WIND IT UP Already!

WIND IT UP!

ESPN reporting that UK is to offer Billy Donovan a 7 year contract worth between 2.8 - 3.5 mil per season which would make him a very rich man. Hate to see ESPN be the second entity to retract its report in less than a week.

WIND IT UP ALREADY! YALL WITH ME?



Wind It Up!!!

Donovan or Not, Kentucky Has To Improve

Donovan or not, Kentucky is going to have to find a coach to re-inspire an offense that has been lacking for quite awhile. The next new head coach at Kentucky is going to have to instill along with that offense a gritty style of in your face full court pressure defense too. At least that's what I'd like to see, that's what I grew up watching, but improvement and change is much needed since Tubby Smith has been driven away like some like to put it, now it's time to answer the fans' call and complete this transition not with the same type coach like Tubby. If change is what a majority cried out for, and if that's what Mitch and his people wanted, then I beg you, lets not replace an apple for another apple.

The 06-07 Wildcats struggled most this season because they just weren't quite sure who they were on offense. Two freshmen stood out, Jasper & Meeks, who, from what I gather, will return next year. Aside from Morris, Kentucky never had that second go-to guy down low and that really hurt them. They were ranked momentarily, but the season for the most part was a disappointment, especially being swept by Florida yet again. That one guy down low could've made the difference, Bobby Perry [and it wasn't just him] was so inconsistent and had the long stretch of poor play after injuring his nose against Indiana, that that became what Kentucky missed on offense to set them apart. Morris became too predictable underneath and opponents new how to defend him.

Just imagine what Kentucky would have been like this season had Azubuike stayed. I firmly believe Azubuike was the difference between Kentucky staying consistently ranked and being not ranked at all this season. But I'm not crying over it, every single university has to deal with their own players leaving early or transferring, but I'm just saying, he was the difference.[Imagine if we had Azubuike AND a mature Rajon Rondo].

In 2004, Kentucky made that great run to the regional finals and met up with MSU. Ramel Bradley and Rajon Rondo were impact freshmen's that year, Rondo was a starter, and Sparks was a starting guard transfer in his first year with Kentucky also opposite of Rondo. The whole season Tubby played between Sparks and Rondo at the point, and they did pretty good, but the difference was Chuck Hayes, and they had Azubuike down low with him while Morris was a freshman. If they didn't have Sparks, who was a junior transfer with experience already, Kentucky would have been on the losing end of many games that year. He made a lot of plays for us.

In 05, Kentucky dealt with Morris trying for the NBA. Going undrafted, he came back, but Kentucky again had a sub-par season. Then in 06-07, Kentucky still struggled to find their identity on offense after Rondo and Azubuike left. So for at least the past 3 years I can say that Kentucky has been one player more or one player short of greatness. Without Sparks in 04, I don't think Kentucky reaches the Elite 8.

So next year, most everyone should return. Out of the starters from this year, Bradley, Crawford, Jasper, return. Throw in Meeks, Porter, and Jared Carter and once again, Kentucky's identity is a blurred vision. Even if Patrick Patterson and Jai Lucas pick Kentucky, the next head coach is still going to have a time not only installing his own system and style, but figuring out the best starting 5 … for what, the 4th year in a row now?

There's no one on Kentucky's roster right now that has shown anyone he can dominate and carry a game consistently enough on his own. That's what Kentucky is missing. That one dominating player other teams fear. Not that Morris wasn't feared or didn't carry a lot of games, but how dominant was he really and how often did he have those great games that led to victories? I'd say not consistently enough, and part of that as I mentioned before was not having talented enough roles players down low to compliment him. That's what Kentucky missed this season. Now, Kentucky desperately needs a Patrick Patterson, and he should know, should he sign with Kentucky, he'll be a starting freshman. He's a guy Kentucky could build around should he stay more than 2 years.

So the future of Kentucky's next head coach is simple. Find the offense some identity with talented recruits. As a fan, I don't wanna have to go through another 4 straight years hearing how our coach is saying our team is still trying to find its identity.

Whoever is our next head coach, I hope he realizes we expect changes that will wake up an offense that's been dormant for the past 4 years, and we expect to have better talented players even if they do stay just a year or two I suppose. A great coach knows how to convince them to stay longer.

Donovan or not, these things have to happen now.

Football: Kentucky's Sched A Hard One

“I saw a lot of good things from an athletic standpoint. I’m pleased with our speed on defense and our ability to close.” -- Rich Brooks

Kentucky held its first spring practice of the year, and even though head coach Rich Brooks was pleased with what he saw out of his kids, the fact is that this year, Kentucky is no longer going to be takened as an automatic win in the SEC after handling Clemson in their bowl game last year. Kentucky will have to up their goals and play harder and better if they want back to back bowl seasons.

The defense is young and fast for the most part and key players on offense are returning, Woodson, Burton, and Little, so Kentucky seems to be ready for a great season, at least the expectations have risen. It's not a far stretch to expect a New Year's Day bowl this upcoming season if they take care of business like they should.

The schedule is, well for the UK fan, spectacular because Kentucky goes on the road only 4 times [Arkansas, South Carolina, Vandy, & Georgia]. However, that means Kentucky must take care of business at home.

It could be a disastrous season if they don't give the fans at home what they are expecting of them. That means Kentucky must win against Eastern Kentucky, Kent State, Louisville, and Florida Atlantic to start off. They might be able to get away with losing to L'ville. LSU, Florida, Miss St, and Tennessee round the home sched portion for the Wildcats, so that means assuming they don't win on the road at all and start the season at 3-2 [losing to l'ville and Arkansas], they're going to have to win against LSU, Florida, Miss. St., and Tenn - all of which are at home - just to reach 7 wins on the season. That's a tough thing to do which means even though Kentucky has a heavy home schedule this season, they're still going to have to win at least two on the road among Arkansas, South Carolina, Vandy, and Georgia to reach bowl eligibility in my opinion because even though they have a lot of home games, they're going to be very tough SEC home games which makes it all the more important for fans to sell out these games.

Eight at home, four on the road. Just think if they take care of business at home, it'll be back to back bowl seasons for them. If they take care of business like how they played against Clemson in last year's bowl, this year's team is capable of 9 even maybe a 10 win season and a good chance at the SEC Title, which I'm sure sounds absurd by every 'expert' on earth.

But it should be a good season where Andre Woodson and/or Rafael Little should be or eventually will be included in the Heisman talk around the nation.

Kentucky should be that good. And I can't wait.

Everybody Wants To Rule The World

Everybody Wants To Rule The World

I Found This While Searching

I Really Should Start Following Hockey More

The Ultimate PP Mix and a Great Cawood Tribute

After being sucked into the “ well look what Billy Boy said”, I'm still left lost as to what Donovan's true intentions are and also exactly how short the list is for Mitch Barnhart, but one thing is for sure, Patrick Patterson and Jai Lucas will be waiting until April to decide if they both will sign with Kentucky. Both of them scored 8 pts in the McDonalds All American game, and even though Kentucky's currently head coachless, Patterson says he still likes Kentucky.

Things are kinda slow and the rumors of Donovan coming to Kentucky, not coming to Kentucky are getting, well, quite redundant and annoying. I've got a couple things I'm working on for tomorrow, and I wanted to make sure before then to plug a great Cawood Tribute by the guys at Wildcat Thunders Blog which I saw a few days ago, and if you're a Kentucky fan of any kind, this is a must see.

While you're here though, check out this cool mix of Patrick Patterson from YouTube …

Sean Woods Remembers

“It's OK to lose, but if you can look in the mirror and say 'I gave it everything I had', then that's the best thing you can ask of yourself,” -- Sean Woods, Director of Basketball Operations at TCU

As some of us remember that 1992 game between Duke and Kentucky and the unbelievable shot with just seconds left that went in by that hands of Christian Laettner at the free throw line, there's one guy today who at least is thinking of a different shot in that game which coulda, woulda, should've been the game winning shot.

I am of course speaking of Sean Woods who talks about the end of the game 15 years later in an article called Shooting Into the Past written by Tim Bella at Daily Skiff.com, an online magazine serving Texas Christian University.

According to Woods, it was miscommunication on defense between John Pelphrey and Deron Feldhaus that gave Laettner “a better shot than what he thought he was about to get.”

“The only down thing is that it's considered the greatest game in college basketball, but (we) lost it,” Woods said.

And that's the feeling we Kentucky fans have too.

While Kentucky's Searching, Morris Dresses

While the national media is preoccupied with breaking news of Kentucky search for a new head coach, Randolph Morris suits up with the Knicks. Asked if Morris could actually see playing time so soon after being signed, Isiah Thomas replied,

“Hey, you never know. If I feel he can help us win, yes.”

Don't worry, the only chance for him to break a sweat were in pre-game warmups.

College Hoops: 4 Second Courtside Look at Darris Nichols' Buzzer Beater

It's always cool and exciting when any team wins a game with a desperate buzzer beater - no more so than the Christian Laettner shot, well maybe unless you're on the losing end.

I had caught a glimpse of the game between WV and Miss St. for a few seconds channel surfing and State was up by around 6 or 7 points with like 3:30 to go, then I switched back to what I was watching and figured it was a done deal for Miss St. That's what I get for assuming anything in college basketball. Boy did I miss a closer of a game. By now the buzzer beater shot has been replayed everywhere, but here's a quick 4 second perspective of the shot behind the goal as it went in. It makes you wish you were there in the middle of it.

15 Years Later

… Kentucky searches for its 2nd head coaching change after getting knocked out convincingly in the second round of the NCAA Tourny by Kansas.

Via AOL's Fanhouse once again, here's the vid reminding us that 15 years ago today was “the shot” that made Christian Laettener loved and hated forever. Much thanks to Sportz for the vid and the reminder of best college game ever played and the worst at the same time.

Laettener Saves Duke

Billy Boy Might Stay In-State

Via AOL Fanhouse, The Big Lead makes a very valid point that perhaps most if not all Kentucky fans probably don't want to admit to …

“I'm probably alone in this, but why would any coach with back-to-back championships (assuming the Gators win this one) under his belt leave for Kentucky? Wildcats fans may not want to hear this, but the current state of that program, compared to where Florida is, makes that a lateral move.”

In that post, he refers to a post by Sports By Brooks which pointed out an appearance of one of ESPN's own, Tom Friend, on ESPN's Rome Is Burning in which he announced that Billy Donovan isn't leaving Florida for Kentucky, but that he's going to leave Florida to replace Pat Riley as head coach of the Miami Heat.

The Big Lead points out that through a Q&A in the Sun-Sentinel, the move to Miami were dismissed and said to be random speculation.

However, that does have the potential to happen, and if it turns out that way, it would leave Pat Riley wide open for talks with Mitch Barnhart. I don't think pursuing Pat Riley as Kentucky's next head coach is that much of a stretch to imagine.

Come on Mitch, put Riley on your Plan B.

Billy Boy Blue, Kentucky Wants You

Just exactly who screwed who? In less than 24 hours there's been more reports being retracted about UK on its heels to sign a deal with Billy Boy Blue than there are of reports of mono being contracted. A Sea of Blue explains it quite nicely what has gone down in less than 24 hours concerning Billy D, Kentucky, a message board, a couple TV stations.

I don't know, but I'm ridin' this thing like Billy the Kid with a double holster. At some point there's gonna be a showdown at high noon, just you wait. Meanwhile enjoy this pic courtesy of, once again - the best Kentucky message board out there - Wildcats Thunder.

“Sometimes keepin' a coach is like a horseshoe, sometimes it's a @#$!% to keep on.”

Pat Riley Should Coach Kentucky

If the University of Kentucky has one ounce of loyalty left somewhere on campus, Mitch Barnhart should flip open his cell phone and ask to speak with Pat Riley.

Kentucky has nothing to lose but everything to gain.

Why would Pat Riley, in a sense, demote himself to the college ranks anyways? I mean, he's still has things to accomplish in the NBA, you know like win multiple titles, play broadcaster, coach and GM for awhile, scout, come back to coaching, and then win a title with a different team. Funny, he's done that already. He's 62, approaching the end of his career, what much more has he left to accomplish in his professional career other than trying for a repeat in his 12th season at Miami?

The 62 year old Riley has 7 NBA Titles to his name, most famous for his 4 with the Lakers as head coach. Twenty-two years head coaching, he has over 1100 wins, 17 Divisional Championships, 9 Conference Championships, 5 NBA Titles, and a record seven 60 win seasons. In an effort to repeat as NBA Champions, his Miami Heat are flirting around a 6 seed for this year's NBA Playoffs and are currently sporting a record of 37-32.

In January of 2007, Riley took a leave of absence to take care of some health related issues, namely to have knee surgery. He returned in mid-February to resume his coaching this year. In the press conference he held in January to announce his leave of absence, Riley was asked whether this year, because of missing time due to health related reasons, was going to be his last season, he replies,

“I'm not making any decision on that. I'm not gonna make any decision on that”.

Asked whether or not it's been a disappointment the way Miami has performed as defending champions, Riley responds,

“Well, I'm not happy with it, you know obviously, um, but there's been extenuating circumstances, and uh, you know there a number of reasons that I'll sorta keep to myself, but it's what it is, you know, we're 13-17, uh, you know we've had, uh, you know, defensive lapses that, that, that are mind boggling to me … I haven't been happy with our overall effort & defense all year long, you know, from the get-go.”

I don't know, but he kinda sounds like he might be getting at that point where he's ready to retire … but not retire, you know? Like Brett Favre.

Why not attempt to talk to the hall of fame coach. The way I see it, the only thing missing from Pat Riley's resume that could possibly set him apart from EVERYONE, is winning a college national championship under his direction. And if Riley is at that point to retire but still wants to be involved in the sport, then coaching Kentucky would give him a different feel, a different perspective. He'd be developing the talent rather than coaching the talent. Name me one college prospect who wouldn't want to be coached under the direction of possibly the best hall of fame coach ever? Coaching Kentucky could possibly be the icing on the cake for Pat Riley's legacy, as well it could and should be.

Pat Riley coaching Kentucky to essentially end his career with his alma mater, the school he played for as part of Rupp's Runt, on the very team that was upset by Texas Western, would bring back some much needed passion the University has been lacking since their last title in 98. There's no one I've read as possible replacements that have faced and continue to face pressure as Riley has in his career.

And Riley is not too old for the job either. Since Adolph Rupp retired in 1972, the University of Kentucky has had 4 head coaches who's averaged 8.5 years per tenure with the average age of 52, however, Rupp was around 70 years old when he retired. Pat Riley is 62 should he be on the short list of Kentucky's prospects, which if you do the math, would give Riley a good 8 years before he reaches 70 which would also equal slightly less than Kentucky's average head coaching tenure {8.5} since Rupp retired.

Not only that, but Pat Riley would bring back top 10 recruitment immediately to Kentucky and the glory of Big Blue Nation renewed.

So why not? Give him a ring Mitch. You've got nothing to lose. Just see if he'd be interested. If he hesitates his answer, do everything you can to reel him into Lexington. There would be a renewed, vigorous sense of excitement filling the streets throughout Kentucky should Riley accept.

John Calipari: The Second Coming of Rick Pitino

Digger says Calipari has already packed his bags for Lexington.



John Calipari? Shut up already. He's not entertaining the idea.

Weird: Tubby In Minny

Tubby Bolts from Lexington and No one Questions How Weird It Was


{Photo: Gophersports}


And just like that, I promise this will be the last TS mention for awhile, Tubby Smith jets for Minnesota in matter of days after losing to Kansas. Faster than you can snap your finger. Just like that. He's gone. Left. Packed his junked - FedEx'd. He UPS'd his way towards the Canadian border. Just. Like. That.

And just like that, it was equally weird watching Tubby Smith joyfully receive a warm welcome in front of Minnesota fans and school officials.

I mean, it just struck me as the most oddest thing I've experienced following UK Basketball. Even weirder than Rick Pitino moving to Louisville because at least then I saw it coming, but Tubby Smith jetting for the Northern plains just days after his season concluded with a loss to Kansas and watching him, just like that, change alliances, change his loyalties, watching him changing his priorities to a different school in a different conference is just the most freakin' oddest thing to witness.

I mean how can a coach, just like that, make a decision to sever ties with a program without already planning a move like that to Minnesota and moving on to a “fresh start”? I mean the only thing I can compare the weirdness I feel about it is to compare it like if you were just engaged after a ten-year relationship and then the next day you wake up and announce to your lover that you're leaving her/him for someone else. Just. Like. That.

It's just odd man to see a coach talking the same B.S. to another school saying things like how you're going to build a winning team and that it's going to take time and that we need to have the right people in the right places and so on and so forth. I'm sitting there watching that vid of Tubby Smith in front of Minnesota fans, just a day after leaving Lexington, just like that, and I'm just thinking what the heck has gone through his mind that he can disown a program he's owned for 10 years and without a warning shot pack his bags to somewhere else without at least giving his fans some sort of hint of needing to feel wanted elsewhere and then talk the same general B.S. speech that he probably gave the University of Kentucky and its fans to the University of Minnesota and its fans. There's no doubt Tubby Smith is a good coach, and I respect what he has done for Kentucky, and I can accept now that maybe his accomplishments just aren't up to Kentucky's standards. I mean, heck, the history of the most-winningest program in the nation has a right to be a bit spoiled and highly maintained, but I'm just saying that it was down-right odd and weird to see Tubby Smith accept and vow to love a different program as quickly as he did.

I've already seen the press conference vid online at Minnesota's website, but here's a floor view of the announcement of Tubby Smith at Minnesota which I guess adds a little more weirdness to it with a different angle … like how the weirdness would be if I were there floor side.



P.S. No wonder Minnesota welcomed Tubby Smith like he was Coach K, part of their problem is that Micky D's their sponsor.

Kentucky Basketball: It's Worth Living For

Vid courtesy of ukwildcatfan33 via Wildcats Thunder. Best vid yet.

UK Basketball: It's More Than Just A Game

What Did Tony Dungy Tell Tubby Smith?

The following comes courtesy of Wildcats Thunder by link and it's LEX 18 News' coverage of Tubby Smith's departure. There's footage of Tubby Smith boarding a plane headed to Minnesota from Lexington, Big Woo's reaction, and Patrick Patterson's reaction which has me convinced he's not signing on with the Wildcats now.

But perhaps most intriguing of the whole clip is when LEX's Alan Cutler dishes the scoop that Indianapolis Colts' head coach Tony Dungy had something to do with Tubby Smith leaving for Minnesota, but he doesn't elaborate exactly what involvement he had with the situation.

Knowing that Tony Dungy is a Christian, I assume or speculate that Dungy played none other than a supporting voice for Tubby. Too bad Alan Cutler didn't elaborate on this interesting tidbit.

Bradley & Meeks: Beautifully Together

Who knows what Kentucky is going to look like next year, so today I've been looking at clips of them through the season and of past and just reminiscing because there's just too much negativity surrounding Kentucky hoops.

Anyways, here's a clip I found via Wildcats Thunder. Those guys there are so professional and they always come up with the best fan media a fan could ask for, so thanks to the guys at Wildcats Thunder who put this sweet vid together. I, as a fan, appreciate it.

Bradley & Meeks

One Thing Leads To Another

It's called “Your Ass in a Hat”, Flubby.

More than half of Kentucky's fan base got what they wanted yesterday from Tubby Smith … and it wasn't his autograph.

Tubby Smith beat Kentucky fans to the punch yesterday by quickly shocking Big Blue Nation with a resignation to then accepting the head coaching job at Minnesota.

Whether this was the pressure put on by UK to Tubby to make some changes or if it was the majority[not the Wildcat Blog] of the Kentucky fan base who were fed up without a national title in about 10 years, it seemed the heat was too much to bear for Tubby Smith. Now the search ensues for a new head coach[I doubt we'll find a quality one], and now it seems Kentucky basketball is headed further below in a downward spiral. If the majority of the “hardcore” Kentucky fans thought Tubby's success at Kentucky wasn't good enough, it should interest the rest of the nation to sit back and wait to see what they do when Kentucky stinks it up like finding molded cheese in your dresser drawer by the time global warming is burning a hole through your britches.

One Thing Leads To Another

The deception with tact, just what are you trying to say?
You've got a blank face, which irritates
Communicate, pull out your party piece
You see dimensions in two
State your case with black or white
But when one little cross leads to shots, grit your teeth
You run for cover so discreet, why don't they

Do what they say, say what you mean
One thing leads to another
You told me something wrong, I know I listen too long
But then one thing leads to another

The impression that you sell
Passes in and out like a scent
But the long face that you see comes from living close to your fears
If this is up then I'm up but you're running out of sight
You've seen your name on the walls
And when one little bump leads to shock miss a beat
You run for cover and there's heat, why don't they

Do what they say, say what they mean
One thing leads to another
You told me something wrong, I know I listen too long
But then one thing leads to another
One thing leads to another

Then it's easy to believe
Somebody's been lying to me
But when the wrong word goes in the right ear
I know you've been lying to me

It's getting rough, off the cuff I've got to say enough's enough

Bigger the harder he falls
But when the wrong antidote is like a bulge on the throat
You run for cover in the heat why don't they
Do what they say, say what they mean
One thing leads to another
You tell me something wrong, I know I listen too long
But then one thing leads to another, yeah yeah!
One thing leads to another[Repeat]

WCB's Official Video/Song

Old Diminion's makin' some noise this afternoon as I prepare myself for Kentucky's opening round game tomorrow, which btw might probably be the best or among the best of all the 1st round games this year.

With the post season underway, I feel there's no better time than now to announce the Wildcat Blog's official Video/Song. Enjoy the melody my friends. And tomorrow I just might have a special dedication for Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford.

UK all the way. Go Cats!

Round the Globe

Ohhhhhh Noah, You Turn Me On!!!

Even though I may not like the Gators, I really do have to congratulate them for a season of dominance … and for Billy Donovan recruiting who might perhaps be revealed to be the Gators' biggest dumbazz ever.

Gator Basketball: So Easy Even A Dumbazz Can Play


The only thing missing from this brilliant performance by Florida's #1 baller is the actual sheep used down on the court that Noah was gettin freaky with. Ladies and Gentlemen, Joakim Noah … and his sheep! Ladies and Gentlemen, Joakim Noah … and his sheep!

PS: Related To Noah?

And if you want to have more fun at Noah's expense [hey, I don't voluntary expose my arrogance in front of cameras], check out this following clip of Noah getting posterized by UCLA earlier this season - something you rarely see happen to the big, strong Noah. And it might be worth adding that the game ball weren't the only balls Noah took to the face that day. Just watch.



Good luck to dem Gators I suppose, I mean, their quick rise to national fame must seem like it'll last forever for a team that's only experienced it for two years, so good luck, and don't let them Wildcats make a croc of you in the second round huh?

Kentucky, You're Breakin' My Heart

Yeah, I know I've been away for awhile and haven't updated this beautiful blog [insert sarcasm]. Things have been rough and it looks like now that this baby will be updated on a weekly basis more so than daily. [Sigh], but I've been keeping up with Kentucky since I last posted here, and let me say somethin' to the Kentucky faithful, Kentucky is breakin' mah heart dearly.

I've been trying to keep up-to-date like I usually do around the best of the best Kentucky blogs out there, mostly at A Sea of Blue who always has among the elite of Kentucky commentary. While being ill, a lot of things have happened to the Wildcats that I've been dying to post about but honestly, the up and down pre-mature “success” that even I am guilty of spewing from the mouth about has caused my passion to write to become dust on top of the TV where the only thing that does make me happy is the fact that I don't have a DVR and the ability to drive myself insane over Kentucky's lack of consistency.

Honestly, this has got to be one of the worst Kentucky teams ever, and I have no credible inclination that would lead me to believe that Kentucky will reach the Sweet 16. Capable? Sure. Will they. I don't think so. It hurts to see Kentucky struggle. Come ON Kentucky, we beat Miss. St. earlier. Good teams don't find ways to lose. I know were better.

When you don't dominate conference home games, at the least, then you don't deserve much than maybe an ice pack in that new 30 million dollar practice facility.

Maybe this year's team should be nicknamed the ComeFlat Cats.

Don't get me wrong though, I love these kids on this team. And I'll save myself time writing about each player, but I'll just say that I feel the talent on this team is great enough to be among the Top 10 but together they just haven't brought it all in big key games they've had to win to either prove something or keep their momentum, and it sucks as a fan to watch it and read it.

A lot grief has been made about Tubby Smith. Although I agree Tubby Smith should bear some criticism, calling for his job is premature and ignorant. Tubby Smith is a proven winner, and what he does for his community is nothing short of honorable. Yeah, maybe his charity work and the time he puts forth off the court in the community may not bring a national championship to Lexington, it does however instill character to his kids and those watching them. I don't doubt for a second, and never will, the value of having Tubby Smith at Kentucky. The game is important, and I'm with EVERYONE who's upset this year, heck, I'm not exactly thrilled at the average to below average play Kentucky has shown the past 3 straight years, but Tubby's success without winning a national championship isn't really all that bad if you look at his numbers. He has won a lot of games, and I don't think I've ever seen or heard Tubby Smith disinterested in the state of Kentucky hoops, so lets not get out of line and rush to judgement huh? Florida may have a nasty streak on us, but like every team in the nation, the Gators over in Gainseville are about to have a fall from grace so to speak possibly starting next year, and they'll be experiencing the hardships Kentucky has, and that's going to be a real test for Billy Donovan - can he do it again with different kids? Remember, Patience is a virtue, so don't be so hard on Tubby.

Speaking of Billy, I've been reading and hearing about his name being a possible replacement for Tubby Smith. That's just out of this world crazy. IT'S CRAZY.

So I guess being pissed off at Rick Pitino for going to L'ville has no justification whatsoever since some fans like the idea of Donovan coaching here? What? Personally I don't want him here - I don't care how good he is. Aside from L'ville, Florida is #2 in terms of dislike [hate is such a bad word]. You think I would welcome Billy Donovan to Lexington when I'm sitting here and I still to this day get pissed off about Pitino moving to Louisville? That would make some of us who were upset that Pitino left for L'ville just like the fans of L'ville who accepted him! And other than Pitino leaving for L'ville, I do respect him as a coach. WAKE UP, that Cardinals team that sucked it up early this season is eyeing a probable Sweet 16 and possible Elite 8 at the very least! And if Billy Donovan came to Lexington, what would that make some of us who might criticise Gator fans for being pissed off their coach had come here? Huh? Hypocrites maybe?! So I don't want Donovan here, I don't care for him, I don't want to hear he bought a house out in Versailles. Let him live in Sunshine. He's a good coach, but he hasn't exactly built Florida into what Kentucky IS.

And Tubby? Let him be. His value to Kentucky is more than you realize.

Patience is a virtue.