[PARAPHRASES ALL]

Said, “I wanted to be like Kyle Macy back in the day.”

I came in with UMass in ’92 and couldn’t believe the atmosphere in Rupp.  That’s when I said, “I want to be the coach here someday.”

When the job was open two years ago, I called my wife every day for six days asking, “Did they call?”  But I was her second or third choice, too, and that has worked out okay.

Put to rest absurd rumors about his alleged split with Ricky Pitino, but twice Cal said, “THIS is the Commonwealth’s Team.”  The point was well made.

Said Bill Keightly used to hug his neck and treat him as though he were part of the program, and he never understood why, but knows that he signed his contract with UK on the first anniversary of Bill’s passing.  Asked whether Jane was present yet.

Told Hurley Rupp that The Old Man was going to roll over in his grave when he sees some of what will go on with the dribble drive offense he is going to bring in.

“Kids want to play for me, but really they want to play the style I play.”  Said every guy needs to be able to take his man, or “it will be hard to play him.”  Said he will discuss that with each UK player and see where they stand.

Can’t contact anyone who signed with Memphis already per NCAA rules, but it’s too early too see who might change plans and follow him to UK.  Certainly did not shut the door on pursuing other Memphis recruits, but said this has been a whirlwind three days, and it’s too early to answer questions about recruits.

Wants to involve all of the great players who have passed through the doors, and had already heard from Rex, Kyle, Tayshaun, Nazr, and others.

Said UK takes care of its own.  Noted with amusement that “Richie Farmer used to hit baskets, now he’s going to be governor!”

Said his ancestors on both sides were dirt poor West Virginians who worked in the mines and lived on dandelion soup.  Said he’s common folk, too, and that some will wonder whether he can do this job.

Said it’s not about the money, as he would have made more at Memphis “next year” if he had stayed.

Wants to double the number of championship banners (“that’s all they hang here”), but program will be disciplined, and kids will graduate.  Turn around will be long term, not next year.  We will reach a point where we are contending for the national championship every year.  The hard part is winning them.

Seemed genuine when he said this is about the student, whom his staff is here to serve.

Knows he will be second-guessed on every move that doesn’t wind up with a victory, but that no longer bothers him. 

Said Cutler (reporter who chased BCG) is crazy, and will not bother him.  Singled Cutler out and mocked him somewhat.  Said they go way back to when they both had holes in their shoes.

Said he will not open mail that has no return address, but will answer, usually by hand, letters with a return address.  (Good luck with that one, Coach!)

This was really a marvelous performance from a guy who said all the right things and dropped names like crazy from Goose Givens and Dan Issel on up the line.