[Bumped] John Calipari (Memphis Coach) Trashes UCLA

by bluestreet on Mar 30, 2008 1:59 PM PDT

Bumped. This diary originally went up on March 14 before the start of the Big Dance. SI.com eventually added an insert to the excerpted text below, but I think it got across the point Calapari wanted to make on our Bruins. GO BRUINS. -N

On SI.com:

Memphis' John Calipari unleashed the stream-of-consciousness: "You have North Carolina because they've got the inside-outside game. Kansas, who I think is off the chain. Kansas is ridiculous. We played Tennessee; talk about a ridiculous team because of how they play and shoot threes. They could make 15 threes in a game, and I'm talking bad threes. They shoot it and it goes. Georgetown, because of [Roy] Hibbert and [Jonathan] Wallace. Then Louisville, they play that zone to perfection and have [David] Padgett, who I think has had an All-America year. I'm leaving out UCLA. I just hope they don't get calls in the tournament like they're getting now. If they get calls like that they're going all the way. Then Texas, because of guard play. That combination of guards may be the best in the country. And it could be Stanford because of the two big kids [the Lopez twins]. Connecticut is playing better, too. There are probably eight or nine teams [to beat]."

I guess he is still bitter over what our defense did to his pathetic team that plays in a joke conference two years ago.

Got that photo of Johnny looking like a complete douchebag after getting clowned by Howland in Beretta627's flickr page

Sure hope Johnny's little "stream of consciousness" gets pinned in our locker room for now till the end of the regular season.

Go Bruins!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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bulletin board material

by jjreicher on Mar 14, 2008 1:33 PM PDT reply actions

Don't forget

We clowned Memphis two years in a row on our way to our Final Fours.

I hope Coach Howland lets everyone know about this should we get chance #3. Let's see if Dorsey starts spouting off about stopping Love like he did about Oden last year.

by MbahABako on Mar 14, 2008 1:40 PM PDT reply actions

Two years in a row? When?

We only played them in 2006 (and of course in 1973).

by BruinsRule on Mar 14, 2008 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Dorsey

Dorsey is a bum. Love will foul him out in 8 minutes. Memphis's 4 and 5 are a huge achilles heel for them. They can still beat average and good teams with that weakness but not the best teams (UNC, Kansas, UCLA, Tennessee, Texas).

by BruinsRule on Mar 14, 2008 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Calipari isn't too bright it seems

If I remember correctly, he is the same guy who had his team practice cutting down the nets before playing us.

Not smart.

by isodore on Mar 14, 2008 1:57 PM PDT reply actions

I remember it too ...

But can't find a link!

by bluestreet on Mar 14, 2008 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Let me get this straight

John "I coach at a school that makes USC looks like Harvard" Calipari is trashing OTHER teams for having advantages? Does he forget that his team plays in an NBA arena, his team plays in Conference USA, and that any potential recruit would have to be brain-dead to be denied admission to his school? And that despite all these things handing him a yearly cakewalk to a top-2 seed, he's still managed to screw up annually in the tournament. Once a bitter, no-talent clown, always a bitter, no-talent clown.

by bruinmike88 on Mar 14, 2008 2:04 PM PDT reply actions

Not worried about Memphis

I would not be surprised if they are out in the Sweet 16. This teams cannot make free throws to save its life, and you need that if you are going to make it to the Final Four.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 14, 2008 2:08 PM PDT reply actions

Whatcha expect......

from a guy that pretty much claims the Vance Walberg offense as being his own and him being the so-called guru. Not a quality person in my book.

Enjoy the Madness from your counch when you get bounced in the 2nd round.

by BlueReign on Mar 14, 2008 2:11 PM PDT reply actions

Folks, this is like Phil Jackson in 2000-02...

... needling the refs from afar.

Calipari may be so dang worried about us he wants to make SURE we don't get far at all.

How? By calling out the refs in public and making sure that we don't get away with squat -- by pressuring them to call things as close and as ticky-tack as possible.

Think about it -- we're the ONLY team in that rant with any sense of how to play hard-nosed, in your jersey, relentless D.

And we're the same team that frustrated them into tournament oblivion back in 2006.

Make no mistake, folks -- this isn't just mindgames against UCLA.

It's psych-tactics against the NCAA officials.

"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008

by Meriones on Mar 14, 2008 3:19 PM PDT reply actions

Sorry, I don't see this as bulletin board material

He mentions us as one of the teams that would be a favorite to win the tournament and then adds a quip about if we get any calls, we will win the whole thing. Ha ha. Poor attempt at humor perhaps, but this is not a slam on UCLA. We need to lighten up. Not everyone is going to agree that we are the best team. Just because they don't agree we are the best doesn't mean that they are showing disrespect.

by BruinsRule on Mar 14, 2008 3:21 PM PDT reply actions

"I'm leaving out UCLA"

I interpreted those words as, UCLA would not even be in contention except for favorable zebras.

by dokein on Mar 14, 2008 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions

According to the brackets...

... by SI writer Grant Wahl, it should be "[I don't want to be] leaving out UCLA."

Different read, there. See below.

"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008

by Meriones on Mar 14, 2008 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Exactly.

So it looks like SI changed the quote. And now it is abundantly clear what was meant.

I must say when i first read the article in the magazine, I had some thoughts about what was meant. But after fairly and critically reading the original wording I came to the conclusion which is obvious now.

I wish folks would think a little more before freaking out and calling everyone out. I guess it makes for more interesting reading when there is controversy, but at what cost. Calipari is not that stupid.

And, no, I do not think a fair reading of the first wording established Calipari as calling us out.

by rfirpo on Mar 15, 2008 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Its your opinion

I do believe a fair reading of the first wording based on the history between Calipari and UCLA basketball program can lead to an inference that he was calling our program out.

SI changed its quote. And given what we see in the MSM these days we shouldn't be quick to give them benefit of the doubt and not suspect that it might have been done to cover the coach.

by Nestor on Mar 15, 2008 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions

With a fair reading of the first wording...

It could have gone either way. However, by adding, "I just hope they don't get calls in the tournament like they're getting now. If they get calls like that they're going all the way," he made it very easy to assume he meant to leave UCLA out. And while the first part may not have been meant as an insult, the second part still clearly was.

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 15, 2008 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Disagree ...

To "leave out" UCLA in a specific comment re contenders, I see this is as a total sign of disrespect. And Calipari has a history with us beyond getting punked with a Final 4 on the line. He is bitter because of his shady past he never got a whiff when we were looking for a coach in 02. He hates UCLA and that comment showed it. F him.

by Nestor on Mar 14, 2008 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I Wonder If He Watched the Games Before

shooting off his mouth.

I doubt that most of the people spouting that crap watched the games to see how the entire games were called.

I'd also bet that they did not watch those specific calls.

Just uninformed whining.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 14, 2008 3:30 PM PDT reply actions

SI.com changed the quote

I just clicked on the link and they have changed it to:

"[I don't want to be] leaving out UCLA. I just hope they don't get calls in the tournament like they're getting now. If they get calls like that they're going all the way."

I'm not sure if the SI reporter heard Calipari wrong the first time, or if they're just trying to cover for him, but the quote is different now.

by xapis828 on Mar 14, 2008 3:46 PM PDT reply actions

Yeap

They changed the quote. I always click on the link posters provide here. And when I first read this diary and clicked on the link, the article had the exact quote bluestreet blockquoted here. SI changed it.

by Nestor on Mar 14, 2008 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions

This really infuriates me

I would love to just trash memphis again, I cant believe hes got the nerve to say that after we sent them home in the tourney. Boy if we get memphis...can't let this kind of junk distract us right now though

O.A.

by Ollie on Mar 14, 2008 6:00 PM PDT reply actions

Thanks John

I don't think we'll meet them and have the opportunity to use the bulletin board material, but if so, thanks to Coach Cal. If they somehow make it past the Sweet 16, he'll wish he hadn't opened his mouth. Memphis won't be able to handle a strong team from a real conference.

by McNown to Farmer on Mar 14, 2008 8:34 PM PDT reply actions

Consider the source

Calipari is in the fine tradition of coaches like Tark the Shark, Bob Huggins and Timmeh. These folks have to work in the netherworld of college basketball and thus are resentful of schools like UCLA.

by bruin7982 on Mar 15, 2008 1:27 PM PDT reply actions

EFF Johnny Cal

Memphis plays the weakest schedule in the country and Johnny Cal has the nerve to spout off about the Bruins. It's all good. Coach Howland is gonna use it as bulletin board material for our boys until we bring home banner #12.

by bruin75 on Mar 15, 2008 7:24 PM PDT reply actions

Calipari- A Record of Success

We are all being way too harsh on Coach Calipari. In three years with the Nets, his team came close to winning a game during their 3 games and out playoff series against the Bulls (only time they made the playoffs). And he won the NIT with Memphis- talk about prestige !! And he got a 30 regular season win U Mass team all the way to the NCAA Sweet 16. He clearly knows what he is talking about (not).

by islandbruin on Mar 17, 2008 7:26 AM PDT reply actions

God the headline is unintentionally funny

Could have also read:

John Calipari--Nets coach (sic)--Trashes UCLA

3-17, I suppose, doesn't show a whole deal of coaching ability

by bruinhopeful on Mar 17, 2008 11:53 AM PDT reply actions

John Calamari

is going to get fried in the tournament...

by tasser10 on Mar 17, 2008 12:10 PM PDT reply actions

I agree, Ty

I don't think much of this team. They don't look like -- well, they don't look much like a Howland-coached team. I don't think they'll make it to the final four. Of course, I still say that OJ2 won't play a single game for justsc. (That's probably my worst prediction since I thought I was sure not to get drafted.)

by Fox 71 on Mar 17, 2008 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm very impressed

that you can still remember a prediction you made before the season started.

You sure you're a geezer?

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 17, 2008 6:00 PM PDT reply actions

Calipari

is a big talker, always is when I hear him on radio or see quotes. He said some things in beginning of season while seemingly going out of his way to not name UCLA as a top team when asked( I think it was on the Jim Rome show). I thought it was a shot at Howland and UCLA, looks like he has some issues with that loss from a couple years ago and won't give respect where it's deserved. Howland and the Bruins will just have to hold your Tigers to 20 points in first half again, ey, John?

by bruin95 on Mar 18, 2008 1:39 AM PDT reply actions

This is just

as infuriating to me as it was when i posted on it 16 days ago...I haven't forgotten this quote since blue brought it to my attention..and I'm sure as hell gonna be extra fired up when i see this slime ball walk out on to the court.

I really don't need more reasons to become emotionally invested in our next game but I can't let this go. I know being too invested sets you up for more disappointment, but win or lose I'm all in for this one, I want to beat this guy again more than ever.

No matter what happens though, I'm proud of our boys and this season, Let's keep on rollin' boys!

O.A.

by Ollie on Mar 30, 2008 3:17 PM PDT reply actions

As Nestor pointed out

S.I.com changed the quote to reflect what was actually said. It's sad that we have re-posted the wrong quote and that readers here will have to do research to figure to figure out what was really said.

We shouldn't have to make-up bulletin board material, and we shouldn't knowingly re-disseminate a diary which was unintentionally and accidentally off when it was posted. Anyway, that's my opinion.

This re-posted story (without the later added text) seriously undermines this board's credibility, particularly since it appears to have been done intentionally to create some kind of irrational anger at Memphis.

---

Go Bruins, and take down those Tigers!

by rfirpo on Mar 30, 2008 3:29 PM PDT reply actions

Sorry

that post sounds pretty negative, and I don't mean to be too critical. I guess I just don't like that we know that the the re-posted diary does not include the updated quote.

Truth is I don't like Calipari that much, so I'm not sure why I even care about this issue.

Go Bruins

by rfirpo on Mar 30, 2008 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions

then stop whining

by Nestor on Mar 30, 2008 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions

I bumped this diary

And do not lecture us about our blog's credibility (BTW this is a "blog" not a "board").

Despite Grant Wahl's edit of that article (which was only done after bluestreet brought attention to this story) Calipari's quote come across as a total swipe at UCLA adding credence to all the whining re "calls" in UCLA game. It was a BS move on part of Calipari. And it needed to be reminded now that we know who our next opponent is.

Again do not come here and lecture us on our "credibility." I think given our body of posts in last three years we don't need to answer to anyone.

by Nestor on Mar 30, 2008 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Agreed, rf

(sincere comment ommitted lest further arbritrary deletion.)

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 31, 2008 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Meh

talk like this never really bugs me. This quote didn't bug me before and doesn't bug me now. In college basketball, unlike football, you get to prove your merit on the court. He can talk all he wants, but at the end of the day, we're going to face off on the court and the true warriors will come out on top.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Mar 30, 2008 3:56 PM PDT reply actions

It may not bug you

but Coach Howland our team will take any thing and everything to motivate themselves. And we will make sure we highlight any info that can be considered bulletin board worthy material going into Saturday.

by Nestor on Mar 30, 2008 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions

I have no problem with it being posted/bumped

and I can see where it bugs other people. It just doesn't bother me personally.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Mar 30, 2008 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Still...

any coach who takes a shot at us by saying basically the refs have gotten us where we are, loses respect and credibility in my books. And quite honestly it does piss me off.

O.A.

by Ollie on Mar 30, 2008 4:07 PM PDT reply actions

It's not just the calls.

You can't just dismiss the scoring contributed by the refs. Don't forget the tip-in by that one ref on a missed lay-up by Mata-Real. If he hadn't boxed out and gotten good position, he couldn't have done that.

It's rare to see a coach designing a play specifically to have a ref shoot the ball, but you can bet Coach Howland is working on that kind of play. He's just that detail-oriented. (Most refs can work themselves free for an open shot, but Coach Howland doesn't take that sort of thing for granted.)

This is why UCLA is in the final four -- at least 10 points per game contributed by the refs, and not all of those shots are easy, either. Sure, it's a surprise when the ref first tosses up a three-pointer, but once the surprise factor is eliminated, those refs have to earn their points.

John Calipari

by Fox 71 on Mar 30, 2008 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions

HA!

thank you, that cheered me up after I coincidentally just watched an interview of Coach Cal followed by a Derrick Rose love fest on WWL.

O.A.

by Ollie on Mar 30, 2008 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Put on that old Flashdance soundtrack..

..and cue it up to the "I need a hero" cut. That's all those guys are looking for, someone to slay the cruel, unfair Bruins and their evil freshman center.

Although, tub-of-goo Gumbel and his minions were kind of gushing over UCLA between the two games yesterday. Kinda did one proud.

Bottom line is we get a chance to shut them all up next Saturday and next Monday. If we don't then we deal with it like we did the past two years: reload and attack next year. Win or lose, you know we'll be back.

Besides, there are 60 (or more) college teams who'd gladly trade places with us.

God, it's great to be a Bruin!

by whp68 on Mar 31, 2008 6:44 AM PDT up reply actions

Calipari is right about one thing

the refs will play a huge factor in who wins this Saturday. Last year in the semifinals against Florida, AA picked up 2 or 3 ticky-tack fouls in the 1st half. He sat, we had to adjust our defensive style, and Florida got a decisive lead and never looked back.

Our defensive scheme is highly predicated on pressuring and trapping the ball handler on the perimeter, forcing him to chuck up a bad shot or creating a turnover. If the refs are going to call ticky-tack fouls and not let them play, it could be Florida all over again.

"You don't make it to the Final Four three straight times for no reason..Obviously coaching has something to do with it." Darren Collison

by godblesstyus95 on Mar 31, 2008 6:32 PM PDT reply actions

Yea we can't afford

for the refs to call it tight and give us any ticky tack calls...I'd imagine they(the refs) want to have as little to do with the outcome of either game, and will hopefully let the players get a little physical.