The stuff with Liggins is disappointing. The young man has loads of talent and potential but doesn't have his head on straight. Gillispie believes in him (he's avg 20 mins a game) but expects more. If he would give the effort of a Mike Porter he'd be the starting point guard and Kentucky's record would be a lot better. Coach Gillispie isn't just going to hand anybody anything.
Coach Smith had similar problems with Rajon Rondo and a few others during his tenure. It's more of a sign of the times than anything else. The systems that produce these highly coveted prospects, the status available to them at such an early age, is problematic. Parents, coaches, the support systems also play a part. I coach youth basketball and I see it even in the elementary and middle school levels. My own son (who is 8 years old) is a very athletic and talented basketball player and I've had "recruiting offers" for him from other coaches. I've always politely declined but it just disappoints me. Children should not be viewed as commodities. A great recent example of what I'm talking about is DeMar DeRozan of Southern Cal
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=jo-derozan011509&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Sad, sad story.
As to the "mess" both coaches inherited problems. Kentucky's talent level (by our standards) was down. Performance had been suffering both in conference and nationally. Gillispie is doing a good job upgrading that. Hopefully, Jodie and Patrick will stay around to join two really nice prospects in Daniel Orton and Jon Hood along with G.J. Vilariano. In another year, Dominque Ferguson arrives and might be the best forward prospect, regardless of grade, in the nation. We're in full on rebuilding mode and it takes time.