Coach Calipiari... What a Difference

At the University of Kentucky (like just about every other school), there can be no doubt that winning cures all ails. If Billy Gillispie had won more games, the administration wouldn't have had the support needed to fire him after just two years. We all know that situation was more than just wins and losses, but ultimately losing was what sealed his fate. Had he built up more good will might he have gotten more rope to hang himself? Possibly, but we will never know for sure.

Coach Calipari on the other hand has aced every aspect of his first few months as Coach. Does it help that he hasn't lost a game yet? Sure. Even the most radical, sky-is-falling wackos are having trouble finding things to complain about so far. If and when we do lose some games, Calipari should have built up enough support to last a lifetime (well a really long time anyway). His management of the day-to-day grind that comes with the Big Blue spotlight has been impressive to say the least. He makes it hard for us to break down the game here at BBNR. The best post game summary can be found by simply reading Coach's remarks after the game. If you haven't made it a habit already to read what he has to say after the game, put that on your to do list. You aren't going to find a better or more insightful reflection on the game than what comes straight from our coaches mouth.

I admit that I have supported every coach in a similar fashion. I ignored glaring faults in our last two coaches, choosing instead to point out their strong points and hope for better days ahead. With Coach Calipari, it is hard to find a fault to ignore. The only argument that holds any weight is his history of having two final fours vacated. I have to say that this does cause some concern. How can it not? However, I think he realizes he is going to be held to an even higher standard than he has faced before and will act accordingly. There is no need for him to do anything outside the rules at Kentucky. He has every institutional advantage, plus himself and an exciting system to sell to recruits.

There are no guarantees when dealing with the NCAA. I have about as much faith in them as I do the Federal Government running healthcare. Not much. Time and time again, they have proven themselves to be a corrupt , inconsistent, and poorly run organization. We might find ourselves vacating titles when the NCAA finds that we provided free #2 pencils for final exams. Hopefully that isn't the case, as it is about the only thing that can derail us at this point. More about the Cleveland State game later...