When I wrote the profiles of hot coaching candidates, there is one thing I didn't think of - the dislike of Coach Billy Clyde Gillispie in Kentucky. So once he was fired, if any school was going to make a play for the best in the business, it would be Kentucky. And now, Kentucky put the money and the deal on the table for John Calipari.
There's little to quibble about with Coach Cal, except for the air of impropriety that follows Mr. Calipari. In fact, he can be even more selective with the characters he brings in to another school; Calipari has not coached at one of the storied programs yet in his career. And I am sure - and this is no real dig at Kentucky - that when it comes to providing perks or contacting the parents of recruits with boosters, Kentucky knows how to not get caught.
It's a win-win. A man who loves a big platform, knows how to market and gladhand? It's a perfect union, Calipari and Kentucky. And in terms of wins and losses, if the SEC is anything like it is this year, his team might go undefeated in the conference again. Just for fun, he'll probably use his higher profile and actually bring in a college player from China.
If Cal does sign, the Kentucky fanbase can start worrying about topping UCLA in the number of NCAA championships (yes, I know Cal's never won one, but he is very close).
I'll be surprised if Calipari stays at Memphis. And Memphis, we'll see what they do, if they turn the reins over to some up and coming young buck like assistant coach Josh Pastner or if they bring in a new staff.