John Calipari discusses excitement about 2022-23 roster

Following a pair of shortcomings in a 9-16 season and then an upset loss in the NCAA Tournament, plenty of people who follow the Kentucky program have had their faith shaken. There’s been no loss of faith from the top, though, in head coach John Calipari. When discussing his team this upcoming year, he sounds like he is already ready to get back on the floor for next season.

Calipari spoke with the media about the ’22-’23 team during a stop in Pillar, Kentucky on UK’s recent state tour. He says while there are other duties with the job he has to worry about, being in the gym with this group is why he stays in the game.

“I am. I get to work out with them and enjoy being in the gym with them,” said Calipari. “It’s part of my job (that) I have to travel and bouncing around different places. The enjoyment I get is when I walk in that gym and I get to work with guys.”

Calipari’s philosophy since arriving in Lexington has been player success. His player’s growth has led to success both on the floor and come the NBA Draft. While they focus on player development, there’s another layer that he says they’re hard at work accomplishing right now. Calipari says when you develop good players, it helps develop a great team.

“Let me say this. The culture here is about player development, from my first year to last year with Oscar (Tshiebwe) and the guys. The other thing they need is team building, which I’ve done over my lifetime, but you have to develop guys,” Calipari said. “If they don’t become a team, they can’t do all the things they’re trying to have done. We’re doing individual development. We’re as good as anybody in the country with that. The biggest thing is let’s get these guys to be a team.”

If those are his criteria for a great team, it sounds like Calipari may see some of the tell tale signs early on. Mix in the talent Kentucky both returned or added and the Wildcats appear to be set for another title run. Their first step on that journey will come next month when they travel to the Bahamas for their foreign tour.