Calipari just keeps getting it right
October 6th, 2009 | 
Author: By LARRY VAUGHT
Sooner or later John Calipari is going to have to make a wrong decision or do something that University of Kentucky fans don’t like.
But so far the new UK coach just keeps hitting home runs and making me believe that he’s better suited to coach the Wildcats than anyone has been since Joe Hall, and that includes Rick Pitino. That’s no knock on Pitino, either, because on the court he was magnificent at Kentucky and he did a lot away from the court, too. So did Tubby Smith.
However, no coach since Hall has embraced the UK fans the way Calipari has and it seems so natural for him when he does it.
His latest endeavor is a “student-only” practice sponsored by Joe Craft and Friends of Coal on Oct. 23. Who else could get a practice sponsored?
The only way to be admitted into the special practice is with both a UK student ID and a blue “MEMBER OF THE BIG BLUE NATION” wristband. The genius part is how UK students can obtain the wristbands. The first 500 students at the men’s soccer game Wednesday, women’s soccer game Friday or volleyball match Oct. 21 all receive wristbands. How many do you think will be there to make sure they secure a spot at the basketball practice? My guess is students will be lined up early.
That just reinforces Calipari’s statement that he wants to be part of the overall UK family and wants to help other sports any way he can. He doesn’t want to overshadow any sport, including football, and this novel way to help attract fans to soccer and volleyball matches proves he’s willing to help.
I know Calipari’s not perfect. I know he’ll do something UK fans won’t like. But I also know this man has bought a ton of goodwill already with his statewide speeches, book signing tour, visits to the Big Blue Madness lines and now this.
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15 Responses to “Calipari just keeps getting it right”
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Larry I just spoke with my wife, and I wanted to thank you. I wish there were some aspect in my life that I could repay you, but I really appreciate it, if your ever in NKY and need anything I would be there for ya.
That’s good enough for me. Just enjoy
Mr. Vaught do you have an email site wher fans of your articles can send you something? If so, thank you
Larry, that was a great tip-of-the-hat you gave to Coach Hall. He is as classy as they come. He has always been involved in every aspect of basketball in Kentucky, including the high school game.
I was a 16 year old at Rupp for the Sweet 16 in 1984. My school (Newport Central Catholic) was in the tournament. I went to get a hotdog and was at one of the condiment stands. I looked to my right and there was Coach Hall standing right next to me. I said hi to him and he talked to me for a couple of minutes, then he told me to enjoy the game and wished my team luck. That was a big moment for a die-hard fan. It is always nice to meet the people you admire and actually have them be better than you imagined. You are absolutely right about Cal as well.
just email me at larry@amnews.com
love to get feedback, tips, etc, from readers. Welcome it.
And Jim that is a great Joe Hall story. He remains one of the classiest guys I know
Great article!! Larry,how was Rupp with the fans and other sports? I always heard about him getting a Cadillac and Bryant getting a Watch,is that true?
From those who knew Rupp better than me, he was pretty much basketball minded and that was it
Larry, I have followed UK since the 1953-54 season. I saw many games in Memorial when Rupp coached and, although I have lived most of the last 40 years away from the state, I found a way to follow the team and the coaches since Rupp.
You are absolutely correct in your assessment of Calipari. Regardless of what national, and some local, media write, the fans have embraced Calipari because he either completely understands the passion for UK basketball, or he learned from Gillespie’s mistakes. In either case, in my opinion, he has extended the honeymoon well beyond the normal span. He strikes me as a person one would like regardless of his profession. I hope he is successful at UK for reasons other than the fact I have been a long time fan.
As an aside, thank you for writing articles worth reading.
I tend to agree with you about Cal. He’s impossible not to like. He treats folks well, works hard and he embraces tradition. And I think it will just get better and better
As a long time UK fan, I, too, am in awe of how easily Coach Cal has reenergized the BB Faithful. I graduated in 1980, so I saw Rupp Arena open and I kept stats for the Lady Cats…(hate the Hoop name.)One of the things I had heard BCG did was fire the long time basketball secretary. Did she ever get her job back when Coach Cal came back??
How do you think coach Cal would have reacted to the famous neck cuffing of coach Hall by Bobby Knight, if it was done to him? I think his no reaction left an impression of softness that didn’t otherwise show up.
Larry, another great read. I do agree that Cal is the perfect fit for the team and EXACTLY what UK needed. He was the only guy for the job in my eyes. I’ve watched alot of Cal coached teams over the years and I’ve said UK needed him for the past 10 years or so. As far as how the national media looks at him, whatever, we all know where their heart is “cough, DUKE, cough”…Cal has came into UK and made it what it is, a national power. Players love him, fans worship him and he seems to love & respect all that is UK basketball and that’s what the school needed “and hasnt had in alot of years” a coach that loves & respects the school and it’s deep tradition.
No, Marta did not get her job back and that is a shame. She was UK basketball. I watched her cry when Joe Hall cleaned out his office and again when Eddie Sutton left. Players loved her, too.
No way Cal would walk away if any coach hit him on the neck. Could be one big mistake that Joe did make
And Jason you are right, Cal does love and respect UK’s fans and tradition. That gives him a huge leg up at Kentucky
Larry: Great article. Joe Hall is the least appreciated Coach. To follow Coach Rupp and appear in 3 Final Fours, having to coach against Wooden in his last game in which we all knew it was against all odds that the whistle blowers were not going to let UK win. Remember the fit Wooden threw and no technical was called!!! Then not having Sam Bowie for two years…Oh well…question, many years ago did you own or write for a publication called Minneapolis Line or something like that? If so, please give a little detail info about it. Thanks.
That was not me, sorry Lou.
But you are so right about Hall. He still is not fully appreciated for all he did.