Now that UK will most likely accept an invitation to the NIT, I have read many comments that 'Gillispie deserves another year as head coach'.  What has he done to deserve these additional years?

Does he have the program heading in the right direction?  Is the trend up?  Has the team played better as the season progressed?  Has he professionally handled the media?  Does he treat the incredible fan-base with the respect they deserve?  Has he explained his philosophy or strategy sufficiently to garner confidence from the administration, team, or fans?  Do his players support him (be careful with assessing the recent public answers to direct questions over the last couple of days...the players had no choice but to answer in the afffirmative)?  Has he successfully recruited; has the 2008 class met UK standards?  Has he represented the university in the manner that should be expected?

The only real reason that I can determine, is that it would harm the program if he was removed after only two years.  But from what I have seen, he hasn't done anything to deserve another year.