* Billy Gillispie was fired at Kentucky because he was apparently not the “right fit.”  And if “fit” was really what Kentucky wanted right now, then maybe Rick Pitino’s recommendation of John Pelphrey or Travis Ford might be more relevant.

But the truth is, as a scathing editorial by the Lexington Herald-Leader’s Mark Story suggests, “fit” has nothing to do with the courting of John Calipari.  More like the desperate attempt of a school’s administration to sacrifice all (again) to win big (again).

Then, in 2007, Kentucky was seeking to fill it’s men’s basketball head coaching position. Which only happens to be one of the most high-profile jobs in all of American sports.

In filling this vital public relations-oriented job, UK’s background check failed to identify that it was offering the position to a prickly introvert (Billy Gillispie) prone to extreme mood swings.

Given the past performance, Dr. Todd, you’ll forgive me for being skeptical that the background check UK will run on John Calipari will actually ask the questions that need to be raised.

* Chris Low of ESPN.com has a nice write-up about D.J. Williams and his efforts during the offseason to become a more complete player.  With Andrew Davie gone, Williams has bulked back up from 235 pounds to nearly 250 in order to become a better blocker.  (Low reported previously that Williams was over 260 pounds at the end of the 2007 season.)

An interesting comment at the end of the article:

“It’s going to be very fun to watch next year,” Williams said. “Now we’re able to get into the meeting rooms and go over stuff, and it doesn’t sound like Chinese anymore. We’re able to add more complex things and get out there on the field and execute them. Everybody sees how well they’re working. Coach Petrino’s a great coach. The way he can break down a defense and build up an offense is amazing.”

Report: Broyles Offers Job To Gillispie

Report: Broyles Offers Job To Calipari

Altman Hired As Razorbacks Basketball Coach

Altman Returning To Creighton

Report: Tuberville Will Be Next Arkansas Coach

Report: Arkansas Negotiating With Bowden

And now:

Report: Grobe Will Be Next Arkansas Coach

Not Much Sizzle…But A Lot Of Steak

And the hits just keep on coming…

Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles offered the Razorbacks men’s basketball job to Memphis coach John Calipari on Friday in Atlanta, sources close to both basketball programs said Saturday.

The sources said Calipari can now be considered Arkansas’ top target for the position that opened when Stan Heath was fired Monday. The source in Arkansas said Calipari was interested in the position and would mull over the offer.

Also:

• Ryan Malashock: Analysis: Coaching Search Bungled, But Salvageable
• Scott Cain: Altman, Calipari in mix
• Nate Allen: Latest rumors focus on Calipari, Altman
• AP: Memphis grants Arkansas permission to talk to Calipari
• Memphis Commercial Appeal: Cal reportedly not interested in Hogs
• CBS SportsLine: Calipari denies Arkansas job offer, happy at Memphis
• Memphis Commercial Appeal: Calipari says he’s not interested in Arkansas job

Updated 4/1/07 9:45 p.m.

“I would never ever leave [Louisville] to go to another college because they’re my family.”

John Calipari:

“I have repeatedly stated that as long as [the university's] commitment remains strong, I will be the head coach at the University of Memphis.”

Bruce Pearl:

“[Tennessee] is where I want to be.  I want to be here as long as they’ll be happy with me here.”

Bill Self:

“We’re totally content where we are and we’re excited about the team we have coming back.”

Doc Sadler:

“I went to school at Arkansas and I wish them the best in their search for a new head coach, but I and my family are committed to the University of Nebraska and helping build this into a championship program.”

Billy Gillispie:

“No comment.”

Hmmm…reporters stake out “BCG” for five hours on Monday night and get a nod and a “no comment” using the ol’ cell phone trick.

Apparently, though, that cell phone isn’t working when reporters try to call it.  (And the A&M athletic director’s phone didn’t seem to be working yesterday, either.  Tom Izzo’s phone, however, is definitely working.)

To quote a message board poster, it’s obvious that “this ain’t his first rodeo.”

Or, as Churchill once said, “‘No comment’ is a splendid expression.  I am using it again and again.”