"If I didn't have a recruiting engagement, I was going to be here. I did everything possible to change the recruiting thing. I'm a very small part of this night, but I did want to be a part of it"

Rick Pitino is revealing his commitment to the occasion he was unable to attend. He was originally arranged to go to a recruiting engagement, however he did whatever he could to change it so he might be a part of the night. He acknowledges that he is only a little part of the night, however he still wanted to belong of it. This quote shows his dedication to the occasion and his commitment to being a part of it, even if it suggested reorganizing his schedule. It also reveals his humility in acknowledging that he is just a little part of the night, however still wished to belong of it. This quote is a testament to Rick Pitino's commitment to the occasion and his willingness to go above and beyond to be a part of it.