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  • Rick Pitino urges Kentucky fans to give John Calipari ‘a huge standing ovation’


    • Myron MedcalfJan 30, 2025, 04:39 PM ET

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      • Covers college basketball
      • Joined ESPN.com in 2011
      • Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato

    Rick Pitino knows how John Calipari might feel when the former Kentucky coach returns to Lexington on Saturday as Arkansas visits the 12th-ranked Wildcats.

    Pitino’s first visit there — and many after — was hostile in part because he returned as the coach of Louisville, Kentucky’s greatest rival.

    But Pitino, who was accused of using an offensive gesture toward the crowd after a game at Rupp Arena in 2015, said he hopes Kentucky’s fans will show grace to Calipari, whose tenure ended last season after three consecutive first-weekend exits in the NCAA tournament before he accepted the Arkansas job.

    “So he’s coming back on Saturday, and I want all of you to show the great class that you have: 23,000-plus people giving him a huge standing ovation,” Pitino, now the coach at St. John’s, said in a video posted Thursday to social media. “Show him what respect and admiration is all about. I know you have the class. I’ve always believed in you. Do it once again.”

    Calipari was the king of the one-and-done era at Kentucky. From 2011 to 2015, he led the program to four Final Four appearances in five seasons, a run that included the 2012 national championship.

    But Calipari’s time at Kentucky ended with a turbulent stretch and losses to double-digit seeds Saint Peter’s and Oakland in 2022 and 2024, respectively, in the NCAA tournament.

    Earlier this week, Calipari said the return could come with different emotions.

    “Walking in that arena, storied arena, and walking in the wrong door, the other door,” Calipari said during his weekly radio show before Saturday’s game. “Seeing my friends the night before. Having my friends — dear friends, lifelong friends — but they’re Kentucky fans. Their whole life they’ve been Kentucky fans.

    “I just hope they’re neutral, but they are Kentucky fans. We gave our heart and soul. [My wife] was like a mother to those kids. So yes, there is going to be some emotion.”

    If anyone knows how Calipari feels, it’s Pitino, who went from beloved coach to enemy in the eyes of Kentucky’s fans after leading the Wildcats to the 1996 national title only to leave a year later for the Boston Celtics.

    Pitino said he hopes Kentucky fans will remember the good things Calipari did during his time there.

    “Toughest day of my coaching career at Louisville was when I had to walk into Rupp Arena,” he said in the video. “I tried not to show it, but the reception — it tore me up apart, because I loved that place so much.

    “As you all know, I’m not best friends with John Calipari. I respect him certainly, but it was a mutual thing. The fans wanted a change. John read the tea leaves. He needed a change. And he really didn’t want to leave. But what did he do for you? He brought the best talent in the history of the game of any university in America to Lexington. He also won a national championship. His style of play was extremely entertaining.”



    In a surprising turn of events, former University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino is urging Kentucky fans to show support for current Wildcats head coach John Calipari. In a recent interview, Pitino expressed his admiration for Calipari’s success at Kentucky and urged fans to give him “a huge standing ovation” when he returns to Rupp Arena.

    Pitino, who coached at Kentucky from 1989 to 1997 before moving on to Louisville, has had a tumultuous relationship with the Wildcats fan base in recent years. However, he seems to have put aside any past grievances and is now calling for unity among the Kentucky faithful.

    Calipari, who has led the Wildcats to numerous NCAA tournament appearances and a national championship in 2012, has faced criticism from some fans in recent years for not winning more titles. Pitino’s endorsement could help mend the relationship between Calipari and some skeptical supporters.

    It remains to be seen how Kentucky fans will respond to Pitino’s plea, but one thing is for certain: the basketball world will be watching as Calipari returns to Rupp Arena and awaits his reception from the Big Blue faithful.

    Tags:

    Rick Pitino, Kentucky basketball, John Calipari, rivalry, college basketball, coaching legends, standing ovation, sportsmanship, Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, basketball coaches, SEC basketball, NCAA basketball, coaching respect

    #Rick #Pitino #urges #Kentucky #fans #give #John #Calipari #huge #standing #ovation

  • Rick Barnes: ‘I Don’t Know If I’d Still Be Doing It’ Without Zakai Zeigler


    Tennessee basketballTennessee basketball
    Tennessee basketball HC Rick Barnes and PG Zakai Zeigler. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics.

    Tennessee basketball is in the midst of one of its best four year stretches in program history. They won the SEC Tournament in 2022, made the Sweet 16 in 2023, won the SEC Regular-Season Championship and made the Elite Eight and sit at 17-2 and No. 6 in the AP Poll in late January.

    The biggest common denominator in that four-year stretch is Zakai Zeigler. The Long Island native’s gone from spark plug scorer off the bench to one of the best pass first point guards in the country.

    In the process, he’s seemingly become one of Rick Barnes’ favorite ever players.

    “Zakai Zeigler has impacted this program in four years in a way that nobody in their wildest imagination (expected),” Barnes said at the Big Orange Tipoff on Thursday. “In ways that you can’t even imagine. He’s been a fighter his whole life. He’s been told he’s too small. He can’t do this. He can’t do that. And he, I don’t care what anyone else thinks, I know what he thinks.

    “To have him every day do what he does, is an incredible blessing that God gave me. Because I don’t know if I’d still be doing it, I’ll be honest with you. I don’t. Because of him, he makes me enjoy practice every day.”

    More From RTI: Former Tennessee Basketball Wing Cam Carr Commits To Baylor

    It’s not the first time that Barnes has made a similar statement. The 10th-year Tennessee coach called Zeigler his “security blanket” earlier this month and also talked about how difficult it is going to be without Zeigler.

    “I don’t know why I actually woke up the other morning (and) thought about Z being a senior,” Barnes said. “I don’t know if I’d still be doing it, I’ll be honest with you. I don’t. Because of him, he makes me enjoy practice every day.”

    Barnes it notoriously tough on his point guards and Zeigler has become a trusty veteran for Tennessee and a calming force for his head coach.

    A reigning First Team All-SEC selection and SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Zeigler is averaging 12.2 points, 7.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game this season.

    The elephant in the room surrounding Barnes’ foggy vision of his coaching future without Zeigler is that the 5-foot-9 point guard is a senior.

    There is a possibility that the NCAA could pass a rule that provides all athletes five years of eligibility this spring but it’s unclear whether it will pass in time for current fourth-year basketball seniors to take advantage of it. If it does, Zeigler will likely return for a fifth college season but if not then he’ll be moving on to professional basketball.

    Perhaps the most telling remark Barnes made at the Big Orange Tipoff was the one about Zeigler making practice fun. Barnes has long said that he’ll continue to coach until he isn’t excited to show up to practice every day.

    Tennessee will be back in action on Saturday night when they head on the road to face No. 1 Auburn at Neville Arena. Tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.



    Rick Barnes: ‘I Don’t Know If I’d Still Be Doing It’ Without Zakai Zeigler

    In a recent interview, University of Tennessee men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes opened up about the impact that freshman guard Zakai Zeigler has had on his coaching career. Barnes expressed gratitude for Zeigler’s talent, work ethic, and positive attitude, stating, “I don’t know if I’d still be doing it without Zakai.”

    Zeigler, a highly touted recruit from New York, has quickly made a name for himself on the court with his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and leadership skills. Barnes praised Zeigler’s maturity and poise, saying, “He’s a special player, but he’s an even better person. He’s the type of player that coaches dream of coaching.”

    The veteran coach also highlighted Zeigler’s impact on the team as a whole, noting that his presence has helped elevate the performance of his teammates. “Zakai has brought a level of intensity and competitiveness to our practices that has been infectious. He pushes everyone to be better, and that’s why we’ve been so successful this season,” Barnes said.

    As the Vols continue their push towards the NCAA Tournament, all eyes will be on Zakai Zeigler and his impact on the team. With his talent and leadership abilities, it’s clear that he has a bright future ahead of him in college basketball. And for Rick Barnes, having Zeigler on his team has been a game-changer that he is truly grateful for.

    Tags:

    1. Rick Barnes
    2. Zakai Zeigler
    3. College basketball
    4. University of Tennessee
    5. Coaching career
    6. Success stories
    7. Motivation
    8. Passion for basketball
    9. Mentorship
    10. Personal growth

    #Rick #Barnes #Dont #Zakai #Zeigler

  • Why Rick Barnes was upbeat after Tennessee basketball lost at Auburn






    “Finding the Silver Lining: Why Rick Barnes was upbeat after Tennessee basketball’s loss at Auburn”

    In a surprising turn of events, Tennessee basketball suffered a tough loss at Auburn, but head coach Rick Barnes remained surprisingly upbeat in his post-game press conference. Despite the defeat, Barnes highlighted the team’s resilience and determination throughout the game.

    Barnes praised his players for their effort and intensity on the court, noting that they never gave up and fought until the very end. He emphasized the importance of learning from losses and using them as motivation to improve and grow as a team.

    Additionally, Barnes acknowledged the strong performance of Auburn’s team and credited them for their skill and execution during the game. He emphasized the importance of facing tough competition and using it as a learning opportunity for his players.

    Overall, Barnes’ positive attitude and focus on growth and improvement were evident in his post-game comments. While the loss was disappointing, he remains confident in his team’s abilities and is determined to continue working hard and pushing forward.

    Tags:

    1. Rick Barnes
    2. Tennessee basketball
    3. Auburn
    4. SEC basketball
    5. College basketball
    6. Upbeat
    7. Loss
    8. Post-game interview
    9. Tennessee Vols
    10. NCAA basketball

    #Rick #Barnes #upbeat #Tennessee #basketball #lost #Auburn

  • The Titan’s Curse (Percy Jackson – Paperback By Riordan, Rick – GOOD



    The Titan’s Curse (Percy Jackson – Paperback By Riordan, Rick – GOOD

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    Title: The Titan’s Curse (Percy Jackson – Paperback By Riordan, Rick – GOOD)

    Are you a fan of mythology, action-packed adventures, and witty humor? Look no further than “The Titan’s Curse” by Rick Riordan. This thrilling installment in the Percy Jackson series will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

    Join Percy, Annabeth, and Grover as they embark on a dangerous quest to rescue their friend, the half-blood daughter of Artemis, from the clutches of the powerful titan, Atlas. Along the way, they must battle monsters, face betrayal, and uncover shocking secrets that will change their world forever.

    Riordan’s expert blend of Greek mythology and modern storytelling makes this series a must-read for fans of all ages. With pulse-pounding action, lovable characters, and unexpected twists, “The Titan’s Curse” is a page-turner that you won’t be able to put down.

    Get your hands on a copy of “The Titan’s Curse” today and prepare to be swept away on an epic adventure that you won’t soon forget. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!
    #Titans #Curse #Percy #Jackson #Paperback #Riordan #Rick #GOOD,ages 3+

  • The Maze of Bones (39 Clues, No. 1) – Hardcover By Riordan, Rick – ACCEPTABLE



    The Maze of Bones (39 Clues, No. 1) – Hardcover By Riordan, Rick – ACCEPTABLE

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    Are you ready to embark on an epic adventure filled with mystery and danger? Look no further than “The Maze of Bones,” the first book in the thrilling 39 Clues series by acclaimed author Rick Riordan.

    Join siblings Amy and Dan Cahill as they race against time to uncover the secrets of their powerful family’s history. With only a series of cryptic clues to guide them, they must navigate a treacherous maze of puzzles and traps in order to claim their rightful inheritance.

    But beware, for they are not the only ones seeking the coveted prize. Danger lurks around every corner, and betrayal is always just a step away. Will Amy and Dan emerge victorious, or will they fall victim to the deadly machinations of their rivals?

    With pulse-pounding action, clever riddles, and unexpected twists, “The Maze of Bones” is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Grab your copy today and prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable journey through history and intrigue.
    #Maze #Bones #Clues #Hardcover #Riordan #Rick #ACCEPTABLE,ages 3+

  • Rick Riordan Presents Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, The – VERY GOOD



    Rick Riordan Presents Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, The – VERY GOOD

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    I recently finished reading “Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky” by Kwame Mbalia, part of the Rick Riordan Presents series, and let me tell you – it is SO GOOD!

    The book follows Tristan Strong, a young boy who accidentally punches a hole into another world and must embark on an epic adventure to save both worlds from an ancient evil. Filled with African American folklore, mythology, and magic, this book is a captivating and imaginative read that kept me hooked from start to finish.

    Mbalia’s writing is engaging and brings the characters and world to life in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The story is fast-paced, action-packed, and full of heart, making it a perfect read for fans of fantasy and adventure.

    Overall, “Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky” is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and exciting new take on mythology and folklore. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages – you won’t be disappointed!
    #Rick #Riordan #Presents #Tristan #Strong #Punches #Hole #Sky #GOOD,ages 3+

  • Why Rick Astley Waited for His Parents’ Death to Write His Memoir (Exclusive)


    Rick Astley had been approached about penning a memoir for decades but always resisted — until now.

    The singer was a 21-year-old playing local gigs in his small English hometown in 1987 when he released “Never Gonna Give You Up,” a classic ’80s pop earworm that quickly climbed the charts worldwide and skyrocketed the performer into superstardom, almost overnight.

    Two decades later, thanks to one of the internet’s earliest viral moments — a prank where someone sends a link to the track’s music video disguised as something else, dubbed “Rickrolling” — the song was introduced to a new generation, reigniting the star’s popularity as the video hit over a billion and a half views on YouTube.

    Now 58, Astley is telling all about his humble beginnings, the darker sides of instant fame and a nearly three-decade-long marriage to wife Lene Bausager in a new memoir, Never: The Autobiography, out Jan. 21.

    Rick Astley.

    Peter Neill


    In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, Astley reveals that he was first approached about a book deal in his 20s — and then again when “Never Gonna Give You Up” garnered its viral moment in the 2000s. But he held off because of his parents. “I wanted to wait until my mom and dad weren’t alive anymore because I wanted to be completely honest about my childhood and didn’t want to upset them,” he says.

    Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer , from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

    In the memoir, Astley describes his difficult upbringing. He witnessed his father physically attacking his mother at a young age, and after his parents split when he was 4, he lost his emotional connection to them both.

    “Whatever I went through with them, I don’t blame them,” the singer and author tells PEOPLE. “I don’t think it was their fault. It was just the way it was.”

    The memoir charts the young singer’s earliest experiences with music — playing his first gig at a school disco, entering into local Battle of the Bands competitions and eventually getting plucked by budding producer Pete Waterman, who would help release “Never Gonna Give You Up.” But the story of his music career wouldn’t be complete without the details of his childhood, says Astley. “I just wanted to be really honest about the way that I was brought up because I think that’s what pushed me to want love and attention in different areas that I didn’t get as a kid.”

    ‘Never: The Autobiography’ by Rick Astley.

    Macmillan


    “It wasn’t just emotional and mental — it was a physical escape,” Astley says of his early relationship to music. “It was like, ‘If I can get a career in this, I can set my boundaries. I can set the rules. I can buy a house. I can go live somewhere that I want to live and not live under my dad’s roof.’ ”

    Astley acknowledges the irony of “craving stability” out of fame — especially when the life of a rock star is often associated with drugs, sex and money. “I’m not saying I didn’t crave some of those things,” he adds. “But I was trying to fill a bit of a hole that I think had been left by my childhood.”

    Rick Astley.

    Peter Neill


    Now, a handful of awards and several platinum albums later, Astley is a parent himself — sharing 32-year-old daughter Amelia with his longtime wife. Not long after her birth, the singer temporarily stepped back from making music, which he says was “partly” to make more time for being a present parent.

    “How do you become somebody who can be really, really famous and be a parent who is physically, mentally and emotionally there?” Astley wonders. “Fame is about being selfish and being a bit of an egomaniac at times, and it’s a hard thing to turn off when you go home.”

    The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

    He acknowledges that Amelia “never really knew” her grandfather and “wasn’t close to” her grandmother, given the strained relationships Astley had to his own parents. But he was very forthcoming with his daughter about the years he spent in therapy in his 20s and 30s processing his difficult upbringing. “I think it’s super valuable to talk about that,” he says. 

    Still, the English rocker says his daughter has “struggled” with the release of his autobiography — especially some of the details of his life he had never gotten around to telling her, waiting for a “moment when that’s an appropriate conversation to have,” that are now available for the world to read.

    “Parenting, man, that’s a big one,” he concludes. “You just have to do the best you can do.”

    Never: The Autobiography is available now, wherever books are sold.



    In a recent exclusive interview, 80s pop sensation Rick Astley revealed the shocking reason behind why he waited for his parents’ death to write his highly-anticipated memoir.

    Astley, known for his hit song “Never Gonna Give You Up,” explained that he felt a sense of obligation to protect his parents’ privacy and respect their wishes while they were alive. He wanted to ensure that he could share his story freely without causing any distress or embarrassment to his family.

    “It was a difficult decision to make, but I knew that I needed to wait until my parents had passed away before delving into certain aspects of my life,” Astley shared. “I wanted to be able to be completely honest and open in my memoir without holding back or censoring myself.”

    The singer-songwriter revealed that his memoir will touch on personal struggles, career challenges, and the highs and lows of fame. Astley hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire and connect with his fans on a deeper level.

    Fans can expect an intimate and candid look into Astley’s life when his memoir is released later this year. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly-anticipated book.

    Tags:

    1. Rick Astley memoir
    2. Exclusive interview
    3. Parents’ death
    4. Writing process
    5. Rick Astley exclusive
    6. Memoir release
    7. Heartfelt story
    8. Singer’s journey
    9. Emotional journey
    10. Personal reflections

    #Rick #Astley #Waited #Parents #Death #Write #Memoir #Exclusive

  • Rick Astley memoir tackles Rickrolling, Dave Grohl






    “Never Gonna Give You Up: Rick Astley’s Memoir Dives into Rickrolling and Friendship with Dave Grohl”

    Tags:

    Rick Astley memoir, Rickrolling, Dave Grohl, 80s pop star, music legend, viral sensation, internet meme, Rick Astley interview, music industry, pop culture, nostalgia, Foo Fighters frontman, Rick Astley autobiography, Rick Astley career, music history, pop music icon, never gonna give you up, rickrolling phenomenon.

    #Rick #Astley #memoir #tackles #Rickrolling #Dave #Grohl

  • The Kane Chronicles 3 Books Collection By Rick Riordan – Ages 9-14 – Paperback



    The Kane Chronicles 3 Books Collection By Rick Riordan – Ages 9-14 – Paperback

    Price : 34.38 – 25.78

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    If you’re a fan of mythology and adventure, then The Kane Chronicles 3 Books Collection By Rick Riordan is a must-read for you!

    This collection includes the thrilling books “The Red Pyramid,” “The Throne of Fire,” and “The Serpent’s Shadow,” all packed with action, magic, and Egyptian mythology. Follow siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they discover their magical heritage and embark on a quest to save the world from chaos.

    Perfect for readers ages 9-14, these paperbacks are sure to captivate and entertain with their blend of history, mythology, and modern-day storytelling. Don’t miss out on this exciting and immersive series by the bestselling author Rick Riordan. Get your hands on The Kane Chronicles 3 Books Collection today!
    #Kane #Chronicles #Books #Collection #Rick #Riordan #Ages #Paperback,ages 3+

  • ‘Gold Rush’ Recap: Rick Ness Achieves Yukon Dream & Beets Crew Member Makes Dramatic Exit | Entertainment







    In the latest episode of “Gold Rush,” fans were on the edge of their seats as Rick Ness achieved his Yukon dream and a Beets crew member made a dramatic exit.

    After weeks of hard work and dedication, Rick Ness finally struck gold in the Yukon, fulfilling his lifelong dream of finding a big pay streak. The team’s hard work and perseverance paid off, as they were able to hit their goal and celebrate their success.

    However, the celebration was short-lived as tensions rose within the Beets crew. One crew member made a dramatic exit, leaving the team scrambling to fill the void and keep the operation running smoothly. The unexpected departure shook the crew to its core and left fans wondering what the future holds for the Beets team.

    As the season continues, viewers can expect more twists and turns as the miners face new challenges and obstacles in their quest for gold. Stay tuned for more drama, excitement, and gold mining adventures on “Gold Rush.”

    Tags:

    Gold Rush recap, Rick Ness, Yukon dream, Beets crew, dramatic exit, entertainment news, reality TV, mining adventure, gold mining, TV show recap

    #Gold #Rush #Recap #Rick #Ness #Achieves #Yukon #Dream #Beets #Crew #Member #Dramatic #Exit #Entertainment

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