How one 60 year UK fan sees the program today

[STL_Cat]

The kneeling is insignificant to me. The rest of it is pretty close.

 

[warrior-cat]

Here is my two cents for what it is worth: Don't want him gone but want him to take a good look at where he is at and then adjust accordingly. We were (still are in most minds) the best name in college basketball historically and the fans are a big reason. Support for this program has been what helped make it what it is today with of course the genius of coach Rupp. I believe if Calipari can adjust and see where the game is today, he will be just fine. He did that with the one and done players, now it is time to adjust to today's game which by the way is changing again with the NIL.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

I love these threads. As if anybody gives a damn about how old you are. “I’m old af listen to my opinion”

Missed the whole point, huh?

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Feel better?

Who are you talking to genius?

 

[Sawnee Cat]

It is sad Kentucky basketball has fallen to this level. But the UK administration is also to blame. They gave Calipari a blank check, lifetime contract and put no standards or demands on him. The result is a big, fat, happy coach who has more money than Ceasar's wife. His personality is one that will not listen. He doesn't even understand why half of Rupp is empty. It goes over his head

As long as he can blame everybody and every thing for his subpar performance nothing will improve.

 

[catben]

But they didn’t. It has been political for some people since the moment they kneeled. You’ve denied it a bunch but clearly you have to acknowledge it is a factor here.

With NIL deals now, I highly doubt we ever see “kneeling” or any other forms of political protest.

 

[chroix]

With NIL deals now, I highly doubt we ever see “kneeling” or any other forms of political protest.

Best of luck with that.

 

[chroix]

And I could care less whether people kneel or do not. Use your platform as you see fit and the public can decide to support or ignore.

 

[catben]

And I could care less whether people kneel or do not. Use your platform as you see fit and the public can decide to support or ignore.

I have yet to see ANY players “protest” ANYTHING” since the NIL started. It would definitely limit the opportunities for endorsements.

 

[CB3UK]

I don’t believe I acknowledged anything you were looking for.

 

[Cawood86]

And I could care less whether people kneel or do not. Use your platform as you see fit and the public can decide to support or ignore.

Wait, you mean people can decide not to support something? So if somebody does something you don't support you are allowed to say so?
You mean like they have a choice and and so do those that oppose their choice? Cool.

 

[MegaBlue05]

I have yet to see ANY players “protest” ANYTHING” since the NIL started. It would definitely limit the opportunities for endorsements.

Depending on region. I’d imagine a UCLA player kneeling wouldn’t be a big deal but the sky would fall if an Alabama player did it. The notion that all 50 states are politically uniform is silly.

 

[ruppcat]

Observation about the situation UK basketball finds itself, by a 60 year supporter and FUNDER. I support this position, but did not author the insights;

"As a UK fan for over 60 years, I feel compelled to share a few perspectives on the man who has turned our beloved program into something unrecognizable. A man whose coaching career has been hall-marked by two distinctive and notable traits: a superior innate talent for marketing and salesmanship and a self-centered, profound ego…..one that mandates him to be the focus of attention and demanding unfettered loyalty. Such an extreme sense of self perhaps stems from not having a healthy, balanced identity ……who knows? Nevertheless, his career is highlighted by his having to constantly seek the limelight by making himself the center of attention…evocative of a spoiled, petulant child. Before he got to UK and was coaching in the mid- majors, he focused on being flamboyant on the court perhaps hoping his coaching persona could help him get on a sports show highlight reel now and then as a way to keep himself relevant on the national stage . It was the only way he could ever get the kind of attention that he craved. He knew he couldn’t make it to the big leagues on coaching skills alone. His controversial hiring at UK provided him with what his ego -driven, self-focused persona needed the most….an indisputable credential that he had arrived at the pinnacle of the game where he didn’t have to account to anyone. With sycophant UK fans who held him in abject idolatry and an embicilic administration that gave him a ridiculous contract that no one could justify, he became, in his own mind, bigger than Kentucky basketball itself….he was a God ….or perhaps he thought. Winning the title in 2012 with arguably the greatest player in a generation, cemented his status as the unassailable overlord of the program, and provided him a platform where the accolades were focused all on him without regard to the fans, the players, or the program. The 2015 Wisconsin game however, changed everything. He was exposed as the charlatan he is. As fans began to criticize his clear lack of in -game coaching abilities, he took on a biting, condescending attitude to those who dared question his motives or his results. His one and done recruiting philosophy revitalized his reputation for a few years until it became obvious he couldn’t win with talent either, causing him to more recently shift to a recruiting strategy which focused on acquiring transfers….a strategy which undoubtedly has proven disastrous. As the criticisms have recently mounted and he being finally laid bare as the unfettered empty suit he has always been, he took on the woke political agenda…perhaps as a way to rub it into the fans faces, while seemingly content to allow the movement to destroy Rupp’s reputation without saying a word in his defense. Rather than shouldering any of the blame for the debacle he has now turned the program into, he continues with a litany of absurd excuses which become more pathetic every day. His slovenly appearance is a reflection of and emblematic of what is now a clear indication of his lack of regard for the program and the rich heritage of UK . In a word, it is apparent he doesn’t care anymore. Without the idolatry that his ego demands, he is content merely going through the motions as the program wastes away to mediocrity .Fans in response have in large part turned off as has been recently demonstrated by the unimaginable attendance numbers at home game which sadly signifies that the generational passion for the program is now on life - support.

Folks, Kentucky basketball is at a cross-roads. Either the alumni bond together and resolve to rid the program of this insidious, legacy -destroying influence and attempt to re-establish our state birthright, or stand by in silence and watch it slip into the abyss of irrelevance. Let your voices and your dollars be heard….Kneelipari must go!"

I concur 100%

rr

a couple of paragraphs would be nice....

 

[ruppcat]

But they didn’t. It has been political for some people since the moment they kneeled. You’ve denied it a bunch but clearly you have to acknowledge it is a factor here.

Not only that....it was done on the road. They didn't try that crap at Rupp.

Plus....cal had a chance to speak up on Rupp and blew it. He's allowed the myth of a racist Rupp to continue to be told by the media and within UK.

It's for those two reasons he lost me as a fan of UK Bball. I haven't watched a game since then. I haven't and will not purchase any more UK merchandise until he's gone.

 

[ruppcat]

Kneelipari?? The program has issues right now but kneeling is at the very bottom of them.

No....it goes to bigger issues.

 

[ruppcat]

I have yet to see ANY players “protest” ANYTHING” since the NIL started. It would definitely limit the opportunities for endorsements.

the ncaa got the message. they've toned down or practically eliminated the woke nonsense. no more public support for blm/antifa as they've really exposed themselves for who many of us knew they really were.

 

[ukwizard]

Evidently the 60 year old fan never took a writing course in his/her life.

 

[Gromcat]

I love these threads. As if anybody gives a damn about how old you are. “I’m old af listen to my opinion”

Better than listening to young ignorant dumbasses talk about their bs trust me.

 

[STL_Cat]

I definitely prefer when some 20 year old with zero life experience tries to tell me what's up.

 

[Gromcat]

I definitely prefer when some 20 year old with zero life experience tries to tell me what's up.

the problem with the under 30 crowd today
Not enough of these

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

And I could care less whether people kneel or do not. Use your platform as you see fit and the public can decide to support or ignore.

First, and sorry, but this drives me insane. Its couldn't. Ok, now, it isn't their program nor platform, its ours.

 

[Gromcat]

First, and sorry, but this drives me insane. Its couldn't. Ok, now, it isn't their program nor platform, its ours.

As soon as Calipari is gone this nonsense way of thinking is over. These guys have bought into a recruiting pitch and think this is real life.

It’s cute, but stupid. And I’m ready for it to be over.

 

[gwjenning]

The Kneelapari part I disagree with and find it childish name calling by someone of this posters age.
I could care less whether or not Cal is Republican, Democrat, or even alien as far as that goes. My issue is that he’s running our basketball program into the ground!

 

[MbergCat]

I know a LOT of UK fans who used to invest a lot of time and money into UK basketball and now they’re all just indifferent and unwilling to invest. That’s the true beginning of the end. For any coach/program.

Yep. A dr friend of mine is a UK grad. Has always donated to K-Fund, attended every home game, etc. He said he hasn't watched a single game or donated a dime since the kneeling incident. It's a growing trend.

People like me don't make as huge of a difference. I tried to make it to a game a year and don't have the funds to do much more than that. But the ones who are donors and season ticket holders, they can make the program feel some heat.

 

[STL_Cat]

Yep. A dr friend of mine is a UK grad. Has always donated to K-Fund, attended every home game, etc. He said he hasn't watched a single game or donated a dime since the kneeling incident. It's a growing trend.

People like me don't make as huge of a difference. I tried to make it to a game a year and don't have the funds to do much more than that. But the ones who are donors and season ticket holders, they can make the program feel some heat.

There are more people like your friend than many of the "everything is fine" people would like to admit, that's for sure.

 

[ruppcat]

The Kneelapari part I disagree with and find it childish name calling by someone of this posters age.
I could care less whether or not Cal is Republican, Democrat, or even alien as far as that goes. My issue is that he’s running our basketball program into the ground!

buying into the woke nonsense is part of the driving it into the ground.

 

[BlueGlasses12]

Observation about the situation UK basketball finds itself, by a 60 year supporter and FUNDER. I support this position, but did not author the insights;

"As a UK fan for over 60 years, I feel compelled to share a few perspectives on the man who has turned our beloved program into something unrecognizable. A man whose coaching career has been hall-marked by two distinctive and notable traits: a superior innate talent for marketing and salesmanship and a self-centered, profound ego…..one that mandates him to be the focus of attention and demanding unfettered loyalty. Such an extreme sense of self perhaps stems from not having a healthy, balanced identity ……who knows? Nevertheless, his career is highlighted by his having to constantly seek the limelight by making himself the center of attention…evocative of a spoiled, petulant child. Before he got to UK and was coaching in the mid- majors, he focused on being flamboyant on the court perhaps hoping his coaching persona could help him get on a sports show highlight reel now and then as a way to keep himself relevant on the national stage . It was the only way he could ever get the kind of attention that he craved. He knew he couldn’t make it to the big leagues on coaching skills alone. His controversial hiring at UK provided him with what his ego -driven, self-focused persona needed the most….an indisputable credential that he had arrived at the pinnacle of the game where he didn’t have to account to anyone. With sycophant UK fans who held him in abject idolatry and an embicilic administration that gave him a ridiculous contract that no one could justify, he became, in his own mind, bigger than Kentucky basketball itself….he was a God ….or perhaps he thought. Winning the title in 2012 with arguably the greatest player in a generation, cemented his status as the unassailable overlord of the program, and provided him a platform where the accolades were focused all on him without regard to the fans, the players, or the program. The 2015 Wisconsin game however, changed everything. He was exposed as the charlatan he is. As fans began to criticize his clear lack of in -game coaching abilities, he took on a biting, condescending attitude to those who dared question his motives or his results. His one and done recruiting philosophy revitalized his reputation for a few years until it became obvious he couldn’t win with talent either, causing him to more recently shift to a recruiting strategy which focused on acquiring transfers….a strategy which undoubtedly has proven disastrous. As the criticisms have recently mounted and he being finally laid bare as the unfettered empty suit he has always been, he took on the woke political agenda…perhaps as a way to rub it into the fans faces, while seemingly content to allow the movement to destroy Rupp’s reputation without saying a word in his defense. Rather than shouldering any of the blame for the debacle he has now turned the program into, he continues with a litany of absurd excuses which become more pathetic every day. His slovenly appearance is a reflection of and emblematic of what is now a clear indication of his lack of regard for the program and the rich heritage of UK . In a word, it is apparent he doesn’t care anymore. Without the idolatry that his ego demands, he is content merely going through the motions as the program wastes away to mediocrity .Fans in response have in large part turned off as has been recently demonstrated by the unimaginable attendance numbers at home game which sadly signifies that the generational passion for the program is now on life - support.

Folks, Kentucky basketball is at a cross-roads. Either the alumni bond together and resolve to rid the program of this insidious, legacy -destroying influence and attempt to re-establish our state birthright, or stand by in silence and watch it slip into the abyss of irrelevance. Let your voices and your dollars be heard….Kneelipari must go!"

I concur 100%

rr

Cool and because you’ve been a fan for 60 years you feel entitled that we should all hear your opinion.

 

[chroix]

First, and sorry, but this drives me insane. Its couldn't. Ok, now, it isn't their program nor platform, its ours.

Now I have a little room left there. So could possibly care less. And if that drives you insane this place must really trigger you.

 

[Gromcat]

Now I have a little room left there. So could possibly care less. And if that drives you insane this place must really trigger you.

Look at Chroix….always trying to hide that Calipari love affair and be neutral with everyone, starting to unravel.

My guy, Jump off the Cal train before he takes you down a track that leads off the mountain. I’m worried about your mental health in the future.

 

[the nail at the foul line]

There are more people like your friend than many of the "everything is fine" people would like to admit, that's for sure.

One of the funny things is they say stop supporting the team. Then rupp is 45% full and they say that's because people have TVs. Ok.

 

[Disappointed Cat]

Observation about the situation UK basketball finds itself, by a 60 year supporter and FUNDER. I support this position, but did not author the insights;

"As a UK fan for over 60 years, I feel compelled to share a few perspectives on the man who has turned our beloved program into something unrecognizable. A man whose coaching career has been hall-marked by two distinctive and notable traits: a superior innate talent for marketing and salesmanship and a self-centered, profound ego…..one that mandates him to be the focus of attention and demanding unfettered loyalty. Such an extreme sense of self perhaps stems from not having a healthy, balanced identity ……who knows? Nevertheless, his career is highlighted by his having to constantly seek the limelight by making himself the center of attention…evocative of a spoiled, petulant child. Before he got to UK and was coaching in the mid- majors, he focused on being flamboyant on the court perhaps hoping his coaching persona could help him get on a sports show highlight reel now and then as a way to keep himself relevant on the national stage . It was the only way he could ever get the kind of attention that he craved. He knew he couldn’t make it to the big leagues on coaching skills alone. His controversial hiring at UK provided him with what his ego -driven, self-focused persona needed the most….an indisputable credential that he had arrived at the pinnacle of the game where he didn’t have to account to anyone. With sycophant UK fans who held him in abject idolatry and an embicilic administration that gave him a ridiculous contract that no one could justify, he became, in his own mind, bigger than Kentucky basketball itself….he was a God ….or perhaps he thought. Winning the title in 2012 with arguably the greatest player in a generation, cemented his status as the unassailable overlord of the program, and provided him a platform where the accolades were focused all on him without regard to the fans, the players, or the program. The 2015 Wisconsin game however, changed everything. He was exposed as the charlatan he is. As fans began to criticize his clear lack of in -game coaching abilities, he took on a biting, condescending attitude to those who dared question his motives or his results. His one and done recruiting philosophy revitalized his reputation for a few years until it became obvious he couldn’t win with talent either, causing him to more recently shift to a recruiting strategy which focused on acquiring transfers….a strategy which undoubtedly has proven disastrous. As the criticisms have recently mounted and he being finally laid bare as the unfettered empty suit he has always been, he took on the woke political agenda…perhaps as a way to rub it into the fans faces, while seemingly content to allow the movement to destroy Rupp’s reputation without saying a word in his defense. Rather than shouldering any of the blame for the debacle he has now turned the program into, he continues with a litany of absurd excuses which become more pathetic every day. His slovenly appearance is a reflection of and emblematic of what is now a clear indication of his lack of regard for the program and the rich heritage of UK . In a word, it is apparent he doesn’t care anymore. Without the idolatry that his ego demands, he is content merely going through the motions as the program wastes away to mediocrity .Fans in response have in large part turned off as has been recently demonstrated by the unimaginable attendance numbers at home game which sadly signifies that the generational passion for the program is now on life - support.

Folks, Kentucky basketball is at a cross-roads. Either the alumni bond together and resolve to rid the program of this insidious, legacy -destroying influence and attempt to re-establish our state birthright, or stand by in silence and watch it slip into the abyss of irrelevance. Let your voices and your dollars be heard….Kneelipari must go!"

I concur 100%

rr

Great post...sadly it is 100% true.

 

[catben]

First, and sorry, but this drives me insane. Its couldn't. Ok, now, it isn't their program nor platform, its ours.

When this program becomes an "Us verses Them", with the us being Cal and his players and the them being the fan base, it is the beginning of the end of the "Gold Standard" of college basketball.

Hope with all my heart it NEVER becomes that. However, with all of the angst toward Cal and the program's decline, it is starting to feel that way. Hope Cal can turn it around. I am pulling HARD for him to do it!!!

 

[chroix]

Look at Chroix….always trying to hide that Calipari love affair and be neutral with everyone, starting to unravel.

My guy, Jump off the Cal train before he takes you down a track that leads off the mountain. I’m worried about your mental health in the future.

I like Cal. I wish he was less stubborn but he’s not. I’d like to see him do better. I’m not trying to hide nothing from nobody. But your Beard pick makes more sense with each passing day so I guess we’ll see how it shakes out. As for mental health I try not to invest emotionally in things I can’t control. UK basketball challenges that somewhat but less and less as I get older. Maybe that’s why I seem like I’m trying to be neutral.

 

[Gromcat]

I like Cal. I wish he was less stubborn but he’s not. I’d like to see him do better. I’m not trying to hide nothing from nobody. But your Beard pick makes more sense with each passing day so I guess we’ll see how it shakes out. As for mental health I try not to invest emotionally in things I can’t control. UK basketball challenges that somewhat but less and less as I get older. Maybe that’s why I seem like I’m trying to be neutral.

Beard would be better than Cal. That much doesn’t seem debatable to me at all. Is he the RIGHT guy, I don’t know. Maybe there’s better.

As for your mental health, I do worry about it. I was buying some fish at cash saver grocery yesterday and tremor’d uncontrollably. I visioned you crying over UK basketball and ran home to see what happened. I don’t think it’s happened yet.

Jump off man I’m telling you.

 

[Sawnee Cat]

Not only that....it was done on the road. They didn't try that crap at Rupp.

Plus....cal had a chance to speak up on Rupp and blew it. He's allowed the myth of a racist Rupp to continue to be told by the media and within UK.

It's for those two reasons he lost me as a fan of UK Bball. I haven't watched a game since then. I haven't and will not purchase any more UK merchandise until he's gone.

The fact Cal allowed his team to kneel on an opponent's home court was a cheap shot to the fans and players of that University. UK was a visitor and disrespected the pre game by pulling this stunt. I have no respect for that UK team or Calipari for allowing it.

 

[gwjenning]

buying into the woke nonsense is part of the driving it into the ground.

I’m not a Cal basketball coach fan. But I personally think he did what he did at Fla last season trying to show the team support. Was it a smart move? No!
That move did cost him some fans. Some of my own close family.
If Cal starts trying to have the name of Rupp arena changed or trying to do away with the history of Rupp, then that’s going to be a problem for me. He’s doing a good enough job destroying it on the court and that’s my issue right now.
Your reasoning would have us asking future coaching candidates their political beliefs when interviewing them. That’s crazy and not going to happen!

 

[Cawood86]

I like Cal. I wish he was less stubborn but he’s not. I’d like to see him do better. I’m not trying to hide nothing from nobody. But your Beard pick makes more sense with each passing day so I guess we’ll see how it shakes out. As for mental health I try not to invest emotionally in things I can’t control. UK basketball challenges that somewhat but less and less as I get older. Maybe that’s why I seem like I’m trying to be neutral.

I think Beard is where he truly wants to be. UT is like his dream job. They are moving to the SEC. Not near as much pressure to win there as there would be at UK. GUy has proven he can coach. Freaking Texas Tech to a FF.

Just don't think he comes even if offered.

 

[ruppcat]

I’m not a Cal basketball coach fan. But I personally think he did what he did at Fla last season trying to show the team support. Was it a smart move? No!
That move did cost him some fans. Some of my own close family.
If Cal starts trying to have the name of Rupp arena changed or trying to do away with the history of Rupp, then that’s going to be a problem for me. He’s doing a good enough job destroying it on the court and that’s my issue right now.
Your reasoning would have us asking future coaching candidates their political beliefs when interviewing them. That’s crazy and not going to happen!

Cal did do just that by not standing up for Rupp last summer. Recall there were calls for Rupp's name to be removed from aa "professors" on campus. Did cal do anything to stop the talk? Nope.

 

[Cawood86]

You leaving us, Wood? Would hate to see you go! 😉

Nah....you cry enough already...wouldn't want to add to your sadness

 

[chroix]

Cal did do just that by not standing up for Rupp last summer. Recall there were calls for Rupp's name to be removed from aa "professors" on campus. Did cal do anything to stop the talk? Nope.

Cal handled it the right way in my book. Pushing back last summer would have created a massive issue. Instead they didn’t feed the fire and it kind of fizzled out.