Kentucky coaching search
With Gillispie gone, now what?
The “I told you sos” will surely come Kentucky’s way. But I’m not sure school officials will lose too much sleep over them. They knew this was coming.
It sounds batty – cocksure, perhaps – to suggest that Kentucky isn’t worried about NCAA allegations regarding Memphis’ 2007-08 men’s basketball season. After all, that’s where new Wildcats coach John Calipari spent the previous nine seasons. The 2007-08 season was a biggie, too. Calipari helped lead the team to a Final Four berth and an NCAA record 38 victories that season.
Yet, it’s one player on that team – reportedly Derrick Rose, now a guard with the Chicago Bulls – who is the focal point of those NCAA allegations of “knowing fraudulence or misconduct” on an SAT exam, not Calipari. The coach will cooperate with the investigation, and Kentucky made clear that he “is not at risk of being charged with any NCAA violations in this case.”
In fact, Calipari told Kentucky about the allegations during his March job interview. How’s that for be upfront with your prospective employer?
CONTINUED >>
Simple question: Is John Calipari now the biggest name in college basketball?
Thanks to his recruiting prowess, non-stop Twittering and general media onslaught (a dream for those of us dreading the summer doldrums), Coach Cal’s owned the college hoop headlines every since the NCAA tournament ended.
But how long can that go on?
CONTINUED >>
John Calipari compiled some ridiculous numbers the last four years at Memphis: 137 victories; 61 consecutive conference victories; 4 regular-season titles; 4 conference tournament titles.
Among non-power leagues, it’s a run worthy of Jerry Tarkanian’s heyday at UNLV. Calipari established himself as the outsider making life uncomfortable for the big boys in the BCS conferences.
But for Kentucky fans, here are the numbers that matter most if Coach Cal does sign on in Lexington.
CONTINUED >>
Michigan State’s impressive win against Louisville gives Tom Izzo a chance at the ultimate prize: Coaching at Kentucky.
OK, there’s a little sarcasm in there.
Izzo’s going to be focused beating Connecticut and trying to win a second NCA tournament title. But rest assured you’ll hear Izzo’s name mentioned as possibly the next coach in Lexington more than once this week.
Billy Gillispie’s ouster in Lexington has the rumor mill in full swing. Nearly every big-name coach – except for Billy Donovan – seems to be a candidate. Izzo, Villanova’s Jay Wright, Pitt’s Jamie Dixon, Texas’ Rick Barnes and Memphis’ John Calipari are chief among them.
So what's it all mean?
CONTINUED >>
Whoa, we’re to this point again? Already?
Didn’t we just do this dance with Billy Donovan and a handful of other coaches two years ago? How did Billy Gillispie wear out his welcome so fast in Lexington?
Can things really be this bad in Kentucky?
CONTINUED >>
Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie likes to say he has the best job in the world. He might be right.
The Wildcats’ tradition, facilities and devoted fan base is like few other programs in college hoops. They’re the reason the state bleeds blue.
The flip side: It might be the toughest job in college hoops, too.
CONTINUED >>
