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Kentucky Basketball Receiving High Praise in Power Rankings, High as No. 2 According to One Analyst

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The Kentucky Wildcats are the early surprise of the college basketball season, receiving high praise after a big win over Duke.
Chet White | UK Athletics

It was different to see Kentucky ranked 23rd in the preseason AP Poll, their lowest since the 2008 season. However, a week and a half into the season, they are already climbing the rankings.

Jumping to No. 19 in the AP Poll and No. 18 in the Coaches poll this week, the Wildcats will take another good jump when the updated polls are released Monday, after defeating sixth-ranked Duke in the Champion’s Classic 77-72. They will likely fall in the 11-14 range.

That said, some analysts believe Kentucky is a top 10 team, including one from CBS that has them ranked as the SECOND best team in the country.

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Let’s take a look.

CBS

2. Kentucky Wildcats (3-0)

It took all of three games for Mark Pope to capture a signature victory at Kentucky. UK outlasted No. 6 Duke on Tuesday in the Champions Classic, nailing 10 3s in the win and downing Duke despite a huge game from Blue Devils freshman phenom Cooper Flagg.

ESPN

8. Kentucky Wildcats (3-0)
Preseason ranking: 23

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At halftime during the Champions Classic, it was fair to question whether Kentucky could consistently get points in a half-court setting against a strong opponent. Duke was keeping the Wildcats out of transition, and after an early barrage of 3s, the team’s attack had dried up. Then Mark Pope made some smart tweaks offensively, using Amari Williams and Brandon Garrison as playmakers in the middle of the floor, and Andrew Carr created matchup problems. The Wildcats answered a lot of questions with their second-half showing.


If the Wildcats are able to maintain this momentum and keep themselves high in the rankings, they will truly be one of the best stories of this college basketball season. A storied program, with a new coach and an entirely new roster.

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Men's Basketball

Rick Pitino Asks Big Blue Nation to Show “Great Class”, Greet John Calipari With Standing Ovation

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Rick Pitino asks Kentucky fans to show "great class" and greet John Calipari with a standing ovation in his return to Rupp Arena.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn | Stephen Lew-Imagn

Better than anyone, Rick Pitino knows what it feels like to return to Rupp Arena as the opposing coach.

One of his fiercest coaching rivals will be doing the same thing this Saturday, John Calipari. Despite not being “best friends”, he respects Calipari and has posted a message for Big Blue Nation asking them to show “great class” in his return.

“The toughest day of my coaching career at Lousiville was when I had to walk into Rupp Arena,” Pitino said. “I tried not to show it, but when I went home, the reception tore me up apart because I love that place so much.”

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Pitino talked about a similar situation with fellow Big East coach Ed Cooley, who left Providence for Georgetown. Cooley opened up to him about nearly being brought to tears and the “bad feelings” he received upon his return to play at Providence.

Citing his experience and Cooley’s experience, he wants Big Blue Nation to greet John Calipari positively.

“I’m not best friends with John Calipari. I respect him certainly,” Pitino said. “It was a mutual thing. The fans wanted a change. John read the tea leaves, he needed a change. But what did he do for you?”

“He brought the best talent in the history of the game, of any university in America to Lexington. He also won a national championship. His style of play was extremely entertaining.”

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Pitino suggests that the packed arena give Calipari a much warmer reception than he received, with a standing ovation.

“He’s coming back on Saturday and I want all of you to show the great class that you have,” Pitino said. “23,000-plus people giving him a huge ovation. Show him what respect and admiration is all about.”

“I know you have the class and I have always believed in you. Do it once again.”

The full message is below.

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Men's Basketball

John Calipari Talks About Return to Kentucky, “I Can’t Say I’m Looking Forward to It”

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Nelson Chenault | Imagn

John Calipari’s return to Rupp Arena is arguably the biggest story in college basketball this weekend, but he’s not looking forward to it.

At a place where he hoisted a national championship trophy, delivered annual addresses to the Big Blue Nation, and won dozens of big-time games, the former Hall of Fame coach might be booed, something he assumes is going to happen.

“We’re going to have three players that played there. My guess is they’re going to get booed. My guess is I’m gonna get booed. But that’s all part of it. You get booed,” he said during his weekly coaches show.

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Being around Big Blue Nation for the past 15 seasons, he understands the fanbase he is walking into, and if he is booed, it doesn’t seem like something he is going to take personally.

“I’ve done this so long, I tell you, I got bazooka-holes in my body, so when you shoot arrows, it doesn’t even hit skin,” he said. “It just goes through one of those bazooka holes.”

While this isn’t the first time Calipari has left for another school, this is the first time he is returning to their home court and he isn’t sure how he is going to react.

“I can’t say I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to coaching, but to walk in and the vibe — I don’t know how I’m going to take it, to be honest with you. That was a special time in my life and Ellen’s life. Fifteen years we gave, 15.”

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Jack “Goose” Givens Gives His Take on the John Calipari ‘Boo/Cheer’ Debate, “I’m Gonna Give Him a Standing Ovation”

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Former Kentucky player and radio analyst Jack Givens gives his take on if fans should boo or cheer John Calipari on his return to Rupp Arena.
UK Athletics | Nelson Chenault-Imagn

As the elation of beating Tennessee fades and Kentucky begins to prepare for Arkansas on Saturday, a debate has emerged.

Boo or cheer John Calipari in his return to Rupp Arena? Kentucky fans are split.

On one hand, Calipari brought Kentucky a lot of success: Four Final Four appearances, six SEC Tournament Championships, six SEC regular season titles, and one National Title. On the other; he won just one NCAA Tournament game over his last five seasons and left for an in-conference rival. Most importantly, he is coaching to beat Kentucky on Saturday.

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Former Kentucky All-American and current radio analyst Jack “Goose” Givens gave his opinion and answered what he is going to do when the Hall of Fame coach walks back onto the court; giving Calipari his respect, while keeping the competitive nature.

“Coach Cal did some really good things for MY team and MY University,” Givens said after the Tennessee game. “I just hope we make him feel appreciated when he comes back to the game, and his name is called. I’m gonna give him a standing ovation… Listen, once the game begins I hope we kick his rear end.”

Goose has weighed in, but 20,500 fans will get to weigh in on Saturday as well.

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