It's okay to celebrate Mike Krzyzewski but UK has gone from a nine-win team last year to a top five team this season and give John Calipari credit for that. (Vicky Graff Photo)
I know it has been a celebration of Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski time and unlike some I am okay with giving him kudos for what he has accomplished during his career — and also hoping your team does not have to play Duke in the NCAA Tournament when there could be some coach K bias.
However, it’s also time to give Kentucky coach John Calipari credit for what he’s doing this year. Oscar Tshiebwe has been the big national story for Kentucky — and certainly should be.
But think back to a year ago when UK was 9-16 and there were so many questions about the program and whether Calipari might be letting the game pass him by. Not this year. Kentucky is 25-6 going into tonight’s SEC Tournament game, ranked No. 5 and in position to be a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Calipari might have done his best coaching job just reconstructing this roster and he’s one of the Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Semifinalists and should be. Other nominees are Mark Adams (Texas Tech), Ed Cooley (Providence), Scott Drew (Baylor), Steve Forbes (Wake Forest), Greg Gard (Wisconsin), Tommy Lloyd (Arizona), Matt McMahon (Murray State), Bruce Pearl (Auburn) and Kelvin Sampson (Houston) but it’s hard to find anyone more deserving than Calipari.
Kentucky is one of only seven teams in the nation to rank among the nation’s top-25 best in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Kentucky has five players averaging at least 10.1 points per game and rank in the top-20 nationally in assists per game (16.2), field-goal percentage (.489), offensive rebounds per game (12.9), rebound margin (+10.1), scoring margin (14.4), points per game (80.1) and total rebounds per game (40.3).
Calipari rebuilt his rosters with transfers and/or shooters. He looked for experience and basketball skills over just athleticism. It has worked and he has a team that not only plays well but has fun doing it.
Last year’s UK team lost the majority of the fanbase. This team has won the fans back in a big, big way and you have to give Calipari credit for that along with the wins.
Maybe last year was what he needed to refocus and recharge because he’s put UK back at a level where it has been accustomed after a one-year dip and that’s not as easy to do as it sounds.
