Coaching Changes

[Atlanta Warrior]

Interesting developments with Calipari moving to KU and Bennett to UVA. The Bennett move was a puzzler. I was really surprised that UVA didn't make a bigger play for Anthony Grant but it appears Alabama is putting huge money on the table.  That said I am still very surprised by this hire. I realize recruiting, in the age of AAU ball, has beomce more a national pursuit but Bennett has absolutely no affinity for the region or conference.  I thought the Mike Brey stories rang true based on Brey's ACC ties and strong connections to DC area high school hoops. Not saying Bennett isn't a good coach, quite the contrary this just seems like an odd match

I think Memphis is going to be hurtin for certin (as they say in these 'har parts).  I thought UGA might have been the least attractive job for a possible big time hire but it might now be Memphis.  Folks here like to fantasize about UGA hiring Capel or Anderson but I don't see either of their current situations as less attractive than UGA; in fact if all three jobs were open I would have to think OU and Mizzou would be far more attractive to prospective candidates than UGA.  The wild card might be the desire of an Anderson or Capel to return to the South.

UGA has many positives including a new practice facility, on campus (albeit a bit of a dump) arena and a very deep in state high school talent base.  It also has a dynamic, young AD in Damon Evans who wants to elevate the hoops profile.  Obviously, football (as is the case at most SEC schools) is king but UGA also has a stellar overall athletic program with strong baseball, non revenue (tennis and golf) and women's (basketball) programs.  Also Athens is a pretty nice place to live and still close enough to Atlanta to have access to some world class culture and entertainment.

I seriously do not see what Memphis has to offer other than some serious FedEx $.  The school is not exactly the Harvard of the South and, other than basketball, the athletic program seems pretty mediocre. Not to mention have you ever been to Memphis?  I think Memphis will have a very difficult time luring a big time name unless they go the USC route and get a discarded pro coach.

[spartan3186]

Not to pick on you, I've seen it like 100000 times in the past week, but its UK not KU. Its  been driving me nuts.

UK= Kentucky
KU= Kansas

[TJ]

Not to pick on you, I've seen it like 100000 times in the past week, but its UK not KU. Its  been driving me nuts.

UK= Kentucky
KU= Kansas

Thanks.  You're not alone.

[Atlanta Warrior]

Sorry for the typo but thanks for adding to the thread