Bobby Knight and Kentucky basketball: The war continues

Bob Knight/Courtesy: collegesportsfeed.com

This is nothing short of odd. We may be a day or two late in reporting the 1st part of this story. You know, the part where College basketball coaching legend and ESPN analyst Bob Knight calls out John Calipari and the University of Kentucky.

Knight, apparently on Saturday took umbrage with Calipari and the 2009 Kentucky basketball team. Answering a question during a speech at Wabash University, he accused UK of starting 5 players that didn't go to class that semester. Blaming that as a reason for a "One-and-done philosophy" now permeating college hoops.

Well, Kentucky responded today. Wildcat AD Mitch Barnhart saying Knight's assertion was "Blantantly erroneous" and "The University of Kentucky, our student-athletes and their families take great offense" to what was said.

Read the full story from the Lousiville Courier-Journal RIGHT HERE

This is stupid. Knight knows better. Or he should. Sure, we've taken shots at Calipari and Kentucky, but we would make that assertion, not without proof. And he didn't have any proof. There's plenty of proof that several of the UK players were actually pretty good students. Sure, there were some issues (ie: Eric Bledsoe), but none were proven.

Knight isn't wrong about one thing. The "One-and-done" issue in College basketball should be addressed. It's a problem. College football requires at least 2-years of players and there's no legitimate reason basketball can't do the same. Yeah, we know we've harped on the NCAA and their lack of commitment to anything academic or for the athlete.

But keeping kids in school another year doesn't hurt anyone. The money is going to be there. If they are good enough to leave after one season. They'll be good enough to leave after two. And maybe, just maybe they might catch on to the idea of getting their degree. It's just a thought....

Here's the video/speech that started the war. You'll have to skim through the really annoying titles/graphics to get to it. Sorry. (Courtesy: Joedctalk)

VCU Knocks Off Florida State In OT To Get To Final 8

Now, they get Kansas...
The Jayhawks had no issue with Richmond
((HT: CBSSports/NCAA))


Others that moved to the next round included North Carolina- who get Kentucky after their upset of Ohio State...

The Tarheels had no issue with Marquette...
((HT: CBSSports/NCAA))


Here's the end of the Kentucky-Ohio State game...
Until it gets pulled...
((HT: CBSSports/NCAA/youtube))


More when we know more...

Calipari Apologizes For Tirade

((HT: WLEX-TV Lexington))

Kentucky coach John Calipari has apologized for his tirade toward freshman Terrence Jones last night after the Wildcats loss to Alabama.

Calipari apologized on his Twitter and Facebook pages saying he "got caught up in the emotion of the game," but added that it isn't an excuse.

Coach Cal was hacked at Jones for what he thought was playing outside the team ideal. Jones finished with 17 points against Alabama, but committed four turnovers and took the final play as time expired.

Calipari wanted Doron Lamb to shoot.

Here's Kent Spencer from WTVQ-TV/ABC36 in Lexington with the highlights...


Jones responded on his Twitter feed last night...
"If ur saying ur parents never said anything to you that hurt ur feelings and then apologized to you after ur lying. I'm happy and blessed for playing for Cal. Don't think otherwise."

Kanter Permanently Ineligible For UK

((HT: WLEX-TV Lexington))

The NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee upheld an earlier NCAA decision that rendered "freshman" Enes Kanter permanently ineligible for receiving more than $33,000 in impermissible benefits while playing for the Turkish club team Fenerbahce two years ago.

What is it about Fenerbahce these days...??? Iverson, Taurasi, and Kanter...???

The ruling means Kanter will not be able to play, practice or travel with the team but will be able to receive financial aid should he choose to remain at the school.

"We are obviously disappointed in this decision and find it unfortunate that a group of adults would come to such a decision regarding the future of an 18-year-old young man," coach John Calipari said.

Alan Cutler is in the newsroom...


President Lee T. Todd, Junior was less than pleased in a statement...

"I'm very disappointed in what appears to me to be an inconsistent decision that leaves an outstanding young man without any recourse. It's very disappointing that this young man, who along with his family intended to do everything the right way and in compliance with the rules, won't be able to pursue his dream of playing at UK and in intercollegiate athletics. As an NCAA board member, I continue to be puzzled and confused by the reasoning behind this decision, which seems to be an inconsistent and arbitrary application of the rules. It is unfortunate and disappointing that Enes and his family have been negatively impacted by this process. It is certainly a matter I will continue to try to understand and question in my remaining time on the board as part of an organization, whose stated purpose is to put families and student athletes first." - Lee T. Todd, Jr

UK's Kanter "Permanently Ineligible"

((HT: WLEX-TV Lexington))

Enes Kanter's eligibility status had been in question ever since he set foot on the True Blue campus because of his involvement with a Turkish team, Fenerbahce, for three seasons.

While he competed primarily for the club’s under-18 junior team, he did compete on the club’s senior team in 2008-09. Kanter received $33,033 more than his expenses for the 2008-09 season.

That's a big boo-boo...

Kanter then moved to the United States in 2009 and attended a prep high school before enrolling at Kentucky this fall.

The university is appealing the decision to something called the "Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee" at the end of the month. It's amde up of representatives from NCAA member colleges, universities and athletic conferences and can reduce or remove the conditions, but it cannot increase the conditions imposed by the staff.

A new NCAA rule that allows prospective student-athletes to compete on teams with professionals while maintaining their amateur status ((wouldn't you know Coach Cal would find this one)) prior to college applies; but the NCAA thinks benefits exceeded "actual and necessary expenses."

“Enes took advantage of an opportunity to play at the highest level available to him, but the consequences of receiving payments above his actual expenses is not compatible with the collegiate model of sports that our members have developed,” said Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president of academic and membership affairs.

Kanter can still practice, in the interim, but he can't compete or travel with the team while the appeal is pending.

Here's Alan Cutler in the newsroom...

Where there's smoke there is fire...Eric Bledsoe may still get in trouble...

Eric Bledsoe at Kentucky/Courtesy: flagrantfouls.com

We first told you about this back in May read it RIGHT HERE.

The story, about one of Kentucky's "One and Done's" from this past season in basketball. The player is former Kentucky basketball player Eric Bledsoe.

Bledsoe, though not the lynchpin of the 2009-10 team, contributed and was thought of highly enough to be drafted in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Now comes word that the story in May, may have been on to something. It appears, in a published report today, that there is a rather large question about what...and how Bledsoe acquired a grade he needed in order to qualify at Kentucky.

Al.com has more, read it RIGHT HERE

If we are a part of the Kentucky basketball program, we might be worried right now. It may turn out to be much ado about nothing. But it may not.

There seems to be a pretty big discrepancy about just how Bledsoe finished his time in high school. There also seems to be a strong effort by the people involved at the high school level to not discuss this at any length.

While it is plausible that he made the intellectual leap between his junior and senior years in high school, we, quite honestly don't buy it. If we are John Calipari and the "Big Blue Nation", we'd also be very concerned. There have been several mentions over the years about making deals with the devil, they could very easily come back to haunt you.

Here is what qualifies as big news in Lexington, Bledsoe's agreement to play for Kentucky. Thanks YouTube:

Calipari Decision '09: Tracking Cal

Those of us at OSG HQ are throwing darts at a dartboard at the moment, but we'll guess this is a flight that will carry a coach ((and, possibly, family members)) from Memphis to Lexington/Blue Grass...

This plane is set to land at, about 7:15 weather permitting...

Enjoy staring at a computer screen and losing what's left of your eyesight...
((HT: OSG's Subscription to Flightaware))

More when we know more...

Calipari Decision '09: Plane Heads To Lexington

((HT: Memphis Commercial Appeal))




Geoff Calkins from the MCA actually had a source in a Memphis donut shop earlier Tuesday. His source named "Deep Crueller (sic)" said Coach Cal was in the shop for exactly 8, count 'em, 8 minutes. Calipari gave the following revelations:


** In addition to Kentucky, Arizona came after him over the weekend offering not a salary but a blank check. Calipari said, "No thanks."

** He was in the Memphis Athletic Office Building yesterday but slipped out a side door.

** He loves Memphis but is drawn to the history and prestige of Kentucky. Calipari said it's one of five programs -- along with North Carolina, Duke, UCLA and Kansas -- any coach would have to consider.


If you're into reading tea leaves -- or coffee grounds, if you prefer -- Calipari did say two things that should have Memphis fans worried.



"Things will be OK here," he said.



And also: "Taking the job is the easy part of the decision. Leaving here is the hard part."



Meanwhile, Jerry Tipton's blog in Lexington has Coach Cal talking to some of the predecessors at UK to get the feel for the gig.

He talked to Joe B. Hall, Eddie Sutton, Tubby Smith, and apparently even Rick Pitino.

WKYT-TV, within the last half-hour, has Calipari looking like one of those targets in the shooting gallery game at the county fair.

WREG is now reporting a close source to the Calipari family tell them that John Calipari keeps changing his mind and nothing is definite.

Former Kentucky coach Joe B. Hall told the Memphis station that he did speak with Calipari about the job but that Calipari did NOT say he was accepting the position.

Rob Bromley and Mark Kennedy have the early news out of Lexington:

WREG has confirmed a chartered plane has filed plans from Memphis to Lexington, KY for the purpose of taking John Calipari to the University of Kentucky. News Channel 3 has learned from a source very close to the program that U of M coach John Calipari has met with members of his staff at his home and has announced his decision on the University of Kentucky job.

All indications are that he is moving to Kentucky.

Calipari Sleeping On UK Offer

((From Andy Katz at the four-letter and WREG-TV3...))

John Calipari decided late Monday night to sleep on Kentucky's offer to become its next basketball coach, a source close to the situation said.

The two sides had inched ever closer to a deal throughout Monday that could make him the highest-paid coach in the country.

While Calipari met with Memphis officials earlier Monday, representatives for both sides were working out details of an agreement. Sources told ESPN.com that the offer is believed to be for eight years and around $35 million.

Florida's Billy Donovan is currently the highest-paid coach in the country, securing a deal for $3.5 million per year after his second national championship.

Calipari had a morning meeting with his players to discuss his interest in the Kentucky opening, and players came away convinced their coach would leave for Lexington, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported, citing a source close to the situation.

"He told us he's going to keep us posted," Memphis freshman forward Wesley Witherspoon told WHBQ-TV in Memphis.

The Wildcats had a short meeting at their practice gym Monday afternoon. Asked afterward if they had a new coach, senior Jared Carter said, "I think so." Asked if it was Calipari, Carter shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't know."

Several other Kentucky players, including stars Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson, were escorted by university staffers and did not comment after leaving the Joe Craft Center. Calipari met with Kentucky officials on Sunday at an undisclosed location, at which time he was given an outline on the length of a deal and contract dollars to succeed Billy Gillispie, the source said.

According to The Associated Press, Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson said in a statement that the university will do whatever it can to retain Calipari, who has four years left on his contract paying him $2.35 million annually.

But more than money, Calipari has to decide if he wants to leave a program that he has transformed into a national championship contender for Kentucky, one of the most tradition-rich programs in the sport that has recently fallen upon hard times.

Calipari's top recruit, DeMarcus Cousins, has made an oral commitment to Memphis, but because national letters of intent do not have to be signed until next month, Cousins could easily follow Calipari to Kentucky if he were to become the Wildcats' coach.

Calipari has a longstanding rivalry with Louisville coach Rick Pitino, who coached Kentucky to a national championship in 1996, and would have the opportunity to go head-to-head with him within the borders of a state that considers college basketball to be the national pastime.

Calipari To Lexington: Your 8:00 Update

((HT: WREG-TV3))

Of course, Memphis coverage is wall-to-wall...

We check in with Glenn Carver who has some interesting names to take over should ((or "when")) Coach Cal ((pictured, thanks Memphis Commercial Appeal)) leaves for Lexington...

Those of us at OSG HQ have our own name to add, but we'll hold off for a day or so...

Let the presser happen, then we'll let you know...

Jerry Tipton's blog in Lexington has the process wrapping up...

UK president Lee Todd declined to confirm Calipari as the leading candidate. But when asked about the process on Monday, Todd said, “It’s going to move quickly.”

Stumbling blocks include the contract- the length and the compensation- as well as the recruits, both sets of Gillispie's that were headed in and Calipari's that were headed to Memphis.

Does Coach Cal dig any of Gillispie's guys...? Is he bringing all of his kids from Memphis...?

John Clay's blog has word from the MCA that Nolan Dennis' mom has said that there's a "deal" where Dennis would be released from his LOI if Cal leaves Memphis. Dennis, then, could follow in the caravan to Lexington.

Dan Wolken's work in the MCA follows that thought with two important others:

1) Calipari may have been lobbying for current UTEP coach, and former Tiger assistant, Tony Barbee in a meeting with high-falootin' Tiger boosters this afternoon.

2) Wesley Witherspoon, Roburt Sallie and Angel Garcia all may strongly consider transferring from Memphis if Calipari accepts the Kentucky job.

Memphis is expected to make a strong bid to keep Calipari with a financial package that would make him the highest paid coach in basketball, according to another source.

More when we know more...

Memphis Grants Kentucky Permission To Talk To John Calipari

It appears Kentucky has John Calipari in their cross heirs as the new head coach. The University of Memphis has given Kentucky permission to speak to coach John Calipari about the Wildcats' head coaching position.

Athletic director R.C. Johnson said in a statement Monday that Calipari could meet with Kentucky representatives, but stressed Memphis will do whatever it can to retain the coach.

The Memphis Commercial-Appeal reported Monday that Calipari met with his Memphis players this morning to discuss his involvement with the University of Kentucky opening.

While Calipari did not say explicitly what he planned to do, players left the meeting convinced that Calipari would take the job. According to a Commercial - Appeal source, Calipari told the team that Kentucky was the Notre Dame of basketball.

Kentucky spokesman DeWayne Peevy would not confirm or deny an ESPN report that Wildcats officials had met with Calipari and were prepared to offer him the job.

OSG contacted sources at Kentucky but they aren't speaking either.

Photo Courtesy: Mark J. Rebilas/US Presswire

Kentucky Campaign '09: Pitino Says Go With The Native Sons

While it appears John Calipari is "interested" in the Kentucky job, UK hasn't asked for permission to talk to Coach Cal. Any doubt though that Calipari is openly campaigning for the Kentucky gig through the backchannels?

The interest though could be mutual as sources tell the 4-letter word that Kentucky is in the process of gathering information on Calipari.

Back to the campaign because former Kentucky head coach Rick Pitino is doing just that for a couple of his former players, Travis Ford and John Pelphrey.

"If you said to me right now, in three years, who will be one of the bright young stars in our game, I would say, without reservation at all, that John Pelphrey or Travis Ford would both be young stars in the game." Pitino said.

"On top of that, they are beloved by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and all their fans, what they call Big Blue Nation. I don't care where they're at, they love Oklahoma State, love Arkansas, but those two guys, you cut them open, and it spells UK. That's what I would do. "

There's no doubt Kentucky blue runs through the veins of Travis Ford and John Pelphrey. As native sons they could adjust to the demands of the gig quicker than someone from the outside. The question is are they seasoned enough to win games at the elite level.

Ford and Pelphrey do have their former coach on the stump on their behalf however, Pitino is the Louisville head coach now. How does that sit with the power brokers within the Big Blue Nation? Does Pitino's thoughts move the needle with them?

Let the dance continue.

Calipari And UK Interested In Each Other

Thus the courtship begins...

"Hey, do you think he likes me...?"
"Why don't you go ask...?"
"No, why don't you go ask...?"

We've hit that stage where the two parties are in class and one of them is about to pass the note asking to check one box or the other...

From Jerry Tipton's blog in Lexington and the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper are telling us one of the worst-kept secrets on this or any other planet- that Memphis Head Coach John Calipari ((pictured, thanks Sue Ogrocki/AP)) might like to go out on a date soon with someone from the University of Kentucky.

From Tipton:

According to former UK All-American Mike Pratt, who provides commentary on radio broadcasts of games and will assist the search, Kentucky wants a coach who can handle all aspects of a high-profile coaching job: Strategy, recruiting, leadership, role model, motivator, public relations man and, in UK’s case, ambassador for the program, university and Commonwealth.

It also can be noted that friends of Calipari spread the word of his interest in the Kentucky job when it came open two years ago. So it’s easy to presume he’s still interested.

From Dan Wolken in Memphis:

University of Memphis coach John Calipari is open to meeting with officials from the University of Kentucky about its head coaching position and could do so as early as today, according to a source close to the situation.

As of Sunday night, Kentucky officials had not contacted Memphis asking permission to speak to Calipari, according to sports information director Lamar Chance.

ESPN.com reported Sunday night, citing a source close to Kentucky, that the school had gathered information on Calipari over the weekend.

Calipari has four years left on a contract that pays him $2.35 million annually, plus an annuity that averages $1 million over the course of the deal, which runs through 2013. Memphis, according to sources, has also been working on a contract extension that would significantly increase Calipari’s total package.

It’s still unclear whether Kentucky has made Calipari its top choice or whether Calipari would be inclined to take the job if offered.

WREG-TV caught up with Coach Cal when the team landed back in Memphis after their loss and he addressed the whole Kentucky-thing...

Kinda...