Would A Final Four Change Your Perception

[BlueWorldOrder74]

Just wondering if a final four this season would change your desire to get rid of Cal? This is for those of you only clamoring for his removal. This is honestly something I am curious about. I ask because I have a friend who despises Cal, and he readily admits that even a Title this season would not change his mind. I applaud his determination and respect his stance. Was curious what the board would say.....let me know.

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

It would relieve pressure this season but not fix the underlying problems.

 

[MWes11]

If Cal get to the FF with this squad, yes he should absolutely stay. I think most would consider that overachieving with this group.

 

[Will Bithers]

Nope! The issues with Cal and the fanbase have very little to do with the team or season record. Events that unfolded this summer are why the desire now exist for many to want a change. That cat is out of the bag for many and will not change regardless. Same for a lot of peoples issues with Keion. Many that were on here excited he was a multiple year guy no longer care whether he stays or goes.

 

[Short-Dawg-69]

I for one don't want to see Cal leave or removed that is just crazy talk.
But we all have to admit the chemistry in that coaching staff under Cal with Orlando Antigua and Rod Strickland was special and has not been duplicated since they have departed.
We have had good runs and good teams since but that coaching team was phenomenal together.

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

Long story short NO! Cal’s system is broken.

 

[Backer cutter]

Nope. My minds been made up for several years.

 

[Baller Cal]

Nope! This issues with Cal and the fanbase has very little to do with on the court stuff currently. Events that unfolded this summer are why the desire now exist for many to want a change. That cat is out of the bag for many and will not change regardless. Same for a lot of peoples issues with Keion. Many that were on here excited he was a multiple year guy no longer care whether he stays or goes.

Agree. And for many, the BLM stuff is used by them to say "we got him now!!!" They already hated him and are pitifully blowing that stuff way out of proportion because they have an agenda. I've asked several of them to show me anytime in the last several months that he's supported that movement. They can't do it because he hasn't once he figured it all out, as many did. Name a single coach anywhere that is out front supporting that movement? They can't do it.

 

[John Henry]

No. I am off of the train and it pulled from the station. I prefer a team that works all of the kinks out in practice and shows up game day prepared, ready with a plan to win the game.

Every game from the 1st to last.

 

[Baller Cal]

No. I am off of the train and it pulled from the station. I prefer a team that works all of the kinks out in practice and shows up game day prepared, ready with a plan to win the game.

Every game from the 1st to last.

Huh? On the political thread you (and SEVERAL others) said it’s because of his and Stoops’ politics.

 

[JerseyCat84_rivals57050]

Make November Games Great Again

 

[know1]

Not for me. His system doesn't put the University of Kentucky basketball team first.

Here's a really easy way to look at it - If he left after the season (even with a Final Four), would UK basketball be in better shape than when he took over?

At best it's about equal.

 

[KyFaninNC]

Just wondering if a final four this season would change your desire to get rid of Cal? This is for those of you only clamoring for his removal. This is honestly something I am curious about. I ask because I have a friend who despises Cal, and he readily admits that even a Title this season would not change his mind. I applaud his determination and respect his stance. Was curious what the board would say.....let me know.

For me. NO. All this time while I have been critical of the OAD and Cal’s bench coaching, or lack of, I have always stated I wanted him here, but to change. But after this summer when he embraces BLM and then had the gall to ask BBN to embrace a terrorist organization, that was the last straw. Only that might change my mind would be for Cal to publicly apologize for that and promise he would abandon the OAD/ NBA priority.

Anything short of that and I won’t be happy till he is gone. It’s one thing to tell me it’s sunny and warm when actually it is cold and rainy, but don’t piss on my leg and tell me it’s raining. I got no more use for John Calipari.

 

[STL_Cat]

It’s hard for me to even imagine the hypothetical scenario where THIS team goes to the final four. Let’s talk when it happens. Right now, they’re 1-4.

 

[ManitouDan_anon]

Lot depends about how we would get to the FF , who we beat , how we play , etc etc. I forget which year it was but he has taken some bad looking teams and turned them around . But I’m super frustrated and none of my frustration has anything to do with whatever happened in the summer . It’s irrelevant to winning and losing. The truth is we won’t have to worry about this hypothetical.. not gonna happen. I’d definitely say I’d be appeased and back off the criticism .

 

[Baller Cal]

[/QUOTE]

????

For me. NO. All this time while I have been critical of the OAD and Cal’s bench coaching, or lack of, I have always stated I wanted him here, but to change. But after this summer when he embraces BLM and then had the gall to ask BBN to embrace a terrorist organization, that was the last straw. Only that might change my mind would be for Cal to publicly apologize for that and promise he would abandon the OAD/ NBA priority.

Anything short of that and I won’t be happy till he is gone. It’s one thing to tell me it’s sunny and warm when actually it is cold and rainy, but don’t piss on my leg and tell me it’s raining. I got no more use for John Calipari.

So for you, a 1-4 start to a season is a natural disaster? Sad stuff. Your last sentence says it all. He has no use for "fans" with that attitude as well, as he shouldn't.

 

[JerseyCat84_rivals57050]

It’s hard for me to even imagine the hypothetical scenario where THIS team goes to the final four. Let’s talk when it happens. Right now, they’re 1-4.

First four should be the goal now

 

[Kampus Korner_rivals164031]

Just wondering if a final four this season would change your desire to get rid of Cal? This is for those of you only clamoring for his removal. This is honestly something I am curious about. I ask because I have a friend who despises Cal, and he readily admits that even a Title this season would not change his mind. I applaud his determination and respect his stance. Was curious what the board would say.....let me know.

I would not “applaud” your friend’s determination to support Cal being fired. This is a ridiculous position. I always ask this question when one of our fans makes the assertion to fire Cal, “Who will come to UK to replace Cal that will equal or exceed what Cal has done and likely to do for the foreseeable future? Who are you going to take a chance on and give up what we have in Cal?

 

[docholiday51]

I like to believe my thoughts are rooted in long standing fandom for the program and a good dose pf reality. I don't believe this team will reach the .500 mark for the year, so a FF is a fairy tale. I don't believe for a second that Cal will be forced out anytime soon. I think it is much more likely that he will leave on his own within 2 years.

We all knew the OAD model was going to change, I think we are seeing that now. I believe that is the case for all of college basketball not just UK, we have relied on OAD so much that we are the first casualty. It may get worse before it gets better but there is not much downside left depending on how this year plays out.

As some have said if we did reach the FF it would not change my mind about the overall situation. If we won it all the answer would be the same

 

[STL_Cat]

I would not “applaud” your friend’s determination to support Cal being fired. This is a ridiculous position. I always ask this question when one of our fans makes the assertion to fire Cal, “Who will come to UK to replace Cal that will equal or exceed what Cal has done and likely to do for the foreseeable future? Who are you going to take a chance on and give up what we have in Cal?

My concern is I’m not sure what we have in Cal anymore. What we had in Cal for 5-6 years is not the Cal we have today. There are a lot of guys that could give us the results we’ve had over the last 5 years or so.

 

[Cats192]

If Cal gets this team to an Elite 8, it would be the best coaching job of the century.

 

[Cats192]

My concern is I’m not sure what we have in cal anymore. What we had in Cal for 5-6 years is not the Cal we have today. There are a lot of guys that could give us the results we’ve had over the last 5 years or so.

Yeah. Cal said it himself. "I'm here because I can recruit the best of the best."

You've not done that in a few years now.

You can recycle and be great if you get John Wall, Anthony Davis, etc. If you're getting that 2nd tier of guy, it doesn't work. We're not getting Anthony Edwards or Cade Cunningham. The shine has worn off. And without it, the system he wants to run doesn't work.

Can he adapt and build a team a different way? I'm not sure. We'll lose everyone. And then we'll have to get a bunch of 5 stars to have a playable team. And then they'll all leave. We've gotten in this vicious cycle.

 

[morgousky]

Kentucky has gone from expecting final fours, to praying for the "last four".

I'm not sure what the OP is getting at, but a final four isn't happening with this team. I mean what if I am accepted as the surgeon general of Johns Hopkins?

 

[morgousky]

I would not “applaud” your friend’s determination to support Cal being fired. This is a ridiculous position. I always ask this question when one of our fans makes the assertion to fire Cal, “Who will come to UK to replace Cal that will equal or exceed what Cal has done and likely to do for the foreseeable future? Who are you going to take a chance on and give up what we have in Cal?

Plenty of options, and UK can attract just about anyone. The problem with this question is most of you asking it are setting it up for yourself on a tee. You already know you will not accept any answer, and just want to pretend Cal is the only option.

 

[Will Bithers]

Plenty of options, and UK can attract just about anyone. The problem with this question is most of you asking it are setting it up for yourself on a tee. You already know you will not accept any answer, and just want to pretend Cal is the only option.

If the options are so plentiful, why were we rejected so often in our last 3 coaching searches. People with the mindset that UK is some ultimate destination or coveted job that can land anyone they desire are fooling themselves.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

Not applauding my friends stance, as I disagree. But I am smart enough to know that sticking to your guns is a good trait to have. He has every right to his opinion, as we all do. I try not to disparage much on opinions, but to only ask others to defend theirs and at least think them through. But he is smart man, and I will listen to his thought.

@morgousky - I think at least Cal has the chance to move this thing forward and get to the final weekend. A chance at least. No way you have a chance at becoming surgeon general at John’s Hopkins, unless you have some education I don’t know about.

I was just curious if Cal did make the final four if it would maybe change your mantra; the one I’ve been reading a lot about recently. If not, good on you first sticking to your game plan. But I think a lot may be swayed to stay the course if it were to happen.

 

[Will Bithers]

Agree. And for many, the BLM stuff is used by them to say "we got him now!!!" They already hated him and are pitifully blowing that stuff way out of proportion because they have an agenda. I've asked several of them to show me anytime in the last several months that he's supported that movement. They can't do it because he hasn't once he figured it all out, as many did. Name a single coach anywhere that is out front supporting that movement? They can't do it.

Ohh, I think Cal has definitely embraced it, and I am happy about that. It would have been recruiting suicide not to. Most people around here just regurgitate what they hear about these groups without educating themselves. I am glad we have a coach that doesn't pander to the ignorance of the fans and seems to enjoy ridiculing, mocking and degrading them at each turn. They deserve it! The fact that their anger and frustration for him is only growing is rewarding to witness. I hope that man stays here for years and years to come.

 

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

NO...a deep tourney run does not excuse a ****** season

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

Any CBB coach who didn’t embrace a movement seen as vital to an overwhelming percentage of their team would be stupid. Who knows anyone’s personal opinions? What’s Cal gonna do, come out and say this BLM **** is stupid? Stay quiet and not support his team? Can’t do either of those. He did what he should have done. Be a man and don’t let someone’s else’s actions hurt your feelings. Pretty easy really.

 

[WeWant9]

I think some of it would depend on what happens with the players afterwards. If UK makes a FF run and good core of guys return, I think the fan base would be excited. If UK makes the FF and it’s a mass exodus, you’ll still be hearing the same things next season.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

NO...a deep tourney run does not excuse a ****** season

So winning most of your regular season games is good even if you lose in first two weekends of tourney? This is what we laugh at Kansas fans for.

P.S. - I’m only playing devils advocate here. Just want to know if this is how you really feel. I predicted a final four with this team before we lost these last few games, so I have to stick with it at the risk of looking stupid. I’m ok with that.

 

[Seth_C]

Let’s try to win four games first. Then, if we have a winning record, we can chat about Final Fours.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

I think some of it would depend on what happens with the players afterwards. If UK makes a FF run and good core of guys return, I think the fan base would be excited. If UK makes the FF and it’s a mass exodus, you’ll still be hearing the same things next season.

nice thought. I would say that is pretty reasonable.

 

[Ryan Lemonds Hair]

I am not saying get rid of Cal but he has to adjust his current way of doing things. He is not going to be able to have his top 6-7 guys be new every year even if some of them are grad transfers. They may be a senior but it is still a new system to them.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

I am not saying get rid of Cal but he has to adjust his current way of doing things. He is not going to be able to have his top 6-7 guys be new every year even if some of them are grad transfers. They may be a senior but it is still a new system to them.

 

[TankedCat]

all this is just my own timeline of course.

he wins a title, he gets another 5 years of doing whatever the hell he wants. I won't say a peep about his process.

he takes this team to a final four, he gets another 3

I am results oriented, and I have no problem admitting he pulled off a longshot, more power to him if he does.

there will certainly be things I won't be happy with, but I am not so deep rooted against Cal that I'd throw the baby out with the bathwater.

 

[kybassfan]

The slime would have to ooze back under their rocks, but they just bide their time to attack our program again.

 

[richbrookstomato]

I LOVE what Cal did for this program rom 2010-2017 after the Billy Clyde debacle. It's the last 3 seasons that have really worn on everyone critical of how he is running the program.

His priorities to UK Basketball seem to hinge on the success of his players draft status. The first 7 years, that worked out pretty well for both the players and the program. However, losing in the NCAA Tournament to KSU and Auburn(without their best player) on top of all the early losses last season, have put Cal's way of doing things in question. Not getting MULTIPLE top 10 players has made his "WAY" hard on him AND UK Fans.

If he could turn it around this season and get UK to a Final 4, it may make him DIG IN even harder. However, I would LOVE to see him turn this thing around and get UK Basketball back to being the "Gold Standard" he aspired to make it!! That's ALL most of us who are critical of him want.

 

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

So winning most of your regular season games is good even if you lose in first two weekends of tourney? This is what we laugh at Kansas fans for.

P.S. - I’m only playing devils advocate here. Just want to know if this is how you really feel. I predicted a final four with this team before we lost these last few games, so I have to stick with it at the risk of looking stupid. I’m ok with that.

I didn't say good season in lieu of good tournament. I said a good tourney doesn't excuse a crappy season. The coach is accountable on both counts.

 

[TFCat11]

This team isn’t making the FF in any tournament, and it’s not because of the talent. It’s because these players aren’t responding to Cal’s coaching style.

Cal is trying to hang on to a system of coaching that is dated, and is not going to change it. I just hope his eventual departure isn’t ugly. Neither party will benefit from that.