Bozich finally pens a good feeling read
- Thread starter REDFISTFURY3
- Start date
It was some surreal statements in this article that got me hyped about this BB program again even more going forward. This is so long overdue with the former guys.
Wade and Junior advancing Kenny Payne as HC, resulted in attracting Ellison and Wagner back to the Ville. Griffith never left, but was essentially under utilized.
I can now see a huge gathering of so many other 70s and 80s players leading the way for other ex-UL players rejoining the program. For reasons I never quite understood, Pitino discouraged these kids from being a part of UL Basketball.
While I am hopeful and rather optimistic that DJ signs with the Cards; one thing I am increasingly sure of ……. he will not sign with UK, as Calipari has lost favor with his own AD, and so many who were so influential in his inner circle.
I can now see a huge gathering of so many other 70s and 80s players leading the way for other ex-UL players rejoining the program. For reasons I never quite understood, Pitino discouraged these kids from being a part of UL Basketball.
While I am hopeful and rather optimistic that DJ signs with the Cards; one thing I am increasingly sure of ……. he will not sign with UK, as Calipari has lost favor with his own AD, and so many who were so influential in his inner circle.
Griff told Maybin a story about how he was outside the locker room after a game and just try speaking to a few players . And Rick had him removed from the area and said he didn't want them anywhere near. So after that he just stayed away pretty much in his own lane. Also heard he was like this at UK with their former guys. Sad thing is alot of these guys wanted to be a part of the program and Rick just would not relent to it .And they all pretty much say the same things they just didnt want to cause issues. Now Ole Jerry is a total different one!
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It's also time for the next level of former local guys to start being more visible and involved. . Obannon,Wheat,Brewer,,Tony Williams etc This is what Milts main job per se is to bridge this gap.
I think Pitino wanted to be the sole face of the program so he locked everyone else out. Glad KP is taking a family approach.
In regards to sUcK and Calipari if I was a recruit I would have to take a look at the past 2 years at sUcK. 2 years ago they had a terrible season followed by a better season but an early out in the tournament. As posted above even their AD has suggested some concerns with this.
As far as former players being involved I think that is important however, some of our former players have burned their bridges and it would be hard to welcome them. The current recruiting situation has added some much needed excitement back to the program. I hope it relates to success on the court.
As far as former players being involved I think that is important however, some of our former players have burned their bridges and it would be hard to welcome them. The current recruiting situation has added some much needed excitement back to the program. I hope it relates to success on the court.
I, like a lot of folks who have lived in Louisville for decades, have a lot of friends who are UK fans and some who have been perennial financial supporters. I can say from my time listening to many of them, talking to may there has been an increasing level of disappointment in the Calipari era over the last several years as under-achieving and reliance on O&D kids with little connection to UK after they leave. That level reached unchartered territory following the loss to St Peter’s.
The buyout of Calipari’s contract is over $20M, and the huge decline in Eastern KY coal businesses over the last 15 years has resulted in a significant reduction in that “old Big Blue money” that could have financed the change. There are many stories about how so many UK fans schedule their vacations around the SEC and NCAA Tournament ……imagine how those same folks must feel after having bought tickets and made reservations to follow the Cats after receiving the #2 seed?
The buyout of Calipari’s contract is over $20M, and the huge decline in Eastern KY coal businesses over the last 15 years has resulted in a significant reduction in that “old Big Blue money” that could have financed the change. There are many stories about how so many UK fans schedule their vacations around the SEC and NCAA Tournament ……imagine how those same folks must feel after having bought tickets and made reservations to follow the Cats after receiving the #2 seed?
Well alot of that is self inflicted . Anybody that has watched UK BB the past few seasons either a fan or not. Looking at them from a neutral view they haven't been anywhere near those rankings or seeds they been receiving. Media will always give them more than they deserve. That team last season was not a 2 seed you could see that a mile a way.
These are positives. I think the recruiting class for 2023-2024 is going to be the tell. It's good to have former players involved and some can influence our future rosters. It feels like some real energy right now and next year's team might not be great but Kenny can still put his stamp on it and they can be a lot better than last year.
There is only one reason that Pitino would discourage contact with his players and that is to hide things that were going on within the program. It's the only thing that makes any sense.
I think he did it out of pure narcissism. He wanted to be the center of attention. Pitino didn't want to share the spotlight with Ellison, Griff, Crum, etc. Only his own former players might be allowed, because the word "Pitino" goes in front of "Pitino's former players".