I knew that Billy Gillespie was in trouble this morning when I heard his quotes defending himself and his program. Said they were just one premier point guard away from contending. Hey Billy - I got some news for you... everyone is just one premier point guard away from contending... I still think Minnesota got a good one in Tubby Smith.
Yeah I like Tubbs as well. I have heard Calipari mentioned a lot for the KU job. Its a tough job. It takes a person with a dynamic personality and you HAVE to win at KU.
Originally posted by TRhit: It would shock me if Donovan left UF
It would shock me too...he has it made there and is pretty much king after B2B titles. UK has the money, though, and Donovan could just about name his price. A man does not get that chance too often in life.
********************************************** Baseball players don't make excuses...they make adjustments.
Posts: 3966 | Location: Lynchburg, VA | Registered: January 15, 2003
Why would any real big time coach want to come to UK? Expectations are completely unreal and most fans have no clue about what it takes to win. Donovan would look really bad if he took it after what went down with the Magic a couple of years ago. Caliperi has it made in Memphis - weak conference and he can recruit so he will keep his teams around a 1-3 seed in the tournament.
From what I have read on other boards most Kentuckians want Travis Ford or John Pelphry to be the next coach if Donovan and Caliperi don't want it. The reason they want them is because "they understand the UK mystique" yet that doesn't mean jack squat when it comes to coaching. I'm not saying they are bad but they ran off a good coach in Tubby Smith and now they ran off a guy who was going to rebuild UK into a powerhouse after two years. He basically got to bring in one class and have that mesh with what Tubby had left over. So he never got a chance to put his system in place with his players.
Oh yeah - I'm a DUKE fan.
When life hands you gators - make Gatorade
Posts: 1994 | Location: Started in WV - then to KY - now in NC | Registered: May 12, 2006
It is really starting to look like Calipari. Gotta give UK credit. This deal will cost them a fortune with all the buy-outs and what-not. Sounds like the recession is over.
Originally posted by JT: Read a report this morning that the UK AD has his sights set on TOM IZZO of Mich. State.
Mercy, been out of town for a few days or I would have surely been chirping in on this thread! lol
Izzo was in fact UKs second choice from what I hear and he was interested.
Now, fans are delighted for the most part in the choice of Calipari. I was a huge fan of Tubby and never cared for Gilispie from the start. He was rude to former players, alumni, and media. He wasn't a fit for UK in any way. We had four-five players who weren't returning next year including our two most contributing players. The accusations towards Gilispie were beyond what tough coaching was. I'm not sure where his style will fit, but it was a mistake to ever bring him to KY.
The boosters would have paid just about any price to get rid of him and bring in someone who can fit into UK traditions and expectations. Calipari will be the highest paid coach in basketball, although he apparently explained to Memphis that it wasn't about the money. Calipari has already reached out to former players and coaches. That is something that Gilispie hadn't done in two years! Now, we need to see where the dust will settle with UK commitments and Memphis commitments. Who wants to go where with the coaching changes.
Posts: 5772 | Location: Kentucky | Registered: December 30, 2004
Originally posted by TRhit: Are they happy in Lexington tonite?
TR - National and local TV reporters along with bloggers have actually been following the private plane that was sent to Memphis to pick him up and bring him and family here. There's to be a presser in the morning. Most folks are DELIGHTED! The only concern I hear mentioned is his previous issues at UMass. Of course that was nine years ago and well behind him.
The AD here has had a very difficult time because Gilispie hire fell squarely on his shoulders. He had/has to get it right this time or he's out of a job.
Posts: 5772 | Location: Kentucky | Registered: December 30, 2004
I find it ironic in way that Kentucky can send a private jet for Calipari but the CEO's of the auto manufactuters got banged for flying on private jets---is there a difference here for Kentucky
TRhit
THE KIDS TODAY DO NOT THROW ENOUGH !!!!!
Posts: 21255 | Location: Manchester, CT USA | Registered: December 26, 2002
Originally posted by TRhit: I find it ironic in way that Kentucky can send a private jet for Calipari but the CEO's of the auto manufactuters got banged for flying on private jets---is there a difference here for Kentucky
I'm not sure I see the relevance? Did UK ask for a mulit billion dollar bailout?
"Watchin my boys play baseball is another day in paradise"
Posts: 894 | Location: East Coast | Registered: August 15, 2005
Calipari has already reached out to former players and coaches. That is something that Gilispie hadn't done in two years! Now, we need to see where the dust will settle with UK commitments and Memphis commitments. Who wants to go where with the coaching changes.
