New Kentucky Mens Basketball Coach John Calipari, center, has a lot to smile about Break out the tight shirts Ms. Ashley Judd! As Dr. Kornbluth (Eugene Levy) said in the classic comedy "Splash" : WHAT A WEEK I'M HAVING! The Kentucky Wildcats went from irrelevant to center stage in the college basketball world by signing former Memphis coach John Calipari to an 8-year, $30+ million dollar deal. The deal not only puts Calipari in the national spotlight at the most premiere program in the country, but it also makes him the richest college basketball coach in history. Is he worth all this money? In a word, YES!
Just look at this man's resume: UMASS 193-71 (1988-1996); Memphis 253-68 w/ 9 consecutive 20-win seasons and an NCAA record 4 straight 30 win seasons. He coached both programs to Final Fours and came close in 2008 winning it all with Memphis when Kansas miraculously came back to win. The greatest quote from yesterdays "celebratory" press conference was: "I remember being in this place for a game and thinking 'Gosh, I really hope to coach here one day.'"
The man understands how presitgious this job is. Gillespie failed to realize it from day one as he called the UK coaching job "Just another job" after Kentucky's loss to LSU in the SEC Tournament Quarterfinals. Kentucky basketball is more than just a job for the coach. It is a way of life for them, their families and the many fans that pack Rupp Arena on a regular basis. With the passion and dedication to excellence that Calipari has had throughout his college coaching career, UK will be back in the final four sooner than people think.
But a fair warning to all you die-hard blue cat fans such as myself. It will not happen overnight. Calipari needs to weed out the athletes from the wannabes. The blue chips from the corn chips. Installing his system might take weeks, months or a year or so. But rest assured, Calipari will bring us back to glory. Just be patient.
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