Message from Shaka

[MuMark]

To all of us fanatics
https://x.com/coachshakasmart/status/1778514265973858309?s=61&t=6XPB8f4sAKmJIzxgMcsCjw

[MUbiz]

I like the timing of this considering people are starting to talk about Shaka and Kentucky since every other coach is turning them down.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

I like the timing of this considering people are starting to talk about Shaka and Kentucky since every other coach is turning them down.

If that's the case then this is probably for the recruits and team rather than the fans.

[MuMark]

If that's the case then this is probably for the recruits and team rather than the fans.

Or all of the above ........

[wadesworld]

I like the timing of this considering people are starting to talk about Shaka and Kentucky since every other coach is turning them down.

I haven't seen much.

I don't think fans or recruits or current players were really worried about him leaving.  I think he's just genuinely thankful to the fans and always looking forward.

[tower912]

Very nice statement.   


I am not worried about Shaka leaving for a while.  And certainly not to Kentucky.

[The Lens]

The rift with Cal + Barnhardt got really back a few years ago in the Bahamas when Cal held an impromptu press conference in his hotel suite and referred to Kentucky as a basketball school.  That upset Mitch and Mark Stoops.  Imagine not being able to say KENTUCKY is a basketball school.

No way Shaka is running into that.

[JakeBarnes]

I like the timing of this considering people are starting to talk about Shaka and Kentucky since every other coach is turning them down.

This was definitely intentional. And I love it

[Uncle Rico]

He gowne

[Don_Kojis]

according to 1070 on the radio today.  It was reported that Shaka turned down the Kentucky job.

[tower912]

He turned down Louisville, too.  Good.

[Hards Alumni]

I like the timing of this considering people are starting to talk about Shaka and Kentucky since every other coach is turning them down.

Let them talk.  They're dreaming of something that won't happen.

[wadesworld]

I'd be surprised if he's already been offered the Kentucky job.

I do think he turned down Louisville and Michigan.

[WhiteTrash]

He gowne

#DoneDeal

[Hards Alumni]

I'd be surprised if he's already been offered the Kentucky job.

I do think he turned down Louisville and Michigan.

There's no way Kentucky hasn't reached out.  They're so effing effed at this point that no matter who they hire the fan base will meltdown.

And I am absolutely here for it.

[wadesworld]

There's no way Kentucky hasn't reached out.  They're so effing effed at this point that no matter who they hire the fan base will meltdown.

And I am absolutely here for it.

Yeah I would be surprised if they haven't contacted a number of coaches/their representation, including Shaka.  And Shaka/his representation has maybe said he's not interested.  But if Shaka became Kentucky's main target, they'd make him say no to triple his current salary.  I doubt it's gotten to that point.

[onepost]

I'd be surprised if he's already been offered the Kentucky job.

I do think he turned down Louisville and Michigan.

He did, and we didn't hear a peep about either.
A FAR CRY from 2011-2013 Buzz Williams, who used Jeff Goodman to link himself to any and every job.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

according to 1070 on the radio today.  It was reported that Shaka turned down the Kentucky job.

"Turned down" as in he was offered the job and said no? No

"Turned down" as in they reached out to gauge his interest and he said "f#ck no"? Absolutely

[tower912]

I am not saying never.   But Shaka's wife is on the faculty at MU.   His mom is a reasonable drive away.  His daughter has settled in.  And he did not have a great experience at Texas.
  So, he has a good contract and a supportive university and fanbase.   If he went now, he would be outed for the same kind of hypocrisy he seems to decry.
   So, I cannot picture him going to Kentucky.   It is cool that he is on their second tier list after getting rejected by their first few choices.   I cannot ever see Shaka taking the Kentucky job.    He will definitely be on IU's short list when they part ways with Woodson.

[CountryRoads]

Anyone have a ballpark on Shaka's salary? It's nice that he is turning these other programs down quickly which makes me think he got or is getting a large bump in pay soon. Seems to me he'd be underpaid at anything less than ~$4m.

[Hards Alumni]

Anyone have a ballpark on Shaka's salary? It's nice that he is turning these other programs down quickly which makes me think he got or is getting a large bump in pay soon. Seems to me he'd be underpaid at anything less than ~$4m.

I'd be totally fine significantly increasing his salary.

Of course, it's not my money, but I think 5+ would be what he is worth.  The direct impact that Men's basketball has on the University is astonishing in terms of ROI.

[MuggsyB]

I'd be totally fine significantly increasing his salary.

Of course, it's not my money, but I think 5+ would be what he is worth.  The direct impact that Men's basketball has on the University is astonishing in terms of ROI.

Absolutely. 

[tower912]

According to Wikipedia, he makes low 3s.

[mugrad_89]

He gowne

Is it too late to go after Wardle?  🤔

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Is it too late to go after Wardle?  🤔

According to Flight Aware, there's a private jet heading to Peoria as we speak.