Rick Pitino on Tom Crean

One of the cool things about going to all these big-time games in Indianapolis is that you never know who you'll run into, meet, or just see from a distance. Last night at the Marion County Tournament, there were obviously many D1 college coaches in attendance, including Ron Hunter and his staff from IUPUI, coaches from Ohio University, and most notably, Louisville head man Rick Pitino and his son (pictured). I will have pictures posted later this afternoon. Coach Pitino was asked about new IU coach Tom Crean and his thoughts on him, since they often went head to head when Crean was in the Big East while at Marquette. Pitino thinks Crean is a great coach and will turn around the Hoosier program. One of the most interesting things he said was this:

"He's a tremendous evaluator of talent. He got guys I didn't like and turned them into good players. Guys like Wesley Matthews and Jerel McNeal. I wasn't big on them, but now they're both likely second round NBA draft picks."

I thought that quote would bring some sunshine this morning to Hoosier fans who have little else to cheer about these days, especially after that tOSU loss last night!