To all the critics of the Diallo situation

[BoxterS]

The virtue signaling is hilarious. They eat up all of the coach talk spewed and are lock step with whatever stuff Cal says.

Telling me I should about their financial issues and wanting us to pretend that they're our kids, to call other fans "selfish" for dare caring about a program more so than some evolving door of players who are about to get rich and then watch fans beat their chest over NBA picks being more valuable over tournament success? Good stuff.

It's amazing. And it's definitely noticeable. There's a group on here that blindly follows and justifies all of Cal's moves.

I'm really glad to see a group on here rise up and not be afraid to question Cal's "moves" as it pertains to what is best for the PROGRAM.

As you and a couple of others have said, it has nothing to do with disliking Cal. I love Cal. I love what he has done for UK. But I love UK more. And when I see UK taken advantage of I'm going to call it. If that means hurting people's feelings over Cal then I apologize. But don't call me less of a fan, or a Calipari hater. Nothing can be further from the truth.

No I think this little group that pounces on anyone who questions Cal's moves is going to be met with some resistance from here on out. It's getting to the point where those who defend a Diallo situation actually are the ones who look stupid.

 

[oldlewisville99]

It's amazing. And it's definitely noticeable. There's a group on here that blindly follows and justifies all of Cal's moves.

I'm really glad to see a group on here rise up and not be afraid to question Cal's "moves" as it pertains to what is best for the PROGRAM.

As you and a couple of others have said, it has nothing to do with disliking Cal. I love Cal. I love what he has done for UK. But I love UK more. And when I see UK taken advantage of I'm going to call it. If that means hurting people's feelings over Cal then I apologize. But don't call me less of a fan, or a Calipari hater. Nothing can be further from the truth.

No I think this little group that pounces on anyone who questions Cal's moves is going to be met with some resistance from here on out. It's getting to the point where those who defend a Diallo situation actually are the ones who look stupid.

I could not agree more. I'm glad YOU called Cal out. He's not infallible, and he's not doing what is in the best interest of the program or the university. I wish I could find the article from a few years back where he was reprimanded by the university because of the way he was going about things.

 

[TruBluCatFan]

A few more years of this bs without titles and he will get devoured by the fan base. Has most talented teams, just needs the coaching to match.

Nice first post troll.

 

[oldlewisville99]

I'm going to get anecdotal here, because that seems to fly for science these days.

I have an extended family member in Western Kentucky, older gentleman who would be known by some on this board, who has hated Cal since day 1. Irrationally hated him.

And this guy is pretty smart. Knows basketball like the back of his hand. Coached for years.

He wasn't even able to let himself enjoy the Title in 2012 because of how much he despises Cal.

So those people are out there. Can't imagine he's the only one. And I am personally positive that him and others like him make their way to boards like this to trash Cal at the hint of trouble.

I don't think everyone who is upset about this situation is like that. But I also don't think most of the fan base cares much at all, or even knows what's going on.

And, in my unscientific opinion, the number of Cal > UK fans we have in this fan base is miniscule.

Me, I cheer for the team we put on the floor. As long as Cal continues to put a quality, competitive product on the floor, I will support his decisions.

He leaves me scratching my head at times too. More than once I've thought that I would have handled a situation differently.

But he's the coach, and his method works incredibly well for him. I'm not arrogant enough to believe that I've thought of some tweak that he hasn't.

He sees all the angles, and plays them as he feels best. Like any human being, he sometimes gets it wrong. But his track record is pretty good.

I love how you try and disguise the fan-bashing. Keep at it.

 

[Aike]

I love how you try and disguise the fan-bashing. Keep at it.

I told a very specific story about one person that I know. If that hits too close to home, so be it.

If calling a fan who has hated our coach since the day he was hired irrational is fan bashing, gimme some more of that.

I love how you showed up here two weeks ago to spew nothing but negativity. If you are actually a UK fan and you feel bashed by my post, I'm good with that.

 

[oldlewisville99]

I told a very specific story about one person that I know. If that hits too close to home, so be it.

If calling a fan who has hated our coach since the day he was hired irrational is fan bashing, gimme some more of that.

I love how you showed up here two weeks ago to spew nothing but negativity. If you are actually a UK fan and you feel bashed by my post, I'm good with that.

If you don't like that I'm not a sunshine pumper, then so be it. If it irks you that I'm not an "NBA fan first", then so be it. If it bothers you that some here are pointing out the flaws of the OAD system, then so be it. I especially love that you think someone who isn't in agreement with you is somehow "not a fan of UK". I've been lurking a long time, and the Diallo charade pushed me into signing up. Normally I find YOUR posts too negative to bother responding to, and this will be my last reply to you.

 

[Aike]

If you don't like that I'm not a sunshine pumper, then so be it. If it irks you that I'm not an "NBA fan first", then so be it. If it bothers you that some here are pointing out the flaws of the OAD system, then so be it. I especially love that you think someone who isn't in agreement with you is somehow "not a fan of UK". I've been lurking a long time, and the Diallo charade pushed me into signing up. Normally I find YOUR posts too negative to bother responding to, and this will be my last reply to you.

You nailed me man. So negative. Thank you so much for blessing us with your presence.

 

[kentucky_wildcat_#1]

How can any Kentucky fan complain about the way the Diallo situation turns out? If the kid leaves after never playing a second for Kentucky, oh well. We will live to fight on. It is a chance Cal has to take. Diallo is a special talent that would be one of the best players in the country. You have to take a shot at recruiting a kid like that, even if the kid has a chance at entering the draft. Most of the time, the kid probably plays college basketball. When you are dealing with that type of talent, it's hard to pass on and not recruit. Cal likes talent. If not the NBA, the kid plays for Kentucky. If Diallo plays college basketball next season, we're talking about a 1st round NBA type of shooting guard on our roster. It sucks for us true blue fans when a kid leaves after never playing a minute for Kentucky, but if Cal is okay with the situation, so am i. Cal is the one with the rep and money on the line. We just lose watching a talented player never play at Kentucky. I'm probably on my own with this opinion, but i have total faith in Cal's basketball plan for Kentucky. It will never work 100% all of the time, but more often than not, with Cal in control, we win a lot and get to enjoy watching a lot of talented players play at Kentucky. It's a dream come true after spending so many years watching players that couldn't leave school early to play for pay.

 

[sluggercatfan]

You feel UK was used. I get it. You feel he should have at least played in the UNC game. I definitely get it.

But it truly comes down to this. What if it were your kid? UK and Cal did right by the kid. They put him into position to make life-changing money as quickly as possible. Every parent in the country has to be watching.

Am I disappointed if he never plays for us? Of course. But the big picture is more important.

Am I correct or not? Even though this kid never played a minute at UK and only spent 3 months on campus , he can come back and get his college paid for? I do not agree with that!

 

[EvilMD]

How can anyone complain? A guy that could have helped us get passed UNC and win a title sits and watches, yet you fail to see why fans would be pissed?

Honestly that's the only thing that bugs me.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

How can any Kentucky fan complain about the way the Diallo situation turns out? If the kid leaves after never playing a second for Kentucky, oh well. We will live to fight on. It is a chance Cal has to take. Diallo is a special talent that would be one of the best players in the country. You have to take a shot at recruiting a kid like that, even if the kid has a chance at entering the draft. Most of the time, the kid probably plays college basketball. When you are dealing with that type of talent, it's hard to pass on and not recruit. Cal likes talent. If not the NBA, the kid plays for Kentucky. If Diallo plays college basketball next season, we're talking about a 1st round NBA type of shooting guard on our roster. It sucks for us true blue fans when a kid leaves after never playing a minute for Kentucky, but if Cal is okay with the situation, so am i. Cal is the one with the rep and money on the line. We just lose watching a talented player never play at Kentucky. I'm probably on my own with this opinion, but i have total faith in Cal's basketball plan for Kentucky. It will never work 100% all of the time, but more often than not, with Cal in control, we win a lot and get to enjoy watching a lot of talented players play at Kentucky. It's a dream come true after spending so many years watching players that couldn't leave school early to play for pay.

Why not just recruit him for next year only?

 

[ZaytovenCat]

You feel UK was used. I get it. You feel he should have at least played in the UNC game. I definitely get it.

But it truly comes down to this. What if it were your kid? UK and Cal did right by the kid. They put him into position to make life-changing money as quickly as possible. Every parent in the country has to be watching.

Am I disappointed if he never plays for us? Of course. But the big picture is more important.

That's just it. If this was a one time thing then the "doing the right thing" and "bigger picture" crap would be okay. The issue is we "do the right thing" every single year with these kids and it's hurt potential title chances. Everyone is winning in this except the fans who want a title.

I've held back my opinion on Diallo waiting for him to make the final choice for the most part. If he does leave though, I will unload, and so will many others I'm sure. Rightfully so.

I've about had it with everyone "reaching their dreams" except the fans and all of the players being allowed to be selfish in their decision but if fans selfishly want them to, god forbid, stay a whole 2 years then that's not okay at all and we get blasted for it.

When you go play sports for a college you are there to lay it all on the line for that school. Cal has forgotten that part with the way he does things. Since he's more concerned with getting players drafted than winning titles, which is his job here, he should be happy to take a pay cut. When he figures out that winning titles is what he's here to do and actually does it again then he can get some of that money back.

 

[morgousky]

I didn't say it was an attack. I said you come off as talking down to me, as if I am incapable of understanding the situation. If you didn't mean it that way, I apologize.

Not at all. I've seen you post several times basically dismissing the fact that trends can happen easily. You might be right, but you could be very wrong. And if you're wrong it could have extremely bad consequences moving forward.

Our teams are so damn brittle because of turnover and youth that it only takes one player screwing around and it could ruin a season.

 

[kycatw\claws]

Since he's more concerned with getting players drafted than winning titles, which is his job here, he should be happy to take a pay cut. When he figures out that winning titles is what he's here to do and actually does it again then he can get some of that money back.

Surely the players whose dreams he's making come true wouldn't mind giving him a cut at least as big as their handlers'???

 

[Aike]

This is becoming hysterical.

 

[morgousky]

Cal has a lot of posters on here brainwashed. I've been saying it for a while.

I remember back in 2012 the pulse of this board when it came to kids leaving early was "kid should stay and improve and get drafted higher the next season". Hell I remember people on here discussing how MKG needed to come back to improve his shot, and improve his ball-handling.

Cut to present time, we have posters defending every single kid who chooses to leave. They do it through a mask of righteousness of course "kid has to take care of his family", or "he just didn't like school" etc etc. It's amazing. Cal is a helluva salesman.

He is. Cal is a master of presentation and marketing. It's not a coincidence that he's best at recruiting, over any other aspect of coaching, given those attributes. And every stop he makes there are fans who cannot destinguish between coach speak, sales points, and reality. The Memphis fan base was no different.

And the thing is, I'm completely ok with it. I defend Cal for a living. I don't get the luxury of living in Lexington and hanging with uk fans all day.

Sometimes it would be nice to have a real conversation about deeper points with real fans, but you can't do that here. And you are correct, what's been allowed and expected has stretched substantially over time. I spoke to that in a post above. After this I have no doubt that "none and done" would be justified by that group yearly even at the expense of championships. There's zero doubt about that.

 

[Snackbar1130]

Exactly. He has all the information and obviously can make the best decisions as to what to do for the program. This mid season transfer from a prep school situation hardly ever presents itself so the possibility of a repeat is pretty damn slim yet the payback for demonstrating again that he holds the players' best interests above all else is huge.

By doing that it will result in even more top level recruits choosing UK cause they know they can trust him. Benefits far more than it hurts.

Here you said he holds the player's best interest above all else....doesnt one have to play to be considered a player......also I love Cal as our coach. Don't want anyone else as a matter of fact, but I do think he got played and is trying to spin it..

 

[morgousky]

This is becoming hysterical.

Aike that's anecdotal.

And if that word is never used again outside of a damn college classroom I'll be great.

 

[Cat78Scot]

Here you said he holds the player's best interest above all else....doesnt one have to play to be considered a player......also I love Cal as our coach. Don't want anyone else as a matter of fact, but I do think he got played and is trying to spin it..

Recruits, players whatever. Same result. Shows he cares about the young men who are placed under his care.

We'll just have to agree to disagree. I think each situation is different and fluid and he adjusts accordingly, something we all do from time to time.

 

[morgousky]

Recruits, players whatever. Same result. Shows he cares about the young men who are placed under his care.

We'll just have to agree to disagree. I think each situation is different and fluid and he adjusts accordingly, something we all do from time to time.

Eh, OAD's, recruits, players, sit it outers........

All the same. Unreal.

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[Cat78Scot]

Eh, OAD's, recruits, players, sit it outers........

All the same. Unreal.

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Not sure what you'd have him do? Not recruit the best of the best? Go back to BG and TS talent?

 

[morgousky]

Not sure what you'd have him do? Not recruit the best of the best? Go back to BG and TS talent?

I don't play the "go back to Billy" game. He coached here two years and was fired. He's not even an afterthought. Wasn't here long enough to finish painting his house

 

[Cat78Scot]

I don't play the "go back to Billy" game. He coached here two years and was fired. He's not even an afterthought. Wasn't here long enough to finish painting his house

Take him out of the equation. What would you suggest Cal do with the rules the way they are now?

 

[JerseyCat84]

You feel UK was used. I get it. You feel he should have at least played in the UNC game. I definitely get it.

But it truly comes down to this. What if it were your kid? UK and Cal did right by the kid. They put him into position to make life-changing money as quickly as possible. Every parent in the country has to be watching.

Am I disappointed if he never plays for us? Of course. But the big picture is more important.

 

[chattanoogawildcat]

How can anyone complain? A guy that could have helped us get passed UNC and win a title sits and watches, yet you fail to see why fans would be pissed?

Who's this "us" you speak of?

 

[JwUKFan11]

My view is this and it is America and i am entitled to it....Cal is paid very well to do whats best for UK not put players in the NBA...certainly not one thats never played for UK. CAL will take a ton of heat if Diallo bolts and there wont be much anyone can say to defend him

He will take no heat. He brought him here to help UK, but when I door opened for him and Cal is in a position to either help guide him through the process or turn his back, we all know the right choice.

 

[Aike]

Aike that's anecdotal.

And if that word is never used again outside of a damn college classroom I'll be great.

You would have hated playing me in words with friends.

 

[morgousky]

100% accurate for that bunch.

 

[nssdigitalchumps]

UK got a kid to achieve his dream. Regardless if that helps our team or not, the kid is always going to remember and appreciate that about UK.

+1 for us.

 

[BlueDevilWildcat]

It's amazing. And it's definitely noticeable. There's a group on here that blindly follows and justifies all of Cal's moves.

We see this on the Duke boards as well. I think there are two groups of fans:
1. Coach K knows much more than me, who am I to question anything he does?
2. Coach K knows much more than me, but everyone makes mistakes, and if I see what I think is a mistake, I'm going to point it out.

I think those two camps exist on this board as well.

 

[ZaytovenCat]

Surely the players whose dreams he's making come true wouldn't mind giving him a cut at least as big as their handlers'???

Sounds good to me. Since he's serving their interests more than UK's then it should only be fair that those players step up and foot the bill.

 

[ZaytovenCat]

UK got a kid to achieve his dream. Regardless if that helps our team or not, the kid is always going to remember and appreciate that about UK.

+1 for us.

And that does absolutely what good for us? How many games does his "appreciation" win us? How about a title?

I don't even necessarily believe he would for sure appreciate UK. Any kid that would use a school like that is selfish. Makes a lot of sense now that he and Briscoe were big buddies. Two of a kind.

 

[nssdigitalchumps]

And that does absolutely what good for us? How many games does his "appreciation" win us? How about a title?

I don't even necessarily believe he would for sure appreciate UK. Any kid that would use a school like that is selfish. Makes a lot of sense now that he and Briscoe were big buddies. Two of a kind.

Puts another notch in our 'players first' motto. But, hey! I'm sure no kid would love that. *shrugs*

 

[kycatw\claws]

Puts another notch in our 'players first' motto. But, hey! I'm sure no kid would love that. *shrugs*

He won't be our player if he doesn't play here.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Not at all. I've seen you post several times basically dismissing the fact that trends can happen easily. You might be right, but you could be very wrong. And if you're wrong it could have extremely bad consequences moving forward.

Our teams are so damn brittle because of turnover and youth that it only takes one player screwing around and it could ruin a season.

Not sure what you are referring outside this Diallo thing. I doubt very many agree with you if you think that will ever happen again. Whether you are right that Cal might be ok with it or not, it's very unlikely to come up again. And just to make one thing clear, I very much wish we would have some guys stick around, and I think we have lost out on a couple titles because we didn't have more experience. I'm starting to think you think I am one of the people you keep referring to as mindless Cal supporters who believe every word he says and will defend anything he does. You keep saying there are a good number of those people on this board, but so far you've neglected to name anyone. If you wouldn't mind answering, do you think I am like that? I'd like to know, because if you do, then please just ignore me from now on.

If you'd like to hear my view on the overall subject of our team makeup, OADs, etc, it's pretty simple. I very much wish we didn't lose as many as we do, and I'm sure sometimes Cal encourages them to leave. However, we know he doesn't always do so, and sometimes they leave anyway. No doubt that is an off-shoot of his campaign to get people to the NBA. It's obviously not a perfect system. It's damn hard to perfect and get the right blend. All that being said, I'd much prefer that to just about every alternative. I have no desire to go back to the days of Tubby or BCG type incoming classes, just so they will stick around longer. I enjoy watching the cream of the crop players, and I am very happy that we are in the hunt just about every year.

Lastly, as for the Diallo situation, I think the only thing people can possibly fault Cal for is if he took Diallo and even alluded to the possibility of leaving without playing, which none of us know whether he did or not. It would have been foolish to not take his commitment. I do not think he should have played, and Cal can't stop him from leaving if he wants to. Just not sure why people are upset with him. I can see it with Diallo, even though I am not in that camp. Ok, I'm done, as this was much longer than I wanted it to be.

 

[morgousky]

Not sure what you are referring outside this Diallo thing. I doubt very many agree with you if you think that will ever happen again. Whether you are right that Cal might be ok with it or not, it's very unlikely to come up again. And just to make one thing clear, I very much wish we would have some guys stick around, and I think we have lost out on a couple titles because we didn't have more experience. I'm starting to think you think I am one of the people you keep referring to as mindless Cal supporters who believe every word he says and will defend anything he does. You keep saying there are a good number of those people on this board, but so far you've neglected to name anyone. If you wouldn't mind answering, do you think I am like that? I'd like to know, because if you do, then please just ignore me from now on.

If you'd like to hear my view on the overall subject of our team makeup, OADs, etc, it's pretty simple. I very much wish we didn't lose as many as we do, and I'm sure sometimes Cal encourages them to leave. However, we know he doesn't always do so, and sometimes they leave anyway. No doubt that is an off-shoot of his campaign to get people to the NBA. It's obviously not a perfect system. It's damn hard to perfect and get the right blend. All that being said, I'd much prefer that to just about every alternative. I have no desire to go back to the days of Tubby or BCG type incoming classes, just so they will stick around longer. I enjoy watching the cream of the crop players, and I am very happy that we are in the hunt just about every year.

Lastly, as for the Diallo situation, I think the only thing people can possibly fault Cal for is if he took Diallo and even alluded to the possibility of leaving without playing, which none of us know whether he did or not. It would have been foolish to not take his commitment. I do not think he should have played, and Cal can't stop him from leaving if he wants to. Just not sure why people are upset with him. I can see it with Diallo, even though I am not in that camp. Ok, I'm done, as this was much longer than I wanted it to be.

I'm not naming names of posters. I believe it's against board rules anyway. It's the same ones that will refuse to admit one quarter of what you admitted just now. Nope don't believe you fit the profile.

If this is a one time thing, and Cal would be more cautious the next time, I'd concede it all. I don't believe that. I don't see Cal being played a fool in the dark. Although I can understand that side of it. Either way, if Diallo leaves, this sucks.

Some people are a bit timid as to how far Cal would actually go. Is that crazy? Would Cal allow this AND take the heat and blame for Diallo? Would we do it again? I don't think it's an unreasonable position to think about. How many players are actually in a position to try and pull this in the next 4 classes? I'd like to know that.

Im fine with Cal, love the NBA guys, love the success. I love the spotlight Cal put Kentucky back into.

I also love not allowing UNC and Duke to f'n catch us in the next 10 years. So my mind is on that as well. Cal is great but I won't blindly follow while our roster is abused by turnover and sit outs unnecessarily, allowing other programs to do everything in their power to gain on our heels.

its perplexing

 

[morgousky]

And that does absolutely what good for us? How many games does his "appreciation" win us? How about a title?

I don't even necessarily believe he would for sure appreciate UK. Any kid that would use a school like that is selfish. Makes a lot of sense now that he and Briscoe were big buddies. Two of a kind.

I laughed.

Not at the post, at the visualization of the fans that will go into full panic mode over it.

 

[morgousky]

Take him out of the equation. What would you suggest Cal do with the rules the way they are now?

I'm glad you asked.

1. work to get players to return harder. If he's not careful, the list of unemployed and broke NBA flameouts could be a real statistic over the next decade. I know WE have a built in excuse for that " it was their choice" but WE don't write the historical record for cal. He will be partially blamed for that.

2. Stop recruiting like it's 2009 and thinking you're the only coach pulling top talent. Cal is not the same level of recruiter he was in 2009. These guys go everywhere now. He should adjust to that. He needs solid returning players to fill the gaps. Every coach except Cal seems to be able to somewhat pull this off.

3. Get Orlando Antigua back on staff.

4. Do not offer scholarships to anyone who isn't positive they will play when called. (IF Diallo returns I wont bring this up again, if not you have to admit we shouldn't go down this road.

Get this list to Cal. Call Robic he handles secretarial duties.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

I think if we were going to get Antigua back, it would have been before he took the job at Illinois. I thought for sure we would bring him back, but nope. Don't know if Cal wasn't interested, or maybe it couldn't be worked out without firing someone.

 

[Aike]

I'm glad you asked.

1. work to get players to return harder. If he's not careful, the list of unemployed and broke NBA flameouts could be a real statistic over the next decade. I know WE have a built in excuse for that " it was their choice" but WE don't write the historical record for cal. He will be partially blamed for that.

2. Stop recruiting like it's 2009 and thinking you're the only coach pulling top talent. Cal is not the same level of recruiter he was in 2009. These guys go everywhere now. He should adjust to that. He needs solid returning players to fill the gaps. Every coach except Cal seems to be able to somewhat pull this off.

3. Get Orlando Antigua back on staff.

4. Do not offer scholarships to anyone who isn't positive they will play when called. (IF Diallo returns I wont bring this up again, if not you have to admit we shouldn't go down this road.

Get this list to Cal. Call Robic he handles secretarial duties.

I don't buy point 1, mostly because of lifetime scholarships. Not to say Pat Forde wouldn't love to write the article, but every program has guys who fall through the cracks for one reason or another.

On point 2, I think he's well aware that others are pulling in top talent. There seem to be several top guys each year that he never recruits.

I think most are cognizant of the fact that he is somewhat a victim of the model's success, in that guys of a certain level leave UK who probably wouldn't leave from anywhere else.

None of our backcourt recruits this year look like one and done talents (not counting Diallo). The frontcourt guys are borderline. So this season will be an interesting test in that regard.

Again, I think it's crystal clear that some continuity increases our Title chances.

3. I know you love Antigua, and this seems like it would be a great move if doable.

4. Really, this should go without saying. I was one who wanted Diallo worked in last semester. I understood the reasoning for him not playing, but as a competitive person it never felt completely right.

That being said, if we ever burn a 13th scholarship in January again on someone who doesn't play, I'm still not going to freak out about it.