First Buzz to Kentucky tweet....

[Goose]

I really am torn on my thoughts if UK would go after Buzz if job available or not. Think UK could care less about the Billy experiment because two totally different people. Do think that the UK bluebloods probably would want them to chase higher profile name. Hate to say it but really think Buzz is a guy who could thrive in a one and done program. Donovan and Miller probably not as comfortable in one and done and would need time to create own style. Buzz probably could deliver players in a hurry.

[4everwarriors]

Didn't we just clear this all up with the email campaign?

[wadesworld]

This is exactly what I think the issue would be.  I don't think Buzz and UK would be a good fit at all and I think UK knows this.

I think they would go hard after Billy Donovan.  I think Sean Miller would also get a look.

Those are two names that would definitely look good at Kentucky.  I don't mean to bash Buzz as I think he is a great coach, but let's be honest here, we were talking about him going to Southern Methodist University a week ago.  He would not be in the running for the Kentucky job if it opened up.  They will get literally anyone besides Coach K, Roy, probably Izzo, and maybe Bill Self.  Anybody else they want and they will get him.  Buzz is not yet in the class of coaches that would be at the top of the list to take over one of the top 5 programs in the country historically while it is also a current top 5 program.  If Indiana was fresh off a Bob Knight Final Four and Knight chose to leave, do people really think they would've looked at Tom Crean as his replacement?  I don't.  They would've gone after Calipari, Roy Williams, Bill Self, or another big name coach.  Buzz is not that big time yet.  I highly doubt the Kentucky fans would be anywhere near close to happy with a coach who has yet to reach an Elite Eight and is only 5 years into his head coaching career.

[Benny B]

No one really thinks Buzz would be on UK short list if job opened? Maybe I am the only guy that holds Buzz in elite coach status or we all hope his name does not come up.

He'd be on the short list, for the sole reason to say that they had a short list.

My guess is that Kentucky already knows who will be their next coach after Calipari, and quite candidly, I think that coach probably knows as well.   I just can't see Buzz reconciling his conscience knowing that he's coaching MU having already given an acknowledgement to his eventual ascension at Kentucky.

Additionally, when Cal leaves - which, mind you, I don't believe is going to happen anytime soon - UK will inevitably make a big splash to appease their fan base... a fan base that won't settle for a coach who hasn't made it to the Elite 8.  In fact, the only way Buzz would end up at Kentucky in the next 10 years is if he had multiple FF appearances and/or a national championship under his belt... frankly, that's one Buzz to ______ scenario I will entertain.

[MerrittsMustache]

Slightly off-topic but in regard to Cal possibly going to the Knicks...Don't you think a college program would take a chance on a guy like Mike D'Antoni? He runs a fun, fast-paced offense that scores a lot of points but definitely has its limitations. If you're the AD at a BCS school with a traditionally mediocre basketball program (ie VaTech, Rutgers, Auburn, etc), wouldn't you take a chance on D'Antoni in hopes that he can bring in some big recruits to play in his system? Or, if nothing else, get some excitement around your program and put butts in the seats to watch shootouts? Herb Sendek has been struggling at Arizona State the last couple of seasons. I feel like D'Antoni would be embraced back in the desert at the college ranks, no?

[brewcity77]

I really am torn on my thoughts if UK would go after Buzz if job available or not. Think UK could care less about the Billy experiment because two totally different people. Do think that the UK bluebloods probably would want them to chase higher profile name. Hate to say it but really think Buzz is a guy who could thrive in a one and done program. Donovan and Miller probably not as comfortable in one and done and would need time to create own style. Buzz probably could deliver players in a hurry.

Just because I'm curious...who do you think would be ahead of him? I doubt Shaka or Stevens, who may have big names but have never recruited at the high-major level like Buzz has. Pastner I could definitely see, and would make sense following Cal again. Who else...maybe a Dixon or Wright?

I definitely think that if Buzz wasn't at the top of the list, he'd be in the top 3-4.

[Skatastrophy]

Slightly off-topic but in regard to Cal possibly going to the Knicks...Don't you think a college program would take a chance on a guy like Mike D'Antoni? He runs a fun, fast-paced offense that scores a lot of points but definitely has its limitations. If you're the AD at a BCS school with a traditionally mediocre basketball program (ie VaTech, Rutgers, Auburn, etc), wouldn't you take a chance on D'Antoni in hopes that he can bring in some big recruits to play in his system? Or, if nothing else, get some excitement around your program and put butts in the seats to watch shootouts? Herb Sendek has been struggling at Arizona State the last couple of seasons. I feel like D'Antoni would be embraced back in the desert at the college ranks, no?

If they had the money to hire D'Antoni I would think that a school would go after a splashy coach hire with some success at the college level.

[wadesworld]

Slightly off-topic but in regard to Cal possibly going to the Knicks...Don't you think a college program would take a chance on a guy like Mike D'Antoni? He runs a fun, fast-paced offense that scores a lot of points but definitely has its limitations. If you're the AD at a BCS school with a traditionally mediocre basketball program (ie VaTech, Rutgers, Auburn, etc), wouldn't you take a chance on D'Antoni in hopes that he can bring in some big recruits to play in his system? Or, if nothing else, get some excitement around your program and put butts in the seats to watch shootouts? Herb Sendek has been struggling at Arizona State the last couple of seasons. I feel like D'Antoni would be embraced back in the desert at the college ranks, no?

A poor man's Paul Westhead?  See Elite Eight scores in the 130s (without their best player)?  That would be fun to have a team like Loyola Marymount around again.  Maybe he can go to another tiny school and turn them into a big-time program.  Then get a head coaching gig in the WNBA...

[Goose]

Brew City
I agree with you on top 2-3 guys would be Buzz. Only guy I would put above him if I were UK would be Donovan. UK wants to win next year and Buzz would win next year. He would land studs overnight down there.

[CTWarrior]

That would be fun to have a team like Loyola Marymount around again.

I don't know if you actually remember watching Loyola Marymount play, but those games were the most tedious games to watch ever.  Think NBA All Star game with less talent and less defense.  The games resembled practice full court lay-up drills.

[MUBurrow]

Just because I'm curious...who do you think would be ahead of him? I doubt Shaka or Stevens, who may have big names but have never recruited at the high-major level like Buzz has. Pastner I could definitely see, and would make sense following Cal again. Who else...maybe a Dixon or Wright?

I definitely think that if Buzz wasn't at the top of the list, he'd be in the top 3-4.

I think Billy Donovan, Sean Miller, I4, Scott Drew, Thad Matta (doubtful he would go, but they'd probably ask) and Jay Wright (unless the luster has worn off more than I think) all get looks first. I think Buzz would be in their next tier, along with Pastner, Stevens, Shaka, and maybe Cronin. But I don't think it would get that far anyway.

[CTWarrior]

Well, if Buzz did leave for Kentucky, I certainly wouldn't begrudge him the move like I would have had he let for SMU.  There is no argument that Kentucky doesn't represent a big promotion.

Anyway, I'm done worrying about such things.  I'll enjoy Buzz as long as he is here.

[MUBurrow]

Well, if Buzz did leave for Kentucky, I certainly wouldn't begrudge him the move like I would have had he let for SMU.  There is no argument that Kentucky doesn't represent a big promotion.

Anyway, I'm done worrying about such things.  I'll enjoy Buzz as long as he is here.

very much agreed. I think its just fun to talk about. We could change the subject from "Buzz to KY?" to "Most sought after coaches in the game?" and the discussion wouldnt really change.

[MuMark]

KY will go after bigger name then Buzz if Cal leaves. Matta, Donovan, Jamie Dixon, Miller, Stevens etc

[strotty]

KY will go after bigger name then Buzz if Cal leaves. Matta, Donovan, Jamie Dixon, Miller, Stevens etc

This.

[spartan3186]

Why does everyone keep mentioning Donovan? Kentucky went after him last time around and he turned them down. Why would anything have changed between then and now?

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/2007-04-05-3223316331_x.htm

[Goose]

What changed is Donovan is not coming off two NC's and UK is defending champs. The coaching business is so fluid and anything can happen at anytime. Money talks and UK has plenty of it. Still think Buzz would be better selection if UK is happy with one and done system.

[MuMark]

Didn't say that Donovan would take it only that he would be on the short list again if the job opens up.


Just because he turned it down a few years ago doesn't automatically mean he will turn it down again........you do your due dilligence....if he isn't interested you move to the next guy.

[mu03eng]

Why does everyone keep mentioning Donovan? Kentucky went after him last time around and he turned them down. Why would anything have changed between then and now?

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/2007-04-05-3223316331_x.htm

I also thought some of the reason Donovan turned it down was he had a daughter that was about to be going to Florida for volleyball and didn't want to move the family around.  I'd think she'd be close to graduating by now or I just completely made that scenario up in my head.

[GGGG]

I also thought some of the reason Donovan turned it down was he had a daughter that was about to be going to Florida for volleyball and didn't want to move the family around.  I'd think she'd be close to graduating by now or I just completely made that scenario up in my head.

I thought that was Urban Meyer.

[Tugg Speedman]

Why would The Knicks hire Calipari?  He tried the NBA (The Nets) and it did not work out that well.  He goes back to college and recruits Derek Rose, John Wall and Anthony Davis.  How does that prove he will be better in his second try at the NBA?

[lab_warrior]

So, this domino scenario is predicated on Calipari jetting to the NBA, eh?

Just looked at Calipari's NBA record as Nets coach:

year    W - L
========
1997   26-56
1998   43-49
1999    3-17  **

** note:  FIRED!!!!

Boy, if I am an NBA GM, how am I NOT IMPRESSED, and beating down the man's door to BEG HIM to coach my team??  

Then again, NBA GMs are really, REALLY, BREATHTAKINGLY stupid people.  

[Goose]

Lab,
Not really sure the NBA is the same league as it was last time he was there. Not saying he should be NBA coach or not, but do not think what he did 13-15 years is best judge of his ability. He obviously has an ability to get guys to play together for common goal.

[lab_warrior]

Yeah, but in the NBA, you can't handpick the best of the litter, like Cal essentially does now at UK. 

You have to be able to do some Xs and Os work, deal with injuries, roster moves, etc. 

And I agree, the NBA isn't the same as it was when Cal was there last.  It's a lot less diluted talent-wise.  When Cal was there last, the league had just expanded, it was a much more watered down league.  I actually think the NBA is more balanced now.

Also, there is the very un-awesome track record of NCAA coaches in the NBA.  Mike Montgomery with the Warriors, anyone?     

[reinko]

Yeah, but in the NBA, you can't handpick the best of the litter, like Cal essentially does now at UK. 

You have to be able to do some Xs and Os work, deal with injuries, roster moves, etc. 

And I agree, the NBA isn't the same as it was when Cal was there last.  It's a lot less diluted talent-wise.  When Cal was there last, the league had just expanded, it was a much more watered down league.  I actually think the NBA is more balanced now.

Also, there is the very un-awesome track record of NCAA coaches in the NBA.  Mike Montgomery with the Warriors, anyone?     

We take exception to that statement.

Best regards,
Lon Kruger, Sidney Lowe, and Tim Floyd