Sportsfrog.com

Memphis’ internal investigation has revealed no evidence that Derrick Rose had someone take his SAT for him. And I’ve investigated myself and found that I have never seen internet porn.

It’s all good.

Guess the wind is blowing across the Memphis mushroom cloud from the southwest. From Dick Weiss in the NY Daily News:

The Memphis investigation could have far-reaching consequences at Kentucky. Rest assured, the NCAA will take a much closer look at the Wildcats’ three prized recruits – point guard John Wall, forward DeMarcus Cousins and point guard Eric Bledsoe – who are all still trying to qualify academically.

Well, yes. There is that. As for Kentucky, a story familiar to Memphis fans is unfolding. That of the University AD and President carrying Calipari’s bags. That is also a part of it with Calipari, it is immediately unclear just exactly who works for who. There’s a price that is paid for getting into bed with him. Your milage may vary on whether it is worth paying. It was in Memphis. I think. Maybe. Well. Hmmmm.

It had gotten unseemly. Hat in hand to Tim Floyd. Told no. Hat in hand to Scott Drew. For the love of god, also told no. That one hurt. Not because I wanted him in Memphis, or thought he would succeed here, but because the program was turned down by Scott Drew…

Rather than continuing to be used as a means to get other coaches raises, Memphis turns in-house at the end, going with a coaching baby, Josh Pastner. Pastner was on John Calipari’s staff last year, before that he was the lead recruiting coordinator at Arizona.

Pros:

—He’s supposed to be a recruiting savant (lots of AAU connections…do with that what you will)

—He’s likely to coach like his hair-is-on-fire, as he will have a lot to prove, and is reputed to be very driven

—He has more chance than most would have at holding a few of that Memphis recruiting class, maybe the Juco guys at the least

Cons:

—Never coached before

—Jeebus he’s young (31)

—His hire confirms that, no matter how much Memphis fans might wish otherwise, the program is tarnished by its C-USA status and is as far from “national” as one can get. Trying on the mid-major shoes is going to be bitter for the next little bit.

No question John Calipari is heading to Kentucky. That’s reported everywhere, and all the local news and usual outlets have been sourcing it for hours. Gotta say, in addition to the challenge and the high-profile gig, an alleged six years and forty million dollars is pretty damn persuasive. Well played, Kentucky. Well played.

Best of luck to him, and Kentucky is getting a great coach (as I said earlier today). If he brings all his recruits with him, as is presumed, that’s gonna be a hellaciously good team. The talent drain from Memphis is going to be legendary, as an all-time recruiting class said to rival the Fab 5 is about to re-locate to Lexington. And maybe a few bonuses, like transfers from current players on the team.

But here’s the thing. Apparently Calipari is also trying to also control his replacement in Memphis. And that is less than cool. It is also being reported that the meeting with a big-time money Memphis booster this afternoon (right now) is NOT a last ditch attempt to keep him, rather, it is Calipari trying to talk Memphis into hiring his former assistant and current UTEP coach Tony Barbee. Best of luck to Cal in Kentucky, but Memphis would be rock fuckin’ stupid to give any kind of shit about what Calipari recommends or wants for his replacement. If Calipari has enough pull with the big money donors that he makes this happen, then the big money donors can reap the crap whirlwind if they run to a thirtieth tier candidate like Barbee instead of going hard after someone like Mike Anderson. Insane.