Apr 01 2009
Being Bipolar: U of M and Calipari press conferences
R.C Johnson, the University of Memphis Athletic Director, held a press conference in Memphis at Noon Central Time. He commended the efforts of boosters to keep Calipari and stated they had done all that could be done in the situation. He also stated that they have already started the process of replacing Calipari. Johnson stated, “My job is to get the best coach possible and that’s what I intend to do…Our basketball program is top notch and we want to get a top notch coach.”
Johnson also says that he has a list of 3-5 potential coaches. WREG of Memphis, TN reports that both Sean Miller and Tim Floyd are amongst those candidates. He also stated that experience and success in recruitment were important in a candidate, which seems to point towards Miller of Xavier. I’m just speculating here, folks, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Miller was his first choice.
John Calipari held a press conference outside his home at 1:30 PM Central Time. An emotional Calipari said he understood that people were angry, but “this program will go on”. He also stated that he told the four signed players to stay at the University of Memphis. He is uncertain as to whether or not the coaching staff will follow him to Kentucky. Calipari also acknowledged that he understood that this was a bad year but he was confident that the team would be fine.
Memphis fans, brace yourselves. It’s going to be a bumpy ride as we wait to see how it will affect this team next season.
