Pitino had so many damn issues at Louisville. Nobody will ever be able to take that back. Hookers, paying players, and extortion.
That said, I hope this is an opportunity for BBN and Rick to make amends. Not love each other, of course, I'm not sure that could ever happen. But, fans reconcile a bit with the ol traitor and vice versa.
Pitino is a great basketball mind. Probably would've been as good as or better than K if he'd stuck around at Kentucky. UK owes him thanks for four final fours and two (if you count Tubby using his players) championship banners in Rupp. I think Pope could help reform that bridge a bit.
FWIW, add Jack "Goose" Givens to the list of former Cats who are ecstatic about the hire.