Return of the Roman Empire?

2 years ago, I was an advocate of this man John Calapari to come of the bluegrass.  At the time, he had yet to make his run to the championship game and cement his reputation as one of the best coaches out there.  Also there are rumors of possible NCAA rule-breaking that always seem to follow Cal.  It seems the tide may have turned.  Fresh off the firing of a coach hired only 2 years ago, it seems the administration is feeling the heat to make a big splash this time, and John Calapari is now the target.

Here is what is rumored (let me say that I have no direct sources on any of this info)

• Like I stated, the UK administration considered Cal too much of a risk 2 years ago and maybe even early on in this search process.
• Their stance on Cal has in the VERY least softened and they are now considering Cal as a candidate for the job
• Rumors are rampant that Cal reached out to UK to plead his case to take the job, and it appears now a conversation between Cal and the administration HAS occurred.
• Gotta love this: a facebook group has popped up to bring John Calipari  to UK.  Supposedly John's 2 daughters, Jodie Meeks, Patrick Patterson, Perry Stevenson, Ramon Harris, and DeMarcus Cousins (top 5 2009 recruit, committed to Memphis)

Will all of this come to fruition?  Remains to be seen, but there is quite a bit of smoke.  Maybe a little fire?

Ball's in your Court, Mitch

Losing at home to UGA in a must-win game is inexcusable.  The time has come for Mitch Barnhardt to make a decision.  Make the wrong one, and he loses his job as well.  Let us count the offenses.

• Despite being employed by the University of Kentucky since March 2008, he has yet to sign a contract.  The reason for the hold-up appears to be over a number of "personal conduct" clauses in his contract.  With the piss-poor performance over the last 2 years I think Barnhardt should write in some "performance clauses."
• 4 SEC home losses.  I don't even want to look up the last time this happened, but it's been a while.  It is also an embarrassment.
• 6 home losses in a season for the 2nd time in history.  10th home loss in 2 years.  Rick Pitino had 7 home losses in 8 years.
• EMBARRASSING losses at home the stalwarts of San Diego, Gardner Webb, and VMI.
• Loss on Senior Day for only the 6th time ever against one of the worst SEC teams to ever play at Rupp (not to mention UGA's first road win this season).
• Blowouts on the road against Vanderbilt, UNC, South Carolina, and Houston.
• First coach not to win an NCAA first round game since we were eligible for postseason play in 1992.
• Yet to win a postseason game
• Barring a UT collapse will have to play on opening day of SEC tournament for only the 3rd time ever
• Has been a complete ass on television to an ESPN reporter (see previous post) and UK's own Tom Leach.  The ESPN thing is not really a big deal to me, but to be short with Leach is inexcusable.

I will come out and tell you: I think Gillispie should be fired.  I am basing this opinion on the fact that UK will not make a miraculous recovery over the next week and a half to be playing in the big dance.  There is no excuse for a UK team to ever miss the tournament outside a rash of injuries.  Failure to make the Dance should call for an immediate dismissal.  BCG's "me against the world" attitude has not won over anyone in the Commonwealth, and he hasn't won enough games to win over anyone with his record.  

A side note to Mitch.  Making a mistake on a basketball hire will cost you respect.  Refusal to rectify that mistake will cost you your job.  As a whole, CM Newton was a failure as an AD.  Football probation, no progression in any of the other sports, and scandals that broke after he left filled his reign as AD at UK.  However, he is thought of as a success because he hired the man that rebuilt the basketball program.  We even put his name on the FOOTBALL FIELD due to this perceived success.  Dr Todd and yourself need to take note of this: it could cost you your job.