John Calipari on which players he expects back at Kentucky next season

John Calipari made a surprise appearance on “Sports Talk with Dan Issel & Mike Pratt” this morning, his first remarks in the local market since his final coach’s show of the season. Most of the interview centered around Oscar Tshiebwe‘s decision to return to Kentucky and Shaedon Sharpe testing the NBA Draft waters, but Calipari gave us some news on next year’s roster too. Calipari mentioned Sahvir Wheeler, CJ Fredrick, Jacob Toppin, and Lance Ware when talking about next year’s team, along with incoming freshmen Cason Wallace and Chris Livingston. He did not mention Keion Brooks, who is currently testing the NBA Draft waters.

Calipari to Sahvir Wheeler “You’re the difference in this stuff”

We’ve yet to get an announcement from Wheeler that he’s returning but based on Calipari’s remarks, the junior point guard is at the core of the plan for 2022-23.

“You know, let me say this. I know people — and most of this stuff is a small group — but they were on Sahvir because of that last game. Do you remember Sahvir against North Carolina and against Kansas, how he played? He had a hell of a year until he got injured. And then he gained some weight, he didn’t play as well. But he’s still that guy and I told him, ‘If I can get you right, and get you steady and who you are and keep improving — because he’s improved — I said, ‘You’re the difference in this stuff.'”

For what it’s worth, Wheeler posted this highlight reel on Instagram last night that could suggest another season at Kentucky:

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“CJ is going to be like Kellan”

Calipari also brought up sharpshooter CJ Fredrick, who announced last week he is returning to Kentucky after getting hurt last November. Calipari said he expects Fredrick to step into Kellan Grady’s role and shared more on Grady’s battle with plantar fasciitis, which really took a toll on him in the final stretch of the season.

“But people forgot about CJ [Fredrick]. Like you forget CJ is going to be like Kellan [Grady] last year. And again, I don’t know — if it were one of your children or anybody listening it’s their children, I don’t go publicly talk about kids’ injuries and I’m not worried about gambling and I’m not talking about that stuff. He went on, he had plantar fasciitis, which he was able to deal with. You know, when it really kicked in? When we had the injuries [to TyTy Washington and Sahvir Wheeler] and he had to play 40 minutes a game for three games. He never really recovered from it.”

Jacob Toppin, Lance Ware mentioned too

Jacob Toppin is currently testing the NBA Draft waters to gather feedback on what he needs to improve on to be drafted in 2023. Calipari mentioned both Toppin and Lance Ware today, essentially confirming they’ll be in Kentucky blue next season. He also hinted at potential additions to the team — but only if they’re the right fit.

“With Sahvir and CJ and Cason [Wallace] and Chris [Livingston] and Jacob and you know the guys that we have, I think, Daimion [Collins], when you talk to Lance [Ware] and Oscar. Wow. You know, we bring in somebody, he’s got to be that guy. He’s got to be one of us. We’ve got great teammates. I mean, I love coaching that team last year. Loved it. And you know what? It makes it all worth it for the players too.”