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DeMarcus Cousins rips 'the state we're in' for Kentucky hoops after NCAAT exit

Cousins didn't hold back here.
ByBraulio Perez|
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Mar 18, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard John Wall (11) and forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) and forward Patrick Patterson (54) react from the bench near the end of the game against the East Tennessee Buccaneers in the first round of the 2010 NCAA mens basketball tournament at the New Orleans Arena. Kentucky won 100-71.Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-Imagn Images
Mar 18, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard John Wall (11) and forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) and forward Patrick Patterson (54) react from the bench near the end of the game against the East Tennessee Buccaneers in the first round of the 2010 NCAA mens basketball tournament at the New Orleans Arena. Kentucky won 100-71.Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-Imagn Images | Crystal LoGiudice-Imagn Images

While DeMarcus Cousins has made plenty of headlines of late showing support for Arkansas and John Calipari, it doesn't mean he's lost any love for Kentucky. Cousins is a Wildcat through and through, which is why he's down in the dumps after the deflating loss to Iowa State.

Inside the expected coaching shakeup Mark Pope is planning for Kentucky basketball

In the second half, UK fell apart and since then plenty of people are calling for a change to be made with Mark Pope. While Cousins isn't calling for Pope to be fired as soon as possible, he did say that changes overall need to be made. He added that he hates the state that the program currently finds itself in:

DeMarcus Cousins didn't hide his disappointment in where Kentucky basketball is at

"I just hate the state we're in as far as where Kentucky basketball is right now," Cousins said. "Obviously it's a prestigious school and things of that nature, but I think we gotta figure out the right moves moving forward as far as what's best for the school and figuring out what's good as far as an influence and just understanding the state of modern-day basketball right now. I got a lot of respect for the history of Kentucky basketball, but the history of Kentucky basketball isn't what's getting the top talent."

Say it with your chest, DeMarcus. Can you blame him for feeling this way? While Cousins was only in Lexington for a short period of time, he cares deeply about UK and he wants to see the team operating at a high level. That hasn't been the case of late under Pope.

You can argue that the Wildcats were incredibly lucky to even be playing in Round 2, as Otega Oweh's prayer forced overtime against Santa Clara. Without that desperation 3-pointer, Kentucky would have suffered an embarrassing first-round loss and there'd be even more pressure to get rid of Pope.

For now, Pope isn't going anywhere, but this is obviously something to keep a close eye on moving forward. Cousins isn't the only one unhappy right now, as the brand of Kentucky basketball is a powerful one and early exits in the Big Dance can't be consistent. If Pope is given one more year, he's got to find a way to turn things around and fast. People are losing patience, with Cousins on that list.

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