[don042488Participant]

How do u guys feel about John Calipari potentially leaving Memphis for Kentucky, and becoming the wealthiest coach in the nation, in the process, with a deal that will pay him $5.3 million annually? I feel he’s stupid and he’s a traitor. Why leave Memphis, where your team gets top 25 recruits every year and your a lock to win C-USA every season, to get 30 wins, and to at least get to the Sweet Sixteen or better every year? Memphis was on the damn cusp of having the best recruiting class in college basketball history, with Xavier Henry, DeMarcus Cousins, and John Wall who was on the verge of going to Memphis because Tyreke Evans is a lock to enter the 2009 NBA draft. Now Cousins may go to another school and John Wall most likely will go to Duke now. Calipari could’ve made a legency at Memphis, just like how Coach K has made one at Duke, how Bob Knight made one at Indiana, how Tubby Smith made one at Kentucky, how Dean Smith made one at North Carolina, how Jim Calhoun made one at UCCON, how Jim Boehim made one at Syracuse, and how Billy Donovan is currently making one at Florida. Why leave a program who you helped become dominant the past few years, for a team that has once been dominant and that already has a legency? Would’nt Calipari want to build his own legency at Memphis? Memphis could easily give him a raise, and increase his salary if that’s the issue, but it seems as if he just wants to build on the Kentucky legency, which is dumb because anytime people mentions Kentucky, they will always think of Tubby Smith, not Calipari, but anytime people mentions Memphis, they will always think about John Calipari. It is not right that a school could just take anyway another school’s head coach like that, especially if he’s still under contract.The NCAA needs to change this, it is wrong and unfair. If it was an assistant coach, then yeah, but a head coach, that is totally messed up.

[benshark26Participant]

i TOTALLY agree about the legacy thing! when i saw the news this morning, i was thinking along the same lines. his recruiting class was going to be unbelievable, and now he’s probably gonna break that up if he leaves. he was the guy who put this memphis program on the map, so i was kinda surprised about his (probable) decision, too. and he has guaranteed success at memphis! so what’s not to like? well, i was rethinking it a little bit after…and here’s what i think: kentucky is probably the most prestigious (historically) program in the nation, it’s like the dream school for coaches, ya know? its a HUGE program with an incredible fan base. i know they aren’t having huge success right now, but with calipari and his recruiting ability, and the possibility to bring out more of players already there, they could improve fast. that’s what he’s probably thinking. plus, the money of course. and usually the SEC is a better league than the CUSA, and maybe he wanted a challenge. as for schools taking other schools’ coaches, that’s just how our economy works. the guy can go work for whoever wants to pay the most for him, and if they follow all the procedures to get him (is there maybe a buyout involved? i wasn’t sure…) but either way taht’s how our system works pretty much…

[bobbygiller]

When I first heard the speculation a few days ago that Kentucky would be targeting Calipari I really didn’t think he would be interested. As Don mentioned, the recruiting class is unreal, potentially one of the best EVER, he’s bringing in Xavier Henry the #1 SG recruit and #1 overall recruit this year along with Demarcus Cousins, the #1 C recruit and as mentioned, possibly John Wall as well, the #1 PG recruit. That could be a potentially deadly trio next year. Then last night i heard the insane 8 yr $35 million offer and that blew me away. That is a HUGE amount of money and would be difficult for just about anyone to turn down. Then I started thinking, maybe this is a package deal, no doubt the school would like him to bring Demarcus Cousins with him (he only has a verbal commitment with Memphis and could easily pull out if Calipari leaves) and continue his pursuit of John Wall to also bring him to UK as well. It would be interesting to see what would happen with Xavier Henry, he may ask the school to let him go as well so that he could accompany Calipari to Kentucky. In this case, UK would be spending a massive amount of cash to lure Calipari but essentially they would be “buying” these players as well. I’m not sure what the players’ opinions on this are but fortunately I’m a student at the University of Miami and am working for the McDonald’s All-American game this week, I got to meet a bunch of the players last night at the dunk-contest and I’m actually working a scrimmage that they will be having in a few hours (2:30 pm E.T.). I’ll see how things go and if I get a chance I’ll ask Cousins and Henry their opinion and what their plans might be.

[lakanoParticipant]

Yea I would definetly want to know how those players feel about this, whether they feel betrayed or if they even care at all and still want to follow Calipari no matter what school it is?

[don042488Participant]

That would be good rgiller…Do that..Also ask Lance Stephenson if Kentucky will be on his list now, if Calipari went there? Rumor has it that Stephenson delayed his college decision, that was suppose to be announced today, because coach Cal may go to Kentucky. If Patterson and Meeks stay, top 25 recruit in center, Daniel Orton coming, and with Lance Stephenson, that would be a crazy team. I think John Wall is more leaning towards Duke right now, if Cal leaves Memphis but coach Cal could probably lure another unsigned point guard, Eric Bledsoe, to Kentucky or Memphis if he stays.

[bobbygiller]

Also forgot to mention i was talking to Jay Williams last night after the dunk contest and he said that he actually met John Wall a few weeks ago and played a little bit of one-on-one with him, Williams said that he was a beast and put in a call to Coach K after the game and told him “you HAVE to get this kid”, thought that was an interesting bit of inside information.

[kpi03Participant]

Rumor around here is that Lance Stephenson delayed his commit to Kansas today because word is Xavier Henry is going to be heading to KU now that Calapari is going to be gone.. and born ready doesn’t want to share that spotlight. I have also heard that Lance was supposed to take Sherron Collins scholarship but now he is going to stay and the jayhawks dont even have a schollie to give. All I know is Calapari has to have something to do with the decision not being made today… and im not happy.

[eprizzle14Participant]

More money + the fact he could further improve his coaching legacy by potentially winning in a better conference for a very prestigeous Kentucky = An announcment within the next few days slick head is heading to Kentucky

[michaelds911Participant]

I agree with everything you said except the fact that you said people think of Tubby Smith when they think of Kentucky, because when I think of Kentucky I think of Adolph Rupp, thats why his name is on the court. But I do think that Wall will go to Kentucky with him, thats the only reason he wanted to go to Memphis was because of coach Cal. And he would immediately lock down the PG position since there really isnt any talent at Kentucky at that position, plus Dukes system will hold him back a little from showing all his skills.

[MattBrownParticipant]

Hasn’t officially signed with Memphis yet either, there’s talk of him following him to Kentucky.

[aio2002Participant]

John Wall would not be held back by Coach K’s system…currently Duke has 14 players in the NBA more than any other coach. He’s coached 14 NBA lottery picks, 4 more than any other coach in NCAA history (second being RoyW) plus he coached the Redeem Team this summer so I think he knows a little about how to get players in the NBA. Coach Calipari, with all this talk of him doing this great job of producing NBA players, has only really produced two good players…Marcus Camby and Derrick Rose. Wall closely resembles Jay Willliams, who wound up being one of the greatest pgs in ACC history, and he could have been the number one pick overall if he left his sophmore year. Wall would be a perfect fit for Duke..it’s close to home, he’ll only be there for a year, they already have a veteran team (maybe Henderson, Singler, EWilliams, etc), plus they already have two top 20 6’10” forwards coming with him, both from North Carolina (in fact one of the them, Ryan Kelly is his AAU teammate). Kentucky went to the NIT last year…Duke to the Sweet 16 and they return everybody back. Wall/EWiilliams/Henderson/Singler/Anybody is a Final Four team.

[jorrye24]

Demarcus Cousins needs to stick with his Memphis commitment. He will have switched schools 3 times if he decommits (but I would like him to come to Kansas State though lol). John Wall will be the best point guard in the nation in his freshman year (Im 100% sure) and he wouldnt be held back in ANY system,but I think John Wall is leaning towards Baylor,Duke,and Kentucky if Calipari takes the job. Look for whereever Calipari chooses to coach to land Wall. Henry will also stay with Calipari whereever he goes. This class is the best in history potentially,just as good as the Fab 5,or the 2007 Kansas State class (when it looked like OJ Mayo was going to Kstate) h.s ranking wise. This class looks alright but Calipari would have to stay at Memphis to keep it completely intact from top to bottom though.

[bobbygiller]

Well I just got back from the McDonalds All American Game practice, unfortunately the players got in and out pretty quick and didn’t speak to the media, I did run into Lance Stephenson’s dad and jokingly asked him for some inside information on where his son was going, he smiled and said “you’ll know soon” that’s all I could get out of him. I also found out that Xavier Henry has been told that if Calipari leaves then he will be released from his commitment to the school! Some other notes from the scrimmage today, Demarcus Cousins and Derrick Favors were both absolutely dominating (as expected) also, keep an eye on Mason Plumlee, before yesterday I figured he was just another one of those big goofy white guys going to Duke, after watching him the last 2 days in practice and last night in the dunk contest I think this kid is going to be a big-time player for Duke, not sure if anyone saw him in the dunk contest last night but he had some reallyyyy nice dunks, then to finish of the scrimmage today while standing on the perimeter he pump-faked his defender to get him in the air, drove to the lane, elevated, cocked one back and threw down a one-handed dunk on Keith Gallon that got everyone up off the bench jumping and shouting, it was an absolute poster!

[kpi03Participant]

If Cal goes to Kentucky X Henry is coming to Kansas. Its a lock.

[jorrye24]

That’s not like…mindboggling news sir lol.those werew the only two schools on his final list

[philly_boy_15Participant]

This guy is getting one of the highest scouted players Xavier Henry to come to Memphis in he left hopefully he cal get Wall and Cousins

[macfishParticipant]

Like most of you I have wrestled with Coach Cal’s decision and although I get heated everytime I see that ESPN ticker, I am starting to understand it is not about the money, but the validation. Getting this job validates him as a coach and his status amongst the coaching ranks. I side with the arguement that most you make regarding “Isn’t it more special to build your own program.” but isn’t it also special to know that if you have developed a piece of software that rather than putting it out your self with limited acclaim for doing so it could be released by Microsoft and put on a much bigger stage. I think he will do a serviceable job at Kentucky and as a Memphian I hate to see him leave especially when true basketball fan knew before the season started that the 2008-2009 season meant nothing, and it was all about the 2009-2010 recruiting class. Not to add insult to injury but the 2010-2011 class would have been pretty sick with Joe Jackson as a lock and CJ Leslie recently re-opening his recruitment and putting Memphis on the top of his list. And if you really need a kick in the ass 2011-2012 could have possiblly been even more bad ass with most insiders believing that Michael Gilchrist was a lock,Tony Wroten Jr. a possiblity, and LaQuinton Ross lives up the street in Jackson, MS. When people think of Kentucky basketball they think of the days of Adolph Ruff coaching in a segregated south in which he helped futher divide, or Pitino and some give Tubby Smith his just do, which is understated. Yet the city that gave Larry Finch just as much credit as a coach as he got as a player embraced a “once was” coach from UMASS, a NBA wash out from New Jersey, a man who did not talk the southern talk or look the part (he is white in a black town), dusted him off and gave him a shot to do something special and look at what he gave us back both good and bad. Coach thanks for the memories, but now its just 808’s and Hardbreaks. They might as well tear down the FEDEX Forum and make it a Recreation Center. We could have been what Michigan tried to be and UNLV never was an undeputed DYNASTY. Venting is good for the soul. AHHH Woo Saaaa Tiger fans don’t forget your pressure points.

[tuck243Participant]

Jay Williams doesn’t have ANY pull with prospects… NOT a one. So whateva that guy says or does isn’t earth shattering… I’m not saying you are wrong that he stated that but IS saying that NO recruit believes in him… (remember the Kevin Love thing)…. Not to mention “I’m Jason call me Jay now” thing… The “I don’t like Chicago this team sucks” (hello you were the #2 pick.. Duh) He is one of the biggest “donkeys” to ever be in basketball… That sounds like something he said “I told Coach K to get him”. John Wall is the best player in the country why wouldn’t Coach K want him? Like he needed someone like him to validate that… He’s such an idiot…

I highly doubt John Wall will go to Duke, his personality says something totally like Calipari…

But to the Kentucky thing…. I really feel like there are so many schools that are OVERRATED for their programs. And Kentucky is one of them… Name the last high profile player to leave Kentucky?? Tubbie Smith’s son? LOL… And its not a knock on the coach more on the school… UK is full of jerks that automatically thinks they are suppose to be the best and knocks the coach n PLAYERS if they don’t meet expectations… I’m saying this because Lexington is 25 min. away from my hometown Cincinnati. So trust I KNOW. They threw Tubbs to the curb and did the same thing to Gilispie (Though I do feel that Gilispie is a horrible coach but fired too soon)… I dont kno why any player nor coach would want to go anywhere near that school becuz they only care about winning and has no loyalty…..

On that Memphis coach… You are dumb if you really think Johnny has been a model citizen recruiter during his tenure at Memphis. Absolutly nuts!!! And Kentucky has already said he will be under a microscope because of this. They also said the type of recruits he normally recruits won’t happen at UK (um hmm… Dudes that act “Hood-ish”). So where does that leave Johnny? 8 yrs. 35 mil… I really hope its worth it… You dont need UK man… Win championships where you are at…. Leave that SINKING formally College powerhouse college alone!! Duke, UNC, Kansas, UCLA, UConn, and Cuse have loyality to the coaches regardless of their misfortunes… Wait till Calhoun leaves… Dont go Johnny, DONT GO!!!!

LOL…

[themidnightriderParticipant]

Does anyone have any definite information on whether John Wall is coming to Duke? He is the answer to our problem of “how do we score the ball?” our lack of athleticism, and our swagger factor.

Please, John Wall, if you read this, I know Duke has the ugly girl rep, but remember we also have the rich people rep. Rich daddies marry hot mommies and crank out hot rich daughters. Just sayin..

[los507Participant]

Calipari, I hate that he is leaving but I know he has to do what is in his best interest for him and his family.But in the mean time his leaving is tearing my city apart we loved having him here he is the best salesman I’ve ever seen when it comes to recruits but i think he will find that he would have been better served staying. I wish he would have thought about the fact there is nothing he could have done the same things at Memphis and be the first to do so.Not living in the shadows of A.Rupp he could have made his own legacy at Memphis. But I can’t hate because I know he had to fulfill his dreams and aspirations. I just wished he would have stayed for my own selfish reasons because I’ve loved the Tigers since I was a little boy and they were having a good run but we will be back maybe not to that level but maybe close someday if we ever find another decent coach.
Well we had a good run, I wish him the best but Memphis as a city is hurting because we live,eat and sleep Tiger’s basketball.

[BRoy-7]

Its all about money guys. We all know that money talks, thats why he left. As a fan you look at it and say whats going on why is he ditching Memphis. I thought that too, as a fan, he had it made in Memphis (team wise). But he left because of money, He would have went whereever if he was going to be made the richest coach in the Nation.

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