kentucky is running off this year, setting a record of 3-1, Gonzaga on sunday. The only loss for the Wildcats was Michigan On Tuesday, however, a hot start hasn’t stopped speculation about John Calipari’s future at Lexington.
USA Today writer Dan Wolken covered Calipari when he was coaching him. memphisThe Wildcats, of course, lost to the 15th seed in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. st petersbut they’re looking to avenge that loss, so they started the season early.
Still, Wolken says the success of March Madness will be a big factor in determining Calipari’s future.
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“If the story is set that some of what he’s doing is a little dated, he’s washed up and doesn’t have the same juices he had in the program. It goes down quickly.” It’s going to be a slope,” said Walken. Said on Friday’s “The Gary Parrish Show.” If he didn’t, I’ll put this prediction out here now, but I think he’s got another year left if they don’t make it to the Elite 8 this year. ”
In addition to 3-1 starts, Kentucky also has a lot of success on the Recruit Trail. The Wildcats currently have the number one class in the nation. On3 Consensus Team Recruitment Ranking, led by four top ten recruits.center Aaron Bradshaw He is the highest-rated player in the group, and enters as the third-best player in the nation, according to . On3 Consensusa complete, equally weighted industry average utilizing all four major recruiting media companies.
Dan Wolken: A lot of pressure on Kentucky’s John Calipari
But Wolken said pressure appeared to be building around Calipari. A loss to Michigan isn’t much of a reason for him to be worried, but he thinks this year’s postseason will help clarify his future.
“I’m not going to judge Kentucky or disrespect it based on (the loss against Michigan),” said Walken. “But in the big picture I think there is a lot of pressure on Calipari. I think the clock is ticking, really. I’m not saying he’ll be fired, but the story begins.
“And strange things have already happened…he now refuses to continue kentucky sports radio, Kentucky’s most listened radio show ever, Matt Jones’ show. … Five years ago, was he always there? He was doing that show all the time because it was his way of communicating with most of his fanbase. So if he’s basically going against those who supported him greatly in the first part of his tenure, that shows where his head is now. He feels surrounded. ”
