I'd agree giving JB credit...credit for hiring him that is. Rick was JB's first hire as a head coach, and he, as a greenhorn himself, was just learning the ropes so to speak. Rick's stint at SU was very short in just being 2 seasons. So, again, with JB figuring out himself what type of coaching style, system he'd run, etc. and learning on the job. By the time JB figured anything out, Pitino was long gone by then.
Moreover, over the years, I haven't heard Rick mention in any interviews, articles, etc. of JB having influence on him relative to his coaching style, tactics, etc. Rick has mentioned other individuals whom had the greatest impact on his coaching, etc., but not JB, regardless of their long enduring friendship.