Career Timeline of Rick Pitino: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Rick Pitino made an impact.

Rick Pitino is a prominent American basketball coach currently leading St. John's University's men's basketball team. He also coached Greece's national team. Over his extensive career, Pitino has coached multiple NCAA Division I teams, including Boston University, Providence College, Kentucky, and Louisville, achieving considerable success. He also spent time coaching in the NBA with the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics. Furthermore, Pitino coached professionally in Greece for Panathinaikos and most recently at Iona University before returning to a high-profile position at St. John's.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1987: Adoption of 3-Point Shot by NCAA

In 1987, the NCAA adopted the 3-point shot, and Rick Pitino is considered one of the first coaches to fully utilize it.

1988: Publication of Born to Coach

In 1988, Rick Pitino published his autobiography entitled "Born to Coach", describing his life up until his time with the Knicks.

2002: Billy Minardi Classic Established

Since 2002, the University of Louisville has designated a December home game as the Billy Minardi Classic.

January 28, 2004: Pitino Credited With Win Despite Medical Leave

On January 28, 2004, Rick Pitino did not coach in one win (vs. Houston) due to medical leave, but is credited with the victory.

2005: Louisville Ties for Most Single-Season Wins

In 2005, Rick Pitino's Louisville team tied for the most single-season wins in school history with 33.

2008: Rebound Rules Top Seller at Book Fair

In 2008, Rick Pitino's book "Rebound Rules" was the top seller at the Kentucky Book Fair.

December 20, 2010: Pitino Hired as Head Coach of Puerto Rico National Team

On December 20, 2010, Rick Pitino was hired as head coach of the senior Puerto Rico national team.

April 29, 2011: Pitino Steps Down as Puerto Rico Coach

On April 29, 2011, Rick Pitino stepped down as coach of the Puerto Rico national team due to scheduling conflicts and NCAA regulations.

2015: Pitino Coaches Puerto Rico in FIBA Americas Championship

In 2015, Rick Pitino coached the Puerto Rican national team at the FIBA Americas Championship, in Mexico City, Mexico, where they finished the tournament in 5th place.

December 26, 2018: Pitino Announced as Head Coach of Panathinaikos

On December 26, 2018, Rick Pitino was announced as the head coach of Panathinaikos until the end of the season, marking his debut in the EuroLeague.

2018: Publication of Pitino: My Story

In 2018, Rick Pitino's book, "Pitino: My Story" was published.

November 8, 2019: Pitino Hired as Head Coach of Greece National Team

On November 8, 2019, Rick Pitino was hired as head coach of Greece's senior national team for the 2020 FIBA Victoria Olympic qualifying tournament and the 2020 Summer Olympics.

November 26, 2019: Pitino Rehired by Panathinaikos

On November 26, 2019, Rick Pitino was rehired by Panathinaikos as the team's head coach on a two-year deal after the firing of Argyris Pedoulakis.

March 14, 2020: Pitino Named Head Coach of Iona College

On March 14, 2020, Rick Pitino was named head coach of Iona College after Tim Cluess stepped down due to health issues.

March 2020: Pitino Leaves Panathinaikos

In March 2020, Rick Pitino left Panathinaikos when the 2019–20 EuroLeague season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Panathinaikos in sixth place.

2020: Iona College Reaches NCAA Tournament

In 2020, Rick Pitino led Iona College to the NCAA tournament after winning the MAAC tournament, making him the third coach to lead five different programs to the NCAA tournament.