Kentucky’s 9-16 season — UK’s worst record in nearly 100 years — left coach John Calipari, his staff, and his players searching for answers. It also left many fans disappointed, frustrated and unsure about the future despite Calipari’s previous success at UK. I do not hear from a lot of fans wanting a coaching change, but I do hear from a lot of frustrated fans like David White of Shelbyville.
Here are the thoughts he sent me:
“Like many others this season, I sort of quit watching for most of the season after the early embarrassments, losses, protests, etc. After watching yesterday’s effort (in the SEC Tournament against Mississippi State), I’m glad I didn’t spend a lot of time watching these guys. What an awful season — historically bad.
“Cal has to own this …. He picked these guys, he is responsible for the playing time decisions and he crafted the roster. I was really disappointed with the lack of improvement during the year — that’s on coaching in my book.
“They didn’t get better and certainly did not have any fight instilled in them through the season. Sure COVID is an excuse, but everybody else had to battle the same issues with the pandemic. If Cal gets a mulligan, this was it!
“Only a couple of guys I would even like to see come back: Dontaie Allen, Davion Mintz, Lance Ware (I see lots of upside), and maybe (Devin) Askew. Not interested in seeing the others again. Sure need some multi-year stability going forward.
“Okay, I feel better — well not really.”
I think that’s probably the sentiment of most fans. They are disappointed and hoping and praying for changes and better results next season.
I don’t think Calipari is solely to blame for this season. A lot of things went wrong, or at least didn’t go right. Some players weren’t as productive as expected. Some losses were due to poor shooting. Some losses due to faulty execution. Kentucky wasn’t physical enough.
The list could go on and on but White is right — Calipari is the boss and he has to do better next season.
