When UCLA plays host New Mexico On Friday evening, two old friends will compete against each other on the sidelines. Mick Cronin And Richard Pitino have known each other for more than 20 years, dating back to when Pitino first entered the coaching world. Cronin even credits himself with getting Pitino his first job.

“I gave 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 Providence College. I got him a job with the legendary coach in Barrington, Rhode Island, St. Andrew’s – Mike Hart, who still coaches. A true legend of the East Coast, Northeast high school basketball.

“So he had to start with a legend. It was better for him than being a manager at Providence. His dad and I talked about it, so he became an assistant coach when he was a freshman in college.

As Cronin mentioned, Pitino went to Providence and spent some time as a manager in the program. But taking the job in high school was career advice from Cronin after starting his own journey that way. Not a bad path to find yourself on, especially when working under someone like Hart – who Cronin clearly has a lot 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 at Charleston. Eight years later, FIE hired him as head coach before leaving for Minnesota in 2013. Now in New Mexico lies a great opportunity to take on UCLA for Pitino’s program.

Both New Mexico and UCLA started their seasons with a 1-0 win Nicholls And Riderrespectful. Friday offers a chance to get a solid win for the NCAA Tournament as all games count when the selection committee looks at resumes. Henderson, NV will host – just outside Las Vegas – as a neutral location.