John Calipari stresses patience (wearing a shirt highlighting his No. 1 recruiting class)

On3 image — @UKCoachCalipari (Photo: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)

John Calipari is feeling himself after signing the No. 1 recruiting class in 2023.

After Kentucky announced the additions of DJ Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw, Justin Edwards, Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard, Coach Cal released a video stressing patience.

“This game against Michigan State is going to be really hard for us to win,” the Kentucky head coach said. “We haven’t practiced together, Oscar (Tshiebwe) is just starting, Daimion (Collins) was gone, Sahvir (Wheeler) was hurt. But you know what? I can’t wait to see where we are against a well-coached team. Tom Izzo is a great friend. Physical game. Let’s all be patient with this team.

“I need to be the first one to be patient.”

The purposeful irony of it all? He said it wearing a shirt highlighting his brand-new No. 1 class for next season — a group he’s impatiently waiting to coach.

Just got out of practice and wanted to share a quick message with #BBN before a really tough game tomorrow against Michigan State. pic.twitter.com/FPaAMtxk4r
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) November 14, 2022

“I couldn’t be more excited about this class,” Calipari said following the signings of all five of his commitments in 2023 on Monday. “We have five talented and dynamic players who have the drive and commitment it takes to succeed at Kentucky. They all know this isn’t for everyone, and they have welcomed that challenge and want to be pushed not only by our coaching staff, but by other really good players every day.

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“Their potential to be great is there, now it is up to them to embrace this stage and come in every day ready to work. All five of these guys are winners. They’ve won at the highest levels and know how to impact winning in a number of ways. This is a group that the Big Blue Nation is going to want to cheer for.”

Before then, though, Kentucky’s got a special group on campus right now. And they’ve got their first real test of the season Tuesday evening when they take on the Michigan State Spartans in the Champions Classic in Indianapolis.