I’ve heard John Calipari described as a con artist who wins through recruting only – and through shady recruiting too. Having seen the Kentucky All Access DVD’s I’m very sure that the man can coach, and can coach really well (those DVD’s come very recommended).
On the recruitment – and on the man in general – Sports Illustrated ran a feature article a while back (which I only just saw). It’s a really good insight into what makes a big-time college coach:
Too Slick, Too Loud, Too Successful