I think you safely scratch Kentucky from Harrison Barnes' list...OUCH!

[KyGopherfan]

In a recent interview, Harrison Barnes had this to say about Calipari...

"How has the departure of John Calipari from Memphis to Kentucky impacted you?"

"It hasn’t really. He’s a good coach. I don’t know if I like the way they’re doing things right there now though. Seems like he left Memphis kind of in a bad situation and then guys at Kentucky are getting their scholarships taken back. I don’t know yet. It’s a competitive place though, you know college basketball, and it’s only getting more and more competitive."

http://boxofmess.com/?p=2278

 

[KyGopherfan]

I gotta give it up for the kid...he's a very smart, thoughtful dude! Even if he doesn't go to Minnesota, he's the kinda young kid you can't help but to root for and hope he does well.

 

[Bronko Nagurski Gopher]

In a recent interview, Harrison Barnes had this to say about Calipari...

"How has the departure of John Calipari from Memphis to Kentucky impacted you?"

"It hasn’t really. He’s a good coach. I don’t know if I like the way they’re doing things right there now though. Seems like he left Memphis kind of in a bad situation and then guys at Kentucky are getting their scholarships taken back. I don’t know yet. It’s a competitive place though, you know college basketball, and it’s only getting more and more competitive."

http://boxofmess.com/?p=2278

beautiful! some of the most encouraging, thoughtful words i have heard from a top-flight, prospective student-athlete in some time. i am not even referring to the fact that he is considering minnesota only to the fact that he is honest enough and comfortable enough to say what is so true. very refreshing.

now get on up to minnesota barnes!

 

[GopherLady]

I gotta give it up for the kid...he's a very smart, thoughtful dude! Even if he doesn't go to Minnesota, he's the kinda young kid you can't help but to root for and hope he does well.

Exactly! This kid is NOT a Calipari guy, or a Gillespie kid - this is a good, smart, kid...that's why he's a Tubby player! I have no idea what kind of shot we have with him, but he would be a great fit in our program.

 

[The Truth]

Exactly! This kid is NOT a Calipari guy, or a Gillespie kid - this is a good, smart, kid...that's why he's a Tubby player! I have no idea what kind of shot we have with him, but he would be a great fit in our program.

I find this comment utterly disgusting. I want you to go tell Daniel Orton, who recently lost his mother to cancer and worked his butt off to return from a knee injury so he could help his teammates win a state title, that he's not a "good, smart, kid" based on his choice of colleges.

It's absurd to assign character (or take it away) to high school kids based upon their feelings or choices towards a college decision. I don't hold any ill will towards Harrison Barnes because I understand his comments and the context in which they were given. Maybe you should stop acting in that crazed and irrational manner that you accuse other fanbases of and realize that the jersey a kid wears or who he plays for does not determine who and what he is.

 

[KyGopherfan]

I find this comment utterly disgusting. I want you to go tell Daniel Orton, who recently lost his mother to cancer and worked his butt off to return from a knee injury so he could help his teammates win a state title, that he's not a "good, smart, kid" based on his choice of colleges.

It's absurd to assign character (or take it away) to high school kids based upon their feelings or choices towards a college decision. I don't hold any ill will towards Harrison Barnes because I understand his comments and the context in which they were given. Maybe you should stop acting in that crazed and irrational manner that you accuse other fanbases of and realize that the jersey a kid wears or who he plays for does not determine who and what he is.

LOL...does that count for Huggins? The UK fanbase has done nothing but mocked other programs over the years like Cincinnati and Tennessee for recruiting so-called 'thugs'. I wish you and your ilk would've afforded Pearl and Huggins the same latitude you're requesting regarding Calipari. So I don't think you want to get into an argument of irrational fanbases. Trust me, you'll lose that argument everyday and twice on Sunday.

 

[The Truth]

LOL...does that count for Huggins? The UK fanbase has done nothing but mocked other programs over the years like Cincinnati and Tennessee for recruiting so-called 'thugs'. I wish you and your ilk would've afforded Pearl and Huggins the same latitude you're requesting regarding Calipari. So I don't think you want to get into an argument of irrational fanbases. Trust me, you'll lose that argument everyday and twice on Sunday.

How long did it take you to build that straw man? Why don't you address the issue at hand: That maligning people based upon their associations is wrong especially when it comes to high school athletes and their choice of schools.

 

[GopherLady]

I find this comment utterly disgusting. I want you to go tell Daniel Orton, who recently lost his mother to cancer and worked his butt off to return from a knee injury so he could help his teammates win a state title, that he's not a "good, smart, kid" based on his choice of colleges.

It's absurd to assign character (or take it away) to high school kids based upon their feelings or choices towards a college decision. I don't hold any ill will towards Harrison Barnes because I understand his comments and the context in which they were given. Maybe you should stop acting in that crazed and irrational manner that you accuse other fanbases of and realize that the jersey a kid wears or who he plays for does not determine who and what he is.

Overreact much? I said Barnes is Tubby's kind of player - he would be a great fit here. Where did I say anything about Daniel Orton, or any other player. Calipario and Gillespie are known to be shady coaches, Tubby could not have a better and more ethical reputation. It was a hit at them, not at kids. If anything was crazed and irrational, it was your comments. Wow.

 

[Maroon Shower]

Dear The Truth,

It so sad when people don't give your wonderful school the respect it deserves. UK is finally being restored to its rightful status as national powerhouse, a standing it has been robbed of during these past 12 lean years. You're thoughtful, passionate fans deserve nothing less than championships each and every year. You're coach is a classy and philanthropic leader of young men. I think I speak for all true gopher fans in making these statements.

Rest assured that myself and other true gopher fans will be steadfast in monitoring this board and setting straight the hypocrisies of low-life Kentucky bashers. I sincerely hope this alleviates any of your concerns and will free up your busy Kentucky-defending schedule. You should sleep well at night knowing that your cause is in good hands and that you'll never have to return to our site ever again.

 

[Frink]

Maroon Shower.

 

[The Truth]

Overreact much? I said Barnes is Tubby's kind of player - he would be a great fit here. Where did I say anything about Daniel Orton, or any other player. Calipario and Gillespie are known to be shady coaches, Tubby could not have a better and more ethical reputation. It was a hit at them, not at kids. If anything was crazed and irrational, it was your comments. Wow.

"This kid is NOT a Calipari guy, or a Gillespie kid - this is a good, smart, kid"

Umm...yeah. How was one supposed to read this statement as anything other than a slam on kids who commit to those two coaches? You claim that he's not a "Calipari Guy" because he is a "good, smart, kid" with the most obvious inference being that those coaches only attract kids that aren't good or smart.

Maybe you worded it wrong, I don't know the inner workings of your mind, but it's hard to take away from that statement anything other that what I posted. If that's the way you feel then fine but don't run away from your comments when someone questions the thought process behind them.

 

[97alumni]

Dear The Truth,

It so sad when people don't give your wonderful school the respect it deserves. UK is finally being restored to its rightful status as national powerhouse, a standing it has been robbed of during these past 12 lean years. You're thoughtful, passionate fans deserve nothing less than championships each and every year. You're coach is a classy and philanthropic leader of young men. I think I speak for all true gopher fans in making these statements.

Rest assured that myself and other true gopher fans will be steadfast in monitoring this board and setting straight the hypocrisies of low-life Kentucky bashers. I sincerely hope this alleviates any of your concerns and will free up your busy Kentucky-defending schedule. You should sleep well at night knowing that your cause is in good hands and that you'll never have to return to our site ever again.

This post should come with a warning not to be drinking when reading it.

Everyone in my cube row is looking at me as I am cleaning off my monitor laughing.

Best post in awhile!

 

[The Truth]

Dear The Truth,

It so sad when people don't give your wonderful school the respect it deserves. UK is finally being restored to its rightful status as national powerhouse, a standing it has been robbed of during these past 12 lean years. You're thoughtful, passionate fans deserve nothing less than championships each and every year. You're coach is a classy and philanthropic leader of young men. I think I speak for all true gopher fans in making these statements.

Rest assured that myself and other true gopher fans will be steadfast in monitoring this board and setting straight the hypocrisies of low-life Kentucky bashers. I sincerely hope this alleviates any of your concerns and will free up your busy Kentucky-defending schedule. You should sleep well at night knowing that your cause is in good hands and that you'll never have to return to our site ever again.

Here's an idea: If you don't want to discuss it perhaps people should refrain from starting threads on it. Based on my viewing you would almost get the opinion this was a Kentucky message board based upon the amount of UK Related thread started on it by, I might point out, Gopher fans. I



I'm here to talk basketball. Let's talk basketball and refrain from mentioning UK or Calipari if you don't want an open, honest discussion about the topic (again) other brings up. If I were the one going around the board starting threads I would understand the level of disdain, I truely would. I'm only discussing what others bring up (which is the intention of this board) and somehow it's my fault?

 

[97alumni]

In a recent interview, Harrison Barnes had this to say about Calipari...

"How has the departure of John Calipari from Memphis to Kentucky impacted you?"

"It hasn’t really. He’s a good coach. I don’t know if I like the way they’re doing things right there now though. Seems like he left Memphis kind of in a bad situation and then guys at Kentucky are getting their scholarships taken back. I don’t know yet. It’s a competitive place though, you know college basketball, and it’s only getting more and more competitive."

http://boxofmess.com/?p=2278

I want this kid big time bad and I've never seen him play. What an ambassador for our program and our school he would be. This kid is going places that's for sure.

 

[GopherLady]

"This kid is NOT a Calipari guy, or a Gillespie kid - this is a good, smart, kid"

Umm...yeah. How was one supposed to read this statement as anything other than a slam on kids who commit to those two coaches? You claim that he's not a "Calipari Guy" because he is a "good, smart, kid" with the most obvious inference being that those coaches only attract kids that aren't good or smart.

Maybe you worded it wrong, I don't know the inner workings of your mind, but it's hard to take away from that statement anything other that what I posted. If that's the way you feel then fine but don't run away from your comments when someone questions the thought process behind them.

Let me rephrase....he's a good, smart, kid - so he would have nothing in common with Calipari or Gillespie.

 

[The Truth]

Let me rephrase....he's a good, smart, kid - so he would have nothing in common with Calipari or Gillespie.

He's a talented player with pro aspirations who wants to be a lottery pick-so he would have nothing in common with Tubby Smith.


See how absurd both comments are? The difference is I know both are wrong and that you don't throw blanket statements out there just because you have a dislike for someone or their methods.

 

[Maroon Shower]

Here's an idea: If you don't want to discuss it perhaps people should refrain from starting threads on it. Based on my viewing you would almost get the opinion this was a Kentucky message board based upon the amount of UK Related thread started on it by, I might point out, Gopher fans. I



I'm here to talk basketball. Let's talk basketball and refrain from mentioning UK or Calipari if you don't want an open, honest discussion about the topic (again) other brings up. If I were the one going around the board starting threads I would understand the level of disdain, I truely would. I'm only discussing what others bring up (which is the intention of this board) and somehow it's my fault?

Many apologies. I was under the impression that there are hundreds upon hundreds of other message boards on which basketball is discussed. I even heard a rumor that there was one specifically for Kentucky fans. I stand corrected.

I know it must be difficult to hear all of these disparaging remarks about the team you love at the one and only site in which basketball is discussed. Don't worry though, I'm sure your kind, enlightening words and dogged persistence will convert even the grumpiest of gopher fans. Let's talk basketball!

 

[calminnfan]

Let me rephrase....he's a good, smart, kid - so he would have nothing in common with Calipari or Gillespie.

you bad...lol!!!

 

[The Truth]

Many apologies. I was under the impression that there are hundreds upon hundreds of other message boards on which basketball is discussed. I even heard a rumor that there was one specifically for Kentucky fans. I stand corrected.

I know it must be difficult to hear all of these disparaging remarks about the team you love at the one and only site in which basketball is discussed. Don't worry though, I'm sure your kind, enlightening words and dogged persistence will convert even the grumpiest of gopher fans. Let's talk basketball!

I don't have to defend myself to you. If you don't like what I post don't read it and don't respond. It is really that simple. I will continue to discuss topics with those that wish to about a variety of topics. If people want to continue to post Kentucky related threads and I feel I have a need to chime in and comment on it I will.

 

[coolhandgopher]

The Truth

I have just spent a few minutes perusing the Catspause board for the first time since Calipari was hired. I figured that over the course of time the Kentucky fanbase would have lightened up about Tubby Smith, moved happily forward with Calipari and let things rest (kind of how this fanbase has moved beyond Monson and is relishing the hear and now).

That being said, if you feel the need to police the comments of a message board, I'd suggest you visit Catspause. I generally enjoy reading your posts, but when you come over here to call out posters on inaccurate comments, I can only laugh-do you do the same with your Kentucky fans? Because I can tell you this, the scattered putdowns/jokes you find on this board are minuscule in comparison to the damage done by your own fans with the arrogance and superiority displayed on Catspause. Read through the thread about Harrison Barnes' unease with Calipari's methods and tell me that your fanbase doesn't sound incredibly arrogant. It's one thing for a lone poster to call Barnes names because he doesn't bow at the deity which is Coach Cal-but that he was supported by a number of Kentucky fans in his criticism of a high school kid is disgusting. It's awfully tough for Gopher fans to possess any good will towards Kentucky when Tubby Smith continues to be denigrated and Kentucky fans have decided the national championship is a foregone conclusion for the next 10 years or so.

 

[GophBen]

Since this is a Kentucky thread now...

Hey Truth, how long do you feel Kentucky (or Cleveland State) will be free from NCAA sanctions now that your glorious and flawless program has brought in the new Jerry Tarkanian?

 

[The Truth]

Why would I post on a message board filled with internet tough guys, nerd fighting and flame wars? Any good discussion quickly gets lost in the haze of that mess of a site. If I discuss anything Kentucky related on a Kentucky message board it is not that one. Maybe it's the size and that makes it unwiedly but while this board may not be as active the quality far outweighs the quantity.


I can't speak for everyone and my intentions are not to "police" anything. If you want to discuss something..discuss it. Don't throw out blanket statements about kids because you have issues with the guy recruiting them. Sorry if I don't agree with casting aspersions on a kid based upon his choice of schools or coaches. You don't like Calipari? Fine, and you can present evidence supporting that belief, but don't suggest that just because a kid does or does not that is somehow proof of what kind of person he is.

Lastly, I don't know how to begin to address other people's thought processes. All I know is this: Kentucky fell from the elite status under Tubby Smith. It was a gradual process, with ups and downs, and some people voiced the displeasure with that fact in unpleasent ways. Why? Because that's what people do sadly. Emotional investment in anything can be a great thing but it can also be unhealthy and showcase the worst parts of who we are.

 

[The Truth]

Hey Truth, how long do you feel Kentucky (or Cleveland State) will be free from NCAA sanctions now that your glorious and flawless program has brought in the new Jerry Tarkanian?

Well, considering they were just sanctioned for a secondary violation involving free meals that were occuring under Rick Pitino, Tubby Smith and Billy Gillispie ...not long.

And you're asking the wrong guy about Jerry. I'm a big fan of his battles with the NCAA and actually wrote a paper on Tarkanian vs. NCAA for a class I took way back when.

 

[Friend Of Tubby]

Why would I post on a message board filled with internet tough guys, nerd fighting and flame wars? Any good discussion quickly gets lost in the haze of that mess of a site. If I discuss anything Kentucky related on a Kentucky message board it is not that one. Maybe it's the size and that makes it unwiedly but while this board may not be as active the quality far outweighs the quantity.


I can't speak for everyone and my intentions are not to "police" anything. If you want to discuss something..discuss it. Don't throw out blanket statements about kids because you have issues with the guy recruiting them. Sorry if I don't agree with casting aspersions on a kid based upon his choice of schools or coaches. You don't like Calipari? Fine, and you can present evidence supporting that belief, but don't suggest that just because a kid does or does not that is somehow proof of what kind of person he is.

Lastly, I don't know how to begin to address other people's thought processes. All I know is this: Kentucky fell from the elite status under Tubby Smith. It was a gradual process, with ups and downs, and some people voiced the displeasure with that fact in unpleasent ways. Why? Because that's what people do sadly. Emotional investment in anything can be a great thing but it can also be unhealthy and showcase the worst parts of who we are.

Baloney.

UK ranked in the Top 5 in Most W, Most W in NCAA games, Best W-L (%) record, and Best W-L (%) record in NCAA games in the 10 years of the Tubby Smith era, 1998 through 2007.

Top 5 out of 330+ Div I schools is certainly Elite.

 

[Friend Of Tubby]

Well, considering they were just sanctioned for a secondary violation involving free meals that were occuring under Rick Pitino, Tubby Smith and Billy Gillispie ...not long.

And you're asking the wrong guy about Jerry. I'm a big fan of his battles with the NCAA and actually wrote a paper on Tarkanian vs. NCAA for a class I took way back when.

Tark cheated. He never denied that. He just complained about the NCAA having a double standard about UCLA, Kentucky, and other KNOWN cheaters getting off the hook.

Tark told Sam Bowie's HS coach, "If he's driving a Cadillac, he's going to Kentucky" when told Bowie had a new car by the coach.

 

[Bronko Nagurski Gopher]

Baloney.

UK ranked in the Top 5 in Most W, Most W in NCAA games, Best W-L (%) record, and Best W-L (%) record in NCAA games in the 10 years of the Tubby Smith era, 1998 through 2007.

Top 5 out of 330+ Div I schools is certainly Elite.

nice! man, i hate when facts get in the way of a good ole' rant!

 

[mnboiler]

The Truth,

Please read this. http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/ Then tell me if whatever Gillispie did was ethical, not legal, ethical.

Coach Cal has just left his second school in a mess with the NCAA. I will admit that he has not been charged with any wrong doing by the NCAA but do you really believe in both cases, Coach Cal didn't know what was going on. Or is he really just that dumb or naive or both.

So forgive the rest of the college basketball world for not giving UK the benefit of the doubt when both the schools and coaches history has been shady at best.

 

[The Truth]

nice! man, i hate when facts get in the way of a good ole' rant!

When it comes to statistics I'll refer you to Bejamin Disreali (or Twain depending on your source) as the ultimate authority on how they should be viewed.

Turning this into a Tubby debate (which FoT LOVES!) is counter productive.

 

[thebarnsback]

Here is what yet another idiotic CatsPause poster had to say about the Barnes situation.

Sorry to bring it up but it just shows how dumb some of these people really are.

The bolded portion of the post really makes me chuckle.


"Harrison Barnes is a little girl if he feels this way.
1) Scholarships are offered on a one year basis, at EVERY school
2) Cal didnt give anyone of them a scholarship, and made decisions on who gets them next year, his FIRST year
3) Kentucky is the ALL TIME WINNING program in NCAA history, but our last coach was worthless, and brought in lesser talent than UNC, Duke, so on
4) Coach Cal's job is to get us to the top, and keep us there, and he said at the press conference, he brings in the BEST of the BEST. PERIOD
5) I for one am glad we finally have a coach with some balls, who wants us to be the best.

Harrison Barnes obviously is not a smart person, and is listening to recruiting negativity from other coaches that are hating on Cal.
If you want to be a school girl Harrison, go to Duke, and when we mop your a$$, and hang banners over your college years, we'll all try to remember your feelings were hurt. Forget this sissy. Coach Cal is setting us up for greatness. Forget Harrison, from weak a$$ IOWA. We will bring in:
Brandon Knight
Adreian Payne
Dominique Ferguson
Jelan Kendrick
Roscoe Smith

ALL are top 20 recruits. You see, we are 10 years past the time for whining. No more time for the reserves, Its time to bring in elite special forces to clean house, and take over again. And thats what Cal is doing, if you dont like any part of it, get out."

 

[GoldenBoy13]