Billy Gillispie Feels “Lucky” Landing in JUCO
Joe Robbins | Getty
The Billy Gillispie Kentucky fans came to know is much different than the current Billy Gillispie.
After falling far from the Division I ranks to Ranger Junior College, he has turned around the Ranger Rangers (yes, that’s the name of their redundant mascot). 2-23 in 2015, they went 31-7 in Gillispie’s first year and finished the season in the semifinals of the Junior College national tournament.
While speaking at an Oklahoma coaches’ convention, he said, “I don’t mean that in a bragging way, (but) I’ve been lucky.”
Gillespie finally seems content at his JUCO home.
“I’m very fortunate now to work for great people who appreciate what I can do. They want to win and help young people,” he said.
“We don’t have much in the way of resources, but we have each other and we have basketball,” Gillispie said. “We have opportunities. After my first year, we had players sign with Missouri, Texas A&M and UNLV.
“I’ve always been happy. I’m not a disgruntled, cynical person. When I was at Tulsa, I had as much fun as I’ve had in my life. I wasn’t (healthy) when I was at Texas Tech. That was a tough time, but I’m healthy now and doing great. I feel as good as I can possibly feel.”
As much as we like to use Gillispie as a punchline, it’s great to see he found the help he needed to successfully turn his life around.
7 Comments for Billy Gillispie Feels “Lucky” Landing in JUCO
Good for him. As much as he was a problem when he was at UK, so much of that could be attributed to his health issues. I hope he continues to have success at Ranger.
Like Cal says, “Kentucky isn’t for everyone,” and that definitely goes for head coaches as well. Good to see he has his groove back.
Here is an interesting article about a player who is now playing for Gillispie at Ranger College. Kind of off the topic, but affiliated with Billy G.
http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/17112931/investigations-seek-greater-clarity-johnathan-turner-case
I actually saw the E60 on this. Pretty crazy stuff
Hey JPHAT… (should sound like ASSHAT)
This guy has no place around other human beings. Especially in a teaching mode.
Healthy is encouraging people with intelligence… not resorting to the sad psychology that occurred under this amateur. Barnhart wishes these methods were still relevant to help his legacy.
Unfortunately the prize of the bluegrass was left in the hands IN THIS DECADE of an abusive drunk.
ABSOLUTELY PREVENTABLE.
Barnhart is qualified to select coaches for Transy. That’s about the limit (check his resume).