Published in Going Places Magazine, April 1949, Vol. II, No. 1 pg. 4.

From time to time, many University of Kentucky basketball fans suffer a sudden loss of appetite because of various sportscolumn speculations about the future plans of UK's fabulously-successful cage mentor -- Adolph Rupp. Reports range from Rupp's tentative acceptance of a pro position in New York to a withdrawal from sports and entry into politics.

Spring being a good season for going out on limbs, GOING PLACES wishes to add its small voice to the clamor, i. e. "Adolph ain't goin' nowhere."

There's little doubt that Rupp would succeed if he decided to take on a new vocation. He's as able in business as in basketball. His land holdings and tobacco warehouse interests attest that. Too, he's not among that "underpaid teacher" group you hear about. His coaching ability and worth are recognized by the UK Athletic Association.

It's true that several offers advanced him may have included quite handsome salaries, but Rupp has been here 19 years and has made friends and received accolades that money could not buy. His hardest job as a coach is done. He no longer must roam the Kentucky hills in search of basketball talent. His success attracts the nation's best players and they ask to come to UK to play for the Big Blue. What coach would leave any school under such circumstances?

There is little opposition to the claim that UK basketball teams of 1947-48 and 1948-49. were the greatest college fives of all time. Now four of the five members are leaving. Speculation among numerous scribes indicates this is the time for Rupp to go, if he is going; the hardwood getaway day has arrived; that Rupp can never expect to equal his present success. That's where aforementioned scribes forget Mr. Basketball's optimism and constant search for perfection. Maybe he won't get another team like this one; truthfully, it is unlikely. But Rupp had nine all-Americas before any of the present five played for UK. It's doubtful that a talent drought will cause abandonment of the sport at the University.

Rupp rarely seems surprised at any of the feats his boys accomplish. Even though others have considered some of them astounding, to say the least, Rupp appears to take it in stride. Ralph Beard brought out the sportswriters' finest adjectives one night as he threw in a 55-foot field goal against Tennessee from deep in the back court. At the next practice, a little assembly of newspapermen and broadcasters goaded Beard to try again from the same spot. Rupp watched silently for a few minutes while Ralph heaved away in vain. "Hell, Beard," said Rupp with apparent amazement, "that shot last night must have been an accident."

Perfectionist and optimist that he is, The Baron isn't likely to leave basketball's greenest pasture-the Blue Grass. So the next time you see one of those "Rupp to Leave Kentucky?" headlines, go ahead and finish your dinner-Rupp is probably here for keeps.

J. R. D.

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