Azubuike24;1717718 wrote:Wes is actually more "in" with Coach K than Coach Cal anymore. He's been somewhat "distanced" from by UK. He's still seen at games, usually the neutral site ones, but he's pretty connected all over.

This I would like to see proof of! Wes and Cal go WAYYY back, as you know. Find it hard to believe he is distanced himself. Believe he has been behind the bench of home UK games quite often.

Obviously nobody is going to make any official statements, but it's been rumored. It doesn't mean they don't communicate, but the point was more than when WWW is brought up in the context of recruiting, he's known more for his prescence in the NBA and with NBA teams. Also, it's pretty clear with certain recruits going to a variety of schools and being OAD that he's not working for any single coach. There are probably just certain coaches that WON'T recruit anyone he's associated with. You can search articles speculating his role in recruiting and they basically all say "William Wesley has influence. He knows people. He's connected in the NBA, where basketball players dream to go." That doesn't mean he's a funnel for a certain school or coach. Heck, why would you do that if you want to open up many different business connections and avenues? I'm sure it pays off in influencing certain recruits if you are on speed dial with him.

That's probably why certain coaches aren't, like Tom Izzo. Listen to the Gary Parrish CBS Podcast from the other day and they debated this. They basically said, without specifying, Izzo doesn't get involved with certain people or use certain things that Calipari and Coach K do to get players. And he understands and accepts that. But at the same time, he's not coming out and bashing those guys for doing it either.

...and no, there's no proof, but I chuckle at people who simply think it's as simple as "Cal calls WWW, he asks him to get him a certain player that he wants and boom, that kid comes to UK." Does anyone think it's really that simple? Don't you think that is way too simplistic to not have a single example of a recruit or other coach who blows the whistle?

Azubuike24;1717993 wrote:...and no, there's no proof, but I chuckle at people who simply think it's as simple as "Cal calls WWW, he asks him to get him a certain player that he wants and boom, that kid comes to UK." Does anyone think it's really that simple? Don't you think that is way too simplistic to not have a single example of a recruit or other coach who blows the whistle?

First of all, do I believe Cal has to use WWW now? No, I don't believe he does. I am not sure he ever did since he has come to UK. Do we know for sure one way or the other? No, we don't.
But I have NO doubt Cal used WWW while at Memphis. If you have read up on the D. Rose thing, no question that WWW was the main figure in what happened (taking ACT in Detroit) with that scandle.
And I also don't believe K has to use him either. Both are at schools and both known and established well enough that they really don't need to cheat to get recruits at this point in time.
That being said, nothing would shock me in the least if things were going on behind the scenes at either place. Not difficult for a coach to disassociate himself from what could be going on behind the scences.
And lets be honest, UK basketball program is arguably the most tainted program in the history of college basketball in terms of cheating. And I personally knew someone who played at UK back in the 70's and said an envelope was delivered weekly under his door with money in it. (only stayed his frosh year before transferring).
I guess I view the WWW and Cal thing similar to Gilbert and Wooden at UCLA.
And I don't mean to or want get started in this, but I have no doubts Cal (even though directly cleared), was involved/cheated while both at UMass and Memphis. Thus my dislike for him. Fool me once...
Thus my dislike for Jim O'Brien, former OSU coach who I had supported and respected. I have no tolerance for people who claim to be all holier than thou, come off as squeeky clean, then we find out differently.
Nuff said.

I think Trice goes crazy and Mich St takes it tonight.

Ironman92;1718575 wrote:I think Trice goes crazy and Mich St takes it tonight.

Jinx spotted.

SportsAndLady;1718578 wrote:Jinx spotted.

Damnit boy


Regardless, it's sunny out my daughter just got home from college and I have fury when I get too invested in Duke tournament games....doubt I watch more than a 1/3 of it.

SportsAndLady;1718578 wrote:Jinx spotted.

Regardless he is playing the Kemba role well....hopefully that run is over.

Upon further consideration of my previous arguments, I believe Tom Izzo to actually be underrated.

reclegend22;1718606 wrote:Upon further consideration of my previous arguments, I believe Tom Izzo to actually be underrated.

Jinx called.

Laley23;1718607 wrote:Jinx called.

Lol. Either way, I feel a lot better getting that out in the clear before tip-off.

I don't want 92 blaming me for the loss, haha. The blood is no longer on my hands.

reclegend22;1718609 wrote:I don't want 92 blaming me for the loss, haha. The blood is no longer on my hands.

No blame here. MSU on pace to make 40 3 pointers.....that would give them quite the chance to win. I WILL NOT watch much more of this.

CBS is so much worse than ESPN with college sports

This game stinks. Not unexpected. Hopefully the night game is better, but I feel like Kentucky might win comfortably, too.

I think Wisconsin is way to good to get blown out. This game is and always was going to be a mismatch. Not the case with UK/Wisconsin. At least, not imo.

As for this game...lets all give a nice slow clap for Izzo not calling a TO. He knows the nation wants to get to the next game fast lol

Laley23;1718628 wrote:I think Wisconsin is way to good to get blown out. This game is and always was going to be a mismatch. Not the case with UK/Wisconsin. At least, not imo.

As for this game...lets all give a nice slow clap for Izzo not calling a TO. He knows the nation wants to get to the next game fast lol

I don't think they'll get blown out, but I could see Kentucky leading by 6-12 for pretty much the whole game. Not a back and forth, nail biting type of game.

This one was pretty much a given from the time the tournament started, though. Nobody in the east was worthy of making a final four, let alone winning in it.

MSU looks terrible

Duke is just much better and they're showing it

Mulva;1718629 wrote:I don't think they'll get blown out, but I could see Kentucky leading by 6-12 for pretty much the whole game. Not a back and forth, nail biting type of game.

This one was pretty much a given from the time the tournament started, though. Nobody in the east was worthy of making a final four, let alone winning in it.

I think Kentucky is obviously better from last year, and they have more size. But, Wisconsin is also MUCH better than last year, imo. I think we could see an all time great game. Its gonna come down to Dekker and Kaminsky from outside. If they can pull the bigs out, and let Hayes work on the block without the thread of helpside blocks, that is huge. Also will allow Dekker to drive. I dont see Frank having a great game other than hitting outside shots. WCS is just too good defensively.

On the otherside, well, if UK hits it might be tough. But, they have been cold a few times in some close games this year from deep. The difference is, the other teams couldnt score to put it away late. That might happen again, but Bo Ryan is a better coach than the others who have failed.

I do want to see okafor vs towns

That will be the debate all summer. Who to take #1 between the two.

Izzo choking in the final four is almost as sure as him making the final four.

SportsAndLady;1718635 wrote:Izzo choking in the final four is almost as sure as him making the final four.

Would not call it a choke. A 7 seed has no business competing with Duke, it's been a good run but Costello vs Okafor tells you all you need to know

SportsAndLady;1718635 wrote:Izzo choking in the final four is almost as sure as him making the final four.

Has nothing to do with choking, they were outmanned and outgunned.

S&L is right. He has made it 7 times and has 1 title and 2 (??) title games. That got Roy run out of Lawrence...

However, once at the FF, anyone can win. So I wouldnt call it a choke. But, he has a really bad track record after the Regionals.