Pitino was introduced as Xavier's new coach on Tuesday. With Xavier's past track record of hiring coaches who were former assistants or who had ties to the program, Pitino thought his chances of getting a call from athletic director Greg Christopher would be slim until it happened last week.

When Richard Pitino was asked about the expectations for his first season at Xavier Tuesday afternoon, the 42-year-old took a deep breath before a slight chuckle. Sure, Pitino's team would have to forfeit if a game was played today with only two scholarship players left on the roster.

Xavier hires Richard Pitino as their men's basketball coach. Coach Pitino speaks at a welcoming ceremony at Xavier.