Late Night Updates

Well hello there Rick

Jon Hood has been named Mr. Basketball in Kentucky for 2009. He was excited to hear John Calipari was UK's new coach.

Konner Tucker, the Juco PG from Texas has de-committed from UK. He was Gillispie's most recent signing.

Xavier Henry will consider UK, but Kansas has very strong ties.

John Wall will consider UK, but Kansas, Duke, Miami, and Baylor are still in the running.

And props to Bob and Tiffany, senior officials in our Northern Kentucky Bureau, for alerting me what every UK fan is now thinking.

Also...

Interested in the history of Calipari and Pitino? ESPN's Marty Dobrow lays it out for us.

OMG!! ESPN!! LOL!!

John Calipari sent a text to ESPN's Andy Katz this evening:

"I am accepting the UK job! Go Big Blue, coach Cal"

How about that for being comfortable with the "extras" that come with being the UK coach?

Live Blogs

A couple of live blogs are on tap for tonight.

John Clay will be on at 8.

KSR will have one at 10. Good luck with this one, since they have been slammed and their servers are struggling to keep up. You can go to coveritlive.com and register for a free account and get to it that way.

See you there. But right now, all I want to do is....dance.

Michael Jackson - New Music - More Music Videos

Wow Clay. Didn't know you were that kind of a dancer. TheBigBooyah, on the other hand, prefers to rock it like this.

The Real Winner in all of this is.................

The Door! Never in my life have I been more intrigued by rusted out piece of metal. Maybe only when I was a child trying to sleigh ride down a hill. If you think the John Calipari coming to Kentucky story had legs, see what all this guy's been up to. He has a Facebook group now, a few Deadspin features, an AOL feature, and even a t-shirt! As long as he doesn't pull a Billy Donovan, PANDA WATCH 2009 concludes here. :-(

OFFICIAL! Calipari moves to Lexington -- brings wife too

John Calipari will be the next coach of Kentucky. He leaves Beirut Memphis to take over the winningest program in college basketball history. What a difference 48 hours makes. Louisville was on top of the basketball world as the overall #1 seed, then lost. Now Kentucky basketball will dominate the headlines going into the 2009 Final Four. I'm guessing somewhere T-Will is dancing, much like he was 48 hours ago. Let's go.

CBS Sports
Yahoo Sports
FoxSports.com
LEX 18
Sporting News
CatsPause - The Cats have done well in Memphis in 2009.

Quick, someone change Wikipedia! My guess is it would be an awesome site to see the cars driving into Bluegrass Airport from a bird's perspective tonight. Memphis had 12 people outside his house to convince him to stay. Kentucky fans scrambling to get to the airport will be similar to watching a group of moths fly toward an open flame. Wrecks are happening all over the great city of Lexington as we speak.

PANDA WATCH 2009

***6:19 pm UPDATE***
Just spoke to Clay. He will be eating at Wah Mei from the local Chinese restaurant. On the other hand, I'm still on a heavy diet of chewy Sweet Tarts and Red Bull. This may be why the latest posts have been quick, not thought out, and nervous sounding.

It ain't over yet.

News Channel 3 WREG continues to say that Calipari is wavering on his decision to come to UK.

We're not out of the woods yet!

***5:12 pm UPDATE***
With all due respect to former Coach Joe B. Hall, if he was the guy on behalf of UK to give the final recruiting pitch to Calipari, I don't like our chances. Somebody get Nazr on the phone fast!

***5:22 pm UPDATE***
Matt Jones says UK has given Calipari a deadline for tonight. Finally. He might not come, but at least someone at UK is starting to put the hammer down.

***5:36 pm UPDATE***
AP reporting UK has sent a private jet to Memphis scheduled to land at 5:15 CDT. I'm guessing a pilot will have the ultimate say-so whether or not we have a new coach on board. You wonder why I named this PANDA WATCH 2009??

***5:50 pm UPDATE***
Al Cowlings Someone arrived at John Calipari's house in a white Ford Bronco multiple SUV's to escort Johnny C. to the airport. Now if we just knew if he was gonna get on the plane or not. Commercial Appeal reporting same.

***6:10 pm UPDATE***
Of all the people I've met in my life, the two people I've known to have ever worked for the Bluegrass Airport have come back to give me inside info. They have confirmed planes fly into and out of the Bluegrass Airport, some privately chartered. My source also tells me the privately chartered plane will be bringing "The Door" with them. You're welcome.

Could this be it?

The CBS affiliate in Memphis, News Channel 3, is reporting Cal has made the decision, is coming to UK, and is at his home now explaining to staff how rich he is going to be.

Official yet? No, but at least it is something on this terribly quiet day.

*** 1:55 pm UPDATE ***

MyFox Memphis once again has a live feed outside the UofM athletics office. --EDIT the feed is now outside Cal's gated house.

No one else (ESPN, CBS, WKYT) is saying anything, so this is still very much up in the air.

***2:48 pm UPDATE ***

WKYT is confirming the report. So is the Courier-Journal. It is starting to grow legs.

Bozich is saying Cal is calling former UK coaches. And he plans on calling Eddie Sutton? Uh-oh.

News Channel 3 has their own live feed of Cal's house. MyFox Memphis is back to "the door". -- Thanks to reader "Tiffany" for the scoop.

***3:55 pm UPDATE ***

ESPN and CBS Sports have finally updated their pages, but they aren't saying the deal is done yet. They are saying the Cal is still meeting with his staff and coaches and still hasn't told the schools of his decision. Sounds like they are slow with the info.

*** 4:05 pm UPDATE ***

News Channel 3, on its live web feed, reported that Cal has backtracked from his decision to come to UK and is now undecided on what he will do. They are also reporting Joe B Hall says the report of Cal calling him to say he was coming to UK is false.

***4:56 pm UPDATE***

If it's taking Calipari this long to decide, he's not coming. Either you will or won't. I bet Memphis keeps sweetening their end of the deal. It's all a big negotiation play. (Strictly my paranoid opinion)

PANDA WATCH 2009

The latest updates are saying ya boy Calipari is driving around Memphis trying to decide what he's going to do. The longer this drags out, the grayer my hair gets.

***UPDATE***
Courier-Journal says the decision is sometime this afternoon. Arizona offered him as well. He said, "No thanks."

Who are your top 13?

I am trying to ignore the anxiety I am feeling on not hearing any news. Matt Jones at KSR says the holdup hinges upon what UK will do with BCG's committments. According to Jones, Calipari isn't too impressed with them, and that only 1 is close to UK-level talent. That is surprising, because that should include Orton, Hood, and GJ.

So, let's discuss the 13 scholarship spots that UK has to offer and who should get them. NCAA rules view scholarships as a yearly renewable offer. In other words, just because you got a scholarship last year, you aren't guaranteed one this year.

My 13, in no particular order, are:

1. Pat Pat
2. Jodie Meeks
3. John Wall
4. DeMarcus Cousins
5. Xavier Henry
6. Daniel Orton
7. Darius Miller
8. John Hood
9. Ramon Harris
10. Harrelson/Pilgrim (one of the two)
11. Perry Stevenson
12. Liggins/Vilarino (one of the two)
13. Kevin Galloway

Those that don't make the list that currently have scholarships are given the choice to walk on.

Disagree with me in the comments section.

March 31st: On this date...

... in every year of eternity is apparently the worst day ever (see above). As I was going through my morning routine, I flipped the calendar over and the page was all black with the words, "WORST DAY EVER" on it. Something about John Wooden's last game, something about Final Four vs. Georgetown and shooting 9% in the 2nd half, and something about Miles Simon. Can someone please tell me why we couldn't have signed Calipari yesterday? Yesterday was a day full of greatness, today..........notsomuch. Let's hope Coach Calipari gives us a reason to start celebrating this day and not add another chapter of misery for Big Blue Nation.

Who is this guy?

This guy looks vaguely familiar, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Seems like he has had something to do with UK sports, but it has been so long ago I can't really remember.

The only thing out of the ordinary about this video is his reaction to whether Calipari has called Gillispie. BCG asks not to answer the question. You'd think BCG wouldn't have much to say on it, and a simple, "No, why would he call me?", would be fine. His reaction, however, makes you wonder if he has been called.

As Monday winds down, here's where we stand:

Andy Katz says an 8-year/$35 million contract is very close to being signed.

Reports of Memphis millionaires going to Calipari's house tonight for one last ditch effort.

Larry Vaught and LEX 18 are confirming from multiple sources Calipari has been hired by UK. (see below)

Nothing from ESPN, Yahoo, CBS, SI involving confirmation of hiring. Each saying its very close though.

Wikipedia, on the other hand, said John Calipari was the UK coach. Good enough for me!
(I think its been updated now to say otherwise)

Jodie Meeks = All-American

Lost in the hubbub of Panda Watch 2009 was the fact Jodie Meeks was named a freakin' All-American by the Associated Press. Second team mind you, but All-American is All-American in my book. The crappy end to the 2009 season cast a big shadow over what was one of the best player seasons I've seen in my lifetime, topped off by the best individual performance in Kentucky basketball history.

Time for Debbie Downer

Mark Story has an open letter to Lee Todd. You wanna hire John Calipari, really?

Another video here. Funny stuff. Anyone else think they are much funnier when the cast can't keep a straight face?

March 30th: On this date...

... in 1996 & 1998, the UK basketball team added two chapters to its storied legacy. First, in 1996, The Greatest Team Ever revenged an early season loss to #1 UMASS by knocking them off in the game everyone knew was the real NCAA title game. Antoine Walker and Tony Delk led the '96 Cats to an 81-74 victory over one of the smuggest, cockiest best young coaches in America, John Calipari.

Two years later on this date, Tubby Smith led a far less talented group of Cats to San Antonio to bring home Kentucky's 7th National Championship. The team, known as the Comeback Cats, were down 13 to Utah before winning 78-69. Jeff Sheppard was Most Outstanding Player, Scott Padgett was All-Final Four for the second straight year, and Wayne Turner appeared in his third straight Final Four.

Nazr calling the shots?

In one of the stranger happenings of the day, SI.com's Seth Davis reports John Calipari has already received a call from one of Kentucky's most famous and powerful alumni........................Nazr Mohammed?!?! Davis says Nazr called Coach Cal to recommend he hire former UK great Scott Padgett to be an assistant coach if he were to make the trek to Lexington. Are we sure Memphis isn't using this as a ploy to keep Calipari in Conference USA country? I can believe Daryl Isaacs being a Heavy Hitter, but NAZR?!?! JV squad stud NAZR??

WHAS11 says the deal is done

http://www.whas11.com/justposted/stories/whas11-topstory-090330-calipari-uk-coach.87f62981.html


...As does Larry Vaught.

And LEX 18, the Kentucky Kernel, and these people.

***UPDATE***
"Sources" tell me that Rick Pitino is offering to pay UK $3M to hire Gillispie back.

Monster Deal?

FoxSports.com's Jeff Goodman is reporting Cal and UK are nearing a monster deal worth in excess of $5 million/year. He would also receive the rights to any children born after 5:00 pm today, rights to all moonshine production from eastern Kentucky, and live in the castle on Versailles Rd. If you know someone who's "preggers", tell them to spit it out now.

***3:59 UPDATE***

Cal is the man! Reporting a 6 year deal worth about $40 million. You do the math. The more I'm hearing, the above paragraph seems spot on.

Press conference set for as soon as late this afternoon to announce John Calipari as the new basketball coach of Kentucky. Everyone should meet on campus on with their molotov cocktails..............................(kidding).

Hurry Up and Wait

An angry mob of UK fans have gathered at the corner of Euclid and Woodland to await Calipari's decision.

PANDA WATCH 2009: The latest:

Meanwhile, a Memphis radio station is reporting that Calipari has a 3:30 meeting with Memphis boosters. He could give his decision then. There is also talk of a possible 4 p.m. announcement. I’ve been told that another station is reporting that Calipari will not decide until tonight.

***3:28 UPDATE ***

Jerry Tipton is reporting that a deal is close to being finalized and John Clay is saying he has heard that the UK team has been told to be ready for a 4:30 meeting.

A Fox station in Memphis has a live feed online, outside the Memphis athletics offices. You can view the live feed here. I just saw Alan Cutler chasing Calipari into the building.

"We're gonna need a bigger boat"

Meet your newest UK recruits (assuming Cal is our guy):

Demarcus Cousins - 6'9"-250lbs. - 5-star power forward. Consensus top 5 player for 2009. Has not signed a letter of intent, will follow Cal.

John Wall - 6'4"-184 - 5-star point guard. Highly sought after by many schools. Exactly what UK needs. Memphis is on his short list, and thoughts are that UK would be on his short list if Cal were here.

Nolan Dennis - 6'5"-185lbs. - 4-star shooting guard. Has signed LOI, but mother says there is a provision that he can get out of it and follow Cal.

Xavier Henry - 6'6"-210lbs - 5-star shoting guard. Has signed LOI, but also says he has the option to be released and follow Cal.

The question then remains, where are we going to find enough scholarships?

***3:09 UPDATE***

Rumor is that Marc Maggard is reporting that Cal has turned down Memphis' counter offer and has resigned as Memphis head coach. Do we really want to hire an unemployed coach?

Let's take a breath for a moment and make sure...

Eric Crawford plays devil's advocate on the Calipari hire.

It isn't anything new, just the fact that Cal could be a risk from an NCAA violation standpiont, and that he is surprised Mitch is even considering the hire since Mitch is committed to a clean program.

However, Eric seems excited about the possibilities, just like the rest of us.

ITS ON!??!??!??

According to these guys. Everyone get out your Kentucky salt shakers, ear muffs, hand soap, etc. One Memphis player says it sounded like he was leaving Baghdad Memphis. Where did I put my Kentucky tighty whities again?

***12:48 pm UPDATE***
FoxSports.com's Jeff Goodman reports no offer has been made, but meetings with a third-party have taken place. No meetings with Barnhart or Todd have taken place. Your refresh button hates you right now, no?

***12:55 pm UPDATE***
Jerry Tipton says UK has officially asked Memphis to discuss its vacant coaching position with John Calipari. He says its near a done deal. He's currently on SportsCenter. REFRESH, REFRESH, REFRESH.

***1:22 pm UPDATE ***
Gary Parish says we could know in the next 24 hours.

Rick Bozich says that William Wesley, a very close friend, says: "What's going to happen is going to be monumental for college basketball. It's going to be exciting. It's going to be great."
REFRESH!

Calipari hints he will take the job

"A source" (here we go again) close to a memphis newspaper is saying that Calipari has met with his players and hints that he will take the UK job.

University of Memphis coach John Calipari met with his players this morning
to discuss his involvement with the University of Kentucky opening, according to
a source close to the situation.

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

***UPDATE***
oops, looks like Mark had already posted a link below. Sorry to repost. Carry on.

***12:11pm UPDATE***
Get out all your UK paraphernalia, ITS ON.

Calipari to UK?

Andy Katz is reporting John Calipari met with UK officials yesterday to discuss the open head coaching position. He notes Calipari is meeting with Memphis officials today....but for what? If this goes down, two of our biggest rivals will absolutely hate our new coach, Loserville and Tennessee. And that would make me smile.

***UPDATE***

Andy Katz says he would be surprised if Cal didn't come to UK.

One thing is for sure, if this doesn't work out, Mitch Barnhart is going down in a blaze of glory.

Jody Demling (Courier-Journal) is giddy about the recruiting possibilities if Cal made the trek to Lexington.

*** 11:25am UPDATE***

The Memphis Commercial Appeal is reporting John Calipari has met with his team concerning the opening at UK.

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

We went through this the other day with Donovan, so temper your excitement.

More as we know it.

In other news, Billy Gillispie won an award for being the biggest whiner of the week. (NBC Sports)

What a great day!

A reenactment of today's game.

Today was a great day.

After church, I filled my belly up with spicy catfish at cracker barrel, then retreated home to a nice comfy couch. The couch was too comfy, and I fell asleep. All I remember is waking up and seeing the Michigan St. players celebrating the win.

Life is sweet.

I guess we should have seen a UofL loss coming. Pitino doesn't want Calipari to have a leg up on him in the persuit of the UK job. So, like coach Cal, Pitino threw the game today so that he could begin his discussions with Mitch and the gang.

My sources tell me that Pitino and Cal will begin a bidding war tomorrow for the job, with the job going to whoever is willing to take it for the least amount of money. By the end of the day, I'd say they will be paying us for the ability to takeover as head coach. That's what my sources are telling me, at least.

#1 Cards go down to Izzo, Spartans 64-52

Louisville sucks. No, seriously...look at the picture. All is well in the Bluegrass again.

Pitino on UK

As Clay mentioned yesterday, Rick threw his two cents in on who he thought UK should hire to be their next coach. I don't know what it is, but I could listen to that traitor talk all day. Four minute video below.

Rick Pitino's thoughts

Tom Izzo on UK coaching vacancy

Enjoy a great sports Sunday.

March 29th: On this date...

... in 1997, your #5 University of Kentucky Wildcats took down the #3 Minnesota Gophers to advance to the NCAA title game vs. Arizona. These were the first back-to-back Final Four trips for the Cats since 1947-1948. Ron Mercer (19 pts), Anthony Epps (13 pts), Cameron Mills (10 pts), and Scott Padgett (9 pts) led the way for Kentucky in the 78-69 victory. It was impressive enough the Cats made it back to the title after losing Derek Anderson to a knee injury. Anderson came in to shoot two free throws after a Clem Haskins technical, giving him two points in a game in which he never officially logged a minute.

Rick Pitino "helping" with the coaching search

He wore this suit to the job interview - to be satan.

Rick Pitino evidently feels the need to give advice.

There is no question Ricky knows how to coach and motivate players. He knows how to build programs and win ballgames. However, evidently Ricardo knows a thing or two about who should be the next coach at UK. In the post-game presser for the Arizona game, Pitino stated that Ford or Pelphrey would be perfect for the UK job, and one of them should be hired.

He knows what he is doing. Stirring the pot.

As soon as I can find a link of the video, I'll throw it up.

Afternoon Roundup

The press conference was nothing to write home about, simply Billy Gillispie auditioning for a new job. I thought it might get ugly when I first heard about it, but Billy either thought better of it, or his counsel got to him in time and told him it would be a bad idea. He was his post-UK "whoa is me I'm trying to walk away with 6 mil" self, which is totally understandable. He called a press conference to say everything was fine and he holds no ill-will toward anyone at the University (yeah right). A press conference done for no other reason than damage control.

For a recap of the press conference, click here.

Matt Jones has an interesting take of some behind-the-scenes stuff that could have led to the dismissal. Many rumors have been out there about his relationship with the players. This may be some proof. FYI - he's not the only one with said "happenings". Smoke = Fire.

Jodie Meeks' father says he supports the UK Athletic Department decision 100%. Smoke = Fire.

Rob Gidel also lets his feelings be known in a great piece on KSR. Billy Clyde still doesn't get it.

Billy Clyde Presser

For a guy who did not enjoy the celebrity of the Kentucky coaching job, it sure is ironic Gillispie is conducting his own press conference tomorrow at 11:00am at Griffin Gate.

From the live chats of John Clay and Matt Jones tonight, the consensus seemed to me Billy Gillispie had to go. As a coach, relationships with your players are the most important thing on Earth. From what I'm understanding, this coach had absolutely horrible relationships with his players. And as much in the know as these guys are, I'd be hard pressed to disagree with either. If there are any truth to rumors of Meeks, Miller, Stewart, Liggins, Harrelson, etc transferring, Billy had to go.

At the same time, rumors are rumors. We'll never know anything for sure unless the players come out and say something about it. At this point, they might just want to move on with their lives. One the other hand, if anyone is in contact with the players on a regular basis, tell them to get in contact with me and I'll grab the rights to a tell-all book and give them a handsome cut. I'll give you a finder's fee as well.

Maybe taking some time to get a coach isn't a bad thing. We rushed and got duped last time. Why not talk to alumni (former players) to get a feel on everything. They would pack more of a punch than simply Mitch Barnhart. You can roast me below if you'd like but Oklahoma's Jeff Capel and Villanova's Jay Wright are at the top of my wish list. I'm simply not sold on Travis Ford just yet. Don't know what it is, but I'm not. One thing is for sure though - if and when Kentucky announces a new basketball coach, I will convince myself this man is THE ONE. Hopefully you will too. We cannot stay divided, the terrorists will win.

Uh, now what?

I've just fired my coach. Now what?

Oh, fellow Cat fans. What does the future hold? After Tubby left, I was confident the next coach would see immediate results. I couldn't wait until the coaching decision was made so that we could start the celebration. This time around, I am not as optimistic. I wasn't really excited about Donovan, but would have been comfortable with the hire. Now that he has withdrawn his name, my outlook turns quite negative. The only option I could get excited about is Calipari, but don't think there is any chance that he will get a sniff due to his brushes with the NCAA. Even with the excitement I would have for Calipari, I myself would have my own worries about his ethics.

John Clay is planning on a live blog tonight at 9:00. I plan to be there because I'm desperate for some hopeful news. Especially the way Loserville is currently thumping Arizona.

Update:

Matt Jones at KSR is doing a live blog on KSR tonight as well. His is starting at 9:30...depending on if their server cooperates.

Alan Cutler is the freakin' man

Reader K.C. brought to my attention video of Alan Cutler of WLEX 18 chasing Billy Clyde down a hallway in which the following exchange took place:

Cutler: "Billy, you're not really gonna run away from me are ya?""
(both running down a hallway - Cutler with 10-inch mic in BCG's face - BCG on cell phone)
BCG: "You need to get in shape don't ya?"
Cutler: "I can run all day with you."
BCG: "hehehe"
Cutler: "Your reaction Billy?"
(BCG runs into office and looks back at security gesturing towards Cutler)
BCG: "Nope. Nope. Get 'em out!"

Round 2 tomorrow at 11:00am? Can't wait to see what Cutler's got in store for the cowboy.

No Dono

WKYT says Donovan is not interested in the UK job.

"No successor is in place"

These words were spoken by Mitch Barnhart during the press conference this afternoon at Memorial Coliseum. There was a philisophical disparity between coach and the path the University wanted to go down.

Mitch's interpretation of the buyout echoed my feelings on the ordeal. Click here to see how awesome I am.

The University sees this Memorandum as a continuous one-year contract.

Dave Baker just reported Billy Donovan has been asked and declined the offer to become the UK basketball coach.

Donovan to UK?

MY Fox Orlando says Billy Donovan will become the next UK basketball coach.

Kentucky has reportedly waited until a replacement coach is in place before letting go of Gillispie, who spent two seasons in Lexington.

It will be interesting how this all plays out. Was it bad timing two years ago? Is now a good time to leave Gainesville? Can he really turn down an offer to coach Pat Patterson and Jodie Meeks along with some possible gangsta recruits? Why wouldn't he want to be at the reigns of the first program to reach 2000 victories?


For those of you stuck at work, or otherwise don't have access to a TV, the news conference will be on WKYT.com. On the main page, above BCG's pic and the announcement of the firing, click on the banner that says "UK Basketball Special Coverage".

Coaching change

Andy Katz reporting a 4:30pm press conference to announce the University of Kentucky has let Billy Gillispe go from his duties as the basketball coach.

HERE WE GO? If there is another press conference within 48-72 hours, Billy Donovan or Travis Ford is the guy. If not, UK will actually do research this time.

Meeting was at 2:00pm and lasted approximately 18 minutes at Lee Todd's campus mansion. Gillispie said "Hook 'em Horns" as he was leaving. Im kidding.


UPDATE:
Everyone is piling on now.
http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/41992222.html

http://www.kentucky.com/ has some stuff about an 18-minute meeting at Todd's house, information about the buyout, etc.

Interesting quote from the Kentucky.com article...

A driver in a green Chevy Silverado with Texas license plates and a Texas
A&M decal on the window dropped Gillispie off at Maxwell Place about 2 p.m.
The same vehicle picked Gillispie up and drove away at 2:18 p.m.

WKYT has reported Billy Gillispie called them and told them he is calling his own press conference tomorrow at 11:00am. Oh no, this could get ugly.

Huh?

Something I don't understand:

It was reported yesterday by Drew Deener, and other members in the media, that Tracy Webster's office had been cleaned out. In fact, Deener said that that he was 100% certain and there was no doubt in his mind that it was accurate.

Why then, has there been no follow-up story? Why hasn't a reporter gone immediately to the Craft Center to verify this rumor? Why hasn't there been a TV camera stuck in Webster's face, asking him if the rumors were true? Why not ask BCG? He should know why (or whether) his assistant has cleaned out his office. It would seem to me that this would be a rumor that could be easily verified. Much easier than outing these unnamed sources are and why they know what they know.

It seems like there would be plenty of motivation to finding this stuff out. How much of a career-maker would it be to track down the truth and report it first?

All I see right now is a bunch of journalists sitting behind their desks or in their offices and saying what they have heard, instead of going out and digging up the scoop.

It makes me wonder if someone actually has tracked down the truth, and that truth didn't necessarily support what they wanted to report. And since it didn't support what they wanted, they sat on it.

Season Ending Meeting

Dave Baker reporting Lee Todd, Mitch Barnhart, and Billy Gillispie will have their season ending meeting this afternoon. This information comes straight from Billy Clyde to WKYT. Is this the standard end of season meeting/evaluation or is this the end of the road? Make of it what you will.

Will update as more comes in.

And if you're bored and like mad libs, Tom Beisner at KSR has a UK coaching rumor mad lib. Funny stuff.

Joe Crawford update

Joe Crawford has been signed by the New York Knickerbockers to a 10-day contract. He was a member of the Los Angeles Defenders in the NBA's Developmental League averaging 20.8 points - 4.6 rebounds - 2.7 assists -1.0 steals in 43 games this season. Hopefully he will get to showcase some skills for the Knicks in there up-and-down style of play to earn a roster spot next year. Good news for Joe.

What? Not the news you were looing for?

March 27th: On this date...

... in 2009, Billy Gillispie was fired as the coach of Kentucky. Kidding. On this date in 1978, Jack "Goose" Givens put the hammer down scoring 41 points against Duke in the Championship game, giving UK its fifth NCAA Title. #1 Kentucky held off Duke 94-88, giving coach Joe B. Hall his first and only Championship. Seniors Rick Robey (20 pts-11 rebs) and Jack Givens (18-27 from the field) led the charge in front of 18,721 at the Checkerdome in St. Louis. Coach Hall pulled the starters when the Cats went up 16, but had to reinsert them into the lineup with ten seconds left, as the lead had been cut to four. Keep in mind this score happened before a three point shot and shot clock.

WHAS11.com

http://www.whas11.com/justposted/stories/WHAS11_090326_Top_Gillispie.74c3bf6f.html

UPDATE:
11:30 pm - On their 11:00 news , WHAS11 said they received a memo from UK saying that Billie G. has not been fired, and there is no scheduled press conference for tomorrow. WHAS11 then went on to restate that their sources say BCG will not be the coach next year. I guess I can understand the statement about there being no presser tomorrow, because there actually isn't one scheduled, but I don't understand how they will be able to explain the comment of him not being fired if in fact it turns out he has been or will be soon.

11:43 pm - The link above no longer takes you to article about BCG being fired. It is now just a blank page, and there is no other mention of their earlier report anywhere else on their site. Looks like WHAS is trying to back away from this story post haste.

WHAS11 with the scoop?

There is a rumor going around the WHAS11 broke into the airing of Grey's Anatomy that Lee Todd has announced BCG is officially out.

We have Grey's tivo'd (for Andrea, back off!) and I have gone through and there is no such announcement.

Another rumor is there will be a news report at 10 on WHAS. Time will tell.

UPDATE:
10:15 pm: Matt Jones says WHAS in L-ville is confirming the report that he is gone. I was watching WHAS the entire time and nothing has been aired. Don't understand what is going on.

10:20 pm: I also think it is odd that there is nothing on the WHAS11 website. Either Matt Jones is completely full of it or someone is playing a joke on certain WHAS viewers.

10:25 pm: More reports of L-ville viewers seeing the WHAS report. These aren't just people repeating what other people said they saw, these are actual people that saw it first-hand.

10:35 pm: Now I have officially seen it with my own eyes. WHAS did a teaser for tonight's news program and said their sources say that BCG is officially out. However, they don't name their sources, so I don't guess this is any more official than what anyone else is saying.

BREAKING NEWS: IT'S OFFICIAL!

The wait is over. The University of Kentucky Wildcats have announced the official football schedule for the 2009 season! Seven home games, four road games, and one neutral. Spring practice begins April 1. Blue/White spring football scrimmage is set for April 25 @ 1:30pm.

Sept 5th - Miami (OH)***
Sept 19th - Louisville
Sept 26th - Florida
Oct 3rd - Alabama
Oct 10th - at South Carolina
Oct 17th - at Auburn
Oct 24th - Louisiana-Monroe
Oct 31st - Mississippi State
Nov 7th - Eastern Kentucky
Nov 14th - at Vandy
Nov 21st - at Georgia
Nov 28th - Tennessee

*** = at Cincinnati (Paul Brown Stadium)

One down, more to come?

Drew Deener reported on 790 AM Louisville this afternoon that Tracey Webster and his office have been cleaned out from the UK basketball offices. When asked how reliable his "source" was, he said, "I have 100% confirmation Tracy Webster's office has been cleaned out. There is no doubt in my mind this information is accurate."

Good enough for me............as is UK hockey and the Costello twins.

Pssst! Round II

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!

Donovan was spotted this afternoon in Lexington having lunch with Elvis.

Stay close folks! This could get crazy!!

pssst! Listen to this...

This morning, I have heard from someone, who heard from someone, who heard from someone... ...who heard from someone in the "deep pocket UK supporter" category that said they had been approached for, and contributed to, a BCG buyout fund. There was no confirmation, however, that it was actually UK that was doing the fundraising. Therefore, for all we know this could just be an independent group of anti-BCG folks looking to press UK into making a change, and looking to strengthen their arguement by showing they already have the money to do the deal.


Also, am I the only one that thinks Mitch needs to be called on the carpet for the current state of UK basketball? After all, Billy is just being Billy. We knew (and the LHL reported) that BCG would be abrasive to the media. He was rough on the TA&M press down there, we all saw the youtube videos. We also knew that BCG would work the kids down to the nub. Don Haskins, the old UTEP coach famous for his demanding practices, was quoted as saying something about how he hadn't ever seen anyone tougher on his players. So, it seems to me that Billy hasn't surprised us at all. Per Dennis Greene - "They are who we thought they were".

If we knew ahead of time that BCG was going to be this way, and that way isn't a good fit for UK, shouldn't we be more fired up about Mitch's job than BCG's? After all, if I hire someone even thought I know they aren't a good fit for UK, who's fault is it that things don't work out?

I believe the only thing that saves Mitch right now is if he were to keep BCG and they make an immediate turnaround next year. Short of that, I think Mitch has a lot of explaining to do.

Interesting nugget of info

It doesn't look good, Billy.

In tonight's recap of the game, the LHL mentions in an article...

UK President Lee Todd attended the game. He declined to comment on
Gillispie's job status, but he did say he spoke with the coach about the
future of the program late last week.

This is in direct contrast to what Billy was saying earlier this week, after rumors were flying that such a meeting took place. I can't find the direct quote, but Billy said that he and the UK admin. have meetings all the time to discuss recruiting, etc. Billy went on to say that his future at UK was not discussed.

Hmm, so Billy says they didn't talk about it, Todd says they did. Sounds like Billy isn't wanting to let the bad-news-cat out of the bag.

Additionally, Matt Jones at KSR is hearing that an announcement will be made Friday regarding UK's decision. I would imagine if Billy is keeping his job they would come out immediately and show their support. Why delay? Scheduling an announcement for Friday sounds like something more official.

Stay tuned.

PANDA WATCH: CHAPTER 6

Larry Vaught believes UK and Billy Gillispie have come to terms ending Billy Clyde's time at the University of Kentucky. He says everything has already been done. Vaught says Calipari and Donovan are choices "A1 & A2".

Source: amnews.com (audio)

**UPDATE** - DeAndre Liggins also said in a postgame interview he "put himself in a bad situation" by coming here, but doesn't blame Coach Gillispie, he blames himself. Liggins will re-evaluate coming back to UK next season.

So you're saying it's over?

I know how you feel, kid.

That's it. That's all she wrote. A tired UK team falls to a sharp-shooting Irish team. There was no life in the Cats tonight. The product of a long season full of hard practices, little help, and tremendous pressure from outside sources.

Now all we can do is sit back and wait.

Your move, Mitch.

While I wait, I think I hear the "Untouchables" calling...

LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN

The next 24-48 hours will be very interesting for everyone in Big Blue Nation. Players, coaches, and fans have been on edge for quite a while now and tonight's loss only intensifies the feeling. Notre Dame was far superior in what turned out to be a listless effort from the Cats for the first 35 minutes of the game. Human Shrek had 283 points (actually 30 pts-11 rebs) and the Fighting Irish were a scolding 73-74 (actually 12-25, 48%) from 3 point range. It seemed as though the Cats turned it on only when we realized the game was already over, almost a mirror image of how we ended the 2009 season. Get some rest, tomorrow should be an interesting day.

RECAP/BOX SCORE

John Calipari said in his NCAA press conference today the expectations of Memphis fans are getting crazy now. Its like if he doesn't get at least 30 wins each year, for sale signs will be put in his front yard. He also said at least two of his players will be drafted next year. Am I reading too much into this? Let the speculation officially begin!!

Keys to the Game

As we inch closer to tipoff, the more I think UK may get destroyed. The Cats have continually pulled me in during the 2008-09 season, only to rip my heart out with an effort so pathetic, they could be mistaken for a high school team. Was this because we were pressing at the end of the year trying to make the NCAAs? Possibly. Is it simply a team playing closer to its potential? Maybe . Or are we just playing crappier teams? Fo Shizzee.

Here are my three keys to the game:

1) Someone other than the big two has to either shoot or attack the rim.
Ramon did a decent job of this in Omaha. Everyone knows Darius is more comfortable of late. Porter cannot continue to pass up open looks, if for no other reason than to keep the offense flowing and the defense honest. Perry continued his efficient postseason play with a double-double. This is a must.

2) Our perimeter defense must be consistent.
We lucked out Monday night. Creighton hit 8 of 19 three pointers. Usually a recipe for disaster. But they had no inside game against us. This will not be a problem tonight as human Shrek will provide the Irish with tons of scoring in and around the paint, leaving the defense vulnerable from the outside. Three point specialist Kyle McAlarney is a very good compliment to Harangody.

3) Rebounding, Rebounding, Rebounding
Rumor has it the Big East is a physical conference. Well....I guess there's only one way for us to combat this!!

Go Cats.

March 25th: On this date...

... in 1993, your University of Kentucky Wildcats went into enemy territory and blasted Wake Forest in the Sweet 16 on their way to the Final Four. The Cats came out on fire hitting their first eight 3-pointers, led by Jamal Mashburn's 5-5. The lead at halftime was 60-26. Travis Ford helped out by hitting five 3-pointers and going 10-11 from the field on the day. The final tally was 103-69. Ford, Mashburn, and Jared Prickett would all be named to the All Region team. This was one of the most overwhelming performances I remember from the Pitino Era, topped off by a 3 from Todd Svoboda to end the game. If the hair on the back of your neck didnt stand up during this clip, I can't help you.

2009 Season Never Ends Calendar

Breaking News! Billy G has been fired

I have just received an email from a source who I shall refer to only as "hburg_volfan" that proves that BCG has been fired from the head coaching position. I know the source is solid, because he was able to get the above photo as proof. As you can see, Billy must have spent all his money on alcohol and women because he doesn't even have enough cash to find decent transportation back to Texas.

Additionally, Billy Donovan has been called up from the Orlando Magic Florida Gators to coach the Cats against Notre Dame tonight. Sources tell me that he intentionally lost the game last night against Penn State so that he would be available for UK tonight. This makes complete sense. How else could you explain a higher ranked seed losing on their home court? It couldn't be poor coaching, so it had to be intentional.

There you have it folks. The scoop of all scoops. You heard it here first. I bet my journalistic integrity that this is the truth.

Of course, I don't know how much my journalistic integrity is worth. After this post, I am announcing my retirement from this blog. I just received an email from Prince Alibaba who promises me millions if I help him smuggle his money out of Kenya.

Smell ya, suckers!

Just because

Ah. That's better.

After doing tons of "Internet research" tonight, I found a very interesting read by one Richard "Dick" Gabriel of WKYT. Its the most unique look at the UK Athletic Department since the beginning of the Mitch Barnhart era. Check it out if you get a chance.

On Tubby:

Tubby Smith began thinking about an exit strategy long before that spring day, when he bolted for Minnesota. In fact, he himself told me Lou Holtz had advised him to get out, back when Smith was sending top-seeded teams to the NCAA tourney, in the early 2000’s. Holtz had learned first-hand, at Notre Dame, what it was like when the cheering ebbs. Get out while you’re ahead, he counseled Tubby.

On Billy Donovan:

There had been, indeed, negotiations – informal ones, by people flying below both the UK and UF official channels. And they had agreed in principle. Both sides thought the deal was done. In fact, if you recall, the Cats’ Pause posted on the front page of its web site what turned out to be speculation on the situation, likening it to the Kentucky Derby, with the blanket of roses ready for draping.

On the football coaching search:

That man was Norm Chow.

The hottest assistant coach in the country, Chow had been busy helping Southern California become relevant again, working with Pete Carroll, who had rejuvenated Trojan football.

Barnhart believed Chow was the answer and the two came to terms. Only, the night before Chow was to fly to Lexington, a family matter arose, forcing him to call Barnhart and back away from their agreement. He had to stay on the west coast, Chow explained.

You're Welcome.

We have a choice to make

Hmm... Not exactly what I had in mind.

In the next few days, or the next few weeks, UK fans have a choice to make. That choice could come as early as Thursday morning, or as late as after a 2nd victory in New York.

No, I'm not talking about the decision of who is going to be the coach next year. That is not our decision to make. That decision lies solely with Mitch and the UK administration. The decision I am talking about is how we as a fan base will react to UK's decision.

Mitch only has two options: keep Billy or fire Billy. Whatever the decision from UK, there will be a large portion of the fanbase that will not be happy. Even though our crack team of pollsters has the current support for BCG at 65%, I'd say the ratio is more like 50/50. Even if it is 6:4 in favor of him staying, a discontented fanbase of 40% is a lot.

So, no matter what the outcome, a large portion of the fanbase will not be happy. That is when it will be our time to make a decision. This will be a critical time in the life of our program.

Those fans that disagree with UK's decision must choose how they will go forward. Will they trust Mitch's wisdom? Will they support the coach (new or old)? Will they come together as a united nation and turn their energy toward defeating the next enemy?

Or, instead, will they look for any opportunity to cut down future progress because it isn't exactly the way they want it?

Obviously, an immediate turnaround next year by either BCG or a new coach will make the decision to reunite much easier. However, if a new coach is named and next year's team struggles like this year's team, in-fighting may go on for years and years.

So, what will our decision be, House of Rupp? Put our differences aside and trust in the decision, or fight about it until there is nothing left of our program to fight over?

Time is running out.

Hood Rich

Don't forget about me. Not only has Daniel Orton's father come out in defense of Billy Clyde, Brian Hood has done the same. Brian Hood is the father of Kentucky Player of the Year Jon Hood (pictured above) from Madisonville. He has only been considered the closest thing to King Rex since...well.......Chapman himself. If something like a decommit were to happen with this kid, a meltdown of epic proportions would be upon us. Yo Brian brah, what are your feelings on this?

Brian Hood, father of UK recruit Jon Hood, said of a Gillispie dismissal that, "I don't think it's in the realm of possibility . . . If it were to happen, it's something you sit back and re-evaluate. He signed with the University of Kentucky. At the same time, the guy he plays for matters."

Consider the alternatives...

Hello, I'm the future of UK basketball

Larry Vaught has an interview with Larry Orton, father of star UK commit Daniel Orton. Orton says if UK fires BCG, Daniel would not be a lock to come to UK.

He goes on to say things like, "It would almost be like starting recruiting all over again", and "I just hope there is nothing for us to worry about because Daniel wants to play for coach Gillispie." He also mentions a few other schools that are still trying hard to lure Orton away.

Think about what could happen if BCG leaves. If you think our team lacks talent now, consider the alternatives.

The case for a 3rd scorer

Sometimes 2 isn't enough

Like a prophetic jynx (I went to a liberal arts school), the announcers for tonight's game commented on Gillispie's response to the question about the need for a 3rd scorer.

The response, as you probably have already heard, is that when you have two players like Patterson and Meeks, who needs a 3rd scorer? If Patterson averages 18, and Meeks averages 25, there will be enough points from someone else to piece together a victory.

Now, don't get me wrong. I wonder if BCG uses that response because he knows he has no other choice. Who else on the team can consistently produce points? During tonight's game, it was mentioned that Stevenson is statistically UK's 3rd scorer, but we all know he doesn't perform night in and night out. Miller has come on as of late, but freshman will be freshman and we can't expect 10-15 from him every night.

So, seeing the hand that BCG has been dealt, I can't say that I fault his answer.

However, as tonight proves, the reason you need a consistent 3rd scorer is because your 1st and 2nd scorers don't always hit their marks.

PANDA WATCH: Chapter 4

Yo Billy, Who's our next coach?

The performance tonight has momentarily put the wet blanket on the Kentucky basketball fire. The Cats escape tonight 65-63 in Omaha. A trip to South Bend awaits Wednesday. Jodie Meeks said on the postgame on ESPN News that the Cats were "very, very tough tonight."

Oh, and something else to make you smile, here's this!

RECAP

To Infinity....and beyond!

Wasting time before the game, I came across this tidbit from NASA. The new room on the International Space Station will be named Colbert, after thousands of his fans flooded the NASA poll to win the online naming contest.

NASA's mistake was allowing write-ins. Colbert urged viewers of his Comedy Central show, "The Colbert Report" to write in his name. And they complied, with 230,539 votes. That clobbered Serenity, one of the NASA choices, by more than 40,000 votes. Nearly 1.2 million votes were cast by the time the contest ended Friday.

Oops!

No comment

Correction to my last post. The game will be aired on ESPN, not ESPN2.

It looks like Creighton is a 2 point favorite, with both teams matching up pretty equally. A small nod to UK for a slightly better offensive and defensive shooting percentage, but Creighton has home court advantage.

Carry On..

PANDA WATCH: Chapter 3 - Memorandum of Understanding

This is a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Kentucky and one Billy Clyde Gillispie (better known as simply BCG by lazy typers). Now, while I'll admit I don't practice law anywhere in the continental United States, to me this MoU leaves tons of gray area for each party. It looks like a friendship pact you and your drunk friends contrive when you're blitzed one weekend in college (not that I would know anything about this). Seriously, how vague of a contract is this for two parties at the top of their respected professions?

If something goes down with BCG in the near future, expect the University and its crack staff of attorneys to pounce all over this gray area, leveraging a quick buyout. And this buyout won't be of the estimated $6 million kind either. I'm sure BCG's cowboy lawyer from down south would be more than happy to negotiate a fair settlement between he and the dream team of lawyers Lee Todd already has working on this thing. On the other hand, any person that's been associated with Texas in the past decade HAS come across as somewhat stubborn, no?

It's a fun read if you have a few minutes this afternoon. And a read that showed what optimism the University had for its basketball program and their new found Coach. Tonight could be a paramount moment moving forward for UK basketball.

Ah, the memories...

Greatest. Team. Ever.

Big game tonight, as the good guys travel to Omaha to face the evil Creighton BlueJays. Tip is at 7 on ESPN2. I have heard some posters on other sites saying they hope UK loses so we can get on with wrapping up BCG's future. That kind of talk blows me away. Regardless of you opinions on the coach, we should all rally behind the team and always cheer for a UK victory.

By now you've all probably seen the piece from WKYT where they interviewed the parents of some of next year's recruits. All the parents are saying the same thing: If BCG is out, we are not a lock to come to UK. Does this concern any of the anti-BCG folks? If you think this year is bad, consider the possibilities...

There is a good post today from A Sea of Blue talking about how MB has already told us what he plans to do, so we shouldn't be expecting weekly updates or comments about BCG's job.

If you have a Neflix subscription, take a walk down memory lane and watch the 1996 NCAA Championship. It is available either by a normal rental or by using their "Instant Viewing" feature. Ahh, the glory days. One thing that hits me immediately is the physical differences between the 96 team and the UK teams of recent past. Just from their outward appearance, you can tell that they are more talented. Everyone is big, fast, and coordinated. These kids were just built differently.

Maybe it isn't a fair comparison. Not many teams, UK or otherwise, can compare to the talent assembled on that '96 team.

Anyway, here is a little clip sure to either make you all nostaligic or thoroughly depressed...

March 23rd: On this date...

... 1948, Adolph Rupp and Kentucky won its first NCAA Championship at Madison Square Garden in New York. The UK team , known as the Fabulous Five, dominated college basketball in 1948 and easily beat Baylor in the finals 58-42. Alex Groza was the tallest player on the court at 6'7", and Ralph Beard was the quickest, running circles around the crappy Bears. The Cats ended the season with an NCAA record 36 wins. Drop this fun fact around the office today to show how much better a fan you are than the other guy.

Bat Cats split Saturday/Sunday Vandy games

Kentucky took the second game of their weekend series with Vandy, 6-2, guaranteeing the first SEC series win on the season. Senior Chris Rusin threw his second straight complete game allowing only two runs and striking out 11. The Cats improved their season mark to 15-4, 3-2 in the SEC. For the recap or photo gallery, click here.

On Sunday, the Cats dropped their first home game of the season and Vandy avoided the sweep by hanging on 4-2 at Cliff Hagan Stadium. The loss dropped UK to 15-5, 3-3 in the SEC. For a complete recap, head on over to UKathletics.com.