Kentucky hired a head coach, who in his first year in the Big 12 won at and had the same record as Kansas.
True, but big picture wise, this is underwhelming. You're probably just dizzy from spinning this so hard.
Seriously, Kentucky is one of the best college basketball programs in the country. They could have and should have done better. This guy is not going to restore them to prominence. [Reply]
Originally Posted by TEX:
True, but big picture wise, this is underwhelming. You're probably just dizzy from spinning this so hard.
Seriously, Kentucky is one of the best college basketball programs in the country. They could have and should have done better. This guy is not going to restore them to prominence.
I don’t have a problem going with a coach is unproven, but would like to have seen at least some tournament success (at least one second weekend appearance).
His teams 3 of the last 5 years finished with a higher KenPom than Kentucky, so make of that as you will.
My main concern is his recruiting, which I know at BYU he is under restrictions as to who he can get. I think he’s a good coach scheme wise and will know how to deal with community, boosters, and fanbase.
But Barnhart (the AD) put him in a shit situation where if he doesn’t win immediately (second weekend by year 2), he’s going to face a lot of pressure. I think Pope can be successful in Lexington but he’ll need more time than someone like Pearl would. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Rams Fan:
I don’t have a problem going with a coach is unproven, but would like to have seen at least some tournament success (at least one second weekend appearance).
His teams 3 of the last 5 years finished with a higher KenPom than Kentucky, so make of that as you will.
My main concern is his recruiting, which I know at BYU he is under restrictions as to who he can get. I think he’s a good coach scheme wise and will know how to deal with community, boosters, and fanbase.
But Barnhart (the AD) put him in a shit situation where if he doesn’t win immediately (second weekend by year 2), he’s going to face a lot of pressure. I think Pope can be successful in Lexington but he’ll need more time than someone like Pearl would.
Good points. Will be interesting for sure. [Reply]
Mitch Barnhart on a phone call with Kentucky Sports Radio, the thought there was a massive pool of candidates: "It's really more like a puddle of names." He says that's a product of the pressure that comes with UK. Also mentions egos and personalities are part of the process.