UK, Mike Pratt “swinging for the fences”

Mitch Barnhart announced in his press conference announcing the firing of Billy Gillispie that Mike Pratt would be serving as a resource in the search process. I took that to be a first step in potentially giving Pratt a potentially bigger role in the program, and that remains to be seen.

Jerry Tipton wrote an article in today’s Lexington Herald Leader that is definitely worth reading. Here’s an excerpt that details exactly what Pratt’s role is to be:

Barnhart and UK President Lee Todd will be the driving forces in the search for a coach to succeed Billy Gillispie, who was fired on Friday. Pratt sees himself as someone who can bring an insider’s basketball knowledge to the process.

“I’m not advocating anybody,” he said on Saturday. “I’m looking at the big picture for them.”

Pratt is willing to do whatever Barnhart and Todd feel can be of help — make a call, voice an opinion.

When UK looked for a coach two years ago, Barnhart used little outside input. Two trusted lieutenants from the UK Athletic Department and an outside search firm helped him hire Gillispie.

At this year’s Southeastern Conference Tournament, Barnhart noted the importance of learning and adjusting to life experiences. Pratt’s involvement sends the signal that the UK AD will practice what he preached by making the process less insular.

“I think Mitch is pretty prepared for this thing,” Pratt said. “Like all ADs, they all have short lists.”