Rajon Rondo

[TuesdayBoost]

I love Rondo...that said, he would fall under the worse than Pope category. Mitch will probably

Sure, no problem Bro. I think Kentucky is all wrong for anyone to learn to become a head coach. Its the toughest league in the Nation, the schedule is always brutal, and the pressure following Pope will be enormous

Pressure following Pope or nick saban? If you was gonna follow any coach at Kentucky , Pope would be the one imo.

It’s really 50/50 with any coach I reckon.
Say we hire Hurley next year. Do you think he automatically succeeds just because he did at UConn? I get it he’s qualified. I would like him. I just feel like the risk of hiring Hurley is the same as hiring Rondo. They could both succeed or fail.

Two championships is no joke. I’m not trying to convince anyone Rondo is as safe a hire that Hurley would be but the risk reward factors is huge for both imo.

Hurley brings a lot to the table Rondo can’t. Rondo can bring a ton of things that Hurley can’t.

All im saying is I wouldn’t be mad if I heard breaking news Rajon Rondo hired as next UK men’s basketball coach.

To act like a two time NBA champ legend couldn’t coach here is a wild take. Yea he could do good or bad. I feel he would kill it. If we are losing just pull a gun on the other team and steal the ball am I right?

 

[Tim0808]

Absolutely not. That, believe it or not, would be even worse than Dope.

I don't believe it. It cannot be worse!

 

[Smeegs]

To act like a two time NBA champ legend couldn’t coach here is a wild take.

Let’s look at other cases where a highly successful NBA player with no prior college coaching experience was given a college HC job.

Some examples that come to mind include Patrick Ewing at Georgetown, Isiah Thomas at FIU, Chris Mullin at St. John’s, Clyde Drexler at Houston, Juwan Howard at Michigan, Mike Woodson at IU, Sidney Moncrief at UALR, Avery Johnson at Bama, Willis Reed at Creighton, etc.

Hmm …what is the common denominator with these guys? All were dismal failures.

 

[TuesdayBoost]

Let’s look at other cases where a highly successful NBA player with no prior college coaching experience was given a college HC job.

Some examples that come to mind include Patrick Ewing at Georgetown, Isiah Thomas at FIU, Chris Mullin at St. John’s, Clyde Drexler at Houston, Juwan Howard at Michigan, Mike Woodson at IU, Sidney Moncrief at UALR, Avery Johnson at Bama, Willis Reed at Creighton, etc.

Hmm …what is the common denominator with these guys? All were dismal failures.

I couldn’t wait till someone said all those old school greats. If you read my post carefully I said new generation legends. Love those guys you stated. I’m talking about 2026 with the way the games changed. Look at the miami dolphins recent coach. Who is he? Wears man Kapris and stuff. Just a chill dude. I feel
Like yall overplay all this coaching stuff.

overplay how mighty we are. We are UK basketball. We do have a rich history. Strong fan base. But on court success is scarce lately. We’ve been getting our *** kicked. We are a great program. There’s several great programs. All the unrealistic stuff has to stop.

I even agree with what yall are saying. He could come in and be worse than Pope. It’s possible. He could come in and take over college basketball. I’m open to know he could fail. I just wish yall could be open to see where in 2026 RAJON RONDO could most definitely coach and more than likely give way better results than what we have now.


Honestly do yall think Rondo wouldn’t bring UK more success than what we are witnessing? It’s just a hard no? Without thinking about where we are now days with the way everything is. Everything changing changing changing faster than ever. Are yall not sick of being a loser team? Like dead sick of this ****?

 

[mhs1964]

Love Rondo’s IQ. But he doesn’t have the resume. We took a swing on Pope that looks very likely to have missed. The next swing has to be a sure thing.

There’s no such thing as a sure thing. If Pope is let go in the next couple of years there is not one person that would make all happy.

 

[The Nightman2]

I couldn’t wait till someone said all those old school greats. If you read my post carefully I said new generation legends. Love those guys you stated. I’m talking about 2026 with the way the games changed. Look at the miami dolphins recent coach. Who is he? Wears man Kapris and stuff. Just a chill dude. I feel
Like yall overplay all this coaching stuff.

overplay how mighty we are. We are UK basketball. We do have a rich history. Strong fan base. But on court success is scarce lately. We’ve been getting our *** kicked. We are a great program. There’s several great programs. All the unrealistic stuff has to stop.

I even agree with what yall are saying. He could come in and be worse than Pope. It’s possible. He could come in and take over college basketball. I’m open to know he could fail. I just wish yall could be open to see where in 2026 RAJON RONDO could most definitely coach and more than likely give way better results than what we have now.


Honestly do yall think Rondo wouldn’t bring UK more success than what we are witnessing? It’s just a hard no? Without thinking about where we are now days with the way everything is. Everything changing changing changing faster than ever. Are yall not sick of being a loser team? Like dead sick of this ****?

That chill dude got fired. And I don't think rondo would be a chill dude

 

[caliman]

No more OJT.

 

[TuesdayBoost]

That chill dude got fired. And I don't think rondo would be a chill dude

I hope not I can’t stand that chill dude. I literally don’t know him. And ik for a fact Rondo wouldn’t be chill. We have wayyyy too much chill right now. But that’s my point… coaching is overplayed. Did he even play sports? Rondo will be a hall of famer one day. Hes eligible this year. If Mr nobody can coach a nfl team a legend of the sport can most definitely coach UK.

There’s not many coaches out there that haven’t been fired. It’s part of the game. You can win a championship and get fired. Ask tubby. Yea yea yea ik he stepped down.

 

[The Nightman2]

I hope not I can’t stand that chill dude. I literally don’t know him. And ik for a fact Rondo wouldn’t be chill. We have wayyyy too much chill right now. But that’s my point… coaching is overplayed. Did he even play sports? Rondo will be a hall of famer one day. Hes eligible this year. If Mr nobody can coach a nfl team a legend of the sport can most definitely coach UK.

There’s not many coaches out there that haven’t been fired. It’s part of the game. You can win a championship and get fired. Ask tubby. Yea yea yea ik he stepped down.

You might be right. But he could be another Jerry Stackhouse orr Penny Hardaway. Hard to say. No question he was a helluva player .

 

[TuesdayBoost]

You might be right. But he could be another Jerry Stackhouse orr Penny Hardaway. Hard to say. No question he was a helluva player .

Then we move on. We are in a situation much worse than Jerry stackhouse or penny hardaway. As much of a legend those two guys are… and ik some say penny was gonna be close to Mike if he didn’t get injured…. But he did get injured. Their careers don’t come close to Rondo in the slightest.


I really think UK fans underestimate how much respect Rondo demands in the basketball world. Because he’s one of ours we don’t think about it like that.

If he fails you move on. We’ve had coaches fail at UK. But to shut it down like he isn’t worthy just gets to me.


Even if he never coaches for UK…. There’s not many that ever played for UK or coached for UK that will die and have the accolades Rondo has when it comes to basketball. Telling me that man isn’t worthy is crazy.


Rondo did it at the highest level.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

Remember when yall lied and said he slept with Patrick Parks girlfriend. Remember when yall lied and said he was point shaving and the FBI was on campus? Raftards lying, a tradition like no other.

I thought it was Cherokee Sparks girlfriend.

 

[TuesdayBoost]

Jon Scheyer coaching at Duke. DUKE HAS BEEN THE IT SCHOOL FOR MORE THAN TEN YEARS NOW.


Rondo can’t coach Uk? Case closed. Cut it out with all this coach stuff. Let’s be honest. Pope and Cal both suck. Cal gets wayyyy better players. Cals a wayyy better coach because of that.

Rondo would get wayyyy better players. That’s all I’m sayin

 

[The Nightman2]

Then we move on. We are in a situation much worse than Jerry stackhouse or penny hardaway. As much of a legend those two guys are… and ik some say penny was gonna be close to Mike if he didn’t get injured…. But he did get injured. Their careers don’t come close to Rondo in the slightest.


I really think UK fans underestimate how much respect Rondo demands in the basketball world. Because he’s one of ours we don’t think about it like that.

If he fails you move on. We’ve had coaches fail at UK. But to shut it down like he isn’t worthy just gets to me.


Even if he never coaches for UK…. There’s not many that ever played for UK or coached for UK that will die and have the accolades Rondo has when it comes to basketball. Telling me that man isn’t worthy is crazy.


Rondo did it at the highest level.

I haven't kept up with him since he quit playing. Has he said anything about his future plans ? Saw hes learning under Doc Rivers. Had no clue about that.

 

[TuesdayBoost]

I haven't kept up with him since he quit playing. Has he said anything about his future plans ? Saw hes learning under Doc Rivers. Had no clue about that.

Yea I was happy when I seen that at the beginning of the season because there goes his “coaching experience “ he has to have at UK. Expect Rondo to be a NBA head coach before UKs.

Seriously coaching is overplayed and ik I said that ten times already. JJ reddick coaching the most storied franchise on earth? It’s not that serious. You get the best players and you roll the damn ball out there. You win a lot more than you lose when you have the better players. Be able to coach a little bit. Just have basic common sense.

All of us Bennys know what the coach should do every game right? Rondo would more than be ok. And look damn good on that Kentucky sideline.

 

[kingdom come cat]

NBA figures have heavily praised Rondos elite basketball IQ with Doc Rivers calling him the smartest player he ever coached and recalls Rondo would mentally run through plays during timeouts. LeBron James and Anthony Davis both suggesting he belongs in high-level coaching due to his high- level understanding of the game and brings a coach on the floor mentality to training. Brian Scalabrine highlighted Rondos ability to instantly recognize opposing sets and defensive alignments. Dwyane Wade mentioned that Rondo was instrumental in creating offensive game plans during plafoff series. Ja Morant have citied Rondo as a primary influnce on their passing and understanding of the game. And what recruits would not want to play for Rajon Rondo. We sure don't need this we have Pope

 

[TuesdayBoost]

NBA figures have heavily praised Rondos elite basketball IQ with Doc Rivers calling him the smartest player he ever coached and recalls Rondo would mentally run through plays during timeouts. LeBron James and Anthony Davis both suggesting he belongs in high-level coaching due to his high- level understanding of the game and brings a coach on the floor mentality to training. Brian Scalabrine highlighted Rondos ability to instantly recognize opposing sets and defensive alignments. Dwyane Wade mentioned that Rondo was instrumental in creating offensive game plans during plafoff series. Ja Morant have citied Rondo as a primary influnce on their passing and understanding of the game. And what recruits would not want to play for Rajon Rondo. We sure don't need this we have Pope

Did you hear where the Celtics and Lakers had to forfeit their championships because Rondo had some at home personal problems before? Na me either.

 

[kywildcat1021979]

This is definitely not a job that you learn on the go as a first time head coach. As we are seeing now if you don’t bring a resume when you come this is also not the for you to build a resume as you go.

Loved Pope as a player but if he doesn’t step aside at least after this season that love is slowly going away because of what he’s doing to the program. He’s continuing to burn down what Cal started burning down towards the end of his tenure.

 

[Bernie4blue]

Love Rondo’s IQ. But he doesn’t have the resume. We took a swing on Pope that looks very likely to have missed. The next swing has to be a sure thing.

Rondo and Pope both know basketball. The difference is the personality. Having the eye of the tiger. Pitino had it. I am sure Rondo has it. He was a good rebounder for a point guard, which in itself speaks to him being tough and aggressive and smart. Rebounds don't normally just fall into the hands of point guards. Pope knows the game, but he's a nice guy. That's not the personality you need to make it to the top.

 

[Bernie4blue]

I wouldn’t be a fan of that at all. He barely has any resume as a coach, and although he was a heady player with great court vision as a player, that often doesn’t translate to coaching because it’s hard to try and see that game from a lesser player’s perspective and give them instructions. Given that he famously fought with coaches everywhere from high school to the NBA, I’m also not sure he has the right temperament to develop college level players. It wouldn’t even be a thought if he wasn’t an alumni, and we see what that kind of hire is getting us right now.

The problem is not being an alumnus. The problem is being a nice guy. IMO

 

[Tri-Countycat]

Another 1st or second year coach killing it: I stated they’re at least ten and was mocked. I’ll ignore the obvious ones like BYU, Arkansas, Michigan, Pat Kelsey has recruited better bet results are still off, Vandy, Virginia,

here is another that appears to know ball.

 

[KFuqua]

No thanks! We don't need Rondo at Kentucky.

 

[TuesdayBoost]

No thanks! We don't need Rondo at Kentucky.

We don’t need one of our biggest stars at Kentucky? Even if it’s not coaching you just don’t want him around? Yea we deserve to get our *** kicked by Tennessee in the big dance every year. Every single year. We don’t deserve a damn thing at Kentucky. Let’s ride Pope to the end of times. Let’s ride mediocrity another 15 years!

 

[UKAlum84]

He had some great plays as a UK player and in the NBA....Who knows though for certain.

Some coaches never played ball and do well coaching.
Some coaches played ball and are not that good at coaching.

Its a paradox. You'd figure the best players would make great coaches but that is not always the case.

 

[PastorofMuppets82]

I think at best you offer him an assistant position (specifically in charge of guards and assisting with recruiting of guards) because former high level point guards see the game differently and the ones with elite basketball IQ have a decent track record of at least being solid, helpful, assistants. Some go on to be high level head coaches, but that number is very few. Rondo could certainly add value and fresh perspective to this staff, but I don't see a school like UK giving him his first real shot at the head man spot. But then again, I didn't see them given someone without a final four appearance (at the very least) or a conference championship the head coaching job either. Not a knock on Pope, I think everyone who loves or hates him can agree he was underqualified to be on our coaching search list. So who knows.

 

[USARMYWILDCAT]

I made this post as a hypothetical. I have read the replies to this thread. This has actually opened my eyes to a few things.

1. The older population of this fan base still believes that the name “Kentucky” can get us anything we want within college basketball. Immediately bock at the idea of someone like Rondo taking over as Coach. No, do I not believe Mark Pope is the right man for the job. I thought it was absolute maleficent from the beginning that he was even hired. A large portion of this fan base still believe that we can get rid of Mark Pope. Then we’re going to be able to just handpick any Coach we want. That is not going to happen.

2. Is North Carolina ecstatic with Hubert Davis being their head coach? No, I don’t think they are if you would ask most Carolina fans. The difference between Kentucky and North Carolina is. Carolina understands in today’s college basketball climate just having the “North Carolina” name does not mean you can just get whatever you want. Firing Hubert Davis doesn’t mean the next Roy Williams is waiting to come save the day. I think North Carolina fans understand that. Our fan base, especially the older ones have not got that memo yet. There’s not another Rick Pitino or John Calipari waiting to come save the day for us.

3. Is Mitch Barnhardt an issue? Yes that seems to be part of it. He definitely made two lazy hires with BCG and Mark Pope. He got bailed out with a good 10 year run from Cal. With that being said, this fan base has to be more realistic with their expectations. I’m not saying lower your standard for success. I’m saying your expectation of hiring a new coach has to change. Established coaches do not need the name “Kentucky” to succeed in the current climate of college basketball. Freaking Indiana just won college football playoff. Notice I didn’t say “Alabama”, I said “Indiana”, let that sink in. I’m not saying that our next coach needs to be Rajon Rondo. Just understand when you fire Mark Pope (and I think we should) there is not going to be an easy fix. You have to learn to be more open minded.

 

[JonathanW2]

Nothing against Rondo. But he has no head coaching experience. So that would be a big fat NOOOOO! Does he have any kind of coaching experience? If so, then I might be willing to add as an assistant.
I'm not saying you shouldn't hire past players, guys with a past connection, but that should not be a prerequisite. You are greatly reducing the talent pool if you do that, just to "keep it in the family". More often than not, keeping it in the family doesn't work. Sure if 2 guys have equal resumes, that can be the tiebreaker, but nothing more.

 

[kyjeff1]

T

What had Todd Golden won as a coach until last year? Looking back on it wouldn’t you have loved to have had him over Pope?

Todd Golden is an outlier and just like Scott Drew, probably caught lightning in a bottle.
Also, Florida is a football school, they care about football, so rolling the dice on an up and comer, is okay with them.
They also rolled the dice on Mike White, that failed.
This is UK, you should never be considered for this job if you don't have the resume. You have to have at least done more with less and consistently showed you have what it takes. Dusty May and Grant McCasland are prime examples of this.
I love Rondo, but he hasn't coached a single college basketball program, you don't hand the keys to a guy with that resume, heck, he doesn't even have a resume that proves he can coach, why would we do that?.
This is a much more difficult job than people realize. Pope understands the assignment, but he isn't capable of completing it.

 

[kyjeff1]

Do any of yall understand what perception means to young players? Do any of yall understand why Pope isn’t a good recruiter? I’m curious.

A lot of yall talk like yall think these recruits have your same mindset. These are kids. Rondo has Stokes and Kinney locked up for UK if he was head coach. Yall get how that works or yall think since he’s never been a head coach he would fail miserably?


No I can’t prove it. What I can prove is this season. Take a look. Take a look at our mighty program that expects the best to come begging but hands the keys to an unknown. We really are a wacky fanbase. I love it.

He could possibly be a great recruiter, but that is only one aspect of the job. He’s never been a head coach at any level, you don't give the keys to this program to a guy with zero head coaching experience.

Take a look at Memphis, Penny Hardaway is an NBA legend and gets great recruits, that program is terrible and his lack of coaching experience ensures they'll never be any good. Hire Rondo and we'll be Memphis 2.0.

 

[kyjeff1]

You were nowhere to be found during thhe 5 game winning streak but magically appear and haven't left since last night. Utter joke.

Are you able to just be regular? Every one of your posts is you ripping someone for having a different opinion than you. Grow the f*ck up.

 

[TuesdayBoost]

T

Todd Golden is an outlier and just like Scott Drew, probably caught lightning in a bottle.
Also, Florida is a football school, they care about football, so rolling the dice on an up and comer, is okay with them.
They also rolled the dice on Mike White, that failed.
This is UK, you should never be considered for this job if you don't have the resume. You have to have at least done more with less and consistently showed you have what it takes. Dusty May and Grant McCasland are prime examples of this.
I love Rondo, but he hasn't coached a single college basketball program, you don't hand the keys to a guy with that resume, heck, he doesn't even have a resume that proves he can coach, why would we do that?.
This is a much more difficult job than people realize. Pope understands the assignment, but he isn't capable of completing it.

I can agree with most of what you said. I gotta ask tho. Say Rondo gets a NBA head coach position and does pretty good for 5-6 years… would you consider that enough experience or do you have to coach college at a small school before being considered for UK job?

I get it doesn’t have to be a small school but do you think a UK head coach has to come from college?

 

[USARMYWILDCAT]

T

Todd Golden is an outlier and just like Scott Drew, probably caught lightning in a bottle.
Also, Florida is a football school, they care about football, so rolling the dice on an up and comer, is okay with them.
They also rolled the dice on Mike White, that failed.
This is UK, you should never be considered for this job if you don't have the resume. You have to have at least done more with less and consistently showed you have what it takes. Dusty May and Grant McCasland are prime examples of this.
I love Rondo, but he hasn't coached a single college basketball program, you don't hand the keys to a guy with that resume, heck, he doesn't even have a resume that proves he can coach, why would we do that?.
This is a much more difficult job than people realize. Pope understands the assignment, but he isn't capable of completing it.

I agree with you, I was trying to make a point that I didn’t relay very well. The big problem I see with the next coaching search is. We’re not going to be able to hire May or McCasland. Those guys do not need the “Kentucky” name to succeed. We’re going to have to go out and to find our own May or McCasland. I don’t know if our fan base has the stomach for that. A large portion of this fan base thinks that the name on our jersey can still get us any Coach we want. That’s just not going to be the case. I for one think the best way forward would be to go hire someone young like Jai Lucas. He seems to have the makings of a future superstar head coach. This fan base just laughs in your face when you even bring up names like Jai Lucas. They don’t even give it a realistic thought because they still believe the next Rick Pitino or John Calipari is waiting to save the day.

 

[kyjeff1]

I have worse charges than all of them combined. I’m a two time felon. People grow. People change. And titles on court documents make things sound worse than the actual situation 95% of the time.

Yeah, people do change, but more times than not, they don't and that's just a fact.
If you had a young daughter, would you trust a 2 time convicted child molester to be alone with her?
It's one thing to commit one aggravated, or serious crime, but when you do it a second time, that's who you are, sorry, there are consequences when you do stupid sh*t.

 

[TuesdayBoost]

I agree with you, I was trying to make a point that I didn’t relay very well. The big problem I see with the next coaching search is. We’re not going to be able to hire May or McCasland. Those guys do not need the “Kentucky” name to succeed. We’re going to have to go out and to find our own May or McCasland. I don’t know if our fan base has the stomach for that. A large portion of this fan base thinks that the name on our jersey can still get us any Coach we want. That’s just not going to be the case. I for one think the best way forward would be to go hire someone young like Jai Lucas. He seems to have the makings of a future superstar head coach. This fan base just laughs in your face when you even bring up names like Jai Lucas. They don’t even give it a realistic thought because they still believe the next Rick Pitino or John Calipari is waiting to save the day.

Exactly. It kills me when people say THIS IS KENTUCKY. Nobody gives a flying fook. Kentucky is just another school if you aren’t a Kentucky fan.

Yea if the right coach came here and had a chip on his shoulder to prove he could return us to that glory that would be awesome. But simply stating this is Kentucky is gonna get us where we are at now.


I want to be able to say THIS IS KENTUCKY also. At the moment Kentucky is the definition of average.

 

[Catman100]

Pope is more qualified.
Maybe in ten years, but not now.

 

[TuesdayBoost]

Pope is more qualified.
Maybe in ten years, but not now.

Warriors come out to playyyaayyy

 

[kyjeff1]

Pressure following Pope or nick saban? If you was gonna follow any coach at Kentucky , Pope would be the one imo.

It’s really 50/50 with any coach I reckon.
Say we hire Hurley next year. Do you think he automatically succeeds just because he did at UConn? I get it he’s qualified. I would like him. I just feel like the risk of hiring Hurley is the same as hiring Rondo. They could both succeed or fail.

Two championships is no joke. I’m not trying to convince anyone Rondo is as safe a hire that Hurley would be but the risk reward factors is huge for both imo.

Hurley brings a lot to the table Rondo can’t. Rondo can bring a ton of things that Hurley can’t.

All im saying is I wouldn’t be mad if I heard breaking news Rajon Rondo hired as next UK men’s basketball coach.

To act like a two time NBA champ legend couldn’t coach here is a wild take. Yea he could do good or bad. I feel he would kill it. If we are losing just pull a gun on the other team and steal the ball am I right?

You think the risk of hiring Danny Hurley is the same as the risk of hiring Rajon Rondo???

That's a terrible take. Hurley is a 2 time national title winning coach, Rondo hasn't coached a single game. The risks are not even in the same universe. Hurley would own college basketball here.

 

[GoCATSGo77]

Jon Scheyer didn't have much of a resume' either, and seems like he is doing just fine at Duke.

 

[TuesdayBoost]

You think the risk of hiring Danny Hurley is the same as the risk of hiring Rajon Rondo???

That's a terrible taoe. Hurley is a 2 time national title winning coach, Rondo hasn't coached a single game. The risks are not even in the same universe. Hurley would own college basketball here.

He’s a two time national champion over there at a school ESPN loves and pushes. Over there on the east coast. He could come to UK and miss the tournament. We will never know. We will never know if Hurley or rondo will do good at Kentucky.

 

[Dr.LutherSan]

ADs and fans wanting to hire guys because they were former players of the program:

 

[kyjeff1]

I can agree with most of what you said. I gotta ask tho. Say Rondo gets a NBA head coach position and does pretty good for 5-6 years… would you consider that enough experience or do you have to coach college at a small school before being considered for UK job?

I get it doesn’t have to be a small school but do you think a UK head coach has to come from college?

Actually no, being a head coach of an NBA franchise means you are coaching a team full of pros, the best of the best, you don't have to develop young players and build a team out of them
Plus, the NBA is so different than college.
The guy at BYU is doing a good job, but having Dybansta and Saunders will cover up a lot of flaws. I don't know what his coaching background is prior to the NBA, but he seems to be a pretty good head coach. He’s on a very short list of NBA guys that did well as college coaches. Larry Brown is really the only other one I can think of.