Kentucky coach John Calipari thinks Florida is already good enough to be in the NCAA Tournament even if it does not beat UK today. (Vicky Graff Photo)
If the NCAA Tournament selection committee took Kentucky coach John Calipari’s advice, it would put eight Southeastern Conference teams into the tournament. Certainly, Florida would not be considered a bubble team like most college basketball analysts think it is going into today’s home game with Kentucky, a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA.
Calipari points out Florida has wins over Ohio State and Auburn, the SEC champion and a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA, too.
“Why should they have to beat us to get in? I think that’s a bunch of crap. I do,” Calipari said.
Hopefully ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi will not take Calipari’s criticism personally because he’s leading the charge that Florida needs a win over UK to make the NCAA party.
That certainly will have today’s crowd at Florida amped but that’s not really new when the Cats come to town.
“I’d say it’s definitely unique to be playing (for) Kentucky,” senior Kellan Grady said Friday. “I think for the most part we cherish it and are excited about a challenging opportunity.
“Tomorrow will be no different, and we’ll be ready for it.”
Grady even admitted playing all those “Super Bowl” games is kind of fun.
“Let me say this: what’s more rewarding than knowing you’re getting the other team’s best, and you still win?” Grady said. “I believe it gets us ready for March.
“There is a level of getting used to this. It’s all about keeping things in perspective. We try to approach every game with the same amount of concentration. Our coaches do a good job channeling the outside noise. We talk about avoiding the clutter.”
