Quinn Slazinski, a former player under Rick Pitino at Iona, shared a jaw-dropping anecdote from his time with the legendary coach, shedding light on Pitino’s fiery demeanor during practices.
Pitino, who has been making headlines recently for his candid remarks and fiery coaching style, apparently didn’t hold back even in the confines of practice sessions. Slazinski revealed the shocking moment when Pitino, frustrated by his failure to box out, threatened him with a chilling remark.
“I didn’t box out, and this was in practice. And he looks at me… I don’t know if I can say this. Out of love, he said he will chop me up in seven pieces and send me back to Detroit, or Houston or wherever the bleep I’m from,” Slazinski recounted to the media.
Despite the alarming nature of Pitino’s comment, Slazinski surprisingly interpreted it as coming “out of love,” offering a unique perspective on the intense coaching style employed by Pitino.
While such remarks might raise eyebrows and prompt concerns from the public, Slazinski’s nonchalant reaction suggests that intense interactions like these are not uncommon in the world of college basketball.
Reflecting on Pitino’s resurgence since his departure from Louisville, where he faced controversy and subsequent termination, it seems the seasoned coach is embracing his unapologetic coaching style at St. John’s, regardless of the outcome on the court.
The revelation of Pitino’s intense coaching methods serves as a reminder of the high stakes and pressure-cooker environment of college basketball practices, where coaches push players to their limits in pursuit of excellence.
As Slazinski’s anecdote demonstrates, while Pitino’s coaching style may be unconventional and polarizing, it undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression on those who have experienced it firsthand.
