I can understand this storied program hitting rock bottom we were placed on probation or with the Billie Gillispie fiasco. But now we have a HOF coach, top notch facilities, more money than almost any other program, and the best fan base in the country. And we are not competitive in Division I college basketball. What the heck is going on?
The joint press conference with Cal and Mitch gave me zero confidence that they are making any changes that will improve things. It is not going to get any better unless we identify what caused this situation, and make the needed changes.
There are obviously many factors, but I would like to point out one that has not been given much attention. I believe that far and away the biggest factor is Cal’s belief that putting players in the NBA is more important than winning games and titles.
In 2010 when 5 UK players were drafted in the first round, he said it was ‘the greatest day in the history of the program.” ( Hearing this, Dan Issel said Calipari's statement was the "Dumbest thing I've ever heard” Feel free to decide which statement you agree with.) Many of us scratched our heads and were a little bothered by this statement, but we didn’t realize that this meant he was willing to sacrifice the good of the program to achieve his goal of putting players in the NBA. Which is exactly what happened.
But what’s the point of putting players in the NBA? How does UK basketball benefit ? Bragging rights? I would rather brag about titles. Is Cal a better coach than coach K because he put more players in the NBA? I don’t think so.
This approach has harmed the team in several ways. One problem is the effect it has on Cal’s game management. I realize that Cal’s lineups are a bit of a mystery. But often, it seemed that Cal favored playing his one and dones rather than playing the most effective lineup. Did this cost us some games? I suspect it did, but there are many people on this board who are much more qualified than me to voice an opinion about that.
A much bigger problem is the failure to develop younger players. The teams that are successful in todays game have upperclassmen playing a significant role in the team. A team depending on 5 star freshmen just doesn’t cut it in todays game - as Cal has proven, and we have seen in the tournament this year. The best way to get a strong upperclass presence is to identify underclassmen with potential and use our resources to develop them. It makes no sense to waste our resources developing players who will not be at UK next year. This means playing time.
I doubt that Cal will make this change or any of the other needed changes. Our only hope is for Mitch to realize that Calipari is an employee of the University and that he is Cal’s boss, and hold him accountable for his results. And if Mitch can’t do this, then it is up to Mitch’s boss, Dr. Capilouto to intervene.
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