John Calipari Press Conference - Notes

- He will have this press conference, fly to Memphis to have a goodbye press conference and then fly to Oklahoma City to meet with Daniel Orton and his family
- Still watching the doorway for Calipari's arrival
- Barnhart, Todd and Calipari at the table
- Mike Pratt had a hand in the hiring process
- UK performed extensive questioning and background checking around the country
- 8 years, $35 million dollars; completed and signed
- "He can flat out coach." - Mitch Barnhart
- Calipari is humbled, but excited to lead this storied program.
- Recognizes Mr. Wildcat Bill Keightley
- He talked to Tubby Smith, Rick Pitino, Joe B. Hall
- Making references to Kyle Macy, Dan Issel, Rex Chapman, Tayshaun Prince, Nazi Mohammed
- "I'm a regular guy, folks. I do not walk on water."
- "This program will be about players first."
- "Our goal will be to make the entire Commonwealth proud of this team."
- Memphis reporter claims Calipari stated that he would not come to Kentucky; asks him what happened; he responds, "did I say that?"; says it is his dream to coach at Kentucky
- To Alan Cutler: "Did you chase that guy? Do you have tennis shoes on right now?"
- He wants the team to have fun
- States that he knows Jodie and Patrick but he honestly doesn't know the current team very well
- "Do they question coaches here?"
- He will definitely implement the dribble-drive offense
- 3 Keys to winning a championship: 1) have really good players, 2) have really good players, 3) have really good players
- Next season we'll have 12-13 players on scholarship; hopes players that signed at Memphis will go to Memphis
- "I do not throw kids under the bus at the first sign of trouble."
- Says he will watch every future commit and then be honest with them; If they are good enough to play and help win national titles, he'll welcome them; If they are not good enough, he will tell them