Jay Williams to Kentucky fans on John Calipari: 'Take a step back, take a second and breathe'

For the first time in Rupp Arena history, Kentucky has lost three games in a row. The latest came against Gonzaga on Saturday, with the seat of John Calipari certainly heating up. Expectations were high heading into the season but as the calendar moves on, faith is beginning to wane.

Big Blue Nation is beginning to grow frustrated but ESPN’s Jay Williams had a message for them during halftime of Monday’s Kansas–Texas Tech game. Results are not positive right now but before thinking about who the program’s next head coach is going to be, Williams wants to see how things end in March… and maybe even April.

“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.”

March has not been too kind to Calipari in recent seasons. Kentucky has not made the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament since 2019. Early exits have occurred in the last two years, including as a two-seed to Saint Peter’s in 2021.

This year’s downfall certainly could come from the defensive end. Teams are seemingly scoring at will against Kentucky, giving up an average of 78.8 points per game — sitting at No. 337 in the country. From a KenPom perspective, they sit at No. 124 in Adjusted Defense.

Seth Greenberg believes at some point, Calipari will figure it out with this year’s Kentucky team. Plenty of youngsters on the roster who play important roles. If things can click on the defensive end, Greenberg joins Williams in believing a deep run is possible.

“They got a young backcourt, a young frontcourt, three seven-footers — trying to figure out how to put them together and become a team,” Greenberg said. “Cal usually figures it out. I would give him the benefit of the doubt. I can hear about getting upset in NCAA Tournaments. This team has the potential to be special if they learn to defend in the next five games.”

Kentucky has another home game on the schedule for Tuesday, with Ole Miss coming to Lexington. Losing another one at Rupp Arena would only add to the pressure Calipari is facing to steer the ship in the right direction.

Big Blue Nation may have already hit the panic button but Greenberg and Williams are doing their best Aaron Rodgers impression.