section_path: Legacy
section_name: Legacy
paragraph_text: Legacy
  
  As a collegiate head coach, Pitino has compiled a 684–282 record, for a.708 winning percentage that is ranked 11th among active coaches and 34th all-time among all collegiate basketball coaches following the 2021–22 season.
  
  Pitino is considered by many to be one of the first coaches to promote fully taking advantage of the 3-point shot, first adopted by the NCAA in 1987. By exploiting the 3-point shot, his teams at Kentucky in the early 1990s were known as Pitino's Bombinos, as a significant portion of the offensive points came from the 3-point shot. Additionally, his teams are known for their signature use of the full-court press and 2–3 zone defensive schemes, as well as their general aggressive defensive style.
  
  Many of Pitino's players and assistant coaches have gone on to become successful collegiate coaches. In total, 21 former Pitino players and coaches have become Division I head coaches, including former University of Florida coach Billy Donovan (now head coach of the Chicago Bulls), former High Point University coach Tubby Smith, Santa Clara University 's Herb Sendek, UCLA's Mick Cronin, New Mexico 's Richard Pitino (his son), Villanova 's Kevin Willard, former Cal State Northridge coach Reggie Theus and University of Kentucky 's Mark Pope.
  
  As a collegiate head coach, Pitino has compiled a 684–282 record, for a.708 winning percentage that is ranked 11th among active coaches and 34th all-time among all collegiate basketball coaches following the 2021–22 season.
  
  Pitino is considered by many to be one of the first coaches to promote fully taking advantage of the 3-point shot, first adopted by the NCAA in 1987. By exploiting the 3-point shot, his teams at Kentucky in the early 1990s were known as Pitino's Bombinos, as a significant portion of the offensive points came from the 3-point shot. Additionally, his teams are known for their signature use of the full-court press and 2–3 zone defensive schemes, as well as their general aggressive defensive style.
  
  Many of Pitino's players and assistant coaches have gone on to become successful collegiate coaches. In total, 21 former Pitino players and coaches have become Division I head coaches, including former University of Florida coach Billy Donovan (now head coach of the Chicago Bulls), former High Point University coach Tubby Smith, Santa Clara University 's Herb Sendek, UCLA's Mick Cronin, New Mexico 's Richard Pitino (his son), Villanova 's Kevin Willard, former Cal State Northridge coach Reggie Theus and University of Kentucky 's Mark Pope.