Is Donovan As Good As Advertised?

[Deep Blue]

Everybody seems convinced that Donovan is the right man for the job, and frankly I fall into that camp as well. BUT, lest we forget, up until last the last two years or so, Donovan's M.O. was to bring in great talent and thenaccomplish very little with it. Tubby OWNED Donovan for a pretty good stretch with lesser talent. Therefore, are we convinced that he is that good of a game coach? Could it be that lightning has simply struck with his current group of starters and that the run of the last two years is simply a fluke?

I for one am willing to take the gamble, since even in Donovan's down years he was still getting it done on the recruiting trail. Also, I'm not sure that there are any other better candidates available (although Gillispie is awfully impressive IMO). My only point is that his results with that talent were not outstanding until the current group (Noah, Horford, Green, Brewer) came along. Are we sure that he is as good as the huge amounts that we will surely offer him?

[wildcat74]

Deep Blue wrote: Everybody seems convinced that Donovan is the right man for the job, and frankly I fall into that camp as well. BUT, lest we forget, up until last the last two years or so, Donovan's M.O. was to bring in great talent and thenaccomplish very little with it. Tubby OWNED Donovan for a pretty good stretch with lesser talent. Therefore, are we convinced that he is that good of a game coach? Could it be that lightning has simply struck with his current group of starters and that the run of the last two years is simply a fluke?

I for one am willing to take the gamble, since even in Donovan's down years he was still getting it done on the recruiting trail. Also, I'm not sure that there are any other better candidates available (although Gillispie is awfully impressive IMO). My only point is that his results with that talent were not outstanding until the current group (Noah, Horford, Green, Brewer) came along. Are we sure that he is as good as the huge amounts that we will surely offer him?

He knew what was wrong, what wasn't working and fixed it to get where he is now.

[Sticeman]

Billy is as good as advertised he took that program from nothing if you remember, he has been to the Final Four twice, the NC game Twice and won a NC. He is the best man for the job IMO.

But I am wondering why Gilliespie's name keeps being brought up what has he really done to even be considered for the UK job? I know he is supposed to be a good X and O guy but we already had one of those, what has Texas A&M done to put him in the conversation?????? Just wondering

[KapitalCat]

He is. Great recruiter and plays a fun style. He isn't perfect and he'll lose games but after a game we'll be able to listen and undestand what happened and why.

[CATHYnKY]

As good as advertised? Hmmmm. The best person at this moment for the UK job? Yep...IMO

[JDHoss10]

The original post raised some good points. I believe he's proably the best person for the job, but before last year, he had 5 straight early tournament exits (some of which were downright embarrassing). That will get you run out of Lexington.

[TransientAlum]

Billy the Kid: He had good rated talent that never really blended together. As well, he wasnt strong on defense so he brought someone in to help out. The effects are a national championship and, currently, an elite 8. He understands this environment, he handles himself well already when in the spotlight,and can obviously already recruit.

Billy G: He resurrected a UTEP program that was dead. Remember them? 1966? He rebuilt it to respectability then left for A&M. His assistant remained and coached until he left for Nebraska. Really, he left before the recruits Billy G brought in had graduated.

A&M was a joke before G got there. Now they are being taken a lot more seriously. He can obviously recruit. He beat some good teams this year including Kansas and Louisville. Whether he could stand the pressure of the job is in the air.

[Blue 24/7]

I think he has the fire that would make it scary for visitors to come in to Rupp again. Ahhh remember the good ole days when teams were literally scared of us and you could see it on their face? Makes me giddy! :ggrin:

[FatCatDaddy]

If he wins today it will be his 3rd Final Four in 7 years, sounds pretty good to me.

[Mr. Peanut]

I like Donovan and I hope we get him.

But, as has been said, Fla was fed up with him until last year... KY fans would have run him out of town. Now, he's had a 2 year run riding the wave of players that surprised everyone and turned into world beaters. A handful of lottery picks will do that for you. Tubby would have looked likethe best coach everhad his junior class exceeded expectations, rather than what they have done.

How much credit does he deserve for that? Not sure. Seems to some degree it fell in his lap. Anyway, hope we get him, butBD's history is not the slam dunk some around here seem to indicate.

[NOWIS]

Billly had 2 yrs experience as a head coach when he took the UF job. He recruited well from the beginning. Maybe all of the talent didn't live up to expectations, but, he has made changes and he is now on top. The team of Walsh and Lee was the beginning of the hardening of UF and they kicked our buts. IMO it is a matter of maturing on the job and IMO he is now hitting his peak. He is going to be a heck of a coach for a long time. If he doesn't come here, I hope he goes pro

[JOHN BLUEBLOOD]

Let's remember this, Billy is 41. How many 41 year-olds have been to 2 NCAA final games and have 3 conference titles?

Billy learned how to adjust his talent, style-of-play and coaching staff by being humble and open-minded. He changed his staff and took off.

In many ways, Billy is still growing as a coach and we may be getting him at the "beginning" of his prime.

This could be the hire that unites the entire Big Blue Naton- we can't do any better.

[TrueblueCATfan]

asking me this today.............I would say YES

ask me that 3 or 4 years ago..........NO..Kentucky owned him and Florida

[NOWIS]

JOHN BLUEBLOOD wrote: Let's remember this, Billy is 41. How many 41 year-olds have been to 2 NCAA final games and have 3 conference titles?

Billy learned how to adjust his talent, style-of-play and coaching staff by being humble and open-minded. He changed his staff and took off.

In many ways, Billy is still growing as a coach and we may be getting him at the "beginning" of his prime.

This could be the hire that unites the entire Big Blue Naton- we can't do any better.

That is it exactly, he was doing good and wanted to do better and he was willing to make changes to do it.

[Blue Heaven]

Donovans record at Florida was decent until he brought in Shyatt(sp?) from Clemson to run the defense and it was all she wrote after that. You remember Shyatt don't you? He only got ran out of Clemson now he is running an impressive defensive at Florida. Bring in Billy and his whole staff and watch Kentucky flourish.:thumbup

[Caveman Catfan]

Blue Heaven wrote: Donovans record at Florida was decent until he brought in Shyatt(sp?) from Clemson to run the defense and it was all she wrote after that. You remember Shyatt don't you? He only got ran out of Clemson now he is running an impressive defensive at Florida. Bring in Billy and his whole staff and watch Kentucky flourish.:thumbup
That hire and him ending his perceived attempt to be a Pitino clone where important to his recent successes. Recruiting was something he has always excelled at, IMO.

[Blue Heaven]

I agree CC. Pitinos' system is not what it used to be because more are doing it which led to more knowing how to stop it. It was wise for Billy to put a twist on it. I'd love for that "twisted" system to find it's way to Lexington.