From what I have heard (good sources but I wouldn't call it 100% reliable) he switched his choice at the last moment because Tom Crean made a last ditch effort and pitched the following;
"Look, you're a 6'3 SG that's trying to make it to the NBA as a PG but haven't really played the position much. You go to UK and you'll have to perform GREAT in year one.. and if you don't, Calipari will recruit over you and you're suddenly coming off the bench and never sniff the NBA. PLay for me and I promise you're my starter until you decide to leave."
Interesting if that is indeed what was said that was so persuasive.
- From a UK fan's perspective, I'm thinking, yeah.. we'll recruit the best and you have to earn your spot every game, every practice. Nothing is guaranteed. If that's not okay. Cool. Good luck elsewhere.
- From Blackmon's perspective it sounds great, though lacking credibility in that how can a coach really make such a promise (though it happens MOST of the time) and it seems like Crean just told me I'm not good enough to play at UK.
The common theme coming from recruits that pick UK is they say they loved that Calipari promised them nothing, was real and truthful in saying you'll get what you deserve and nothing more... but you'll have the right to start and play every minute, from day 1.. IF you earn it... and it'll be very hard, and you'll hate my guts for the first 6 months and wished you'd gone somewhere else. Somewhere a bit easier and not so much pressure to win. It's not for most people and it may not be for you.
"Look, you're a 6'3 SG that's trying to make it to the NBA as a PG but haven't really played the position much. You go to UK and you'll have to perform GREAT in year one.. and if you don't, Calipari will recruit over you and you're suddenly coming off the bench and never sniff the NBA. PLay for me and I promise you're my starter until you decide to leave."
Interesting if that is indeed what was said that was so persuasive.
- From a UK fan's perspective, I'm thinking, yeah.. we'll recruit the best and you have to earn your spot every game, every practice. Nothing is guaranteed. If that's not okay. Cool. Good luck elsewhere.
- From Blackmon's perspective it sounds great, though lacking credibility in that how can a coach really make such a promise (though it happens MOST of the time) and it seems like Crean just told me I'm not good enough to play at UK.
The common theme coming from recruits that pick UK is they say they loved that Calipari promised them nothing, was real and truthful in saying you'll get what you deserve and nothing more... but you'll have the right to start and play every minute, from day 1.. IF you earn it... and it'll be very hard, and you'll hate my guts for the first 6 months and wished you'd gone somewhere else. Somewhere a bit easier and not so much pressure to win. It's not for most people and it may not be for you.
