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Posted by GA Cat (Member # 642) on 03-18-2022, 07:29 AM:

I certainly do not pretend to be a college coach. I played high school ball and then got an engineering degree along with being a bivocational pastor, so I am not an expert on coaching college kids to play elite level college basketball. However, I am just amazed at not only what I saw last night, but throughout the year with this team. I have four things that I have never understood nor have I seen explained:

1. We get shooters, but then they can’t shoot when they get to Kentucky. I know Grady had good overall numbers this year, but he completely disappeared at times. Ty Ty was awful last night. And has been since his injury.

2. Taking the air out of the ball in close games with 4 and five minutes left. If you have a double digit lead, maybe, but two possession games. It simply leads to bad shots that are, in essence, turnovers.

3. Cal’s substitution patterns, etc. I am not a fan of some of our bench players like some, but Hopkins should have gotten more run down the stretch.

4. Lack of out of bounds plays and inability to cope with zone defenses.

I am a huge Kentucky fan and always will be, but we are seriously under achieving right now.

Posted by handycat (Member # 2323) on 03-18-2022, 08:15 AM:

I agree with almost your entire post.

In spite of what some may think, I realize Coach Cal is not the perfect coach. If you want perfection perhaps you should be appealing to a higher power.

I’ve questioned his playing time for Hopkins and possibly Collins. I’ve also wondered why we could not try a zone when the opponent is taking the ball out underneath their own basket. Not a factor last night but was an issue at times doing the season.

There are orher things but Cal has devoted his entire life to basketball. On the other hand, I played a little (was not particularly good) and certainly never coached at a high level. In other words, I realize I have neither the experience or basketball knowledge to seriously question Coach Cal’s overall basketball ability. Some of you may.

[ 03-18-2022, 08:18 AM: Message edited by: handycat ]

Posted by EnterpriseCat (Member # 2881) on 03-18-2022, 08:36 AM:

I don’t think one has to be a coach to know when they see bad coaching. I’m not an actor, but I recognize bad acting when I see it. Cal is a hall of fame coach, but that hasn’t been on display the last few years. The one and done philosophy is only successful if you get the Anthony Davis’s of the world.

Cal’s refusal to replace poorly playing players (TyTy, Grady) with someone other than Mintz (who didn’t have a great game either) is confusing to me. Hopkins brought a spark against an LSU team that is far more talented than St. Peters. Our defense was abhorrent versus Tennessee and St. Peters. Defense is about effort, not talent. Put some subs in and give them an opportunity to do something positive. If they don’t, put the starters back in.

Cal hasn’t proven to be a good bench coach, but this loss is perhaps the most embarrassing of his career. To allow a team that ranked 270+ in offensive efficiency to shoot 50% from the field and 52% from three is unacceptable. I’ve been a Cal supporter, but I wouldn’t mind if he decided to retire. This player first mentality is getting old.

I’ll pull for the Cats regardless of who the coach is, but I think it is time for change. JMO. Go Big Blue!

Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 03-18-2022, 10:24 AM:

I would give him a big hand if he decided to retire. He deserves it for what he has done in his career, just like Coach K. He has fell to a new low this year also, but he is still dancing.

There are some sharp bb minds out there who could upgrade this program, and they would probably be able to recruit the same as Cal. That would be just because they would be at UK. Possibly Donovan would return to the college ranks, or there are other young guys who could become great at UK.

Posted by blue hoot (Member # 398) on 03-18-2022, 03:13 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by EnterpriseCat:
The one and done philosophy is only successful if you get the Anthony Davis’s of the world.

Honestly, We wouldn't have won the 2012 title if it wasn't for Anthony Davis. He was just a freak of talent. It could've been zero titles in Calipari's tenure.

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 03-18-2022, 03:55 PM:

If you bench both TyTy and Grady, the only remaining guard is Mintz. Usually, four quality guards should be sufficient, but when 2 or 3 of them are injured or in a slump, well...

I would also applaud Cal if he decided to step down. My main complaint is how he seems only interested in sending players to the NBA, not so much in building a true championship program. Last year was the most painful year I can ever remember as a UK coach, and this loss, even though it is but one game, is excruciatingly humiliating for UK basketball and fans.

Cal is interested in different things than I am. I grew up watching players develop over several seasons under the guidance of a coaching staff whose goal is to win NCAA championships. While I am thrilled for those UK players who get millions of dollars in the NBA, I really don't find much satisfaction in that. I am a college basketball fan, NOT an NBA fan.

Clearly, Cal doesn't really mesh with what I am interested in. He never has, and never will. His focus is on the "big picture" stuff (character development, PR, and recruiting), not as much on the nitty-gritty technical basketball details that turn good players into great players over time. Don't get me wrong... his players DO develop, but generally their time here is too short for the program as a whole to get better. Every year it starts from more-or-less zero.

But Barnhardt is in a real pickle. He CAN'T fire Cal -- he has a lifetime deal with UK. Cal will leave on his own terms, whether we like it or not, and move into his guaranteed role as "Ambassador for life", or something like that. OK. Good. Move on! Get that gig on ESPN or the SEC network and get the face-time you crave.

A dozen years at UK is about as long as anyone can reasonably expect to thrive. It is just too much to juggle. Post-Rupp, Hall lasted 13 years, Pitino 8, Tubby 10. Cal has matched Job B's tenure. He has made a TON of money. If he really cannot adapt and play the modern game, then yeah. Next man up!

[ 03-18-2022, 03:57 PM: Message edited by: Tiptree ]

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 03-18-2022, 04:03 PM:

BTW, I was flying during the game last night, so I was spared the pain in real-time. I really feel for those kids. Grady, Mintz... that was their last shot. I am quite sure Tshiewbe will go pro. He was truly the heart and soul of this team. If anybody deserved a title, it was him!

We will have only Wheeler and Washington (unless he decides to go to the D-league), Brooks, Ware, Collins, Toppin, and Hopkins. Am I missing anybody? That is a very average team. Next year looks to be a tough year for us fans, and a bad year for Cal's dreams of sending more kids to the NBA.

Maybe that will be the impetus to move Cal on to his next phase, and leave the dregs to another coach.

Not sure if I will watch it now, but I am tempted to. I will definitely watch Cal's post-game remarks. Can't wait to see how he spins this one.

Posted by ALA_KAT2 (Member # 1559) on 03-18-2022, 04:23 PM:

This loss is one of Calipari’s worse defeats. I refuse to call him “Coach Cal”, because he’s not head coach material. He is a good recruiter, but cannot implement a decent offense or defense (refuses to play any zone, even when his guards are getting blown by for straight line layups). Mitch will not fire him, so we’re stuck with him until he takes mercy on our basketball program and leaves. I’ll continue to watch the Cats games and cheer for them, because I’m a lifelong fan. However, I’m not a Calipari supporter, so it’s a conundrum for me.