Wild Compli

During Rick Pitino’s tenure, Kentucky amassed a 219-50 record. They garnered five conference championships. They secured six NCAA Tournament appearances (22-5 record). Since Pitino’s exodus, Kentucky has amassed 303-110 record. They have garnered five conference championships. They secured eleven NCAA Tournament appearances (23-10 record). Pitino’s supremacy was expected. Tubby Smith and Billy Gillispie’s success was unacceptable.

On Wednesday, Kentucky hired Memphis Coach John Calipari. Calipari signed an 8-year, $31.6 million contract. “They don't put banners up here for anything else except national champions,” he said. “That's why you want to coach here. We want to compete every year and hopefully add to this wall.”

During his career, Calipari has amassed a 445-140 record. He has garnered nine conference championships. He has secured eleven NCAA Tournament appearances (25-11 record). In Massachusetts, Calipari racked a 193-71 record. In Memphis, he registered a 252-69 record.

“I didn't want to live a life where I regretted, "Why didn't I do this," to be in the best situation to coach basketball in the country, maybe the world, to coach basketball right here in Lexington,” said Calipari.

Kentucky and Memphis are polar opposites. Kentucky ignores conference championships and tournament appearances. Memphis savors thirty win seasons. Calipari’s decision was both anticipated and disheartening. With Kentucky, Calipari will succeed. With Memphis, his success was enjoyed.