Derek Kellogg Introduced as UMass Head Coach

(04/23/2008)

5:44

AMHERST - Welcome to the Curry Hicks Cage where we are about 20 minutes from the start of the Derek Kellogg introductory press conference and it's about 85 degrees in The Cage. I asked if they can turn on the air conditioner, but longtime AP writer Jerry Radding says, "It's broken."
He also mentions that there were never games in April so we have no idea if it was always this hot in this building!

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:44

5:44

[Comment From samsdealsamsdeal: ]

Does Will Herndon have any eligibility left?

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:44 samsdeal

5:45

Will Herndon will be jumping over a Volkswagen that drives DK into The Cage, Samsdeal, thanks for asking.

AD John McCutcheon and search committe member Glenn Wong are lingering near the Shots' perch. They're probably waiting for the right time to ask if I'll come back as Director of Antonio's Pizza Procurement.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:45

5:45

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Welcome home Derek!!!

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:45 Mike

5:46

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Of the current players, who do you see transferring?

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:46 Mike

5:46

Well said, Mike.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:46

5:48

A cheerleader is just plotting the squad's perfromance.
Two white banners with marron print read: "Welcome Home Coach Kellogg"
The dais is set, form left to right on your radio dial with name cards for radio voice Bob Behler, Derek Kellogg and John McCutcheon.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:48

5:48

12 members of the pep band are in the stands, as is TJ Gassnola.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:48

5:49

Mike - I can't even begin to speculate on transfers but I will say there is indication that Adam Ginsburg will be remaining on staff and he was heavily involved in recruiting under He Who Shall Not Be Named.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:49

5:50

I will, however, say that Kellogg's first and most important "keep" will be the Gurley kid from Newton, MA who tarnsferred from Wake and is eligible this year. He's a player and great building block.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:50

5:50

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

It was nice to see a couple UMass Sport Management professors involved in the search. As a grad of the program, I always thought that UMass athletics could make better use of such a fine department.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:50 Mike

5:51

[Comment From samsdealsamsdeal: ]

maroon, moron

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:51 samsdeal

5:51

Spelling isn't part of my UMass degree, Moron.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:51

5:51

[Comment From PhilPhil: ]

From a practical standpoint, the likelihood of any juniors transferring would seem slim - why transfer for just one year?

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:51 Phil

5:51

Good call, Phil - and Gurley would have to sit another year - or appeal, I believe. Why wouldn't you want to play for DK in the wide open dribble drive system?

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:51

5:52

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Any new assistant coaches in the house?

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:52 Mike

5:52

The only one who is confirmed is Vance Walberg and he is not here to my knowledge. But sources close to Kellogg indicated that Vance was "doing cartwheels" over the move.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:52

5:53

The audio techs adjusted sound levels to "Glory Days," which we expect Bruce to open with. I mean, Kellogg to be introduced to.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:53

5:53

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Ginsburg will be important in keeping Harris and Gibbs.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:53 Mike

5:53

[Comment From UmieUmie: ]

Any guesses on the last assistant after Wahlberg and Ginsburg?

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:53 Umie

5:55

I don't mean this in any way other than it is what virtually every staff in the country does, but you can be fairly certain the third assistant will be a minority. There have been slight whispers about Tony Chiles, a current Drexel assistant and a NYC recruiter of unpapralleled reputation. But Chiles may have other options or may be quite comfortable at Drexel (who are having their banquet tonite which is a reason why Flint isn't here.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:55

5:55

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Gurley wants to stay close to home. I am excited for a backcourt of Lowe, Harris and Gurley in this system. Gibbs and Correia could be huge too.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:55 Mike

5:55

Just about the entire sideline of bleachers is filled - the dais is set up at midcourt, facing that side.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:55

5:55

[Comment From PhilPhil: ]

That's exactly the case - Gurley would have to sit another year and down the road appeal for a sixth year, which he wouldn't be likely to get. It would be like the case with Moe Hargrow a few years back at Minnesota and Arkansas.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:55 Phil

5:57

Phil - you da man - thanks for the info

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:57

5:57

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Great old footage on channel 40 right now. Interviewing Kevin Kennedy.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:57 Mike

5:57

All three locals are here and it's believed all three will go live with the presser - at least until a cat is stuck in a tree in Belchertown.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:57

5:57

[Comment From samsdealsamsdeal: ]

Did Pitino float a candidate? Is this UMass choosing sides, once and for all?

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:57 samsdeal

5:58

Pitino got the last choice, Samsdeal. While it worked out okay, it was the homerun that Kellogg can be.
Calipari had a significant role in getting Kellogg the look he deserved. But Kellogg wowed everyone in the interview process.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:58

5:59

What a sweet, memorable drive through campus. Plenty of whiffle ball games, kegs on porches and girls in clothes their moms

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:59

5:59

wish they weren't wearing

Wednesday April 23, 2008 5:59

6:00

George Miller - the former radio voice of the Minutemen - and current Mullins Center voice just pointed out that it is 6 p.m.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:00

6:00

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

I miss springtime at UMass, especially the coeds.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:00 Mike

6:00

[Comment From UmieUmie: ]

Do you know if there has been any contact with Gibbs? Any transfer rumors?

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:00 Umie

6:08

[Comment From samsdealsamsdeal: ]

Is there a fire drill?

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:08 samsdeal

6:08

Technical issues, wise guy Samsdeal.
There are no fire alarms in The Cage

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:08

6:09

We're underway. Bob Behler is introducing and going with a "hot" theme.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:09

6:09

Alice Bishko in the house - and she came in chanting.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:09

6:09

A handmade "Travis Who" shirt in the crowd.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:09

6:09

Also a vintage No. 14 kellogg shirt from about three logo re-designs ago.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:09

6:10

Cheerleaders lined toward the front of The Cage.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:10

6:10

John McCutcheon (AD) and DK enter between two lines of cheerleaders.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:10

6:11

Give a warm welcome home to UMass's own - Derek Kellogg

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:11

6:11

Kellogg in a gray pinstripe suit, white shirt and marron tie.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:11

6:11

[Comment From PhilPhil: ]

Cheer coach Kelly Proctor is probably in the vicinity as well, in that case.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:11 Phil

6:12

I don't know Kelly but I like her squad.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:12

6:12

It's been quite a ride these past three weeks - where we go from here is what's important - McCutcheon.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:12

6:12

Tim Kenney (associate AD) getting recognition from McCutch (Classy move).

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:12

6:12

A very special young man, is how McCutch refers to DK.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:12

6:13

He got a little guidance from a guy we know a little about - can't remember his name - McCutch

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:13

6:13

[Comment From jj: ]

the players there?

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:13 j

6:14

About five players that I can see - Bonner, Glass, Harris -

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:14

6:14

[Comment From PhilPhil: ]

Kelly did something that's hard to do - cheered for BU as an undergrad, then Northeastern as a law student!

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:14 Phil

6:14

A double-threat cheerleader

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:14

6:15

Kellogg introduced -
"I said to myself if it doesn't work out in the NBA, I could se emyself coming back here." - Remembering his first days on campus as a student.

"This is my dream job."

Huge applause.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:15

6:15

Kellogg gives a nod to Jack Leaman - classy.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:15

6:16

This is your team - I'm just here in a support role. We need your support.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:16

6:16

We've got a great group of young men. I met with them this afternoon. I've talked about it with these players - if these fans come out, that's two or three more wins.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:16

6:17

a year.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:17

6:18

A friend, mentor and now a colleague, John Calipari. I thank him for what he has done for me and my family.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:18

6:19

Travis did a great job of building this program. We rooted for them from afar.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:19

6:19

[Comment From samsdealsamsdeal: ]

maroon

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:19 samsdeal

6:19

[Comment From PhilPhil: ]

Indeed, it would be nice to see that place packed - it's such a nice arena and a shame it's usually nowhere near full.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:19 Phil

6:19

Maroon.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:19

6:19

We're going to play a style that the fans are going to watch and enjoy. I have a track record as a player and a coach as winner.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:19

6:20

We were ten seconds away form being national champions at Memphis.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:20

6:20

We want to create a love affair with teh student body, the faculty, the community, western Mass, the state and n ationwide.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:20

6:20

[Comment From PhilPhil: ]

I'm suddenly reminded of Bugs Bunny...

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:20 Phil

6:20

Maroon

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:20

6:21

There was no better feeling than running through that tunnel in Mullins before 10,000 fans.
How many people were part of that? For those that were and weren't I want everybody in the state and the area to feel what I felt as a player. Thank you.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:21

6:22

DK mentioned Ellen Calipari and daughter Erin specifically and it sounded like one or both may be in The Cage. Erin is a student here, Ellen probably needed a break from Memphis!

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:22

6:22

Maroon.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:22

6:22

DK said his son's sonogram indicates that Max is a strong free throw shooter, has a 40 inch vertical and can shoot from 3-point land.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:22

6:23

[Comment From 9595: ]

Rumor has it, Jeff Meyer will be AHC

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:23 95

6:23

Yeah and Rigoberto Nunez too!

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:23

6:23

First question from Ron Chimelis (Helen Thomas) - on what his staff will be.
DK says he hasn't made any decisions yet.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:23

6:24

George Miller with second question - asking about the last week and the process.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:24

6:24

It still feels very surreal from going to the Final Four to this. . .

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:24

6:24

[Comment From PhilPhil: ]

No surprise on that answer - pretty standard.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:24 Phil

6:25

From that point on after the interview it was just wait and see and then, When Can I come?

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:25

6:25

Kellogg is handling even better than I thought. So comfortable and endearing.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:25

6:26

Marty Dobrow asks about DK's memopries of this building.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:26

6:27

[Comment From 9595: ]

Now, if we can just bring back Mikes Westview...

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:27 95

6:27

DK - Paint chip game when the paint was falling from ceiling.
2nd is playing Temple with Aaron McKie, Rick Brunson - game was so hot, loose ball and a fight on baseline - two hands appear on a loose ball and smash Lou puts it through.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:27

6:28

Maroon Platoon president asks how he can get the students involved.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:28

6:29

Kellogg says he needs to sit down with the Maroon Platoon president and sit down to a nice lunch.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:29

6:29

DK explaining dribble drive and teh fact that it's pressure-based.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:29

6:30

[Comment From 9595: ]

Refuse To Lose Maroon 5

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:30 95

6:30

[Comment From PhilosopherPhilosopher: ]

You still planning to come to Houston next year? We are rounding up the alums! Don'

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:30 Philosopher

6:30

Some guy just got razzed for his question asking how DK will handle success and if he'll leave after 3 years like Travis.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:30

6:31

It's a fair question - and I envision myself being here for a long, long, time.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:31

6:31

[Comment From PhilosopherPhilosopher: ]

leave us out in the dark

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:31 Philosopher

6:31

I don't get to Houston much. . .

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:31

6:32

News conference concludes.
Erin Claipari is here.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:32

6:32

[Comment From PhilPhil: ]

But it's a dumb question for another reason - if that is his plan, does the guy really expect Derek would answer it honestly? I doubt it is, but surely he knows that a coach who wants to leave after 3-4 good years isn't going to just say so up front.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:32 Phil

6:33

DK handled it great, Phil - I'm telling you - he's been unbelievable.
I spent a good amlount of time with him this season and in the past and I didn't know he was this smooth.
He was definitely listening to the words of his mentor.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:33

6:34

[Comment From samsdealsamsdeal: ]

Does Kellogg still have family in Western Mass?

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:34 samsdeal

6:35

Erin Calipari said her mom didn't make it.
"This is so awesome," she said. "It's like a big party in here. I wanted him to get it so bad.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:35

6:35

DK"s parents live in Belchertown and he's Cathedral High School family is present here today.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:35

6:35

[Comment From PhilPhil: ]

I was just in Houston - and in fact, I saw none other than Travis Ford there, as well as Steve Middleton.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:35 Phil

6:35

I was in Houston for the regionals and the city thoroughly under-impressed.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:35

6:36

Maroon.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:36

6:36

Media one-on-ones going on and fans are waiting to shake the new coach's hand

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:36

6:36

[Comment From PhilPhil: ]

I'm sure DK handled it very well. I just get annoyed at folks asking questions they should know what the answer will be, like asking a guy after his last game of the season if he'll declare for the draft or return. You know he's not going to just say, "I'm going to declare tomorrow" even if he already knows he's coming out.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:36 Phil

6:36

I feel you Phil.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:36

6:37

[Comment From jeffjeff: ]

sorry i missed it -- are there alot of students there?

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:37 jeff

6:37

Fair amount of students - but to be honest, with the day they're having here in the Happy Valley, I may not leave the front porch either.
They just need to show up at Mullins in the Fall

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:37

6:38

[Comment From RichRich: ]

Derek still has over 130 family members in western ma for question above

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:38 Rich

6:38

[Comment From PhilPhil: ]

So the guy deserved to get razzed for asking, although he was probably razzed for a different reason entirely!

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:38 Phil

6:38

Erin Calipari is almost as popular as DK - she's having a tough time leaving the building with all the people she needs to say hi to.

Wednesday April 23, 2008 6:38