Well, this will help things

[SmedMoley]

Hilarious that you people think Cal should pay attention to you. Cal should only care about his players, Mitch and big money boosters. That’s it.

We'll see how much attention Cal should pay to the fans.

And I'll tell you this- Cal is already listening to the fans. Every snarky comment he makes is because he's paying attention.

 

[ManitouDan_anon]

We'll see how much attention Cal should pay to the fans.

And I'll tell you this- Cal is already listening to the fans. Every snarky comment he makes is because he's paying attention.

correct . He can’t stand the fans , us lowly fans , actually are correct about many many moves he won’t make , until public pressure forces him too .

 

[cats#1again]

Things being what they are, it’s easy to just walk away from all of it. Kentucky fans reward 1 thing over all others. If you are a true Kentucky fan, you will know exactly what this one thing is. And it’s not just the players. It’s every single person that is involved with the program. Yesterday he saw the need to call out a kid for not knowing where to position himself on defense. Somewhere on the bench is a guy getting paid half a million to a million dollars to teach this kid. If he doesn’t know then that’s on you, Coach.

He blames the schedule. Teams are changing schedules like they take a piss these days. Find some teams to come in mid week and play. Quit scheduling games at supper on Sunday.

You left out most of what he said. Just mentioned the part that fit your agenda. Heck I don't hate ya for it.
What he said was ... The kid left the game script. They practiced this very thing all week because they had plenty of time. When it was game time the kid forgot or didn't want to do it that way.

Now, how much more can a coach show a player where to be and teach him?
What a player does on the floor is only the fault of the player

 

[SmedMoley]

He probably should have retired at that point. Go out on Top like John Wooden

In retrospect maybe. Crazy as it sounds. 2014-2015 was really the only great season after the title year of 2012. And that was a perfect storm of unexpected returning players. Players like that haven't been returning since except PJ Washington. If those players hadn't returned you're looking at Ulis, Booker, Towns and Lyles being your team. That team struggles for a few games. Fox and Monk team was a good one. They had a legit chance to win it all. But it wasn't a great season. 2013, 2014 regular season, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 regular season- nothing great about those teams.

 

[kybassfan]

How you and a select few cant comprehend that fans have reasons to be upset (that are completely logical reasons ) is odd. Cal will openly criticize himself and admit to mistakes but you and a select few can’t see that he’s not perfect. Their is no such thing as a perfect coach in any sport. You’re being a insecure zealot yourself but on the opposite end of the debate. I’m not trying to be mean, but when you and Baller Cal constantly go on the defensive even on fair criticisms, your in the same category.

Nobody is saying you can’t be upset. Lay in the floor, beat your chest, rip out your hair, let your head explode. I really could care less. What I am saying is that your preadolescent angst is utterly futile. Cal isn’t leaving. No changes are going to take place until Cal can get fundamental skills in place.

By all means. Throw tantrums. It’s entertaining to watch fools piss into fans and cry for more water so they can piss harder.

 

[zannmann]

Guess we could cheer on the ladies. They are ranked 9th and don’t even have a coach.

 

[kybassfan]

In retrospect maybe. Crazy as it sounds. 2014-2015 was really the only great season after the title year of 2012. And that was a perfect storm of unexpected returning players. Players like that haven't been returning since except PJ Washington. If those players hadn't returned you're looking at Ulis, Booker, Towns and Lyles being your team. That team struggles for a few games. Fox and Monk team was a good one. They had a legit chance to win it all. But it wasn't a great season. 2013, 2014 regular season, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 regular season- nothing great about those teams.

See how utterly insane these people are?

 

[FrankUnderwood]

Seriously doubt if you ever watch a game either. How could you when you’re constantly slurping Cal’s drippings? Got fog proof glasses or something?

I’m sure he’s a nice enough guy (truly) but he’s essentially a cuckold.

 

[cats#1again]

In retrospect maybe. Crazy as it sounds. 2014-2015 was really the only great season after the title year of 2012. And that was a perfect storm of unexpected returning players. Players like that haven't been returning since except PJ Washington. If those players hadn't returned you're looking at Ulis, Booker, Towns and Lyles being your team. That team struggles for a few games. Fox and Monk team was a good one. They had a legit chance to win it all. But it wasn't a great season. 2013, 2014 regular season, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 regular season- nothing great about those teams.

You basically just said if you don't win a title every year there's no sense in being the coach.
At what point did our fan base become entitled? I'll answer for you.. 2010. John calipari brought wealth by the masses.
Before he arrived we had won two titles in the last 34 years. Only a handful of final fours. How do some of you guys not see this?

 

[Woodrow24]

Nobody is saying you can’t be upset. Lay in the floor, beat your chest, rip out your hair, let your head explode. I really could care less. What I am saying is that your preadolescent angst is utterly futile. Cal isn’t leaving. No changes are going to take place until Cal can get fundamental skills in place.

By all means. Throw tantrums. It’s entertaining to watch fools piss into fans and cry for more water so they can piss harder.

I never said anything close to that. You’re acting crazy as the ones that do the things your talking about. Your lack of self awareness is baffling. I should have known better then to address your post. I’ve never once said Cal should be fired. Have a good Sunday Bass.

 

[kybassfan]

I never said anything close to that. You’re acting crazy as the ones that do the things your talking about. Your lack of self awareness is baffling. I should have known better then to address your post. I’ve never once said Cal should be fired. Have a good Sunday Bass.

Reading lessons. Where did I indicate you said anything about firing anyone. I was stating certain constants. Things that will not change this year. Now if you want to beat your head on a solid wall, fine. I guess you’ll have a bruise to whine about too.

I’d suggest focusing on basketball and things that will change. Better rotation on defense, better spacing on passing, improved shot selection. Warning though. When they improve on these skills, they’ll start winning.

 

[SmedMoley]

See how utterly insane these people are?

If I were you I wouldn't question anyone else's sanity.

 

[SmedMoley]

You basically just said if you don't win a title every year there's no sense in being the coach.
At what point did our fan base become entitled? I'll answer for you.. 2010. John calipari brought wealth by the masses.
Before he arrived we had won two titles in the last 34 years. Only a handful of final fours. How do some of you guys not see this?

No. You missed it. How's Towns' walk again?

 

[kybassfan]

If I were you I wouldn't question anyone else's sanity.

I’m not the one making insane claims

 

[Woodrow24]

Reading lessons. Where did I indicate you said anything about firing anyone. I was stating certain constants. Things that will not change this year. Now if you want to beat your head on a solid wall, fine. I guess you’ll have a bruise to whine about too.

I’d suggest focusing on basketball and things that will change. Better rotation on defense, better spacing on passing, improved shot selection. Warning though. When they improve on these skills, they’ll start winning.

Listen, you can’t complain about anyone whining when your doing so in every thread. You need some self awareness before you insult people. No one gets mad at you because you leave no doubt about your intelligence the more you post. Have at it keyboard warrior. Lol your hilarious

 

[SmedMoley]

I’m not the one making insane claims

Give yourself some credit- you absolutely do make insane claims!

 

[Woodrow24]

I’m not the one making insane claims

[roll]

 

[kybassfan]

[roll]

Insane laughter.

 

[kywildcat1021979]

we've been whistling by the graveyard for a few years now

Senior night is gone, a meaningful tradition at UK to honor a players dedication the program and all they've given.

The 3 point shot record was lost and now we have Kansas quietly trying to pass us in all time wins

Scheduling at Rupp has gone to an almost embarrassing level of non competition as the list of teams Cal will not play grows

Rupp Arena actually reduces seating and still can't fill it unless its a marquee game

OAD revolving door has created fan apathy to where an increasing number of fans don't bother to watch

To some extent we're all guilty in what the program has become. We went all in on the coach who had a revolutionary system but what we didn't realize was it was the basketball equivalent of a pyramid scheme.

and like all pyramid schemes, we can't replace what is leaving fast enough to keep the dividends paying off.

Even if Cal does turn it around this season, what we have now isn't Kentucky Basketball. The price we've paid to have Cal get his way is too great.

What is Kentucky Basketball? Its a fans connection the program. Anyone who says otherwise just completely ignores what has made Kentucky Basketball a continual force in college athletics for almost 80 years. You don't get that because you had 1 good coach, one good AD - you get that because the state, the fan base and the University prioritize its excellence year over year, and if excellence isn't being achieved , collectively those 3 entities demand change. All 3 may not agree in sync, but eventually they all come to realize the situation isn't going to improve with the current situation.

It may not be a return to having a Senior Night, it may not result in UK having a home and home series with Indiana, it may not be Rupp Arena selling out as the hottest ticket in the state, but in order for Kentucky to continue well into the future as a dominant basketball program, the fan's support has to still be its driving force.

Its why we get the best coaches, its why we have the best facilities, its why we get the best players. At the core nothing anyone does at the University of Kentucky in regards to the program being such an influential force in the state happens without fan support. We're an SEC school and one of the poorest states in the nation. You don't build a powerhouse basketball program without fans being all in.

The direction the program is going in now - beyond wins and losses - is not sustainable to keep the enthusiasm for the program to thrive. Short of a national title every 5-7 years this disconnect has already created and will continue to cause harm to what makes Kentucky Basketball a consistent top program. And even with National Titles, the fan disconnect is so great that its an empty victory. Players you don't know winning at a program you only partially pay attention to.

Passionate fans say its about the name on the front of the jersey, not the back.. Its a bit different at Kentucky. We don't *know* the name on the back of the jersey, and because of that, we're losing our connection to the name on the front.

I'm afraid the damage to our program may not be reversible.

If I were Mitch, about 90% of my time at the moment would be dedicated to devising ways to bring fans back to the program.

Well said best post I've read in a while and it hits it right on the head!

 

[Woodrow24]

Insane laughter.

Have a great day Bass. At least try to occasionally have a day without insulting multiple people. Have some grown up conversations every now and then. Idk if I should laugh or feel sorry for you sometimes.

 

[kybassfan]

Have a great day Bass. At least try to occasionally have a day without insulting multiple people. Have some grown up conversations every now and then. Idk if I should laugh or feel sorry for you sometimes.

Oh, don’t worry about me. I’m not the one beating my head against the wall over things that won’t change.

 

[richbrookstomato]

we've been whistling by the graveyard for a few years now

Senior night is gone, a meaningful tradition at UK to honor a players dedication the program and all they've given.

The 3 point shot record was lost and now we have Kansas quietly trying to pass us in all time wins

Scheduling at Rupp has gone to an almost embarrassing level of non competition as the list of teams Cal will not play grows

Rupp Arena actually reduces seating and still can't fill it unless its a marquee game

OAD revolving door has created fan apathy to where an increasing number of fans don't bother to watch

To some extent we're all guilty in what the program has become. We went all in on the coach who had a revolutionary system but what we didn't realize was it was the basketball equivalent of a pyramid scheme.

and like all pyramid schemes, we can't replace what is leaving fast enough to keep the dividends paying off.

Even if Cal does turn it around this season, what we have now isn't Kentucky Basketball. The price we've paid to have Cal get his way is too great.

What is Kentucky Basketball? Its a fans connection the program. Anyone who says otherwise just completely ignores what has made Kentucky Basketball a continual force in college athletics for almost 80 years. You don't get that because you had 1 good coach, one good AD - you get that because the state, the fan base and the University prioritize its excellence year over year, and if excellence isn't being achieved , collectively those 3 entities demand change. All 3 may not agree in sync, but eventually they all come to realize the situation isn't going to improve with the current situation.

It may not be a return to having a Senior Night, it may not result in UK having a home and home series with Indiana, it may not be Rupp Arena selling out as the hottest ticket in the state, but in order for Kentucky to continue well into the future as a dominant basketball program, the fan's support has to still be its driving force.

Its why we get the best coaches, its why we have the best facilities, its why we get the best players. At the core nothing anyone does at the University of Kentucky in regards to the program being such an influential force in the state happens without fan support. We're an SEC school and one of the poorest states in the nation. You don't build a powerhouse basketball program without fans being all in.

The direction the program is going in now - beyond wins and losses - is not sustainable to keep the enthusiasm for the program to thrive. Short of a national title every 5-7 years this disconnect has already created and will continue to cause harm to what makes Kentucky Basketball a consistent top program. And even with National Titles, the fan disconnect is so great that its an empty victory. Players you don't know winning at a program you only partially pay attention to.

Passionate fans say its about the name on the front of the jersey, not the back.. Its a bit different at Kentucky. We don't *know* the name on the back of the jersey, and because of that, we're losing our connection to the name on the front.

I'm afraid the damage to our program may not be reversible.

If I were Mitch, about 90% of my time at the moment would be dedicated to devising ways to bring fans back to the program.

BRAVO sir!!!

This is EXACTLY why I feel so hurt and angry over what is happening to UK Basketball.

But Mitch is NOT doing half of the things needed to "bring fans back to the program", which has EXPONENTIALLY increased the tension surrounding UK Basketball. Cal is MOST of it, but Mitch's attitude toward the "average" fan has caused APATHY to enter into the ONE fan base I thought would NEVER be in that position!!

 

[calismyhero]

You left out most of what he said. Just mentioned the part that fit your agenda. Heck I don't hate ya for it.
What he said was ... The kid left the game script. They practiced this very thing all week because they had plenty of time. When it was game time the kid forgot or didn't want to do it that way.

Now, how much more can a coach show a player where to be and teach him?
What a player does on the floor is only the fault of the player

You play the kid when you feel like he can go into the game and help your team. My point being, you keep that stuff between you and the player. Why put that out there? Kids’ confidence is shook already. I saw a whole team not ready to play yesterday. You don’t single out one guy. That’s why basketball is a team game. He’s paid well enough to instill things into these kids.

 

[Woodrow24]

Oh, don’t worry about me. I’m not the one beating my head against the wall over things that won’t change.

Cal can win with no stars or five stars. He can change and I hope he does if that will improve our program. You may not be old enough to remember his teams before he coached here. Ive never made a single post saying he should be fired or anything like that.

Actually I’m enjoying the day with my family and talking about my favorite sports team on here with some great fans. I thankfully don’t get as upset on this board as you do. If I got upset enough to constantly insult people to the level that you do I would give up posting. Life’s to short for that.

 

[wildcatdon]

You don’t watch the games, you just camp out here after any loss. Says a lot.

And Ellen is back. Gracious.

 

[Susan2361]

we've been whistling by the graveyard for a few years now

Senior night is gone, a meaningful tradition at UK to honor a players dedication the program and all they've given.

The 3 point shot record was lost and now we have Kansas quietly trying to pass us in all time wins

Scheduling at Rupp has gone to an almost embarrassing level of non competition as the list of teams Cal will not play grows

Rupp Arena actually reduces seating and still can't fill it unless its a marquee game

OAD revolving door has created fan apathy to where an increasing number of fans don't bother to watch

To some extent we're all guilty in what the program has become. We went all in on the coach who had a revolutionary system but what we didn't realize was it was the basketball equivalent of a pyramid scheme.

and like all pyramid schemes, we can't replace what is leaving fast enough to keep the dividends paying off.

Even if Cal does turn it around this season, what we have now isn't Kentucky Basketball. The price we've paid to have Cal get his way is too great.

What is Kentucky Basketball? Its a fans connection the program. Anyone who says otherwise just completely ignores what has made Kentucky Basketball a continual force in college athletics for almost 80 years. You don't get that because you had 1 good coach, one good AD - you get that because the state, the fan base and the University prioritize its excellence year over year, and if excellence isn't being achieved , collectively those 3 entities demand change. All 3 may not agree in sync, but eventually they all come to realize the situation isn't going to improve with the current situation.

It may not be a return to having a Senior Night, it may not result in UK having a home and home series with Indiana, it may not be Rupp Arena selling out as the hottest ticket in the state, but in order for Kentucky to continue well into the future as a dominant basketball program, the fan's support has to still be its driving force.

Its why we get the best coaches, its why we have the best facilities, its why we get the best players. At the core nothing anyone does at the University of Kentucky in regards to the program being such an influential force in the state happens without fan support. We're an SEC school and one of the poorest states in the nation. You don't build a powerhouse basketball program without fans being all in.

The direction the program is going in now - beyond wins and losses - is not sustainable to keep the enthusiasm for the program to thrive. Short of a national title every 5-7 years this disconnect has already created and will continue to cause harm to what makes Kentucky Basketball a consistent top program. And even with National Titles, the fan disconnect is so great that its an empty victory. Players you don't know winning at a program you only partially pay attention to.

Passionate fans say its about the name on the front of the jersey, not the back.. Its a bit different at Kentucky. We don't *know* the name on the back of the jersey, and because of that, we're losing our connection to the name on the front.

I'm afraid the damage to our program may not be reversible.

If I were Mitch, about 90% of my time at the moment would be dedicated to devising ways to bring fans back to the program.

This is one of the best posts I have ever read on here. Thank you for saying what a lot of us are thinking and feeling.

 

[Lovebaskelball]

Don't you know that coaches and players never read the papers, message boards or listen to the radio or watch tv. Yet know every little thing said or printed about them.

It reminds me of coaches that are mico-managers and have complete control and knowledge about their programs. That is until something bad happens and they have no knowledge about the events and they cant possibly be responsible to know.

 

[Susan2361]

Remember this Coach Cal? What happened?

I miss that Cal. But it makes you kind of wonder...was that the "real" Cal?...or is the Cal of today the "real" Cal?

 

[Crawfords Corner]

And after the 10 games--care to elaborate?

Ill reassess what I think this team can actually do on the court, temper my expectations accordingly and root for the team. As it relates to Coach Cal not much will change other than I might become a little more "vocal" on here about how disappointed I am in Coach.

 

[UKortho]

Reading lessons. Where did I indicate you said anything about firing anyone. I was stating certain constants. Things that will not change this year. Now if you want to beat your head on a solid wall, fine. I guess you’ll have a bruise to whine about too.

I’d suggest focusing on basketball and things that will change. Better rotation on defense, better spacing on passing, improved shot selection. Warning though. When they improve on these skills, they’ll start winning.

This team, in my opinion, will have a losing record and miss the tournament. I’ll gladly admit I am wrong if the season progresses as you believe. We are 1-4, playing poor basketball, and have a coach that needs to change his game plan. I am concerned he will not however. Is there a glimmer of hope, perhaps. He went to a zone for a brief period and started pressing a little earlier than he has in the past. He needs to continue experimenting and show that he is not a one trick pHony. I don’t see it. Too much has to change.

 

[UKortho]

Don't you know that coaches and players never read the papers, message boards or listen to the radio or watch tv. Yet know every little thing said or printed about them.

It reminds me of coaches that are mico-managers and have complete control and knowledge about their programs. That is until something bad happens and they have no knowledge about the events and they cant possibly be responsible to know.

His answers to questions show that the criticism is getting to him. People like him are easy to read. He has a big ego, but he wants universal praise. It burns him that UK fans are starting to criticize.

 

[UKortho]

I miss that Cal. But it makes you kind of wonder...was that the "real" Cal?...or is the Cal of today the "real" Cal?

A lot of us do. He has all the money he needs, a “lifetime contract”, and could easily get a job at a lesser school. He has zero worries compared to most of us. Having that kind of security leads to complacency, stubbornness, and an attitude of “screw them”. Hungry employees make great employees. I see it all the time. Folks nearing retirement, having saved money during their careers, often say screw your to the organizational leaders. Skip meetings, quit trying, etc. that’s my view of Cal and I hope he hits the reset button. That is what truly great leaders do. They don’t lie, refuse to change, and act like they don’t care- which is Cals’s response so far.

 

[kybassfan]

This team, in my opinion, will have a losing record and miss the tournament. I’ll gladly admit I am wrong if the season progresses as you believe. We are 1-4, playing poor basketball, and have a coach that needs to change his game plan. I am concerned he will not however. Is there a glimmer of hope, perhaps. He went to a zone for a brief period and started pressing a little earlier than he has in the past. He needs to continue experimenting and show that he is not a one trick pHony. I don’t see it. Too much has to change.

2014

 

[TankedCat]

A lot of us do. He has all the money he needs, a “lifetime contract”, and could easily get a job at a lesser school. He has zero worries compared to most of us. Having that kind of security leads to complacency, stubbornness, and an attitude of “screw them”. Hungry employees make great employees. I see it all the time. Folks nearing retirement, having saved money during their careers, often say screw your to the organizational leaders. Skip meetings, quit trying, etc. that’s my view of Cal and I hope he hits the reset button. That is what truly great leaders do. They don’t lie, refuse to change, and act like they don’t care- which is Cals’s response so far.

its not lack of work ethic, its not wanting to change his system or approach because he is putting his priorities ahead of the program - you know, the same thing he chastises his players for doing

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

Hilarious that you people think Cal should pay attention to you. Cal should only care about his players, Mitch and big money boosters. That’s it.

Nobody is above the program. Cal seems to think he is right now. The program is what it is in part because of the fans. Why do you think Rupp arena holds over 20K fans. You think they built it that big for truck pulls and rodeos?

He doesn't have to listen to fans but he doesn't have to belittle them and mock them. That is never a good look on anyone.

No fans that understand how things work expect him to listen to them in a sense of, he needs to what fans want in every aspect, but the reason he is making the big salary he is is because UK is a top notch job with a huge fanbase.

The death nail for any program is fan apathy. It's why schools a lower programs have so many coaches is because coaches use that school to get to a job like UK. You think Bama built a stadium that holds oveer 100K just to have something to do? They did it to accomodate the fans.

If the fans didn't matter at all, every stadium would be as small as possible

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

I miss that Cal. But it makes you kind of wonder...was that the "real" Cal?...or is the Cal of today the "real" Cal?

I thought the same thing. Was he just playing to the crowd or did he mean it?

 

[willievic]

I'm sure that most of you, have noticed that a Cal Sucker, KyBassFan, thinks that Cal walks on water, and that most UK fans are ignorant when it comes to basketball. He doesn't have a problem that were 1-4, two of the teams have losing records, one is basically a Mid-Major, and the other one's coach owns Cal. Beats him like a rented mule.

My only opinion of him, or one of the facts about him, he is a LOSER, and obviously has never known how to be a WINNER. I hope he has more knowledge about fishing, then he does about basketball. If not, he's a LOSER there, also.

I'm sure that you have noticed, that when you put facts on here, he tries to disregard them with his BS, since he doesn't know basketball. If I was as dumb as him on basketball, I believe I would keep my thoughts to myself. UK fans know basketball, it hard to BS them, and we know when fans don't know what their talking about, and coaches aren't doing a good job. Records don't lie, and most UK fans think that moral victories are for LOSERS, who don't know how to WIN. Maybe he would be better if he called himself, KySuckerFan.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

 

[TankedCat]

I'm sure that most of you, have noticed that a Cal Sucker, KyBassFan, thinks that Cal walks on water, and that most UK fans are ignorant when it comes to basketball. He doesn't have a problem that were 1-4, two of the teams have losing records, one is basically a Mid-Major, and the other one's coach owns Cal. Beats him like a rented mule.

My only opinion of him, or one of the facts about him, he is a LOSER, and obviously has never known how to be a WINNER. I hope he has more knowledge about fishing, then he does about basketball. If not, he's a LOSER there, also.

I'm sure that you have noticed, that when you put facts on here, he tries to disregard them with his BS, since he doesn't know basketball. If I was as dumb as him on basketball, I believe I would keep my thoughts to myself. UK fans know basketball, it hard to BS them, and we know when fans don't know what their talking about, and coaches aren't doing a good job. Records don't lie, and most UK fans think that moral victories are for LOSERS, who don't know how to WIN. Maybe he would be better if he called himself, KySuckerFan.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

this is a pit you don't want to go down, he lives for this kind of attention and response on here. When you come to realize he doesn't believe anything he says, he just enjoys being the contrarian and for whatever reason, probably due to the make up of the board and calculating his longevity when he first started posting on Kentucky sites, he chose the side of uber UK coach supporter. That's simply a position taken in order to create interaction and have an opportunity to insult Kentucky fans.

at the end of the day, insulting Kentucky fans is priority #1 for him and I wish more people realized it.

 

[Pewee Cat]

we've been whistling by the graveyard for a few years now

Senior night is gone, a meaningful tradition at UK to honor a players dedication the program and all they've given.

The 3 point shot record was lost and now we have Kansas quietly trying to pass us in all time wins

Scheduling at Rupp has gone to an almost embarrassing level of non competition as the list of teams Cal will not play grows

Rupp Arena actually reduces seating and still can't fill it unless its a marquee game

OAD revolving door has created fan apathy to where an increasing number of fans don't bother to watch

To some extent we're all guilty in what the program has become. We went all in on the coach who had a revolutionary system but what we didn't realize was it was the basketball equivalent of a pyramid scheme.

and like all pyramid schemes, we can't replace what is leaving fast enough to keep the dividends paying off.

Even if Cal does turn it around this season, what we have now isn't Kentucky Basketball. The price we've paid to have Cal get his way is too great.

What is Kentucky Basketball? Its a fans connection the program. Anyone who says otherwise just completely ignores what has made Kentucky Basketball a continual force in college athletics for almost 80 years. You don't get that because you had 1 good coach, one good AD - you get that because the state, the fan base and the University prioritize its excellence year over year, and if excellence isn't being achieved , collectively those 3 entities demand change. All 3 may not agree in sync, but eventually they all come to realize the situation isn't going to improve with the current situation.

It may not be a return to having a Senior Night, it may not result in UK having a home and home series with Indiana, it may not be Rupp Arena selling out as the hottest ticket in the state, but in order for Kentucky to continue well into the future as a dominant basketball program, the fan's support has to still be its driving force.

Its why we get the best coaches, its why we have the best facilities, its why we get the best players. At the core nothing anyone does at the University of Kentucky in regards to the program being such an influential force in the state happens without fan support. We're an SEC school and one of the poorest states in the nation. You don't build a powerhouse basketball program without fans being all in.

The direction the program is going in now - beyond wins and losses - is not sustainable to keep the enthusiasm for the program to thrive. Short of a national title every 5-7 years this disconnect has already created and will continue to cause harm to what makes Kentucky Basketball a consistent top program. And even with National Titles, the fan disconnect is so great that its an empty victory. Players you don't know winning at a program you only partially pay attention to.

Passionate fans say its about the name on the front of the jersey, not the back.. Its a bit different at Kentucky. We don't *know* the name on the back of the jersey, and because of that, we're losing our connection to the name on the front.

I'm afraid the damage to our program may not be reversible.

If I were Mitch, about 90% of my time at the moment would be dedicated to devising ways to bring fans back to the program.

I hope Cal & Mitch read this. You just said what 99% of Cat fans think & don't know how to put it. THANKS!!!!

 

[kyjeff1]

I remember seeing on some show, maybe his 30 for 30, on the floor in New Orleans Cal told his wife he was glad he won a title now he can relax and do what he wanted. Or something to that effect.

Yes, I remember it well. He said "well, now we got that out of the way and now we can concentrate on the kids… " that stuck with me.