What another first-round exit suggests for Kentucky and John Calipari
Mar 21, 2024, 10:45 PM ET When it all began, Kentucky was dancing. Actually. John Wall, the first-class freshman and anchor of John Calipari’s very first recruiting class at Kentucky throughout the 2009-10 season, had actually gone viral with a dance that fans around the country simulated. From there, it was the go to the national title in 2012 with future NBA superstar Anthony Davis. The 2014-15 squad made the Final 4 after a 38-0 start. And after that, the glory stopped.Editor’s Picks
1 Associated The No. 3 seed Wildcats ’80-76 loss to 14-seed Oakland in the preliminary of the men’s NCAA tournament Thursday night extended a continuous trend for blue-blood program that continues to recruit a few of the very best players in America however has actually failed to translate that skill into considerable postseason wins over the past decade. Give the Golden Grizzlies credit for outplaying Kentucky for 40 minutes, and for Jack Gohlke’s explosive 32-point performance.Yet, for a group
that has one NCAA tournament win given that the 2019 edition, the future appears unpredictable after its newest loss. ESPN’s Myron Medcalf, John Gasaway and Jeff Borzello discuss the significance of this loss for Kentucky and the win for Oakland.What was the most crucial moment of the game? play 0:25 Oakland’s dagger 3 helps fuel upset of Kentucky No. 14 seed Oakland’s DQ Cole hits a dagger 3 from the corner as
the Golden Grizzlies hold on for an upset of No. 3 seed Kentucky in the preliminary of the NCAA tournament.John Gasaway: With apologies to the fantastic Jack Gohlke, the corner 3 DQ Cole hit with 37 seconds left in
the game was absolutely important. Kentucky had actually pulled within one, and it appeared like possibly the Wildcats were going to win after all. Then Cole nailed the shot that sealed UK’s fate.Myron Medcalf: From the 8:14 mark up until the 4:43 mark of the 2nd half, Oakland had simply one basket. That was the stretch that enabled Kentucky to lastly make a run and cut Oakland’s result in 64-62. Ninety seconds later on, though, the Wildcats were down by 6 again. They had a shot, and then they let it escape once again. They hit shots down the stretch to keep the game close, however the earlier run had actually been an opportunity to strike– and they simply could not. Jeff Borzello: The moment Gohlke checked out the game with 15:55 left in the very first half. He tried 2 3-pointers in his very first 32 seconds on the flooring– missing them both– but brought a self-confidence and energy that never vanished. He ended up producing among the famous performances in recent NCAA tournament history, finishing with 32 points off the bench on 10-for-20 3-point shooting. He didn’t attempt a 2-point field goal. It was in line with the rest of his season, as he attempted 327 threes and simply eight 2s. How considerable was this loss for Kentucky? play 0:27 Fans at Gonzaga-McNeese cheer on Oakland’s pounding Kentucky The fans at Gonzaga-McNeese cheer on Oakland in its upset effort over Kentucky.Gasaway: Immensely significant, since it begins the heels of the loss to No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s simply
two years
ago. Now it has taken place again, and this isn’t the method things are expected to work when you’re Kentucky. Look at history, and consider what the fans of Big Blue Country have pertained to expect based purely on reality. The Wildcats were 26-1 in the round of 64 from 1988 through 2019. Now, in the previous 3 tournaments, UK is simply 1-2 because round. That will not be tolerated.Medcalf: It’s substantial because it prompts genuine concerns about Calipari’s technique to winning in this climate, which is changing in real time. Calipari said he told his team after the game that “this one is painful.”The scar from this loss might linger a long time and ultimately result in a management change for the winningest program
in college basketball.What needs to change for the Wildcats going forward?Borzello: Stylistically, this Kentucky team was various and appeared better geared up to win in 2024– and win in March– than past Kentucky teams. Calipari recruited a bunch of quick, dynamic guards who might play quick, make 3s and create their own shots whenever they wanted. And it still didn’t work. In a world in which groups are starting 3 or four elders or
graduate transfers, it’s still hard to win in the NCAA competition with several freshmen in your lineup. Given where Calipari has his most success on the recruiting trail, nevertheless, it’s not likely the Wildcats will suddenly overlook high schoolers. But he might need to land a couple more transfers to much better balance his rosters.What does this mean for John Calipari’s future in Lexington? And is there an apparent solution?Borzello: That’s the elephant in the space. The $33 million elephant. Calipari would be owed simply over that quantity if the program fired him after this season. In theory, there are ways Kentucky can come up with the cash to buy out the rest of his agreement. No Sweet 16 appearances, a single tournament win given that 2019– there’s going to be a large segment of the Kentucky fan base that wants Calipari out.Top stories of the week from Get exclusive access to thousands of
premium posts a year from leading writers. – 2025 NFL complimentary representatives: Stars on the move? “- NCAA guys’s coaching carousel is turning “- Record pace scoring in Premier League”More ESPN +content “The obstacle is who to turn to after Calipari. Baylor’s Scott Drew just revealed he was staying at Baylor after Louisville knocked on his door for its existing opening; Alabama’s Nate Oats simply signed an extension with a substantial buyout;
Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger would cost about$18 million to poach; UConn’s Dan Hurley probably isn’t leaving Storrs. Does Kentucky make a run at someone like Billy Donovan? Between Calipari’s ensured money, purchasing out its next head coach and then paying the new coach’s income, we might be talking about a$ 50 million-plus financial investment. But it will unquestionably be a talking point.Medcalf: The
Kentucky fan base will be more furious than it has ever been. The divorce rumors have actually been brewing for years, and this loss could make it all last. The Calipari buyout is a significant factor. However the program is supported by people with deep pockets, and they might not have to pay the buyout all in one lump amount if it comes down to that.Calipari has actually dominated the one-and-done landscape and drew in both leading high school recruits and elite transfers. With NIL and the website, nevertheless, even the blue bloods aren’t safe. The Wildcats would need a coach who has actually somehow been able to browse the rapidly altering landscape. There’s no clear replacement who can both duplicate Calipari’s success and manage the pressure of coaching in Lexington. He’s probably not leaving, as Jeff stated.
But if Calipari does exit, you call Hurley’s people, request a number that may make him think about it and go from there.How far can Oakland go?Gasaway: Jack Gohlke is the most respected 3-point shooter in the field. Trey Townsend is the Horizon player of the year. Oakland beating Kentucky was a surprise, however it was by no ways unimaginable. Greg Kampe has a group that can score from both inside and outside, as the Wildcats found out all too well. It’s not a good thing for UK that we can compare its recent competition upsets, but this Golden Grizzlies team is about as strong on paper as Saint Peter’s was two years back. A lot of things had to go right for the Peacocks to reach the 2022 Elite 8, however they did make it that far.Borzello: Do not discount another win from Oakland versus the winner of Texas Tech and NC State, even if Gohlke does not struck another 10 3s. Townsend has been unguardable all season, no matter competitors. He had 17 points and 12 rebounds versus Kentucky and in the regular season went for 19 and 10 versus Illinois