Poll: Should Gillispie be fired?

I voted No

Firing CBG now would only make things worse. A new coach deserves 3-4 years minimum to get things turned around.

GBB!!!

by OGETARTS on Feb 26, 2009 10:01 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely Not!

This is his SECOND season! He deserves more time than that.

by kentuckygirl0724 on Feb 26, 2009 10:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

How are you feeling this morning, KG?

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 26, 2009 10:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I feel ok – mainly just disappointed and frustrated. I just love being a fan because I LOVE UK basketball. Sure, nobody likes losing, but sometimes thats just part of it. Thanks for your perspective last night and coming to my “rescue.” ;)

by kentuckygirl0724 on Feb 26, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No hangover?

FWIW, I was checking up on the comments from last night this morning, and you definitely gave me an early morning chuckle.

I exercised more self-restraint than normal last night – I limited myself to two “big-boy” pours of bourbon. Just too damn much to do at work today.

I’ll make amends with my lack of drinking last night tomorrow night.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 26, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

P.U.I.

I am definitely guilty of a P.U.I (posting under the influence). Nights like that I really need to just turn off the computer and walk away. Maybe next time…

by kentuckygirl0724 on Feb 26, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't worry about it. It was all in good fun.

Better to post anonamously on a blog than text random friends things you would regret.

Wait, you did call you boss though, right?

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 26, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

And called two of my friends – one of which was asleep so I had to call several times and leave a voicemail threatening some pretty hilarious but outrageous consequences if he did not return my call.

by kentuckygirl0724 on Feb 26, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Heh. Well, all I can say is next time

lock up the phone, but please, type away.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 26, 2009 1:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Contract

I heard BCG hadn’t signed a contract yet. I don’t know if that is true or not, maybe someone on here could validate that, but it’s kinda hard to fire someone who doesn’t really work for you. :)

I think we should give him some more time. I will tell you this, I believe 2 more years of boneheaded performances like we’ve seen this year will be bad for him.

"Learned to love the Cats at a young age, via tape delay."

by ukpastor on Feb 26, 2009 10:43 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

My understanding is that he

has signed and is subject to a legally binding memorandum of understanding. In short, he and the university are bound legally by probably 90% of what would be in the contract. There are a few details than have not been agreed to, and thus no contract at this point. It’s a moot point regarding termination/him quitting. It would be just as big a headache to fire him or for him to quit now as it would be with a contract.

The memorandum of understanding it a contract – offer, acceptance, consideration. Just not a detailed “contact” as one would expect for a highly paid D1 basketball coach.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 26, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No

As others have said, coaches should get 4 years minimum. The key thing is, is the team getting better from year to year? This year UK is going to finish with more wins than they did last year. They did not lose nearly as many games to teams they should have beaten in the nonconference season. They haven’t performed in the SEC like last year, but last year UK won A LOT of close games and luck plays a significant role in those instances.

I have questions about Gillispie’s coaching chops based on the lack of adjustments necessitated by both opponents’ personnel and his own, but he deserves at least 4 years to show what he can do.

I like important stuff just as much as the next guy, but please, for a little while, deliver us from meaning, baseball. That's your greatest glory, and we thank you for it very, very much. -- Craig Calcaterra

by JLeverenz on Feb 26, 2009 11:13 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Last year vs. this year

We won a lot of those close ones because of luck AND senior leadership. In my opinion, the latter was more important to those close games.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 26, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, senior leadership is a factor

Much like having talented players and a good coach are important. But in any sport – basketball, baseball, football, etc – luck plays a significant role in the outcome of close games. If you don’t like the word “luck” you can use “randomness” instead, in this context they mean the same thing. A shot rolls around the rim and falls out instead of falling in – that’s luck and it doesn’t matter if it was a 4 year starter or a freshman who took the shot.

I like important stuff just as much as the next guy, but please, for a little while, deliver us from meaning, baseball. That's your greatest glory, and we thank you for it very, very much. -- Craig Calcaterra

by JLeverenz on Feb 26, 2009 1:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I see your point

but it just seems like those more experienced leaders tend to get the “good roll” more often than the freshmen. It may just be a case of being in a better place at a better time.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 26, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think there might be reason to believe an experienced player knows how and when to get a better shot

And thus give themselves a better chance at a good roll.

I like important stuff just as much as the next guy, but please, for a little while, deliver us from meaning, baseball. That's your greatest glory, and we thank you for it very, very much. -- Craig Calcaterra

by JLeverenz on Feb 27, 2009 9:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I am shocked

by the results right now. 41% say yes. Seriously?

by blue kentucky girl on Feb 26, 2009 11:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

same here

79 total votes, and it’s only 47-32…i wish it should who voted what. i’m guessing not many will ’fess up to saying they voted yes.

GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

by UKWildCatFanatic on Feb 26, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

47-32 in favor of no, just to make it clear

GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

by UKWildCatFanatic on Feb 26, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

I would love to hear a yes-voter come out of the woodwork and explain their thoughts. I’m not being snippy here either—really, I would just like to know the reasoning.

by blue kentucky girl on Feb 26, 2009 12:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I voted yes

Last night sealed the deal for me. I had been of the opinion that he should have 2 more years to prove his worth. Not any more. I’m not saying I’m going to shout from the roof tops that he should be fired, but I now believe that he is the wrong man for the job. I think that it is inevitable now that he is gone sometime in the next 2+ years. This is not an attempt to rile people up or to piss people off, just my opinion. Billy G can’t overcome his stubborness. Being an ass doesn’t make anyting better either.

Don’t turn this into a Tubby vs Billy G thing either, they are mutual exclusive.

by btcoop71 on Feb 26, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That last sentence is not directed at you blue kentucky girl

I meant in general, I don’t want anyone to turn this discussion into Tubby vs Billy G

by btcoop71 on Feb 26, 2009 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

it's cool : )

Thanks for sharing. I was genuinely interested in hearing. I don’t agree but I see where you’re coming from.

by blue kentucky girl on Feb 26, 2009 12:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wish nothing more than for him to prove me wrong

by btcoop71 on Feb 26, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Adaptability

So far, BCG has not shown that he is willing or capable of adapting the game plan when we are faced with opponents that we do not match up well against. Does anyone think that he will do that in the future? My momma always told me that a leopard does not change his spots… For BCG to change, he would have to show that he recognizes that change is needed…from his attitude (albeit on the tv sceen), it does not look like he is anywhere close to recognizing that.

by ukkrazyintn on Feb 26, 2009 11:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

billyg

see it through. Remember Rich Brooks!

by sensible on Feb 26, 2009 12:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Well, different coaching styles there.

Brooks has shown he is capable of adaptabilty. He did largely abandon the pro-style offense last season once he realized Hartline and the receivers just couldn’t cut it. He’s a very traditional style of coach, but he made adjustments based on his players.

Gillispie hasn’t shown an ability or a desire to do the same. His style might work with 8 players who fit his mold. If/until he gets that, he will probably continue to struggle some if he doesn’t adjust.

Of course, that’s why I voted no (he should not be fired). If after 4 years he still struggles and remains inflexible, bye-bye. Sooner is just, well, too soon.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 26, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hudson

Hello paging Ron Hudson!!!

Brooks has only just shown his “adapability” in the last season or two. Do you honestly not remember the hudson era? Brooks was almost physically made to push Hudson out the door becuase he is so loyal to his assistants.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 26, 2009 2:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I know Brooks hasn't been flexible his whole time at Kentucky.

That was my point, when I said above that he’s a “very traditional style of coach.” That’s what he’s known for, but of late he’s shown an ability to adapt and be flexible.

Gillispie is known for being stubborn and inflexible. Can he grow like Brooks has?

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 26, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think so

grow that is. I was going to make the point earlier but I think no one really thinks about how young G is as a head coach. I would expect some of his ideas to change as he grows as a coach, especially at a place like UK.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 26, 2009 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Billy Clyde = Barack

47 of 79 almost exactly 60%, same approval rating as the president and he’s considered exceptionally popular.

by Wild Weasel on Feb 26, 2009 3:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

well, I don't think

not thinking he should be immediately fired necessarily equals approval, exactly : )

by blue kentucky girl on Feb 26, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I votred "No" but not because I approve of Billy G.

I’m with BTcoop. My opinion of the coach has now been shaped by what I see as his inability to adapt.

Kentucky is more talented than every team in the SEC barring Tennessee and possibly Florida. We should be at least competitive in every game we play in the SEC. We can’t compete on the national level yet, nor do I think we should expect to.

What we should expect from our team and our coach is a group of young men that is well prepared and ready to play night in and night out. We are not. That is a catastrophic failure of coaching.

That said… firing him now would be a mistake of epic proportions. We need to ride it out for two years or wait for him to have a Doherty like season next year.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Feb 26, 2009 4:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Im with you fellow chiro

I do think we have the talent, but college bball often comes down to matchups. We definitely don’t matchup well with talented speedy guards. The question remains on whether this is a personnel issue, or whether this is a problem with BG’s style. If it is the latter, he will have to make improvements.

We do have good talent, but I saw this posted on another board… Take the best teams in the country. Now take their 2 best players and put them with Porter, Harris, and Stevenson. How good are they? Would UNC do better with Hansbrough/Lawson and that bunch? Would Pitt do better with Blair/Fields and that bunch? How about Clark/TWill and that bunch? Definitely something to think about.

It's the end of the line. I'm the firstborn. Sick of playing second fiddle. Always third in line for everything. Tired of finishing fourth. Being the fifth wheel. There are six things I'm mad about, and I'm taking over. -UK Basketball (Gob from A.D.)

by ChiroCat on Feb 26, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I read this matchup issue a lot.

But don’t matchup problems go both ways? It’s true that UK has a problem with matching up (defensively) with small, quick guards. Therefore, the proper counter is to either or both:

1. Play a zone on the defensive end….of course, UK won’t do that.
2. Post up these small guards on the offensive end. Has anyone seen this happen?

You never see the oponents coach say, ‘…we had big matchup problems with UK…our small, quick guards were overmatched by their height & strength…’ Matchup problems happen all the time…countering them is up to the coaching staff.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 26, 2009 5:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

100% Agreed

Excellent point, and that is why I stated that BG needs to learn how to take advantage of every matchup. It is like when UAB knocked out the #1 Cats in 04. The next game they played Kansas and got absolutely exposed and abused.

Last night we did what you have to do against smaller teams, feed the post. Pat got 24 shots. He just never adjusted to getting his shots swatted constantly. I’m still in shock about that.

It's the end of the line. I'm the firstborn. Sick of playing second fiddle. Always third in line for everything. Tired of finishing fourth. Being the fifth wheel. There are six things I'm mad about, and I'm taking over. -UK Basketball (Gob from A.D.)

by ChiroCat on Feb 26, 2009 5:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Also agree

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Feb 26, 2009 5:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I voted "no" because I do approve of Billy G.

I think anyone that knows me on this blog knew how I would vote.

I support the Coach and the players, even though what I saw last night was dastardly. I don’t know what happened…there has just not been a lot of consistency with this team since we started losing this month.

I am really hoping they turn things around starting with the LSU game Saturday.

by kykat51 on Feb 26, 2009 4:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

We definitely need a new month

And it is the best of all…March!

It's the end of the line. I'm the firstborn. Sick of playing second fiddle. Always third in line for everything. Tired of finishing fourth. Being the fifth wheel. There are six things I'm mad about, and I'm taking over. -UK Basketball (Gob from A.D.)

by ChiroCat on Feb 26, 2009 4:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Shocked

I’m really kinda shocked at how many yeses there are. I’m definitely not pleased with how this year is going, but I think it’s essential to give the coach some time. He needs a minimum of 2 years, but 3 would be better before firing should even be considered.

by EEWildcat on Feb 26, 2009 9:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I am shocked also

But a new coach needs at least 4 years.

by kykat51 on Feb 26, 2009 10:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I Voted No

UK gave Eddie Sutton 4 years. He was cheating from Day 1 (paid $ to sign bigtime recruit in Nov 85) and drinking almost 4 years at UK. He deserved to be fired and it took 4 years.

A coach deserves 5 years (if he behaves off the court). After 5 years, Up or Down.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 26, 2009 10:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

he

wasn’t cheating……others were, he was too drunk to keep tabs of it. I blame him for the lack of control and what he “almost” cost us. But it turned out ok for us.

by tenken on Feb 27, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, Yes He WAS!

The biggest UK signee in Nov 85 was paid $ to sign with UK.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 27, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

but

wasn’t that done by an assistant?

by tenken on Feb 27, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No

Please don’t believe that stuff. Eddie Sutton knew exactly what was going on.

My sister dated a Wildcat for 3 years in the mid 1970’s. I know what was done then. No different in the 1980’s.

UK has been Clean As A Whistle since 1989 (in basketball).

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 27, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Absurd...

This is amazing. In his second year, 40% want him fired? Any coach deserves 4 years to show what he can do.

by the spork on Feb 26, 2009 11:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

As a former employee of a research company ...

… I want to explain that polls like this mean nothing. They are event-driven and reactionary, where most people simply vote their passion of the moment. Often, a response in a poll like this is nothing more than a bromide to the angry person — it allows them to vent without having to accept responsibility for their position.

If you sat down two days later and discussed the situation with the “fire him” voters, about 50% would change their vote if they could, and a smaller but significant percentage would change their vote after they had a chance to vent about it.

Human behavior is truly fascinating. I think maybe I should have been a psychologist instead of a sports blogger — how much fun would that be? :-)

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 27, 2009 7:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Sports Psychologist mayhaps?

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Feb 27, 2009 7:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

EEEWWWW! :-)

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 27, 2009 8:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I keep thinking ...

… of the scene in Jerry McGuire where Lawrence Taylor or somebody is on TV blubbering to the show host about how much pressure making 30 million dollars puts on you.

Ugh.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 27, 2009 8:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well...you have to feed your family, right?

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 27, 2009 8:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

as Jim Calhoun would say

hey, you gotta retire sometime

by blue kentucky girl on Feb 27, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL!

Good one!

by kentuckygirl0724 on Feb 27, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Feed your family

Was that Latrell Sprewell?

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 27, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

…and it hit the papers here in Chicago the past year that his million dollar yacht was repossessed up in Milwaukee. What comes around…

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 27, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I remember that

It’s pretty good stuff.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 27, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lets keep Billy.

No Tru, I think you’re right where you belong. I’ve learned so much after coming to ASOB. It’s a great blog with intelligent, mature, level-headed bloggers and a lot of that has to do with your blogging leadership.
I voted “No” on the poll. I think it would be horrendous to fire Coach G after only 2 years. I will admit that the team has played very sporadic this year, and I’m not exactly sure why, but BCG say before the last Tennessee game that he could not predict how the team was going to play on a game by game basis. I really, really want to like BCG and trust his coaching ability. I think he at least deserves 2 more years.

by Blueboy on Feb 27, 2009 8:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree.

I think firing a coach after two years is beyond ridiculous. Even Matt Dougherty’s was, in my opinion, just wrong — although it was much, much more defensible than the instant case.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 27, 2009 8:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It is ridiculous.

It raises to this level because it means more than what it may mean personally to the individual coach. It will damage the program…period.

I maintain that the only reason or I guess it’s two reasons, is 1) Has the coach lost the team (hopefully this AJ thing isn’t the start, or 2) Has there been some sort of personal impropriety or morals clause broken?

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 27, 2009 9:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Even losing the team is no excuse.

Sometimes, personality conflicts happen. I would cite an example, but for fear of having to delete my own comment, I wont. :-)

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 27, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Certainly it would be a matter of degree..

…but in my mind I was thinking of the Doherty/UNC situation.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 27, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it can be convincingly argued ...

… that giving Doherty four years would have damaged UNC. At worst, it would have been a short-term setback. But we will never know for sure, I guess. Speculation is all I have.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 28, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wanted

to put the following link from KSR. I like Bryan’s peice on this. Very very good. If you sit down and logically think about it……..its not a good idea. I have to admit last night, I was ready to change my vote to yes, but again we have to stop commenting and stuff off of split second anger.

http://new.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=14605

by tenken on Feb 27, 2009 10:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs