Michael Gilchrist announcement today shows the "genius of Calipari"

by Paul Jordan

Good morning BBN. From all indications, it is going to be an amazing day for our Wildcats and like I mentioned a few hours ago, I can really find nothing disputing the fact that today will be our day. But keep in mind ….

Villanova beat Georgetown

The 1990 Reds beat the Bash Brother Oakland A’s

and Buster Douglas beat Mike Tyson.

Just saying.

Today, Gary Parrish of CBS Sports had a great article on how Michael Gilchrist will announce for Kentucky today and how all of this plays into the greater genius of John Calipari. I added the quotes below and included a lot more than I normally would, but I assure you, the whole article is worth a read …and yes, I know that Parish takes a few subtle jabs, but overall it was a compelling opinion so enjoy the following bout Michael Gilchrist’s expected signing with Kentucky today and how it is a part of Cal’s master plan:

The timing of the commitment?

Now that’s a surprise — and further proof of Calipari’s brilliance.


Yes, I know you’re tired of hearing about Calipari. And that you think he’s a cheater. And that you’re sure one day he’ll lead Kentucky to a Final Four only to have it subsequently vacated, just like he did at UMass and Memphis. I’ve read your e-mails. I know what you think.


But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t spend a few hundred words explaining what’s about to happen, because what’s about to happen is, like I said, brilliant.


As you know, Calipari has taken a beating since losing to West Virginia in the Elite Eight. A case can be made that the 2009-10 Wildcats — featuring five possible first-round draft picks — are the most talented team ever to not make a Final Four. So the criticism has been constant considering basketball is a hot topic in Kentucky 365 days a year.


Can he coach?


Can he take us there?


Are we sure he’s the right guy?


The questions just wouldn’t stop. But they’ll stop now because Kentucky fans are going to be too busy celebrating a commitment from the best prospect in the Class of 2011 — not to mention an expected commitment from Class of 2010 star Brandon Knight, widely considered the nation’s best point guard — which brings me back to the timing and the brilliance.


There’s absolutely no reason for Gilchrist to commit Wednesday; he can’t sign until November. But he’s committing Wednesday — at the urging of Calipari, it’s safe to presume — meaning Calipari will, in a span of 19 days, go from being bashed for not having his team properly attack West Virginia’s zone to being celebrated for orchestrating one of the biggest recruiting moments in school history.


He will, as they say, flip the script.


And you don’t know Calipari if you don’t think this is all part of the plan. He’s a master at this stuff, one of the best I’ve ever seen at shaping the message the way he wants it shaped.


The guy has his flaws, no question. Again, I’ve read your e-mails.


But there’s not a doubt in my mind that one of the reasons Gilchrist is committing now is because Calipari needs him to commit now to help shift the conversation. In 24 hours, Kentucky fans aren’t going to be worried anymore about losing to West Virginia or losing five underclassmen. Instead, they’ll be nonstop talking about enrolling Knight this summer and Gilchrist next summer, then they’ll start debating whether Calipari will ultimately win two or three national titles in the next five years.

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