Forde Minutes- Summer Basketball Edition

[RaleighCat]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2517649&lpos=spotligh t&lid=tab3pos1

Great stuff by Forde. Check out the comments on Tubby and his visibility/recruiting. Say what you will about Pat Forde, but he knows UK and he knows our coach. At least someone from a national media outlet is writing about us.

[Will Lavender]

Sometimes I think Tubby believes that he works for the flippin' CIA. :? It's just basketball, man. Come on. Talk.

Just playing devil's advocate here for a minute, though:

Is visibility really that important in recruiting? I'm seriously asking. I mean if you throw out Coach K, then what coaches do you normally see on television? Thinking...thinking...thinking...

Donovan? I don't know if I've ever seen him interviewed for television other than during the Final Four. Roy Williams? He's occasionally on TV, but I wouldn't necessarily say that Williams is ready for showbiz. Bill Self? Nope. Rick Pitino? Well, yeah, but a lot of good that did him last year. Calipari's pretty visible. Anybody else?

I think there's something to be said about visibility, as Mitch has pointed out, but I'm not sure if it's the antidote to our recruiting ills. (Nor, maybe, is winning: the worst recruiting class of Tubby Smith's career came after his best season, in 2003.)

So maybe we're back where we were three months ago. Maybe the root of the recruiting problems are Hanson and Rigot.

[matt colvin]

When asked about the possibility of hiring Finney, Smith said, "I don't know nothin' about nothin'." Look for him to become enlightened on that subject later this summer.
:shrug::shrug:

Why be so sarcastic?

[Wildcat Larry]

matt colvin wrote: When asked about the possibility of hiring Finney, Smith said, "I don't know nothin' about nothin'." Look for him to become enlightened on that subject later this summer.
:shrug::shrug:

Why be so sarcastic?

I'm guessing this was a custom made response for Forde, but if I'm wrong, your absolutely on the money. C'mon, Tubby, how about a sound bite or two.

[RCS]

I think visbility helps because it helps create a perception of you being a star. Being a star helps in recruiting because people want to be associated with a star. That is why all the commercials are such a big deal for K. When he calls it is like getting a call from a movie star.

All that said, you can be an excellent recruiter without doing interviews and you can do lots of interviews and be a lousy recruiter. Recruiting is about building relationships and that takes time and effort, and some talent as a sales person. I am not sure Tubby put in the effort every year and he got a little unlucky too. The combination has lead to some mediocure to bad recruiting classes(really only 2, they just happened to be on the same team so they looked a whole lot worse)

I have not heard Rigot or Hansons name mentioned by recruits ina while. I keep hearing Hobbs and Tubby. Not sure if this is because they are being fazed out, players they are recruiting just don't mention them or what, but I think it is a bit telling.

[RCS]

'Caracter -- once the most breathlessly hyped youngster in the country -- reported to campus this summer weighing 318 pounds, with 21 percent body fat.'

Not good news if you are a UL fan. He later mentions Nazr, which makes sense, but the difference is UL is depending on Caracter this year, Nazr was a project who played very little his FR year. I am sure he will be in better shape come the season, but it is aweful hard to go from 22% in July to 10% in Oct like Pitino has commanded him.



Just to add to the Tubby conversation. I said above I am not sure it is the end all be all of recruiting to have a high profile, but it really annoys the crap out of me that Tubby does so little talking to the media. A large part of his job, which he gets paid very handsomely to do, is talking to the media. If I were Barnhart I would be a little more forceful with Tubby on this issue. Tubby does not have the power in this relationship at this point. It certainly can't hurt recruiting and it would make me, the fan, a lot happier.

[Will Lavender]

RCS wrote: 'Caracter -- once the most breathlessly hyped youngster in the country -- reported to campus this summer weighing 318 pounds, with 21 percent body fat.'

:shock:

[AugustaDan]

Wildcat Larry wrote: matt colvin wrote: When asked about the possibility of hiring Finney, Smith said, "I don't know nothin' about nothin'." Look for him to become enlightened on that subject later this summer.
:shrug::shrug:

Why be so sarcastic?

I'm guessing this was a custom made response for Forde, but if I'm wrong, your absolutely on the money. C'mon, Tubby, how about a sound bite or two.I'm guessing that Tubby is under orders not to talk about any official relationship between UK and Finney so that the eye in the tower doesn't focus it's attention on UK. Their just friends enjoying the summer at the camps who happen to keep running into each other.

[Will Lavender]

dxwils3 wrote: Wildcat Larry wrote: matt colvin wrote: When asked about the possibility of hiring Finney, Smith said, "I don't know nothin' about nothin'." Look for him to become enlightened on that subject later this summer.
:shrug::shrug:

Why be so sarcastic?

I'm guessing this was a custom made response for Forde, but if I'm wrong, your absolutely on the money. C'mon, Tubby, how about a sound bite or two.I'm guessing that Tubby is under orders not to talk about any official relationship between UK and Finney so that the eye in the tower doesn't focus it's attention on UK. Their just friends enjoying the summer at the camps who happen to keep running into each other.

This is probably true.

His tone, though, was a little gruff for a guy who by all accounts needs to turn over a new leaf with the media.

[blueheretic]

Will Lavender wrote: dxwils3 wrote: Wildcat Larry wrote: matt colvin wrote: When asked about the possibility of hiring Finney, Smith said, "I don't know nothin' about nothin'." Look for him to become enlightened on that subject later this summer.
:shrug::shrug:

Why be so sarcastic?

I'm guessing this was a custom made response for Forde, but if I'm wrong, your absolutely on the money. C'mon, Tubby, how about a sound bite or two.I'm guessing that Tubby is under orders not to talk about any official relationship between UK and Finney so that the eye in the tower doesn't focus it's attention on UK. Their just friends enjoying the summer at the camps who happen to keep running into each other.

This is probably true.

His tone, though, was a little gruff for a guy who by all accounts needs to turn over a new leaf with the media.

That is the quintessential Tubby interaction with the press. And it does hurt UK's image. Why he can't figure that out is beyond me.

[Wildcat Larry]

blueheretic wrote: Will Lavender wrote: dxwils3 wrote: Wildcat Larry wrote: matt colvin wrote: When asked about the possibility of hiring Finney, Smith said, "I don't know nothin' about nothin'." Look for him to become enlightened on that subject later this summer.
:shrug::shrug:

Why be so sarcastic?

I'm guessing this was a custom made response for Forde, but if I'm wrong, your absolutely on the money. C'mon, Tubby, how about a sound bite or two.I'm guessing that Tubby is under orders not to talk about any official relationship between UK and Finney so that the eye in the tower doesn't focus it's attention on UK. Their just friends enjoying the summer at the camps who happen to keep running into each other.

This is probably true.

His tone, though, was a little gruff for a guy who by all accounts needs to turn over a new leaf with the media.

That is the quintessential Tubby interaction with the press. And it does hurt UK's image. Why he can't figure that out is beyond me.

I agree, short and curt responses to the press do hurt UK's image. And the especially bad thing is that it doesn't have to happen. A courteous, standard non-answer would have been better than "I don't know nothin' about nothin'." It's fine for us as fans to be upset with media guys like Forde, but it's Tubby's job to portray UK in a good light. That answer doesn't do it.

Of course, Forde has been known to take things out of context, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt here.

[Caveman Catfan]

blueheretic wrote: Will Lavender wrote: dxwils3 wrote: Wildcat Larry wrote: matt colvin wrote: When asked about the possibility of hiring Finney, Smith said, "I don't know nothin' about nothin'." Look for him to become enlightened on that subject later this summer.
:shrug::shrug:

Why be so sarcastic?

I'm guessing this was a custom made response for Forde, but if I'm wrong, your absolutely on the money. C'mon, Tubby, how about a sound bite or two.I'm guessing that Tubby is under orders not to talk about any official relationship between UK and Finney so that the eye in the tower doesn't focus it's attention on UK. Their just friends enjoying the summer at the camps who happen to keep running into each other.

This is probably true.

His tone, though, was a little gruff for a guy who by all accounts needs to turn over a new leaf with the media.

That is the quintessential Tubby interaction with the press. And it does hurt UK's image. Why he can't figure that out is beyond me.
An interesting analysis, because Tubby's reputation nationally seems to always be on the positive glowing side.

[DCWildcat]

blueheretic wrote: Will Lavender wrote: dxwils3 wrote: Wildcat Larry wrote: matt colvin wrote: When asked about the possibility of hiring Finney, Smith said, "I don't know nothin' about nothin'." Look for him to become enlightened on that subject later this summer.
:shrug::shrug:

Why be so sarcastic?

I'm guessing this was a custom made response for Forde, but if I'm wrong, your absolutely on the money. C'mon, Tubby, how about a sound bite or two.I'm guessing that Tubby is under orders not to talk about any official relationship between UK and Finney so that the eye in the tower doesn't focus it's attention on UK. Their just friends enjoying the summer at the camps who happen to keep running into each other.

This is probably true.

His tone, though, was a little gruff for a guy who by all accounts needs to turn over a new leaf with the media.

That is the quintessential Tubby interaction with the press. And it does hurt UK's image. Why he can't figure that out is beyond me.
I agree

[KWICD]

Anyone who disses Forde gets points with me.:thumbup

[phoenix]

Will Lavender wrote: dxwils3 wrote: Wildcat Larry wrote: matt colvin wrote: When asked about the possibility of hiring Finney, Smith said, "I don't know nothin' about nothin'." Look for him to become enlightened on that subject later this summer.
:shrug::shrug:

Why be so sarcastic?

I'm guessing this was a custom made response for Forde, but if I'm wrong, your absolutely on the money. C'mon, Tubby, how about a sound bite or two.I'm guessing that Tubby is under orders not to talk about any official relationship between UK and Finney so that the eye in the tower doesn't focus it's attention on UK. Their just friends enjoying the summer at the camps who happen to keep running into each other.

This is probably true.

His tone, though, was a little gruff for a guy who by all accounts needs to turn over a new leaf with the media.


How do you know what his tone was? Was this on radio or TV? Were you there?

[Will Lavender]

phoenix wrote: Will Lavender wrote: dxwils3 wrote: Wildcat Larry wrote: matt colvin wrote: When asked about the possibility of hiring Finney, Smith said, "I don't know nothin' about nothin'." Look for him to become enlightened on that subject later this summer.
:shrug::shrug:

Why be so sarcastic?

I'm guessing this was a custom made response for Forde, but if I'm wrong, your absolutely on the money. C'mon, Tubby, how about a sound bite or two.I'm guessing that Tubby is under orders not to talk about any official relationship between UK and Finney so that the eye in the tower doesn't focus it's attention on UK. Their just friends enjoying the summer at the camps who happen to keep running into each other.

This is probably true.

His tone, though, was a little gruff for a guy who by all accounts needs to turn over a new leaf with the media.


How do you know what his tone was? Was this on radio or TV? Were you there?



Point taken.

[SunBaller]

I wasn't there and I don't know Tubby's demeanor, but Forde has reopened a wound and an almost forgotten anger for Nazr Mohammed:

The very near misses:

• Kentucky '97 (19) -- After losing four players to the NBA draft, the Wildcats' repeat chances seemed slim. When star wingman Derek Anderson blew out a knee in midseason, they seemed slimmer. But there was Kentucky in the championship game, finally losing to Arizona in overtime. If center Nazr Mohammed (20) makes just one of six free throws, instead of none, the Cats repeat. If Anderson never gets hurt, it isn't even close.

Just one . . .one out of 6 free throws and we would've already hung #8. That was the original "Hack-a-Shaq". "Mangle-a-Mohammed" ??????? Smart Coaching???

Actually I really have no anger toward Nazr. I'm a firm believer in the "Butterfly Effect". If you change one thing, you change everything. The outcome cannot be predictedby changing one thing. It's just best to do it right the first time.

We hadlost four (4)players to the NBA and our star player and leading scorer is completely out of the game. We still make it to the National Championship game. Is there a greater nextseason comeback in NCAA Basketball History?

[RP_McMurphy]

Did Tubby not know when he was hired by Kentucky that he would have to talk and talk often with the press while head coach at Kentucky? If he wants to cash the fat check that comes every two weeks from Kentucky then he needs to talk and talk often. He might not like it but it's part of the job and if he doesn't like to do then he needs to retire. I thought Forde kinda took it easy on Tubby. I know me and BH have been much harsher on Tubby over the last few months.

[Will Lavender]

We hadlost four (4)players to the NBA and our star player and leading scorer is completely out of the game. We still make it to the National Championship game. Is there a greater nextseason comeback in NCAA Basketball History?

No.

I remember seing news of Anderson's injury on ESPN and thinking, "Well, the season's over."

Turned out it wasn't. :D

[rickdacatkilla]

not all reporters share Forde's views ...

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/5781390

[matt colvin]

Will Lavender wrote:
We hadlost four (4)players to the NBA and our star player and leading scorer is completely out of the game. We still make it to the National Championship game. Is there a greater nextseason comeback in NCAA Basketball History?

No.

I remember seing news of Anderson's injury on ESPN and thinking, "Well, the season's over."

Turned out it wasn't. :D

Yeah, I remember some crazy people in my family wishing and hoping that Pitino would still play Anderson in the title game (there was still some speculation about it at that time). I don't know how serious the speculation was, (I was only 11 at the time), but if there was a possiblity that Derek could have been run in some during the game, then I would say not playing Derek was the classiest thing any coach could have done. :thumbup to Slick Rick on that call.

[Will Lavender]

matt colvin wrote: Will Lavender wrote:
We hadlost four (4)players to the NBA and our star player and leading scorer is completely out of the game. We still make it to the National Championship game. Is there a greater nextseason comeback in NCAA Basketball History?

No.

I remember seing news of Anderson's injury on ESPN and thinking, "Well, the season's over."

Turned out it wasn't. :D

Yeah, I remember some crazy people in my family wishing and hoping that Pitino would still play Anderson in the title game (there was still some speculation about it at that time). I don't know how serious the speculation was, (I was only 11 at the time), but if there was a possiblity that Derek could have been run in some during the game, then I would say not playing Derek was the classiest thing any coach could have done. :thumbup to Slick Rick on that call.

IIRC, he came in and shot the free throws on a technical foul. Seems like that may have been in the Regional Final and not in the championship game, though.

[SunBaller]

Will Lavender wrote: matt colvin wrote: Will Lavender wrote:
We hadlost four (4)players to the NBA and our star player and leading scorer is completely out of the game. We still make it to the National Championship game. Is there a greater nextseason comeback in NCAA Basketball History?

No.

I remember seing news of Anderson's injury on ESPN and thinking, "Well, the season's over."

Turned out it wasn't. :D

Yeah, I remember some crazy people in my family wishing and hoping that Pitino would still play Anderson in the title game (there was still some speculation about it at that time). I don't know how serious the speculation was, (I was only 11 at the time), but if there was a possiblity that Derek could have been run in some during the game, then I would say not playing Derek was the classiest thing any coach could have done. :thumbup to Slick Rick on that call.

IIRC, he came in and shot the free throws on a technical foul. Seems like that may have been in the Regional Final and not in the championship game, though.

Yeah, Anderson came in for only two (2)technical foulfree throws against Minnesota in the Semi-Finals of the Final Four and made both of them "cold" off the bench. He played 0 minutes/seconds on the clock.

[Josh]

SunBaller wrote: Will Lavender wrote: matt colvin wrote: Will Lavender wrote:
We hadlost four (4)players to the NBA and our star player and leading scorer is completely out of the game. We still make it to the National Championship game. Is there a greater nextseason comeback in NCAA Basketball History?

No.

I remember seing news of Anderson's injury on ESPN and thinking, "Well, the season's over."

Turned out it wasn't. :D

Yeah, I remember some crazy people in my family wishing and hoping that Pitino would still play Anderson in the title game (there was still some speculation about it at that time). I don't know how serious the speculation was, (I was only 11 at the time), but if there was a possiblity that Derek could have been run in some during the game, then I would say not playing Derek was the classiest thing any coach could have done. :thumbup to Slick Rick on that call.

IIRC, he came in and shot the free throws on a technical foul. Seems like that may have been in the Regional Final and not in the championship game, though.

Yeah, Anderson came in for only two (2)technical foulfree throws against Minnesota in the Semi-Finals of the Final Four and made both of them "cold" off the bench. He played 0 minutes/seconds on the clock.
I remember completely flipping out when he came onto the floor for the free throws. I thought he was returning for good.

[BigblueDrew]

RP_McMurphy wrote: Did Tubby not know when he was hired by Kentucky that he would have to talk and talk often with the press while head coach at Kentucky? If he wants to cash the fat check that comes every two weeks from Kentucky then he needs to talk and talk often. He might not like it but it's part of the job and if he doesn't like to do then he needs to retire. I thought Forde kinda took it easy on Tubby. I know me and BH have been much harsher on Tubby over the last few months.
I'm sure he did ,but my perception of coach Smith is that he has a set way of doing things, from coaching on the floor to dealing with the media. He believes these core beliefs work for him and he IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE THEM for anybody. I really don't believe Coach Smith sees the currentstatus of our program the same way as some of our fans do. As to wether this is a good or a bad thing only time will tell. His media relations and the way he presents Kentucky to the media seem horrible to me, but I don't believe coach Smith sees the need to adjust them whatsoever. If he did you would see it happening. I will wait for next season, "In Tubby we trust" right?

[Grub]

BigblueDrew wrote: RP_McMurphy wrote: Did Tubby not know when he was hired by Kentucky that he would have to talk and talk often with the press while head coach at Kentucky? If he wants to cash the fat check that comes every two weeks from Kentucky then he needs to talk and talk often. He might not like it but it's part of the job and if he doesn't like to do then he needs to retire. I thought Forde kinda took it easy on Tubby. I know me and BH have been much harsher on Tubby over the last few months.
I'm sure he did ,but my perception of coach Smith is that he has a set way of doing things, from coaching on the floor to dealing with the media. He believes these core beliefs work for him and he IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE THEM for anybody. I really don't believe Coach Smith sees the currentstatus of our program the same way as some of our fans do. As to wether this is a good or a bad thing only time will tell. His media relations and the way he presents Kentucky to the media seem horrible to me, but I don't believe coach Smith sees the need to adjust them whatsoever. If he did you would see it happening. I will wait for next season, "In Tubby we trust" right?

I believe when Coach Smith first came to UK his relationship with the media was much more amicable than it currently is.He undoubtedly had no idea how quickly they would turn onhim for the sake of a story. Itstarted going downhill with the Myron Anthony/Wayne Turner fiasco and has continued throughout his tenure. The story on Rondo's vehiclethis past year likely destroyed any remaining confidence he might have had with the local media.

I doubt Tubby would speak to Ghandi if he had press credentials.

[Will Lavender]

Grub wrote: BigblueDrew wrote: RP_McMurphy wrote: Did Tubby not know when he was hired by Kentucky that he would have to talk and talk often with the press while head coach at Kentucky? If he wants to cash the fat check that comes every two weeks from Kentucky then he needs to talk and talk often. He might not like it but it's part of the job and if he doesn't like to do then he needs to retire. I thought Forde kinda took it easy on Tubby. I know me and BH have been much harsher on Tubby over the last few months.
I'm sure he did ,but my perception of coach Smith is that he has a set way of doing things, from coaching on the floor to dealing with the media. He believes these core beliefs work for him and he IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE THEM for anybody. I really don't believe Coach Smith sees the currentstatus of our program the same way as some of our fans do. As to wether this is a good or a bad thing only time will tell. His media relations and the way he presents Kentucky to the media seem horrible to me, but I don't believe coach Smith sees the need to adjust them whatsoever. If he did you would see it happening. I will wait for next season, "In Tubby we trust" right?

I believe when Coach Smith first came to UK his relationship with the media was much more amicable than it currently is.He undoubtedly had no idea how quickly they would turn onhim for the sake of a story. Itstarted going downhill with the Myron Anthony/Wayne Turner fiasco and has continued throughout his tenure. The story on Rondo's vehiclethis past year likely destroyed any remaining confidence he might have had with the local media.

I doubt Tubby would speak to Ghandi if he had press credentials.

Had a lot to do with Team Turmoil.

I think Tubby was hurt by all the Gerald Fitch stuff. The media was basically saying that Tubby played favorites by keeping Gerald on the team. Tubby, who takes pride in his old school curmudgeoness, was basically being called, in a subtle way, a sell-out.

When I heard him speak, Tubby mentioned Jerry Tipton by name and NOT in a favorable way.

[phoenix]

Grub wrote: BigblueDrew wrote: RP_McMurphy wrote: Did Tubby not know when he was hired by Kentucky that he would have to talk and talk often with the press while head coach at Kentucky? If he wants to cash the fat check that comes every two weeks from Kentucky then he needs to talk and talk often. He might not like it but it's part of the job and if he doesn't like to do then he needs to retire. I thought Forde kinda took it easy on Tubby. I know me and BH have been much harsher on Tubby over the last few months.
I'm sure he did ,but my perception of coach Smith is that he has a set way of doing things, from coaching on the floor to dealing with the media. He believes these core beliefs work for him and he IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE THEM for anybody. I really don't believe Coach Smith sees the currentstatus of our program the same way as some of our fans do. As to wether this is a good or a bad thing only time will tell. His media relations and the way he presents Kentucky to the media seem horrible to me, but I don't believe coach Smith sees the need to adjust them whatsoever. If he did you would see it happening. I will wait for next season, "In Tubby we trust" right?

I believe when Coach Smith first came to UK his relationship with the media was much more amicable than it currently is.He undoubtedly had no idea how quickly they would turn onhim for the sake of a story. Itstarted going downhill with the Myron Anthony/Wayne Turner fiasco and has continued throughout his tenure. The story on Rondo's vehiclethis past year likely destroyed any remaining confidence he might have had with the local media.

I doubt Tubby would speak to Ghandi if he had press credentials.
True enough, but Tubby never had a LOT to say to them. I think the press in the last year has been pretty negative and it has not really been justified. The Rondo thing, a non story played up like it was something, very irritating to me, can't imagine what it was to a coach and Rondo himself, and as a parent, I would not be happy with a lot of people being aware of what kind of car my kid was driving if he was a starter for ANY major college basketball team.

[phoenix]

BigblueDrew wrote: RP_McMurphy wrote: Did Tubby not know when he was hired by Kentucky that he would have to talk and talk often with the press while head coach at Kentucky? If he wants to cash the fat check that comes every two weeks from Kentucky then he needs to talk and talk often. He might not like it but it's part of the job and if he doesn't like to do then he needs to retire. I thought Forde kinda took it easy on Tubby. I know me and BH have been much harsher on Tubby over the last few months.
I'm sure he did ,but my perception of coach Smith is that he has a set way of doing things, from coaching on the floor to dealing with the media. He believes these core beliefs work for him and he IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE THEM for anybody. I really don't believe Coach Smith sees the currentstatus of our program the same way as some of our fans do. As to wether this is a good or a bad thing only time will tell. His media relations and the way he presents Kentucky to the media seem horrible to me, but I don't believe coach Smith sees the need to adjust them whatsoever. If he did you would see it happening. I will wait for next season, "In Tubby we trust" right?Very amicable post by you and I have to agree. Hope he wins big enough this winter to quiet the critics.

[poodoo]

Thanks for the link, RaleighCat.

In relation to Tubby's not trusting the media, I agree with Will that he really became distrustful after his experiences with the media during the Team Turmoil year. Will once quoted Tubby in that regard. Also, I felt for Tubby during that time as I had noticed how the media sometimes twisted Tubby's words around in columns about Team Turmoil.

Tubby is a trustworthy man who expects the same of others. I think he was "burned" by the media that Team Turmoil year and lost his trust in them. He has always shied from the limelight, something I happen to like about him, but he went further after some of his comments were misinterpreted and the media became so critical of his handling Gerald Fitch. FWIW, I once read that Tubby trusts mainly Victoria Sun of the Cincinatti Enquirer. Regardless, yes, Coach Smith could probably help his image by becoming more visible and by being more cooperative with the media. Rick Pitino, for instance, loves the limelight and gives writers quote after quote. In turn, they tend to be easier on him, which helps his image at not only the local level but also the national level.

[Dwight Schrute]

I agree that you don't see them on TV all the time, but you do hear their names on sportscenter a lot more than you see or hear Tubby's name mentioned, it seems. Obviously, I think a lot of his disdain for the media stems from the Lexington Herald-Leader and their tabloid journalism. He could be a bit more personable, though.

I think that would cure a lot of ills as far as recruiting goes.

Will Lavender wrote: Sometimes I think Tubby believes that he works for the flippin' CIA. :? It's just basketball, man. Come on. Talk.

Just playing devil's advocate here for a minute, though:

Is visibility really that important in recruiting? I'm seriously asking. I mean if you throw out Coach K, then what coaches do you normally see on television? Thinking...thinking...thinking...

Donovan? I don't know if I've ever seen him interviewed for television other than during the Final Four. Roy Williams? He's occasionally on TV, but I wouldn't necessarily say that Williams is ready for showbiz. Bill Self? Nope. Rick Pitino? Well, yeah, but a lot of good that did him last year. Calipari's pretty visible. Anybody else?

I think there's something to be said about visibility, as Mitch has pointed out, but I'm not sure if it's the antidote to our recruiting ills. (Nor, maybe, is winning: the worst recruiting class of Tubby Smith's career came after his best season, in 2003.)

So maybe we're back where we were three months ago. Maybe the root of the recruiting problems are Hanson and Rigot.

[Will Lavender]

phoenix wrote: Grub wrote: BigblueDrew wrote: RP_McMurphy wrote: Did Tubby not know when he was hired by Kentucky that he would have to talk and talk often with the press while head coach at Kentucky? If he wants to cash the fat check that comes every two weeks from Kentucky then he needs to talk and talk often. He might not like it but it's part of the job and if he doesn't like to do then he needs to retire. I thought Forde kinda took it easy on Tubby. I know me and BH have been much harsher on Tubby over the last few months.
I'm sure he did ,but my perception of coach Smith is that he has a set way of doing things, from coaching on the floor to dealing with the media. He believes these core beliefs work for him and he IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE THEM for anybody. I really don't believe Coach Smith sees the currentstatus of our program the same way as some of our fans do. As to wether this is a good or a bad thing only time will tell. His media relations and the way he presents Kentucky to the media seem horrible to me, but I don't believe coach Smith sees the need to adjust them whatsoever. If he did you would see it happening. I will wait for next season, "In Tubby we trust" right?

I believe when Coach Smith first came to UK his relationship with the media was much more amicable than it currently is.He undoubtedly had no idea how quickly they would turn onhim for the sake of a story. Itstarted going downhill with the Myron Anthony/Wayne Turner fiasco and has continued throughout his tenure. The story on Rondo's vehiclethis past year likely destroyed any remaining confidence he might have had with the local media.

I doubt Tubby would speak to Ghandi if he had press credentials.
True enough, but Tubby never had a LOT to say to them. I think the press in the last year has been pretty negative and it has not really been justified. The Rondo thing, a non story played up like it was something, very irritating to me, can't imagine what it was to a coach and Rondo himself, and as a parent, I would not be happy with a lot of people being aware of what kind of car my kid was driving if he was a starter for ANY major college basketball team.

Darn right. That was exploitation.

I doubt if any coach in America would have to put up with a story like that. If I'm Tubby, I wouldn't speak to the media after that -- unless I'm forced -- just for spite.

I realize that Tubby needs to open up to these guys, and part of that is opening up to the local media, who strings some of their stories out to larger media sources which can in turn be seen by recruits. But come on. Look at the Lexington media. Open up to them? No thanks. If I were Tubby, I think I'd rather do it my own way than chat with Tipton or Vaught about anything. Dominoes, taxes, weather -- anything.

So there he is, between a rock and a hard place. I don't feel sorry for him considering he'll make more money next year than I will for the rest of my living years combined, but in all reality it would be difficult to put on a face like all is well in a room of guys who have really not done Tubby many favors for the last five years.