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.
If Dick Gabriel and Larry Vaught are correct, Billy D accepted then backed out in '07, presumably forcing Mitch's hand.
ReplyDeleteThat's not me giving excuses for Mitch, just an unfortunate turn of events. This is why I think Mitch is going balls to the wall this time to make sure he gets "A1 or A2". If he doesn't, I think he knows what his future holds.
I wish people would just relax about the whole Billy G saga. Give him his third year ansd everyone will be singing a different tune. Pilgrim and Orton will both have huge impacts on the team not to mention freeing up a continually improving Patterson. Meeks will return and Miller is gaining confidence. They have already secured to point guards and are closing in on one of highest recruited point guards in the nation from birmingham. Anyone who knows anything about basketball knows that that was our achiles hill. After all it is not Billy G out there turning the ball over 23 times a game. As for the tough practices, they need to toughen up and maybe loose some of the special treatments they have. Life is good as a UK player whether the win or loose! Have you seen the way they are pampered.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. I am solidly in the "give BCG another year" camp. However, I think it is the off-the-court stuff that BCG is taking the most heat for. And that is what I think Mitch needs to take the heat on, not Billy.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Kentucky basketball.
ReplyDeleteNot sure anyone was disputing how good/bad the players have it.
I just heard Digger Phelps bought a house on Tates Creek rd and is planning a lunch with Lee Todd at Malones!
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