Kentucky Basketball: More Silly Calipari Criticism
by Glenn Logan on Jun 26, 2010 6:12 PM EDT
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In an article today entitled, "Kentucky's John Calipari shows his priorities," Jeff Sentel of the Birmingham News criticizes Calipari for saying that Thursday's NBA Draft was the "... biggest moment in the history of Kentucky basketball":
Kentucky basketball is about banners, not draftee bonus checks. It's about seven NCAA titles. The moment sums up Calipari's coaching career perfectly. It's individual glory over team accomplishments. Remember those "Team first, Me second" T-shirts? Does Calipari need to hand out ones that read "Draft first, Team second" after the first practice?
What a bunch of nonsense. Has this guy never heard of hyperbole, some thing that Calipari is an undisputed master of when the situation demands it? Calipari was trying to make his players feel good, feel important, feel like a part of the history of Kentucky basketball even though they did not win a national championship. He was right to do so. In a program where we celebrated a tough loss to Duke University in the national quarterfinals in 1992, this was yet another milestone worth celebrating. But that was just part of his message, and not the only part that Sentel failed to receive.
As I argued earlier this week, Calipari's bread is buttered by creating the impression that his goals (i.e. national championships) are less important than the goals of the players he recruits. It is important that the recruits who saw Calipari on draft night understand exactly the message he wants them to hear -- come to Kentucky, and you could be DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, Patrick Patterson or Daniel Orton.
It is absurd, of course, that Calipari is more interested in individual glory than team accomplishments. If Calipari does not win a national championship at Kentucky, his tenure will be regarded as an underachieving one, no matter if he puts 15 consecutive #1 draft pics in the NBA and wins 35 games a season for 15 years. Does Sentel think Calipari is unaware of his own legacy, or rather, lack thereof?
It is beyond doubt that Calipari intends to disprove the idea that you can't win a national championship with high player turnover. Sentel just doesn't understand that, as you would expect from a Georgia alum and a man who's spent his entire life in the south, to whom "basketball" is a strange game played in the interregnum between football seasons.
Jeff, just to clue you in here -- Calipari sent exactly the message he wanted to send. Even if you misread the smoke signals, the future five-stars around the country did not.
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Nice post, Tru.
I could say more, but I think you covered everything very well. :-)
Another naysayer
…eager to expose his agenda to criticize without putting forth the mental effort to examine the totality of circumstances. I suppose we should thank him for volunteer g as a target for dissection.
by Bank$hot on Jun 26, 2010 6:42 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Not a fan of the JW shoes.
I wonder how much they cost!? I got these (http://www.jordansbox.com/nike-air-jordan-11white-with-black-p-437.html) for Christmas back when I was still playing (probably 11 years ago), and they were $110. They must be ridiculous.
Well said, Tru.
Like Anna Rosannadanna used to say, “It’s always something”. We can argue forever over UK’s greatest moment, hell, it would be hard to pick the top 10, but I am taking the wait and see approach. If this achievement keeps the 5 stars rolling in and Calipari can get us a couple of championships, then his statement could prove to be correct. This could be a defining moment in our history. He is looking to the future, not just to the past. It is not enough to sit around and talk about how great we were decades ago. I am with Cal on this one.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
if anyone should understand Cal...
i guess it should be me as i have given numerous examples ofhis memphis tenure. however, do think Cal should have used the words “one of” rather than “the” when describing draft night (one of the greatest nights).
I have to say Cal missed this one….however, I believe it is ultimately much ado about nothing.
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Jun 26, 2010 10:36 PM EDT reply actions
Once again Tru - you say it well
When I heard Cal say that, I never gave a thought to the three NCs that I personally celebrated nor the game in ’75 when we knocked the Hoosiers out of the NCAAs or any of the other glories that this program has had. I did not think Cal was intending to disrespect our history and tradition. What I felt he was saying is that UK basketball has reached a new plateau as THE college basketball program that elite players want to be a part of. The greatest day comment was surely from his perspective, not ours and as Cal has always said this is a players first program which means we celebrate our players successes at all times, not just when they win NCs.
New?
Nah.
UK was THE program in the 1940’s (especially) and 1950’s. Players came from all over the USA for tryouts (legal back then) to play for Coach Rupp at UK.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 27, 2010 7:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes that is true
Started to go into the difference between now and then but for the current rcruiting environment, this is a new plateau. And particularly in this era when the NBA signs players on potential.
Ironically enough...
I sort of had a feeling that “quote” would have adverse connotations after he stated it. I knew exactly what his implications were (and I’m sure the rest of the BBN did, as well). But I had no doubt in my mind that this short, simple statement would be blown waaaaay out of proportion—and that’s exactly what happened.
In fact, I have a friend (who’s an avid fan of UofL) and even he asked “What the hell does Cal mean by that? That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.” I guess not everyone see’s it as meaningful as it really is. I mean, c’mon—5 picks in the first round? That’s yet another milestone we can stow away in the record books for this decorated program. And I strongly believe every rising HS star was watching history be made that night, and you know good and well they’ll soon be adding UK to their “school’s of interest” list—unless it’s already listed. Very big milestone, and very beneficial for Cal on the recruiting trail. Just wish everyone else—fan or not—could see it that way, too.
It will never end.
Same song umpteenth verse. Mr. Sentel should do a little philosophical study before
submitting such an article. Just think, “ONE of the GREATEST moments” or “THE GREATEST moment.” Sounds like horns on the same goat to me. The common denominator is “greatest.”
Of course, “THE greatest” is singularly defining, whereas “ONE of the greatest” is one of two or more. But with UK’s tradition it doesn’t matter. To paraphrase an old Texas weather saying, If you don’t like our GREATNESS just wait a few minutes. LOL
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
No Need to Read
Why bother when I know what it will say. Another opportunity to bash UK and it’s coach. Of course the writer and others like him don’t understand the passion of UK fans and to them we are part of the problem. We ask too much and expect even more. And because of that,coaches are led to win at any cost just to feed the frenzy. They will never understand. So I choose not to read articles like this and I find it hard to understand why others don’t do the same.
I would say this to Coach Cal however. Don’t take your eyes off the prize. I’m not saying that you are but this UK fan will soon grow tired of a cycle of great recruits who leave early,are drafted high ( which means very little to me) and no national championships. Yes, I know. I expect too much and I am part of the problem.
This is more true than maybe you think maysvilleblue
Many first round draft picks, without a few banners, will grow old. I have heard that many times already. Maybe we can just hope that good things come to those that wait. How long UK fans wait, I am not sure. I can say that I don’t want my favorite program to become solely a short stop to the next level. I know it will take many stars aligning to get a banner with ever-changing young talent. I am willing to ride the train, for now. :-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
Thank you sir.
Exactly my point. God knows I love my Wildcats and coach Cal. I wouldn’t trade him for any three others in the country.
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
"Many first round draft picks, without a few banners, will grow old"
I think you are right and I’m just guessing here, but I would think that that is pretty on target for the majority of UK fans. I actually posted something like that yesterday in another thread but was afraid that the wording might be offensive to some of our more sensitive members, so it no longer exists. : )
I watch both college basketball and the NBA and I can say that for me personally having a ton of players in the NBA is lovely and all (and great for the players themselves!), but it isn’t a substitute for a college national championship.
Just like in my real life of being a wife, mother, friend, having a career — I want it all and I want the best of it all, and my sports fandom is no exception. We didn’t get it all last year, and by all, I mean the championship in addition to the stellar NBA draft class, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have it all in the coming years. It should also be noted that for me personally the end goal (such as a championship) isn’t the deciding factor in what I consider to be a great season. There are lots of things that go into the makings of a great season for me such as getting to know the players, having fun with them and just generally enjoying the ride up until the end.
Oh, and to comment on this thread specifically : )) – I wasn’t the least bit offended or disrespected by Coach’s remarks on draft night. I realized that he wasn’t talking to us but rather the recruiting world in general. I try not to take everything that Coach says so incredibly literally as he is, like Tru said above, “working it”, and he "works it" incredibly masterfully. No panties in a bunch for me on this issue and as far as the Jeff Sentel, what a yawn. : )
FUN, exactly
There are lots of things that go into the makings of a great season for me such as getting to know the players, having fun with them and just generally enjoying the ride up until the end.
I thought everyone knew I don’t base my fandom on banners, (maybe I was assuming ;-)) These things are so much FUN. Just ask the guys that left, one year or more, how loved they felt by the BBN. :-)
Isn’t summer wonderful?!?!
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
The man
has been here one year, turned the program around and is recruiting the best of the best. Maybe this will grow old without championships but its been ONE year. UK fans will have to wait until the next championship, there is no alternative. I would rather take my chances with the young talent then go back to double digits in the loss column. Chill, people!!!
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Hmm,
I actually thought a2d2 was pretty chill (if that is who you are referring to there).
She was just looking ahead, gazing into her crystal ball and doing a little speculating about fan expectations, that’s all. No harm in that, I say.
Let me see if I can explain this...
…I am a player fan. Period. I have never been “against” a coach, except one (last name started with S) because of obvious reasons. I guess I was guilty of generalizing the BBN (again) in my comment, which I need to stop doing. I am more than willing to let Coach Cal do what he does. Okay?
Still chilling. ;-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
I wasn't clear enough
that the chill was for the people you were referencing in you comments. Sorry!
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
I'm fine waiting as long as you don't make excuses for not winning it all this year.
Here is my point. I defend those that wonder if we are going to send a lot of kids to the NBA without banners. It looks like Cal has become so good at recruiting, better than he was at Memphis, that we may be on the multilple 1ndone route for the foreseable future.
When I defended those asking if 5 NBA picks and no FF was a disappointing season (I think it is a fair question and it is reasonable to say “yes”) I was told “we were young etc.”
Well, it looks like we are always going to be young.
If that is a defense to not winning NCs and getting to FFs, then when can we expect that to happen? If we have the best talent every year, I would like to celebrate it on more than draft night.
I am chillin’. I apprecaite Cal and will let him do his thing without complaint. But don’t tell me every year (or even this year) that it wasn’t a disappointment to have the best talent in the land (again) and not win it all b/c we were “young and inexperienced.” That is going to be an excuse every year it seems.
We can't say this
That is going to be an excuse every year it seems.
Maybe, just maybe we won’t have to hear this excuse every year. Cal said on draft night he needed to figure out how to win the last three games of the NCAA tourney with young guys. Maybe he will, maybe he won’t. We do not know how that will play out.
And for the record, again, I was not disappointed this past season. On April 1st of last year, I had no idea if we would even get invited to the Big Dance. We didn’t need an “okay, you can come” invitation. We were a number one seed. I was rather pleased.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
While it looks like
we will have fabulously talented fresh faces every year while Cal is here, the young and inexperienced label will fade as the support troops become familiar with his system. As a whole, the team last year was first timers. This year about half the team will have some background under Cal’s teaching. That will help get the newbies up to par faster.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
by kywineman on Jun 28, 2010 7:16 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
They also serve
who practice every day. The more the support troops learn about the system, the better they can help prepare the younger players.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Maysvilleblue
You don’t have the slightest inclination of what you are talking about. I was not bashing Cal but trying to show that coaches are also human!! Folks like you take anything out of context just to beat on your chest and yell “I’m a Big Blue Fan” so watch your mouth.
You have really raised my ire like no other “person” on this blog. You’re not the only damned UK fan on this site. I am too and have been following UK since I was 7 years old. That’s 1948
to the uninitiated.
Here is a German remark for you. Translate it, if you can: “Gehen Sie auf Gehenna.”
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
whoa.
I think you misunderstood.
You do realize that maysvilleblue was responding to the original post by Tru (and that he wasn’t going to bother reading the linked article by Jeff Sentel because he knew what it would say), and not to you personally, right?
Relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy this lovely summer. : )
BigSkyCat
OK. That sounds like a winner. Bad for blood pressure anyway. I got pretty hot but I’m sure that I’ve made others hot too. What goes around comes around. Thanks
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
I'm not hot at all...
well..earlier I was because I got grill duty today cooking for my family but that’s beside the point. And I do think you misunderstood what I was saying. I choose not to read most articles concerning UK,especially commentary,because I know it’s usually going to be some sort of bashing of the blue. So,I just ignore it. I’m not sure why you got hot under the collar but when it’s 92 degrees or so,well,it’s easy to do. I can tell you that like millions of others,I bleed blue. Maybe not since 1948 but the late 60’s. I love my Cats. Sorry if I ruined your day. It wasn’t intended.
by maysvilleblue on Jun 27, 2010 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I have said it a million times but it needs repeating
You can not take what coaches and athletes say as gospel, especially in the heat of battle. Too many people get caught up in the wording or timing and do not understand hyperbole and/or emotion. I really do not understand why anyone gets fired up about a comment like that. He was obviously caught up in the moment, yet people get their panties in a bunch about it.
(shakes head at the gullible)
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
Shaking with you.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Cal's comments
Maybe for him personally, Thursday last was the most important event in UK history. Five in the first. If so, he should have made that footnote. It was wrong for him to assume that it was a great event for all UK fans. If he really thought this is what most UK fans were thinking, then he hasn’t totally “got it” yet. Hope he does in the future.
UK1972
Good comment ‘72. I’m sure that Coach Cal has not had time, in less than a year, to sit down at his PC and study all the great moments in UK BB history. They are many and close together
so to me that makes our ’Cats “as good as the best and better than the rest.”
Personally I believe that from what he has said about being at UK he already understands the
fans and how they embrace THERE Wildcats. Coach has a lot of irons in the fire. Recruiting,
speaking engagements, camps to hold, camps to attend, etc.
These things are all time consuming and the man can only be in one place at a time. Not intending to be critical of anyone, but I am, as a fan, going to cut him all the slack he requires.
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
This all smacks of Big Blue political correctness to me.
Get over it. Choose your own greatest moments and quit forming lynch mobs every time Cal is perceived to have demeaned our illustrious program. I think UK fans are the ones who haven’t “got it”.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
maysvilleblue
Boy did I ever jump the gun. BigSkyCat informed me of who you were addressing in your comment. Wish you could see my face about now! I feel like an absolute jerk. Hope you can forgive me. Please.
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
Believe Me...No Worries
I commented above to you “being hot under the collar”. It’s easy to sometimes misunderstand things on here and I’m not the best at putting things into words. But I admire your passion for the blue and white. We definitely have that in common.
When are people going to give Cal his due and admit that his coaching style helped that group accomplish more together
than most experts gave them a chance to do from the start. Cal made those young men a TEAM. And he taught them to respect not only each other, but themselves, AND Kentucky. And somewhere along the way he won a few games too. This is all “much ado about nothing” to steal from Willie S. I find it amazing that no one is willing to give Cal even an inch of credit for what they did on the court, but villifies him for what he did to get them there.
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
ABC, we can give Cal a ton of credit
for an exciting season. He did say on draft night that he just needs to find a way to win the last three games of the NCAA tourney with young talent. I think he knows that some of the BBN will accept nothing less than winning it all. (And again, I am not one.) But there are many boo$ters that do think that way. Sad in a way, but still true. I guess we just have to accept this too.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
I don't have to win it all EVERY year.
I can accept a runner up sandwhiched by two titles (see, 1996-1998).
:)
what was that quote from grammar school, "the speller's the feller"......lol
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
Audience? Context? Paradigm Shift?
There are perhaps other pertinent questions including the always popular, is it worth it? On the question of audience, anyone with a modicum of political acumen knows that public statements are usually made with multiple audiences in mind. A particularly good example is — pardon the political reference but it is so applicable and topical — Obama’s comments regarding the firing of McChrystal which were transparently aimed at the military, State Department, national security staff, AfPak governments, Taliban, and, not least, the U.S. public. In my mind Calipari’s statement focused on its primary and secondary audiences, i.e. prospective recruits and the basketball media, while ignoring the tertiary audience, the BBN. Giving his rather short tenure as a citizen — perhaps he hasn’t yet reached such a vaulted status — it seems reasonable to forgive the oversight. Consideration must also be given to the context and venue of the proclamation: It was NBA draft night in MSG and not BBM in Rupp or SEC media day. I have previously interposed the possibility of a paradigm shift in college basketball, perhaps now is the time to again probe the subject. With revenues of all sorts — perhaps TV takings most of all — now the prime focus of individual universities, conferences and the NCAA isn’t it possible that a highly talented, highly publicized, highly entertaining, big winning (30+ victories/season) team be considered successful despite not winning a national championship (or reaching The Final Four if that’s a goal)? Since the first week of April Duke has hardly been mentioned in the media while UK has been front and center for various reasons not all of them affirmative. Since I subscribe to the observation made by Irish writer, drinker and carouser Brendan Behan:
"There is no such thing as bad publicity except your own obituary."
I think UK comes out ahead and at the top of the college basketball hierarchy.
One thing for certain — and agreed to by all coaches with whom I’m familiar — championships begin with talented players, or as the aphorism goes: great players make great coaches. So I vote for recruiting and signing the best players available and then take our chances.
(So U.S. voters did) "The gazing populace receive greedily, without examination, whatever soothes superstition and promotes wonder." - David Hume
Rupp Disagreed With You
His 1958 team had very little talent. In Rupp’s words, only 3 of them could play basketball well enough for his liking. I presume Cox, Hatton, and don’t know the third one.
And yet, they won a national title. THE national title. Because they played so well as a team, as a unit, that they won the games that counted.
Rupp also said that any coach could win with great talent. But only a great coach could win with limited talent.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 27, 2010 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he was right about that.
Assuming he was, a really good coach should be able to win with great talent that is inexperienced, wouldn’t you think?
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I Don't Remember Rupp Mentioning Experience
Talented players win regardless (he thought). Lesser talented players benefit from experience (like 1958 Cats).
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 28, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Anachronistic
Any comparison of 1958 college basketball (or any number of other topics for that matter) with now is nonsense — whether you’re speaking of athleticism, maturity or experience of athletes, training and conditioning; whether you’re speaking competitive numbers or international exposure; and certainly not in the popularity of the sport and the media which made it so.
(So U.S. voters did) "The gazing populace receive greedily, without examination, whatever soothes superstition and promotes wonder." - David Hume
Rupp Was Talking Solely About Talent
Compared to ther teams in 1958, his UK team that year had little talent (he said).
Yet they won NC anyway.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 28, 2010 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
FYCF
That’s right. Tev Laudeman in his book “The Rupp Years” said about the 1958 team: “Of
the 7 losses 5 were by 3 or fewer points. The Fiddlin’ 5 paid their dues.” No, they weren’t the greatest UK team but they shocked the sports world by hanging # 4 for Coach Rupp. Very good comment.
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Jerry Tipton
took on Cal’s comment and asked some “old guards” about it. I think we should be more like Joe B
Hall, an enthusiastic Calipari fan, refused to be drawn into a discussion about Kentucky basketball’s greatest day even though he’s witnessed or participated in most of them. He called this year’s NBA Draft “certainly one of the greatest days because it gives Kentucky another first.”If you care to read the answers JT found when he asked some former Cats about the “the biggest day” comment, you can do that here.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
I Liked Issel's Quote
No BS from him.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 27, 2010 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Dichotomy Example
Isn’t it interesting that the very next story in LHL focuses on the incoming class: Next Six Cats? Time to reload, move on toward the first Final Four of the 21st century and stop looking in the rear view mirror.
(So U.S. voters did) "The gazing populace receive greedily, without examination, whatever soothes superstition and promotes wonder." - David Hume
The 2011 Team Will Have Less Talent Than 2010 Did
Less depth, less experience, too.
FF is a stretch in 2011.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 28, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
"FF is a stretch in 2011"
Ah, but conversely, maybe it isn’t.
If we use reverse logic here — as in last year’s talent laden team was definitely a favorite to make it to the FF, but as we all know, sadly, didn’t, well, then I say it’s certainly possible that while this year’s team isn’t supposed to make the FF, well, they just might. See, using reverse logic.
Its sports, where anything is possible (thus its appeal) and that’s the part about sports that is so great after all, right? That’s why we love sports so much.
We as humans always have the curiosity to see the unseen or be genuinely surprised and entertained and with sports the fact that anything is possible, they are for the most part unpredictable, and if you just watch — miracles, genuine honest-to-goodness surprises, and a multitude of other things can happen to make you feel so incredible, takes place right before your very eyes.
Season ‘10/’11? I’m ready. : )
Anything Is Possible
But 2012 appears more likely FF than 2011 to me.
Calipari’s FF teams at UMass (1996) and Memphis (2008) were deep, experienced, and talented.
His 2011 UK team is talented but not the other two.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 28, 2010 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
"Anything is possible."...
FYCF. Let’s not count the 2010-11 team out as far as depth. Remember these young men will be a year older and will have at least some experience. I’m not being critical as I have a lot of respect for your opinion.
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Remember all those stories about the "smart" Cornell kids and the dumb UK players?
Of our top 6 players last year, here is next year’s salary, not counting shoe contracts and Used Car dealer endorsements:
Wall: $4,286,900.
Cousins: $2,812,200.
Patterson: $1,519, 400.
Bledsoe: $1,237,500.
Orton: $857,000.
Miller: $0 since he stayed in school, but let’s give him $8,000 or so for tuition, books and room/board.
Taking Miller at that $8,000 figure, that averages $1,786,833.30/player. I wonder what Cornell’s top 6 players will average their first year out of school?
Heh.
It’s likely they won’t fare that well. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
but they will make great CPA's and lawyers for those guys......lol
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
Remember...
Yeah, that’s right. However percentage wise, Daniel will come out better. He’s not going to pay near the taxes the others are. LOL
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
On coaching ability alone.....
Trying to remember what the consensus top 5 was during last year’s pre-season and what it was at the end of the year? Oh wait I looked it up: Self, Izzo, Barnes and Williams all dropped in their rankings making them bad coaches? Calipari stayed at 5 and Shashefski, Stevens and Huggins all “over-acheived”? (remember the way the NCAA was seeded) This makes Cal a lousy coach?
Anybody who doesn’t understand the challenge that Cal faced in trying to mesh Billy Clyde’s players with the new guys and get them to learn a new system isn’t very basketball saavy. Give Cal 3 years and see what you think then. Even after his first year, we weren’t ready to throw BCG under the bus and look what he did for UK. (That is sarcasm) Cal is building a program, a system that sets up both a recruiting pipeline and a learning and development system that he expects will build the elite program in college basketball, that is why he came here. Heck Memphis offered him more money than UK did to stay and if he shopped himself, there is no telling what he could get either in college or the NBA. Be assured, Cal is building his legacy and in his mind everything counts, winning NCs, developing players and building the brand. In his mind, UK is the best place to do that.
Remember what Tubby was able to do with talent versus what he was able to do with slightly lower levels of talent. He has been lauded as a great bench coach. Yet we have criticized him for only being able to win with Pitino’s talent. Sorry but when we heard about Cal coming to UK we really only hoped he would get us back to the NCAA’s this year. Now we think it is OK to predict his methods will not be successful in bringing a championship? I think we need to enjoy this ride not predict failure.
About the "doing it for recruiting" stuff:
But how did his over-hyperbolic comments help last year’s class? Don’t get me wrong, I like Cal, but I’m not a member of the KSR-style “he does nothing wrong” slurp-fest. The used-car-salesmen/over-hype everything you do approach from Cal gets a little tiring.
As long as it
doesn’t get tiring to 5 star recruits, I don’t think we have to worry about it.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
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