Geez, this is now FOUR more titles they had a great shot at...

[zipp]

2010 - With an all-star NBA line-up, crazy good roster in hindsight
2014 - Losing to a team (UConn) in a winner-take-all game that Louisville blew out three times
2015 - The best collection of college talent on one team since 1996
2017 - Get past Sunday's game, and it's likely smooth sailing

I just had to recap those missed opportunities because it's hard looking at that list and not thinking "how the hell could they do that?" (Answer: Pitino Lite on the bench.)

And I expect this to become a regular discussion topic over a long, hot summer.

"Elite program," my a$$...

 

[KerryRhodes]

1997. Nazr misses 6 free throws.

 

[zipp]

No doubt, I'm just reflecting on the Lite era...

I didn't really give this year's team much of a chance before the tourney began. However, the way some of these brackets imploded, this was a seriously missed opportunity. Seriously.

Carolina may be a little overrated and Oregon handles them. But you'll never get a slapd!ck in the future look back at Oregon, Gonzaga, and South Freaking Carolina and not think "that title was ours for the taking." As much or more so than one of those missed opportunities 2-3 years ago.

The one I have has a lotta history... But maybe I need to need to work "missed opportunities" into a new basketball closer...

"Elite program," my a$$... (for the time being)

 

[KerryRhodes]

They thought the same in 2011.

Butler. 11th seeded VCU. UCONN, who UofL beat that season once.

I know you know Zipp, what was that lee todd quote about underachieving.........

 

[gocds]

2010 - With an all-star NBA line-up, crazy good roster in hindsight
2014 - Losing to a team (UConn) in a winner-take-all game that Louisville blew out three times
2015 - The best collection of college talent on one team since 1996
2017 - Get past Sunday's game, and it's likely smooth sailing

I just had to recap those missed opportunities because it's hard looking at that list and not thinking "how the hell could they do that?" (Answer: Pitino Lite on the bench.)

And I expect this to become a regular discussion topic over a long, hot summer.

"Elite program," my a$$...

This why I say Cal is a piss poor basketball coach. Fox and Monk were the coaches on this year's team and without them they barely get out of the $ec. Cal just continues to roll out the ball as his coaching mantra.

GO CARDS - BEAT EVERYBODY!!! God Bless America!!!

 

[jho10]

Hard to win a championship as we all know. Even harder with young players, talented or not. You need even more luck. As for his coaching, I think you're being shortsighted. If you evaluate how they play and how they grow throughout the seasons, you'd feel differently. Obviously you wouldn't see that as because you're not a fan and don't watch them regularly.

 

[ThroughBlue]

Every bracket implodes except ours. Ours usually goes chalk. Tough ending to another timeless classic between the wildcats and the Tar Heels.

2011: Liggins corner 3
2012: Davis block on Henson
December: Monk 3
Yesterday: Maye game winner

When Kentucky and Carolina lock up it's almost a sure bet that it will be a classic.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

Hard to win a championship as we all know. Even harder with young players

I read this cop-out annually, as if the staff is cornered to build the program how they do. This is a choice that was made by your staff years ago, and not an excuse to be incorporated into the bottom line. You're using a coping mechanism that helps fans get away from the bottom line. Your program is a revolving door of top young players. There will be a few outliers that stay longer, but the majority of the system is reliant on new players. So you're saying your coach chooses to build a program that makes it harder to win titles - if you feel this way - you are saying you are cool with him applying a technique that makes championships harder to obtain. The program is about NBA draft position first. Look on the bright side. Devin Booker scored 70 points the other night. 70! Wow that is awesome - I love March Madness man

 

[Louisvillian]

 

[jho10]

Hard to win a championship as we all know. Even harder with young players

I read this cop-out annually, as if the staff is cornered to build the program how they do. This is a choice that was made by your staff years ago, and not an excuse to be incorporated into the bottom line. You're using a coping mechanism that helps fans get away from the bottom line. Your program is a revolving door of top young players. There will be a few outliers that stay longer, but the majority of the system is reliant on new players. So you're saying your coach chooses to build a program that makes it harder to win titles - if you feel this way - you are saying you are cool with him applying a technique that makes championships harder to obtain. The program is about NBA draft position first. Look on the bright side. Devin Booker scored 70 points the other night. 70! Wow that is awesome - I love March Madness man

"So you're saying your coach chooses to build a program that makes it harder to win titles - if you feel this way - you are saying you are cool with him applying a technique that makes championships harder to obtain."

There's no coping going on. I highlighted your statement above and agree with the fact that I'm cool with it. It is hard to win a championship but his method has given KY more opportunities to get there than most. Every now and again things align and you win a championship. My point is I'm pretty happy with the fact that almost every year they are in a position to have a chance. I think most objective college basketball fans would take this. I don't agree with all his coaching moves as most fan bases don't with their own coach.

 

[Louisvillian]

My point is I'm pretty happy with the fact that almost every year they are in a position to have a chance.

That's some easy pleasin. You must be ecstatic on Selection Sunday.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

Your program is bullet-proof in early rounds (this is a compliment) due the talent but also reaching a ceiling in later rounds due to running into more experienced top programs. It takes a true game changer for UK to win it all (Davis) and even with a game changer with a great supporting cast there's no guarantee (Towns).

Being in the hunt is a good place to be but I am a firm believer that without the titles it will eventually grow old for the fan base - it already is in many circles - revolving door needs to come with hardware. When the players come and go after a single year fans gradually begin to feel used, or at least they should. A top program is just a pit stop, that's just a sad reality and fans like yourself are left with no choice but to accept it.

The reality is your coach takes a lazy approach to the job. He has plenty of time for the photo-ops on draft night and certainly basks in the attention of talk show hosts and ESPN cameras - and he does have time to remind everybody how young his teams are.

 

[jho10]

That's some easy pleasin. You must be ecstatic on Selection Sunday.

Easy pleasin to have a chance to be in the hunt almost every year?? What would you want out of your program? Being in the hunt means elite 8 and final fours. You're smarter than that.

 

[jho10]

Your program is bullet-proof in early rounds (this is a compliment) due the talent but also reaching a ceiling in later rounds due to running into more experienced top programs. It takes a true game changer for UK to win it all (Davis) and even with a game changer with a great supporting cast there's no guarantee (Towns).

Being in the hunt is a good place to be but I am a firm believer that without the titles it will eventually grow old for the fan base - it already is in many circles - revolving door needs to come with hardware. When the players come and go after a single year fans gradually begin to feel used, or at least they should. A top program is just a pit stop, that's just a sad reality and fans like yourself are left with no choice but to accept it.

The reality is your coach takes a lazy approach to the job. He has plenty of time for the photo-ops on draft night and certainly basks in the attention of talk show hosts and ESPN cameras - and he does have time to remind everybody how young his teams are.

It does not come without frustration, I agree. But I think if you were to watch the teams on a regular basis, you would see growth. I don't think it's lazy, just a different approach.

 

[Louisvillian]

Easy pleasin to have a chance to be in the hunt almost every year?? What would you want out of your program? Being in the hunt means elite 8 and final fours. You're smarter than that.

Well if you rephrased that to "Almost every year we are in position to win a Title" it would have meant something significant. "Almost every year we are in a position to have a chance", sounds like a fan of a mid-major team.

 

[Louisvillian]

It does not come without frustration, I agree. But I think if you were to watch the teams on a regular basis, you would see growth. I don't think it's lazy, just a different approach.

Can you honestly say that constant upheaval of your teams' roster, year after year doesn't begin to wear you out as a fan?

Being a threat to go to a Final Four every year might be great but I'd absolutely hate having to watch star players bolt after just setting foot on campus. Truth be told, it made me a little disgusted just reading about Donovan Mitchell and Deng Adel saying they were going to test the NBA waters.

Not blaming the kids for taking the money but I'll take seeing Russ Smith at Baseball games year after year to the NBA farm system.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

It does not come without frustration, I agree. But I think if you were to watch the teams on a regular basis, you would see growth.

It's just a lack of a true struggle, or real journey. They play one year, then leave. It's hollow.

Part of the reason they don't lose 1st weekend most years - they have no jitters. None. They haven't been there long enough to feel that.

It's just sad, and yes I know Duke is doing it too.

I don't even root against them in a win/lose aspect- they aren't there long enough for me to want them to lose.

 

[zipp]

Hard to win a championship as we all know. Even harder with young players, talented or not. You need even more luck. As for his coaching, I think you're being shortsighted. If you evaluate how they play and how they grow throughout the seasons, you'd feel differently. Obviously you wouldn't see that as because you're not a fan and don't watch them regularly.

I understand all of that schlock, some of which I agree with...

But you CAN'T look at that list of seemingly low hurdles that your team couldn't get over and think "one title's about right."

If the shoe was on the other foot, I might lay awake at night thinking about it (which is something I never do in reality...) It's just that hard to fathom.

"Elite program," my a$$...

 

[jho10]

Lot's of good points and some shots. I get it. There is no question that I feel there should be more than one championship. I think most KY fans do. Some of that (not all) is on Calipari. Some of it on the players not executing what he wants and some is just the tournament. What I really wanted to get across however, is that if you watch the teams grow over the course of the season - you can see the coaching come through. And while I would love players to stick around (who wouldn't), this is the situation it is. Nothing I can do to change it.

 

[Strongtino]

The best teams might win the tournament half the time. UL in 13' and UK in '12 were the last 2 teams that were actually the best teams and won the tournament. Winning a college basketball title is the hardest thing to do in sports. It would be hard to do it in the NBA with professional players let alone in college.

Cal has underachieved at UK. He has. End of discussion. He should have AT LEAST 2 titles if not 3. Not winning with Wall, Cousins and Bledsoe and not winning when he was 38-0 are insanely bad coaching jobs on his part.

HOWEVER...

Cal underachieving is still better than any other coach in the country. 4 Final 4s in 8 years and 2 Elite 8s. So in 6 of his 8 years he's had a team with a legit shot at winning a title. No other coach in the country can claim that.

Listen, I don't like Cal...but we're 8 years into his tenure at UK and he's winning 83% of his games, and he's 8-2 vs Rick. Regardless of what you think about him or what he should be doing with that talent or what you think about his coaching ability....he's been very, VERY successful at Kentucky and he's been the most successful coach in the country over the last 8 years. Conference titles, deep runs in March, constantly beating your rivals, recruiting the best players in the country, and having a shot at winning a title every year....Cal does ALL of those things. He might not win it every year that he's supposed to, but the fact remains that every year when we start the season his team is always one of the top teams thats picked to win it and thats all you can ask.

 

[nccardfan]

The best teams might win the tournament half the time. UL in 13' and UK in '12 were the last 2 teams that were actually the best teams and won the tournament. Winning a college basketball title is the hardest thing to do in sports. It would be hard to do it in the NBA with professional players let alone in college.

Cal has underachieved at UK. He has. End of discussion. He should have AT LEAST 2 titles if not 3. Not winning with Wall, Cousins and Bledsoe and not winning when he was 38-0 are insanely bad coaching jobs on his part.

HOWEVER...

Cal underachieving is still better than any other coach in the country. 4 Final 4s in 8 years and 2 Elite 8s. So in 6 of his 8 years he's had a team with a legit shot at winning a title. No other coach in the country can claim that.

Listen, I don't like Cal...but we're 8 years into his tenure at UK and he's winning 83% of his games, and he's 8-2 vs Rick. Regardless of what you think about him or what he should be doing with that talent or what you think about his coaching ability....he's been very, VERY successful at Kentucky and he's been the most successful coach in the country over the last 8 years. Conference titles, deep runs in March, constantly beating your rivals, recruiting the best players in the country, and having a shot at winning a title every year....Cal does ALL of those things. He might not win it every year that he's supposed to, but the fact remains that every year when we start the season his team is always one of the top teams thats picked to win it and thats all you can ask.

This is hard for Cardinal fans to admit but if you don't you are only in denial. I have been waiting 8 years for some probation or transgressions and unfortunately it's the Cards that have been targeted. But I ain't giving up, we can still beat them on the field or court. I still believe in L1C4.

 

[Rockfly78]

I understand all of that schlock, some of which I agree with...

But you CAN'T look at that list of seemingly low hurdles that your team couldn't get over and think "one title's about right."

If the shoe was on the other foot, I might lay awake at night thinking about it (which is something I never do in reality...) It's just that hard to fathom.

"Elite program," my a$$...

Wait just a minute........zipp doesn't sleep

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

UK is a D league operation that has produced one title in a decent sized sample. It's not ground breaking results being generated but there has been ground breaking hype.

 

[Rockfly78]

The best teams might win the tournament half the time. UL in 13' and UK in '12 were the last 2 teams that were actually the best teams and won the tournament. Winning a college basketball title is the hardest thing to do in sports. It would be hard to do it in the NBA with professional players let alone in college.

Cal has underachieved at UK. He has. End of discussion. He should have AT LEAST 2 titles if not 3. Not winning with Wall, Cousins and Bledsoe and not winning when he was 38-0 are insanely bad coaching jobs on his part.

HOWEVER...

Cal underachieving is still better than any other coach in the country. 4 Final 4s in 8 years and 2 Elite 8s. So in 6 of his 8 years he's had a team with a legit shot at winning a title. No other coach in the country can claim that.

Listen, I don't like Cal...but we're 8 years into his tenure at UK and he's winning 83% of his games, and he's 8-2 vs Rick. Regardless of what you think about him or what he should be doing with that talent or what you think about his coaching ability....he's been very, VERY successful at Kentucky and he's been the most successful coach in the country over the last 8 years. Conference titles, deep runs in March, constantly beating your rivals, recruiting the best players in the country, and having a shot at winning a title every year....Cal does ALL of those things. He might not win it every year that he's supposed to, but the fact remains that every year when we start the season his team is always one of the top teams thats picked to win it and thats all you can ask.

Wow this may be the best post on this subject that I've seen. I am a uk fan and I am frustrated that cal only has the one title. But, I can't really complain at all. Everything you said is true and from a fans perspective, bball season is a blast from front to back! How many other programs can claim results like these? Not many, if any. Titles are the gold but they are very very hard to obtain. I don't subscribe to the Ricky bobby philosophy of "if you're not first, you're last". That's crap. We have nutty fans that will say faaaar cal! But nobody takes them seriously. Kentucky basketball is very successful.

 

[Cue Card]

This is hard for Cardinal fans to admit but if you don't you are only in denial. I have been waiting 8 years for some probation or transgressions and unfortunately it's the Cards that have been targeted. But I ain't giving up, we can still beat them on the field or court. I still believe in L1C4.

It's easy to admit. It's also easy to see there is one way of running a college basketball program with STUDENT-athletes, and another way with NBDL caliber players using said program for a platform for displaying a skill set.

That 2nd 'way' seems hollow, empty, and goes against the very fiber of the student-athlete ideology. I realize the college game has changed, but I don't have to accept it as the only solution to winning. I would prefer to watch a program that has a kid like Maye of UNC for instance who with hard work earns his way and hits a game winning shot against that evil empire known as a one and done factory.

It's MUCH more satisifying as a college basketball fan when that 2nd way LOSES. It brings back some hope for the college kids playing college ball without the hype of the NBA contract staring back at us from over the phenoms right shoulder. Long live college basketball and to hell with the OaD factory way. I hope that way dies a slow painful death.

 

[zipp]

UK is a D league operation that has produced one title in a decent sized sample. It's not ground breaking results being generated but there has been ground breaking hype.

This is exactly right... You can't expect a coach to win every championship or most of them. And the NCAA tourney is a crap shoot.

But when you REPEAT that crap shoot multiple times, you get results that matter. One tournament no, a few maybe, many yes.

And when you look at individual tourneys and where LPT was situated two-thirds of the way in, you gotta say "what happened?" Sure you don't prevail in every Elite Eight or Final Four. But LPT was in the catbird's seat in all of the examples I mentioned. (And Kerry even mentions 2011, which could be debated...)

There's no other takeaway than seriously missed opportunities. Most LPT fans even admit that.

"Elite program," my a$$...

 

[nccardfan]

It's easy to admit. It's also easy to see there is one way of running a college basketball program with STUDENT-athletes, and another way with NBDL caliber players using said program for a platform for displaying a skill set.

That 2nd 'way' seems hollow, empty, and goes against the very fiber of the student-athlete ideology. I realize the college game has changed, but I don't have to accept it as the only solution to winning. I would prefer to watch a program that has a kid like Mays of UNC for instance who with hard work earns his way and hits a game winning shot against that evil empire known as a one and done factory.

It's MUCH more satisifying as a college basketball fan when that 2nd way LOSES. It brings back some hope for the college kids playing college ball without the hype of the NBA contract staring back at us from over the phenoms right shoulder. Long live college basketball and to hell with the OaD factory way. I hope that way dies a slow painful death.

I get that but what if Rick or our next coach was a proponent of the OAD? Would you abandon ship? Apparently there's nothing illegal with his system. Coach K does it to a certain extent. I personally don't like it but it's not against the rules until they change it. Just think about if they did change it and Monk and guys like Wall, Davis, Towns had to play at least two years. Then you might be looking at multiple championships. Be careful about what you complain about. I think I'd rather have a complete untested new group each year.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

Most LPT fans even admit that.

"Elite program," my a$$...

I thought they would have had multiple titles by now, considering the amount of talent funneled his way - all UK fans assumed the same after the first year.

Even after the epic E8 failure with the NBA All Star team, a friend of mine asked me if they'd ever win one and I told him don't take the loss to WVU out of context - they are about to win multiple titles in the next decade. There is no way around it I said. They have too much of a head start with the talent. I thought for sure an express train era was on it's way. And I was annoyed - I was one of those guys that was sure of it.

I can admit when I was wrong. I was wrong. Still sitting on one title.

They got as many with this guy as they did with Tubby.

True story.

 

[HoptownCat93]

Kentucky should honestly fire Calipari. I mean we can do way better than him.

I'm sure at the right price Coach K or Pitino might come over...or heck Brad Stevens might run from Boston to jump in and coach at UK. Why not get a solid guy that embraces 4 year athletes and understands what is important like Tom Crean. Heck, a guy like Shaka Smart who succeeded at a small VCU could just come in and dominate at a bigger school with more resources. Heck, Tubby knew what he was doing I know he could outdo Cal!

I mean, Kentucky should have a coach that can get at least 6 finals fours and 3 titles in an 8 year span.

I would ask if you were an AD and a coach, because you all seem to have Hall of Fame credentials around here...how would you build/coach a team to win multiple titles in a short time span?

Or...or...you could be like Pitino. At the "most valuable program" in the country bringing in top classes year in and out. And yes, you all may not have UK level talent...but your classes are far better than 95-99% of the teams in D1 basketball, I know you all try to make it like you all bring in OVC level talent but thats not the case. And with all those resources...Pitino has not made it past the first weekend of the tournament 9 out of the 16 years he has been a coach at UofL...or 8 of 15 if you want to ignore last year's scandal ridden season. Over half of the time, Rick does not even make the sweet 16 at UofL?! How can that be?! Because the tournament is random! I remember a year that you all were the #1 overall seed with 2 lottery picks and got embarrassed in the Elite 8. Rick is still the 2nd best coach in the nation behind K, but even the best coaches can lose in 1 game scenarios on a neutral court.

At the end of the day, I'm not a fan of Calipari...I'm a Kentucky fan. Of the coaches availible he gives us the best chance to win a title. Yeah, years like the year and the Wisconsin loss suck..and maybe we underachieved...but at the end of the day I'd rather be in those games because if you're there and if you are there you have a chance to win it all. 6 out of 8 years Calipari has been in the Elite 8 or better at Kentucky and Pitino has only made it to at least the sweet 16 7 times in 16 seasons. Throw player names away, stars, coaching names, salaries, attendance, conference, and everything.....at the end of the day its about results of the team not the individuals.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

at the end of the day its about results of the team not the individuals.

Your coach said players first.

 

[HoptownCat93]

Your coach said players first.

Ok, so? Considering Pitino is the king of hyperbole and exaggeration, why is it a crime when Cal makes bold statements to market the brand?

I'm not one of these "instant gratification" millennials who think it should be all right now. I saw what it was like 1998-2009 without a Finals Four. I've seen 2010-2017 with four Final 4's and a championship. I know what I like better. If he wants to say "players first", let him. Billy G said "tough" and it was "not the University of Jodie Meeks" over and over...that did not work. Obviously Calipari gives me something to cheer about every march. Over 50% of the time, UofL has not had anything to cheer for after the first weekend of the tournament the last 16 seasons.


I do not care if they are 1 and done, or 4 year guys. If they wear the Kentucky jersey I will cheer for them win or lose. I don't view Keith Bogans any more differently than I view Nerlens Noel.

 

[Cue Card]

I get that but what if Rick or our next coach was a proponent of the OAD? Would you abandon ship? Apparently there's nothing illegal with his system. Coach K does it to a certain extent. I personally don't like it but it's not against the rules until they change it. Just think about if they did change it and Monk and guys like Wall, Davis, Towns had to play at least two years. Then you might be looking at multiple championships. Be careful about what you complain about. I think I'd rather have a complete untested new group each year.

Didn't say it was illegal. I wouldn't be a fan of that tactic, but I would deal with it until it changed because my fanhood runs deeper than any coach. I don't really care for Pitino the person all that much, but I acccept it. If the Cardinals were to hire Calipari to take his spot, I would be pissed, and I wouldn't like him any more than I like him now but I would still be a Cardinals fan. I am all about UofL. IDC who the coach is.

 

[HoptownCat93]

Didn't say it was illegal. I wouldn't be a fan of that tactic, but I would deal with it until it changed because my fanhood runs deeper than any coach. I don't really care for Pitino the person all that much, but I acccept it. If the Cardinals were to hire Calipari to take his spot, I would be pissed, and I wouldn't like him any more than I like him now but I would still be a Cardinals fan. I am all about UofL. IDC who the coach is.

At the end of the day, that's the point every fan should take into consideration. 20 years from now, Cal and Rick will be gone and there will be new coaches and rivalries. I'm as big a fan as when Tubby/BillyClyde were on the sidelines as I am now. I know there will be a big drop off when Cal leaves, the Drake type fans will be gone but I won't quit caring at all.

But, right now. The rivalry is at an all time high and we both have top 10 teams on the floor every season. Both programs are doing great things and should be enjoyed, because droughts can hit at any time and I'm going to enjoy the highs now before the lows later. You all have one of the best of all time on your sidelines now. Next year is one of your years he builds towards and you all will have a great shot to dominate start to finish if Don Mitchell returns.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

why is it a crime when Cal makes bold statements to market the brand?

It's not a crime that he's unaware that UK basketball is a brand that doesn't need marketing. It's just funny.

 

[Louisvillian]

I don't view Keith Bogans any more differently than I view Nerlens Noel.

Really? I find that hard to believe for any fan of college basketball.

That would be like a Louisville football fan holding Michael Dyer in the same regard as Teddy Bridgewater or even Brandon Radcliffe for that matter. I root for all that wear the red but don't view all of them the same after it's over.

That's just human nature.

 

[HoptownCat93]

Really? I find that hard to believe for any fan of college basketball.

That would be like a Louisville football fan holding Michael Dyer in the same regard as Teddy Bridgewater or even Brandon Radcliffe for that matter. I root for all that wear the red but don't view all of them the same after it's over.

That's just human nature.

Well I brought up Bogans because he is my favorite player of all time, but I'm saying I still respect and admire Nerlens for what he gave to the Cats for his partial season, risked his future trying to make a hustle play on defense in a blowout.

There are some like Orten and Alex Legion who I do not remember fondly for different reasons. But for the most part, I love all the players for the Cats. I'm not even one to hate on other players. I loved the way Joakim Noah played defense and the way Siva could speed up a game and then slow it down and run a beautiful half-court set. College athletes are kids, and guys like Pitino/Cal are good guys in a sense that they do care about their players. They have different methods, but I believe they love their players like sons. Real bad guys in sports are guy like Bob Knight, Art Briles, Paterno, and others who broke laws and moral boundaries to win at all costs.

Now, my favorite UK teams are the 2003 Bogans team and the 2011 team with Brandon Knight for different reasons. One had multi year guys who played great defense, and the other was an underrated bunch of guys who improved over the season and brought me the final 4 trip I waited for since I was 5.

 

[shadow force]

Or...or...you could be like Pitino. At the "most valuable program" in the country bringing in top classes year in and out. And yes, you all may not have UK level talent...but your classes are far better than 95-99% of the teams in D1 basketball, I know you all try to make it like you all bring in OVC level talent but thats not the case. And with all those resources...Pitino has not made it past the first weekend of the tournament 9 out of the 16 years he has been a coach at UofL...or 8 of 15 if you want to ignore last year's scandal ridden season. Over half of the time, Rick does not even make the sweet 16 at UofL?! How can that be?! Because the tournament is random! I remember a year that you all were the #1 overall seed with 2 lottery picks and got embarrassed in the Elite 8. Rick is still the 2nd best coach in the nation behind K, but even the best coaches can lose in 1 game scenarios on a neutral court.

At the end of the day, I'm not a fan of Calipari...I'm a Kentucky fan. Of the coaches availible he gives us the best chance to win a title. Yeah, years like the year and the Wisconsin loss suck..and maybe we underachieved...but at the end of the day I'd rather be in those games because if you're there and if you are there you have a chance to win it all. 6 out of 8 years Calipari has been in the Elite 8 or better at Kentucky and Pitino has only made it to at least the sweet 16 7 times in 16 seasons. Throw player names away, stars, coaching names, salaries, attendance, conference, and everything.....at the end of the day its about results of the team not the individuals.

No first round NIT losses in that time period for Pitino either...

 

[zipp]

Pitino Lite takes a unique approach. I don't know of any college coach who says he cares more about the player's future than the team's. Not sure that would fly at Louisville.

"Elite program," my a$$...

 

[Rockfly78]

Pitino Lite takes a unique approach. I don't know of any college coach who says he cares more about the player's future than the team's. Not sure that would fly at Louisville.

"Elite program," my a$$...

As long as the team wins, anything flies.

 

[Strongtino]

As long as the team wins, anything flies.

Yeah, I'm not sure why people complain about the method in which you win. Listen, most UK fans will tell you that they would rather win with a system like Pitino's, most programs would. But its not as if you can expect UK fans to stop being fans simply because their 3-4 best players go to the NBA every year. If Cal wasn't as successful as he was they could complain about his system but he's literally had a team capable of winning a title in 6 of his 8 years at Kentucky, gone to the Final Four in 4 of his 8 years, and been to the Elite 8 in 6 of those 8 years.

You can say you wouldn't be a fan of Rick running the program that way but I'm willing to bet you would get used to it pretty quickly if Rick produced the results that Cal has.

Since 2009-2010 Cal has won 5 conference titles, 5 conference tournament titles, won 83% of his games and went 8-2 vs. Rick.

Since 2009-2010 Rick has won 2 conference titles, 3 conference tournament titles, won 76% of his games and went 2-8 vs Cal.

In that time Cal has produced 28 (soon to be 31) draft picks. 21 first round draft picks, and produced some of the current best players in the NBA, Wall, Bledsoe, Cousins, Davis, Booker and Townes are probably all in the top 25 best players in the league right now.

Pitino has produced 11 NBA draft picks in 16 years, 6 first round draft picks, with only Francisco Garcia having even a decent NBA career and only currently has 3 players in the league with Gorgui Dieng being the only one who starts and/or has a significant role on his team.

So I mean, you complain about how Cal does it and say he doesn't coach and say he's underachieved with all that talent...but the fact remains he's been more successful than Rick and basically any coach in the country the last 8 years and he's the place kids go if they want to develop into an NBA draft pick. Now you can say you don't want your program "ran that way" or whatever and thats fine...but its a dumb stance because Cal's system is successful and that should be all you care about as a fan.

The saddest part is that Rick wants the kids Cal is getting he just can't get them and refuses to adapt his system/style to appeal to them. So its not that Rick doesn't want these kids that are going to UK...its not that Rick doesn't think those kids are "L1C4" (LIC4 is more embarrassing than the scandal and losing to Morehead combined in my opinion) its simply that he can't get them. I don't blame a kid for not wanting to come play for Rick or for choosing to play for Cal over Rick.