Pitino Vows to Keep Winning in Kentucky

Rick Pitino, who has made a career of rebuilding basketball programs, vowed today to immediately turn around the downtrodden Kentucky program, the winningest in college basketball history.

“When people say we can’t be competitive, let’s prove them wrong. And that’s what we’re about to do,” Pitino said. “It’s been a tradition with me to say, ‘We will win, and we will win right away.’ ”

Kentucky’s Athletics Board unanimously approved Pitino’s hiring earlier today. He was given a seven-year contract with a base salary of $105,000, but that will grow with income from coaches shows and endorsements.

“It was a lateral move economically,” said Pitino, who resigned as coach of the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.

Pitino will spend his first three years dealing with NCAA probation--including a two-year ban on postseason tournament play and no live television next season--for recruiting violations under Coach Eddie Sutton, who resigned in March.

“The sanctions and probation just make it tougher,” Pitino said. “But we will overcome all obstacles to make Kentucky basketball rich again.”

He warned boosters to keep their enthusiasm in the stands. “Come to the games and cheer as loud as you can. But stay away from our practices; stay away from my players,” he said.