LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Rick Pitino was wildly cheered in a surprise return to Rupp Arena, with the Hall of Fame coach saying "I am so happy to be back" in a show of support for first-year Kentucky coach and former captain Mark Pope on Friday night at the Big Blue Madness public practice.
Pitino, who guided Kentucky back from NCAA sanctions to the 1996 national championship before later becoming an enemy to the fervent fan base for coaching rival Louisville, dropped in near the end of the exhibition and received a standing ovation. Pitino currently coaches St. John's but has been a vocal booster of Pope as he took over the storied program in April after Hall of Famer John Calipari left for Arkansas.