2013 was probably Cal’s best coaching job yet.
For Kentucky 2013 was one of the most exciting NCAA Tournament runs by not only the Wildcats but maybe any team in the history of college basketball.
This was the season of change with the hand-checking rule in an effort to get teams more scoring and the supposed disappearance of the flop. Debate all you want on the effectiveness of both rules.
Comprised of players like twins Aaron and Andrew Harrison, Julius Randle, James Young, Alex Poythress, and Willie Caley-Stein the team was balanced inside and out.
The one-and-done philosophy of Cal that always draws haters also drew as much criticism for the loaded talent he had on this team. A more of too much coming in and not enough leaving.
Kentucky struggled some during the regular season, finishing 22-9 but lost 10 games during the regular season with a lot of talent. He went 1-6 against ranked teams, including 0-3 against Florida. to go with losing six games in the SEC. As the season wound down and Cals teams are supposed to be peaking – the Wildcats dropped three of four.
Kentucky drew a dangerous No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and was placed in what many dubbed as the “bracket of death.”
UK was able to overcome a scrappy Kansas State team in the first round, then went on to beat undefeated No. 1 seed Wichita State, and then 2013 National Champs* Louisville, 2013 National Runner-up Michigan, and then a thrilling 74-73 win over Wisconsin in the Final Four.
Kentucky was propelled to a number of thrilling victories on game-winning shots at the hand of Aaron Harrison. Kentucky eventually ran out of steam in the National Title game against Connecticut falling 60-54, once again foiled in March by Jim Calhoun.