Overview
- Willard said working for Pitino was “the most miserable experience” and that he “feared for [his] life every day,” adding he lost his hair because of the stress.
- He detailed Pitino’s intensity at early-morning practices, recalling being prepared for hours only to be pressed on the one thing he did not know.
- Despite the critique, Willard praised Pitino as having unmatched energy and linked his success to that drive, citing roughly 900 wins and national championships.
- The remarks followed St. John’s 89-57 win over Villanova at MSG, a bounce-back after a 72-40 loss to UConn that Pitino used as motivation.
- Willard previously served under Pitino with the Boston Celtics (1997–2001) and at Louisville (2001–2007), and he is in his first season leading Villanova at 22-7 with NCAA Tournament prospects.