Will Gillispie Coach UK Next Season?

Lwcat
WT AdministratorThe entire Big Blue Nation is sitting on pins and needles awaiting a decision from Mitch Barnhart and Lee Todd concerning the future of Coach Gillispie. What issues are Barnhart and Todd likely considering?

1. Gillispie's 2 year record of 40-26.....with very heavy weight on this past season of 22-13 and going to the NIT.
2. Has the UK team and program moved forward in Gillispie's 2nd year?
3. Have the players improved in their skill level and team play in Gillispie"s 2nd year?
4. How impacful were Gillispie's first recruiting class of Miller, Harrellson, Galloway and Liggins? Did these recruits improve under Gillispie?
5. How effective has Gillispie been as a bench coach.....team preperation.....strategy.....tactics.....motivation.....and game adjustments?
6. What is the relationship between Gillispie and his players.....do they like, trust and respect Gillispie as a coach?
7. How effective has Gillispie been on the recruiting trail since he has been at UK? Is he bringing in the right recruits...... do these recruits meet UK objectives in terms of significantly improving team talent....meeting team needs.....demonstrate good attitudes.....and able to achieve academically in the classroom?
8. How has Gillispie performed in meeting his overall responsibilities as UK coach.....speaking engagements.....meeting with boosters.....representing UK in a positive manner with the media....or, in essence, being a good ambassador for the UK basketball program?
9. Has coach Gillispie been cooperative with the AD and UK administrators?
10. Has Gillispie done a good job in reaching out to the UK fan base?

I'm certain there are other issues that will be covered in evaluating coach Gillispie. I will let others answer the questions above as we all have different answers and would give different weights to each question.

I will say that I feel Gillispie relationship with his players will carry a lot of weight.....will certain players stay or go depending on whether Gillispie remains as coach. Also, if Gillispie is fired, will the recruits go elsewhere?

Rumors, as we all know, are everywhere. This is a huge decision for Mitch.....I can't see how Gillispie would be fired unless UK has a solid indication that Donovan, Calipari, Dixon or another very proven big name coach would come to UK.

None of us know all the answers to the questions above and I can't imagine Gillispie being fired without Barnhart and Todd feeling very strongly that Gillispie is simply the wrong guy to move the UK program forward based on all their intimate knowledge of the program under Gillispie.

Mitch knows his own job security will likely depend on his decision concerning Gillispie. Interestingly, if UK would continue winning in the NIT and perhaps win it, it would likely make any decision to fire Gillispie a bit more difficult, but not impossible.

We all want what is best for the UK program and let's hope that the correct decision is made!