Knight understood he was only cut out to be a role player as a pro, and implied he’d made a deal he regretted regarding playing for coach Pitino.

(JOHN MOTTERN/AFP via Getty Images)

That sentiment was far from mutual, however; the former Kentucky coach raved about the UConn product.

(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

“With Coach [Jim] Calhoun, I knew that he cared about me as a person, not just as a basketball player,” Knight said.

“Even though he would yell, I always knew where I stood with him. Maybe I knew Coach Calhoun better. Maybe that’s why doesn’t bother the Kentucky guys so much. He yells at them, and they’re fine the next day.”

“It’s a fine line between motivation and insult,” he added.