UK basketball is in worse shape today, than it was in 1989 when we were placed on probation.

[know1]

In 1989 when we hired Rick, things were pointing up from that point forward. Right now, we're still pointed generally down for the most part. From that perspective, I agree with the OP.

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

I too am very frustrated with the developments in our program, and with the lack of "care and feeding" of our fan base. However, I am going to withhold judgment until this roster is complete.

It is now, and has been, a maddening offseason made worse by the obvious lack of information until this latest tweet of Calipari's. For now, I'm going to trust him and trust the process that our gutted roster can be repaired. A championship contender that wins games is what we want.

I'm thoroughly sick of this "individuals first" program philosophy -- make no mistake about it, "players first" is a definite misnomer -- and I can only hope that with this talented group we can add some experience to make us a truly elite team. I do hope also that Calipari knows that he is under rightful and intense scrutiny.

Not players first, star player first. We’ve seen Cal put players on short leashes. Conversely certain players given more playing time despite screwing up

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

Your drunk!!!

Cal has never had a #1 class flop! No sir! Never!

 

[jameslee32]

In 1989 after we were put on probation UK hired a great young coach in Rick Pitino. We all could see the light at the end of the tunnel. We had reason for hope. Compare that to today. Here we are in early June and as of now we've got a 7 man roster for next season. And as bad as things have been around here for the last 3 or 4 years, there is no reason to think that things are going to get any better. I hate to say this. But I expect things to get even worse. If things doesn't change fast I'm afraid that the upcoming season that we are looking at our 2nd losing season in the last 4 years. The only remedy for this are 15,000 empty seats in Rupp Arena. Nothing fires coaches like empty seats.

 

[dl51344]

Cal has never had a #1 class flop! No sir! Never!

Well, Cal has set a lot of "first time ever" records the last few years And not the good ones either?
.

 

[Blueworld_3.0]

When I first read the OP's initial comment I though he was being a little dramatic. And maybe he is.
BUT, the 1989 team didn't go 9-16 now did it?

 

[specialkd24]

Of course it is hyperbole - it is a message board. BUT the NCAA Tournament results aren't much different.

1988-89 - Losing Record, DNQ
1989-90 - Ineligible
1990-91 - Ineligible
1991-92 - Elite 8

2020-21 - Losing Record, DNQ
2021-22 - Lost in 1st Round
2022-23 - Lost in 2nd Round
2023-24 - Who Knows

One team was on probation ... the other eligible with all the resources in the world plus an overpaid coach who hasn't been able to punch the right button (despite having the National Player of the Year and NBA talent).

 

[seccats04]

9-16 season and 1 tourney win in 4 years is worse than the probation days.

We also only have 1 SECT win since 2019.

 

[Ripcord65]

I tend to agree with the OP. Pitino's first year provided a preview of a fun style of play. Granted it was a .500 record but even then it was fun to watch. Those guy's weren't 5 star players but he coached them up and they played hard.

THIS ! Agree 100% ! Emphasis on "... he coached them up ... " !

 

[kywildcat41035]

We also only have 1 SECT win since 2019.

That’s crazy 1 NCAA and 1 SEC tournament win since 2019 at the University of Kentucky… In some people’s minds on here that’s OK.

 

[YankeeCpt]

OP is a special kind of special.
just cause you think it, doesnt mean you have to post it.

 

[wildcatwelder]

I absolutly loath Cal, and that's being kind, but I remember well the probation years, and we're nowhere near that level.....yet. Yeah, we had a light at the end of the tunnel back then, but we almost got the death penalty. That was something all UK fans worried about at the time, and for good reason.

Now, God forbid we have another 9-16 season, then we may have to rethink this, but right now it's not at the level of the probation years.

 

[Woodrow_Call_1998]

That’s crazy 1 NCAA and 1 SEC tournament win since 2019 at the University of Kentucky… In some people’s minds on here that’s OK.

Majority of fans will never be happy with that.

 

[azubuikefan]

Please stop.

 

[ArtLaibsGhost]

This OP is ridiculous. I remember the bad times this isn't even close

 

[CaptainBoogerBuns]

Ok, this GIF made my day

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

Question is, is there a 2009 Cal-like dude out there?

We have to try. Keeping Cal is worse at this point

 

[Zissou87]

We have to try. Keeping Cal is worse at this point

It's awful right now, but I don't see one out there.

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

It's awful right now, but I don't see one out there.

Literally I’m at the point IDGAF as long as Cal is gone. Cal is spiraling and he and that contract has Barney and the program by the balls, if we get a new coach and he fails, I’m mean jeez at least he can be fired.

 

[bbncal02]

We have to try. Keeping Cal is worse at this point

No argument. Was just curious if there was someone that could bring that energy he originally had.

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

No argument. Was just curious if there was someone that could bring that energy he originally had.

No I got you. I don’t think every coach for UK has to be like Cal either.