Who takes over at Kentucky?

[GGGG]

Am I the only one who doesn't see UGA as a step up from Mizzou? When was the last time UGA was any good... Plus basketball will always play second fiddle in the SEC

Anderson is from the south.  He really hasn't been appreciated at Mizzou until this year.  Columbia isn't exactly a great place to live.

And most of all  $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

[NYWarrior]

Anderson to Bama......UGA has never anted up for hoops, their facilities are dated, etal.

Billy D to UK, Grant to UF, Anderson to Bama.  UGA gets the dregs

[NavinRJohnson]

UGA gets the dregs

Why would Crean leave IU to go to UGA?

[NavinRJohnson]

Which happens first, Gillespie gets a new job, or UK finds his replacement?

[MR.HAYWARD]

i can see UK making a pass at Donovan but if he says no or waffles travis Ford really seems to be the no brainer, I mean he is not only a Uk greta but has done one hell of a job all the way thru his different stops. 

But on the other hand UK is really dumb to conduct their Ath. Dept like Al Davis.  Firing 2 coaches in two years is going to kill them,  recruit after recruit will be very wary.  Stability is key as much as it detested Crean the only fiber in my body that wanted him to stay was that it menat continuity

[AlumKCof93]

It would be interesting to see what would happen if Calipari went to UK.  Would Conference USA just fold?  Given the conference they're in, how does Calipari consistently bring in these recruits?  Look at this year - they won 27 games in a row and nobody cared.  After losing last night, did their season matter? Why would kids want to go there instead of a school in a legitimate conference where winning the regular season or conference tournament actually meant something?

[bma725]

It would be interesting to see what would happen if Calipari went to UK.  Would Conference USA just fold?  Given the conference they're in, how does Calipari consistently bring in these recruits?  Look at this year - they won 27 games in a row and nobody cared.  After losing last night, did their season matter? Why would kids want to go there instead of a school in a legitimate conference where winning the regular season or conference tournament actually meant something?

cough....William Wesley....cough.

[GGGG]

It would be interesting to see what would happen if Calipari went to UK.  Would Conference USA just fold?  Given the conference they're in, how does Calipari consistently bring in these recruits?  Look at this year - they won 27 games in a row and nobody cared.  After losing last night, did their season matter? Why would kids want to go there instead of a school in a legitimate conference where winning the regular season or conference tournament actually meant something?

Conference USA is a bunch of schools that outside of Memphis, care way more about football than they do basketball. 

[Big Papi]

I think its  1. Cal        2. Ford

Ford doesn't bring the big name recognition or experience Kentucky is looking for. 

Donovan's waffling probably makes him a lifer at Florida.  I wouldn't go after him and definitely wouldn't trust his word if he did say yes.  I would definitely pass on him.

I don't see Izzo leaving Michigan State for anything but the NBA.

Cal plays in a crappy conference.  It must really suck to go through a season where you destroy your competition every night no matter what he says.  I would think he would want some sort of challenge.  With his name, his ability to recruit and that Kentucky is a premier name, Cal would be very successful there and basically finish a successful coaching career at Kentucky.

If Cal is not interested, only then will Ford get the job as the other really good coaches have eyes on other prizes.

[SCdem@MU]

This whole coaching wheel will be interesting in the next week or so.

Heres some thoughts on a few:

Kentucky
               Calapari - If he  gets John Wall, it would be the best recruiting class ever. Nah
               Izzo - Can't see him in blue
               Donovan - I would yes at this point.
               Travis Ford - ex blueshirt, would fit in with alumni, but they want the big
                                 name.
Alabama
Anthony Grant offered, but not taken yet.  I assume since Grant is an ex-coach                              under Donovan at Florida, he is waiting to see if Donovan leaves.  If not, Grant goes to Bama.

Georgia
No clue, maybe Mike Anderson from Mizzo

Arizona
I say Jaime Dixon who was an assistant under Ben Howland at No. Arizona and has west coast ties. If Blair goes pro, Pitt loses everybody.

PITT
If Dixon goes, its Sean Miller time.

Virginia
Mike Brey from ND.  ND loses everyone except Harangody, who is now "testing" draft.  No big recruits coming in. Welcome back to ACC.  

Notre Dame
Too far out to even conceive.  Bill Laimbeer.  Who cares.

Why hasn't Jay Wright been mentioned as a possible candidate for a top-tier program more? The guy can really coach, is a great recruiter and seems to be a great guy.

Yet, I rarely ever hear his name mentioned when a top position opens up.

[GGGG]

Wright turned down Kentucky two years ago.

[lurch91]

The only way I see Dixon or Wright ever leaving is with more zero's on a check that I can count.  They've got great situations right where they are.  The only thing that could be better is the weather for either of them.

[THEGYMBAR]

IMO-- Dixon to AZ and Travis Ford to UK.

[Warrior_2002]

Wright turned down Kentucky two years ago.

Because he has more loyalty to his program than Crean had here.  He could easily say "It's Kentucky" but he'd rather build his program to one day match the prestige of the elite.  I guess we'll see if his loyalty holds up.

[war1980rior]

I don't think there's a chance Donovan goes to UK.  He's got a sweet $3+ million/year deal going at Florida for another 5 years.  Seems stupid to walk away fro that.

However, there is a weird clause in his contract, in which case he'd need to accept the UK job in the next 5 days...
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/sec/2008-10-03-florida-donovan-extension_N.htm

I'm with Rocky on Donovan.  He's got a solid recruiting class ('09-10) coming in, after losing so many to the NBA after the back-to-back performance.  He's paid very well in an area that has an extremely low cost of living, and the football program bears all the pressure to win.  It's a sweet deal compared to KY.  He also never has to pay a kid in the neighborhood to shovel his driveway.

[muwarrior69]

Actually John Wooden is comming out of retirement to take the job. Hear its a 10 year contract.

[NYWarrior]

Because he has more loyalty to his program than Crean had here.  He could easily say "It's Kentucky" but he'd rather build his program to one day match the prestige of the elite.  I guess we'll see if his loyalty holds up.

With the class  Jay Wright has coming in -- and the enormous talent returning next year at Nova -- he is staying put.

Billy Donovan to UK, Grant to UF, Anderson to Bama.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

With the class  Jay Wright has coming in -- and the enormous talent returning next year at Nova -- he is staying put.

Billy Donovan to UK, Grant to UF, Anderson to Bama.

Jay's got a very nice contract, great recruits coming in, lives in a major city, and has a VERY long leash seen as he has returned Nova to basketball glory.

If he is smart, he'll stay.

I understand the draw of the large programs (a lot of it is ego), but if Jay keeps this up, he'll be the toast of the Big East and Philly (as if he's not already).

[Eye]

A couple of other names from Lexington: Thad Motta and Jay Wright.

Hard to think about Wright not at Villanova but if I was UK and could not get Donovan, I would give him a hard look.

Wright turned down UK two years ago; why would this time be any different?

[MU B2002]

I don't see Izzo leaving Michigan State for anything but the NBA.

I see this statement everywhere, but if it is true why is he still at MSU?  At least 5 NBA jobs seem to open every season and if he is interested I would think he is a high end candidate.  Yet he remains at the college level.

Reminds me of all the Kirk Ferentz to the NFL speculation that has gone on for about 5 years.

[Phi Iota Gamma 84]

Wasn't Matta rumoured when BG got the gig

[BrewCity83]

Darrin Horn to Kentucky.

[4everwarriors]

Is it correct to assume former Badger guard, Tracy Webster, is out as well?

[Big Papi]

I see this statement everywhere, but if it is true why is he still at MSU?  At least 5 NBA jobs seem to open every season and if he is interested I would think he is a high end candidate.  Yet he remains at the college level.

Reminds me of all the Kirk Ferentz to the NFL speculation that has gone on for about 5 years.

My comment on Izzo is that I don't see him going anywhere else when it comes to collegiate programs.  The ONLY change I see him making as far as going to a more challenging job is if he decides to take a stab at the NBA.  Just because he has said no once, twice, five times or ten times, doesn't mean that at some point in time he changes his mind and does it.  If he is changing jobs it will be to the NBA but I think he is a lifer on Michigan State much like I think Donovan is a lifer at Florida.

[MU B2002]

My comment on Izzo is that I don't see him going anywhere else when it comes to collegiate programs.  The ONLY change I see him making as far as going to a more challenging job is if he decides to take a stab at the NBA.  Just because he has said no once, twice, five times or ten times, doesn't mean that at some point in time he changes his mind and does it.  If he is changing jobs it will be to the NBA but I think he is a lifer on Michigan State much like I think Donovan is a lifer at Florida.

I agree. Just funny to hear the same name every year for all these vacancies on both levels.