10 Reasons Cal Won't Go to Kentucky

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Kentucky is reportedly on the verge of firing head basketball coach Billy Gillespie after just two years on the job.

Rumors are rampant that Kentucky has set its sights on Memphis coach John Calipari, but here are the top 10 reasons why Coach Cal will not take the Kentucky job.

Number 10: It's Not About the Money

John Calipari is already one of the highest paid coaches in college basketball pulling in an estimated $2.5 million a year. But, his earnings don't stop there.

Coach Cal stands to make an extra $2.5 million in the way of an annuity if he stays through the 2010 season. That would be his tenth here in Memphis.

Kentucky undoubtedly has deep pockets and they would be willing to pay Cal just about anything he asks. But another deep run in this year's NCAA Tournament means he could probably expect another big raise in Memphis as well.

Number 9: Championships Trump All

As rich as basketball tradition is at Kentucky, the Wildcats would require some rebuilding. Kentucky missed out on this year's NCAA Tournament and hasn't been to the Final Four since 1998.

Quite honestly, it's easier to win at Memphis. Coach Cal has designed a blueprint for success for the Memphis Tigers that includes scheduling whoever he wants in non-conference play, beating up on C-USA and then sailing into the NCAA Tournament as a one or a two seed every year.

Number 8: Seeding is Everything

Cal has said it time and again. The key to advancing through the tournament is being a high seed. That is exactly why Memphis is shooting for a fourth straight Elite Eight this year.

While battling what is typically a tough SEC Conference wouldn't scare Cal, it's certainly not the guarantee that he enjoys in C-USA.

Number 7: Kentucky Fried Fans

You think Memphis fans expect a lot? UK fans are about as patient as a boiling tea kettle. These are the fans that drove Tubby Smith out of town despite his winning a national title and are about to get rid of Billy Gillespie after just two years.

Number 6: Tie - Cal's Steakhouse/Dunkin' Donuts

Come on? How could he give up this and this .

Number 5: Xavier Henry

Cal worked for a year to beat out Kansas for this silky smooth, high-scoring shooting guard. It would be awfully hard to leave him behind.

Number 4: Demarcus Cousins

The nation's number two ranked player verbally committed to the Tigers just a few weeks ago. Think Joey Dorsey with offense!

Number 3: John Wall

Ah, yes. The nation's top rated point guard still remains uncommitted, but Wall told a North Carolina paper that Memphis remains his top choice. If Cal brings Wall to Memphis you are looking at arguably the best recruiting class in the history of the game.

Number 2: Can't Play "No Respect Card" at Kentucky

Cal thrives on his underdog status. He wears it on his sleeve and motivates players to unbelievable heights as he sells the whole "No one thinks you can do this" message.

How does he do that at Blue Blood Inn at Kentucky?

Number One: In Memphis, Cal is King

Not since Elvis has there been a king like Cal. He not only has embraced this city, he has turned in to its top spokesperson. He's a one man marketing and public relations firm for both the university and the city of Memphis as a whole.

In a town with such an unusual lack of self esteem, Coach Calipari makes us feel better about our home. His eloquence rivals local clergymen. If he wasn't coaching our basketball team, he could easily run for mayor and almost assuredly would get a number one seed.

So Kentucky fans, when it comes to getting Cal, you might as well book your reservations for the "Heartbreak Hotel."