Gillispie and Oklahoma State -- The speculation that just won't die

by Truzenzuzex on Apr 14, 2008 11:02 AM EDT in Commentary Comment 62 comments

John Clay has a post on Sidelines today once again raising the specter of Oklahoma State, a wholly owned subsidiary of B.P. Capital Management, making a move on Coach Gillispie. Apparently, the source for this new brush fire is this article from a blog run by the Austin American-Statesman. Quoth Randy Riggs, the author:

There's so much smoke regarding the rumor that there's mutual interest between Gillispie and Oklahoma State that there might be some fire there someplace.

Kentucky-based speculation has it that Gillispie met recently with OSU folks in Nashville, Tenn. A Big 12 person with his ear firmly connected to the coaching grapevine confirmed the Cowboys' interest in Gillispie and added that Kansas coach Bill Self recommended Gillispie to OSU athletic director Mike Holder after Self said he wasn't interested in returning to his alma mater. Gillispie was an assistant on Self's staffs at Tulsa and Illinois.

"Kentucky-based speculation?" This seems to be a rumor generated on one of the U of L message boards from a rumor on OSU's message boards, but I can find no basis for it. We, among many others, have considered that Oklahoma State might come after Gillispie, but the logic seems a bit less than totally convincing. It was reported in several places, and discussed on this blog earlier, that Doug Gottlieb, an OSU alumni, had dismissed the Gillispie rumor as false because OSU did not want the "baggage" associated with Gillispie's arrests a few years back. I wondered in that same article if that could have been a misdirection ploy by T. Boone Pickens, and this latest conjecture does little to quell that lingering doubt.

Still, I think that there are several better candidates available, résumé-wise, some of which I have already discussed at some length. Over the weekend, the loathsome troll Jeff Goodman reported that Jamie Dixon had denied any interest in the Oklahoma State job. This Tulsa World article [hat tip: John Clay] also indicates that Kevin Stallings has not been contacted by OSU, although quite honestly, I don't know why Oklahoma State would consider Stallings. Yes, he has done some good things at Vanderbilt, but for the kind of money Pickens & Co. are talking about, would you really want a coach who had never gotten a team past the Sweet Sixteen? That same caveat applies to Gillispie.

Anyway, perhaps that is the level of coaching most likely to accept a job offer from OSU, and if so, Stallings and Gillispie would both seem to be worthy of consideration, along with Dixon and Jay Wright. I don't think Wright is a target primarily because he seems to be very happy where he is, kind of like Donovan and Self. I have suggested that Tim Floyd might be a good place for the Cowboys to go, and I still think that is something they should consider -- I do believe he can be lured away, and his time in the pros and recruiting around the California area would be really valuable to a program like the Cowboys.

The Dallas Morning News had this to say over the weekend about Gillispie and OSU:

Billy Clyde Gillispie won't coach at Oklahoma State because he'd look like he ran away from Kentucky after a disappointing season. But, for a tough guy, how about his oddly vulnerable quote about what Kentucky means to him after the Wildcats were eliminated from the NCAAs by Marquette: "I mean, it's just you are a special person if you are associated with Kentucky basketball." ...

I don't know if that's true or not, but it is a consideration. Nobody is guaranteed success, and if Holder were to tempt Gillispie away with millions, Gillispie would surely be under great pressure to succeed immediately lest he be summarily "Suttoned" after a couple of seasons -- billionaires are not noted for their patience, and big bucks demand big results. From what I have seen of Mike Holder, though, he really is clueless about basketball coaches, so he will be taking direction from management on this one.

So what do I think? I believe that there may a price that would pry Gillispie lose from Kentucky, I just don't believe that Pickens is willing to go that high on a coach who has yet to prove himself at the big-time basketball level. They can have similarly qualified candidates, in my opinion, for less money.

As I said previously, this sort of thing will be ongoing until OSU actually settles on a coach. That's just the reality of the situation. We are not done yet, so stay tuned for updates as they become available.

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One thing I hate about UK...

...we will forever live in the world of "Who is after our coach and will he go?"

Tubby to NBA/ATL
Rick tp every job ever opened.
Now I suspect BCG will ge a target many more times.

I just do not think it is this time and this place.

I was in Memphis over the weekend and (along with a bunch of hype officially calling themselves "the winningest college team ever" everywhere) the BCG to OSU talk was a hot topic at bars.

I am not worried. We will win if he stays and we will win if he goes. If this sort of thing can tempt him now with all of the sub-plots then I would like to know now and get it over with.

But BCG please stay and show us why you did.

by wilson452 on Apr 14, 2008 11:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Meet the pot, Kettle

"Doug Gottlieb, an OSU alumni, had dismissed the Gillispie rumor as false because OSU did not want the 'baggage' associated with Gillispie's arrests a few years back."

So says the man kicked out of Notre Dame for stealing credit cards and later convicted of fraud.

by Thomas Hunt Morgan on Apr 14, 2008 1:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Heh ...

very funny!

by Truzenzuzex on Apr 14, 2008 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Collegiate Ethics

With all of the rules the NCAA has regarding college athletics there must be something that covers this type of program hijacking.

Vitale's article, though it didnt have many facts, did make a good point that this is not good for college sports.

Between OSU and Oregon the NCAA is going to soon have a big problem on its hands. Those with this kind of money generally get what they want and one would think shady dealings are surely to follow hand in hand with these aggressive manuevers to hire coaches.

How long will it be before Mr. Pickens opens his checkbook to not only get the coach, but the players he wants as well? If the government can pass campaign finance reform, why not booster finance reform? (No, I'm not serious)

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on Apr 14, 2008 1:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gillispie's every move...

Wait... wait... wait... how in the hell could BCG get down to Nashville to meet with OSU officials without everyone in Lexington knowing about it? Heck, we all KNOW when he's out drinking at 3 am... driving drunk... dating 18 year olds... and generally bringing the level of college debauchery in Lexington to an all time high! Right? Right? Where are all the people that seem to be tracking his every move on this one?

/end sarcasm

by chirop1 on Apr 14, 2008 1:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ha Ha!

Seems impossible, doesn't it?

:-)

by Truzenzuzex on Apr 14, 2008 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

HA HA

LOL!!!!!!!!

Very funny. And TRUE!

by wilson452 on Apr 14, 2008 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gundy's Rant......

Not really UK related but do you all remember Gundy's Rant (OSU's Coach)? While searching the web for OSU's coaching search I found this interesting article:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3341578

On a side note, I do not think OSU will get Gillispie even if they pursue him, I just like to keep up with it as my fater-in-law is an OSU alum.

C....A....T....S CATS CATS CATS

by MartinGolf9 on Apr 14, 2008 3:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Fascinating article

C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!

by NYCCats on Apr 14, 2008 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Article

Wow, what a great article. If everything is true, than I wish nothing but the best for Booby Reid.

by gacatfan on Apr 14, 2008 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This ones for GLORY

Clyde will not go to OSU. I have met Billy, I have talked with Billy, and I think I know Billy. Or at least I know the kind of person that Billy is.

Billy Clyde Gillispie is cut from the same cloth as John Wooden, Dean Smith, and Adolph Rupp. These men were men who had the desire, the passion, and the drive to make a legacy. Clyde has that same vein running through his body. Billy will not go to OSU because Billy wants to be something great, Billy wants to be remembered, and Billy wants to do things Billy's way.

Money does mean something to Coach, but Glory means much more. You can tell a lot about a person in his position by the house he buys. He buys a 12000 square foot house and rarely graces it's rooms, but its a way for him to show his glory. Clyde wants to be seen as not only an elite coach, but THE elite coach, and he knows that he will never have that in Stillwater.

Now for wrath, now for Glory, now for ever. Clyde will stay at Kentucky.

Neil Carter

by KingKentucky on Apr 14, 2008 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Just not worried.

Seems many of the blue persuasion are worried inordinately over the possibility of BCG heading to OSU. I for one am not worried for two reasons. First, I don't believe he will go if offered. I would not blame him for listening to an offer (how can you not listen to that much money) but ultimately I think he is right where he wants to be. If the season had continued to follow the path that December took, sure he might be ready to jump ship while he could before being ran out of town. But he turned this team around and helped them earn a very special place in the hearts of most Big Blue fans. Many of his doubters early on (of which I was not one) came around and by most accounts this season was considered a success when factored against injuries and the other challenges he faced.

Secondly, I am not worried because if he does go, he was not the man for us in the first place and we will find the right man. If he can't take one year in the hotseat of Kentucky basketball and is unhappy enough to leave for more money and less limelight, then go. I don't want a coach who doesn't want us. Period.

So, I for one am not worried. Either way Kentucky basketball shall rise again and we will find a way to win and hang banner number 8 from the hallowed rafters of Rupp. If BCG wants to be a part of that then we welcome him. If not, we will find someone who does. I for one plan to spend my time in the off season worrying more about how Patterson and Meeks are healing and where the next recruit is coming from. I won't lose one moment of sleep over whether or not BCG will be our coach next year.

by hoopchi on Apr 14, 2008 4:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I've Heard The Rumors, Inside And Outside

I think Gillispie coaches UK next year and beyond.

Just a hunch, no scoop.

by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 14, 2008 8:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think ..

you are right, for several reasons.

One, as Ken indicated above, he is getting more comfortable in the fishbowl.

Second, making your stamp on OSU is one thing. Becoming a part of Kentucky basketball lore is completely different.

Third, while he may get as much as $800K or even $1M more per year in the OSU job now, he will get to an even higher level eventually if he stays at Kentucky. T. Boone Pickens is not a young man, and that honeypot is likely to largely dry up after he moves along to his reward.

My guess is, if he stays at UK for 10 years, he will wind up with more in his pocket than after ten years at OSU.

by Truzenzuzex on Apr 15, 2008 7:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pickens

Hey 'Cat fans. Just an OSU fan here. First of all, I don't think BCG is headed to OSU either, so I'm not on here to make trouble or anything. I did want to clarify about TBP. As you said, he is getting on in years (about 80 I think), but his large donation of $165M was re-invested into his own BP Capital hedge fund and has grown to over $300M at this point. He is also planning to leave much more to the university AND athletic dept., so his gifts won't dry up when he's gone. They will be helping OSU for generations. Can't buy us love, can't buy us happiness, and may not even buy us a top-tier coach, but the money will be there for the long-term.

by OSU Cowboy on Apr 15, 2008 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just curious...

Is Pickens seen as just a really rich guy who only has the programs best interest at heart or someone who is hurting the university by being to closely involved in the decision making by the average OSU fan?

It would be interesting to see it through the eyes of someone who roots for Ok. St..

by wldcatsfreak on Apr 15, 2008 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good Question

At first, there was some trepidation about his donations, what his motivations were, and some concern about his amount of influence over the program. And, there are some that still resent that. Especially about his insistence on installing his good friend Mike Holder (the former golf coach at OSU) as AD before he laid on the mega-gift of $165M. But now, I think most OSU fans (myself included) see TBP as being the man that has finally given us a CHANCE to compete in the Big 12. For decades, we had been a perennially underfunded program with decaying facilities (especially football)and were getting left farther behind the bigger-money programs in the conference like OU, aTm, UT, NU, and others. Now, when you walk around campus, go to the games and see the glittering new stadium going up and hear about the NFL-quality training and locker rooms and see the excitement around the program, it's hard to begrudge the man for wanting to have some influence. After all, I believe he sees it like any other huge investment. You put that much money into something, you would naturally want some control and input. What he wants more than anything is to see at least a conference championship in football before passing on. I'm sure you guys can relate in football as far as how hard it is to win one of those in the SEC, it's even tougher than the Big 12. One other bit of insight from an OSU alum, we get really tired of hearing about how TBP is "buying" us a coach, championship, whatever. He isn't doing anything that any other big-money donors have been doing at other schools forever. The only difference is that we have one really big, high-profile donor where other schools may have many more smaller ones. One other thing about Pickens that gets very little mention. He has also given many millions to academic programs at OSU. He was a geology major at OSU and donated millions to establish the TBP School of Geology long before he started making his donations to the athletic program. He has also donated a lot of money to academics at the University of Texas. Anyway, probably more info than you wanted. Good luck to the Wildcats.

by OSU Cowboy on Apr 15, 2008 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks,

thats an interesting take on the man and his relationship with the university. I don't think many people out there see him as much more than the rich guy who is buying OSU's athletic department. Your response at least adds a little humanity to what he is doing. The AD situation is kind of a head scratcher though.

Good luck to your Cowboys especially vs. oklahoma, I think stoops comes across as being arrogant. :)

by wldcatsfreak on Apr 15, 2008 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very Good Info

Thanks OSU Cowboy.

by EEWildcat on Apr 15, 2008 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks ...

for coming by and offering your point of view. It gives us a lot to think about.

Good luck to you in your coaching search with the exception of any designs that may appear on our coach. In that case, I'm going to have to withdraw my wish of good fortune.

:-)

Thanks again for coming by and offering such an intelligent comment.

by Truzenzuzex on Apr 16, 2008 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OSU Talked to Chris Lowery

Just FYI, it just came out in the local paper here that OSU has talked to Chris Lowery at SIU and he announced he is staying put. Nothing against Lowery, but if we are talking with him, you have to think BCG is not in the picture with us. Thanks again for your courtesy and I enjoyed the chat.

by OSU Cowboy on Apr 16, 2008 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point ...

It certainly could be so.

I have no idea what Holder is looking for, and you could certainly point to this as evidence that Gillispie is not on Holder's radar.

I am not so sanguine. There are good reasons why Gillispie may be on the list, but lower than Lowery. Many Kentucky fans would scoff at that suggestion, but I will feel much better when OSU has some other coach under contract.

Thanks for the polite discussion. You are just the kind of person we enjoy having here at A Sea of Blue. Please feel free to visit and comment anytime you want, whatever the outcome of your coaching search.

by Truzenzuzex on Apr 16, 2008 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have a friend from OK City

and he said the same thing. He doesn't believe that T.Boone Pickens is trying to buy the university's athletic department but rather bring it to the top of the state and eventually the top of the Big 12 where he believes it belongs. He says on a daily basis... and I quote, "T. Boone Pickens has Norman, Oklahoma in his crosshairs". He makes it seem like he is a high profile, super wealthy alum who is just giving back to what he loves. Does UK have any of those besides Ashley Judd? :)

I need a Sea of Blue because I am surrounded by Tennessee orange and Vandy gold!

by sleepytimetea on Apr 16, 2008 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

UK's big alumni givers

Other than Ashley Judd you ask? Well... lets remember that our beloved basketball team is now practicing in the Joe Craft Center.

by chirop1 on Apr 16, 2008 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was kidding

but I don't know that I would call Joe Craft "high profile" but he cerainly is generous and rich.

I need a Sea of Blue because I am surrounded by Tennessee orange and Vandy gold!

by sleepytimetea on Apr 16, 2008 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Flight to Stillwater

I was just reading the John Clay article and one of the comments mentioned an ExecJet flight to a private airport here in Nashville from Stillwater last week and how this may have been cause for the speculation. I work at one of the big hotels downtown here in Nashville and had to take a group of businessmen in the steel industry back to the private airport here in town last week to fly back to Stillwater in their private jet. If this were in fact the same flight and the basis for this rumored meeting in Nashville, I laugh whole heartedly as they were one Stillwater resident and two Yukon, OK residents. I remember the Cowboy fan saying how he didn't think they stood a chance at either Bill Self or Billy G and thought S. Sutton got a raw deal. I also remember the Yukon residents saying that didn't care at all about the mess in Stillwater as they were Sooner fans. I would be willing to bet that there aren't that many private jets flying between Stillwater and Nashville on a weekly basis.... I just thought that this would be hilarious if that were the same plane and that is all it takes to start a rumor these days.

I need a Sea of Blue because I am surrounded by Tennessee orange and Vandy gold!

by sleepytimetea on Apr 14, 2008 9:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

From the Land of Nike University

I keep reading all the hype about BCG leaving to OSU etc... If Billy is going to stay then why has BCG (himself) not made a public statement? Especially given this time of year concerning recruits etc...

Yes it is true Phil Knight is every bit the same guy as T Boone Pickens!!!

Kentucky is College Basketball.

by oregonblue on Apr 15, 2008 1:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Making statements ...

will not really end the controversy. We have heard all that before with Pitino, and it didn't amount to a hill of beans.

Plus, Gillispie may want Barnhart to sweat it out. They still have not finalized the contract, and there is nothing like the pressure of having your coach raided to focus the mind.

:-)

by Truzenzuzex on Apr 15, 2008 7:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Get a clue

You get dumber and dumber with every article you write.

BCG is unproven? He's been named coach of the year in his conference every year but his first as a head coach.

by goukcatsgo on Apr 15, 2008 10:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Unproven

You get coach of the years for doing better than expected. You become proven by constantly meeting high expectations.

And quit being such a douche.

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on Apr 15, 2008 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Congratulations..

Your astonishingly rude first comment has earned you a one-way, all-expenses paid, first-class ticket to:

/dev/null!

That's right, goukcatsgo, you will enjoy eternity in a place where all your future comments will be unheard, unspoken and unconsidered by anyone! Bask in the filtered sunshine of your own inconsiderate incivility. Play in the ocean of forgetfulness on the beach of abandonment where nobody but the clueless come.

No purchase necessary, all trips one-way and non-refundable except by abject abasement of person before the author of this website.

Thanks for playing "Can I Get Banned From A Sea Of Blue On My Very First Post?" You have established a new, and perhaps unbreakable record.

Enjoy!

by Truzenzuzex on Apr 15, 2008 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah ...

well, that's actually his sixth post.

His others were so forgettable, I ... forgot them!

:-)

by Truzenzuzex on Apr 15, 2008 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ouch, that smarts!

by Ken Howlett on Apr 15, 2008 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

... and a belly LOL!

by Ken Howlett on Apr 15, 2008 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you...

for banning this joker. I was hoping he would get it after his last fiasco concerning Hopson. I don't understand why people have to be so sophomoric. If you have an opinion that differs, deliver it with logic and reason and leave the insults behind.

by hoopchi on Apr 15, 2008 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Congrats to ya Tru!

...for banishing that guy forever!

Great post when you did it...LOL

by kykat51 on Apr 15, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

who is this joker?

seriously... that's awful rude of you to attack someone who allows you onto their space and their webpage to comment freely... how old are you, 15? Don't think you are earning any respect around here by talking to Tru (or anyone else) like that. It's the internet and you are not intimidating or tough so knock it off.

I need a Sea of Blue because I am surrounded by Tennessee orange and Vandy gold!

by sleepytimetea on Apr 15, 2008 11:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Every post they have made has been rude and/or aggressive toward Tru.

by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 15, 2008 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think....

We just have to stop responding. IMO, he/she is clearly trying to get a rise out of the reasonable, intelligent and generally opinion-respecting posters that frequent this remarkable site. Sooner or later, if he/she doesn't get the desired results they are looking for, they will go back to the other blogs that welcome that sort of nonsense. The fact that one looks foolish posting such drivel apparently does not matter to some. It's a shame too, because I for one check this site more than I care to say during the day and I really enjoy seeing that "new" comment -- only to find this rubbish cluttering up the site, it's disappointing.

by BigSkyCat on Apr 15, 2008 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ditto!

by Ken Howlett on Apr 15, 2008 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Piling On

Word.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Apr 15, 2008 11:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

How great is it...

...that a post like that sticks out like a sore thumb on this board? I read a lot of other boards where posts like that one are considered tame. Kudos to Tru and the loyal posters at ASOB for helping make this an idiot-free zone.

by Acdixon on Apr 15, 2008 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Mmmm

/nods sagely in agreement

by chirop1 on Apr 15, 2008 1:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice to see the fangs come out!

Idiot-free zone, I like that! Let this be a lesson, BS will not be tolerated on this site. Logical/civil debate only. (With an occasional good-natured barb or one liner every now an then.)

by wldcatsfreak on Apr 15, 2008 3:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ASOB

Ditto!

by kykat51 on Apr 15, 2008 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Travis Ford

Just heard on ESPN First Take that he will be named OSU's new coach.

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on Apr 16, 2008 12:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good move for him

Not a bad move for Ford or OSU really.

by chirop1 on Apr 16, 2008 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

good work TrickyD!

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3349529

by BigSkyCat on Apr 16, 2008 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pure luck : )

I just happened to catch it while I was home for lunch and the TV was on.

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on Apr 16, 2008 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Small World

Hey 'Cats. OSU Cowboy here again. How strange I was just on here talking w/you last night and today about the Gillispie thing and now it looks like OSU might hire somebody else with UK ties. What can you tell me about Travis Ford? I saw where he had a losing record at E. Kentucky before UMass. Hopefully, it was the kind of thing where he took over a bad program and showed great improvement in turning it around his last few years there? Otherwise, I don't know how he would have gotten the UMass job.

by OSU Cowboy on Apr 16, 2008 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eastern ...

isn't a bad program, but it was his first D-1 HC position and he grew into the job. In 5 years, he took the Colonels from 7-19 his first year to 22-9 and an OVC championship in 2005. He made the tourney that year and pushed UK to the limit in the first round.

Ford was a great player at Kentucky and helped take us to a Final Four. He is from Kentucky and has developed into one tough coach.

I think you will like him -- a lot. OSU is a big step up from UMass, and he will make the best of it.

by Truzenzuzex on Apr 16, 2008 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the Info

It looks like he also brought UMass along pretty well as they won the A10 last year and went to the NIT Final this year. Looking on out a few years, if he is successful at OSU, I REALLY hope Gillispie stays with you guys a very long time. Otherwise, UK might call Ford home! As proven by the Bill Self pursuit, we can't compete with the top-echelon programs like UK and KU. Will be interesting to see if this all plays out as it is being reported. It sounds like Ford may be meeting with the UMass players this afternoon to tell them he's leaving. Thanks again.

by OSU Cowboy on Apr 16, 2008 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ford

If it comes true for OSU, you will have a young, but very enthusiastic Coach. Travis was and is still loved by the Ky fan base. IMO he will do your University a very respectable job. I am sure he will be back to Kentucky someday, but not soon anyway :), because he and his wife both are Ky natives...Heather grew up here in my town and was a swimmer at UK.

Not sure about the accent of peoples in OK, but I know the KY accents...listen carefully! Lol

Best of luck with Travis!

by kykat51 on Apr 16, 2008 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As an added detail...

He does have some (minor) ties to the Big XII. He played one year at Missouri before transferring home to UK.

by chirop1 on Apr 16, 2008 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He paid close attention

...to Rick and Billy D and the like while here.

He has style on and off the court and can control a room. He can talk very well and is easy to like and listen to. He seems to have a good grasp of the spin zone needed in major college sports.

He is a GREAT all round modern coach.

He will make use of every ounce of money, planes and name that OSU has and can give him.

You will be happy!

by wilson452 on Apr 16, 2008 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great Feedback

I appreciate all the great input from all of you that know of Travis Ford the best. He does have an excellent pedigree coming from UK and the coaches under which he has played/worked. Honestly, he wasn't on my radar screen that much, but the more I read about him, the more I like. He seems to be a real "up-and-comer" and I think he just may prove to be a great hire. I know he talked to LSU. Maybe didn't want to be in the same conference as UK? Anyway, it will be very interesting to see how he adjusts to the Big 12. It can be a real grind. Several good teams. I just want to say, UK will now be one of my new favorite teams to root for. You have all been very nice and friendly and I've really enjoyed the chat. Take care and good luck down the road. Who knows, maybe we'll see each other in the NCAA tourney soon!

by OSU Cowboy on Apr 16, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

NCAA match-ups

Considering how much the selection committee likes to pair up storylines for early round games, I'd say that's almost a certainty.

EKU got slapped into a 15 seed when he coached them to the tourney when many people thought they would be higher just so they could play the 2 seed Kentucky.

by chirop1 on Apr 16, 2008 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs