With or without Xavier Henry, isn't it time to just trust in Calipari?

Seriously, I don’t get UK fans sometimes. Can we just be delirious for once without being negative?

It seems that the Big Blue Nation is on an emotional overload over the news that Xavier Henry is wavering on his decision to play ball for the Kansas Jayhawks and is very, very close to coming to Kentucky to play for Calipari and the Cats. There are more than a few sources out there that say it is a done deal and that this has been in the works for a while.

The impact of Henry is undeniable. UK would wrap up 3 of the top 5 freshmen in the country and would conclude, without a doubt, the greatest recruiting season in the history of the NCAA. Add to this, the rest of the recruiting class, #13 Daniel Orton, top 100 players Jon Hood, Eric Bledsoe, and highly rated JUCO Darnell Dodson. Oh yea, UK also has Patrick Patterson, Darius Miller, and coach John Calipari.

Instead of celebrating this fact everyday, some UK sites are predicting bad things will happen if Henry joins the Wildcats. Talk show host Bomani Jones blogged on the Kentucky Sports Radio website that this dream season may turn into a “trainwreck” if Henry joins the team. He said that “based on what I see in all star games, Xavier does not get all the shots he wants in one on one”. He went on to say that Henry’s Dad “clearly talks too damn much”. Jones continued his speculation implying that the Henry kids “are responsible for the emotional well being of their parents” .

Now I love the KSR site and check it out multiple times daily. And I am certainly not in the kool aid drinking section of UK fans. But taking personal shots at a kid’s parents and bashing the decision making process of 18 year olds? For their credit, KSR does try to look at both sides of potential situations, so it was interesting to hear the point of view from someone not born in the cradle blue. But if you are going to be a “journalist” and judge a kid, do so on his ability and don’t take potshots at his parents.

I don’t know Carl Henry but I know he is concerned about what is the best for his kids. He appears to be a strong force in molding his kids and from what I have read strives for perfection. Other than that, I can’t really make comments on his family situation.

But some Kentucky fans in general have been guilty of boorish behavior lately. From the 2 year public crucifixion of Billy Gillispie, to the mocking of Eric Bledsoe during his announcement he would attend UK, to the questioning of John Wall’s character and the bashing of him during his decision making process, there is not pleasing some UK fans. Some fans continued their bashing of Jodie Meeks after his decision to go pro and now are weighing in on the possible Henry decision.

I love the passion of the UK nation. It is, without a doubt what makes us different from all but a handful of NCAA basketball programs. And UK fans share their passion whether it is travelling 40K to a bowlgame in Tennessee or starting the blogs to chronicle theor love of all things Blue.

And that is fine. That is the beauty of blogging is that everyone has the ability to make their opinions known and the right to give this opinion freely. When that opinion turns to slander, bullying, and name calling, I draw the line.

It is apparent that athletes, parents, recruits, and their families read the blogs and message boards. And while most of the comments and bloggers are supportive and loyal, a few do take liberties with their right to say what is on their mind.

Consider the comments by “play for pay” blogger Marc Maggard and the comments he made on his pay site. In them, he called DeMarcus cousins a “punk” and a “bitch”. Seriously, you are like 50 and you get off on calling a 18 year old kid a “bitch”. Once again, that’s his opinion, he is entitled to it. I can choose not to pay the $10 a month for that crap. But using your portion of the web to name call and degrade?

In paraphrase Tim Roth from Pulp Fiction, everyone needs to calm to F down and be cool like a bunch of little Fonzies. In the end, none of us have any personal stake in the success or failure of the UK basketball season. Sure, we get bragging rights for the year for a good season and experience the pride of being an alumni, but our reputations or livelihood are not a stake.

In the end, it’s all John Calipari’s decision on whether he wants to bring the Henry kids into the fold. He is the one that is paid $4 million a year to make these decisions and he is fully aware of the risks and rewards of the recruits he brings in. He is the one that has been working with the players and getting a feel of his team this summer. He knows what Xavier can bring and he knows if he wants to deal with another “one and done player”. He has had many conversations with Carl Henry in the recruitment of his sons and he knows if Carl is a help or a hindrance.

So it’s all up to Cal. we have to trust his judgement.

If the Henry’s stay in Kansas, I am happy with the 12 players we have. If they come, I am thrilled and trust that they know winning a title as part of a TEAM is the way to the NBA. Despite really needing a SG, Calipari made a decision to not chase after Lance Stephenson when he could have been readily available on a phone call’s notice. Don’t you think Calipari knows these kid’s intentions more than a guy that makes money off a “news site”?

In all reality, I think Bonami Jones made a few good points. I disagree with the verbiage.

In my opinion, from what I have read, I think Xavier wanted to play for Calipari all along. But who knows why that desire went astray? What 18 year old kid does not want to impress his parents or do what they suggest, especially when it is a huge decision? Both of his parents went to Kansas — maybe he thought his experience at KU would be as magical as their experience was. Maybe he realized that the DDMO was the best offense to showcase his skill and that his heart was with Calipari all along? No one, except maybe for the Henry’s, Bill Self, and Calipari know what is going on.

We wanted a big name coach that can recruit with the best of them and can win plenty of games. We got him. I don’t think that there can ever be too much talent on a team especially when Xavier fills a critical need.

Maybe it’s time to end the last decade of back seat coaching and trust in Calipari???

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