Not to interrupt all the bike repair talk but....
--- This is probably the first time during the Calipari era that I am a little concerned. Not so much about the future as I think O/Chin/Lucas is a great combo that will get recruiting to the best level it can be going forward. But I am concerned for next year and if that doesn't go well, what it means for the fan base. They were genuinely shocked by Hickman decision and they didn't have some master plan...no matter what people say. They always wanted to add another better PG, but I think they took some solace in him as a fallback. Now they have no fallback and probably need to take two Point Guards. They have a number of good options (Carr, TyTy, etc) but none that I think is a sure thing to happen. And thus I am concerned...it will probably work out but I have never seen Cal off guard except once before (when he didn't know Zion would go to Duke). That won't happen again as O knows how to keep things organized. But it is worrisome for next year.
--- Joel being gone means the end of a lot of these reporters getting their scoops. I wasn't one that talked to him so it might just seem like sour grapes, but I do think a lot of perception problems came from Joel putting nuggets out there that weren't really the case and affecting what people thought was possible. Calipari is at his best when he KNOWS who he is going to get and who he won't. And then he can immediately cut bait when he doesn't...it then doesn't look like he gets beat and he can get another option quickly. Kenny/O/Slice were great at giving those honest evaluations. Joel was different and was overly optimistic on everyone...that was communicated to media and led to us being seen as "losing" battles that we were really never in. Now whether he genuinely believed we could win or was just trying to look good, it was a poor decision and ultimately why I didn't think it worked out here. Joel is a good recruiter but Calipari values, above anything else, loyalty and silence. I am not sure if the leaking of news over the last two years was something he wanted....and he REALLY didn't being blindsided by recruit decisions
--- Watch the F1 Netflix show if you haven't. It's awesome...and not because of F1, which is interesting but sort of very titled in success, but because it is so well done as a show. From storylines to characters to how awesome it looks visually, its as good a reality show about sports as I have ever seen....different than Last Chance U but just as compelling.
--- I have been fortunate enough to work in a number of vastly different worlds....big law, UK sports, ESPN, Restaurants, Federal Judiciary, Politics...but there is nothing weirder or more interesting/bizarre than the world of professional wrestling. The people you meet, the crazy stories and the overall daily lives of those involved is simply unparalleled in anything I have ever been a part of. My presence just begins this week on air but the behind the scenes work over the last six months is enough for a book. One day I hope all of you come out and sample it because I guarantee you will be entertained. And as it comes to reality shows, we have something on the back burner with that as well. Vince Marrow is on next Thursday night
--- WWTH hangs out with more football coaches than a 5 star recruit nowadays
--- Has anyone been to that little open market off Limestone, close to Loudon? I don't know the name of it or if it will survive but it is a cool place to have in Lexington that. I had absolutely no idea existed at all
Go Cats....Anth if you want a rematch one Thursday night at historic Davis Arena, let me know
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