John Calipari Won’t Keep Any Kentucky Wildcats From The Draft

Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

John Calipari has said that he runs a player first program. That has been shown time and time again, as he helps players reach their potential on their way to becoming an NBA player. The two biggest examples of this are Josh Harrelson and DeAndre Liggins, who both went from completely off the radar to solid second round draft picks under Calipari’s guidance. Of course, in addition to the two biggest success stories, there are the numerous first round draft picks that have come through Kentucky. However, with some of these players have come questions.

Some of the players that have left Kentucky after one year have been told they would have been better off staying another year. Daniel Orton comes to mind as one. But, as Calipari has preached all along, he will do whatever is best for the individual. If that means the player gets their paycheck to help out their family or simply reach their ultimate goals, then so be it. Fast forward to this years freshman, and their may be some questionable decisions come time for the NBA Draft declaration deadline. The two that come to mind are Andrew and Aaron Harrison. Coming in, both players were projected to be top-15 picks. However, after a season of inconsistency, both players find themselves unlisted in all of the major draft projections.

If the Harrison twins were to declare after the season, they would most likely still be drafted. Their selections would be much lower than they were expecting coming in though, as they would be lucky to be drafted in the first round at all. John Calipari said in the SEC Coaches’ Teleconference earlier today that he would not dissuade a player from declaring early for the draft if they were projected to go in the second round. Below is the entirety of his statement, which includes what he would prefer they do.

"Well, it is hard, but again, if you’re about these kids you’ve got to do what’s right for them. So at the end of the year I’m not going to convince a kid who’s in the draft or even DeAndre Liggins, who wanted to go in the second round or a Jodie Meeks, who, ‘I’m good if I’m in the second round.’ I’m not holding kids back. So, at the end of the day, I’ve got to do what’s right for them, and I would tell you that one year, I don’t think these kids are ready. Now, I’m not going to hold anybody back, but I think it would be better two years, that they’d be better pros, they’d be more mature, they’d be more ready to walk in and have success.With this coming out from Calipari today, don’t be surprised at if more than the three guaranteed first rounders declare for the 2014 NBA Draft. If this happens, it could be another struggle come next season. And it’s unsure if Calipari would stick around for another year of talented, but misguided freshman-laden team. For now, fans should sit back and hope everything clicks now that the postseason is here. After a disappointing regular season, something magical is going to have to happen for this team to redeem themselves. And that is something that they can most certainly do. Published on 03/10/2014 at 8:00 PM EDTLast updated on 06/27/2019 at 2:06 PM EDT Well, it is hard, but again, if you’re about these kids you’ve got to do what’s right for them. So at the end of the year I’m not going to convince a kid who’s in the draft or even DeAndre Liggins, who wanted to go in the second round or a Jodie Meeks, who, ‘I’m good if I’m in the second round.’ I’m not holding kids back. So, at the end of the day, I’ve got to do what’s right for them, and I would tell you that one year, I don’t think these kids are ready. Now, I’m not going to hold anybody back, but I think it would be better two years, that they’d be better pros, they’d be more mature, they’d be more ready to walk in and have success."