Parrish: Keelon Lawson Wants Asst Job; Has 3 Sons That Are/Will Be McDonald's AAs

[Darryl]

And as Parrish points out; no one is really above this:

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24555861/is-keelon-lawson-now-the-nations-top-assistant-coaching-candidate

Darryl

[GhettoBird]

Perhaps he can fill rod Strickland's position.

[GhettoBird]

Dedric has stated he is down to us and Memphis. In all seriousness could this bee why Strickland's positions has not been filled.

[GhettoBird]

However, Cal has stated he does not have to do these things at UK.

[Darryl]

However, Cal has stated he does not have to do these things at UK.

I would in a nano-second. Mr Lawson seems like he is as qualified as Strickland. Now, he may want a better assistant coach position than
Rod held.

Darryl

[kingcat]

I would in a nano-second. Mr Lawson seems like he is as qualified as Strickland. Now, he may want a better assistant coach position than
Rod held.

Darryl

No offense Darryl, but not with a ten foot pole imho.

[Bakert]

"If [a college] hires a second or third assistant, what can they bring to the table?" Lawson said. "If you hire me, I'm automatically bringing you top-20 players in the country. Automatically. There are coaches sitting on benches right now who can't do that."

"With loyalty to Josh, I would ask K.J., 'Would you want to stay [with Memphis] or would you want to go with me and Dedric?'" Keelon Lawson said. "But with us being a close-knit family, you know what the answer would be. He would say, 'Dad, I'm going with you.' So, of course, K.J. would go with me, and then Dedric, and then Chandler."



This is all I need to see to lead me to say no, quite emphatically. If he is this determined to use his sons to get an NCAA job, who know how he might act if one of his sons is not getting the PT he thinks they should or being developed the way he thinks they should. Some were critical of Harrison Sr's role in his son's decision - imagine if he was sitting on the bench? UK should work to be above this sort of stuff. We can't keep worrying about our ranking as a dynasty program but at the same time behave like a program desperate to break into the top echelon.

[kingcat]

"If [a college] hires a second or third assistant, what can they bring to the table?" Lawson said. "If you hire me, I'm automatically bringing you top-20 players in the country. Automatically. There are coaches sitting on benches right now who can't do that."

"With loyalty to Josh, I would ask K.J., 'Would you want to stay [with Memphis] or would you want to go with me and Dedric?'" Keelon Lawson said. "But with us being a close-knit family, you know what the answer would be. He would say, 'Dad, I'm going with you.' So, of course, K.J. would go with me, and then Dedric, and then Chandler."



This is all I need to see to lead me to say no, quite emphatically. If he is this determined to use his sons to get an NCAA job, who know how he might act if one of his sons is not getting the PT he thinks they should or being developed the way he thinks they should. Some were critical of Harrison Sr's role in his son's decision - imagine if he was sitting on the bench? UK should work to be above this sort of stuff. We can't keep worrying about our ranking as a dynasty program but at the same time behave like a program desperate to break into the top echelon.

I agree. And he is clearly demonstrating his career comes before what may end up being best for his sons. And demanding their loyalty be to him above all else.

A good father needn't make such demands on their children. God bless them, but Calipari doesn't need such a potential headache.

[catmanjack]

This sounds like a slimy Rick thing.

[cattails]

I just hope Cal stays out of this mess.

[Jimcats]

I don't intend to support Dad as a potential UK coach, but I think some are going overboard in making it sound as though he would be dragging his sons off to wherever. I'm a father of a son and I think my son, as many do, would be happy to go along with me in such a situation.

[catmanjack]

The point is that the dad is using the kids for
his benefit.

[Edward100]

I don’t disagree with any of your statements. However, he does have a valid point. When a prospect is looking for a job in a company, doesn’t the interviewer ask, “What can you bring to the table?” He may be asked, “Why should we hire you.” The man is obviously using his kids as a bargaining chip but he does have other qualifications. He is a quality coach with a proven track record. Would he be considered a candidate for an assistant coach job without his kids? If he is then his kids would be a bonus. I also worry about the “Loyalty to me” statement and concerns about PT for his sons. Our bench has four future pro players on it. We don’t NEED players.

[anderwt]

I'm sorry guys, give this guy a job yesterday..

[Darryl]

I'm sorry guys, give this guy a job yesterday..

Absolutely.

Darryl

[ShoesSwayedBlue]

I'm sorry, but in a recruiting world where AAU connections, shoe companies, academic fraud at major programs and letting numerous drug tests failures slide happens I fail to see the horror in hiring a guy, if he knows basketball, who can guarantee to bring in three future pros.

The only problem might be if one of the kids isn't getting PT enough to suit them or Dad. But then Cal is the freakin King of the universe in college basketball right now so pissing him off is probably not a good game plan. JMO, but he is the biggest mover behind the NCAA downsizing their power. He's been out in front of the movement all along. Dad would fall in line and stay right damn there IMO.

It will certainly be interesting to watch.

[CitizenBBN]

Darryl, would you use your children in that way? what does it say about him as a person AND protential coach?

What happens when one of his sons is dogging it and needs to be yanked? How do you think such things would impact the team chemistry? Would he be loyal to Cal or his son(s)?

What happens when one gets to the pros, does he play that for a NBA job and leave us in the lurch? Doesn't he use this same pitch once he's a UK assistant to start working on his HC job? how soon is that?

How coachable will his kids be given the deal? What does the next recruit's parent ask for? Do we match that deal too? You think other parents and coaches wont angle for a deal once they know Cal gave that one out? Do we lose other top players b/c we didn't give them one and they feel like they aren't as "important"?

IMO you guys aren't looking far enough down the road of such deals to see the full risk and impact of such things, and for a parent to come out ON THE RECORD and say stuff like that should set of HUGE massive warning bells. yes deals are struck all the time, few are so brazen.

Cal has done it in the past but I'm not sure what works at memphis when you're trying to build from nothing is the right move at UK when you're on top of the recruiting and media attention mountain. What works for Mom and Pop corner grocery doesn't work for Wal Mart.

Anyone so obvious about cutting what is of necessity a backroom deal is a mess waiting to happen at UK.

[CitizenBBN]

I'm sorry, but in a recruiting world where AAU connections, shoe companies, academic fraud at major programs and letting numerous drug tests failures slide happens I fail to see the horror in hiring a guy, if he knows basketball, who can guarantee to bring in three future pros.


The problem isn't hiring a guy who gets you ahead in that way, the problem is in hiring a guy who goes on the record blatantly saying if he's hired he'll guarantee his sons come play for that school.

Had he said nothing Cal would have plausible deniability. He could say he hired him but his sons were never promised as part of the deal when the next parent asks for something, now how does that sell? How does that sell with the NCAA, who forbids parents getting benefits for their kids attending a school?

He just turned the thing into a potential violation, not a very bright start for a coaching position IMO.

Maybe he's a great guy and just got quoted so it came off bad, that sure happens, but it was colossally stupid to say what he did in any context to the media. Now no matter what happens he wasn't hired o his merits and there are huge red flags as soon as a son joins him at a school, potentially NCAA flags if it's UK.

My issue is if he's this brazen/flippant/dumb about these comments to the MEDIA how will he be if he's on staff? Maybe he'll be great, but this is far from an auspicious interview start IMO.

[Darryl]

I like the upfront method the coach/father is using. He is being honest and is certainly no different than the parent of almost any big time
elite recruit's parent (s). As far as I can tell he is a coach who would be an asset to a program. Every single top 10 recruit that anyone signs
wants to know what it is the advantage to them and their family at any respective school.

There is "clutter" associated with each and every impact recruit, IMO.

Darryl

[CitizenBBN]

PS - it reminds me of the interview with the owner of Studio 54 where he went on TV to brag about not paying taxes on all the bags of cash they made. The IRS kinda took notice, investigated with warrants and found trash bags full of money stuffed in the drop ceiling, in his closet at home, etc.

These deals get cut all the time, the key aspect of them being that NOTHING is out there that can prove or even suggest it was a deal beyond the mere appearance of it.

Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered.

[CitizenBBN]

I like the upfront method the coach/father is using. He is being honest and is certainly no different than the parent of almost any big time
elite recruit's parent (s). As far as I can tell he is a coach who would be an asset to a program. Every single top 10 recruit that anyone signs
wants to know what it is the advantage to them and their family at any respective school.

There is "clutter" associated with each and every impact recruit, IMO.

Darryl

His upfront approach is a NCAA violation waiting to be investigated. Honesty isn't always the best policy, certainly not to the media.

I'm not sure his statements didn't just guarantee we can't make a deal now. It certainly raises all kinds of questions and perception issues. Now no matter how good the merits of his hire it will be seen as just getting his sons. Rival fans would have complained about it, some media guys insinuated it, but now it's on the record. dumb.

[ShoesSwayedBlue]

Oh, I don't think Cal will hire him simply because Cal doesn't have to do so. He'll just get some other guys as good as this guys kids are. The same way I'm a thousand percent sure that UK is completely up and up as a program. Cal doesn't have to do anything illegal.

I just can't see how it is any worse than all the other stuff other programs do.

Maybe I worded it wrong. I wouldn't have a problem with Cal doing it simply because Cal is Cal. Don't start any chit with him or he'll eventually curb stomp you. I may not always agree with his personnel decisions or what not, but I'm quite certain that he has every bit of the juice he needs to squash a guy like this if he wanted to.

But then, Cal might hire the guy just to piss everyone else off.

[Darryl]

What is the rule regarding assistants and their sons signing with them?

Thanks, Darryl

[CitizenBBN]

What is the rule regarding assistants and their sons signing with them?

Thanks, Darryl

He may have insured it doesn't matter b/c he's not an assistant anywhere and he just said if he got a financially rewarding job he'd GUARANTEE his 3 sons play for that school.

How is that different than someone saying "if a company in that town hired me I'd guarantee my son plays for the school in that town"?

Let me ask you this: regardless of the rules, how do you think the NCAA will react if he comes to UK? At UNC or Duke it's a pass, but at UK what happens? What position has it now put Sandy Bell in?

It was dumb beyond dumb. You don't discuss your shady dealings in public much less give interviews about them. Hasn't this guy seen The Godfather?

And to the extent it was dumb do you want him on your staff where he can make the next dumb decision? Maybe he's great, but it's a bad start to an interview. Really bad IMO.

[CitizenBBN]

Oh, I don't think Cal will hire him simply because Cal doesn't have to do so. He'll just get some other guys as good as this guys kids are. The same way I'm a thousand percent sure that UK is completely up and up as a program. Cal doesn't have to do anything illegal.

I just can't see how it is any worse than all the other stuff other programs do.

Maybe I worded it wrong. I wouldn't have a problem with Cal doing it simply because Cal is Cal. Don't start any chit with him or he'll eventually curb stomp you. I may not always agree with his personnel decisions or what not, but I'm quite certain that he has every bit of the juice he needs to squash a guy like this if he wanted to.

But then, Cal might hire the guy just to piss everyone else off.

I'm not against hiring a guy who can get in with a kid or 3, that stuff does happen. I think though that you don't hand out assistant positions for it at UK b/c one, even 3 players aren't worth having an assistant spot that can't otherwise carry its weight. You MUST have a top notch staff.

now this guy may be top notch, so you get the kids and you get a good assistant, totally possible.

The problem isn't hiring him, it's that now he's permanently tainted the hire and it's seen as hiring him for the kids and not on his own merits, and it's in print, which opens up a much bigger can of worms than just the appearance that it MAY have been about his 3 sons.

It isn't that he may get hired b/c of his connection with his sons, it's how he just went about it that has klaxons going off in my head.

[Bakert]

I like the upfront method the coach/father is using. He is being honest and is certainly no different than the parent of almost any big time
elite recruit's parent (s). As far as I can tell he is a coach who would be an asset to a program. Every single top 10 recruit that anyone signs
wants to know what it is the advantage to them and their family at any respective school.

There is "clutter" associated with each and every impact recruit, IMO.

Darryl

Justify it anyway we want, but if the first we heard of this was him being hired at UNC-CH, IU, or UCLA what would our reaction be? As to this being no different than any other recruit's parents, how many other recruit's father can you remember pimping his sons out for a job? And if he was such an asset as an Asst. Coach, why does he feel he has to pimp out his sons to get a college asst job?

What happens after year two and he gets a better offer and he and his three sons ride off to Kansas or wherever?

If we were IU I'd be for it because that might be the only way we could ever become relevant again. But we don't have to do what IU does to remain at the top of the game.

I agree that all recruits want to know what advantages a particular school provides to them, but that doesn't extend to their families. If we do this, how different are we from, IIRC, Duke who rumor has it got a recruit's mother a job in Durham a few years back?

[Krank]

Gotta say I agree with Citizen on this one. He raises way too many points that I was thinking of while reading through this thread. The way Daddy Morebucks words his campaign speech gives me a VERY bad feeling.

He might have been asked. If he would have waited, he could have "attained" a position without losing his personal pride in the process... that or... he has little personal pride. In any event, it smells like stinky fish to me.

Go monger your sons somewhere else and we will sit back and watch the inevitable drama take some OTHER program out in the NCAA first round.

[dan_bgblue]

Remember when Duhon went to Duke? His mother got a nice, fairly high paying job from a local company that she was not completely qualified for and UK fans bayed at the moon for the clowns to investigate, which they failed to do.

I can not say the father in this case is not somewhat qualified to go to any school in an entry position on the staff, but it is obvious that his real qualification is that he sired and controls 3 potential all star college players. Hope Kansas or UNC-CH*** needs an assistant.

[kingcat]

First and foremost he is using his sons for personal gain. With no guarantee it is in their individual interest as players and students.

His plan, to be a fatherly gesture imho, would have to include assurances for each son that just can't be given in advance..and likely can't be achieved at one program.

Yet he would require them to attend where he is hired regardless of any future situation that might otherwise make it less attractive for the young men.

Sad...but I hope it works out for them.

[blueboss]

I'm in the camp with "stay away" this sounds like a trap to me, and I'm not sure Sandy Bell would sign off on it. I think CBBN nailed it with UNC, dook, and anybody else in the free world could make the deal (and there it is it's a deal) and it wouldn't be a problem, Cal+KY=Death Penalty

Didn't Emmert & Co make some rule about hiring relatives, I seem to remember something coming up about a potential hire/scholarship deal at UL that brought this practice to the forefront...IIRC Ricky hired the guy and then didn't get the player, but there was some focus on the situation.

[jazyd]

Pass. Son #1 is #32 and you would have him for a year and dad would probably be shopping for a better job immediately because son #2 is highly ranked. Some HC would then hire him away to get son 2 and hopefully 3. I don't trust this dad at all. Whoever hired him first would get the worst of the 3 and probably never see the other 2.

[HerbTarlek]

I have confidence that cal can get players of equal or better ability without the potential p.r. Baggage or constant interference that would come with hiring the dad.

[Padukacat]

Regardless as to whether there is anything wrong with this, the dad is stupid to think the money he makes as an assistant even matters in the big picture if he has 3 future pros, especially if they get to come to UK which almost guarantees them of a slot in the league. What matters more, him getting a job or them getting to the league? It would seem that we have the leverage here honestly. maybe other schools don't, but we do.

[uk-4-the-win]

Who are we going to demote or get rid of to get this guy? Robic, Payne or Slice? or Cal? those are the only 4 positions you can hire someone and be able to recruit the players associated with that hire. Strickland's job was a made up job just for him and most likely will poof away now that he's at USF. Strickland wasn't allowed to recruit or even coach the team at all so I think most UK fans had some misconception as to Strickland's actual job on the staff.

[uk-4-the-win]

If this guy is good enough, move Robic down to a made up position like Strickland's was and keep his salary the same... and make Lawson a high paid assistant coach ... The recruiters will still be Cal, Slice and Payne since only 3 can recruit at a time... and Robic won't be allowed to coach but he can still help in other ways.

But seriously guys... the NCAA wouldn't even look into this because the dad is more than qualified. And people are going to claim we cheat even if we don't try to hire the father so who gives a darn what they think.

There are drawbacks. and I honestly don't know if its worth it. 1st of all, this could effect recruiting in a negative way like Saul Smith did. 2nd , would it cause a ton of turmoil ? The Lawson kids better earn their minutes and be good enough or the other players will get highly upset at the nepotism. and 3rd... what if a Lawson isn't good enough to get the minutes dad wants him to get? Player's parents can be pain in the butts to deal with.... but with papa Lawson, you can't just ignore him

[elicat]

Absolutely not. No way. Citizen is entirely right about the perception issue. And I couldn't blame the media or the NCAA, because it gives me exactly the same kind of perception.

[bigsky]

Sleazy

[uk-4-the-win]

Absolutely not. No way. Citizen is entirely right about the perception issue. And I couldn't blame the media or the NCAA, because it gives me exactly the same kind of perception.

We are UK, we have a bad perception issue NO MATTER WHAT. Because calling us cheaters is easier than coming to reality that Kentucky is great in basketball and better than most other schools.

It could be a bad idea for several legit reasons like possible turmoil etc.. but don't let perception get in the way. Perception was UK cheated and paid Anthony Davis 200K. aren't you glad we kept him anyways?

[badrose]

My gut says it's a bad idea.

[jazyd]

Are you serious about Robic? Bayou really think cal would demote the guy he trusts the most and puts in charge when he gets the boot ?


UOTE=uk-4-the-win;189209]If this guy is good enough, move Robic down to a made up position like Strickland's was and keep his salary the same... and make Lawson a high paid assistant coach ... The recruiters will still be Cal, Slice and Payne since only 3 can recruit at a time... and Robic won't be allowed to coach but he can still help in other ways.

But seriously guys... the NCAA wouldn't even look into this because the dad is more than qualified. And people are going to claim we cheat even if we don't try to hire the father so who gives a darn what they think.

There are drawbacks. and I honestly don't know if its worth it. 1st of all, this could effect recruiting in a negative way like Saul Smith did. 2nd , would it cause a ton of turmoil ? The Lawson kids better earn their minutes and be good enough or the other players will get highly upset at the nepotism. and 3rd... what if a Lawson isn't good enough to get the minutes dad wants him to get? Player's parents can be pain in the butts to deal with.... but with papa Lawson, you can't just ignore him[/QUOTE]

[CitizenBBN]

It could be a bad idea for several legit reasons like possible turmoil etc.. but don't let perception get in the way. Perception was UK cheated and paid Anthony Davis 200K. aren't you glad we kept him anyways?

Anthony Davis never went on record saying he wanted to get paid $200K either. Big difference.

[ShoesSwayedBlue]

Regardless as to whether there is anything wrong with this, the dad is stupid to think the money he makes as an assistant even matters in the big picture if he has 3 future pros, especially if they get to come to UK which almost guarantees them of a slot in the league. What matters more, him getting a job or them getting to the league? It would seem that we have the leverage here honestly. maybe other schools don't, but we do.


I'll find it interesting to see if Cal goes after these kids and refuses to even consider the Dad as a coaching candidate for that very reason.

[Darrell KSR]

There's a thread on the Front Porch that reminds me of this thread a lot. It asks if circumstances personally for you allowed it, would you date Amanda Knox.

I think most of us have good enough opinions of ourselves that we believe we can attract an attractive mate, and that was sort of my answer on that thread. There are issues surrounding Amanda Knox (even if you assume she is innocent, which she may be) that some of us don't think warrant dating her, and we think we do just fine by ourselves.

Same here. This isn't your grandfather's recruiting at UK. We're landing the top classes in the nation. If we get 0 of those kids, I think we'll do just fine with the other McDonald's All-Americans and the "Succeeders and Proceeders" (I'm trying) John Calipari will land.

Now, if John Calipari takes a job coaching south Florida high school basketball or whatever, and coach Joe Schmoe comes in, and needs to fill a staff--different question, and maybe/maybe not a different answer.

[uk-4-the-win]

[QUOTE=jazyd;189228]Are you serious about Robic? Bayou really think cal would demote the guy he trusts the most and puts in charge when he gets the boot ?

I was just saying its the only way to hire the Lawson guy. I mean we could hire him at a lower position but we wouldn't be allowed to bring his kids on to the team per NCAA rules. And you sure as hell aren't demoting your recruiters in Slice and Payne because then they wouldn't be able to recruit

I don't think its worth it personally. but like I said , I was only stating the only way this would be possible... well other than Payne or Robic leaving for another coaching Job.

[uk-4-the-win]

Anthony Davis never went on record saying he wanted to get paid $200K either. Big difference.

You are right the big difference is that Davis' father had really asked for 200K then he's ineligible ........... Lawson can ask for whatever he wants in the way of a salary and its 100% completely in the rules.

I promise you. Hell Citizen I'll paypal you 200$ if the school who hires Lawson gets in trouble. I promise you its within the rules and the NCAA wouldn't even check into it.

[Darrell KSR]

I promise you. Hell Citizen I'll paypal you 200$ if the school who hires Lawson gets in trouble. I promise you its within the rules and the NCAA wouldn't even check into it.

I believe you're right, too.

[GhettoBird]

Who do you suppose he interviewed with, us or Memphis? I read elsewhere that rumors in the AAU circuit are that pastner is getting some pressure to hire this guy, from who I do not know.

This guy also stAted that the dad is more interested in UK than anywhere else. Tifwiw.

[uk-4-the-win]

Had to of been Memphis. If you read the quotes from Mr. Lawson... the entire thing reads like ..... You better reconsider hiring me memphis or I'm heading elsewhere and my oldest son will de-commit

[UKFlounder]

Celebrating a 500th win is also legal, yet that did not stop the NCAA from sending UK a letter.

Besides any questions such as that, however, this would set a horrible precedent for future recruiting when a player's coach or father wants a job

[UKHistory]

Rod took that spot as DOB as part of a demotion due to his DUI. Theoretically that is not a spot our staff has to have. Now with that said, it is also not a coaching spot either.

Rod could not recruit in his former capacity; he could also not coach/teach the players either. I am not sure that Keelon would be happy with that job. It is at a college but it is not a true coaching position.


Dedric has stated he is down to us and Memphis. In all seriousness could this bee why Strickland's positions has not been filled.

[UKHistory]

I know that the NCAA does not allow a school to hire a coach of a recruit now but unsure about family. Seems to me the intent of the rule is to prohibit using such contacts to help with recruiting.

[elicat]

We are UK, we have a bad perception issue NO MATTER WHAT. Because calling us cheaters is easier than coming to reality that Kentucky is great in basketball and better than most other schools.

Right now the perception is based on envy and I can present facts to counter the nonsense. If something like this happened it would be based on a reality that I would see the same way they do. Don't want any part of that scenario.

[KSRBEvans]

My WAG is even if Mr. Lawson would have been in the running at UK, his public campaign kills it. Neither Cal nor UK take to that approach.

[HerbTarlek]

I'm in the camp with "stay away" this sounds like a trap to me, and I'm not sure Sandy Bell would sign off on it. I think CBBN nailed it with UNC, dook, and anybody else in the free world could make the deal (and there it is it's a deal) and it wouldn't be a problem, Cal+KY=Death Penalty

Didn't Emmert & Co make some rule about hiring relatives, I seem to remember something coming up about a potential hire/scholarship deal at UL that brought this practice to the forefront...IIRC Ricky hired the guy and then didn't get the player, but there was some focus on the situation.

They hired Shabaka lands to help with Teague. He was vaguely associated with tea guess high school coaching staff and was given some low level , entry position at deminimus salary. When Teague didn't go to uofl, his position was liquidated post haste.

[CitizenBBN]

You are right the big difference is that Davis' father had really asked for 200K then he's ineligible ........... Lawson can ask for whatever he wants in the way of a salary and its 100% completely in the rules.

I promise you. Hell Citizen I'll paypal you 200$ if the school who hires Lawson gets in trouble. I promise you its within the rules and the NCAA wouldn't even check into it.

What the rules say and what is done are two very different things with the NCAA.

the HEAD of the committee that was threatening Uk with "violations" for acknowledging Cal's 500th win in the media guide was AD at a school that acknowledged vacated football wins in their media guide WHEN he was AD.

Rules schmules, I know how this game is played, and it isn't played fair. At UNC, Duke it's a total pass and maybe at UK too, but I know how the NCAA does business.

Besides, UK has been the source of more than one "emergency rule change" over the decades. I'm not saying it would happen, I'm saying it was dumb beyond belief to even raise the possibility and give it any entre into the discussion and I don't like the idea of hiring dumb people who can't keep their mouths shut.

want to threaten Memphis? Fine, there are other ways to do it.

[JPScott]

"If [a college] hires a second or third assistant, what can they bring to the table?" Lawson said. "If you hire me, I'm automatically bringing you top-20 players in the country. Automatically. There are coaches sitting on benches right now who can't do that."

"With loyalty to Josh, I would ask K.J., 'Would you want to stay [with Memphis] or would you want to go with me and Dedric?'" Keelon Lawson said. "But with us being a close-knit family, you know what the answer would be. He would say, 'Dad, I'm going with you.' So, of course, K.J. would go with me, and then Dedric, and then Chandler."



This is all I need to see to lead me to say no, quite emphatically. If he is this determined to use his sons to get an NCAA job, who know how he might act if one of his sons is not getting the PT he thinks they should or being developed the way he thinks they should. Some were critical of Harrison Sr's role in his son's decision - imagine if he was sitting on the bench? UK should work to be above this sort of stuff. We can't keep worrying about our ranking as a dynasty program but at the same time behave like a program desperate to break into the top echelon.

I agree. The other thing to keep in mind is that Strickland's position wasn't strictly a recognized assistant coach position. So whoever (if anyone) takes this 'position' would not be allowed to coach the players. I'm not sure that wouldn't be worse having a parent around the program and sitting on the bench and not technically being able to work with the team as a coach.

I realize that for most any program having the opportunity for someone on the staff to bring in a number of top players is a great advantage. But Kentucky (at least as long as Cal is head coach) is one of the few (maybe only) places where they really don't need any help in this regard.

I frankly see more potential downsides than upsides to this.

[CitizenBBN]

My WAG is even if Mr. Lawson would have been in the running at UK, his public campaign kills it. Neither Cal nor UK take to that approach.

Exactly what he did. Made it far harder for UK or Cal to be involved at all. This was about saber rattling at Memphis, and it was poorly executed and done clumsily.

[Philly Cat]

I can't see Cal willingly choosing to have this guy's chatter in his or his players' ears. Even if not outright illegal to hire a player's father, it was poor judgment to go to the press like this, as others have noted, and I have to think that we'll be in a position where we already have so many good players that we don't need to take on this sort of baggage.