Today marks exactly on year since Billy Gillispie was introduced as the coach of the Wildcats, ending two weeks of speculation and wild rumors over who would succeed Tubby Smith.  Gillispie’s first 366 days on the job could best be described as a roller coaster, but he earns my respect for starting every day with a nice, cold Dr. Pepper.  Here are a few of the more memorable moments from his first year:

April 24 - Parade All-American Alex Legion signs with the Wildcats after being granted a release from his Letter of Intent with Michigan.

May 16 - Patrick Patterson, another All-American, announces that he will be signing with Kentucky after a late recruiting charge from Gillispie and his staff.

August 12 - The Herald-Leader decides to give Gillispie the old tabloid/paparrazi treatment by publishing a story about his house.  Speculation dominates message boards about why he needs such a large house.  No one realizes the obvious answer:  he’s rich, bitch.

October 12 - The Billy Gillispie era is officially ushered in at Big Blue Madness.  Unfortunately, this also comes with this lame video about how to properly spell his name.

November 7 - Gardner-Webb.  Enough said.

November 13 - The Herald-Leader reports that Jodie Meeks has a groin injury that will keep him out for 4-6 weeks.  They forgot to note that they were referencing time in dog years.

December 3 - Legion and his mother, the prophet, leaves the team.  They would eventually transfer to Illinois.

December 29 - A loss to San Diego caps off a streak of 4 losses in 5 games and leaves the Wildcats with a record of 5-6.  The part of the Kentucky fan base that no one wants to acknowledge or admit exists comes out of hibernation and starts spewing non-sense on message boards.

January 5 - In a matchup with Louisville, the Cats are barely able to keep competitive and never make the game close in the second half.  The season record now stands at 6-7.

January 12 - In Gillispie’s first SEC game, the Cats nearly give away a large lead, but hold on to knock off No. 13 Vanderbilt in two overtimes.

January 22 - After back-to-back SEC losses, No. 5 Tennessee comes to Rupp and falls in a nationally televised game to the Cats, 72-66.  It would become Gillispie’s signature victory in his first year.

January 23 - Gillispie’s shadow still hangs over Texas A&M, despite being gone for nearly a year.  In an interview, Gillispie’s replacement, Mark Turgeon says, “I know no matter what I do, Gillispie is getting the credit if we win. If we lose, it’s my fault. I’m in a no-flipping-win situation this year, and that puts me in a bad mood.” He was later given some french cries to go with his WhaaaaBurger.

February 12 - Beatdown in Nashville, 93-52.  In a move very similar to Kevin Costner’s stubborn refusal to take a drop in Tin Cup, Gillispie refuses to sub out the starters, who seemed to be overmatched and uninterested.  One of the most embarassing nights to be a Kentucky fan but, luckily, it was just one loss in a string of key wins. 

February 23 - Gillispie makes an emotional appearance at Dance Blue following a victory of Arkansas and makes a donation of $10,000. 

March 9 - On senior day for Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley, Kentucky beats Florida, 75-70, marking the end of an 11-2 run to finish the season.  The Cats finished 12-4 in the SEC and earned the second seed in the East.

March 10 - Gillispie gets a little face time on PTI and does what he does best:  charms.

March 11 - Gillispie is named co-SEC Coach of the Year, sharing the award with the promiscuous preceptor, Bruce Pearl.

March 14 - In their post-tornado, Saturday morning game, the Cats fall in overtime to Georgia and the lucky white-guy three - a March epidemic - in their first SEC tourney game.  Despite the loss, the Cats would still receive an invitation to the NCAA tournament, although it’s as an 11-seed.

March 20 - Freaking Marquette again.  Despite a performance for the ages from Joe Crawford, the Cats didn’t have enough to stop the Golden Eagles and were sent packing on the first day of the tournament, 74-66.  I was upset.

April 3 - T. Boone Pickens reportedly is after Gillispie.  I think I’ve made myself clear on this issue.

April 3 - Gillispie eulogizes Mr. Wildcat, Bill Keightely, at his memorial service in Rupp Arena after his sudden passing.

Whew.  That’s a lot for just one  year.  So, what do you think is in store for year 2?  I’d say he walks on water and sleeps with your mom, sister and girlfriend.  I’d settle for a big man, though.