If you're Mitch, do you have a replacement list for Cal?

[Brando Mac]

Something that isn't being brought up and shouldn't be discounted is that finding the right personality fit is almost as important as finding someone that can coach and recruit (actually, it goes hand in hand with recruiting).

In this job we need someone that is willing to stand up for themselves and the program, and will fire back when certain folks with agendas start doing their thing. We need someone with the type of personality that not only embraces the expectations, but increases expectations and is somewhat of an innovator like our most successful coaches have been (Rupp with the fast break, Pitino with the press, Cal with the OAD/elite talent and DDMO). I get that another coach may not bring in all the Top 25 players (though they should certainly bring in their fair share) and that they are going to probably have their own style and approach, but the aggressive and determined mindset needs to be the same. That's the only way this program can thrive to the fullest of its potential.

 

[OldEvilleCat]

How about a young Brad Calipari with 3 years of experience as an asst coach. Dad stays on as a consultant....

 

[RC_Texas]

Popovich.

Another KU Assistant?

 

[BurpinTurpin]

Another KU Assistant?

Don't they ever want to stay?

 

[gracetoyou]

Well...when Cal ever leaves I'll be depressed for a year. I get depressed just thinking about it.

Bruce Pearl needs to be on that list. He's a charismatic coach, good recruiter, brings enthusiasm to a program that carries over to the court. Not much of an X & O guy but I think he'd kill it at UK.

Never thought I'd say that...lol.

 

[EvilMD]

1. Sean Miller
2. Tony Bennett
3. Shaka Smart
4. Mark Few

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Another KU Assistant?

That's right, another volunteer assistant to boot.

 

[Untouchables22]

Why would we want a guy who can't make a final four at Zona with some excellent talent

Because he is by far the best realistic option. I'm going to take the time to list the current active coaches that have made a final four:
Mike Krzyzewski, Tom Izzo, Rick Pitino, Roy Williams ,Jim Boeheim, Ben Howland, Larry Brown, Bob Huggins, Thad Matta
Bill Self, Rick Barnes, John Beilein, John Brady, Tom Crean, Mike Davis, Steve Fisher, Lon Kruger, Jim Larranaga, Gregg Marshall, Kevin Ollie, Kelvin Sampson, Shaka Smart,Tubby Smith, John Thompson III, Bruce Weber,Jay Wright

Now i'm not going to go down and list why each guy wouldn't come to UK but the only one's that (1) have been successful enough to ever consider (2) have no NCAA baggage (3) would leave their current school willingly (4) aren't too old are: Matta, Marshall, Ollie, Smart and Wright. It's common knowledge that Matta has a serious health problem and speculation is he probably isn't going to be coaching much longer then a couple more years. Marshall hasn't ever recruited at a high level. Ollie hasn't done very well with his own players. Which leaves the top 2 candidates (Personally don't feel Donovan or Stephens is coming back to college) Smart and Wright. Personally I would rather have Sean Miller then either of those two men. He has recruited better and has had more sustained tournament success.

* I am intrigued by Xavier's Chris Mack he has made a number of sweet 16's. I would not be surprised to see him strongly considered for the Indiana job along with Archie Miller when it opens this offseason. He loves Xavier and I only think he leaves for a top 8 job.

 

[Nubb16]

Jay Wright

For the love of god no. I don't want to be a second round exit every single year. Just do yourself a favor and look up Villanova's tournament results.

 

[JRS_OH_Cat]

For the love of god no. I don't want to be a second round exit every single year. Just do yourself a favor and look up Villanova's tournament results.

Agree totally. Same with Mark Few.

 

[Peeled Oak Cat]

1. Sean Miller
2. Tony Bennett
3. Shaka Smart
4. Mark Few

1. Yes
2. No, Can't stand the style of play.
3. Maybe, I like him, lets see how he does at TX.
4. No. I don't think he has the personality fit and his teams never do well in the big dance.

 

[KMKAT]

Arizona will continue to step up and be able to keep Miller, even if he never gets to a F4. So far, he hasn't gotten there and I expect him to get there.

Starting this thread, I was just curious if there was a legit list and with what we went through between Pitino and Cal, there has to be a plan because that day for our coach to leave is coming way too quick even if its 10 years away.

I'm also surprised that not one person mentioned Payne so far; I remember when Joe B retired; it was Lute Olson, then Sutton.
Leonard Hamilton never got any support, not that he deserved it, but Hamilton was thought to be the reason for our successful recruiting. I don't think the ADs had lists of replacements in that era like what goes on now.

I'm sure there are others who remember the hype when Joe B left. At that time, there was no national sports coverage...it was Oscar's magazine keeping us informed and those night time radio hours on AM radio.

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

We've had a great track record with NBA coaches. Lets go find another one. At this moment, When Cal wants to retire and the GSW have to break apart since several will want max contracts with the way they are shooting the ball.... offer Kerr 15 million a year lol.

I'm kidding... . offer him 20 million a year.

 

[EvilMD]

Luke Walton was coach for their 24-0 start. Let Arizona have him and we'll take Sean Miller.

 

[Cats192]

We can do so much better than that, with the exception of maybe Shaka.

Sean Miller (Arizona)
Jay Wright (Villanova)
Shaka Smart (Texas)
Billy Donovan (if his NBA stint doesn't go as planned and they lose Westbrook and Durant in the next 2 off-seasons)

Those should be the names we're going after, not mid-major coaches who have only had a few years of success to begin with.

I just rolled off some of the ones with recent success.

I didn't think about Sean Miller. I think IF he would leave AZ, he's the ideal guy.
If Donovan DOESN'T work out in the NBA--I think we take him if he's open to it. I'd just be surprised. He made Florida into what it is. Then to go to the Yankees of the conference just seems wrong for that guy.

 

[Tampa_cat54]

I just rolled off some of the ones with recent success.

I didn't think about Sean Miller. I think IF he would leave AZ, he's the ideal guy.
If Donovan DOESN'T work out in the NBA--I think we take him if he's open to it. I'd just be surprised. He made Florida into what it is. Then to go to the Yankees of the conference just seems wrong for that guy.

Of course, he'd have his pick of the litter of open jobs if he came back to college, but I just think he LOVES the SEC, really enjoyed his time at Kentucky, and Florida (more than likely) won't be available. Kentucky is the next best option.

Could you see Billy D at Kansas or Louisville? I just can't picture it

 

[Cats192]

Of course, he'd have his pick of the litter of open jobs if he came back to college, but I just think he LOVES the SEC, really enjoyed his time at Kentucky, and Florida (more than likely) won't be available. Kentucky is the next best option.

Could you see Billy D at Kansas or Louisville? I just can't picture it

I can't see him going to the top dog in the conference after essentially building the Florida program. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[SosaUK]

I know for a fact it's not an Internet myth. It came out of pratts own mouth. There's plenty of evidence anyway. Why do you think Mitch is not in charge of basketball? Why do you think Cal directs all matters directly to Peevy? You cite PR talk from cal. Read between the lines. No big time AD gives up his best sport to an assistant unless that's the coaches doing. Cal does not like Barnhart. Talk to anyone closely related to the program. They will explain it.

I'm not trying to spin this into a Mitch thread but that's my take on that.

This. I know for certain Cal is not a fan of Mitch, or Matt Jones.

 

[EvilMD]

Cal's probably tired of fielding phone calls from the 502 telling him he'd better get Jones to back off.

 

[NavyKat]

Sean Miller. Still be relatively young and can recruit. Good X & O coach as well.

 

[Louis_Skunt]

No mention of Sean Miller?


Whoops, guy above me beat me to it.

 

[kybassfan]

Well...when Cal ever leaves I'll be depressed for a year. I get depressed just thinking about it.

Bruce Pearl needs to be on that list. He's a charismatic coach, good recruiter, brings enthusiasm to a program that carries over to the court. Not much of an X & O guy but I think he'd kill it at UK.

Never thought I'd say that...lol.

No. Just no!

 

[shutzhund]

KSR has said in the past that there's usually a list of 3 or so

I would think Shaka Smart
Greg Marshall
Miller from Dayton

I think Stevens succeeds in the NBA, but if he leaves he shoots to the top of every list.

Not mea

KSR mentioned Mitch likes Gregg Marshall, but I'd like to think we could do better. We've heard Mitch wasn't part of the decision making, so does that continue with the next coach?

Remember Pitino recommended Tubby, then Travis or Pelphrey once Tubby sprinted for a plane to Minnesota.

Glad it's nothing to worry about, but I guess you have to have a list in place.

Does Mitch have a list in place for Stoops as well?

This has the potential to be the thread that will prove that many internet fans should be locked up for blatant stupidity.

 

[fabcat]

I feel so bad for the poor SOB that follows Cal. Cutnets will be his only supporter

 

[2Dope15]

KSR mentioned Mitch likes Gregg Marshall, but I'd like to think we could do better. We've heard Mitch wasn't part of the decision making, so does that continue with the next coach?

Remember Pitino recommended Tubby, then Travis or Pelphrey once Tubby sprinted for a plane to Minnesota.

Glad it's nothing to worry about, but I guess you have to have a list in place.

Does Mitch have a list in place for Stoops as well?

Is Cal leaving soon???

 

[jrpross]

I think the list is very different now than it may be when Cal actually leaves. If he left right now, I'd probably have to put Sean Miller at the top of my list. He's the most proven of any realistic option. I'd like to see how a few guys do in the next couple years though. Archie Miller, Shaka Smart, and Steve Prohm are 3 young guys who have done really well this far. And with the latter 2 having moved to more prominent basketball schools, if they start pulling in 4 and 5 star recruits, you'd have to give them serious consideration in the next 5+ years.

 

[WildMoon]

no, he's probably thinking about other sports.

 

[Tampa_cat54]

No mention of Sean Miller?


Whoops, guy above me beat me to it.

Loads of posts mentioning Sean Miller

 

[EvilMD]

Hasn't Miller made the Elite Eight four straight years now?

 

[JC CATS]

No one has mentioned Richard Pitino, he has ties to the university

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

No one has mentioned Richard Pitino, he has ties to the university

 

[.S&C.]

Well...when Cal ever leaves I'll be depressed for a year. I get depressed just thinking about it.

Bruce Pearl needs to be on that list. He's a charismatic coach, good recruiter, brings enthusiasm to a program that carries over to the court. Not much of an X & O guy but I think he'd kill it at UK.

Never thought I'd say that...lol.

If he didn't have the baggage of being a pathological liar, a snitch, and a terrible human being, maybe.

It will never happen. There's a reason he's Cals age and at Auburn, and lucky to be there.

 

[hoosier48]

This will be the most difficult man to replace in the history of basketball with the exception of Rupp himself. Its going to be tough. Honestly probably a time to putting together a sort of a wish list. Your going to have a massive talent pool to choose from.

 

[hoosier48]

This will be the most difficult man to replace in the history of basketball with the exception of Rupp himself. Its going to be tough. Honestly probably a time to putting together a sort of a wish list. Your going to have a massive talent pool to choose from.

Cal has won ONE title in twenty some years of coaching with elite talent and he would be harder to replace than Wooden, Knight, or Coach K with nearly 20 titles. LOL

 

[jrpross]

Cal has won ONE title in twenty some years of coaching with elite talent and he would be harder to replace than Wooden, Knight, or Coach K with nearly 20 titles. LOL

So long as we do better than Crean I'll be happy.

 

[thecatsareback#8]

Cal has won ONE title in twenty some years of coaching with elite talent and he would be harder to replace than Wooden, Knight, or Coach K with nearly 20 titles. LOL

Hows life when your team is irrelevant ?

 

[KY Long Rifle]

Donovan if he's ready to come back.
Stevens if he's ready to come back.
Best
Available
Coaches
From
There

I agree, except I would flip flop Donovan and Stevens. Stevens has proven he can coach and he has NBA experience, which helps with recruiting. Donovan is not much younger than Cal. I say hand the scepter to Stevens when Cal rides off into the sunset.

 

[Blueworld_3.0]

According to MJ, Mitch likes Greg Marshall at Wichita State a lot. I don't dislike the guy at all but, not sure he could successfully guide the University of Kentucky basketball program. MAJOR step up from WSU. Being relevant every few years wouldn't cut it here.

 

[Blueworld_3.0]

I've spoken personally to several guys who would know the situations well. I've even names a few and I shouldn't. Mitch was taken out of basketball decisions ONCE Calipari became the head coach. Calipari does not care for Mitch according to some of these same people. Barnhart was not allowed to move past Calipari in the hiring decision, and was taken off the process. Tuen cal wanted to defer to Peevy. You don't believe this, you think I'm lying and that's obvious. You won't let it go.

This is exactly the situation I've been told a few times as well. Heard it from a donor with season seats fairly close to the court.
In fact, many who are closer to the program than I'll ever be wouldn't mind seeing Dewayne Peevy named "AD in waiting". He is literally Cal's closest friend at UK. If he were to leave, I don't think Cal would stay very long either.
Not sure what the disconnect is between Mitch and Cal...other than Mitch may have been the one who nixed hiring Cal in favor of BCG. Cal may still hold that against him.
One thing is certain, after Cal leaves UK Basketball will go on. Maybe not with the talent level we've become accustomed to but, it will certainly remain successful. My only concern is that if Cal leaves before Self retires at Kansas, there will be a pretty major swing of talent toward Lawrence.

 

[jca4446]

KSR mentioned Mitch likes Gregg Marshall, but I'd like to think we could do better. We've heard Mitch wasn't part of the decision making, so does that continue with the next coach?

Remember Pitino recommended Tubby, then Travis or Pelphrey once Tubby sprinted for a plane to Minnesota.

Glad it's nothing to worry about, but I guess you have to have a list in place.

Does Mitch have a list in place for Stoops as well?