Coach Calipari is Missing the Bigger Opportunity in Memphis

I’m sorry for being off topic and I apologize in advance to any of my readers who come to my site because of the digital marketing content. I promise I’ll make it brief. There are 2 things that I just really need to say about the opportunity John Calipari has with the city of Memphis. I’m not talking about the university’s basketball program, I’m talking about the city and region as a whole.

First, don’t get me wrong, I’m all in favor of being passionate about what you do and working to become the best at, regardless if its coaching basketball or cutting grass. I believe that being surrounded by the best people and being in the right environment only helps make you better.  I wouldn’t fault Coach Cal for leaving, Kentucky is a great program.

The point I think Cal is missing is the bigger opportunity beyond basketball and beyond money.  It’s about the message he can send to the city of Memphis. He can say, “You know what, Memphis is a great city to live and there is plenty of opportunity here. Why wouldn’t someone want to start and spend their life here?  These people love, adore and support me beyond my wildest dreams. I’d be stupid to leave. I’m honored to call Memphis my home.”

Someone like that is what the city needs to let them know that they aren’t second class city that can be used and abused, but rather, first rate and one that they should be proud to call home.