Calipari....Why

[Tim_T]

Nope.


I had it in my head from media coverage that he was a cheater. I really didn't know that much about the dude other than Marcus Camby, a vacated Final Four, Derrick Rose, a vacated Final Four...and really didn't know the particulars of those deals either.


I know more about him now...and though I'm not tugging on his scrotum like some, I at least like what he has done at UK thus far. I can't speak for his past, but I think his nose has been clean so far at UK, be that of his own choosing or of our administrations. I can't find it in my heart to believe that our administration would put our storied program's nuts on the chopping block with a questionable coach unless they were sure about him. I just can't. Hopefully they won't prove me to be naive.


Cal is slick. He's a fast talking Italian Guido. He's bound to have a shady vice or two, but a lot of people have a shady vice or two. He's a master player developer and under-rated at x's and o's. He knows what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. I think he loves his players, wants the best talent, and wants to see them make coin in the pros...using that in the meantime to win games (hopefully a championship) and keep his employer and checkbook happy. He has a pretty solid system and a place like UK was fertile ground for it to explode with growth. It ain't your Daddy's basketball though.


It's enjoyable to watch. As long as the NCAA ain't knocking on the door, I'll enjoy watching it....and seeing if he can win the big one.


But in the end, it's about Cal and the spotlight. He loves it. He loves it when they call him big papa. (There's a real Biggie Smalls reference for you homies.)

I agree with most of what you said. I even agree that he is a better x and o coach than he gets credit for. Where I disagree is "He's a master player developer."

I think that is something he and his homies (see what I did there?) try and convince people of, but I really don't see it. Outside of the big white kid, who has he developed? Everyone else was already a lock for the NBA or was drafted on potential during a weak draft. Going back over his career, I have rarely seen him develop a player, but I have seen some stall in improvement under him.

[Netboy Extraordinaire]

I agree with most of what you said. I even agree that he is a better x and o coach than he gets credit for. Where I disagree is "He's a master player developer."

I think that is something he and his homies (see what I did there?) try and convince people of, but I really don't see it. Outside of the big white kid, who has he developed? Everyone else was already a lock for the NBA or was drafted on potential during a weak draft. Going back over his career, I have rarely seen him develop a player, but I have seen some stall in improvement under him.

The big white kid, Josh Harrelson, was a nobody before Cal showed up. 2009/2010 season he averaged 1.0 points per game and 3 minutes played per game. He ended his career with a 17 point, 10 rebound, 3 block game against Ohio State and Jared Sullinger and then 12 points, 8 rebound, 4 assist game against Zeller from UNC. Drafted in the second round and made the New York Knicks team. That is taking no talent to the NBA. As far as a master player developer, part of that definition has to be getting players to all play defense and share the ball on offense. People can say what they want about getting the best of the best, but these kids are used to shooting 20 times a game every game and being the first choice when a basket is needed. Cal gets these kids to buy into a system and develop their team skills plus defensive skills. Not sure if that is classified as a master player developer or not but is classifies as something.

What is easier to coach-5 McDonalds All americans to gel into one team with one purpose or 5 slightly better than average players to gel into one team with one purpose? They both have their advantages and disadvantages. What Cal lacks in player developing skills he makes up for by recruiting talent. What a coach like Stevens at Butler, for instance, he coached his butt off to a group of lesser talented players. I guess if Calipari was the recruiter and the best player developing x's and o's coach teamed up together then they would never get beaten

[Tim_T]

The big white kid, Josh Harrelson, was a nobody before Cal showed up. 2009/2010 season he averaged 1.0 points per game and 3 minutes played per game. He ended his career with a 17 point, 10 rebound, 3 block game against Ohio State and Jared Sullinger and then 12 points, 8 rebound, 4 assist game against Zeller from UNC. Drafted in the second round and made the New York Knicks team. That is taking no talent to the NBA. As far as a master player developer, part of that definition has to be getting players to all play defense and share the ball on offense. People can say what they want about getting the best of the best, but these kids are used to shooting 20 times a game every game and being the first choice when a basket is needed. Cal gets these kids to buy into a system and develop their team skills plus defensive skills. Not sure if that is classified as a master player developer or not but is classifies as something.

What is easier to coach-5 McDonalds All americans to gel into one team with one purpose or 5 slightly better than average players to gel into one team with one purpose? They both have their advantages and disadvantages. What Cal lacks in player developing skills he makes up for by recruiting talent. What a coach like Stevens at Butler, for instance, he coached his butt off to a group of lesser talented players. I guess if Calipari was the recruiter and the best player developing x's and o's coach teamed up together then they would never get beaten

The bolded part above, I gave him credit for that.

[kyfanatic]

Why did he leave the starters in until 30 seconds to go in the game??

Here's my take on it. He is and will always be a classless piece of ****. He ran up the score on a state school, it was Western for Gods sake he didn't have to do that.
I hated him then
I hate him now
And I will hate him when he coaches for the Knicks...

Who cares,Calipari is 33-2 with this team,when you guys get the Head Coaching job you can sub irrationally like Pitino did all year.

[Tim_T]

Who cares,Calipari is 33-2 with this team,when you guys get the Head Coaching job you can sub irrationally like Pitino did all year.

Speaking of irrational, glad to see your back!

[redneckshadrap]

I hated Calipari until I met Billy Clyde....nuff said.....

[Trophyhunter8]

Kyfanatic I agree. When Pitino left. I remember telling my dad we needed Cal. He cringed. I always wanted him. Made me real happy. But I have already decided when he quits in 7 years or so. I want westerns coach, class act. Just my prediction