First let's let go of the Calipari hot seat talk. There are only a handful of coaches today who can coach here, most of those are already at blue bloods or programs they aren't leaving. Anyone we hired would be a risk at this point, Cal is still one of the only sure bets. 8 years, 4 final fours, title. At the end of the day it is what it is. I think everyone should cool it on that and think. We aren't there yet.
This board has had this coming. For over two years there have been posters trying to say exactly what we are witnessing. I'm no insider, but I was hearing Cal is having trouble with these recruits for a while, and that was coming from the AAU circuit where I'm from. I am friends with a few coaches and participated on the circuit in a small role in the late 2000's. Not one are surprised with our position as of this morning.
Kentucky's gamble backfired, and for those that think these players do not care about college and winning, you just got your first shot to the gut. Not every recruit will look past success (Bamba), and it doesn't matter how good they are. Real winners want to win regardless of anything else. K is selling that, Kentucky is selling the Lakers. When it was evident that pitch was no longer working, we turned to insanity. Just keep doing it.
Kentucky has more to offer than Duke, we have an entire state behind our program with vast resources and connections that is much deeper with a richer and older tradition. Why Cal decided he didn't need to use that, I don't know. We have promoted a very self centered environment and it's turned people off. Kids leave when they have no business leaving, our roster thinned out, top kids that wanted to win and be a part of something special didn't see it at UK. Others like Kennard were afraid they'd be pushed out early. We need a slight culture change, at least curve it.
I know it's hard for some to swallow that, we've got several who just simply couldn't comprehend a world where a kid would choose another option other than money and individual greed. They can both work together, equally. Just like skilled basketball players and talent. They can work together equally. Cal went all in toward one direction. Big mistake.
Recruit to UK, explain the history and what you want to accomplish for the program, they already know you won't hold them back if they're ready. The 20189 class wanted to win, they didn't need Cal to get them to the NBA. And if that's not important, Cal is useless compared to others right now. He spends little time recruiting "UK".
Nike is a huge problem, and again some have been expressing this for sometime. Our assistants have to go, or at least a total shakeup. I'm now on board with Barbee's exit. He cannot handle his position. Also It's my personal opinion that our compliance is and has been a problem. But that's a topic for another day.
Calipari is more than capable of becoming a college coach again, and I do say again because think he quit doing that when he came to Kentucky (somewhat). Cal was excellent at evaluation, and I think it's evident at this point that he's stopped evaluating as he once did. Throw away the top 25 rankings, pick up a note pad, and get out there recruiting. You can still sign top players.
I've people I consider friends on this board, and Im telling you guys, fans care more about the program than Cals record. They are beginning to look past the accomplishments because they feel that Kentucky has become an afterthought and that the program is becoming disrespected. There is a reason the fans appreciate and remember 1992 more than championship teams. I sometimes think Cal doesn't understand that, and I think a minority of our fans don't either.
Cal can get this right. He has a legacy at UK with a winning record to recruit with. Start recruiting Calipari, Kentucky, and family as much as the next level; the next level is just the next goal. Talk about the goal they are chasing today, college basketball.
That's what I got. I love Calipari and feel terrible for him right now. He needs our support more than he's ever needed it. I'm sure he's pissed at several issues surrounding the past few years, probably more than us. All great coaches ADJUST. All great coaches had bad stretches and made changes. If Cal is who we think he is, a GOAT, he will follow suit.
I don't think I've stopped drinking since yesterday at 5.
