You Usin' The Whole Fist There, Doc?

by Peter Bean on Apr 5, 2007 1:03 PM CDT in Basketball Comment 39 comments

That sound you heard was a collective groan of disappointment from Lexington, Kentucky as Florida Gators head coach Billy Donovan announced he will not be interviewing for the coaching vacancy at UK. If you read my morning notes, you know that I'm a bit surprised, as I thought Donovan was likely to take the job.

Now that he's announced he's staying at Florida, the situation is getting complicated. I have several questions.

What should we expect to hear at the 3:00 p.m CT press conference from Florida's back-to-back title winning juniors?

We all assume they're turning pro, but. . . isn't it at least possible that the group decided they want to shoot for a three-peat? And that Coach Donovan's decision was influenced by that? It's almost unfathomable, but if I've learned anything over the last few years, it's that you shouldn't be surprised by anything anymore. We'll see.

Is Rick Barnes the frontrunner for the UK job now?

We haven't heard anything official from UK's athletic department, and Scott McConnell, UT's media relations director for basketball, said that as of today Rick Barnes has not been contacted, so we don't really know anything yet. . . but those with sources are saying that Rick Barnes' name is at or near the top of Kentucky's Plan B list.

Suddenly, this post seems relevant, huh?

What if Rick is the frontrunner, and Kentucky comes a calling. What does Rick do? We know he's not in love with the fan support in Austin, though he likes most everything else about his situation at Texas. If the Kentucky job is, in fact, a dream job in his mind, is he willing to pack his bags and leave the comforts of his situation in Austin?

What about Durant?

Again, we don't know if Rick is the guy Kentucky wants, but let's assume they do. How does this affect Rick Barnes and Durant - both individually and collectively? If you're Barnes, you probably don't want to leave if Durant is returning. If you're Durant, you probably don't want to return if Barnes is departing. Is this a package deal? By that I mean, should we assume that if Durant announces he's staying, Barnes will too? Or if Barnes announces he's leaving, Durant will head to the NBA? Or if Durant announces he's coming back, then Rick won't consider taking another job?

Like it or not, until we hear something more definitive, Texas basketball is officially in dramatic limbo.

At least we'll have something to talk about?

--PB--

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It's going to be a long weekend......

You know he has to entertain the offer, and he WILL get an offer, but I hope that he views what he has here as unfinished business and decides he has more to do before he can go. It's going to be interesting....we may need to start a pledge drive for Rick too.

by txfan76 on Apr 5, 2007 1:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This may be fast...

I am hoping its Tom Crean.

Please let them leave BCG alone...

by HMFIC on Apr 5, 2007 1:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If Rick goes

then all those warm fuzzies that we have been spouting about KD staying also go.

After correctly nailing the Donovan call this morning, I will continue my strak and predict that Rick stays in Austin. Hoops support has been on the rise, and Rick as had a lot to do with that. I bet he stays. KD has a press conference not long afterward to announce that he is staying for another year as well.

by Brandon 97 on Apr 5, 2007 1:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good call

I almost replied to your comment this morning B97, but had to run out to a meeting.

In any case, you were right.

May you be right once more.

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Apr 5, 2007 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

2nd the motion

Just Remember, No Matter What Happens, ou SUCKS.

by ouALWAYSsux on Apr 5, 2007 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

correction...

May you be right once more.

twice more, please......

by agent orange on Apr 5, 2007 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just off KY Rivals

Sources tell CatsPause.com that Barnes has initiated contact with UK through the Parker Executive Search firm that has been assisting Mitch Barnhart.

Im sorry to see him go because I want a good coach at A&M, but thank god its not BCG (as an Ag)

by HMFIC on Apr 5, 2007 1:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Damn, damn, damn

So, it may be Durant will go because Barnes is leaving? Then there's the possibility that Barnes is punching out because KD has let him know that Nike is the most powerful force in his universe?

This really is a kind of grey area we're in. How grey? Charcoal.

So take that.

by Kahuna on Apr 5, 2007 1:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Needs to be acknlowedged

Outstanding Fletch reference there.

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Apr 5, 2007 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fletch

Kahuna has been knocking them out of the park all week. All I can do is sit back and laugh with a bloody mary, a steak sandwich, and a...steak sandwich.

by Jason Mayer on Apr 5, 2007 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know why I'm doing this?

I like men. I like to be manhandled. I like you, PB.

Seriously though, I've been sitting here at work with the Fletch Wikiquote page open for three days because all I want in the world is the respect of my fellow BON'ers (and maybe a BON t-shirt)...

So take that.

by Kahuna on Apr 5, 2007 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aw man

And here I thought you were coming up with all these off the top of your head. Weren't those the rules? Maybe you need a refresher course...it's all ball bearings these days.

by Jason Mayer on Apr 5, 2007 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Negative

I scoured the rules extensively, it just says you have to tie in the references. Fact is, if I was going off of memory I'd screw most of the quotes up.

That, and I hate Tommy Lasorda.

So take that.

by Kahuna on Apr 5, 2007 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're right

I was just looking for something to get you on, but without any real sources, [Peter] wouldn't even print it in the want ads. I'll just have to keep digging...without a shovel.

by Jason Mayer on Apr 5, 2007 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I had a dream...

I usually don't remember my dreams...but I had a dream last night that Durant took us to the national championship and we ended up playing Florida. We beat them so bad that my friends and I turned off the game early because it started to get boring (dreams are weird like that). If Barnes leaves, I'm afraid this dream won't come true...but honestly, I had it.

by roywilliamsisgod on Apr 5, 2007 2:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just an interesting side angle...

If you're Kentucky, is it in your interest to put together some research to find the coach least likey to refuse your offer, rather than just simply offering to your preferred candidate?

The reason I ask is that so many programs seem to be getting embarrassed, as of late, by constant rejection from top coaches, despite each school's attitude that their job is self-evidently elite (Notre Dame and Alabama in football, Arkansas in basketball, etc.). These schools are looking more and more foolish, and their alum are humbled each time.

If Barnes turns down Kentucky as well, then they, too, will have this same problem. I'd advise them not to make any more offers until either they're sure this candidate will accept, or they're sure that their fanbase can handle the truth that their job isn't "special" anymore.

by BrooklynHorn on Apr 5, 2007 2:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Bob La Blog

Could probably comment on the cost-benefit side of this.

It's an interesting angle.

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Apr 5, 2007 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My best guess

The coaches turning down self-described premiere positions probably has a bigger influence on other coaches who may be considering that job. The result could be that a program has to suck it up and hire a lower profile coach than they originally sought, or the program could be forced to increase the proposed compensation level until the desired level of coach can be obtained. Alabama football with Saban is a great example of that. Granted he's a national title winner, but the sad state of that program resulted in them paying at least a million dollars a year over the market value of a college coach with Saban's credentials. One could argue that the prestige premium is approximately $1 million a year at Alabama. I think the cost would have been there regardless, but the public refusals served to inform the market of available coaches (the labor supply) that the value of the Bama job was significantly lower than it had been.

I don't think that most fans matter too much in the process except where they have too much authority in the hiring process, such as in the board of trustees of a university or as high ranking boosters or, in the case of Alabama, as the AD. When people in the role of fan are making the decisions then you are less likely to get rational decision making and more likely to get embarassing public spectacles which further devalue the position to the potential labor supply.

by Bob LaBlog on Apr 5, 2007 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crazy Hypothetical.......

If Barnes were to leave, what are the chances we contact Billy Clyde for our opening? It would doubly f%@$ the farmers, but I can't think of any instance of a coach leaving A&M for Texas or vice-versa? Your thoughts?

by txfan76 on Apr 5, 2007 3:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Totally unfathomable

Just can't imagine it.

Think of the sheep, txfan. Think of all the sad, despondent sheep. (Yes, I'm a shepherd.)

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Apr 5, 2007 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BCG wants fan attendance...

So considering he has more fan support at A&M and they pay the same(roughly), no.

by HMFIC on Apr 5, 2007 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

my nightmare!

Billy Smirkface G. is not any coach, he is the most hated coach on my list. I'm serious when I say it will be hard for me to go to FEC for games if a d-bag like BCG is coaching.

by Cyrus on Apr 5, 2007 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

UK fans ambivalent

Interestingly, the Kentucky blog seems not to want Ricky. Not that the athletic dept. will ask his opinion. Just saying.

http://www.aseaofblue.com/

by wao23 on Apr 5, 2007 3:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Kentucky fans

are coming off as illinformed and ignorant, for such a rich and popular b-ball school.
They dismiss guys like Barnes, Crean and Izzo by scoffing at their resumes.

I hope the AD hears their fan base loud and clear.

They act as if there are HOF coaches waiting by the phone for their call.

IMO, if Barnes turns them down they are in for an ND/Alabama like wakeup call.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Apr 5, 2007 3:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think they'd survive Barnes

If Barnes turns them down and Durant comes back, then I think they could say that a coach chose to stay with a rare talent in one of the best cities and best athletic departments in the country. It's hard to get people to leave the University. If they offered to BCG and he said no, then I think they'd be in trouble. That'd be similar to what Arkansas is now dealing with, although not quite as bad. Actually that could really raise the profile at A&M if two programs with multiple final four appearances (not to mention titles) in the past twelve years tried and failed to land BCG.

by Bob LaBlog on Apr 5, 2007 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

interesting

when was the last time a UT head coach left UT to take a job elsewhere? i don't think it's happened to the football team ever (post-DKR), and I don't know anything about the basketball team pre-penders. Conradt had been the women's b-ball coach forever. Gustafson got fired/retired, right?

we've got an amazing streak going here...

by billyzane on Apr 5, 2007 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where would they go

Our value as an entire athletic department is insanely high right now. Think about it, where would someone go that would be a step up?

The Arkansas and Oregon track jobs would be two jobs that any track coach would have to consider. In men's basketball there are a handful of jobs that could be considered worth leaving Austin for. There aren't any better baseball, swimming or football jobs that are better, although there are some that are basically equivalent.

It's a great time to be a Texas fan.

by Bob LaBlog on Apr 5, 2007 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Volleyball

Mick Haley left to coach the womans national team.

by Wells on Apr 5, 2007 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Vitale thinks Barnes will go to Kentucky

Not sure if somebody else posted this already, but he claims to have a source at UK who says that Barnes is their number one man. He thinks Barnes will take it.

He thinks Barnes will take it.

by the1austin on Apr 5, 2007 4:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Durant Durant Durant

It's all no KD, then.

I can't fathom Rick leaving, if KD intends to return.

If KD's leaving, then I can definitely see Rick leaving.

Kevin may decide Rick's future; not Rick.

Durant is a pimp like that...

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Apr 5, 2007 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So who is on the wish list?

Since I'm all about knee jerk reactions, who could replace Rick?

I'm on record as a Georgetown loving JT III superfan, so he'd be my first choice.

After that, Wright at Villanova, Leito at Virginia and Crean at Marquette would be my choices. (in that order)

I leave guys like Few and Izzo off, because they just aren't gonna leave.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Apr 5, 2007 4:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Some ACC Coach

Isn't that how we do things?

by Bob LaBlog on Apr 5, 2007 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reggie Theus, Lon Kruger

Would be good hires for either program.

by HMFIC on Apr 5, 2007 4:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Kruger would be good

I hope he doesn't make a return trip to his alma mater.

by Bob LaBlog on Apr 5, 2007 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barnes

The fact that Barnes initiated contact with Kentucky doesn't exactly make me very confident about the whole KD thing.

by whoopspat on Apr 5, 2007 4:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What?

where did you hear that? I have not ready anything that contact had been made of either side.

by Wells on Apr 5, 2007 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw it too

I believe on the UK Rivals site. www.catspause.com

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Apr 5, 2007 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of the two,

I feel that Gillispie is a better fit than Barnes. The attitude and swagger (and sleeping in his office and drunkenness, etc.) Gillispie has that Longhorn fans love to hate is much more Pitino-esque, while Barnes' laid back demeanor seems more like Tubby.

In any case, A Sea of Blue is advocating "going small," wanting UK to pursue ex-players John Pelphrey or Travis Ford. While that would be a PR-suicide, I'd be interested in what they could accomplish. Nevertheless, I strongly doubt it'll happen.

I went fishing for links, and here are a few interesting ones:

CBS Sportsline: STRONGLY advocating that UK hire Gillispie.
Lex Herald: Lexington local paper also seems to be adovcating Gillispie...
Andy Katz, ESPN: Reasons why Donovan stayed. Also lists Barnes as "Plan B."
KSR: cites a source that said Barnes and UK had already spoken (written April 3, before Donovan said no).

by jc25 on Apr 5, 2007 6:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Another interesting point I heard...

on the Beatdown (ESPN 1530) today, they were talking about the Durant/Barnes/UK situation.

Obviously, we all feel that if Durant is willing to come back, Barnes would be crazy to leave.

But they were asking, does Barnes owe it to Durant to tell him whether Barnes is going to stay or go BEFORE Durant makes his decision? Is it really fair to Durant if Barnes were to base his decision on Durant's?

It's an interesting argument; personally, I feel that Barnes has to make a decision before Durant. It wouldn't be right to wait on your 19-year old star to make a decision, one way or the other.

by jc25 on Apr 5, 2007 6:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs