OT: Calipari meeting with UK officials

[Corporateballa]

There's a theme - I'm your source for breaking news!

[jkwuc89]

Actually, according to this story on ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4026848), Calipari met with UK officials yesterday and is meeting with Memphis officials today.

[Bearcat Revival]

Let's hope he's going back to Memphis to ask for more money. Cal at UK would be dangerous IMO. I'm hoping for like Sean Sutton to be their last resort hire.

[Bearcat Jeff]

Calipari will be dangerous where ever he goes

[catscratchfever]

is our annual contract to play memphis out of conference still in effect? If Cal leaves it could make that game a little easier for the 'Cats

[BigDaddyCornHusker]

My Kentucky friends are getting excited about this news.

[Mick's Da Man]

Calipari will be dangerous where ever he goes

Calipari will get the best recruits nearly every year. Still not sure how how he does that, but he does.

Calipari anywhere will be dangerous..........but we all hate to see UK rise up again. We all enjoy watching them flounder.

If I were UK, I'd do anything and everything to make the guy the highest paid (by far) head coach in the NCAA. Nobody else really wants to coach there...........and the guy will get them into the Elite Eight or Final Four every year with his recruiting abilities. Plus, he'd be a good ambassador for UK, unlike Gillespie.

Not sure Pitino will be too happy if Cal gets the job though, since they'd have to play eachother every year in the annual UK-Louisville state rivalry game.

[Forsure21]

is our annual contract to play memphis out of conference still in effect? If Cal leaves it could make that game a little easier for the 'Cats

This was the last year. That contract was signed back with Huggins.

[Bearcat Cafe]

One more to go in 09'.

Also, Cal met with the Memphis players to talk about UK and according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, the players say he is leaving.

[BearcatAlum1]

Today on The Herd, Gottlieb was pretty convinced that Calipari will be at Memphis. He cited all Calipari's qualities that point towards the move: money, fame, high profile, instant winning, etc.

IF Calipari goes to UK, that is not good news for UC. While I do not think Calipari is a great coach (he is a good coach), he is obviously a great recruiter. The last thing we need is a great recruiter moving into the tri-state area. UK hasn't had a great recruiter since Pitino, and look what he did in his tenure at there.

Calipari is meeting with Memphis for one reason............leverage! He will drag this out for as long as it takes to get his money. I can't blame the man because I would do the same thing.

In the end, I think he goes to UK and will make a ridiculous sum of money. I'm guessing he'll earn about $2.5-$3.5 million a year if he goes to UK. Does this sound offbase? UK is desperate to win right now and throwing extra money at Calipari will make that happen.

Alum1

[Thegreatone]

Calipari got owned in C-USA by the teams that moved to the Big East. He didnt start doing really well until we and others left.

[CincyBeerCo]

Today on The Herd, Gottlieb was pretty convinced that Calipari will be at Memphis. He cited all Calipari's qualities that point towards the move: money, fame, high profile, instant winning, etc.

IF Calipari goes to UK, that is not good news for UC. While I do not think Calipari is a great coach (he is a good coach), he is obviously a great recruiter. The last thing we need is a great recruiter moving into the tri-state area. UK hasn't had a great recruiter since Pitino, and look what he did in his tenure at there.

Calipari is meeting with Memphis for one reason............leverage! He will drag this out for as long as it takes to get his money. I can't blame the man because I would do the same thing.

In the end, I think he goes to UK and will make a ridiculous sum of money. I'm guessing he'll earn about $2.5-$3.5 million a year if he goes to UK. Does this sound offbase? UK is desperate to win right now and throwing extra money at Calipari will make that happen.

Alum1

I'm gonna guess it will be over $4.5 Million

[beeman7467]

Calipari and UK deserve each other.

[mikep]

Calipari has always seemed to have a good relationship with UC. This might be a great chance to get UK on our schedule. UK, XU and a bunch of cupcakes would be fine with me pre Big East(unless TOSU ever grows a pair)

[jplog]

It will be the absolute death of the Memphis basketball program if he leaves. I thought I heard he was already making 3.5 Million at Memphis, is that right?

[bearcatbret]

To put the salary speculation in perspective, Cronin makes about $830k and the average BEast bball coaching salary is $1.2M. But I guess the UK boosters can cough up the loot. I find it amazing that UK is not messing around. Calipari, Donavan, and Izzo are their desired coaches. I wonder why they do not try to lure Petino back? It would be easier year in and year out to win the SEC vs the BEast.

[ralph1950]

Memphis is going to become a mid-major in a one bid league.

[long suffering UC fan]

Calipari will get the best recruits nearly every year. Still not sure how how he does that, but he does.

Calipari anywhere will be dangerous..........but we all hate to see UK rise up again. We all enjoy watching them flounder.



He recruits top classes annually b/c he has great credibility.

This will have no bearing on UC, directly, as he can outrecruit UC for any player he wants already. He can still have only the same number, (unless he is head coach of two schools).

It will affect us poor local UC fans though, in that the local UK blowhards will now be able to put their chests out, as they will be nationally relevant once again. So, let's hope he is only using UK as a bargaining chip for more cash from Memphis.

[Mick's Da Man]

I'm not sure I like Cal going to UK.

On one hand, UK will rise up again. On the other hand, it probably will see the Memphis program drop quite a bit.

[jeffto]

This was the last year. That contract was signed back with Huggins.Actually it had nothing to do with Huggins. It was part of the deal to leave CUSA for the Big East. A 5 year deal would make sense. Hasn't it only been 4 years? (Time flys when you're having fun!)

[ralph1950]

Actually it had nothing to do with Huggins. It was part of the deal to leave CUSA for the Big East. A 5 year deal would make sense. Hasn't it only been 4 years? (Time flys when you're having fun!)

It is a 6 year deal, 6 games home and home with both Memphis and UAB.

[nolte50uc]

according to this, it's over:

http://memphis.rivals.com/

[Jet23]

Coach Cal would have to be insane to take that job. UK basketball fans have unrealistic expectations, kind of like Notre Dame football fans. Memphis is virtually assured 30 wins, in a crappy conference, and he is landing the good recruits already. He simply does not need the crap associated with UK basketball.

[Forsure21]

Actually it had nothing to do with Huggins. It was part of the deal to leave CUSA for the Big East. A 5 year deal would make sense. Hasn't it only been 4 years? (Time flys when you're having fun!)

It did have to do with Huggins and that is why the game has been on ESPN- It was signed and set up by Huggins. It was a made for tv series.
Also last year was the last year. The Memphis AD said they weren't going to continue it because it didn't help recruiting.

[Bearcats_Rule]

Not that we didnt know this was happening but just got a text from ESPN that said
"talks between Memphis Coach Calipari and UK heating up!!!"

So I am assuming that it is close to a done deal....

[bearcatbret]

Coach Cal would have to be insane to take that job. UK basketball fans have unrealistic expectations, kind of like Notre Dame football fans. Memphis is virtually assured 30 wins, in a crappy conference, and he is landing the good recruits already. He simply does not need the crap associated with UK basketball.

I agree. But it sounds like he did take the job. He owned Memphis. We will just have to wait to see if he can be loved by Lexington beyond his first year honeymoon.

The Tigers will surely be gutted now.

[nolte50uc]

was just talking with a co-worker / uk fan, and he was talking about how many high profile recruits were headed to memphis and how many would go with the coach to uk. my co-worker said that unless meeks and/or patterson leave early, they're only losing one scholarship player for next year. assuming that's correct, coach cal will get to show what seperates him from gilispie the first season.

[Mick's Da Man]

was just talking with a co-worker / uk fan, and he was talking about how many high profile recruits were headed to memphis and how many would go with the coach to uk. my co-worker said that unless meeks and/or patterson leave early, they're only losing one scholarship player for next year. assuming that's correct, coach cal will get to show what seperates him from gilispie the first season.

Yeah, they lose 7'-2" Jared Carter. Remember him? Dude wasted his college b-ball career with 4 years at UK. He coulda played in the MAC or something and actually contributed. In 4 seasons, Jared averaged 0.9 ppg and 0.8 rpg. Nice.

But back to your comments..........UK has everyone back next year if Patterson doesn't go pro. So more than likely DeMarcus Cousins (#2 rated player in 2009 class by Rivals; 6'-9" PF with outside skills), who only has an oral commitment to Memphis, will follow Cal to UK and take that available scholarship.

Not a bad situation to walk into. The team this year went 22-14. Patterson and Meeks are very good players. That's his two leading scorers and leading rebounder back. Add in Darius Miller who had a decent frosh season, add in Cousins.........that team could be very good next year immediately. The problem will be for Harris and Stephenson, who are juniors that saw 20+ mins per game this year.........their playing time will probably be cut with Cousins coming in.

Not a bad move for Cal.

Question is, will Xavier Henry ask for his release and will Memphis grant it? He's the #3 recruit in the Rivals 2009 class. Maybe they grant it, but refuse him to go to UK? Hmmm.

[MDW79]

http://www.whas11.com/sports/stories/whas11-topstory-090330-calipari-uk-coach.87f62981.html

[slimm]

that takes care of that....so who goes to memphis?

[shaunsimpson]

I can't see Memphis allowing those players to follow Cal to Memphis? I can't see Will Coleman, Darnell Dodson, and Xavier Henry getting the green light to go to Kentucky. Cousins could end up anywhere still and Wall is still uncommitted and I don't know about Angel Garcia, but I don't think he is locked in either.

that takes care of that....so who goes to memphis?



Memphis will try to get Mike Anderson and will be denied. They have three assistant coaches that could take over in Antigua, Robic, or Josh Pastner. That would all come down to what Memphis is looking for. Youth or experience. Antigua or Pastner are younger than Robic, but Robic is the most experienced. All 3 could end up head coaches soon and those remaining will end up at Kentucky in my opinion.

[Bearcats_Rule]

that takes care of that....so who goes to memphis?

One coach out of the possibilities for Memphis is the coach from Washington State, Tony Bennett... He is now the coach at Virginia....

[Doss]

mostly that Call had a good relationship with HUGGS. Huggs used to joke Call was the best paid "Mid Major Coach".

Calipari has always seemed to have a good relationship with UC. This might be a great chance to get UK on our schedule. UK, XU and a bunch of cupcakes would be fine with me pre Big East(unless TOSU ever grows a pair)

[ralph1950]

One coach out of the possibilities for Memphis is the coach from Washington State, Tony Bennett... He is now the coach at Virginia....

Memphis is now a mid-major team in a one bid conference.

[Mick's Da Man]

It really will be interesting to see who Memphis gets as it's next head coach considering they play in CUSA.

They do have the high salary thing going for them, so some good head coach looking for the $$$ and an easy conference will probably jump at it.

It would be funny if Pitino took the job.

[nyCat99]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but is there any chance with Calipari in Lexington that UK and UC could finally get a series going?

I personally think it would be great.

[Irishbearcat]

Anyone gonna start a Billy G to Memphis thread? :)

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

It really will be interesting to see who Memphis gets as it's next head coach considering they play in CUSA.

They do have the high salary thing going for them, so some good head coach looking for the $$$ and an easy conference will probably jump at it.

It would be funny if Pitino took the job.

Mike Anderson from Missouri (maybe).

[ralph1950]

Mike Anderson from Missouri (maybe).

Mike Anderson to Memphis is not going to happen. If he would leave Missouri it will more than likely be for the Georgia job.

Memphis is now a mid-major in a one bid conference, not a good job at all, it is now a stepping stone job, if you are not John Callipari you will have problems winning big there.

[Thegreatone]

Agreed.

25chchchchchchc

[bearcatbret]

I agree that Memphis will probably not release any of their committed players. The ones who have not signed will probably end up at UK.

Or maybe, these will be the big surprises that MC was speaking about but then again I digress.

[Bearcat Cafe]

Memphis has to release them. Each of his players LOI has a rider attached that says it is contingent upon the fact that they can follow him to a new school if he leaves before they arrive on campus. As reported by the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

[jeffto]

Mike Anderson to Memphis is not going to happen. If he would leave Missouri it will more than likely be for the Georgia job.

Memphis is now a mid-major in a one bid conference, not a good job at all, it is now a stepping stone job, if you are not John Callipari you will have problems winning big there.I could see Anderson if his motivation is purely about money. Memphis is obviously able and willing to pay big bucks. Anderson is a late starter in the head coaching game and may want to make up for lost time on the financial side.

From a basketball perspective Memphis would still be an annual pre-punched ticket to the tournament. There's some attractiveness to that.

[slimm]

Memphis has to release them. Each of his players LOI has a rider attached that says it is contingent upon the fact that they can follow him to a new school if he leaves before they arrive on campus. As reported by the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

correct...pretty savoy of calipari to have that addendum written into the LOI.

http://www.ncaa.org/wps/portal/!ut/p/vp/18_0_9D/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKLN4s39vIBSYGZ7p76kR hiHggxX4_83FSgTKQ5UMDcN0w_Kic1PTG5Uj9Y31s_QL8gNzSi PN9REQCatotE/delta/base64xml/L0lDU0lKTTd1aUNTWS9vQW9RQUFJUWdTQUFZeGpHTVl4U21BIS EvNEpGaUNvMERyRTVST2dxTkM3OVlRZyEhLzdfNl83TVQvODU4 ODU4?PC_7_6_7MT_WCM_CONTEXT=/wps/wcm/connect/NLI/Frequently+Asked+Questions/Releases+and+Transferring/

[Mick's Da Man]

Memphis has to release them. Each of his players LOI has a rider attached that says it is contingent upon the fact that they can follow him to a new school if he leaves before they arrive on campus. As reported by the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

UK only loses Jared Carter this year. Only one scholarship to give unless Calipari pushes some players out.

[CincyBearcat95]

UK only loses Jared Carter this year. Only one scholarship to give unless Calipari pushes some players out.

Didn't get a chance to read the thread, but I think at least 1 of his guys has only verballed and of course the #1 kid in the country has not committed at all yet.

I think he will not have any problem with opening up some scholarships. They aren't his kids and I don't get the feeling that Cal would lose much sleep over forcing a couple out so he can get the top 3 players in the the class at one time.

****, knowing Kentucky, they'd probably offer the kids forced out an academic scholarship just so they can make room and get back to the tourney. They will only have those kids for 1 year right.

[catscratchfever]

35 mil for 8 years...
That is obscene!!!!
Are we starting down a road where a salary cap for coaches will be necessary? What is going to happen when the next big time coach is up for a renewal? Is he going to demand to be paid as much as Calipari??

[TheLivingLegend]

Thats big moneyyyyyy. wow.

[CroninCrazy]

It is NOW official:

Source: Calipari taking UK job

After over a day of deliberation, John Calipari is apparently headed to Kentucky.

The coach accepted an offer to leave Memphis to resurrect the Wildcats' program on Tuesday, ESPN's **** Vitale has confirmed. The move was first reported by the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

ESPN.com's Andy Katz reported on Monday that the deal would be for eight years and approximately $35 million dollars, making Calipari the highest-paid coach in the college ranks.


John Calipari has decided to leave Memphis to jump-start Kentucky's program.
Sources told ESPN.com that Kentucky began planning for a Wednesday announcement earlier Tuesday. The Lexington television affiliate that has the school's athletic broadcast contract was told to prepare for an announcement in the late morning or early afternoon, and plans were made to transport Calipari by private plane to an airport near Lexington.

Earlier Tuesday, former Kentucky coach Joe B. Hall said Calipari was having "difficulty" making up his mind about accepting the Wildcats offer and was trying to get as much information as he can before deciding.

Hall said he and Calipari talked for about 15 to 20 minutes on Tuesday.

"He talked about the difficulty in making the decision and wanted to establish a relationship in case he came to Kentucky, somebody he could bounce things off of," Hall said. "He had not made up his mind. He was trying to get all the info he could."

Kentucky president Lee Todd told reporters before a scheduled meeting with UK students on campus that the school was "working on it" when asked about the coaching search. He then cut short any speculation during his remarks.

"I won't be talking about playing styles or coaching or things of that nature," Todd said. "We have a process in place. It's active, I would say."

Calipari stopped by a Memphis doughnut shop he frequents on Tuesday, where he told some of the regulars that he needed to make a decision by the afternoon.

Calipari certainly seemed to be Kentucky's choice to succeed Billy Gillispie.

The school received permission to talk to Calipari on Monday, though Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson said the program would do whatever it takes to keep the coach who has spent the last nine years turning the Tigers into a national power.

The Commercial Appeal reported that after meeting with his players Monday night, Calipari met with a number of influential Memphis boosters. While the meeting was at first said to be a last-ditch effort to persuade Calipari to stay, another source told the newspaper that Calipari was lobbying for Tony Barbee, the current coach at UTEP, to succeed him in Memphis. Barbee played for Calipari at Massachusetts and was previously his assistant at Memphis.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4031573

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Didn't get a chance to read the thread, but I think at least 1 of his guys has only verballed and of course the #1 kid in the country has not committed at all yet.

I think he will not have any problem with opening up some scholarships. They aren't his kids and I don't get the feeling that Cal would lose much sleep over forcing a couple out so he can get the top 3 players in the the class at one time.

****, knowing Kentucky, they'd probably offer the kids forced out an academic scholarship just so they can make room and get back to the tourney. They will only have those kids for 1 year right.

Athletes must have 3.3 GPA to get academic scholarship or they count aginst the 13 limit anyway.

UK had no one with 3.3 GPA at semester break.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

UK only loses Jared Carter this year. Only one scholarship to give unless Calipari pushes some players out.

Inaccurate.

UK has 12 players back, 3 signed LOI's and 1 verbal. That's BEFORE any Memphis recruits or transfers.

3 players must leave UK just to break even

[CincyBearcat95]

Athletes must have 3.3 GPA to get academic scholarship or they count aginst the 13 limit anyway.

UK had no one with 3.3 GPA at semester break.

It was a joke.......................

[shaunsimpson]

Looks like Pastner may be the next head coach. I think that is a great hire. As I mentioned earlier in this post any one of their assistants would be a very good hire and they went with the young guy.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/apr/06/source-memphis-tigers-close-hiring-josh-pastner-re/