8 minutes ago, theguru said:

We might need a “booooooo!” button on BGP for stuff like this. ?

The more I read on Twitter or X, the more I realize that none of them actually know anything. It is all speculation and they are just guessing or saying what think they heard. 

 

 

10 minutes ago, sweet16 said:

The more I read on Twitter or X, the more I realize that none of them actually know anything. It is all speculation and they are just guessing or saying they heard. 

 

 

It's all about getting clicks and views from rabid fans starved for any information to use when talking at the water cooler.   Don't be right....be first. 

4 minutes ago, Tranquility Base said:

It's all about getting clicks and views from rabid fans starved for any information to use when talking at the water cooler.   Don't be right....be first. 

You're correct.  It is comical what they post. I don't believe any of it until something is official. 

2 hours ago, 16thBBall Fan said:

I would assume it is the same reason schools don't talk to college coaches while their teams are still playing.

But this is pro to college. No conflicts.

2 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

I see him as more showman than coach. He is someone who I get bad vibes from. I feel like his level of success is not as good as people think it is. Twenty years as a D1 coach. Five times his teams didn't even qualify for March Madness. One fourth of his years he didn't even make the tournament. Of the 13 teams he was in the tourney, 4 round 1 losses, 4 round 2 losses, 3 sweet 16's, 1 elite 8. 1 final four. So most importantly to BBN, I question his ability to win a title.

You are the best person to pose this to. Why do you like Pearl? 

Honestly all your reasons there are very valid. My biggest reason for liking him is I do truly believe it takes a certain personality to be the coach at UK and I think he has that. Now he may not have the overall success that would be expected here at the UK coach. However, he also hasn’t really been at places known for basketball. Yet he has managed to still be successful at those schools and get excitement. Plus players seem to like him, and would probably do a good job with both fronts recruiting and transfers at getting players in.  I think if he were to be here at UK he would do very well. However, in regards to X and O’s I don’t think he would be much of an upgrade. 

2 hours ago, 9068 said:

Donovan has been removed from the college game for several years. I asked one of his former assistants how he enjoyed coaching in the NBA when Donovan was at OKC. His exact words: "Well, there's no recruiting". I guess he's changed his mind? Seems like it would be worse than ever with NIL and the portal. But hey, you never know.

That’s the thing with how things are. He truly wouldn’t have to recruit as much as he use to in regards to travel. With the transfer portal, it is just more wait until the season is over and then go try to get the players that hit the portal. Basically free agency, which he has gotten to experience in the nba. 

7 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

But this is pro to college. No conflicts.

I think UK could sign him tomorrow if he wanted to. I think it’s more on his end not wanting to do anything until his season is over. Wouldn’t be the best look for him bailing on his team right before the play in game. Especially with him bailing on the Magic all those years ago too. So I think he is trying to do the right thing by his team. With that said, it doesn’t mean he may not be having his agent do some talking for him right now while he focuses on his current team. 
 

Which I also will add I think that is why Mark Pope’s name is brought up. Barnhardt might as well try to talk to some other people right now as he waits for Donovan. Doesn’t want to be sitting there left out if at the last minute Donovan backs out after the season is over. 

 

 

I'm done. 

22 minutes ago, futurecoach said:

I think UK could sign him tomorrow if he wanted to. I think it’s more on his end not wanting to do anything until his season is over. Wouldn’t be the best look for him bailing on his team right before the play in game. Especially with him bailing on the Magic all those years ago too. So I think he is trying to do the right thing by his team. With that said, it doesn’t mean he may not be having his agent do some talking for him right now while he focuses on his current team. 
 

Which I also will add I think that is why Mark Pope’s name is brought up. Barnhardt might as well try to talk to some other people right now as he waits for Donovan. Doesn’t want to be sitting there left out if at the last minute Donovan backs out after the season is over. 

Well I was completely wrong on that. Reports are coming out that looks like they will hire Pope. 

9 minutes ago, All State Baseball said:

 

 

I'm done. 

I'm sure, if they do hire Pope (who is a good coach and may be great someday), a lot of people that laughed at UofL for needing their to go to their third choice, they'll be quiet for a few years.

Goodness gracious. 

Never won his conference.  Never won his conference tournament.  Never won an NCAA Tournament game.

This is only because he went to UK.  Only that.

I hate this hire.  And I hate that because I like Mark Pope.  He is a good man.

Reeks of panic. Not to mention, this is a guy you can get in a week, two weeks, month from now. I get you’re worried about players and the portal but holy cow. 
 

I’m sticking with the belief that the change was needed but man…. this is a potential faceplant. I immediately thought of Doherty at North Carolina. That’s not a good thing. 

Wow!!! I just hope that one of Mark Popes wives says no!!