Rick Pitino has an unexpected encounter with Panathinaikos fans / News - Basketnews.com

Rick Pitino is now coaching Iona University's basketball team. After a game against Mount St Mary, two Panathinaikos fans were spotted in the stands, asking the coach to come back to the Greek team.

Credit: Twitter/RealPitino Credit Twitter/RealPitino

Rick Pitino hasn't been coaching Panathinaikos Athens for three seasons now but he still receives love from the club's fans all over the world.

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The veteran specialist is now the head coach of the Iona University basketball team. Last night, Iona's Gaels played against Mount St Mary from the small town of Emmitsburg, winning the matchup 80-68.

During the game, two young men held a poster, asking for the coach to come back to Panathinaikos.

"In the middle of a town of 1,200 people at Mount St. Mary's. As I walked out, I witnessed the presence of Panathinaikos in the stands. They are ubiquitous," Pitino tweeted. "Good to see these young men and appreciate their support. Go PAO!!"

Pitino is known to write supportive messages about Panathinaikos after leaving the organization in 2020. With the permanent head coaching spot now occupied by interim head coach Christos Serelis, it is no wonder that the club's fans around the world would like to see the former coach back.

After being hired in December 2018, Pitino led Panathinaikos from a 6-8 start to a sixth-place finish and a playoff spot. The next season, he stepped in again, changing Argyris Pedoulakis in the position and coaching the team until the season was suspended due to COVID-19.

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