Rumors circulating about Cal and Texas (UPDATE: Shaka to Marquette)

[George]

Thoughts on Kenny Payne being a possible replacement for Cal?

Hard to see without him having some college success.

[40bill]

If Cal leaves, I'm pretty sure it will take longer to rebuild than Pitino....the kids he had were all high school all americans and had either Mister in front of their names or some state record. Calipari took over and somehow convinced the kids he had recruited at Memphis not to sign LOI, and let's face it....when he was the man, he did get who he wanted.
I dont see any of that. We may get someone that goes with the non NBA Hope's for a bit to build a core...which likely means we see a long haul of seasons of struggle.

Like many have said....kids now know the NBA folks find you anywhere. Doesnt have to be a Kentucky or Duke.

I believe changes are coming whether Cal stays or goes.

Just a question...if another coach comes or if Cal changes his philosophy on NBA promises....how much leeway do they get???? Three seasons? Two? Even one?

Or do we do as UCLA, Indiana, others and get to go through a stream of 'it ain't this guy?'

[DA#23]

^ It's hard telling, as there isn't really a precedent. BCG refused to sign his contract, lost games, and completely embarrassed himself whenever he had the chance...so I think (hope) he's a one time anomaly.

I would like to think that the next guy gets 3-5 years particularly if he shows skill in building teams.

[SCBlu]

I saw a thing years ago where a guy (can't remember who it was but it was somebody in college basketball media) was making the argument that Texas was the best job in college basketball. Huge money, lowish pressure (although every job has pressure nowadays), massive high school talent in Texas, etc.

Oddly, I can kind of see this with Cal. I wouldn't bet any money or anything, but it wouldn't floor me.

Wouldn't surprise me, either. Cal's getting some heat from UK fans and there are still BIG holes to fill on next year's roster. Might be an opportune time to bail out here and start afresh with not as great fan expectations. Austin, TX is a thriving, progressive city with perks Lexington can't offer.

[Sam K.]

Scenario I'd like to see: Cal exits when Celtics season is over.

[Dwight Schrute]

My guess is that if Cal leaves, Mitch Barnhart will reach out to Brad Stevens and Mark Few, both of whom will likely say no. At that point I'd presume we get down to the 2nd tier of candidates who are all relatively unproven.

My hunch is that it would be Scott Drew, Eric Musselman, or Nate Oats. If one of those guys says no I have no idea where we'll be.

[DA#23]

^ Without a paddle

[Spiritof96]

My guess is that if Cal leaves, Mitch Barnhart will reach out to Brad Stevens and Mark Few, both of whom will likely say no. At that point I'd presume we get down to the 2nd tier of candidates who are all relatively unproven.

My hunch is that it would be Scott Drew, Eric Musselman, or Nate Oats. If one of those guys says no I have no idea where we'll be.

We would suck.

[Joneslab]

I still like Scott Drew and if it turned out that Cal left, I think in time we would be really good with him.

I like the way Chris Beard's teams play at Texas Tech and how physical they are, but Drew's teams are a little more fun to watch and he has more experience recruiting elite talent, which remains a must even after Cal leaves.

[George]

I like the way Chris Beard's teams play at Texas Tech.

They’re physical, but they’re even slower than Cal’s slowest pace. I would hate that.

[Dwight Schrute]

Scott Drew would be a good candidate and would carry on the tradition of Kentucky's coach irking the shhhhhh out of everyone else.

[KCKUKFan]

We would suck.

We'd be good under Scott Drew, with time, but it's a moot point since Barney would never hire him.

[Dwight Schrute]

We'd be good under Scott Drew, with time, but it's a moot point since Barney would never hire him.

Why?

Not saying you are wrong but if he hired Cal I am not sure why Drew would be a bridge too far.

[KCKUKFan]

Why?

Not saying you are wrong but if he hired Cal I am not sure why Drew would be a bridge too far.

The way I understand it, there is more evidence connecting Drew to recruiting improprieties directly than there was with Cal.

Barney wouldn't have hired Cal if his hand wasn't forced.

[Dwight Schrute]

The way I understand it, there is more evidence connecting Drew to recruiting improprieties directly than there was with Cal.

Barney wouldn't have hired Cal if his hand wasn't forced.

This seems like nonsense. The only thing I've found are a thing from 2008 or so when he apparently threatened to have a kid deported if he didn't come to Baylor. Everything else is hearsay and whispers because he was recruiting well at Baylor.

I'll say if he doesn't get rolled up with this FBI thing there's probably nothing there.