John Calipari thanks family for support during challenging season

This was by no means John Calipari’s best season at Kentucky. The Wildcats were a roller coaster of a team for the length of the year and failed to make the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight campaign as they finished 22-12.

Still, through it all, Calipari credits his family for helping him deal with the criticism that comes with not meeting expectations in Lexington. He expressed appreciation for the effort from his wife, Ellen, as well as pride for his three children, Megan, Erin, and Brad, through every high and low of his career.

“Well, first of all, my wife? When you’re a basketball coach, they’re the mother and half the father. They’re there. My wife didn’t want to do anything while our children were home,” said Calipari in an appearance at the Final Four.

“(I’m) proud of my two daughters. My daughters are really protective of me. So, if you follow them on the internet, you know that if you come after me? They come after you,” Calipari continued. “My son is coaching with Rod Strickland at Long Island. I’m proud of him. We’ve been blessed.”

It’s not as though the Wildcats have been a complete disaster under Calipari the last few years. They’ve won 22 or more games and finished top-three in the SEC in three of the last four years. However, when you add in their 9-17 campaign in ’20-’21 and the lack of wins in big moments, especially in March, it has many unsettled in the bluegrass.

Still, Calipari is counting his blessings even though UK has found themselves in a valley as of late. He still appreciates the opportunity that he and his family have every season to change lives within their program.

“The thing I’ve got to tell you is if I’m ever feeling sorry for myself? I’ve been blessed. One to be able to coach at Kentucky, even in the bad times. I am blessed to be able to do what I’m doing,” said Calipari. “The reason is Kentucky is a stage where I can really help kids compete for national titles. You can really help kids.”

Calipari says Oscar Tshiebwe will enter the 2023 NBA Draft

Oscar Tshiebwe will be entering his name in the 2023 NBA Draft according to Kentucky head coach John Calipari.

Calipari let it slip that his star rebounder and former national player of the year could be leaving Lexington after the semester to pursue his professional dreams.

“I’m still trying to figure out what my team looks like,” Calipari said during a media appearance at the Final Four. “Cason (Wallace), Jacob (Toppin) are definitely in the draft and staying. Oscar (Tshiebwe) will be putting his name in the draft — maybe staying.”

Tshiebwe averaged 16.5 points and 13.7 rebounds per game on 56 percent shooting this past season for Kentucky. He has until May 31 to decide whether to keep his name in the draft or to return to college for his final season of eligibility.