On paper, Kentucky looks like it has it all as it gears up for Monday’s season opener against Howard.
But John Calipari isn’t convinced this team is ready to depart – at least not yet.
On Tuesday, Calipari tweeted a video aimed at alleviating expectations for Kentucky’s men’s basketball team. Oskar ZibweWood Award incumbent, and multiple standouts who helped the Wildcats rank fourth in the Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll.
Kentucky’s nonconference schedule includes four top 25 teams: Michigan, Gonzaga, Kansas and UCLA.
“We have a player of the year and another first-team All-Conference. [player]”We have good young players, but let me explain. You know I’m honest about things,” Calipari said. , “We can get a little shaky.”
message to #BBN Before heading to practice today: Enjoy this ride! pic.twitter.com/ebvbBEldrL
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) November 1, 2022
It’s a strange message for a head coach who has struggled in recent months to avoid controversy among his devoted fans. Last season he lost to No. 15 seed St. Peters in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, extending his Four drought to his seventh year in the program finals.
Calipari then called Kentucky a “basketball school” and asked the university to fund his team’s new practice facility during an exhibition trip to the Bahamas. It was interpreted as an attack on the Kentucky football program. Kentucky athletic director Mitch Bernhardt told reporters that a new practice facility is not a priority at this time.
The Wrap Arena at Big Blue Madness, Kentucky Basketball’s Midnight Madness event, didn’t have the atmosphere that the Calipari-era men’s basketball program enjoyed in its prime.
Tsiebwe, who was wearing walking boots that night, said he had knee surgery and will return to play in the team’s first game next week. Chris Livingston When Casson Wallacea pair of five-star recruits are also mixed. servile wheeler He is expected to be a major contributor again after dealing with a minor knee injury in recent weeks. Jacob ToppinFormer lottery Obi Toppin’s brother may have a breakout campaign.
But in his video, Calipari called on fans to persevere and “enjoy the ride” as the team looks to build momentum heading into the SEC season.
“What we’re building and what we’re doing every day, these guys provide everything,” said Calipari. “I love my pieces. I love my teammates. But what we have to do to win at the highest level takes some time. I’m saying this for me and you.” .”
