What would you rather have? Cal for 6 seasons, but ends with 40-0 or 12 years, as is

[lilproUK98]

[KCKUKFan]

Voted for 6 years and 40-0, because that record would probably never be matched ever again and it would solidify Kentucky (and Cal by extension) as the unattainable Holy Grail of college basketball.

Blew a truly golden opportunity. I'd give anything to be able to do that last five minutes in Indianapolis over again.

[Joneslab]

You'd always want the 40-0 season however you could get it. So I would go with that.

I guess the question really comes down to whether or not we'd be okay with just having a coach for six years and then having him bolt to the NBA? If we got that 40-0 season and left, he'd be leaving at the pinnacle of the game. Similar to how Pitino left.

Right now there are so many unknowns about how UK is going to proceed. The program is obviously not in anywhere close to the shape it was after the 1-loss season in 2015. That's a sign that (1) the field has caught up to the coach, and (2) the coach might not have the same fire he once had.

[Matt Dillon]

I took the six years as well. If we could go 40-0 next season, I'd be ok with him leaving after that.

[GOCAT15]

Voted for 6 years and 40-0, because that record would probably never be matched ever again and it would solidify Kentucky (and Cal by extension) as the unattainable Holy Grail of college basketball.

Blew a truly golden opportunity. I'd give anything to be able to do that last five minutes in Indianapolis over again.

If this was a full season I think Gonzaga might have done it.

[lilproUK98]

You'd always want the 40-0 season however you could get it. So I would go with that.

I guess the question really comes down to whether or not we'd be okay with just having a coach for six years and then having him bolt to the NBA? If we got that 40-0 season and left, he'd be leaving at the pinnacle of the game. Similar to how Pitino left.

Right now there are so many unknowns about how UK is going to proceed. The program is obviously not in anywhere close to the shape it was after the 1-loss season in 2015. That's a sign that (1) the field has caught up to the coach, and (2) the coach might not have the same fire he once had.

I'd be ok with it, as it looks like most everyone else is.

I posed this question to rebut some of the talk that we can't get anyone better and we should just ride this out with Cal. I don't necessarily agree with that because the current Cal isn't the same as first half of UK tenure Cal. Everything is and has changed. I'm of the belief that those first 6 years won't happen again and there's little reason to be scared of UK without Cal. UK has won 8 championships with 5 different coaches. Cal isn't the end all be all.

[lilproUK98]

If this was a full season I think Gonzaga might have done it.

Very possible. I think they have a good shot to run the table this year. They may only be changed in 3-4 games the rest of the way through the Tournament.

[Lighthouse]

Any Kentucky fan would want a 40-0 season over even another season as is, but in today's basketball culture is that possible unless Cal changes some things. Gonzaga is mentioned as a possibility, but Kentucky will never play a cupcake schedule like they do.

[Blue Heaven]

40-0 for the win! Even if it did happen, that 96 team is the best team ever assembled and will never be topped IMO.

[Joneslab]

I have a controversial opinion and it's that losing is necessary in basketball. I would worry about Gonzaga if they go into the NCAA Tournament undefeated. This game doesn't usually reward pressure.

Best-case scenario is you lose 2-4 games in a season, perhaps even more, and one of those losses comes late so that you can adjust. The '96 and '12 teams both had almost the perfect resumes. '98 too but '98 played with fire so much they might've been an outlier a little bit. I think they got some luck.

[lilproUK98]

I have a controversial opinion and it's that losing is necessary in basketball. I would worry about Gonzaga if they go into the NCAA Tournament undefeated. This game doesn't usually reward pressure.

Best-case scenario is you lose 2-4 games in a season, perhaps even more, and one of those losses comes late so that you can adjust. The '96 and '12 teams both had almost the perfect resumes. '98 too but '98 played with fire so much they might've been an outlier a little bit. I think they got some luck.

The 96 and 12 teams had identical seasons. Pretty remarkable really.

Both teams lost early in the season to a team they would eventually beat in the NCAA Tournament.

Both teams lost in the SEC Tournament Championship game to an SEC team they had previously handled that season.

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[GOCAT15]

I agree that a loss or two is necessary to keep a team focused and motivated.

Up until this year I would agree with the statement about Gonzaga, never really thought they were a contender until this year. Of course their conference will always be weak, but I do give credit to Mark Few for having a legit non conference slate this year, but he knew what kind of team he had and wanted some challenges.
I mean, they've handled:
#23 Kansas
Auburn
#17 WV
#8 Iowa
#14 Virginia
And most of them were with relative ease, its a shame their game against #2 Baylor got cancelled due to COVID.

But that is as impressive of a non conference resume as you can ask for.

[Joneslab]

Gonzaga is legit. Far and away the best team I've seen.

Watched just a little of Baylor but they didn't look on the same level.

Gonzaga is so balanced. They can hurt you from everywhere on the court. Big guys, guards, shooters, drivers, athletes, skill guys. They look like to me a team that has a chance to be historically good.

[Blue Heaven]

Yep. The Zags are a machine this year. The best team and it isn't close. They could run the table. These guys are extremely fun to watch.

[GOCAT15]

And they're starting to land top talent.

Will very likely land Chet Holmgren #1 player in the class, and unfortunately looking like they are now going to get Hunter Sallis #6, who we were pretty confident we were going to land until a few weeks ago.