VN Interview with John Calipari

#26
#26
I actually like the idea of playing Memphis in Nashville every year.
As a Tennessee graduate you're in the minority of the rumor mill mongers. The talk down here was Cal didn't want the Big Orange coming into town to steal recruits which made no sense because Pearl was the one who came up with the Nashville idea. Not only that, Cal says Memphis is a "national " program with only one Memphis guy on the team. So I don't really know why Cal is so opposed to the idea other than having to split the money every year.
 
#27
#27
Cal proposed the idea of playing the game in Nashville when he first took the Memphis job.
 
#29
#29
Absolutely. Great facility, rabid fan base. Once he clears out the clutter Quinn Snyder left, he'll get the Tigers back where Norm Stewart kept them. A consistent top 20 team and Big XII title contender.


While I haven't seen them all, I've never seen a coach get more out of less than he did at UAB. Those teams played harder and with more heart than any team I've ever seen.

I remember the immortal Finebaum declaring his hiring at UAB a "disaster". Tells you all you need to know about Finebaum's sports knowledge.
 
#30
#30
So I don't really know why Cal is so opposed to the idea other than having to split the money every year.

Granted they average 12-15k a game, that UT game is an automatic near sellout, something very much appreciated when you play in C-USA.
 
#31
#31
I think Cal doesn't see the purpose of playing someone other than Tennessee every year in Nashville. It would be very hard to find two quaity opponents to come to the Sommet Center every year. What does Memphis gain from playing a mid major in Nashville when they could use that slot to go play in one of their east coast recruiting bases?
 
#32
#32
Yes, I'm on a 7 AM flight to NYC in the morning.

Cool, I really want your view of the Tigers. I've been to 3 of there games so far this year and they look like they really have a chance this year to go all the way, but i think the biggest problem Cal will face with this team is players getting playingtime. Cal is a good coach and im sure he can get that worked out. Have a safe trip and have fun up there.
 
#36
#36
I would be interested to see what a Tennessee-Memphis game would draw in Nashville. The crowd for the game against an at that time Top 10 Oklahoma State team last year was borderline pathetic.
 
#37
#37
I would be interested to see what a Tennessee-Memphis game would draw in Nashville. The crowd for the game against an at that time Top 10 Oklahoma State team last year was borderline pathetic.
My wife's parents live in Nashville - if there was a UT/Memphis matchup played there we'd get four tickets and drive up in a heartbeat.
 
#38
#38
Plus FedEx Forum is brand new as is the interior of the Tommy Bowl. Those two top notch facilities deserve this game.
 
#39
#39
Plus FedEx Forum is brand new as is the interior of the Tommy Bowl. Those two top notch facilities deserve this game.
I agree wholeheartedly. Nashville shouldn't be a playa here! Did I use playa in the correct context, Hat?
 
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