more money... it's, that's the bad thing of the NIL."
[19:21]
This episode offers a comprehensive look into Rick Pitino's insights on the current state of basketball, both collegiate and professional. His expertise provides valuable perspectives on player development, the impact of recent NCAA changes, and the future trajectory of the sport.