Many people say that Kentucky fans are hard to please, but fans say the idea of cheering for Coach Gillispie is growing on them and the new coach says he's ready for the challenge.

Cats fans in Hazard were waiting to cheer for the new coach Friday, even though some were still taking in the details of that other coach who declined the job Thursday. Some say that they don't need to know much about Billy Gillispie.

"I like the one thing I know about him. He beat Louisville in the NCAA Tournament. I like him beating Louisville and I liked the style he did it with! That's all I know but I'd like to know more," said Donald Farler.

Others think he's already proven himself as worthy of the job.

"His track record has been very solid and I anticipate him being very successful at UK," said Harold Mullins.

And as the official announcement came in, UK officials and the new coach were excited to see Cats fans catch the excitement.

"There's nothing that matches the passion of Kentucky fans and they were passionately involved in this process and I appreciate that," said Mitch Barnhardt.

And Coach Gillispie says he knows UK fans are tough, but he's got a challenge for the fans at what he calls the best place in college basketball.

"I'm going to call on the fans, hey, as great as you've been, let's take it up a notch," Gillispie said.

Thousands of fans are already greeting him in Lexington, and across Eastern Kentucky, and coach, they're ready to play.