Pitino’s Decision Fuels Talk of Where He’ll Land Next

Speculation and talk-show hosts have linked departing Boston Celtic coach Rick Pitino’s name to UCLA, but even if the Bruins were to replace Steve Lavin and create an opening, they would be only one of a band of a suitors.

There is also speculation about Pitino and Indiana, now under interim Coach Mike Davis after firing Bob Knight.

However, the warmest-looking prospect now seems to be Nevada Las Vegas, which recently fired coach Bill Bayno.

ESPN reported there has already been contact between high-rolling, casino-owning Rebel booster Steve Wynn and Pitino. The network’s basketball commentator, Dick Vitale, says UNLV is Pitino’s No. 1 option.

Insiders say Pitino, a high-energy guy, is more likely to go for the glitter of a Las Vegas or Los Angeles than a small-town setting like Bloomington, Ind. He stayed at Kentucky for eight years but is thought to prefer faster times.

The Pitino-UNLV axis has been turning since last spring when a Boston TV station reported an unidentified Rebel booster was sounding out the Celtic coach.

At the time, UNLV Athletic Director Charles Cavagnaro pooh-poohed the report and school President Carol Harter said at the team’s awards banquet, “Rick Pitino couldn’t carry Bill Bayno’s jock.”

Now that both are at liberty, Pitino may be looking better.

Don’t hold your breath waiting for a quick resolution. Pitino is a hard bargainer, so there may be a lot of twists and turns before his name goes on anyone’s dotted line.