Cal will have such a complicated legacy when he leaves

[kydmb99]

On one hand the man brought UK from the edge of the abyss to the top of the college basketball world. Some of the greatest times ever as a UK fan.

On the other hand his arrogance, pride and inability to evolve pushed the program into a period of stagnation. He also played the university to get a fat contract that became an albatross around the program (he’s not the only one to blame).

Just sad to see it come to this. Never thought the Cal era would end so badly.

 

[shaudyshaud]

When people look at the list of Kentucky stars in the NBA and see Cal only won one title. 🥴🥴🥴

 

[KAB Cats]

Well, it’s not over. So there’s that

 

[MissingWCC]

He will have two legacies: one with WWW and the other without him.

 

[know1]

The program is lower now than when he took over. That's his legacy.

 

[kartmd]

His legacy is just like his in-game management. Things start off great bc he had superior talent. But when the opponents change, he fails to adjust. He'll have 2 legacies: 2010-2015 and 2016 to now hopefully

 

[kydmb99]

The program is lower now than when he took over. That's his legacy.

No it’s not

 

[mrschwump]

Turned the program into a SEC also-ran, some legacy.

 

[WeWant9]

His legacy is just like his in-game management. Things start off great bc he had superior talent. But when the opponents change, he fails to adjust. He'll have 2 legacies: 2010-2015 and 2016 to now hopefully

I use to think that, too, but I think he has three separate eras now. 2010-2015, 2016-2020, Covid to present. 16-20 wasn’t lighting the world on fire, but Uk was still competing in most areas. Since Covid, it’s been bad all around. It’s been a steady decline from FFs to E8s to first week exits.

 

[know1]

No it’s not

Yes it is.

 

[GoBIG BLUE]

He will have two legacies: one with WWW and the other without him.

Whats www, or who is it rather?

 

[BigE_44]

I think it was always destined to end like this. Whether or not anyone understood that is the question. Cal's success was a product of the same pride and arrogance that now makes it impossible for him to change and adapt. He's fighting the stars in their courses.

 

[CatsnRoses]

Well at one point he seemed like a virtual lock to be the 2nd most successful coach after Rupp. Now, he's firmly below Pitino for me with little hope of ever passing him barring some sort of miraculous 3-4 year stretch to finish up here (not happening).

 

[ukjenning44]

I think he will be viewed by all of college basketball as the biggest underachiever to ever coach.

 

[kartmd]

I'm just going to remember him as the guy who couldn't win with arguably the greatest roster top to bottom in college bball history (2015)

 

[KYCAT78]

On one hand the man brought UK from the edge of the abyss to the top of the college basketball world. Some of the greatest times ever as a UK fan.

On the other hand his arrogance, pride and inability to evolve pushed the program into a period of stagnation. He also played the university to get a fat contract that became an albatross around the program (he’s not the only one to blame).

Just sad to see it come to this. Never thought the Cal era would end so badly.

Hang him a banner half the size of the other banners and if we get lucky he will spend his retirement up North making appearances on NBA draft day.

 

[KYCAT78]

I think he will be viewed by all of college basketball as the biggest underachiever to ever coach.

I wish John Chaney would have beat his arse.it might not have changed our history with him, but, I could at least have a reason to laugh.

 

[MissingWCC]

Whats www, or who is it rather?

World Wide Wes aka William Wesley. He was a big time influencer in high school/AAU basketball who funnelled many great recruits to UK in Calipari's first seven years. They had a decoupling for some reason and that's when the talent level dropped significantly.
He is now VP of the New York Knicks.