Kentucky basketball: 2017-18 Final reactions – Reaction No. 5
Rather than “Rushed Reactions”, this week I will unveil my final reactions from Kentucky basketball’s 2017-18 season. Here is Part 5 of my Final Reactions.
This Kentucky basketball team experienced ups and downs, highs and lows, and drove BBN crazy at times. For the youngest team in college basketball this season, there was plenty to like from this squad. But ultimately not making the Elite 8, and some head-scratching losses, there was plenty to dislike from this squad too. Here is Part 5 of my Final Reactions:
A Reignited John Calipari
This season fatigued Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari, there’s no doubt about it. The players struggled individually and the team struggled as a unit. Calipari was visibly and vocally exhausted during the season. When the Cats had lost three SEC games in a row, Calipari seemed depressed, exhausted, and lacking confidence.
Then there was Coach K and Duke. During the season, Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett, and Cameron Reddish picked Duke over Kentucky. Not only were Calipari and his Wildcats struggling on the court, but Duke was whipping them on the recruiting trail too. How would Coach Cal respond?
The Cats made it to the Sweet 16, largely due to Calipari’s commitment to getting this team to work together. On the back of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Calipari had this team playing great basketball late in the season.
A re-energized Calipari had his team play their way to a SEC Tournament Championship, then two wins in the NCAA Tournament. The Cats struggled in the Sweet 16 though against a veteran Kansas State group. It was clear to Kentucky basketball fans though, the Cats looked much better in March than they did in January and February.
Coach Cal continued to coach and stuck to his principles. He did not waiver and he did not abandon his players. He found a way to get this team to work together and to defend at a terrific level. Coach Cal, the players, and BBN were each noticeably frustrated throughout the season.
But Cal is one tough dude, and he was committed to achieving success with this group. The struggles of this team reignited Calipari and helped push this team to an SEC Tournament Championship and a Sweet 16 appearance.
Coach K signed three of the biggest targets on UK’s recruiting list. Calipari wanted and actively pursued Barrett, Reddish, and Williamson. For a long time, Zion Williamson was a UK favorite, bound for the Bluegrass State. When Zion announced Duke as his pick, it shocked the world of college basketball. More importantly, it crushed BBN, crushed the UK coaching staff, and elevated Duke over UK once again.
Calipari was able to sign three very good, elite players: Tyler Herro, Keldon Johnson, and Immanuel Quickley. Zion was supposed to be UK bound though, and for Duke to “steal” him away was a devastating loss for Calipari.
Coach Cal doesn’t lose very often, especially in head-to-head recruiting battles. The loss of Zion reignited Calipari and his recruiting tactics. Coach Cal has now also signed E.J. Montgomery, a consensus top 15 player in the nation.
Cal now has 4 players in the Top 50 for this class, and all reports indicate he has another player expected to commit soon. If Gilgeous-Alexander announces Monday night that he is going to the NBA (expected to happen by most), Cal is expected to sign the top point guard in the 2019 class. If Calipari is able to sign 2019 Ashton Hagans, AND convince him to reclassify to 2018, this will be a huge recruiting victory for Calipari.
When Coach K finished his 2018 class, several recruiting experts touted this class as one of the best all-time. If Calipari gets a commitment and reclassification from Hagans, UK will surpass Duke as the #1 recruiting group in 2018. For Duke to go from “best class ever” to No. 2, to the hands of Calipari no less, this will propel Kentucky basketball back to the top-dawg in college basketball.
What once seemed like a disaster for BBN – Coach K’s 2018 recruiting class – to now having the possibility of getting the No. 1 overall class, BBN should be well aware that Calipari has been reignited and back to the top of his game.