Kentucky Gets Their Man — Or Do They?
April 1st, 2009 at 10:11 amBy Chris
The University of Kentucky got their man — much to the chagrin of Pat Forde and a whole bunch of other writers and bloggers, apparently — as the administration introduced John Calipari to the Kentucky masses this morning as the new coach of the Kentucky basketball team. In light of the worst-kept secret in college basketball coming to pass, I doubt the Kentucky faithful give one damn about what the Pat Fordes of the world think.
***We interrupt this schedule report to bring you this breaking news***
According to MJD at The Dagger, Calipari has already been fired by the University of Kentucky.
We’ll have more on this news as it comes in.
They’re just happy to have what they feel is a legitimate coach and a legitimate shot at regaining a place among college basketball’s elite, something Dan Wetzel understands quite well:
[Kentucky] missed the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1991 and haven’t been to a Final Four since 1998. Tubby Smith was a good man but he had too many team turmoils and not enough deep NCAA runs. Billy Gillispie worked like a mad man but never looked comfortable in Lexington.
Calipari will suffer neither problem. The guy was born to coach at a place like Kentucky. He’ll win. He’ll win games; he’ll win over the fans; he’ll win championships.
He could win one next season if some of his star recruits bail on Memphis and follow him to UK where Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks await. Seriously, it could be that quick.
And that’s why he’s here.
The idea of being a nationally prominent team as soon as next year has the Kentucky fans undoubtedly salivating. There is a very real possibility recruits like DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall — two of the best high school players in America — could follow Calipari to Kentucky, joining Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson, as well as recruits Daniel Orton and Jon Hood.
If these changes comes to fruition, expect Kentucky to be a highly-ranked team going into the 2009/2010 season. That would, in all likelihood, amp the fans’ legendary level of “expectations” to even higher level. On the other hand, how could a true basketball fan not be excited by a roster like that? For his part, Calipari offered this, “I’m here because I can recruit the best of the best,” and his track record indicates as such.
It’s safe to say words like that are music to a Kentucky fan’s ears. Yes, Calipari got a huge contract — 8 years for $30-35 million — but after going through their last four subpar seasons (by Kentucky standards) the University and its fans were more than happy to pay the sum.
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April 1st, 2009 at 12:44 pm
that potential roster is disgusting,might actually try to get some final four tickets
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:03 am
Hope everyone enjoyed kicking us while we down. That’s all I’m gonna say.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Is he going to have a bench for Kentucky or is it going to be a roster full of five-star players, half of which won’t see the floor?