Breaking News - Tubby's out at KY

[hoopitup3]

Just reported in Lexington that Tubby's gone!!  Don't know if it was forced or his call, but he was due a big bonus in early April if he would have stayed.  I'm sure that had much to do with it.  So the competition for Gillespie is now officially on with both Kentucky and Iowa now on the prowl.  My hope is that Kentucky's number one target is Billy Donovan.  And they can afford to pay him. 

Meanwhile, Frank Broyles just made par on hole 16.

Par? yeah right...

[jbcarol]

Official story on Tubby's departure with an articulate quote from Nolan to close it up.

http://www.kentucky.com/608/story/24257.html

[jbcarol]

Link to an analysis of the UK coaching search by an insider.  Note the former players with NBA Hall of Fame credentials plus NBA coaching experience.  One who is fairly accomplished.

http://www.kentucky.com/287/story/24261.html

[jbcarol]

Tubby got his longetivity bonus of $1.5 million.  He left a pile of money on the table.  If remember the movie "Blue Chips", it is time to have fun coaching again. 

A difficult job.  Rupp and Pitino thrived in that situation.  Hall, Sutton and Smith despite their successes were not as comfortable in the spotlight and glare of critical light.

On the coach's radio shows, when Rick Pitino was given a coaching situation he followed a pattern.  He "Bobby Knight-ed" the caller.  Then he colorfully explained in terms a novice could understand how his current approach made sense and was better for the team.  Then he asked where have you coached.

When Tubby was asked the same questions for the last four years, "How about employing some pressure defense?"  "Would it make sense to spend some time in practice working on shooting or designing some set plays?" or my favorite "Have you thought about moving Lukasz Orbzut to the "4"?  Tubby would hem and haw and reply, you know those European big men don't like to play with their back to the basket but we are working with "Woo" and we expect to see him contribute.  Orbzut played his last game as a senior.  He never got that back to the basket thing worked out.  The 7-footer has no prospects in pro basketball.  He's just glad to be here.  "What a country!"

[jbcarol]

UK adminstration did tick off some of the wrong people in their handling of Smith's situation:  Former players, some All-Americans.  Unlike our situation, these folks will get answers.  If the AD is not careful in leveraging the legacy, advice, and connections of the former players, and does the one man act like he did hiring a football coach  -- well, hope you enjoyed the ride.  Tubby Smith is the godfather of Sam Bowie's kids.

http://www.kentucky.com/276/story/24258.html

[jbcarol]

Do prospective recruits and their parents read the message boards and form an opinion?  Check out the quotes from Patrick Patterson's mother who has never been afraid to go on the record and always gives a good sound bite.  The answer is "yes".  The verdict is not good for UK.

http://www.kentucky.com/608/story/24259.html

[jbcarol]

Turns out Tubby requested that UK add his son Saul as an assistant.  Bad timing for such a request.  See ya, later.  Maybe an SEC and Big 10(11?) Challenge.  Reported that Saul will be on staff at Minnesota.

Tubby was not aligned and was trying to stay loyal to one (Hobbs) or a few of his current assistants.  Probably also knew that Morris was cashing that free agent chip.  Or the scenario I hypothesized.  Morris' dad called UK admin and stated, "If Tubby goes, Randolph goes.  Tubby stays.  Randolph stays."