Say it ain't so Coach Cal.... As much sense as it makes to see him do it, it still hard to believe. It really says a lot about the lure of the Kentucky program and tradition, if they can pry Coach Cal from Memphis - where he's gone to two Elite 8's, a National Championship game last year, and a Sweet Sixteen this season. In his 9 seasons at the helm of the Tigers program, Calipari had a remarkable record of 253-69. Moreover, he brought in the #1 player in the nation this year in Tyreke Evans this year, and Derrick Rose on '07-08. And he had Xavier Henry - and possibly John Wall - on boad for the '09-'10 season.

The greatest impact of his decision could very well be how it effects recruiting. Let's be honest, players tend to sign letters of intent to coaches rather than schools. It's not because of a schools academic reputation that a player is enamored with as much as it is the current coach and the promises they've made to them. Think Kansas G Tyshawn Taylor (who chose Marquette before Tom Crean's departure) or Villanova G Scottie Reynolds and Texas F Damion James (both headed to Oklahoma before Kelvin Sampson's left for Indiana). Thus, Henry, #4-ranked DeMarcus Cousins, and #6-ranked Wall may all be back on the market. 

Many have pointed out that Calipari's never been a coach in a major conference in his career. At Memphis, his teams were clearly head and shoulders above the competition, and the same goes for his tenure at UMASS. But you gotta believe that he'll be a great success at Kentucky. He's already a excellent recruiter, and now he's got one of the nation's most decorated programs to back him. Plus, he's coming into a weak SEC, and still has Jodie Meeks - one of the nation's most prolific scorers - and Patrick Patterson. It'll be interesting to see if he can get something out of 6-6 Chicago G Deandre Liggins, who struggled mightily this year, but may thrive in Calipari's penetration heavy, European-style motion. Coach Cal is in a position to resurrect the a legendary Kentucky program, and have his name become next on a list that includes Adolph Rupp, Eddie Sutton, Rick Pitino, and Tubby Smith. 

Via: ESPN