Higher profiles trigger greater expectations for SEC hoops

John Calipari hasn’t had much time to breathe — not that he wants to.

Since taking over the Kentucky Wildcat basketball program on April 1, the former Memphis coach talked Monday during the league’s annual summer teleconference about how crucial, and busy, the beginning of his reign has become.

“The only more important days than those first 90 when you take over a program are those game days,” Calipari said. “Those first 90 are vital that you get off running and that you really do so many things. One of them is learn, and I’m learning as fast as I possibly can.”

Calipari is one of three new coaches — along with Georgia’s Mark Fox and Alabama’s Anthony Grant — to take over teams in a league that’s seen eight head men fired in four seasons.

A lot of the summer talk has been about how the SEC looks to rebound in 2009-10 from a season a year ago that saw just three teams make the NCAA tournament.

Now, Kentucky’s Patrick Patterson, South Carolina’s Devan Downey, Tennessee’s Tyler Smith and LSU’s Tasmin Mitchell make up a group of returnees raising the league’s level of esteem across the nation.

“Everybody that came back is going to impact,” USC coach Darrin Horn said. “They either have a certain talent level or a certain experience that’s going to help fortify your team.”

The three schools that made new hires are facing more difficulties than just who’s back and who’s not.

“You’re touching as many people as you can touch, and I mean physically,” said Calipari, who replaces Billy Gillispie a year after the Wildcats went 22-14 and missed the NCAA tournament. “That means speaking in meetings to luncheons to dinners. In 90 days you really have to set the tone within the program and staff of what’s acceptable.”

Calipari’s presence has been felt quickly. He brought in one of the nation’s best recruiting classes led by guards John Wall and Eric Bledsoe. Then, Calipari got Patterson, one of the league’s best big men, to spurn the NBA draft.

Despite losing underclassman guard Jodie Meeks to the pros, Calipari begins his Wildcat career with a team expected to compete within the SEC and nationally.

“I think it’s great to have coach Cal in the league,” Horn said. “Anytime you add somebody that brings his experience and track record, it’s a positive for everyone.”

Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl added, “I think John has raised the bar tremendously for all of us. He’s a big thinker. It’s gonna bring great credibility to our league.”

However, LSU coach Trent Johnson said it’s just as much about the other guys when it comes to overall success.

“I think from a standpoint of Kentucky being really good, I don’t think it really matters,” Johnson said. “What matters is what you do in late February and late March, regardless of who the team is. If you win your share of games, whether it’s Kentucky or Ole Miss or whoever from the other teams in the league, I think that’s what’s going to benefit your league.”

The other two fresh coaches are hoping they can turn their programs around and contribute to the SEC’s rebirth.

Georgia is coming off a season where the Bulldogs went 12-20 overall and 3-13 in the SEC and lost their best player in Terrance Woodbury. Fox comes from Nevada and replaces Dennis Felton, who was fired midseason, with plenty of work to do.

“This summer we’re just focused on getting a little bit better,” Fox said. “Certainly, we have some improving to do. Our kids have had a nice response to our coaching staff and the direction we want to go.”

The Crimson Tide also let Mark Gottfried go before the end of the season and finished 7-9 in the SEC, 18-14 overall. Alabama was able to woo Grant away from Virginia Commonwealth in hopes of reviving the Tide’s program.

“Obviously I’ve been here for just a couple of months and don’t really know from a basketball-playing standpoint our whole team yet,” said Grant, who will get back four starters this season. “I have been very pleased with the character, work ethic of the guys that I have had a chance to be around.”

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