John Calipari empathizes with frustrated fans following Second Round exit

Kentucky avoided the worst-case scenario of a second straight NCAA Tournament first-round loss by beating Providence on Friday, but the alternative doesn’t feel much better. Today’s 75-69 loss to Kansas State brings Kentucky’s record in postseason play (SEC and NCAA Tournaments) to 2-5 in the last three years. For a team with Final Four expectations that was ranked in the top five of the AP Preseason Poll, a second-round loss is unacceptable; however, given the wild ups and downs of the season, it seems pretty fitting.

After the game, John Calipari was asked what his message is to Kentucky fans who are frustrated with yet another short postseason.

“I have empathy,” Cal said. “I understand what this program is about. I think, again, that’s what makes it what it is, and that’s why I tell players, this isn’t for everybody because the expectations are so high.

“The same with coaching. It’s not for everybody. This thing is — there’s a high expectation level, and it is Kentucky. You put that on. The other team is going to play out of their minds, and they’re going to play like they have nothing to lose. That means you’ve got to play that way.”

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Frustrations, for not just today but the last few seasons, are entirely justified; however, it’s hard to blame today solely on Calipari. Jacob Toppin and Antonio Reeves were a combined 2-22 from the floor. Reeves, who has carried Kentucky so many times offensively, didn’t score his first field goal, a three, until 6.3 seconds remained in the game. Again, relying on a team that is notoriously inconsistent to bring it even two games in a row is a gamble. We’ve got months to argue about this season, but Calipari did shoulder some blame in his remarks.

“So, yeah, I understand it, but, you know, my concern are these kids, and I tried to keep what you are saying off of them,” Calipari said of pressure and expectations. “Obviously, with a couple maybe I didn’t do as good a job as I thought I did. I wanted them to just play, have fun, enjoy the experience. You know, make the plays you make, take what they give you.”