Acceptable/Unacceptable Seasons Under Calipari (Interaction Requested)

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

That's the only years you should have a problem with. Some of our fans think you should make the final 4 every season and anything less is unacceptable.

Nobody thinks we should make the fnal 4 every year, and you know it. We should, however, be in the legitimate discussion to make the final 4 most years. We should make the 2nd weekend most years. We should win/share either the SEC regular season or tournament most years. We should do this if we're to get back to the UK standards that Cal mentions in every post-season sound bite you can find from him. Let's get back to these standards instead of allowing cal to water down expectations

 

[CBBCrazy]

I'm to the point, nothing Cal does is acceptable. I am done with Cal, if you look what he is bringing in you will see. Rinse and Repeat over and over. D O N E

 

[cats#1again]

Nobody thinks we should make the fnal 4 every year, and you know it. We should, however, be in the legitimate discussion to make the final 4 most years. We should make the 2nd weekend most years. We should win/share either the SEC regular season or tournament most years. We should do this if we're to get back to the UK standards that Cal mentions in every post-season sound bite you can find from him. Let's get back to these standards instead of allowing cal to water down expectations

I really don't know it. Every year the same people are on here complaining about elite 8 losses, sweet 16 losses and lately early round exits.
I've come to believe that a portion of our fans expect us to win every game and if not the world is falling apart. Which is why some say this downfall started in 2015 ??!!?! Are you freaking kidding me. We've had some really good teams and years since then. It's been a 4 year decline at most

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

I really don't know it. Every year the same people are on here complaining about elite 8 losses, sweet 16 losses and lately early round exits.
I've come to believe that a portion of our fans expect us to win every game and if not the world is falling apart. Which is why some say this downfall started in 2015 ??!!?! Are you freaking kidding me. We've had some really good teams and years since then. It's been a 4 year decline at most

I’d argue 2016 was the start, the loss to Indiana bumps that year to disappointing. 2017 was a dead cat bounce, then the decline continued in 2018-. That’s my opinion though.

 

[Eight_Banners]

We were a 2 seed in 2022. If that's not acceptable you are wasting your time being a fan. Same for this season as a 3.

I agree. I consider myself more of a realist, and the loss to #15 and #14 don't weigh as heavily against the season as double-digits in the loss column. Though, this season did end up with 10 losses. The biggest issue with 2023-24 is that we were supposed to be a loaded team, Cal's style, and still ended up with 10 losses, a loss to UNCW, a blowout to USCjr, a first game SEC tourney exit, and first round NCAAT loss to Oakland. All that considered, I consider this season below standard. If we were to only lose Reeves, Mitchell, and Dillingham, I would accept this year and look forward to next year. The problem is, we're already looking at losing Adou, Edwards isn't coming back, and who knows who else will leave? Losing 10 games and then starting from scratch the next year is beyond exhausting.

 

[Eight_Banners]

OP has 295 posts. OP is a troll or a pathetic Cal fan. And other pathetic Cal fans are chiming in.

I'm also a white, Christian, cisgendered, male, so my opinion shouldn't matter to anyone, regardless of facts. Maybe if I get to 1,000 posts "my truth" will matter? See how arbitrary and irrational you sound?

 

[BigKari]

Elite 8 + SEC Regular Season and/or SEC Tourney Champs is a successful season. If it’s Sweet 16 with an SEC accolade, then that team came up short. If a team wins both SEC regular and tourney and gets clipped in a close one in the S16, you might say “damn a different bounce of the ball, doesn’t take away from a great team, this stuff can happen in March”. But that’s only if those bumps come along with Final 4 appearances and chances at winning Titles as well. That’s where Cal was for the first decade. You can’t always bump your head in the E8 and S16 of course, but Cal has set the bar so low for this program that if he ever gets to a 2nd weekend again, he’ll act like it’s a redemption story. Gross, but that’s where we’re at isn’t it?

 

[BigKari]

We were a 2 seed in 2022. If that's not acceptable you are wasting your time being a fan. Same for this season as a 3.

Bro c’mon, that’s an all time ridiculous take. What does a 2 or 3 seed matter when you piss down your leg against a 14 and a 15?

 

[HeismaNole]

I really only have a problem with the last 4 years. Nerlens year we had a big inujury, but the rest we were competitive. Probably coulda gotten 1 or 2 more championships with a few better bounces and ref calls or different game management but it was good times.

That 13 team wasn't good. The team was already 17-7 when Noel went down. Finished 21-12. Ryan Harrow was a trainwreck.

There's some years where you just know you're not going to be that good and 2018 was one of them. Coincidentally, that was the last group to win the SEC Tournament. But some of those guys were a big disappointment.

2017 was the last national champion contender
2019 was a Final Four contender obviously but I don't think they could've won it

Last few years have sucked completely. Literally the only bright spot is Oscar winning NPOTY. That's how bad it has been post COVID.

 

[HeismaNole]

To answer the OP's question,

2021 is unacceptable. There's no excuse to remotely justify such a season ever. That is 100% on the roster Cal picked. This season should've been Cal's last.

In terms of overall expectations- NOT A SINGLE FAN EXPECTS A FINAL FOUR EVERY YEAR. This statement is always said to intentionally try and portray fans as unreasonable. Kentucky fans want to be in the hunt for a Final Four NEARLY every season- not get it, but be a threat to actually get there. Getting out of the first weekend of the tournament is absolutely an understandable expectation.

Elite 8 losses hurt probably the worst but that's a pretty good season. Consistently not getting to the second weekend of the tournament should be automatically a bad season which is amplified with no SEC Tournament success either.

In the last 39 years, we've reached at least the Elite 8 in 86, 92, 93, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 03, 05, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19. That's about 45% of the time. This will now be our biggest drought since probation. It is not acceptable to go that long without making it that far. It's certainly not acceptable to not even get to the Sweet 16 during that time period. I don't think KU, Duke, or UNC have gone that long without a S16 in 40 years.

 

[Eight_Banners]

Elite 8 + SEC Regular Season and/or SEC Tourney Champs is a successful season. If it’s Sweet 16 with an SEC accolade, then that team came up short. If a team wins both SEC regular and tourney and gets clipped in a close one in the S16, you might say “damn a different bounce of the ball, doesn’t take away from a great team, this stuff can happen in March”. But that’s only if those bumps come along with Final 4 appearances and chances at winning Titles as well. That’s where Cal was for the first decade. You can’t always bump your head in the E8 and S16 of course, but Cal has set the bar so low for this program that if he ever gets to a 2nd weekend again, he’ll act like it’s a redemption story. Gross, but that’s where we’re at isn’t it?

Using this metric, here are the acceptable seasons at UK:

Calipari (15 seasons):

2016-17
2014-15
2015-16? - This team didn't make the Sweet 16, but did win SEC Reg. Sea. and Tournament
2014-15
2013-14? - This team made it to the NCAAT Championship game, but finished 2nd SEC Reg. Sea and lost SECT
2011-12
2010-2011
2009-2010

Gillispie (2 season):
NONE

Tubby (10 seasons):
2004-05
2003-04? Lost in Round of 32 to UAB, but won SEC Reg. Seas. and SECT
2002-03
2000-01? Lost in Sweet 16 to USC, but won SEC Reg. Sea. and SECT
1998-99
1997-98

Pitino (8 seasons):
1996-97
1995-96
1994-95
1992-93
1991-92
1990-91* Still on probation, so no SECT or NCAAT, but won SEC Reg. Seas.
*89-90, finished 14-14, still on probation

Sutton (4 seasons):

1987-88
1985-86

Hall (13 seasons):
1983-84
1977-78
1974-75

Not going to do forty years of Rupp.

By these metrics, Pitino crushes the expectations, Tubby is better than Calipari, Calipari is better than Hall, Sutton would be up there if not for probation, and Gillispie is at the bottom of the bourbon barrel.

What is interesting from this metric as UK standard, is that if Cal had just left after 2017, he would have had 8/9 acceptable seasons at UK, and been right there in the conversation with Pitino as second greatest UK coach all time. Instead, he stayed, and hasn't had an acceptable season since. The question is, what would have happened if Pitino stayed? Would he have regressed, as would be expected over a longer tenure? It would be interesting to use this metric to compare other blue blood programs.

 

[Eight_Banners]

To answer the OP's question,

2021 is unacceptable. There's no excuse to remotely justify such a season ever. That is 100% on the roster Cal picked. This season should've been Cal's last.

In terms of overall expectations- NOT A SINGLE FAN EXPECTS A FINAL FOUR EVERY YEAR. This statement is always said to intentionally try and portray fans as unreasonable. Kentucky fans want to be in the hunt for a Final Four NEARLY every season- not get it, but be a threat to actually get there. Getting out of the first weekend of the tournament is absolutely an understandable expectation.

Elite 8 losses hurt probably the worst but that's a pretty good season. Consistently not getting to the second weekend of the tournament should be automatically a bad season which is amplified with no SEC Tournament success either.

In the last 39 years, we've reached at least the Elite 8 in 86, 92, 93, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 03, 05, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19. That's about 45% of the time. This will now be our biggest drought since probation. It is not acceptable to go that long without making it that far. It's certainly not acceptable to not even get to the Sweet 16 during that time period. I don't think KU, Duke, or UNC have gone that long without a S16 in 40 years.

I'm going to assume UK would have made the Sweet 16, or better, in 2019, because that team had the make-up of a Calipari team that would have done so. That means, we've missed the Sweet 16 in four straight tournaments. Here is how that compares to other schools:

Indiana:
8 years (2015-16-Current)
9 years (2003-2011)

*Note, Indiana has only made it to the Sweet 16 in three of the last twenty-two tournaments. They have not made it past the Sweet 16. We are not in danger of becoming Indiana.

Kansas:
4 years (1981-1985)
6 years (1975-1980)

Duke:
5 years (1981-1985)

North Carolina:
4 years (2001-2004)

Louisville:
8 years (2016-Current, not including COVID year)
7 years (1998-2004)

 

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

Using this metric, here are the acceptable seasons at UK:

Calipari (15 seasons):

2016-17
2014-15
2015-16? - This team didn't make the Sweet 16, but did win SEC Reg. Sea. and Tournament
2014-15
2013-14? - This team made it to the NCAAT Championship game, but finished 2nd SEC Reg. Sea and lost SECT
2011-12
2010-2011
2009-2010

Gillispie (2 season):
NONE

Tubby (10 seasons):
2004-05
2003-04? Lost in Round of 32 to UAB, but won SEC Reg. Seas. and SECT
2002-03
2000-01? Lost in Sweet 16 to USC, but won SEC Reg. Sea. and SECT
1998-99
1997-98

Pitino (8 seasons):
1996-97
1995-96
1994-95
1992-93
1991-92
1990-91* Still on probation, so no SECT or NCAAT, but won SEC Reg. Seas.
*89-90, finished 14-14, still on probation

Sutton (4 seasons):

1987-88
1985-86

Hall (13 seasons):
1983-84
1977-78
1974-75

Not going to do forty years of Rupp.

By these metrics, Pitino crushes the expectations, Tubby is better than Calipari, Calipari is better than Hall, Sutton would be up there if not for probation, and Gillispie is at the bottom of the bourbon barrel.

What is interesting from this metric as UK standard, is that if Cal had just left after 2017, he would have had 8/9 acceptable seasons at UK, and been right there in the conversation with Pitino as second greatest UK coach all time. Instead, he stayed, and hasn't had an acceptable season since. The question is, what would have happened if Pitino stayed? Would he have regressed, as would be expected over a longer tenure? It would be interesting to use this metric to compare other blue blood programs.

You don't give Joe B enough credit.
'72-73 (20-8, top 15ish in first season replacing a legend)
'75-'76 (Rough regular season after losing a BUNCH of seniors from their runner-up team, and Robey suffering a season ending injury, was salvaged by an NIT championship)
'76-'77 (26-4, elite 8 loss, ranked 3rd)
'79-'80 (29-6, 1 seed, upset in sweet 16 by dook)

Here's where Joe B lost the faithful
80-81 (22-6, upset in round 1 Ala.-Birm.) and
81-82 (22-8, upset in round 1 by Mid. Tenn.) followed by
82-83 (23-8, elite 8 o.t. loss to Louis.)

 

[Eight_Banners]

You don't give Joe B enough credit.
'72-73 (20-8, top 15ish in first season replacing a legend)
'75-'76 (Rough regular season after losing a BUNCH of seniors from their runner-up team, and Robey suffering a season ending injury, was salvaged by an NIT championship)
'76-'77 (26-4, elite 8 loss, ranked 3rd)
'79-'80 (29-6, 1 seed, upset in sweet 16 by dook)

Here's where Joe B lost the faithful
80-81 (22-6, upset in round 1 Ala.-Birm.) and
81-82 (22-8, upset in round 1 by Mid. Tenn.) followed by
82-83 (23-8, elite 8 o.t. loss to Louis.)

I was just using the above poster's metric, that an acceptable UK season consists of:

1st in SEC Reg. Seas. or Win SECT
plus
Sweet 16 or better

Those were the seasons Joe B. met that requirement. I didn't factor in no SEC tournament during several years under Joe B.

 

[HeismaNole]

Using this metric, here are the acceptable seasons at UK:

Calipari (15 seasons):

2016-17
2014-15
2015-16? - This team didn't make the Sweet 16, but did win SEC Reg. Sea. and Tournament
2014-15
2013-14? - This team made it to the NCAAT Championship game, but finished 2nd SEC Reg. Sea and lost SECT
2011-12
2010-2011
2009-2010

Gillispie (2 season):
NONE

Tubby (10 seasons):
2004-05
2003-04? Lost in Round of 32 to UAB, but won SEC Reg. Seas. and SECT
2002-03
2000-01? Lost in Sweet 16 to USC, but won SEC Reg. Sea. and SECT
1998-99
1997-98

Pitino (8 seasons):
1996-97
1995-96
1994-95
1992-93
1991-92
1990-91* Still on probation, so no SECT or NCAAT, but won SEC Reg. Seas.
*89-90, finished 14-14, still on probation

Sutton (4 seasons):

1987-88
1985-86

Hall (13 seasons):
1983-84
1977-78
1974-75

Not going to do forty years of Rupp.

By these metrics, Pitino crushes the expectations, Tubby is better than Calipari, Calipari is better than Hall, Sutton would be up there if not for probation, and Gillispie is at the bottom of the bourbon barrel.

What is interesting from this metric as UK standard, is that if Cal had just left after 2017, he would have had 8/9 acceptable seasons at UK, and been right there in the conversation with Pitino as second greatest UK coach all time. Instead, he stayed, and hasn't had an acceptable season since. The question is, what would have happened if Pitino stayed? Would he have regressed, as would be expected over a longer tenure? It would be interesting to use this metric to compare other blue blood programs.

Pitino becomes what Coach K is known for is he doesn't leave Kentucky. K only had two titles when Pitino left in 1997. Pitino had just won in 96, lost in OT in the 97 championship, and his roster won it again in 98. He was the hottest name in college basketball. If he didn't desire the pros, he would've stayed here and would have been an absolute icon, better than K, imo.

 

[JC CATS]

I'm starting this thread to understand what you all think are acceptable standards for UK basketball. I'm going to give details of Cal's fifteen seasons at UK. I will highlight in green if I think it's acceptable, red if it is unacceptable, and blue if it is a season worth discussing. If you feel so inclined, respond with any additional comments on the season and with your opinions as to whether each season was acceptable, unacceptable, or worth talking about.

2009-2010 (35-3, SEC: 1st, 14-2)
Notable Players: John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson (Jr.), Eric Bledsoe, Darius Miller (So.), Darnell Dodson (So.), Daniel Orton (Fr.), DeAndre Liggins (So.)
NCAAT: Lost East Regional Final (73-66) versus #2 West Virginia

2010-2011 (29-9; SEC: 2nd 10-6)
Notable Players: Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones, Doron Lamb, Darius Miller (Jr.), DeAndre Liggins (Jr.), Josh Harrellson (Sr.)
NCAAT: Lost National Semifinal (56-55) versus #3 Connecticut

2011-2012 (38-2, SEC: 1st 16-0)
Notable Players: Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Doron Lamb (So.), Terrence Jones (So.), Marquis Teague, Darius Miller (Sr.), Kyle Wiltjer
NCAAT: National Champions

2012-2013 (21-12, SEC: 2nd 12-6)
Notable Players: Nerlens Noel, Archie Goodwin, Alex Poythress, Kyle Wiltjer, Julius Mays (Sr.), Ryan Harrow (So.), Willie Cauley-Stein
NCAAT: None. UK went to the NIT

2013-2014 (29-11, SEC: 2nd 12-6)
Notable Players: Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison, Julius Randle, James Young, Willie Cauley-Stein (So.), Alex Poythress (So.), Dakari Johnson, Marcus Lee
NCAAT: Lost National Final (60-54) versus #7 Connecticut

2014-2015 (38-1, SEC: 1st 18-0)
Notable Players: Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison, Karl Anthony-Towns, Devin Booker, Trey Lyles, Tyler Ulis, Willie Cauley-Stein (So.), Alex Poythress (So.), Dakari Johnson, Marcus Lee, Dominique Hawkins
NCAAT: Lost National Semifinal (71-64) versus #1 Wisconsin

2015-2016 (27-9, SEC: 1st 13-5)
Notable Players: Tyler Ulis (So.), Jamal Murray, Isaiah Briscoe, Alex Poythress (Sr.), Derek Willis (Jr.), Skal Labissiere, Marcus Lee (Jr.), Hawkins (Jr.), Charles Matthews
NCAAT: Lost East Second Round (73-67) versus #5 Indiana

2016-2017 (32-6, SEC: 1st 16-2)
Notable Players: Malik Monk, De'Aaron Fox, Bam Adebayo, Isaiah Briscoe (So.), Derek Willis (Sr.), Dominique Hawkins (Sr.), Wenyen Gabriel, Mychal Mulder (Sr.)
NCAAT: Lost South Regional Final (75-73) versus #1 North Carolina

2017-2018 (26-11, SEC: 4th 10-8)
Notable Players: Kevin Knox, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PJ Washington, Hamidou Diallo, Quade Green, Wenyen Gabriel (So), Nick Richards, Sacha Killeya-Jones
NCAAT: Lost South Regional Semifinal (61-58) versus #9 Kansas State

2018-2019 (30-7, SEC: 2nd 15-3)
Notable Players: PJ Washington (So.), Tyler Herro, Keldon Johnson, Reid Travis (Sr.), Ashton Hagans, Immanuel Quickley, Nick Richards (So.), EJ Montgomery
NCAAT: Lost Midwest Regional Final (77-71) versus #5 Auburn

2019-2020 (25-6, SEC: 1st 15-3)
Notable Players: Immanuel Quickley (So.), Nick Richards (So.), Tyrese Maxey, Ashton Hagans (So.), EJ Montgomery, Nate Sestina (Sr.), Keion Brooks, Johnny Juzang
NCAAT: COVID

2020-2021 (9-16, SEC: 8th 8-9)
Notable Players: Davion Mintz (Sr.), BJ Boston, Olivier Sarr (Sr.), Isaiah Jackson, Keion Brooks (So.), Devin Askew, Jacob Toppin (So.), Dontaie Allen, Terrence Clarke
NCAAT: Ha.

2021-2022 (26-8, SEC: 2nd 14-4)
Notable Players: Oscar Tshiebwe (Jr.), TyTy Washington, Kellan Grady (Sr.), Keion Brooks (Sr.), Sahvir Wheeler (Jr.), Davion Mintz (Sr.), Jacob Toppin (Jr.)
NCAAT: Lost East First Round (85-79) versus #15 Saint Peter's

2022-2023 (22-12 SEC: 3rd 12-6)
Notable Players: Oscar Tshiebwe (Sr.), Antonio Reeves (Sr.), Jacob Toppin (Sr.), Cason Wallace, Chris Livingston, CJ Fredrick (Sr.), Sahvir Wheeler (Sr.)
NCAAT: Lost East Second Round (75-69) versus #3 Kansas State

2023-2024 (23-10 SEC: 2nd 13-5)
Notable Players: Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard, Antonio Reeves (Sr.), Tre Mitchell (Sr.), DJ Wagner, Justin Edwards, Adou Thiero (So.), Aaron Bradshaw, Ugo Onyenso (So.), Zvonimir Ivisic
NCAAT: Lost South First Round (80-76) versus #14 Oakland

Comments below

I agree w all of these...except 2014 team, how can going to title game not be acceptable

 

[Eight_Banners]

I agree w all of these...except 2014 team, how can going to title game not be acceptable

29-11
2nd in SEC
No SECT Championship
1-6 against top-25 opponents. Only top-25 win was UL. (Losses to #2 Mich. St., #20 Baylor, #18 UNC, #3 Florida, #1 Florida, #1 Florida)

24-10 entering the NCAA Tournament with unranked losses to: Arkansas who was 22-12 (2x), LSU (20-14), and South Carolina (5-13 in the SEC).

It was a fun ride for three weeks in March/April, but the season wasn't great. I don't think it would be acceptable to be a #8 seed every year. It's not acceptable for UK to play the 8/9 game, #1 overall seed, and then depend on three clutch shots by Aaron Harrison to win tournament games. Yes, I would accept UK making it to the National Championship game every year. However, it's more likely that the 2014 team lose to Wichita St. in round #2, if it was played all over again, than for UK to make another title run. The team was lucky for one year, but that doesn't wipe out the fact that it was a pretty poor season overall.

 

[catfaninJaxFL]

I'm starting this thread to understand what you all think are acceptable standards for UK basketball. I'm going to give details of Cal's fifteen seasons at UK. I will highlight in green if I think it's acceptable, red if it is unacceptable, and blue if it is a season worth discussing. If you feel so inclined, respond with any additional comments on the season and with your opinions as to whether each season was acceptable, unacceptable, or worth talking about.

2009-2010 (35-3, SEC: 1st, 14-2)
Notable Players: John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson (Jr.), Eric Bledsoe, Darius Miller (So.), Darnell Dodson (So.), Daniel Orton (Fr.), DeAndre Liggins (So.)
NCAAT: Lost East Regional Final (73-66) versus #2 West Virginia

2010-2011 (29-9; SEC: 2nd 10-6)
Notable Players: Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones, Doron Lamb, Darius Miller (Jr.), DeAndre Liggins (Jr.), Josh Harrellson (Sr.)
NCAAT: Lost National Semifinal (56-55) versus #3 Connecticut

2011-2012 (38-2, SEC: 1st 16-0)
Notable Players: Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Doron Lamb (So.), Terrence Jones (So.), Marquis Teague, Darius Miller (Sr.), Kyle Wiltjer
NCAAT: National Champions

2012-2013 (21-12, SEC: 2nd 12-6)
Notable Players: Nerlens Noel, Archie Goodwin, Alex Poythress, Kyle Wiltjer, Julius Mays (Sr.), Ryan Harrow (So.), Willie Cauley-Stein
NCAAT: None. UK went to the NIT

2013-2014 (29-11, SEC: 2nd 12-6)
Notable Players: Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison, Julius Randle, James Young, Willie Cauley-Stein (So.), Alex Poythress (So.), Dakari Johnson, Marcus Lee
NCAAT: Lost National Final (60-54) versus #7 Connecticut

2014-2015 (38-1, SEC: 1st 18-0)
Notable Players: Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison, Karl Anthony-Towns, Devin Booker, Trey Lyles, Tyler Ulis, Willie Cauley-Stein (So.), Alex Poythress (So.), Dakari Johnson, Marcus Lee, Dominique Hawkins
NCAAT: Lost National Semifinal (71-64) versus #1 Wisconsin

2015-2016 (27-9, SEC: 1st 13-5)
Notable Players: Tyler Ulis (So.), Jamal Murray, Isaiah Briscoe, Alex Poythress (Sr.), Derek Willis (Jr.), Skal Labissiere, Marcus Lee (Jr.), Hawkins (Jr.), Charles Matthews
NCAAT: Lost East Second Round (73-67) versus #5 Indiana

2016-2017 (32-6, SEC: 1st 16-2)
Notable Players: Malik Monk, De'Aaron Fox, Bam Adebayo, Isaiah Briscoe (So.), Derek Willis (Sr.), Dominique Hawkins (Sr.), Wenyen Gabriel, Mychal Mulder (Sr.)
NCAAT: Lost South Regional Final (75-73) versus #1 North Carolina

2017-2018 (26-11, SEC: 4th 10-8)
Notable Players: Kevin Knox, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PJ Washington, Hamidou Diallo, Quade Green, Wenyen Gabriel (So), Nick Richards, Sacha Killeya-Jones
NCAAT: Lost South Regional Semifinal (61-58) versus #9 Kansas State

2018-2019 (30-7, SEC: 2nd 15-3)
Notable Players: PJ Washington (So.), Tyler Herro, Keldon Johnson, Reid Travis (Sr.), Ashton Hagans, Immanuel Quickley, Nick Richards (So.), EJ Montgomery
NCAAT: Lost Midwest Regional Final (77-71) versus #5 Auburn

2019-2020 (25-6, SEC: 1st 15-3)
Notable Players: Immanuel Quickley (So.), Nick Richards (So.), Tyrese Maxey, Ashton Hagans (So.), EJ Montgomery, Nate Sestina (Sr.), Keion Brooks, Johnny Juzang
NCAAT: COVID

2020-2021 (9-16, SEC: 8th 8-9)
Notable Players: Davion Mintz (Sr.), BJ Boston, Olivier Sarr (Sr.), Isaiah Jackson, Keion Brooks (So.), Devin Askew, Jacob Toppin (So.), Dontaie Allen, Terrence Clarke
NCAAT: Ha.

2021-2022 (26-8, SEC: 2nd 14-4)
Notable Players: Oscar Tshiebwe (Jr.), TyTy Washington, Kellan Grady (Sr.), Keion Brooks (Sr.), Sahvir Wheeler (Jr.), Davion Mintz (Sr.), Jacob Toppin (Jr.)
NCAAT: Lost East First Round (85-79) versus #15 Saint Peter's

2022-2023 (22-12 SEC: 3rd 12-6)
Notable Players: Oscar Tshiebwe (Sr.), Antonio Reeves (Sr.), Jacob Toppin (Sr.), Cason Wallace, Chris Livingston, CJ Fredrick (Sr.), Sahvir Wheeler (Sr.)
NCAAT: Lost East Second Round (75-69) versus #3 Kansas State

2023-2024 (23-10 SEC: 2nd 13-5)
Notable Players: Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard, Antonio Reeves (Sr.), Tre Mitchell (Sr.), DJ Wagner, Justin Edwards, Adou Thiero (So.), Aaron Bradshaw, Ugo Onyenso (So.), Zvonimir Ivisic
NCAAT: Lost South First Round (80-76) versus #14 Oakland

Comments below

ANY SEASON UNDER 30 WINS IS UNACCEPTABLE. That means that we should at minimum be winning the SEC, SECT and at least a Sweet 16 matchup

 

[Eight_Banners]

ANY SEASON UNDER 30 WINS IS UNACCEPTABLE. That means that we should at minimum be winning the SEC, SECT and at least a Sweet 16 matchup

You're absolutely right. In 121 years of UK basketball there have been sixteen 30-win seasons. The other one-hundred and five seasons were unacceptable.

Actually, in 2011-12 we didn't win the SEC Tournament. Also, in 2018-19 we didn't win the SEC Tournament. So, make that one-hundred and seven unacceptable seasons, and only fourteen acceptable.

 

[Dillenger1914]

Enjoyed the review and going down memory lane. Thank you OP for the research. Was it time for a change... Yes. Perception had become reality for the program, but Coach gave us some pretty good years and more times than not, UK was a factor with the talent to win it.