He is one of two head coaches in PC men’s basketball history to take a Friar team to the NCAA Final Four. Furthermore, in 20 seasons of collegiate coaching at four different schools, he has compiled the 12th best winning percentage among active coaches.

In the view of Friar fans, Rick Pitino is a legend. Although he only coached at PC for two seasons, he is highly regarded and certain to be welcomed back in May when he joins members of his Cinderella 1987 PC team for a 20th anniversary gala in Providence. The dinner program, open to all members of the College community and the public, will be held on May 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence.

Now in his sixth season as the head coach at BIG EAST Conference rival University of Louisville, Pitino will be among the former coaches and players to attend the gala. Among the other expected participants are players Billy Donovan ’87, who is the head coach of defending national champion University of Florida; Jacek Duda ’87; Dave Kipfer ’87; and Carlton Screen ’90.

The 1987 team was the second in school history to advance to the NCAA Final Four. The squad compiled a 25-9 record, won the NCAA Eastern Regional Championship, and faced BIG EAST rival Syracuse University in the national semifinals at the Superdome in New Orleans, La.

Including that magical year, Pitino had wracked up an amazing 480-177 record in 20 seasons of collegiate coaching heading into Louisville’s game on January 10 at the University of South Florida. His 2004-05 Louisville team advanced to the NCAA Final Four. While he was at the University of Kentucky from 1989-97, he guided the Wildcats to the Final Four three times and the NCAA Championship in 1996.

All proceeds from the May 12 gala will benefit the Friar Athletic Fund. Sponsorship packages, tables of 10, or individual tickets for the event can all be purchased by contacting Steve Napolillo, associate athletic director for the Friar Athletic Fund, at 401-865-2677 or at snapolil@providence.edu. To order tickets online, click here.