Even though he signed a “lifetime contract” with Kentucky a few years ago, and is the highest paid coach in the NCAA, the future of John Calipari seemed more uncertain than ever in recent days.
The fault was a new elimination in the first round of “March Madness”, even though the Wildcats were the #3 seed in the South region, and they lost against Oakland, seeded #14.
“As we usually do at the end of each season, Coach Calipari and I have had conversations about the direction of our men's basketball program and I can confirm that he will return for his 16th season as head coach.”, however announced Mitch Barnhartdirector of the sports department.
However, John Calipari is well aware that the University of Lexington, with its eight NCAA titles, will not tolerate disappointing seasons like this forever.
“I spoke again about the standard (…) that I believe in, that I think we can achieve”, he explained on his radio show. “This standard of winning titles has been there since Coach Rupp (champion with the Wildcats in 1948, 1949, 1951 and 1958) and the only thing I can say to our fans is that they know that I will continue to work. For our state, for our program, for our university. This is my commitment. I won't change, 24/7. Let's do it. »
Criticized for relying on very young staff, in an NCAA which has changed in recent years with the NIL, John Calipari does not really promise a revolution. He is counting on his future freshmen (Karter Knox, Jayden Quaintance and Johnuel Fland), all in the Top 25 among high school students, perhaps adding a few more experienced players via the transfer portal, to relaunch the team. next season.
