3.22.2007

Gophers are Substantially Less Ferocious than Wildcats

Ohhhhhh Tubby. Tubby, Tubby, Tubby.....

I feel obligated to write a post here because I've been a UK fan my entire life. But, I have decidedly conflicted feelings about the end of the Tubby Smith era. It's certainly been a tumultuous last few years. From complaints about recruiting to a super highly rated incoming class in 2004 back to complaints and stories of player infighting and toxic personalities it's been tough to follow this team, particularly the past two years when the results have been less than stellar.

Lexington has had a buzz about it for a while. I really believe that the mood of the common man the media are distinctly different. This, of course, is based solely on my personal opinion. But I didn't talk to a single person at work today when the news came down the pike whose first reaction was "wow, that's a shame." The biggest reaction was relief.

The homers in the media always loved Tubby, and their arguments certainly hold water, particularly in terms of stats, to back it up. But, nine years with no Final Four appearances is what incited such animosity with irrational fans. It should be noted, however, that nobody disliked Tubby the man. He's a great guy; gracious and polite and never once had a disparaging thing to say about the state or the fans. Never once was he responsible for a black mark on the institution.

So why am I glad to see him go? Well, looking back, the Smith era at UK strikes me as similar to an organ transplant that just didn't take. It started off so well, but eventually was doomed to fail. Kentucky needs a big time coach with a big time personality. Tubby never had a strong enough personality or that proverbial "chip on his shoulder". And, you know what? It's hard to find guys like that. I certainly wish Tubby well and I'm sure he'll be successful with Minnesota.

Now, the real fun starts. It's like Christmas Eve around here. We get a new coach under the tree. Imagine you've asked for a G.I. Joe action figure. Who knows if you're going to get Snake Eyes or Duke? Either is completely awesome. Let's just hope your parents don't try to get you the knock-off series and try to tell you it's "just as good" or "use your imagination". It should be really fun to see what happens in the next few weeks. In the meantime, if there's one thing Wildcats fans are good at, it's rampant speculation. So far I've heard names including: Billy Donovan (Florida), Billy Gillispie (Texas A&M), Mark Few (Gonzaga), Tom Crean(Marquette) and even Pitino. Probably all great choices. Cats fans, you got what you wanted. Stay tuned.

Come on Snake Eyes.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

That feeling you talk about is the same way people in South Bend feel about Notre Dame football. No matter how good a coach you have, if he doesn't take you to a championship after a few years the folks in South Bend start to complain.

Anonymous said...

FEED THE GOAT THIS:
I have inside(UK board of trustee) anonymous sources that state Donovan WILL be our next coach. This is a fact that has been in the works for weeks and will become reality for all once the Gators lose or win the championship.

GO CATS

Gage said...

Well, I hope you're true. It would be fun to stick it to Florida. It's been too long. Plus, maybe he could convince Patterson and Lucas to come with him.

Gage said...

I mean, I hope you're right. I should really stop posting comments first thing in the morning.

Anonymous said...

He's not right. Who leaves a program after winning back-to-back championships. Plus no one wants to live in fucking Kentucky.

Anonymous is a douchebag.

Gage said...

Hey now, watch the name-calling. Plus, I want to live in Kentucky. Shows what you know.

Anonymous said...

I have first hand information that from a Purdue trustee that Joe Tiller is going to be fired and will be replaced by Steve Spurrier. Go Ole Ball Coach!

Anonymous said...

Update:
Saul Smith told a unnamed source that Tubby was also courted by Michigan.

Notorious B.O.B - KY is a great place to live. Donovan's contract is over, his team is leaving and he is coaching at a football school.
He has the "fire" to handle a job like KY and has always stated publicly that he would be interested in the UK job IF it ever opened up.
You will see!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I heard Dan McDowell has a 17" peen.

Silly Cymberlin said...

wow! this anonymous guy knows everything!

Anonymous said...

MORE FOR THE GOAT

Billy's dilemma - NCAA Basketball - Yahoo! Sports
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news?slug=dw-midwest2007billydonovanl032707&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Rumor has it they will pay up to 5mil/yr. They will announce Donovan as soon as Florida's tourney run is over... Stay tuned.

GO CATS