Forgive me John Calipari

[FanofUK]

I, like many others have been unreasonable as a fan. I want to win every game and feel like when that does not happen I have to blame someone. And sometimes I blamed you. You put us in a position to win and you bring in the very best to do so. Thank you for your passion, for your hard work and for choosing the University of Kentucky. We are lucky to have you, and to think otherwise would be foolish.

This 30 for 30 should make all of us realize we have the very best, I for one will not question you again. And I 100 percent agree, if you do right by them they will do right by you.

Again I apologize. and thank you for all you do here.

He probably does not read these forums but in case he does, It needed to be said.

 

[~Keyser Soze~]

I, like many others have been unreasonable as a fan. I want to win every game and feel like when that does not happen I have to blame someone. And sometimes I blamed you. You put us in a position to win and you bring in the very best to do so. Thank you for your passion, for your hard work and for choosing the University of Kentucky. We are lucky to have you, and to think otherwise would be foolish.

This 30 for 30 should make all of us realize we have the very best, I for one will not question you again. And I 100 percent agree, if you do right by them they will do right by you.

Again I apologize. and thank you for all you do here.

He probably does not read these forums but in case he does, It needed to be said.

Umm, we already knew that we are extremely blessed to have Coach Cal running our program.

 

[wromanp7]

Two good posts.

 

[DanDrungus]

It's highly likely that everyone will miss him when he's gone. Even if you hate him for some reason, it will take at least a couple years to re-gain some footing.

 

[lkc1234]

I, like many others have been unreasonable as a fan. I want to win every game and feel like when that does not happen I have to blame someone. And sometimes I blamed you. You put us in a position to win and you bring in the very best to do so. Thank you for your passion, for your hard work and for choosing the University of Kentucky. We are lucky to have you, and to think otherwise would be foolish.

This 30 for 30 should make all of us realize we have the very best, I for one will not question you again. And I 100 percent agree, if you do right by them they will do right by you.

Again I apologize. and thank you for all you do here.

He probably does not read these forums but in case he does, It needed to be said.

We all already knew we had the best coach in the world. If you have been a Kentucky fan as long as I have and had to experience the Eddie Sutton, Tubby Smith and Billy Gillespie days then you would realize we have the absolute best coach. I would not trade Coach Cal for any coach in the world.

 

[CBBCrazy]

I think every coach understands the buck stops with them. This year the buck stopped with the whistle, left a bad taste in all our mouths. I agree Coach Cal is made for Kentucky and we are made for him, we are crazy you know....hehe

 

[EvilMD]

What bothers me with the fans we have is they are so focused on that next championship that they can't enjoy the ride any more. Wichita State and UCLA were two more incredible victories under Cal. Just add them to the list. If you focus only on titles you're going to be one miserable SOB.

 

[kyups01]

What bothers me with the fans we have is they are so focused on that next championship that they can't enjoy the ride any more. Wichita State and UCLA were two more incredible victories under Cal. Just add them to the list. If you focus only on titles you're going to be one miserable SOB.

True that no by means means offsets us getting cheated against UNC, and that is exactly what it was. In Cals 30 for 30 after the A&M game he says "Dont worry about it guys you got cheated" I would but anything on it that after the UNC game it was a million times worse.

 

[shutzhund]

Umm, we already knew that we are extremely blessed to have Coach Cal running our program.

Most did but the usual psychopaths are still unconvinced.

 

[chevyman 50]

Coach Cal is one of the best at coaching college BB..

 

[wromanp7]

True that no by means means offsets us getting cheated against UNC, and that is exactly what it was. In Cals 30 for 30 after the A&M game he says "Dont worry about it guys you got cheated" I would but anything on it that after the UNC game it was a million times worse.

Cheers!

 

[Jkwo]

Most did but the usual psychopaths are still unconvinced.

Some remain unconvinced, no question.

But there have been a sizable chunk of guys on here (aside from the outright Cal haters) who honestly believe that it's a moral shortcoming by Cal to care more about these kids' lives than about championships.

They'd make fun of any of us cheering the kids on in the NBA.

They'd even call the kids selfish for leaving based on what was most financially sensible as opposed to what was best for the school.. even though you know that none of them would advise their own kids to risk a first round draft pick to play another year for free.

It was all selfish, and I think it took realizing that Cal really does look at it like these are his own kids to finally hit home.

For the first time since 2012, I've seen a bunch of that crowd turn face.

 

[Caintuk]

Although I was very young at the time, I recall what it felt like when Coach Rupp retired. Just didnt seem possible that anyone could lead the Wildcats but the man in the brown suit.

Now, much older and witnessed decades of Big Blue basketball, I cant quite grasp what it will be like when Cal retires, moves on...whatever. He has left an indelible stamp on UK basketball which will not be repeated. Doesn't mean we wont go on after he's gone....we will (Ashley said so). I'm just very grateful I can say I was around during his time here and part of that very special group....BBN.

 

[The_Answer1313]

It's one of those things where you don't realize what you got till its gone.

Regardless what happens from here on out, cal has left quite a mark on this great program

 

[Blueaz]

Deserving of a bump

 

[UKCATSFREAK]

Umm, we already knew that we are extremely blessed to have Coach Cal running our program.

Not everyone on this board knows it, that's for sure.

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

I guess I fall into the category that will make all Cal fans unhappy with me. I like Cal and I've said it numerous times on this board. But I'm a Cat fan, not a coach fan. I want another championship, maybe more and Cal's philosophy of placing more priority on getting them drafted over winning another title goes against my fandom.

 

[wildbluecatfan]

Many won't realize how good we've had it until the year he retires because we'll not only be losing a legendary coach, but his top 5/6/7 players that year will leave for the NBA. Any new coach we hire will be starting with a totally empty cupboard and will possibly take 2-3 years to gain traction, unless we get an absolute home run hire. Who out there can recruit like Cal? I can't think of any that would be available in the foreseeable future. Right now, I'm going to tighten the seatbelt and enjoy the hell out of this wild ride!

 

[KyFaninNC]

But there have been a sizable chunk of guys on here (aside from the outright Cal haters) who honestly believe that it's a moral shortcoming by Cal to care more about these kids' lives than about championships

Who are these Cal haters? I have not seen this, granted I don't read every thread on this board. Are they the left over TLT lovers?

What is so wrong with UK fans wanting championships? Why can't we have both? Every true UK fan that is over 30 years old, #1 goal has always been, to pass UCLA in championships, and many of us feel that Cal let 2 slip away by not coaching better. That don't mean we hate Cal, it means we want him to focus more on winning titles for UK. The kids are getting drafted regardless.

 

[The_Answer1313]

Who are these Cal haters? I have not seen this, granted I don't read every thread on this board. Are they the left over TLT lovers?

What is so wrong with UK fans wanting championships? Why can't we have both? Every true UK fan that is over 30 years old, #1 goal has always been, to pass UCLA in championships, and many of us feel that Cal let 2 slip away by not coaching better. That don't mean we hate Cal, it means we want him to focus more on winning titles for UK. The kids are getting drafted regardless.

The two go hand in hand tho. By focusing on getting kids to reach their dreams, Cal gets the best players and thus that gives us the best chance possible for titles.

 

[78Gooses]

Coulda, shoulda woulda called time out/subbed. Still stuck on those needles in a haystack of success? Still question his desire to win another title? 30 for 30, man. To say he cost us two titles implies that we'd have gotten there and won if it weren't for him. I can see the forest.

 

[Jkwo]

Who are these Cal haters? I have not seen this, granted I don't read every thread on this board. Are they the left over TLT lovers?

What is so wrong with UK fans wanting championships? Why can't we have both? Every true UK fan that is over 30 years old, #1 goal has always been, to pass UCLA in championships, and many of us feel that Cal let 2 slip away by not coaching better. That don't mean we hate Cal, it means we want him to focus more on winning titles for UK. The kids are getting drafted regardless.

You notice that I very intentionally mentioned two separate groups of people?

I made it clear that not everybody is a Cal hater. I spent the post describing people who didn't hate Cal but had other issues with him (some of whom were convinced by the 30 for 30, some not)

No one has ever said there's anything wrong with wanting championships. There's nothing wrong with wishing for more. All of us wish we could have won every year.

This comes down to the personal attacks and cynicism about Cal's intentions.

Please read my post again, starting with "moral shortcoming". That is a very, very key concept which divides the pro Cal and frustrated-with-Cal fans on this board.

 

[EvilMD]

Coulda, shoulda woulda called time out/subbed. Still stuck on those needles in a haystack of success? Still question his desire to win another title? 30 for 30, man. To say he cost us two titles implies that we'd have gotten there and won if it weren't for him. I can see the forest.

Was just about to say this. You can't lose to UConn in 2014 without outplaying Wichita State, Louisville, Michigan and Wisconsin...all of whom had sizeable leads against us...in the final two minutes first. You can't lose to UNC without beating Wichita and UCLA...two top 10 teams in my opinion...first. You can't lose to UConn in 2011 (one Liggins shot away from victory) without amazing wins over Princeton, West Virginia, Ohio State and UNC first.

If you put yourself in the conversation every year, eventually Lady Luck turns in your favor. Ask the Patriots.

 

[brianpoe]

I guess I fall into the category that will make all Cal fans unhappy with me. I like Cal and I've said it numerous times on this board. But I'm a Cat fan, not a coach fan. I want another championship, maybe more and Cal's philosophy of placing more priority on getting them drafted over winning another title goes against my fandom.

Don't worry Champ, when the next coach does it your way and wins a title every other year you can tell us all "I told you so..."

 

[78Gooses]

Don't worry Champ, when the next coach does it your way and wins a title every other year you can tell us all "I told you so..."

 

[78Gooses]

Wish I had thought of that. What you said. Golden.

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

Don't worry Champ, when the next coach does it your way and wins a title every other year you can tell us all "I told you so..."

As knowledgeable as you are (and you know I respect your opinion) I don't think even 'you' understand my stance on this. Cal's great. He can only deal with the hand the NCAA gives him. If the day ever comes when I criticize Cal or say Cal sucks I think you should jump all over me. But my comments are only my opinions and as difficult as it is to win a title I just think our annual player turnover rate makes it even harder. If we get #9 I'll be as pumped as any other UK fan. This is just my opinion and I'm the first to admit that I'm wrong more than my fair share.

 

[brianpoe]

As knowledgeable as you are (and you know I respect your opinion) I don't think even 'you' understand my stance on this. Cal's great. He can only deal with the hand the NCAA gives him. If the day ever comes when I criticize Cal or say Cal sucks I think you should jump all over me. But my comments are only my opinions and as difficult as it is to win a title I just think our annual player turnover rate makes it even harder. If we get #9 I'll be as pumped as any other UK fan. This is just my opinion and I'm the first to admit that I'm wrong more than my fair share.

I know you are a super UK fan and definitely not a Cal hater.

However, you do bring this point up all the time:

"But I'm a Cat fan, not a coach fan."

My biggest issue with your post is that it insinuates that we cannot be both a Cal fan and a KY fan.

You think if Cal left to coach somewhere else that we would all abandon UK to follow him?

 

[lkc1234]

I guess I fall into the category that will make all Cal fans unhappy with me. I like Cal and I've said it numerous times on this board. But I'm a Cat fan, not a coach fan. I want another championship, maybe more and Cal's philosophy of placing more priority on getting them drafted over winning another title goes against my fandom.

So how many championships did Eddie Sutton and Billy Gillespie win? How many did Tubby win after his first year when he was playing with Rick's players? Name one coach that has done better than Cal in the 8 years he has been at Kentucky. Dean Smith was head coach at North Carolina for 36 years with the best talent in the country and won only 2 championships. Why can't you see how lucky we are to have Cal. His putting the priority on the players is why we are getting all these great recruits which then gives us the chance to compete for final fours every year. What could he do to please you? Recruit players that stay four years and hopefully play in the NIT every year.

 

[lkc1234]

As knowledgeable as you are (and you know I respect your opinion) I don't think even 'you' understand my stance on this. Cal's great. He can only deal with the hand the NCAA gives him. If the day ever comes when I criticize Cal or say Cal sucks I think you should jump all over me. But my comments are only my opinions and as difficult as it is to win a title I just think our annual player turnover rate makes it even harder. If we get #9 I'll be as pumped as any other UK fan. This is just my opinion and I'm the first to admit that I'm wrong more than my fair share.

Your opinion sucks.

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

I know you are a super UK fan and definitely not a Cal hater.

But you do bring this point up all the time.

"But I'm a Cat fan, not a coach fan."

My biggest issue with your post is that it insinuates that we cannot be both a Cal fan and a KY fan.

You think if Cal left to coach somewhere else that we would all abandon UK to follow him?

Good point. I guess I've said it enough that I can move on to another topic lol. PEACE.

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

So how many championships did Eddie Sutton and Billy Gillespie win? How many did Tubby win after his first year when he was playing with Rick's players? Name one coach that has done better than Cal in the 8 years he has been at Kentucky. Dean Smith was head coach at North Carolina for 36 years with the best talent in the country and won only 2 championships. Why can't you see how lucky we are to have Cal. His putting the priority on the players is why we are getting all these great recruits which then gives us the chance to compete for final fours every year. What could he do to please you? Recruit players that stay four years and hopefully play in the NIT every year.

I just replied to Brianpoe about this and I guess I've stated my opinion on this topic long enough. The the only thing I have to add (and I've said it a million times) is that I like Cal. He's awesome all the way around. I also appreciate that we have him as our coach. For some reason it offends a lot of people when I say that I won't jump off of a bridge or slit my wrist when the day comes that we move to the next era. That is NOT a knock on Cal.

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

Your opinion sucks.

Pretty petty, childish, and pathetic post unless you're joking. If that's the case I apologize.

 

[Blueaz]

...it offends a lot of people when I say that I won't jump off of a bridge or slit my wrist when the day comes that we move to the next era. That is NOT a knock on Cal.

its that kind of "over the type hyperbole" that rubs a lot of posters. Your premise is correct, we were UK, before Cal...and will be after.

IMO, a lot of posters get tired of so many (maybe not you) that have such a sensitive stomach and they MUST "throw up" on every hill of the ride.

 

[kybassfan]

I guess I don't get it. You are either on the wagon or not. If you are off the wagon, nobody gives a damn about you and you suck. If you are on the wagon, then you along with the rest of us make up the Blue Mist.

My advice, get on the wagon and don't suck.