Billy Gillespie and Rehab

**Stormin** · 04-27-2010, 03:29 PM

I read where Billy Gillespie checked himself into the John Lucas Rehab Center last September 2009. Just wondering if he has stayed sober and if anyone has heard how his personal life has been. I know he had alcohol issues in the past. But if has stayed sober he might be a pretty decent coach. Big reward with a high risk.

**dualforce** · 04-27-2010, 03:31 PM

here is a good read on his last year

Billy Gillispie is ready to resume his career

**ISUFan22** · 04-27-2010, 03:32 PM

If Pollard can sit with this guy and believe Billy G. is in a better place - both professionally and personally - give him what he needs to come to ISU.

IMO, this is easily the guy with the best resume we have a legitimate shot at. Yes, he's had issues. His next job (and he will get one) is his last chance to redeem himself. I'd like to think Billy knows that.

There just isn't a better coaching option out there right now. Are there better people? Certainly. But I think LE has proven a man can take a problem and beat it. Why not give a great coach in Billy an opportunity to redeem himself and rebuild Iowa State basketball?

**peteypie** · 04-27-2010, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

If Pollard can sit with this guy and believe Billy G. is in a better place - both professionally and personally - give him what he needs to come to ISU.

IMO, this is easily the guy with the best resume we have a legitimate shot at. Yes, he's had issues. His next job (and he will get one) is his last chance to redeem himself. I'd like to think Billy knows that.

There just isn't a better coaching option out there right now. Are there better people? Certainly. But I think LE has proven a man can take a problem and beat it. Why not give a great coach in Billy an opportunity to redeem himself and rebuild Iowa State basketball?

100% agree.

And like I read elswhere, put in his contract something about staying out of trouble or contract is void. He is the best chance for a quick turnaround. I don't get why people would not want him. If he screws up, he's gone, experiment over, were not out anything. But if he straightens up his act like I think he would, we might be back dancing in a few years.

**Bobber** · 04-27-2010, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by peteypie

100% agree.

And like I read elswhere, put in his contract something about staying out of trouble or contract is void. He is the best chance for a quick turnaround. I don't get why people would not want him. If he screws up, he's gone, experiment over, were not out anything. But if he straightens up his act like I think he would, we might be back dancing in a few years.

I really don't think we have room to experiment anymore. The program is on the ropes and we lose what's left of the ISU basketball brand if we don't get this next hire right.

Not saying Billy shouldn't be considered, but we have to be very careful.

**Cydkar** · 04-27-2010, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by peteypie

If he screws up, he's gone, experiment over, were not out anything.

How can you say that with a straight face?

**CycloneJames** · 04-27-2010, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by peteypie

100% agree.

And like I read elswhere, put in his contract something about staying out of trouble or contract is void. He is the best chance for a quick turnaround. I don't get why people would not want him. If he screws up, he's gone, experiment over, were not out anything. But if he straightens up his act like I think he would, we might be back dancing in a few years.

Plus its not like he is just some coach who had success and then his drinking problems. The bottom line is he knows the Big 12 and I think he could recruit to Iowa State. There is tons of talent in Texas that we could tap into.

I don't think there is any other coach that we could get who has the same upside as he does. Its all a matter of whether JP will tolerate the risk.

**ISUFan22** · 04-27-2010, 03:46 PM

I think "experiment over, not out anything" is a bit extreme, but it's not like we can be a ton worse right now. We can get worse, but the bigger area we can get worse is fan support.

IMO, fans would rally around Billy G. and as long as he stayed clean, he would get time to turn it around.

**peteypie** · 04-27-2010, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by Bobber

I really don't think we have room to experiment anymore. The program is on the ropes and we lose what's left of the ISU basketball brand if we don't get this next hire right.

Not saying Billy shouldn't be considered, but we have to be very careful.

But bringing in one of the mid-major or an assistant coach is less of an experiment?

We know one thing for sure. Billy G can coach. So leave that part out of the equation. His only X factor to fail is the booze. Like I said, put itt in his contract to stay clean or else. Problem solved.

**cycloneG** · 04-27-2010, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by peteypie

100% agree.

And like I read elswhere, put in his contract something about staying out of trouble or contract is void. He is the best chance for a quick turnaround. I don't get why people would not want him. If he screws up, he's gone, experiment over, were not out anything. But if he straightens up his act like I think he would, we might be back dancing in a few years.

This whole contract with a clause reeks of desperation. We can't keep missing on coaches.

**Stormin** · 04-27-2010, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by Bobber

I really don't think we have room to experiment anymore. The program is on the ropes and we lose what's left of the ISU basketball brand if we don't get this next hire right.

Not saying Billy shouldn't be considered, but we have to be very careful.

You mean be very careful and take a safe pick........like GMac?

After reading what he has been through, Billy Gillespie could be a great hire. I can think of countless alcoholics who have been given second chances. Why can't we give an ex-alcoholic a chance to be the next ISU BB coach?

**Knownothing** · 04-27-2010, 03:49 PM

Hell College basketball is laced with shady type guys. Most just have not been caught yet. I think this hire would be great.

**peteypie** · 04-27-2010, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by cycloneG

This whole contract with a clause reeks of desperation. We can't keep missing on coaches.

Ok, you're right, lets not put any clauses in whatever contract any coach signs. Did we not learn our lesson with McDoorMat?

**Stormin** · 04-27-2010, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by peteypie

But bringing in one of the mid-major or an assistant coach is less of an experiment?

We know one thing for sure. Billy G can coach. So leave that part out of the equation. His only X factor to fail is the booze. Like I said, put itt in his contract to stay clean or else. Problem solved.

Putting that clause in his contract would eliminate the financial hit that we would take if we were forced to fire him because of alcohol issues.

I actually am coming around to think that Billy Gillespie could be a great hire. Hell, Texas Tech took a shot at Bobby Knight and that didn't turn out so bad did it?