John Calipari is a great recruiter.
Nick Saban is a great recruiter.
Nick Saban has 3 championships.
John Calipari doesn’t.
The two are very similar in every other regard and this weekend could make them equals to a certain extent.
Champions.
[LEFT][COLOR=#444E5C][FONT=Verdana][I]It’s only natural. When the Kentucky bas*ketball coach looks at the Alabama football coach, it’s almost like looking in the mirror.
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Almost.
One rather large distinction: Saban has a more impressive jewelry collection.[/I][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#444E5C][FONT=Verdana][I]Otherwise, they’re both at home on the biggest stage, they make major bank, and their reputations, particularly as unparalleled recruiters, precede them into any room.
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They’re also both guilty of hyperbole, using it and in*spiring it.[/I][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#444E5C][FONT=Verdana][I]Before [B]Courtney Upshaw [/B]dragged down a single quar*terback last season, a debate raged over the 2011 Ala*bama team’s place among the best defenses of all time. Before [B]Anthony Davis [/B]swats a single shot this weekend, some analysts are suggesting that this Kentucky team could take down an NBA team or two.
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Some comparisons are historical. Others? Hysterical.
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Calipari followed Saban into the SEC, into the most high-profile and high-pressure job in each man’s sport, and this weekend, he’ll continue along the same path as his football role model.
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He’ll coach the biggest game of his career in the Superdome.[/I][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#444E5C][FONT=Verdana][I]That’s where their career paths intersect and diverge. Same place, different consequences.[/I][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#444E5C][FONT=Verdana][I]Saban didn’t have to win his last game there to establish himself as one of the giants of his profession. He arrived with two national titles in his back pocket.
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Calipari better win his next game there. Twice. Saturday and Monday. But especially Saturday.[/I][I]
Saban could’ve lost his last game there, and his aura would’ve taken a hit, but it wouldn’t have been shattered.[/I]
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Can Calipari say the same?
[URL=”http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/03/its_time_for_john_calipari_to.html”]Read Entire Article[/URL]
[/I]All that stands in Cal’s way for another chance of winning a championship is Rick Pitino.
And the chance to be the Nick Saban of college basketball.
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