Career advice from Rick Pitino to Billy Donovan

By: Patrick Irving

SIOC has uncovered a series of (fictitious) e-mails between University of Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan and his longtime mentor Rick Pitino from the past week or so ...

THURSDAY, MAY 31ST

Who else could Billy Donovan turn to for NBA advice than his former coach, Rick Pitino. Bob Rosato/SI

9:05am, B. Donovan wrote:

Rick,

I tried to call you but it keeps jumping right to voicemail. I've got some big news!!!

-Billy

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9:14am, R. Pitino wrote:

Billy,

I'm up at the cabin for the week and my phone's not working...I just have e-mail...what's up?

-RP

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9:38am, B. Donovan wrote:

I've got an NBA offer -- and it's a good one. I think I might take it. Thoughts?

-BD

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10:21am, R. Pitino wrote:

Where, Memphis? That dog has fleas, kid. Run away -- fast! Next thing you know they'll try to convince you you're a shoo-in to land Tim Duncan. Not gonna happen. I've been in that position, remember?

- Rick

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10:25am, B. Donovan wrote:

No, not the Grizzlies. The Orlando Magic! Five years / $27.5MM!!!

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10:52am, R. Pitino wrote:

Wow! Well, that's different. Good nucleus; Dwight Howard; cap space...you know I love you in Gainesville, but this might be the best NBA offer you ever get.

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10:54am, B. Donovan wrote:

I know. That's why this is so hard. And they're really badgering me for an answer right away. Screw it...should I just do it?!

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11:02am, R. Pitino wrote:

"EITHER GET BUSY LIVIN' OR GET BUSY DYIN'!!!"

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2:11pm, R. Pitino wrote:

Hey Billy, are you still there? I was just joking. That's from Shawshank, remember?

Seriously, this is definitely not a decision you should rush into. Get back to me. I'm around all day.

- Rick

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3:02pm, R. Pitino wrote:

Billy?

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FRIDAY, JUNE 1ST

11:50am, B. Donovan wrote:

Rick,

Just saw your later e-mails from yesterday. Wow. Maybe I was wound a little too tightly. I don't even remember the drive over to Orlando.

Well, I suppose you just caught the press conference, so, well...there's no un-ringing that bell, huh? Never underestimate your motivational powers Coach. Ha-ha.

-Billy

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12:07pm, R. Pitino wrote:

Billy, I am so sorry. I really should have been more considerate. You were obviously under a lot of pressure. I feel terrible.

- RP

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12:12pm, B. Donovan wrote:

Don't worry about it. I think it was just the push I needed. This is an amazing opportunity. Me and the family are going on a little vay-cay to celebrate.

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12:29pm, R. Pitino wrote:

Phew, I'm glad. The last thing I wanted to do was help you think of a graceful way to back out of this. Have a great vacation!

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12:31pm, B. Donovan wrote:

Wait, why would I want to back out??? Did you hear something I don't know about?!

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12:38pm, R. Pitino wrote:

No, of course not. I was just saying in case you thought you may have jumped into all this too hastily -- which you didn't. Enjoy your trip!

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12:41pm, B. Donovan wrote:

Oh man, this is a mistake isn't it? What am I doing? I had my dream job. I could have been my generation's Coach K! You've got to help me.

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12:47pm, R. Pitino wrote:

Why don't you ask "Coach K" to help you?

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1:21pm, R. Pitino wrote:

Oh, come on Billy, I was just kidding. Let's keep our cool and work this out.

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2:04pm, R. Pitino wrote:

Billy?

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MONDAY, JUNE 4TH

8:45am, B. Donovan wrote:

Rick,

Sorry, I know I shouldn't be so sensitive -- and sorry about the Coach K crack. You know how much I respect you.

Well, I'm sure you saw the latest. I don't know what to say. It doesn't look as bad as I think, though, right?

-Billy

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8:46am, R. Pitino wrote:

OUT OF OFFICE REPLY:

Coach Pitino is out of the office. If you need to speak with someone immediately, please contact the Louisville Athletic Department.

Thank You.

Patrick Irving writes and edits the popular website scriptedsports.com.