John Calipari shares appreciation for Kentucky fans’ support amid losing streak

Kentucky made history against Gonzaga. It just wasn’t the kind of history head coach John Calipari was looking for, as the Wildcats lost a third straight home game at Rupp Arena for the first time in program history.

The last time Kentucky lost three straight home games was 1966, a decade before Rupp Arena had been built. It’s all part of a bad stretch that has seen the Wildcats lose four out of six games. Amid all of that, Calipari appreciates the team’s fans still showing support amid the losing streak.

“I want to tell our fans how much I appreciate what they are doing for this team or what they are trying to do,” John Calipari said. “They’re here. They’re loud. When we needed them, they stood up. This team needs it and I just say stick with them. I appreciate the fans and, you know, you walk into this building and it’s packed like it has been for three games. We just normally come out like on fire and we just haven’t.”

Kentucky currently sits at 16-7 overall and 6-4 in SEC play. That has put the Wildcats in a three-way tie for fifth in the conference standings. Kentucky has eight games remaining, so while winning the SEC in the regular season isn’t out of reach, it is getting harder and harder to do.

“So, but again, nothing has changed in my mind with this team,” Calipari added. “We have the ability to do what we want. We’re just gonna have to do it together.”

At the same time, John Calipari knows that fans are frustrated with how the team has been playing, and he wants those fans who are upset to go after him, not the players.

“You know you’re going to have some of the negative Nellies out there attacking and that’s fine. I told them the other day I hope they just attack me and leave you alone,” Calipari said.

The Wildcats will look to get back on track and get their first win at home since January 20th on Tuesday night against Ole Miss.

Jay Williams to Kentucky fans on John Calipari

It’s been a rough stretch for Kentucky. Still, ESPN’s Jay Williams wants Kentucky fans to take a breath as it relates to John Calipari.

“To all the Kentucky fans that are trying to run John Calipari out of there — take a step back,” Williams said. “Take a second and breathe. We’re in February, I know how sensitive people get. Let’s see how we finish in March.”