tool name

Friday, Apr. 06, 2007

A guide to Gillispie

What style of basketball do Billy Gillispie’s teams play?

Gillispie says he’s not defined by a particular style, but his teams at Texas A&M were known for in-your-face, aggressive full-court pressure and man-to-man defense. The Aggies were second in the nation in field-goal percentage defense last season (.375).

The Aggies also were one of the nation’s most efficient offensive teams in 2006-07, ranking in the top 10 in field-goal shooting, three-point shooting and assists. A&M averaged 75.6 points per game last season. Comparatively, two-time national champion Florida averaged 79.8, Louisville averaged 71.6, and Kentucky averaged 74.2.

Gillispie’s offense is point-guard friendly. His 2003-04 Texas-El Paso team was led by Filiberto Rivera, who ranks third on the Miners’ career assist list. Gillispie also had a steady hand at the point at Texas A&M in Wooden Award finalist Acie Law IV.

Can Gillispie recruit?

His first job at a Division I program was at Baylor, where he served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator from 1994-97. It was there that he first showed his prowess as a recruiter, as the Bears’ 1996 class was ranked as high as sixth in the country.

From there, Gillispie served as an assistant to Bill Self at both Tulsa and Illinois and was instrumental in putting together the Illini’s 2002 recruiting class that led them to the 2005 national title game. He recruited current NBA star Deron Williams to Champaign from Texas.

Gillispie also had put together one of the best recruiting classes in Texas A&M history before he left. Included in that group is 7-foot center DeAndre Jordan, a consensus top-15 prospect. Kentucky has three scholarships available for next season. If Gillispie can persuade All-American Patrick Patterson or another blue-chipper to sign with Kentucky, his reputation as a recruiter will rise dramatically.

Is the new coach ready for the big spotlight?

Basketball coach at UK is the most high-profile position in the state, something that Gillispie’s predecessor, Tubby Smith, seemed to grow weary of in the past few years.

Gillispie has been a head coach for only five seasons and has never endured anything near the microscope he’ll be under in Lexington. It’s too early to tell how he’ll handle his first losing streak or loss to a rival, but Gillispie was impressive at yesterday’s news conference.

He told a few one-liners, spoke clearly and with confidence and showed flashes of the charisma and personality that are vitally important. His small-town roots and down-home demeanor should also play well in the Bluegrass State.

How good will the Cats be next season?

The cupboard’s not completely bare, but there are some major holes. The Cats have the makings of a good backcourt with seniors-to-be Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley and sophomores-to-be Jodie Meeks and Derrick Jasper.

The frontcourt is where the problems are. UK’s only returnees are freshman Perry Stevenson and sophomore Jared Carter, neither of whom have played major roles. Smith signed a 7-footer (Mike Williams) and forward (A.J. Stewart) in the early signing period.

When the spring signing period begins Wednesday, Gillispie undoubtedly will use the three remaining scholarships to try to find help on the interior.

If Gillispie can add capable bodies up front and get returning players to buy in, UK could be better than many people are expecting. And Gillispie’s approval rating will be off the charts.