Iona was one year removed from an NCAA appearance when he took over. And had multiple NCAA appearances in the not too distant past.Iona was good under Cluess and then they totally sucked for two seasons before they hired Pitino and he got them really good right away. UConn was the best team in the country and then totally sucked three seasons later.
This isn't difficult, Iona was bad when Pitino took over, UConn was bad when Hurley took over. I'm impressed with coaches who take over bad teams and immediately make them good, that's what Pitino does.
Hurley took over a dumpster fire, that I will agree with you on. Hurley punched up, Pitino punched down. Let’s not confuse what he did. Him going to that league was gonna get him the marginal guy that he needed to succeed at that level. Massive step down for him but attractive for kids that would otherwise never have a chance to play for a “legendary” coach.