Vicky Graff Photo
Well, it’s been two days since Kentucky lost to Kansas State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Head coach John Calipari has absorbed a lot of blame for this year and recent seasons (mostly deserved) but it’s tough to put Sunday’s season-ending loss on him.
Kentucky’s one-two punch of Antonio Reeves and Jacob Toppin (both seniors) combined to shoot 2-22 from the floor. Kentucky also coughed the ball up 16 times, which led to easy baskets for Kansas State at the other end.
The loss marks a fourth straight year Kentucky has been absent from the Sweet Sixteen (including the COVID year). Anyone who was followed the program the last decade knows things aren’t how they used to be with Kentucky basketball.
So what’s changed? Where does Calipari go from here?
The UK coach expects all six of his seniors to leave in the offseason and both Cason Wallace as well as Chris Livingston are expected to be NBA draft targets. That implies heavy turnover is once again on the horizon – which may not be the end of the world. Kentucky’s recruiting class is believed to be one of the better classes Calipari has had at Kentucky. If they can come in and flip the script next season, fans will be relieved. If not, one can only imagine more turmoil will surface.
It’s a long offseason ahead with lots of questions to be answered. In the meantime, here’s a look at Kentucky’s final game of their 2023 season.
Kentucky-Kansas State
Vicky Graff Photos
