Changes are taking place across college basketball, and at the heart of them is Kentucky, which has made a major move by bringing in a top new athletic director in the form of J Batt. The former Michigan State man leaves at a crucial time, and Spartans coach Tom Izzo clearly isn’t happy about it.
When asked about Batt leaving Michigan State for Kentucky, Izzo didn’t mince words while pointing out how it leaves his program in a potentially tough spot.
“I’ll be very honest: I can’t stand what’s going on. … I’ve had it. This is self-inflicted. We just lost the best president that’s ever been here. … I’m very upset about it. And I’m sick of it,” Izzo said.
The Kentucky Wildcats confirmed the hire of Batt as their new AD on Monday, with the university president providing some kind words in a statement.
“I am pleased to announce that J Batt has accepted my offer to become CEO of Champions Blue and Director of Athletics at the University of Kentucky,” he wrote.
“J described our work as being in the ‘opportunity business.’ That perspective reflects not only the role of athletics, but the mission we all share at UK. Please join me in welcoming J and his family to Big Blue Nation.”
What Will J Batt Bring to Kentucky?
J Batt has been around for a bit and held some top executive positions, making him no stranger to the highest level of collegiate sports. Batt is considered a no-nonsense AD, making strong decisions when required if it’s for the benefit of the program.
Georgia Tech basketball coach Josh Pastner was fired in 2023 by Batt when he was just five months into the job, and more recently, he got rid of Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith just five months into his job, too, suggesting there might be some nervousness in the Kentucky coaching ranks as a result.
It’s clear the Wildcats want a strong AD willing to make tough decisions to help them push on and turn the money spent into a credible winning year in Lexington.
