...was Lowe's injury, both for the fans and for UL's decision-makers.
If Lowe doesn't get hurt, he either balls out, making UK a much better team, increasing wins/record, seeding in both tournaments, and overall watchability. That would have been good for the fans. Or, he stinks like everyone thought, and there is no enhancements for the team, and we know for certain Pope failed in his roster construction, player development, and ability to coach.
As a sports fan, I cannot dismiss the significance of losing your starting PG. As a Packers fan, when Aaron Rodgers went down, no one blamed the coach for not winning games. As a Red Sox fan, losing Alex Bregman, even though it was only temporary, affected the whole complexion of the season. It's only one guy, but it changes everything. For QB and PG, it's the most important position. Not having a strong backup is Pope's fault. Perhaps he thought Lowe's style of play would limit potential for injury. It was a freak injury, anyone who is honest would have to admit.
Had Pope had his guy running the team and it went poorly, the administration would have to take a long, hard look at the situation this year. As it is, year one wad get all things considered. Year two, awful on paper. Yet, Calipari and Barnhart set up this awful mess. Year three will clear things up. It's a make or break year.
My biggest concern is Quaintance not returning. If I'm a booster or athletic director, my number one question is why JQ got his bag without any substantial contribution, and then he's not bound by contract to play another season.
As a fan, I'd rather lose every game than to know my program is allowing players to exploit our university and boosters. If high value players don't want to sign multi-year contracts, then go somewhere else. I'm not sure who oversees all these decisions and transactions, but I would want it to be almost fool-proof that if you sign with UK, we're getting your services or you are not getting paid.
If Lowe doesn't get hurt, he either balls out, making UK a much better team, increasing wins/record, seeding in both tournaments, and overall watchability. That would have been good for the fans. Or, he stinks like everyone thought, and there is no enhancements for the team, and we know for certain Pope failed in his roster construction, player development, and ability to coach.
As a sports fan, I cannot dismiss the significance of losing your starting PG. As a Packers fan, when Aaron Rodgers went down, no one blamed the coach for not winning games. As a Red Sox fan, losing Alex Bregman, even though it was only temporary, affected the whole complexion of the season. It's only one guy, but it changes everything. For QB and PG, it's the most important position. Not having a strong backup is Pope's fault. Perhaps he thought Lowe's style of play would limit potential for injury. It was a freak injury, anyone who is honest would have to admit.
Had Pope had his guy running the team and it went poorly, the administration would have to take a long, hard look at the situation this year. As it is, year one wad get all things considered. Year two, awful on paper. Yet, Calipari and Barnhart set up this awful mess. Year three will clear things up. It's a make or break year.
My biggest concern is Quaintance not returning. If I'm a booster or athletic director, my number one question is why JQ got his bag without any substantial contribution, and then he's not bound by contract to play another season.
As a fan, I'd rather lose every game than to know my program is allowing players to exploit our university and boosters. If high value players don't want to sign multi-year contracts, then go somewhere else. I'm not sure who oversees all these decisions and transactions, but I would want it to be almost fool-proof that if you sign with UK, we're getting your services or you are not getting paid.
like it's Halloween candy. An additional 3-4 mil could entirely fund some sports or help us potentially land a few recruits in basketball or football.
