Hurley's getting 6+ million per year in his recent new deal, plus he's earning incentives this year that adds at least another million. So what does "can't refuse" mean? UK must plan to at least double Hurley's guaranteed $6M/year, right? Even then, I bet Hurley can and may refuse it.
Yeah, at some point, it is hard to argue what Kentucky offers compared to UConn. A chance to become a legend? One of their coaches already is, he already has one national title and is playing to become the third coach in 4 decades to win back-to-back titles. The other two are obvious legends. So UConn seems to be doing fine there. More money? At some point, how much money can you possibly spend? A chance to win more titles? See above. A chance for better recruits? See above. You never know on an individual basis what motivates people, but I really wouldn't see the attraction of that move.
Here’s a vile thought — what if Kentucky makes it run at Bill Self? That would be a perfect fit, IMO.
I absolutely love it! We were going nowhere with him at the helm. You know I have been preaching this since 2015. Our AD needs to hit it out of the park for sure.
Yep. Seems strange. Maybe there's a side deal too . . . or the flavor-of-the-month "for cause" secret UK has been holding up their sleeve?
Behind closed doors you're free to dislike anyone's choice, but I'm just telling you that it would look terrible if Billy Donovan ever got booed at the University of Florida.
Calipari had more than enough money, he’s is the “what’s my legacy” phase of his career. And getting fired from ruin that, plus if the NIL figures are real maybe he has a shot to bring another basketball school a title and further cement his place.
My 96 year old grandmother is a huge Razorbacks fan and hates Calipari. I had to call and check on her this morning to make sure she didn't keel over after the news.
Agreed that would be a terrible move. Wondering who your 1A/1B is. I had Brad Underwood as option A for you guys. I don't think Donovan is the answer. Been out of the game way too long.
Agreed. In the podcast with Udonis and Miller, Billy spoke about NIL, etc. He is not a fan of this new world, to say the least. His program at UF was the complete opposite of what we have now. He won't be coming back.
I’m free to dislike him behind closed doors? Wow… thank you for your permission. Lol. If he went to UK, I’d volunteer to walk on court by myself after they sing the National Anthem, grab the microphone and lead the entire arena in booing his ass. It’s not personal Billy… it’s just bidness. Spoiler Actually, it is personal
Not sure why Hurley would want to leave given what he has going at UConn. UK thought the same thing about Donovan when they fired Tubby--and ended up with Billy Gillispie, lol. Coaching at UK in hoops is like Bama in basketball: every resource you could ever ask for, every critic you could ever imagine, nothing is ever good enough, but if you want to win and win big, it's the place to be. Do you roll the dice on an older, short-term guy like Sampson? Do you try and lure a younger guy with a new approach to the game, like Oates (heck, on Twitter, they love Golden)? You need someone who is bullish about NIL/Portal, who has had some success in the spotlight, and who has enough legit experience to be able to win immediately. Tommy Lloyd from Arizona? Shaka? Take a sing at Drew from Baylor? Iowa State guy?
It’s pretty common knowledge that he is entitled to that payout if he gets fired. It’s also been said that UK, although not in love with Cal anymore, does not want to cough up the $33 million.
I didn't literally mean it like I'm giving you permission, smart guy. I'm just saying it'd be incredibly stupid for anyone to boo Billy, much less think negatively about him.
Would need a better in-game coach than Todd Golden. I think any of those replacement candidates would do as good or better than Calipari has done for about the past 5 years now.
