Rumor: Tubby wants out

[AteUp]

Feb. 14, 2006
By Gregg Doyel
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer

Tubby Smith wants out of Kentucky. That's the word on the street.

Smith, the unpopular Kentucky coach, is tired of being the unpopular Kentucky coach. So when an NBA team comes calling this spring, Smith will listen. That's the rumor. Every year, that's the rumor -- but this year it's a very loud rumor. And this year, it would make sense for him to go.

But that wouldn't make it right.

Smith, frankly, hasn't earned the right to leave. Not yet. Not like this. Nine years ago he inherited from Rick Pitino enough talent to win the 1998 NCAA championship. Whoever coaches Kentucky next year won't have enough talent to reach the NCAA Tournament.

Forget his potential replacement, and forget the poisonous UK fan base. Neither has done a thing for Smith, and so Smith owes them nothing. But he owes it to this elite basketball school, which gave him one of the great jobs in sports, to leave it as he found it. He owes it to Kentucky to stay until he again has elite talent. And if Kentucky doesn't have elite talent -- which it won't next season -- Smith owes it to Kentucky to find a way to win until that talent arrives.

See, Kentucky's going to be bad next season. How bad? Along the lines of Wake Forest bad. After five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a No. 2 seed last season, the Deacons are last in the ACC. Wake Forest might go to the 2006 NIT. But might not.

Kentucky won't drop to last in the SEC next year -- that's why God created Ole Miss -- but the Wildcats will need a friendly non-conference schedule to be an NIT team. Jolting words, yes, but look at the facts. Kentucky's not all that good this year, and this year's roster includes Rajon Rondo, Patrick Sparks and Ravi Moss. Sparks and Moss, who combine for 15.1 points in 45.5 minutes per game, are seniors. Rondo's only a sophomore, but he's expected to enter the 2006 NBA Draft.

Smith has brought in a typical recruiting class, which is to say, a boring one. Smith is great with X's and O's, but his recruiting -- and the recruiting of his assistants -- has not been Kentucky-quality. Which is why the Wildcats are in the position they're in.

Next year's starting five probably would include Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford at guard, Bobby Perry and Sheray Thomas at forward, and Randolph Morris (assuming he sticks around) at center.

Shhhh ... can you hear that? It sounds like Billy Donovan and Bruce Pearl giggling.

Next year's UK freshmen include another project in the middle (6-foot-9 Perry Stevenson), three guards and nobody to challenge the desultory mix of Thomas, Perry and Rekalin Sims at forward. Those three guards -- 6-4 Derrick Jasper, 6-4 Jodie Meeks and 6-2 Michael Porter -- aren't nearly as talented as the Crawford-Bradley-Rondo group of two years ago. And lest we forget, the Crawford-Bradley-Rondo group is the heart of the worst Kentucky team in 16 years.

Back then, Pitino had an excuse. He inherited from Eddie Sutton a program on probation. Talented players had transferred out. Pitino had been forced to start over with a scrappy group that went 14-14 in 1989-90.

Sixteen years later, there is no excuse. Kentucky doesn't have Kentucky talent, and the result is a 15-9 overall record, a 5-5 league mark in a bad year for the SEC, and a three-game losing streak that makes Wednesday's visit from Georgia a must-win game.

Kentucky fans are miserable, which is not news, but they've started to make Smith miserable. And that is news. For years Smith has laughed off -- OK, grimaced off -- the absurdity of Wildcat Nation. This year, the absurdity is apparently wearing on him. So is the immaturity of his team.

NBA scouts who have attended multiple UK games say Rondo and other players seem to have tuned Tubby out. If NBA scouts can pick up on that, you know Tubby has. But again, who does he have to blame? Not only did he recruit this team, but he enabled its nonchalance by welcoming back two players -- Crawford and Morris -- who disrespected the program by trying to leave at the wrong time (Crawford, 12 games into his freshman season) or in the wrong way (Morris, last spring, by fax).

By bringing back Crawford and Morris, the message was clear: Smith needs the players as much as the players need Smith. That is not the equilibrium of a healthy program.

Kentucky basketball is sick, no question about it. But Smith needs to find the cure before bolting. Otherwise, he'll be guilty of malpractice.

[WBBP]

The article is right on target..........Run tubby run.......to the NBA please.

Quick, somebody get Donovans phone number.

K

[ryan hickey]

wish this author had some quotes from tubby or some kind of facts to back up what he's saying. all it says is 'word on the street says'. if u live in lexington then u know that word on the street means nothing as far as facts about this b-ball team. thing is, if tubby leaves of his own accord then we don't have to pay him, THAT'S y i see him stickin around. highest paid (AND most overpaid after this debacle of a season) coach in ncaa last i checked.

[PhilpotHunter]

Lord could it be true? Man, I can only pray

[ryan hickey]

doubt we could get him, but i LOVE this bruce pearl. he might have to get rid of that jacket - oh hell, he can KEEP the jacket

[B.G.O. of Kentucky]

Yeah, until I hear it from the horses mouth, I don't know.

I have defended Tubby in the past and still think of him as a great coach, but his players have been floundering bad. I still think he has the recruits, but maybe bringing back crawford and Morris sent a bad message to the team and they have just quit on him.

I still say who would replace him? Pearl, not sure if he would want to leave. Dononvan, why would he leave? Maybe a few years Travis Ford will be here :)

[Monster-Chaser]

Looks like two of the nations top college basketball schools(Indiana & Kentucky) may have job openings in the near future. The only bad thing is, not a lot of prospects on the market right now. I don't think Donovan will leave Florida. I don't think he is ready for the pressure at UK yet. My vote would be to go after Rex Chapman!!!:D Hasn't he been doing some front office work for the Suns organization? Well just a far fetch thought, guess they can't do any worse. Actually they could, (insert Cardinals joke here);)

Indiana on the other hand, Needs one of their own. Stated by, if all works out, FORMER coach Mike Davis. Indiana desperately needs to get Steve Alford, but like Donovan, not sure he'll budge either.

While Kentucky is having a below par year, at least I still have an ounce of faith in Tubby. Davis, well lets hope he runs for the hills for his own sake!

[Art]

It's a sad story. I love Tubby. He's one of the greatest guys in the world, he's a total class act. I also love KY basketball. I don't want to see Tubby leave on bad terms, BUT like the author said...Who's fault is it? He has put this program in such a state that it will take a few years to get back to the top ASSUMING Mitch will hire somebody worth a damn and not just promote David Hobbs. I have no faith in Mitch either. We'll just have to wait and see. Like I said, the rumor I hear is that the Bobcats want Tubby in a bad way. Lord, if you're listening please send a coach by the name of PAT RILEY to our troubled program!!:D You guys are nuts if you think Donovan or Pearl are leaving..

[AteUp]

Hey that's a thought! How would you like to have Mike Davis at UK?:eek: (Are there any pictures on record of him smiling? He's always got that scowl on his face like he's been wronged or something. It gets on my nerves.)

[Art]

Hey that's a thought! How would you like to have Mike Davis at UK?:eek: (Are there any pictures on record of him smiling? He's always got that scowl on his face like he's been wronged or something. It gets on my nerves.)

File that under never happen. Mike Davis sucks. Just like tubby, he's lived off of the legacy of the program. What we need more importantly than a great coach is a great recruiter. Tubby proved that any coach can get the job done if someone else gives you the players.

[Monster-Chaser]

File that under never happen. Mike Davis sucks. Just like tubby, he's lived off of the legacy of the program. What we need more importantly than a great coach is a great recruiter. Tubby proved that any coach can get the job done if someone else gives you the players.


Isn't that the truth!!!!!!!

[JP]

You know whats funny??? I think Tubby could make a pretty good NBA coach. Afterall has anyone watched a NBA game lately (probably not), but if you have.........its slow...............nobody moves on offense............guys walk back and forth down the court with 1 or 2 guys running............you know....boring basketball....JUST like UK's offense!! Hey, I think he's got a shot.

[WBBP]

Donovan will take the Kentucky job if offered. Write it down.

He knows that Florida will always be a football school.

K

[ryan hickey]

Donovan will take the Kentucky job if offered. Write it down.

He knows that Florida will always be a football school.

K


well, u might be right here, i ain't sure he's the answer either. i feel like in the past he has lost to uk while he had more talent (read: gotten outcoached by the guy we're talking about replacing).

not sure i agree altogether with art either, whats so nuts about leaving ut (talk about FOOTBALL schools) for bruce pearl. especially when u talk about leaving knoxville to come to lexington - art, that's a no-brainer.

[Art]

well, u might be right here, i ain't sure he's the answer either. i feel like in the past he has lost to uk while he had more talent (read: gotten outcoached by the guy we're talking about replacing).

not sure i agree altogether with art either, whats so nuts about leaving ut (talk about FOOTBALL schools) for bruce pearl. especially when u talk about leaving knoxville to come to lexington - art, that's a no-brainer.

I could see it if he had been there for a few years, but not after his first year there and making that team into one of the premier teams in the country. Whoever takes the KY job is going to have one hell of a battle the first couple of years. It may break some men.

K, I don't see it with Donovan. I'd gladly take him, but like Pearl he has a top team that is very young. He'd be stupid to leave the team he's got now. Sad thing is, if Tubby stays a couple more years, UK will be a football school!:eek: Speaking of former coaches, what about Herb Sendek??

[WBBP]

Taking all bets on Donovan if Tubby Announces.

Boys, you never know, a deal could already be in the works...........;)

Keep your eyes and ears open......:rolleyes:

K

[Art]

Taking all bets on Donovan if Tubby Announces.

Boys, you never know, a deal could already be in the works...........;)

Keep your eyes and ears open......:rolleyes:

K

I might have to take that action!:D

[ryan hickey]

Taking all bets on Donovan if Tubby Announces.

Boys, you never know, a deal could already be in the works...........;)

Keep your eyes and ears open......:rolleyes:

K


can't agree that the deal is in the works, like art said, don't think barnhart is smart enuff for all that

[Art]

On second thought, it could come down to who pays the most for Donovan. I just have a theory that Mitch would try for somebody a little cheaper.. Who knows... Let's get Tubby a job in the NBA first and then we can worry about all this other stuff later.



http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060204/SPORTS/602040321/1002

[AteUp]

Anybody see this? It's the new Tubby Suckomatic.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b140/terrygra/tsv.jpg

[ryan hickey]

On second thought, it could come down to who pays the most for Donovan. I just have a theory that Mitch would try for somebody a little cheaper.. Who knows... Let's get Tubby a job in the NBA first and then we can worry about all this other stuff later.



http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060204/SPORTS/602040321/1002



does this article remind anyone of a certain benedict pitino? i remember when every other article in the herald-liberal during the off-season was this type of junk. 'will he stay?' 'where will he go?' all this type of nonsense. sure am glad somebody else is dealing with it now!!! ;)

good thing we suck or folks would be after tubby :)

[naturalelite]

I am not a Tubby supporter by any means I hate his style of basketball, who else is out there right now. Why would Billy D leave what he has built in Florida. I say we give Pat Summit a call at least her teams average over 60 a game.

[slickhead slayer]

lots of coaches would leave lots of places to coach at the premier basketball program in the nation, don't ever doubt that. Besides the tradition, the pay would be much better also.

My top list would be.......Izzo
Pat Riley
Billy Donovan

[AteUp]

lots of coaches would leave lots of places to coach at the premier basketball program in the nation, don't ever doubt that. Besides the tradition, the pay would be much better also.

My top list would be.......Izzo
Pat Riley
Billy Donovan

Excellent coaches. What's your opinion on Crean of Marquette? He was the hot rumor last year if Tubby "went pro".

[Art]

lots of coaches would leave lots of places to coach at the premier basketball program in the nation, don't ever doubt that. Besides the tradition, the pay would be much better also.

My top list would be.......Izzo
Pat Riley
Billy Donovan

No chance Izzo will leave State. Their program has been much stronger than KY's the past few years.

[WBBP]

When the time comes........and it will, Donovan will take the money just like Pitino did.

Art, Ryanhickey, and naturallite..............it is written....

While you are sleeping tonight, try to keep yourself from chanting The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, over and over and over, over and over and over, over and over and over.......

BTW, Donovan knows that it would be easier to win at UK than UF, plus make way more money. If schools for his kids are a problem, I am sure that we can build a new one here also........

K

[AteUp]

When the time comes........and it will, Donovan will take the money just like Pitino did.

Art, Ryanhickey, and naturallite..............it is written....

While you are sleeping tonight, try to keep yourself from chanting The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, The Donovan Solution, over and over and over, over and over and over, over and over and over.......

BTW, Donovan knows that it would be easier to win at UK than UF, plus make way more money. If schools for his kids are a problem, I am sure that we can build a new one here also........

K


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b140/terrygra/eddie_munsterlex.jpg

[maxcam]

Boys I want Mark Few.....You can have Donovan...Hes a choker.....;)

[Art]

Boys I want Mark Few.....You can have Donovan...Hes a choker.....;)

Good call there. I'd take him in a second.

[kyhunter270]

Lets see, who would I wish for........Ok, here goes guys, and it is just my selection,
1. Pat Riley - Would he really want to get back into coaching?

2. Billy Donovan- I would love to see him come here, but I have heard he will not because he was not the choice when we picked Tubby.
3. Rick Pitino- I have heard him say the biggest mistake he made was to leave Lexington, I would welcome him back and say nothing about the Celtics or Louisville.
4. Rick Majerus- He has stated that he would love to come to Kentucky. You got to love him.
5. Coach K- He decides that he has done all that he can do with Duke and decides he has a little left and loves the Bluegrass region.

There you go boys.......Now back to talking about cooking out on the grill and talking deer hunting..

[AteUp]

Lets see, who would I wish for........Ok, here goes guys, and it is just my selection,
1. Pat Riley - Would he really want to get back into coaching?

2. Billy Donovan- I would love to see him come here, but I have heard he will not because he was not the choice when we picked Tubby.
3. Rick Pitino- I have heard him say the biggest mistake he made was to leave Lexington, I would welcome him back and say nothing about the Celtics or Louisville.
4. Rick Majerus- He has stated that he would love to come to Kentucky. You got to love him.
5. Coach K- He decides that he has done all that he can do with Duke and decides he has a little left and loves the Bluegrass region.

There you go boys.......Now back to talking about cooking out on the grill and talking deer hunting..

1. Riley is coach of the Heat I presume and he probably doesn't want the smaller check and increased responsibilty(recruiting and keeping the kids NCAA eligible) that come with coaching in college,

2. Donovan: I think he would probably come to Lex if the price was right.

3. Pitino: He's too old for taking on another rebuilding project, IMO.

4. Majerus: Good coach but doesn't have it as the total package. Will probably never coach again.

5. Coach K: Yeah, good luck there! He will retire at Duke in 10 years as the best college coach of all time.

[plowboy]

Hell, maybe after Sutton gets out of rehab he will come back.:)

[BOBCAT]

WBBP,

I'm in on the donovan action !!! As I see it Billy is not going to leave Florida for the KY job because of all the extra baggage that comes with the job these days. We all see KY as an elite program because we grew up that way, but , these high scool seniors don't look at our program the same way. Not many of these kids are defensive minded, they want to shoot the three and dunk. I think most of us agree on the style of ball we would like to see at UK...........a defense oriented team that uses its press to create turnovers and get out and run the floor. You know the up tempo, pressing style ( aka....40 minutes of hell....) that we used to play here. As far as who could replace Tubby if he resigns, I think because of Mitch Barnhart, UK will hire a former player who is now an assistant somewhere or one who is coaching at a lower tier school. The names of Pelphry and Ford apply here. I like Hewitt from GA. Tech and Chapman is an interesting thought, although with no coaching experience, that is unlikely. One more name I'll throw out there is Jim O'brien. WHOEVER come in after Tubby has one he** of a tough job ahead of him that's for sure !

[Art]

Mitch will have to shoot for the stars with his next hire. There ain't no way in hell Pelphry or Ford could handle this job. Ford is sucking it up at UMass.

I think the only option will be a big name, proven coach who currently has a top program. Donovan would fall under that category. We can't afford to risk hiring someone because they are an up and coming coach at a mid major.

If it were me, i'd go in this order.

Pat Riley
Billy Donovan
Bill Self
Mark Few
Bruce Pearl
Rick Pitino:D

[BOBCAT]

art, if those are the only names you would consider it looks like you are stuck with ole' tubby.

Riley... come on now, no way he's leaving Miami. Remember he was the only player fromm 66 NOT to come back a couple of weeks ago.

Donovan, you know what I think

Bill Self, not leaving Kansas for KY. Kansas has as much going for it as we do and the pressure is alot less

Mark Few, very interesting I'll reserve my comments for later

Bruce Pearl, thing are going great at UT, he just got an extension (or it's in the works) and he's loyal to the point that it is too soon to leave UT, he thinks the mens program can rise to the level of the Tn. womens program.

and as far as Pitino goes, quit reliving the past, that chapter in our history is over. He stands as a GOD in this stae as it is now and could only tarnish his legacy here if he returns. You guys would expect us in the final 4 EVERY year and that's not going to happen.

by the way. I agree umass is a 500 team, but when Ford gets his style of players in there they will win their league. I say in 07 or 08.

[Art]

art, if those are the only names you would consider it looks like you are stuck with ole' tubby.

Riley... come on now, no way he's leaving Miami. Remember he was the only player fromm 66 NOT to come back a couple of weeks ago.

Donovan, you know what I think

Bill Self, not leaving Kansas for KY. Kansas has as much going for it as we do and the pressure is alot less

Mark Few, very interesting I'll reserve my comments for later

Bruce Pearl, thing are going great at UT, he just got an extension (or it's in the works) and he's loyal to the point that it is too soon to leave UT, he thinks the mens program can rise to the level of the Tn. womens program.

and as far as Pitino goes, quit reliving the past, that chapter in our history is over. He stands as a GOD in this stae as it is now and could only tarnish his legacy here if he returns. You guys would expect us in the final 4 EVERY year and that's not going to happen.

by the way. I agree umass is a 500 team, but when Ford gets his style of players in there they will win their league. I say in 07 or 08.

Well, there's a difference in asking and getting. In todays game I would rather be told "no" then to just assume that they will turn it down. I agree, the chances of these guys leaving might be slim to none, but we need to at least ASK before we go and hire someone like Dennis Felton.

Riley has said the only college team he would coach would be KY. We know that he is very upset with his players in Miami. Doesn't hurt to ask.

It's unfortunate that we are in the state we are in, because 5-6 years ago we could have gotten just about any coach we wanted. The longer this goes on and the further we sink the harder it will be to get a good coach away from their program, especially if they are doing better than KY. Truth be told, I think Bruce Pearl would be the best guy for the job. Will he leave? I seriously doubt it. He reminds me of Pitino in the early 90's. He's hungry.

At any rate, I doubt the Tubster is going anywhere. I don't expect to go to the final four every year, but once every 10 years is not asking too much. We've got to keep our fingers crossed that we are even gonna make the NCAA this year and next. Big difference in that and going to a final four.

[BOBCAT]

art, I totally agee.:)

[mwezell]

how bout' john calipari!! don't mean to hurt any feelings but i sure don't want to live in memphis.

[slickhead slayer]

Excellent coaches. What's your opinion on Crean of Marquette? He was the hot rumor last year if Tubby "went pro".

He has obviously done a great job at Marquette, but I don't think he would be on my short list. But he would be in my top 8.

You guys don't think these coaches would leave Flor, Tenn, Mich St etc etc etc to come to Ky? I think your crazy.
These coaches know that if they can get it done at Tenn or Flor or Mich St they certainly can get it done at Ky. And in the process they will have more fans, more followers, more money,better facilities, more promotions etc etc etc.
Even as down as UK is, its still easier recruiting for UK than Tenn.

[Auk1124]

I'm hoping Hal Mumme will replace him.

[schuyler olt]

Tubby is definitely a class act, great guy, and I think he's a good college coach. But I don't think his style would translate to the pros. And if he thinks Lexington is a pressure cooker, try Boston, New York, Detroit, etc.

No way he leaves Lexington for the NBA.

[Pooge]

When Tubby leaves, the next coach on the Big Blue bench will be John Pelphrey. Mark my words and remember this post.

[Pooge]

And no, I am not kidding. Watch a South Alabama game the next time you get a chance.

[grouseguy]

Tubby is definitely a class act, great guy, and I think he's a good college coach. But I don't think his style would translate to the pros. And if he thinks Lexington is a pressure cooker, try Boston, New York, Detroit, etc.

No way he leaves Lexington for the NBA.

Would you care to go double or nothing counselor on our current friendly outstanding wager?

I say Tubby leaves Lexington after this season, probably to the Charlotte Bobcats (FWIW, I personally think its already a done deal)...whaddayasay:confused:

[Art]

When Tubby leaves, the next coach on the Big Blue bench will be John Pelphrey. Mark my words and remember this post.

I think that most UK fans would not stand for that. Pelphrey might be a good coach there, but he's not ready for the big time.. His resume is too weak for the job. They'd be better off to hire a Duke assistant.

[AteUp]

I think Tubby is BETTER suited to the pro game. They pretty much do what they want anyway.

[AteUp]

Anybody thought about Huggins? The word is OJ Mayo is going wherever Huggy Bear goes.

[BOBCAT]

ART, Would you hire Chris Wojohowski, or Chris Collins before you would John Pelphry? I would think John would have a recruiting edge over ANYBODY from Duke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BOBCAT]

Huggins could work but his graduation rates would have to improve. (actually they couldn't get any worse:D )

[Monster-Chaser]

If Indiana doesn't get Steve Alford, Bobby Hug a Beer, would be a good fit for their program. Probably a better fit for him than at UK. I don't think UK wants Huggins, to much baggage. He is also known for the "GANGSTA" style of players. Definitely not what UK needs. No more Carruths.

[Pooge]

Well, I guess we will just have to wait and see wont we??? :)

[Art]

ART, Would you hire Chris Wojohowski, or Chris Collins before you would John Pelphry? I would think John would have a recruiting edge over ANYBODY from Duke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How would he have a recruiting edge?:confused: I don't know about Wojo or Collins but Johnny Dawkins would be better catch then Phelphry IMO. I wouldn't really want him, I was just making a point that Pelphry doesn't really have the credentials to be a head coach at UK.

[Feedman]

What about Leonard Hamilton at FSU. he is an ex Joe Hall assistant. Would Dan Issel take the job for 2 to 3 years to get things going in the right direction then bring in a younger coach.

[naturalelite]

Huggins would do nothing but bring more problems to UK. Yeah we would be top 5 in probably 2 years but would have to go down once a week and get our players out of the fayette county detention center. Too much baggage for me I would rather go another route. Would be nice to have Mayo and the power forward(can't think of his name mind went blank) but rumor has it they will both go where huggins goes. Where ever it is that team is a top 10team just for having them for a year.

[kyduckndeer]

Quin Snyder is on the market. Not saying I would want him or not, just pointing out he is on the market. I remember him being a pro UK fan when he was sports casting during the tournament. He probably will go into commetating.

I am like most that have posted. I am ready to see Tubby go. Not that he is a bad person, which he has not done anything to illustrate. Just because his style of ball makes the game undesireable to watch. I don't care if you are a Duke, UK, or South Alabama fan, Tubby ball is BORING.

I hope Pelphry is not his replacement (if Tubby leaves??????). I guess all the wishing in the world will not change the fact that Tubby is the coach and until that changes, the game is hard for ME to watch.

[maxcam]

Outside of Coach K, Mark Few is the best candidate out there. Imagine what Few could do if he went in to recruit a kid to play for UK.....Hes dominating now from Gonzaga! He is the clear choice...

[raktrakr]

IMO, I think the "team" lacks discipline. Throw Bobby Knight in there, they'll straighten up:eek:

[MrHank]

1) Pat Riley, 2) John Calapari, 3) Pitino, 4) Billy D. Any of the first three would be awesome and the fourth one is way better than what we got, at least he can recruit.

[turk2di]

File that under never happen. Mike Davis sucks. Just like tubby, he's lived off of the legacy of the program. What we need more importantly than a great coach is a great recruiter. Tubby proved that any coach can get the job done if someone else gives you the players.
Im not a big fan of Travis Ford. Bruce Pearls the guy, but u won't get him to leave Tenn this soon. Im still not sold on Billy Donavan. How bout Mark Few of Gonzaga?

[ryan hickey]

Im not a big fan of Travis Ford. Bruce Pearls the guy, but u won't get him to leave Tenn this soon. Im still not sold on Billy Donavan. How bout Mark Few of Gonzaga?


IMO, it would be easier for him (pearl) to leave NOW instead of wait a few years. besides, who's to say his 'hot streak' will continue? IMO, it would be best for pearl to 'strike while the iron is hot' if ya know what i'm saying.

[turk2di]

IMO, it would be easier for him (pearl) to leave NOW instead of wait a few years. besides, who's to say his 'hot streak' will continue? IMO, it would be best for pearl to 'strike while the iron is hot' if ya know what i'm saying.
No doubt he plays the style of ball that is Kentucky. I should know as i have seen him in action for years. He coached across the river @ Southern Indiana for several years. Quite the animated coach!

[ryan hickey]

No doubt he plays the style of ball that is Kentucky. I should know as i have seen him in action for years. He coached across the river @ Southern Indiana for several years. Quite the animated coach!


i just like the way he coaches. players love that stuff man.