The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree

Richard Pitino's Florida International Golden Panthers are one game away from making an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. In his first season as head coach at FIU, the son of Rick Pitino is a win against Western Kentucky away from Dancing, remember this was a team in shambles post Hurricane Isaiah Thomas and all.

Pitino has been an Assistant Coach since 2004 where he started at College of Charleston. After stints at Northeastern, Duquesne, Louisville, Florida then back to Louisville where he sat next to his Father, he received an opportunity as head man at Florida International, taking over the position on April 15, 2012.

In his first season, the Panthers went 11-9 in the Sun Belt Conference and 18-13 overall. The highlight of the young Pitino was facing off with his Father in a December game against Louisville. Father knew best in that one as Louisville and Rick Pitino hammered FIU and his son, 79-55.

Thanks to 312Media and YouTube, here is a behind the scenes look at Pitino and Florida International: