Marques Cox (SEC Photo)
Even if it was Southeastern Conference Football Media Days, there was still Kentucky basketball talk Thursday in Dallas.
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops was asked during his team on the podium about the move of former UK basketball coach John Calipari to Arkansas. Obviously, the question pertained to the controversy between Stoops and Calipari about whether Kentucky was a football or basketball school — but Stoops didn’t take the bait.
‘With Coach Cal, I wish the best for him. Really, he and I have had a really good relationship for a long time,” Stoops said. “There was one little blip on there, but we’re both big boys, we’re both friends and have spoken, and I’m sure he’ll be successful at Arkansas and wish him nothing but the best.”
Little blip? The controversy split the UK fan base temporarily before the two coaches found a way to co-exist but I am not quite sure I buy into them being friends no matter how hard Stoops was selling that scenario Thursday.
“As a matter of fact, his son, just saw Brad in Lexington a couple weeks ago, through recruiting or doing something, and spent some time talking with him, so they’ll do very well,” Stoops said.
Even offensive lineman Marques Cox got asked about the “conflict/rivalry” between UK football and basketball and if there was a “friendly competition” between the two sports.
“I personally don’t see them. I’ve been online for class, so the only place I go is the facility and home. I don’t really — I’m old, so I don’t do much as far as going out or anything,” Cox said.
“But as far as I’ll say on that, I think we do a good job of supporting each other.”
However, Cox then did his best to emphasize there was no conflict with basketball.
“Our Kentucky basketball team went through a lot of challenges this offseason with getting a new coach and everything. I think Coach (Mark) Pope will come in and do a great job with our basketball team along with the new transfers and new people that came in as well,” Cox said.
“At the end of the day it’s go Big Blue. That’s the end of it.”
3 Responses
This young man was raised to be special. He is so thoughtful, diplomatic. He’s gone from transfer to Wildcat football leader. The University of Kentucky got more than a good football player. What a positive leader and roll model.
I love M. Cox he has a great personality. The Cox twins on the line should dominate everyone this year. They are playing their 6th and 7th year in college. They should be 2-3 years older than most of the guys they will be going up against. God forbid a true freshman starting on the defensive front having to go up against them. Being 18-19 years old playing against 24 year old men. Even if they guy is 21 they are 3 years older than most juniors and some seniors. With Jager starting the last 2 years so it’ll be his 3rd year starting. Dylan Ray has been in college now 4 years as well. Courtland Ford is in his 5th year of college. Gerald Mincey is in his 5th year as well. Jalen Farmer is going to be a surprise on the line. I’m anxious to see how Ben Christman looks he should have 2 years of eligibility left I look for him to contribute this year and start next year. Also Aba Selm could b the dark horse. I said that to say this we should have the best offensive line that we have had here in a long time. Well since Young and Jackson was here. I think we have more depth then even they had. That will give Brock adequate time to find a open receiver. I think Chip runs for 1,000 yards and Barion and Dane get close to 1,000 yards. It’s going to be a great year to watch Kentucky football. I don’t buy into the football and basketball school bs. If your a real Kentucky fan you would support both teams.
BBN is Big Blue Nation.not Basketball not Football
Not Baseball not Cheerleading not Soccer
Not Softball ONLY The University Kentucky Sports.
So go Big Blue !!!!!!!