The mother of Memphis recruit Nolan Dennis tells the Memphis Commercial-Appeal that her son has an agreement with Memphis that he will be released from his letter-of-intent if John Calipari leaves as coach. He could then follow Calipari to the next destination.
Dan Wolken has the story in the Memphis Commercial-Appeal.
Carol Dennis says she nor her son has heard yet from Calipari.
Meanwhile, a Memphis radio station is reporting that Calipari has a 3:30 meeting with Memphis boosters. He could give his decision then. There is also talk of a possible 4 p.m. announcement. I’ve been told that another station is reporting that Calipari will not decide until tonight.
John Clay is a sports columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader. A native of Central Kentucky and graduate of UK, he covered UK football for 13 seasons before being promoted to columnist in 2000. He lives in Lexington with his wife and two sons. You can e-mail him at jclay@herald-leader.com.
bridges are burning.
The more Cal waits, the more chance of a change of heart. No announcement today likely means no Cal deal tomorrow. I can here that contract leverage arm a cranking- He could get the same deal of money at Memphis, minus the headaches.
Same money at about half the total effort (Compared to Memphis and Kentucky base)
Question then would be, would KY have the nerve to wait for Izzo to be done with the final four, or got to Travis (sure bet for a yes).
John, do you have a guess as to what will happen to UK’s recruits for next season? Who do you think will get preference as far as scholarships?
John,
Check out this article from ESPN.com’s page 2. It seems to take direct, and rather explicit, aim at your article a few days ago. In your article, I recall you quoting a CEO friend that UK should correct it’s mistaken hire and move on.
I think you need a by-line in this one…
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=macgregor/090330&sportCat=ncb
I didn’t realize that you were part of the downfall of the American economy, but since this guy seems to think so, can I have some of your bailout money?
Adam R.
I was excited about early news this morning that Calipari may be coming to UK, but this latest news makes me highly skeptical that he’ll jump. I don’t see the point in Calipari meeting with boosters at 3:30pm if he has already met with the Memphis Administration and spoken to UK.
It now sounds like a false alarm to me and I’m hoping against hope that Izzo isn’t next on the list. I just don’t want to watch grind-it-out basketball anymore.
What’s going to happen in terms of scholarships? If he brings all of these players with him, I can see somebody like Liggins, Porter, Stewart etc. transferring. With only one graduating senior, we don’t have the room right now.
How much longer is this going to take it keeps going on and on yes or no
come on Calipari !
No chance IZZO would ever leave Michigan State. He is an institution at State just like Coach K is at Duke. State has deep pockets just like UK. If it is not Calipari it has to be Travis Ford. In fact it should be Travis Ford. I don’t understand why the UK fan base does not see this.
When it comes to Calipari and Ford, there is no comparison. Calipari was made for Kentucky basketball, though I like Travis, he is nowhere near the status of John Calipari. JC will bring the players, the style, and the personality that UK needs and is meant to have. An elite program with an elite coach. UK is the creme once again with his hire. Go Big Blue!!!
“If you sleep with dogs you get fleas” Hasn’t Kentucky learned their lesson, stay away from Cal,is it win at all costs at UK ? By the way, Kentucky has zero chance of getting Izzo he would never leave MSU of KU, Ku is living in the past,its a new day for clooege bball.
Can’t Knock the Hustle, John Calipari is the Jay-Z of college basketball coaches. He will win Championships at Kentucky. UK is one of The “Phat 5″ of College Basketball. The “Phat 5″ are the 5 winningest college basketball programs of all-time. Kentucky is ranked #1 of The “Phat 5″ and Billy Gillispie couldn’t play in the same arena as Coach K, The R-O-Y., Benny H., or Thrill Bill of KU. Johnny-C will make Kentucky basketball fans proud.