Adolph Rupp won instantly at Kentucky. The Wildcats went 30-5 in his first two seasons playing in the Southern Conference before joining the SEC. The Wildcats won the SEC’s first title, in 1933, and ruled the conference under Rupp for four decades.
| Adolph Rupp coached Kentucky to four national titles and set an NCAA record by winning 129 consecutive games at home. |
Though college basketball was low scoring when he arrived at Kentucky, his fastbreak style quickened the tempo of the game. Kentucky became a national power in the 1940s. From 1943 to 1954, Rupp’s teams won 10 SEC titles, three NCAAs and one NIT. The Baron of the Bluegrass, known for quick quips and quick teams, received little argument. He coached 42 years at Kentucky, winning 82 percent of his games, 27 Southeastern Conference titles and four NCAA championships. His overall record was 876-190. Four times he was chosen the national coach of the year.
John Calipari’s has won instantly at Kentucky. The Wildcats are 15-0 in his first season at UK. The Wildcats are predicted to win the SEC title in 2010, and are expected to rule the decade. Though Kentucky was a mess when he arrived, the Dribble Drive Motion offense has quickened the tempo of the game. Kentucky has became a national power in the 2010s. Coach Cal, known for political type speeches and 1 and done players, has received little argument from his fanbase. His record speaks for itself. 460-140 in 17 seasons coaching NCAA basketball. Twice he has been chosen as Naismith College Coach of the Year.
Coach Cal’s charisma is comparable to Rupp and has taken over the state with Big Blue Madness. Everyone knows the State of the Union speech that Coach Cal gave at the inaugural event.
John Calipari has already broken Coach Rupp’s record for most wins to start a career at the University of Kentucky. He is 15-0 and climbing the National Rankings to where the Cats are #3 in the AP and Coaches Polls. The biggest thing that Calipari has done is that he has rejuvenated a fan base that was at it lowest point in history. He has gave swagger to a program that needed their swagger back.
Coach Rupp was swagger in his time. When Adolph Rupp, a 29-year-old high school coach, interviewed for the University of Kentucky job in 1930, he was asked why he should be hired. “Because I’m the best damned basketball coach in the nation,” Rupp replied. I think think if John Calipari said the same statement during the interview process at Kentucky that no one could really argue him. After his 1st 15 games I don’t see how anyone can still argue that point. Every media outlet that is talking about College Basketball right now is mentioning the University of Kentucky. We, as Big Blue Fans, owe this all to Coach Cal, the modern day Rupp.
