Larry Ivy, the Director of Athletics at the University of Kentucky, has released the following statement regarding Rick Pitino beingnamed head men’s basketball coach at the University of Louisville:

“Rick helped rebuild Kentucky basketball for eight great years. He took over our program when it needed reviving and did anoutstanding job, and for that, we’ll always be grateful. In return, I’m sure he’s grateful for what Kentucky basketball did for havingmade him the No. 1 coach in the nation. He then left the pinnacle of college basketball to chase his dreams of returning the BostonCeltics to their glory of yesteryear. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out as planned.”

“As his personal friend, I can sympathize that he’s eager to return to the college coaching ranks where he’s experienced tremendoussuccess. I’m sure he feels that coaching Louisville in Conference USA will allow him to realize that success again quickly. However,for college basketball’s greatest fans, those at the University of Kentucky, it will be extremely difficult to imagine Rick coaching theCardinals. Now, as the No. 2 coach in the Bluegrass State, we wish him the best and look forward to giving him the properhomecoming he deserves when the Cardinals visit Camelot next season.”