Mick Cronin jokes about how he got Richard Pitino his first coaching job

When UCLA plays host to New Mexico on Friday night, two old friends will be going head-to-head on the sideline. Mick Cronin and Richard Pitino have known each other for well over 20 years, dating back to when Pitino was just getting into the coaching world. In fact, Cronin credits himself for getting Pitino his first job.

“I got him his first job,” Cronin said. “He’s going to be mad at me for this but I got him his first job as a freshman at Providence College. I got him a job with the legendary coach in Barrington, Rhode Island, St. Andrew’s — Mike Hart, who is still coaching. A true legend of the East Coast, Northeast high school basketball.

“So, he got to start off with a legend. It was better for him than being a manager at Providence. His Dad and I talked about it so he was an assistant coach as a freshman in college.”

As Cronin mentioned, Pitino attended Providence and spent some time in the program as a manager. But taking the high school job was some career advice from Cronin after he got his own journey started that way. Not too bad a path to put yourself on, especially working under somebody like Hart — who Cronin clearly has a ton of respect for.

The move paid off as Pitino has been in the coaching world ever since. His first job at the college level came in 2004 with Charleston. Eight years later, FIU hired him to be their head coach before leaving for Minnesota in 2013. Now at New Mexico, a great opportunity to face UCLA is in front of Pitino’s program.

Both New Mexico and UCLA have begun their seasons with a 1-0 record, beating Nicholls and Rider, respectfully. Friday presents an opportunity to get a solid win for the NCAA Tournament as all games count when the selection committee is looking at resumes. Henderson, NV will play host — just outside of Las Vegas — as a neutral site venue.