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UK & UL Throw Another New Years Eve Party
"Cats Lead Cards In All Time Series 27 - 14"
By - Ira D. Combs
Director / Syndicated Columnist
Tri State Sports Media & Promotions Service Inc.
I know, I know both UK and UL have Wednesday dates at home and the coaches and players can't think ahead. But I can and starting right now I am, this is a weekly column and it's due by Noon every Monday to its papers and websites. It's time for our states annual feature athletic event that doesn't involve four legs to perform with.
While the Battle of the Bluegrass in football has been a scheduling controversy between UK and UL for several years now it appears the two schools schedule makers have finally found some common ground for a change and actually agreed on a similar topic in hoops. For the second consecutive year the annual Battle of the Bluegrass in basketball will be on New Year’s Eve.
But that's definitely where the all great minds think alike theory ceases between these two schools.
Traditionally year in and year out this has been one of those unique sports rivalries that needs no drama added, yet annually, especially in recent years there has been many story lines lurking in the background to sweeten the pot so to speak for the team and coach that stands alone in the winner’s circle at the end of the day.
Trust me sports fans these two college institutions, athletic departments, basketball programs, fan bases, and in particular Head Coaches have never valued a win over the other more than this New Year’s Eve.
Let's set the stage for this year’s feature hoops game for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Story line # 1 - Who's court is fit for Kings?
Last year's game was the first in the plush new state of the art KFC Yum Center and this year exactly one year to the hour of tip off it will be in old run down Rupp Arena. Translated into Commonwealth terminology Big Brother (UK) has the highest paid coach in the state, seven NCAA titles, well over 2,000 wins and the largest and most loyal fan base, therefore in his eyes he is supposed to have a shinier, prettier, and more modern play house than Little Brother (UL) has, at the moment he doesn't and it is not a stretch to say he may never. To add insult the Governor (Ernie Fletcher) that spearheaded on his watch some state funding for this basketball palace and the designer / promoter of this particular project Jim Host are both, yep you got it, UK graduates. Now, UK is in the fight of its life having to defend and justify it's every thought and move on the matter in order to just keep up with the ever changing facility landscape of college basketball and it appears several of those same people (some behind the scene) who opened their arms wide for construction of the Cards new perch are having reservations for building or even renovating a new venue for the Cats. In recent days the new UK president has basically thrown in the towel on any construction except for class rooms and dorms while Coach Cal has all of a sudden downgraded his vision for the future to a gold standard type re-Invention type facility for Rupp Arena. This story is and will be on going far into the future but you can take it to the bank that there will be some venting exercised this Saturday if the opportunity presents itself from the UK side.
Story line # 2 - Did Pitino's mistake eventually give Cal his shot?
Rick Pitino has stated on several occasions since returning to the Commonwealth and taking over the Louisville "Cardinals" that possibly his greatest mistake in his coaching career was leaving UK which in his own words was considered to be the Roman Empire or New York "Yankees" of college basketball. Too add embarrassment to that decision and this is rarely talked about in the media but well known, when Pitino returned to the NBA and Boston his own Boston players (actually two of his own former UK players) reportedly stood their ground and intentionally played him out of NBA coaching because of his strict and demanding coaching tactics that they had to adhere to in Lexington but not in the pro ranks. Now, John Calipari has the keys to Pitino's once proud castle and is welcoming some of those same ex Pitino players back to the Big Blue Flock in Lexington just to rub salt into Pitino's ugly Boston wound. The other problem since Cal has been in the state or should I say difference between "Tubby" and Cal is that Cal throws any and all remarks toward Pitino and / or Louisville that he can garner up. Cal will not let the UK - UL rivalry lay for a week let alone keep his remarks out of season while "Tubby" just rolled with the flow and never created any mischief between the two schools or fan bases while Cal thrives on creating simple jealousy type dialogue between the two programs in a negative manner and rarely worries about how or if the fire is put out that he starts.
Tubby and Pitino were golfing buddies and occasionally made commercials together.
Calipari and Pitino don't even speak on the recruiting trail when they bump into each other.
There is also the story that's been told about Billy Gillispie calling Pitino in the middle of his second and final season at UK asking for some scouting info on a team coming up. Since the Cats and Cards had already played Pitino tried to be cordial and informative at the same time and ask Gillispie how things were going at UK. Gillispie supposedly responded by saying, “I’m fine they understand the situation I'm in personnel wise and support me". Pitino reportedly answered," be careful Coach there's eyes and ears in Lexington that has roots straight to the A.D. and President ". Pitino knew that Calipari had been skipped over once by UK when Gillispie was hired and feared he couldn't dodge the bullet for a second time if Gillispie failed to head Pitino's advice. Of course eventually and actually inevitably Gillispie made Pitino out to be a prophet.
Two months later those same understanding UK athletic department administrators officially fired Gillispie at Noon two days after his last game and gave him and his three full time assistants until 5:00 o'clock that same day to move everything out of their Joe Craft Center offices.
Story line # 3 - Why did Pitino & Cal abort their friendship?
Both Pitino and Calipari admit to being coddled and raised thru the Howard Garfinkel Five Star basketball camp fame. They were at one time as cordial, friendly, and respectful of one another as any two coaches in the college coaching fraternity. Pitino being a few years older got his start earlier and as most coaches do tried to guide and help younger coaches thru the decision making process and weed out the various opportunities when they warranted his guidance not to mention his fast rising clout and fame in the college circles.
By the mid 90's Pitino had as much credibility among college A.D.'s and President's as most any coach on the college scene. That's when U Mass supposedly was searching for a young energetic coach to instill some energy in their program. Based on which camp you believe (Calipari or Pitino) Pitino called the U Mass A.D. and advised them to hire Calipari. U Mass reportedly interviewed Cal and offered him the job but the financial package wasn't appropriate in Cal's eyes and he initially turned down the job. That's when according to the Pitino camp Coach P offered to donate bonus money to U Mass needed to bring Calipari on board.
Pitino has reportedly confirmed this scenario several times back in the 90's both publicly and privately.
The Calipari camp says this is not true and has resented for several years Pitino taking credit for something that supposedly never happened. Sports Illustrated did a story on the Calipari - Pitino relationship several years ago and interviewed the U Mass athletic director who interviewed and hired Calipari. In the story the U Mass A.D. denied that Pitino ever gave his school any money or financial gratuities to help in the hiring process of Calipari. Still to this day Calipari carries that with him each time he goes into battle with Pitino. Cal feels like he earned his way up the coaching ladder and into the U Mass job.
I doubt that the time will ever arise but I don't expect Pitino to ever try and call in a marker from Calipari..
If the above mentioned isn't enough to stir the pot let's not forget Coach Cal sweeping in at the last minute and stealing Marquis Teague away from Louisville and Pitino late in the recruiting season last year. Calipari is a master at coddling to today's massive ego driven teenage mindset; yet, when he gets them on campus he transforms their NBA desires into a team chemistry that drives them deep into March. The story goes that while having a phone conversation with Marquis Teague in the recruiting process just before a big tournament in Vegas Cal ask Teague why he reopened his recruiting and more importantly why he was considering UK. Teague replied I want to play for an NCAA championship, the classiest program and the classiest coach in America. The Vegas tourney began the following weekend. Most NCAA coaches travel from the airport to the gyms and hotels in a rental car or a taxi.
When Teague and his AAU teammates showed up at the players entrance to the Vegas gym for the tourney all the NCAA coaches started arriving in yellow cabs and rental cars. Then all of a sudden a Limo shows up at the entrance and as the players all turned their heads Kenny Payne, Orlando Antigua, and Calipari stepped out of the Limo. Now you know the rest of the story and who's playing point guard for UK this Saturday.
Oh yes, what about all those rumors surfacing a couple months ago that Louisville was gaining support on the conference realignment scene toward gaining admittance to the SEC then all of a sudden it surfaced in certain corners that one Mitch Barnhart sent word to some of his conference brothers that just because the Commonwealth is big enough for both schools to survive in doesn't mean the SEC is big enough for both institutions.
I could go on and on but space and time won't permit it. If this can't set the scene and emotions between the two programs then you don't have a ticker because mine is beating as hard and quick as it has sense this time a year ago.
I just hope and pray that every ones feelings and emotions are under control during the game but I fear if Cal and Pitino don't bury the hatchet and make it public it's going to come to an ugly head some day and I sure hope it's not similar to the Cincinnati - Xavier debacle.
Has everybody forgot what happened when Temple's John Chaney finally had enough and confronted John Calipari at U Mass, I haven't.
"Cats Lead Cards In All Time Series 27 - 14"
By - Ira D. Combs
Director / Syndicated Columnist
Tri State Sports Media & Promotions Service Inc.
I know, I know both UK and UL have Wednesday dates at home and the coaches and players can't think ahead. But I can and starting right now I am, this is a weekly column and it's due by Noon every Monday to its papers and websites. It's time for our states annual feature athletic event that doesn't involve four legs to perform with.
While the Battle of the Bluegrass in football has been a scheduling controversy between UK and UL for several years now it appears the two schools schedule makers have finally found some common ground for a change and actually agreed on a similar topic in hoops. For the second consecutive year the annual Battle of the Bluegrass in basketball will be on New Year’s Eve.
But that's definitely where the all great minds think alike theory ceases between these two schools.
Traditionally year in and year out this has been one of those unique sports rivalries that needs no drama added, yet annually, especially in recent years there has been many story lines lurking in the background to sweeten the pot so to speak for the team and coach that stands alone in the winner’s circle at the end of the day.
Trust me sports fans these two college institutions, athletic departments, basketball programs, fan bases, and in particular Head Coaches have never valued a win over the other more than this New Year’s Eve.
Let's set the stage for this year’s feature hoops game for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Story line # 1 - Who's court is fit for Kings?
Last year's game was the first in the plush new state of the art KFC Yum Center and this year exactly one year to the hour of tip off it will be in old run down Rupp Arena. Translated into Commonwealth terminology Big Brother (UK) has the highest paid coach in the state, seven NCAA titles, well over 2,000 wins and the largest and most loyal fan base, therefore in his eyes he is supposed to have a shinier, prettier, and more modern play house than Little Brother (UL) has, at the moment he doesn't and it is not a stretch to say he may never. To add insult the Governor (Ernie Fletcher) that spearheaded on his watch some state funding for this basketball palace and the designer / promoter of this particular project Jim Host are both, yep you got it, UK graduates. Now, UK is in the fight of its life having to defend and justify it's every thought and move on the matter in order to just keep up with the ever changing facility landscape of college basketball and it appears several of those same people (some behind the scene) who opened their arms wide for construction of the Cards new perch are having reservations for building or even renovating a new venue for the Cats. In recent days the new UK president has basically thrown in the towel on any construction except for class rooms and dorms while Coach Cal has all of a sudden downgraded his vision for the future to a gold standard type re-Invention type facility for Rupp Arena. This story is and will be on going far into the future but you can take it to the bank that there will be some venting exercised this Saturday if the opportunity presents itself from the UK side.
Story line # 2 - Did Pitino's mistake eventually give Cal his shot?
Rick Pitino has stated on several occasions since returning to the Commonwealth and taking over the Louisville "Cardinals" that possibly his greatest mistake in his coaching career was leaving UK which in his own words was considered to be the Roman Empire or New York "Yankees" of college basketball. Too add embarrassment to that decision and this is rarely talked about in the media but well known, when Pitino returned to the NBA and Boston his own Boston players (actually two of his own former UK players) reportedly stood their ground and intentionally played him out of NBA coaching because of his strict and demanding coaching tactics that they had to adhere to in Lexington but not in the pro ranks. Now, John Calipari has the keys to Pitino's once proud castle and is welcoming some of those same ex Pitino players back to the Big Blue Flock in Lexington just to rub salt into Pitino's ugly Boston wound. The other problem since Cal has been in the state or should I say difference between "Tubby" and Cal is that Cal throws any and all remarks toward Pitino and / or Louisville that he can garner up. Cal will not let the UK - UL rivalry lay for a week let alone keep his remarks out of season while "Tubby" just rolled with the flow and never created any mischief between the two schools or fan bases while Cal thrives on creating simple jealousy type dialogue between the two programs in a negative manner and rarely worries about how or if the fire is put out that he starts.
Tubby and Pitino were golfing buddies and occasionally made commercials together.
Calipari and Pitino don't even speak on the recruiting trail when they bump into each other.
There is also the story that's been told about Billy Gillispie calling Pitino in the middle of his second and final season at UK asking for some scouting info on a team coming up. Since the Cats and Cards had already played Pitino tried to be cordial and informative at the same time and ask Gillispie how things were going at UK. Gillispie supposedly responded by saying, “I’m fine they understand the situation I'm in personnel wise and support me". Pitino reportedly answered," be careful Coach there's eyes and ears in Lexington that has roots straight to the A.D. and President ". Pitino knew that Calipari had been skipped over once by UK when Gillispie was hired and feared he couldn't dodge the bullet for a second time if Gillispie failed to head Pitino's advice. Of course eventually and actually inevitably Gillispie made Pitino out to be a prophet.
Two months later those same understanding UK athletic department administrators officially fired Gillispie at Noon two days after his last game and gave him and his three full time assistants until 5:00 o'clock that same day to move everything out of their Joe Craft Center offices.
Story line # 3 - Why did Pitino & Cal abort their friendship?
Both Pitino and Calipari admit to being coddled and raised thru the Howard Garfinkel Five Star basketball camp fame. They were at one time as cordial, friendly, and respectful of one another as any two coaches in the college coaching fraternity. Pitino being a few years older got his start earlier and as most coaches do tried to guide and help younger coaches thru the decision making process and weed out the various opportunities when they warranted his guidance not to mention his fast rising clout and fame in the college circles.
By the mid 90's Pitino had as much credibility among college A.D.'s and President's as most any coach on the college scene. That's when U Mass supposedly was searching for a young energetic coach to instill some energy in their program. Based on which camp you believe (Calipari or Pitino) Pitino called the U Mass A.D. and advised them to hire Calipari. U Mass reportedly interviewed Cal and offered him the job but the financial package wasn't appropriate in Cal's eyes and he initially turned down the job. That's when according to the Pitino camp Coach P offered to donate bonus money to U Mass needed to bring Calipari on board.
Pitino has reportedly confirmed this scenario several times back in the 90's both publicly and privately.
The Calipari camp says this is not true and has resented for several years Pitino taking credit for something that supposedly never happened. Sports Illustrated did a story on the Calipari - Pitino relationship several years ago and interviewed the U Mass athletic director who interviewed and hired Calipari. In the story the U Mass A.D. denied that Pitino ever gave his school any money or financial gratuities to help in the hiring process of Calipari. Still to this day Calipari carries that with him each time he goes into battle with Pitino. Cal feels like he earned his way up the coaching ladder and into the U Mass job.
I doubt that the time will ever arise but I don't expect Pitino to ever try and call in a marker from Calipari..
If the above mentioned isn't enough to stir the pot let's not forget Coach Cal sweeping in at the last minute and stealing Marquis Teague away from Louisville and Pitino late in the recruiting season last year. Calipari is a master at coddling to today's massive ego driven teenage mindset; yet, when he gets them on campus he transforms their NBA desires into a team chemistry that drives them deep into March. The story goes that while having a phone conversation with Marquis Teague in the recruiting process just before a big tournament in Vegas Cal ask Teague why he reopened his recruiting and more importantly why he was considering UK. Teague replied I want to play for an NCAA championship, the classiest program and the classiest coach in America. The Vegas tourney began the following weekend. Most NCAA coaches travel from the airport to the gyms and hotels in a rental car or a taxi.
When Teague and his AAU teammates showed up at the players entrance to the Vegas gym for the tourney all the NCAA coaches started arriving in yellow cabs and rental cars. Then all of a sudden a Limo shows up at the entrance and as the players all turned their heads Kenny Payne, Orlando Antigua, and Calipari stepped out of the Limo. Now you know the rest of the story and who's playing point guard for UK this Saturday.
Oh yes, what about all those rumors surfacing a couple months ago that Louisville was gaining support on the conference realignment scene toward gaining admittance to the SEC then all of a sudden it surfaced in certain corners that one Mitch Barnhart sent word to some of his conference brothers that just because the Commonwealth is big enough for both schools to survive in doesn't mean the SEC is big enough for both institutions.
I could go on and on but space and time won't permit it. If this can't set the scene and emotions between the two programs then you don't have a ticker because mine is beating as hard and quick as it has sense this time a year ago.
I just hope and pray that every ones feelings and emotions are under control during the game but I fear if Cal and Pitino don't bury the hatchet and make it public it's going to come to an ugly head some day and I sure hope it's not similar to the Cincinnati - Xavier debacle.
Has everybody forgot what happened when Temple's John Chaney finally had enough and confronted John Calipari at U Mass, I haven't.