John Calipari Addresses Kentucky's Early Exit From NCAA Tournament
John Calipari discussed Kentucky's early exit from the 2024 NCAA tournament on Monday night during his weekly radio show. The 65-year-old head coach acknowledged the sky-high standards set for his program. He hasn't been living up to them them after failing to reach the second weekend of the tournament for the fourth consecutive season.
Kentucky entered this year's tournament as a No. 3 seed and a dark horse Final Four contender. Those dreams were smashed by No. 14 seed Oakland in the First Round. A Wildcats squad loaded with five-star talent was bested by the Golden Grizzlies, 80-76. Kentucky had no answer for sharpshooter Jack Gohlke, who dropped 32 points while hitting 10 three-pointers.
In his first 10 seasons in Lexington, Calipari took Kentucky to seven Elite Eights, four Final Fours and won a national title. They haven't gotten out of the first weekend since 2019, and haven't won an SEC championship since 2020. Calipari has gone 410-122 in his 15 seasons at Kentucky, posting a .771 winning percentage. But fans are getting restless.
While he didn't directly address his job status, Calipari said he's going to talk to athletic director Mitch Barnhart this week. He also revealed he has yet to talk to his players about their plans for next season. He said, "If someone says to me, 'I'm coming back,' the first thing I'm saying is, 'Under eight months until the first game next year, let's go.' Because I want this taste out of my mouth."
Calipari also acknowledged he may have to change the way he constructs rosters.
"Having this program in today’s environment, it’s a little different now,” Calipari said. “How do you continue to do it with freshmen — what do they have to look like physically — and how do you bring in some transfers out of the portal? I like the combination of both."
However he decides to do it, Calipari must get things turned around at Kentucky. The program's fans won't be patient if he doesn't find tournament success next season.
