Vicky Graff Photo
The numbers the last four years for Kentucky coach John Calipari are far from the “gold standard” that he talks about for Kentucky basketball.
Kentucky is 2-8 in its last 10 postseason games in SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament play after Thursday’s 80-76 loss to Oakland. In all 10 games, UK was favored but won only two.
Recently fired Kentucky women’s coach Kyra Elzy had more postseason wins in the last four years than Calipari.
Kentucky’s record the last four seasons is 80-46, a .635 winning percentage. That includes just one NCAA Tournament win in 2023. Kentucky stats guru Corey Price put together the records of other UK head coaches in their final 126 games to compare with Calipari’s mark the last four years.
They numbers were: Rick Pitino, 110-16 (.873); Adolph Rupp, 104-22 (.825); Joe Hall, 92-34 (.730); Tubby Smith, 91-35 (.722); and Eddie Sutton, 87-39 (.690).
Price also came up with this tidbit: If you only look at seasons in which Kentucky was eligible for postseason play and there were at least two possible postseason tournaments to play in (SEC/NCAA/NIT) (1938-1952, 1979-1989, 1992-2019, 2021-2024), this is UK’s fewest postseason wins (two) in any four-season span in those time frames.
Kentucky has just one NCAA Tournament win since Calipari since a 10-year contract extension in 2019 when UCLA was pursuing him. Kentucky has not been to a Final Four since 2015.
Clearly the numbers are not trending in a positive direction for Calipari and/or Kentucky and fans are obviously not happy with the coach. However, Calipari did not sound like a coach ready to step away from Kentucky after Thursday’s painful loss.
“I’ve done this with young teams my whole career, and it’s going to be hard for me to change that, because we’ve helped so many young people and their families that I don’t see myself just saying, okay, we’re not going to recruit freshmen. I mean, the thing that we’ve been blessed with is families bring their sons to us and we do what we’re supposed to do to help them prepare for the rest of their lives,” Calipari said.
“But I’ve taken some older guys, and we’ve done it. I like what we were doing offensively. How do we get tougher? How do we get more physical? My teams defensively in rebounding have all been better than this, but we’ve never been like this offensively. I kind of like coaching the way I did this year.
“So we’ve gotta figure out who’s coming back and who’s not. We got this transfer stuff going on. We may not need it. We have an unbelievable group coming in that I feel really good about. We add some guys and they stay. I mean, you know — I’m going to — I’ll meet with them tonight. I talked to them after.
“But I’m going to meet with them in my room tonight, and these guys took this really hard. I mean, they took it really hard. I mean they’re — and I took it hard.”
He mentioned again that he felt bad for UK fans, especially those who traveled to Pittsburgh to watch UK play. However, he said it was a “different animal” at Kentucky with the way things are done.
“We’ve been able to help so many kids and win so many games and Final Fours, national titles and all this stuff, win league championships with young guys. It’s changed on us,” Calipari said.
“All of a sudden it’s gotten really old. So we’re playing teams that our average age is 19. Their average age is 24 and 25. So do I change because of that? Maybe add a couple older guys to supplement.”
Again, does not sound like a coach contemplating anything but how he can figure out a way to win at UK in the 2024-25 season.
36 Responses
UCLA baby, he should have gone to LA ten years ago, they wouldn’t want him now!
Con man Calipari
Every dollar AD Barnie gets paid should go directly to pay toward the ridiculous payments he GAVE AWAY to the fraud with a contract beyond sane.
UK has been the victim of the biggest CON job in BB history by those 2.
The fraud is not paid to pretend to make kids millionaires. Those will make millions regardless which college they to go for 6 months of basketball.
Amen, he talks like he made them millions. Their talent makes them millions not Calipari’s development, their development comes when they get NBA coaching and training. Calipari was a failure as a NBA coach. He acts like an absolute fool on the sidelines. He is a HOF recruiter but a pathetic X and O’s coach. He truly has rolled out the ball and let the players try to figure it out . While he talks about how he has made players rich never forget it’s like he’s a multi level marketing scammer who has gotten rich himself. His was recently on the list of the highest over paid coaches.
The great UK BB so many of us lament being cheated out of enjoying has been buried under the BS lies the fraud spews out of his mouth every time it opens.
We want ACCOUNTABILITY
Where is the UK President & all administrators who allowed this to happen?
Come out from hiding!
Speak up AD Barnie!
Larry Vaught… this " different animal " thing bothers me.. UK is inherently challenging to coach.. he compounds to the difficulty . He acts like he’s the only guy in the whole rodeo circuit that can ride this bull known as UK Basketball. We’ve won 1 title since he’s been here. Apparently other coaches have tamed the "animal" at other schools.. He’s deflecting. And a bullshit artist
I like how national championships is plural. More bullshit gaslighting.
One more thing.. This idea that recruits won’t make it to the NBA without going to UK is a complete lie and gaslighting by Cal. You don’t need UK to make it.
Amen. Dirks Minefield.
Let me say 1 more thing . I love UK fans. I’ve seen no fans better anywhere ever. I feel bad for the fans. The ones still here and that have left. I feel bad for the fans that get up and go to work everyday, and know that if they go to work and offer excuses and constant b.s. like Calipari to they’re employers they’d be down the road fast. To the fans who make the UK tradition a priority and rush home to watch them on tv, I say I love you all . And I don’t like a coach that seeks to define what a real UK fans is. He doesn’t have a clue about us.
The "numbers" have been "trending" the wrong way since 2015.
I am pleased that there is an increasing level of awareness of this deterioration of the UK program by more people.
Professor I’ve had way to much caffeine this morning and I’m on a roll and still pissed.. Cal treats us like he’s our daddy. Tells us how to feel . Plays the victim and sympathetic figure . What we can say . I’m done.
As usual, the Professor nails it 100%!
Every condescending remark he has made about the UK fan base has been as spiteful as possible, with every intent to demean the BBN. His arrogance went off the charts when he proclaimed he is king.
He is insane & this fact should be used to remove him without having to pay a cent.
Every administrator who had the authority to immediately nullify the contract should all have 50% of every dollar they have been paid since 2019 given to UK to pay for the institution which gets stuck with the fraud.
Larry Vaught, this is one of the very best articles on any site for many years with info that shines a bright light on a dark person.
Facts & figures are the source of the many remarkable posts the Professor has produced for many years. They expose the flaws of the fraud based on indisputable facts, and yet many have pummeled him with nasty remarks and attacks because of their love for the fraud.
Many thanks to you, Larry v, the Professor, Barry & many others acknowledging the urgent need to end the rule of the blasphemous self-appointed king.
I’m 61 now , born and raised in Kentucky, I’ve been a "blue blood" all my life even out of the state. But I’m DONE with supporting, watching, and purchasing basketball related merchandise until Cal is GONE!
PERIOD!
Apparently only one person in the world doesn’t realizes how dumb it is
to offer a lifetime contract to anyone involved in sports.
Now we all know who that person is. And he has created a nightmare.
The word is out Barnhart is going to make a decision soon weather let him go or not.
The problem is the assistant coaches. Calipari has some assistant coaches that have been there a long time because they can’t get jobs anywhere else. The coach is the leader but the assistant coaches are the developers and trainers. Mitch Barnhart needs to demand that all assistant coaches be fired and recruit new coaching staff. Put Calipari on notice. Give him 1 year to produce a final four team and 2 years to produce a championship. If he doesn’t do both, then he should resign. His contract was based on winning and if you don’t produce you don’t get paid. In life we all have to produce or we don’t get paid. We all have to work for someone else. We either work for a client or we work for a supervisor. Why should he get to do what he wants instead of what his boss wants? The university and the tax payers pay to win championships not put kids in the nba. Putting kids in the NBA is his pride. His pride is destroying our basketball community. He can keep his pride but not on Kentuckys hard working fans dime. It’s time to listen to your boss or leave without pay.
Two of the assistants were new this year
I can’t imagine another year of him.
Put Calipari on notice. Give him 1 year to produce a final four team and 2 years to produce a championship. If he doesn’t do both, then he should resign. His contract was based on winning and if you don’t produce you don’t get paid. In life we all have to produce or we don’t get paid. We all have to work for someone else. We either work for a client or we work for a supervisor. Why should he get to do what he wants instead of what his boss wants? The university and the tax payers pay to win championships not put kids in the nba. Putting kids in the NBA is his pride. His pride is destroying our basketball community. He can keep his pride but not on Kentuckys hard working fans dime. It’s time to listen to your boss or leave without pay.
The contract is what it is. Thanks Mr. Barnhart.
As I understand the situation, the contract provides Calipari the option to retire from the bench while he would remain with the UKAA in an administrative role at a fixed salary for the rest of his life. I understand that this is the first year that the contract gives him that option.
This option is his version of a golden parachute, and it is time for Barnhart to pull the rip cord and open that golden shute up for Calipari. Yes, I realize the option belongs to Calipari, but I want Barnhart to be proactive in moving the man to that choice.
I hope the Mr. Barnhart and Calipari are already in conversation about exercising this option NOW!!!!!!
Barnhart doesn’t have the sense to pour piss out of his own boot. He needs to be fired as well!
Ok, if Cal’s “True” goal is to help kids and families, that is very admirable. But, couldn’t he do that in the G league? Those kids “Need” to be be coached and helped with the development of their skills! However, those coaches don’t make 8 million dollars a year. They are not on television 2-3 times a week. Their only goal is to improve players abilities.
Honestly, I can’t see much if any improvement in our “OADs” (One And Done) from the time they arrive till 6 months later when they leave. I’m not placing ANY blame on the kids! Who wouldn’t take a multi-million dollar contract for doing a job they “Love.” As a previous comment stated, their talent will get them to the NBA. Speaking of the NBA, why should a kid HAVE to go to school for one year? They are not going to mature physically in that one year. Either let them come straight out of high school or stay in college for a minimum of 2 years which would actually give them a period for growth and maturation. Have them focus on finance and take classes in that area. That will better prepare them for determining good investments and sound financial decisions in their soon to be wealthy world.
Cal, if you are true to your word, “Prove It!” Pursue your dreams and goals of helping others. As I said earlier, that is admirable. But PLEASE do not hold UK hostage with a 33 million dollar ransom. UK has been good to you! UK gave you your only NCAA championship. You mentioned coaching at UK is a different animal and a tough job. Maybe, you are no longer able to handle the pressure of this big stage? You can’t relax here. There are lots of eyes watching. Little things are noticed (no tie with the jacket?).
I can assure you of one thing. The pressure will NEVER dissipate!!! We are BBN. As Dirk stated, our fans are the “Best!” We travel and support like no other! So, before you destroy UK, and turn us into the UOAD, buck up and be a man of your word.
Prove it! Walk away!
Another two years of Calipari and we will be the next INDIANA!!!
Or Louisville
Cal simply don’t care about winning! He just wants to help kids headed to the NBA play a better game. Kentucky fans have had enough of “ big head Cal”. They need to hire an X’s and O’s coach and move on. Might hurt a tad on recruiting, I don’t believe much because of Kentucky tradition, before Cal ruins it all. Let’s get back to championship basketball!
I disagree Paul
If you have the #1 or 2 recruiting class most years, you don’t lose in the 1st round in the SEC or NCAA tournaments
He does not build a team of complimentary players but collects supposed 5* talent. He also does not have a balanced Fr thru Sr roster. This year 7 fresh, 2 Soph who barely played last year 0 Jrs and 2 grad transfers. Mostly playing against teams with a core of Jr, Sr, Grads. Boys vs Men!
The man can recruit but that by itself is not enough. Barnhart created this mess,let him pay the $33 million or go with him!
Cal’s contract is not a one time buyout. It’s prorated over the life of the contract that expires in 2029. It would be $6.6 million per year. Also his contract has an offset clause if he gets a coaching contract elsewhere then that new contract’s dollars offsets what UK owes up to the end of UK’s contract in 2029. Cal is the second highest paid BB coach in the nation at $8.5 million per year. Kentucky taxpayers are being ripped off big time for value for their dollar. No corporation in the business world would put up with Cal’s performance. No one is irreplaceable. You learn that fact quickly in the military world. We have been forced to drink the koolaid for five years. Enough is enough. I could think of many coaches who could do a better job for $8.5 million a year.
I cringe everytime I hear Cal say, "It’s all about the kids." No, it’s about the name on the front of the uniform, not the back! It’s about winning baby, not putting players in the NBA. I don’t even watch the NBA. The really sad part about it, I lobbied Barnheart to bring Cal to KY. This was before the dumb hire of Billy G. Cal brought excitement back to BBN. Barnheart really should be let go as well. The lifetime contract was the beginning of the end. It basically allowed Cal to do whatever he wanted to. Even lose ballgames. IF Cal is allowed to stay, this should be the law laid down. 1. A good regular season showing. No losing to inferior teams. 2. At least runner-up SEC Tournament. 3. At least elite 8. If it’s not achieved, your done, it’s over.
Exactly Sammy
Larry your article has s spot on. We all know the Cal wagon has run its course. He has taken the joy out of even watching the NCAA tournament. I grew up in Eastern Ky Coal Fields back in the day where UK basketball was a thing of pride that held everyone together. That’s what it should be about the State and it’s people . It’s not about the kids as Cal keeps saying. It’s about teaching kids to be young men and being part of something bigger than themselves. Teaching them life is not just about them but being apart of something everyone takes pride in. Cal lost complete sight of what Ky basketball is all about He just doesn’t get it himself so we shouldn’t expect the players to get it. He teaches individualism and protect yourself for the NBA draft. He mak s it clear that’s his focus. I love the Cats and have that Coal Mining pride in them taught by my father. It’s about the people not the players
The PROBLEM with the KY BB is that 24,00 ( WHITE FANS fill the RUPP ARENA game after GAME to watch 5 or 7 black players and a VERY FEWWWW ( BLACK FANS ) PLAYERS FAMILY are in RUPP in which they are the PLAYERS FAMILY.REED SHEPPARD was a PLEASURE to WATCH in WHICH ( X and O ) CAL treated him WRONG the SAME as HE DID BOOKER a few years BACK. THE other 4 or 5 WHITE /BALL PLAYERS on the BENCH NEVER seems to get in a ball GAME EVEN THOUGH CAL is ahead 20 to 30 POINTS AHEAD with only a few minutes to go .EVERY KY BB FAN in KY needs to SEND (((2 YES TWO DOLLARS to the UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY to BUY out CAL.PLEASE let me KNOW where to SEND MY ((2 DOLLARS in support ) of his LEAVING. I HAVE BEEN A KY BB FAN for ( 75 yes 75 ( years ) and IF HE comes BACK I will NEVER WATCH a KY BB GAME EVER. I feel for TRAVIS PERRY he will be TREATED just LIKE REED SHEPPARD ,was. RESPECTFULLY
Does helping the kids mean just the NBA wannabes or the entire roster including the walk-ones? I am retired, but if I went to my employer and stated that my goal is to help single mothers and I will only be working 6 hours vs 8 hours each day to accomplish my goal, I would be unemployed. CCC’s contract does not state his job is to help players get to the NBA even if it affects the team’s record. He can do that on his own time. He has no superiors with any fortitude to sit him down and tell him to shut up. Should have been done after the greatest day in UK history back in 2012 or 13. UK has let this “child” get away with doing anything he wants to do and the result is this uncontrollable brat in an adults body. Sick of him and his “we are young” comments. He is stealing money and those in charge are the culprits. Fan since 1969 living and dying with these teams. I am done as long as this moron is in charge. Believe spineless Mitch will have a press conference on Monday to announce that COW will be the coach for 1 more year giving fans an opportunity all next season to tell him how great he is.
Cal just sux. I wouldn’t give anymore attention!
Comments are closed.