Could Calipari Leave Kentucky? Changes In The PAC-12?

[Goose]

Lots of rumors going around -- and from respected guys like Adrian Wojnarowski & Frank Isola -- that Calipari is already lined up to take the Knicks head coaching job. While we all try not to laugh at the thoughts of Melo trying to play Calipari-level defense, let's look at how that affects college basketball and even the Buffs.

If Cal goes, who replaces him? Kentucky is a BIG TIME job (note: this is NOT an excuse for people to post their Boyle paranoia. He wouldn't even be on their radar). Along with being a good coach and a great recruiter, you have to have an attitude or an aura about yourself to be accepted as Kentucky's coach. You haev to have a bit of a rock star attitude. So who's out there?

Someone mentioned this on Jeff Borzello's twitter feed and it makes a lot of sense -- I could see Arizona's Sean Miller going there. He's a good coach, he's a damn good recruiter (he currently has the #1 class in America, although Kentucky once they land Shabazz and Noel will probably bump them to #2) and as we all saw in the PAC-12 tournament, he gives a great press conference. He was halfway out the door last year with rumors to Maryland and NC State, but if Kentucky calls I don't think he says no.

Who are the other options? Brad Stevens is a phenomenal coach, but does he have the sizzle Kentucky wants? Shaka Smart isn't the big time recruiter that Kentucky wants. Izzo, K, Williams, Self...those guys aren't leaving their jobs. Billy Donovan? I don't know if he'd leave Florida. That Matta and Bo Ryan both are too old and have good gigs now.

Thoughts?

 

[sackman]

As it relates to CU, unless they hire Bill Self, I don't think it will cause any kind of domino effect that would cause Boyle to leave. If they hire Miller, it might make things interesting in the Pac 12, though.

 

[jgisland]

Couple things:

Looks like Shabazz is going to join us in the P12 next year

Jerry Meyer ‏ @3starmeyer Hearing from a couple reliable sources that Shabazz Muhammad will end up at UCLA.

I think Calapari is gone, something is bound to catch up with him at Kentucky, you can't have World Wide Wes hanging around your program without trouble and recruiting violations far behind. The Knicks job is perfect ego job for him and classic Dolan hire.

We need to get Pachoops take on Miller leaving Zona for Kentucky.

 

[Goose]

As it relates to CU, unless they hire Bill Self, I don't think it will cause any kind of domino effect that would cause Boyle to leave. If they hire Miller, it might make things interesting in the Pac 12, though.

This won't affect Boyle. Period. But it does affect CU, and that's why I posted it. As nice as it would be for CU's path to the conference championship to get easier, I don't like this for the PAC-12 if Miller ends up in Kentucky. We need to build this conference up again, and losing one of the top coaches in it is not the way to go.

Couple things:

Looks like Shabazz is going to join us in the P12 next year

Jerry Meyer ‏ @3starmeyer Hearing from a couple reliable sources that Shabazz Muhammad will end up at UCLA.

I just posted that in the recruiting board. UCLA is suddenly scary with both him and Kyle Anderson.

We need to get Pachoops take on Miller leaving Zona for Kentucky.

I've already flashed the bat signal for him. But he's in work meetings instead of on AllBuffs.

He needs to prioritize better.

 

[Quattro]

A 6'8" PG? Holy **** balls.

 

[pachoops]

First, my thoughts on Miller. It's Kentucky, you have to listen. He listened when it was Maryland which could've been a dynamite situation for him but he chose to stay and because he chose to stay this gets weird. Is he going to be the coach that constantly has a foot out the door? Sure many have done it but it's not a good look. That said, winning is a good look and you can win big at Kentucky. Miller's proven he can recruit big and win big (he's been to 2 E8s and 1 S16 in the last five years) and has Goose mentioned, Miller has that Kentucky edge. He can "win the presser" so to say.

The major story, however, is how Cal leaving changes the entire landscape of college basketball. His hoarding of talent will get dispersed. No one else can do what Cal does and I don't think anyone else wants to so heavily play the one-and-done game.

My guess at the list should he leave (in no particular order): Miller (AZ), Drew (Baylor), Brey (ND), Donovan (FL), Izzo (MSU), Stevens (Butler).

One other thought to ponder: how attractive of a job is this after Calipari? You're walking into their most successful three year stretch in a decade with no signs of slowing down and constant attention. One beat writer already mentioned it's a two year job regardless of the name and I can't say I disagree. Those are huge shoes to fill. It's like - and it kills me to say it - succeeding an instant legend. Gene Bartow was run out of Westwood post wooden despite going 52-9 in two seasons. Guthridge 80-28 in three years post Dean Smith.

 

[RumblinBuff]

I think Cal going back to the NBA would be a stupid, heat-check level move. He's getting paid NBA money, is the focus of one of the most passionate fanbases in all of sports, and is essentially unbeatable in the current model. Short of yet another round of sanctions beating down his doorstep, it makes no sense.

Miller would be a good bet for a name to surface. I doubt Donovan would move to a different SEC school just for kicks. He seems life a lifer in Gainsville now.

Just spit-balling names not Sean Miller... What about Mick Cronin at Cincinnati? Regional guy who coaches in the area, has brought the 'Cats back in recent years, has won in a high profile league.

 

[Buffnik]

My concern isn't Kentucky targeting Boyle... they wouldn't.

But what about the dominoes? If UK hired Miller, would UA look at Boyle? Tad may not be the target for the elites in the east, but I think he's getting to the point where he'd be on the list for any of the top programs in Big 12 and Pac-12 country.

Regarding Coach Cal, I think he wants to try the NBA. He doesn't lack for ego and I think he would want to prove it in the NBA. He just won a title at Kentucky and I believe he now owns the all-time highest winning percentage there. It's his third program into the Final Four at the D1 level. What's left to prove?

 

[Darth Snow]

My concern isn't Kentucky targeting Boyle... they wouldn't.

But what about the dominoes? If UK hired Miller, would UA look at Boyle? Tad may not be the target for the elites in the east, but I think he's getting to the point where he'd be on the list for any of the top programs in Big 12 and Pac-12 country.

Regarding Coach Cal, I think he wants to try the NBA. He doesn't lack for ego and I think he would want to prove it in the NBA. He just won a title at Kentucky and I believe he now owns the all-time highest winning percentage there. It's his third program into the Final Four at the D1 level. What's left to prove?

That he can win when other teams pay their players too?

 

[jgisland]

This is the perfect time for Calapari to leave, I am not really sure his model of one and done's is sustainable. He has succeeded on the biggest stage in college bball and still has something to prove in the NBA. The biggest thing IMO in this whole things is James freaking Dolan is in the mix here. He throws around stupid money at names, this is the guy that hired Isiah Thomas TWICE (once after a sexual harassment lawsuit that cost him millions). He ran off Donnie Walsh, he traded from Melo, the guy likes to make a splash (usually at the cost of his franchise). He is going to give Calapari 10 million + easy.

My concern isn't Kentucky targeting Boyle... they wouldn't.

But what about the dominoes? If UK hired Miller, would UA look at Boyle? Tad may not be the target for the elites in the east, but I think he's getting to the point where he'd be on the list for any of the top programs in Big 12 and Pac-12 country.

This is interesting concept, Boyle isn't quite on the level of what Miller was when he left Xavier and went to Arizona, but he fits that mold.

 

[pachoops]

Like I said, Calipari leaving would have ripple effects across college basketball that would change everything. This is going to be a closely watched courtship.

 

[MtnBuff]

I don't think Tad would leave for Arizona but it would be interesting if they ask him. I may at least get him thinking although I think he is focused and dedicated on what he is doing in Boulder.

You have to wonder what Miller leaving would do to the Arizona program. The recruits already signed to LOIs don't have a lot of options but would it make them look to leave to the NBA earlier if they do well or transfer if they aren't happy with how the new coach.

As far as Cal with the Knicks, you don't win the way he has won without have a huge amount of confidence in your own ability but the Knicks are a mess. I wouldn't be surprised to see him take the money and be back in the college game in a couple of years. Then the question is where would he land if he came back to college.

 

[Goose]

Short of yet another round of sanctions beating down his doorstep, it makes no sense.

Considering the nets weren't even cut and people were making "Well, Kansas will be national champs in 2 years when this is vacated" jokes, I think the sanctions are always a possibility.

 

[CarolinaBuff]

On a bit of a side note, it's far from a guarantee that Noel will end up at UK even if Calipari stays. Noel is good friends with Michael Carter-Williams of Syracuse, plus he played with incoming Cuse recruits Jerami Grant and DuJuan Coleman at the recent All-American Championship.

 

[Bass]

Thad Matta is only 44 so i dont know how you can say that he is too old. that being too old would disqualify 90% of the available coaches.

 

[Goose]

Thad Matta is only 44 so i dont know how you can say that he is too old. that being too old would disqualify 90% of the available coaches.

Jesus hell, he's only 44?!? Dude needs to take better care of himself. Wow.

Yeah, my bad on that one.

 

[Bass]

i agree he hasnt aged well and he has a dead foot.

 

[Gramburglar]

I did not read any of the comments above but I think if Cal leaves Steve Alford needs to be a top candidate. He has done well UNM and had Iowa at a high level before he quit assuming he would get the position at IU after the Davis/Sampson disasters. Plus he is good ol' Midwest Indiana boy, hejust would have to suck up his Hoosier pride.

 

[Buffnik]

Cal said today that he's staying at Kentucky. We'll see if that changes after he has signed his class and the NBA season is over.

 

[BehindEnemyLines]

Cal said today that he's staying at Kentucky. We'll see if that changes after he has signed his class and the NBA season is over.

Heard this too on the drive home.

Apparently Calipirate said he wants to stay at KY because they(he) wants to them to tie or surpass fucla's 11 titles. I wonder how the fucla nation feels about that comment.

 

[SECOBuffsFan]

1) Calipari is not going to leave Kentucky in my opinion. The only NBA job I think he would take is Miami because they have all the pieces and he has a great friendship with LeBrick

2) Joke all you want about Calipari and his 'dirty' tactics, the NCAA has never said the problems at Memphis and UMass were his problems, and they actually wrote a letter when he was being hired at Kentucky saying he was never under investigation. Is he arrogant yes, dirty no.

 

[buffaholic]

...As nice as it would be for CU's path to the conference championship to get easier, I don't like this for the PAC-12 if Miller ends up in Kentucky. We need to build this conference up again, and losing one of the top coaches in it is not the way to go.

I disagree 100%. The best thing for CU is to win. Then win the top recruits in the west and win bigger and then win some more and then CU IS THE TEAM THAT CARRIES THE CONFERENCE!

I was in AZ when Lute Olson did this with AZ. It was UCLA back then. Now it's UCLA and AZ. No reason it can't be Colorado instead of either of those. In fact, the destruction of either one of them makes it easier and faster.

CU can be the top team in the west. Aim high.

 

[CarolinaBuff]

1) Calipari is not going to leave Kentucky in my opinion. The only NBA job I think he would take is Miami because they have all the pieces and he has a great friendship with LeBrick

2) Joke all you want about Calipari and his 'dirty' tactics, the NCAA has never said the problems at Memphis and UMass were his problems, and they actually wrote a letter when he was being hired at Kentucky saying he was never under investigation. Is he arrogant yes, dirty no.

Agreed. For the most part he's simply taking advantage of the "1-and-done" system currently in place.

 

[aik]

I disagree 100%. The best thing for CU is to win. Then win the top recruits in the west and win bigger and then win some more and then CU IS THE TEAM THAT CARRIES THE CONFERENCE!

I was in AZ when Lute Olson did this with AZ. It was UCLA back then. Now it's UCLA and AZ. No reason it can't be Colorado instead of either of those. In fact, the destruction of either one of them makes it easier and faster.

CU can be the top team in the west. Aim high.

Correct. Kentucky and Florida have been atop the SEC for a long ass time with a revolving door for a #3 that will have good runs and sniff a bid (see: Tennessee a few years ago, currently Vanderbilt with Bama challenging). Murderer's row? Hardly, just extremely top-heavy. There are enough conference games in a season where unlike football you don't have to hope the computers favor you. RPI is a tricky formula but a poor conference strength of schedule is a much better asset here. The PAC being down favors CU winning and winning on the road at that, and recruits who want to stay on this side of the country and represent a constant winner will take notice. Keeps CU strong when the conference returns to form in later years.

 

[dyemeduke]

1) Calipari is not going to leave Kentucky in my opinion. The only NBA job I think he would take is Miami because they have all the pieces and he has a great friendship with LeBrick

2) Joke all you want about Calipari and his 'dirty' tactics, the NCAA has never said the problems at Memphis and UMass were his problems, and they actually wrote a letter when he was being hired at Kentucky saying he was never under investigation. Is he arrogant yes, dirty no.

not that anyone cares, but I'm pretty much on indefinite hiatus on these boards...but this comment, yes Note 2 of this post, is too ridiculous to not comment.

If you really think Cal had no knowledge of Camby and Rose's indiscretions...you're fooling yourself into believing what you want. As a HC, you only need to look over 13 or so players...there's no way he didn't know of what happened. He definitely WAS dirty...who knows if he currently is still a dirty coach, but he has been very dirty. Fellow coaches don't even like him. He's a disgrace to the college game in my opinion, and I hate that he is now a national champion. There may be nothing wrong with recruiting one and done's, but he's been a slimebag for the vast majority of his career, if not its entirety. Whatever the NCAA states about any situation is bull**** too - they are often gutless and political.

and for what it's worth...he's going to say that he's staying at Kentucky until Lottery night. If somehow Washington DC gets the top pick, Wall and
Davis may be too tempting. Terrence Jones could wind up in Sacramento - Cousins, Jones and Evans could tempt him. He's gone in a few years, and I say good riddance. I highly doubt the NCAA comes down on Kentucky, so he can claim he's clean and solely about mentoring young kids all he wants...but I think most people realize he is not clean. It's not so much there's too much smoke around him for there not to be a fire, but there were actual fires around him...it'd be practically impossible for the area of the woods that he claims isn't also burning.

 

[SECOBuffsFan]

If the NCAA Clearinghouse cleared Derrick Rose, how was Calipari to know that Rose 'supposedly' didn't take the test

Camby was contacted by an agent through friends at home...not through the UMass program

 

[Mick Ronson]

calpiari to the nba would make me laugh. to me, that says sanctions are coming (again) to UK. he's got the perfect one and done "prep school" situation at Kentucky. Advanced to the next level.

which is what the top level college game will turn into anyway.

there's no coaching defense with a 24 second shot clock.