Kentucky Basketball: Top 30 Wildcats games in John Calipari Era

Jul 20, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Josh Harrellson (55) argues a call during the NBA Summer League Final against San Antonio at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

24. Josh Harrellson’s Coming Out Party

(10-11)

What better time to come out and prove yourself than against the arch-rival Louisville Cardinals?

To many, that is the perfect time to come out and show who you are and that is exactly what Josh Harrellson did.

In one of the most mind-boggling ways, Josh Harrellson led the Kentucky Wildcats to win over the Louisville Cardinals in their first match up at the new arena, the YUM! Center. Of course, like any other team would, the Cardinals desperately wanted to win their first big match up in their new arena, but Josh Harrellson had other plans.

Harrellson led the Wildcats with his career high 23 points and 14 rebounds. Even John Calipari was surprised.

"The Kentucky senior center found the answer in the lonely moments before practice, as he completed another difficult conditioning session mandated by John Calipari as punishment for comments he made on Twitter venting his frustration over the coach’s reluctance to praise him in any variety. “I knew I couldn’t let my teammates down,” Harrellson said. “I knew they were counting on me.” Now more than ever. Harrellson scored a career-high 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds on Friday as the Wildcats (No. 12 ESPN/USA Today, No. 11 AP) beat Louisville (No. 20 ESPN/USA Today, No. 22 AP) 78-63, a performance so complete it left his normally verbose coach virtually speechless. “Josh had 23 points and 14 rebounds?” Calipari asked while glancing at the stat sheet. “Oh my gosh.” Calipari wasn’t the only one. He made 10 of 12 field goals — including his second 3-pointer of the season — as the Wildcats (11-2) controlled their in-state rivals over the final 30 minutes. He walked off the court in the final moments and received a hug from Calipari, a moment unfathomable in October as Harrellson found himself buried deep in his coach’s doghouse. Calipari told Harrellson he was proud of him, and offered Harrellson’s determination as proof that careers can turn around no matter how late it seems. Harrellson languished on the bench most of last season behind freshman All-American DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, Daniel Orton and Perry Stevenson. “Last year I just didn’t have time for him, and that’s not fair,” Calipari said."

We’ll never forget that strong performance by Harrellson. It was something that had to be included on this list.

Next: Duke Smuke