Most of us are familiar with Rick Pitino the championship-winning college basketball coach, but very few of us know Rick Pitino the horse enthusiast. Two of Pitino’s horses are currently being trained by thoroughbred trainer Randy Bradshaw, and he recently asked the Louisville coach for help in naming the pair of two-year-old colts. Natually, Pitino named them after his players.
“The Bellamy Road colt was a spectacular big, big colt,” Pitino said according to the Courier-Journal. “He was lanky, had great potential and goes the distance. I said I got the perfect name for him. I said ‘Gorgui.'”
Of course, Pitino is referring to his 6-foot-11 big man, Gorgui Dieng. He led the team in rebounds and set a school record for blocked shots in a single season. It sounds like he’s deserving of the honor, but don’t worry — Pitino didn’t forget about his back court.
“(The second horse is) very, very quick — has a great first step, so to speak,” Pitino explained. “I said I got the perfect name there, too.”
Pitino named the other horse “Siva,” after guard Peyton Siva. As you know, the Cardinals got hot at the right time last season and charged their way all the way to a Final Four appearance. Many great players have played under Pitino, but obviously this crew left a lasting impression. You don’t just going throwing names at your horses unless they mean something.
H/T Game On!
Photo credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE
