LOOK: John Calipari hosts team dinner, final walkthrough ahead of Kentucky's season opener

It is the eve of the opener for Kentucky basketball’s 2022-2023 season. After their last season ended in disaster, John Calipari and the Wildcats are looking to start off on the right foot tomorrow night. Even with concerns to start their season, though, Calipari did his best to keep the spirits up with his team with their activities on Sunday night.

Calipari tweeted that he hosted the roster at his house tonight for a team dinner. Afterward, they held a walkthrough in his own backyard in order to prepare for tomorrow’s game against Howard.

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So excited to start the season tomorrow. Had the team over to the house tonight for dinner and a little walkthrough under the lights in the back yard. Can’t wait to take this journey together.

See you at Rupp tomorrow!! pic.twitter.com/jxprb270sg

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) November 7, 2022

There are plenty of questions coming into this season for Kentucky. Although they’re ranked in the Top-5 of the preseason’s AP Poll, they have several players whose statuses remain unknown. First, it’s unlikely that reigning National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe makes his debut this week based on Calipari’s comments. After injuring his knee in UK’s first exhibition, Sahvir Wheeler’s availability is also in question. Finally, there’s no update on the plan for Daimion Collins, the Wildcat’s sophomore forward who unexpectedly lost his father last week.

With all those issues swirling around Lexington, the best thing for Kentucky right now is to start their upcoming season off with a win tomorrow night. After one last evening spent together, the short-handed Wildcats will now set their sights on the Bisons for Monday’s 6:30 p.m EST tip-off.

John Calipari would be ‘surprised’ if Oscar Tshiebwe plays in season opener

Kentucky rounded out its exhibition schedule 2-0 with convincing wins. However, both were without reigning National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe. It’s unlikely that’ll change in the near future, according to head coach John Calipari.

“I would be stunned if he played Monday,” Calipari said of Tshiebwe after UK’s 111-53 exhibition win over Kentucky State. “I would be somewhat surprised if he played Friday.”

The senior superstar has been dealing with swelling in his knee. That issue forced him to go through a minor procedure in October to clean it up. With a couple of weeks until Kentucky’s first game against a notable opponent (Nov. 15 vs. Michigan State), Calipari is in no rush to bring back the unanimous preseason All-American before he’s ready.