Billy Gillispie Call-in Show Rundown
January 21, 2008 - 8:46 pm
Here’s a rundown of Billy Gillispie’s call-in show this evening.
Tennessee
Coach Gillispie gave some thoughts on Tennessee’s team. He said they’re a very good and talented team. They are fun to watch and probably the most athletic they’ve played this season.
Derrick Jasper and Jodie Meeks Update
Both worked out today. Derrick was limited and Jodie worked most of the time. He also noted Joe’s feet has been killing him.
Refs
A question asking if there’s a way to file a complaint against referees?
Billy Gillispie said he couldn’t really comment on it and said “No comment”. He did give a little chuckle.
Jared Carter
Question on how Jared Carter can get more playing time.
Coach said practice, be consistent and gain his trust out there.
He added, he believes Carter will be a really good player. He just needs to hang in there and continue playing hard.
Recruiting
He couldn’t comment on specific players, but said they’re recruiting all positions and far from complete. He mentioned types of players which included tall, athletic, smart players.
He went into talking about Acie Law and his work ethic and leadership at A&M.
Assistant Coaches
Someone wanted to know about his assistants and what their jobs were.
Gillispie did a rundown on who is who. He added that he tries not to limit what they do.
Florida Timeout
Was asked about the Florida timeout at the end of regulation.
He did notice it on the tape and thought Florida had a timeout.
NCAA Tourney
Asked about making the NCAA Tourney.
Coach said they go out there and try to win every game.
Tenn. 3 point Defense %
Tennessee’s 3 point defense percentage was brought up.
Gillispie praised their defense and said they were very sound.
DeAndre Liggins
A caller brought up DeAndre Liggins, who they got to see play recently. Mentioned he’s getting a good reception by ‘Cat fans.
Smith Duo
Caller asked about handling the Smith brothers.
Coach thinks they’re really good and multidimensional.
Patrick Patterson
Asked about Patrick and his limping during the Florida game.
Coach said Patterson was cramping, also that his shoes have been bothering him. He noted Joe is also having shoe trouble and they’re looking into fixing it.
Also was asked about getting better next year.
Gillispie believes they need to continue and get better.
Officiating
Someone asked if officiating favors the home team.
Coach said “Hope it does tomorrow”…laughing. Another can’t comment on the officiating question.
Mark Coury
Was asked if Mark Coury will have a similar role as he has been. Caller didn’t think he’s talented enough.
Gillispie said he’s proud of Mark and his role won’t change. As long as he continues to put the effort in.
Team Defense
Gillispie said the team has shown flashes at times, but needs to do a better job. He was disappointed with Saturday’s game and felt they could of done better. He thinks they’re improved and will continue to get better
Patterson, AJ Stewart and Bradley
Asked about the Patterson mishap, allowing an easy basket by Florida.
Coach said he’s takes the blame for that one.
On AJ Stewart playing more…
Coach said Stewart is learning and needs alot more playing time. He needs to do a better job in practice.
On Bradley’s decision making…
Coach has been happy with Bradley, but said sometimes he does make bad decisions. Something he’ll have to improve on.
Defense, Scholarships
Someone asking about defense and if scholarships were year by year or four year.
Coach went into explaining that.
Passing and Charges
Talked about interior passing…coach said Patterson is a great passer and plays well out of the trap.
Laughing…coach wishes they’d never get a charge all year long. Noted the ball not forced to side enough.
Article
They were laughing coming back from a break earlier in the show and mentioned the reason why.
They mentioned the 3 point line distance changing. Gillispie brought up an article from SI back in 1968. It talked about making the basket 11 foot high, because players were bigger etc.
Admirer
Coach Gillispie had an admirer in Indiana that called. She’s been a ‘Cat fan for 50 years and just lovessssss Gillispie.
First Year
Question wanting to know how coach is enjoying his first year in the SEC.
Coach laughed saying they’re 1-2, not liking it much. He said it’s been fun and he’s enjoying it.
Keys to tomorrow’s game
The show wraps up with some keys to the Tennessee game. Coach said they need to guard better, get to foul line more and get better in every aspect.
Well, that’s about it folks! Hope you enjoyed.




The season got off to a rocky start, but the team has been coming around . . we have played really well against some really good teams. My question is do you feel that getting the ball more to patterson in the offense would help put more points on the board? I believe that if patterson could get the ball more on the low post, then not only could patterson score but could also provide some open looks for our gaurds with the kick out pass.
Keep up the great work. I look forward to seeing the CATS play again!
Ben Wyatt