According to this ESPN article it's apparently the fans fault that UK has struggled.

[Creed Bratton]

So apparently everyone who thinks they should be able to win more than 2/3 of their games, go to a final four more often than every 8-10 years and not get put out of the tournament by Kansas St (twice) and St Peters are expecting too much.

"I understand what this program is about," Calipari said after a 75-69 loss to third-seeded Kansas State on Sunday. "That's what makes it what it is, and that's why I tell players, it's not for everybody because expectations are so high."

Cal says UK is not for everybody because of expectations

 

[YardCat]

I think UK is to big for some players, we would have eaten Wiggins alive when he took off games if he would have came to UK. Maybe we need to recruit some dogs, we recruit good kids that aren’t mean and can’t step on the other’s team’s throats. We want to help them up and wash their feet.

 

[know1]

Apparently the only person who doesn't have high expectations now is our coach.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

Man having expectations and wanting to win is know seen as fans being a problem, 2023 is a weird time for sure

 

[UKWildcats1987]

So apparently everyone who thinks they should be able to win more than 2/3 of their games, go to a final four more often than every 8-10 years and not get put out of the tournament by Kansas St (twice) and St Peters are expecting too much.

"I understand what this program is about," Calipari said after a 75-69 loss to third-seeded Kansas State on Sunday. "That's what makes it what it is, and that's why I tell players, it's not for everybody because expectations are so high."

Cal says UK is not for everybody because of expectations

It's not unrealistic at all to expect that. It is however very unrealistic to go to 4 final fours in 5 seasons as UK did from 2011 to 2015 and was never sustainable.

If UK loses to Michigan in 2014 but beat auburn in 2019 it changes nothing for me as calipari still would need to be gone yesterday but I often wonder if his 4 final fours were more spread out how he would be viewed.

 

[SemperFiCat]

Apparently the only person who doesn't have high expectations now is our coach.

Cal doesn't see what the problem is. His priorities get met. He doesn't worry himself with fan priorities or expectations, simp.

 

[BlueBomb]

If I have to hear, "My concern is for these kids," one more time...

It's about time Cal has some concern for ME! I'm stressed. I'm depressed. And a lot of other things.

 

[GoToTexas]

So now he’s changing the reason for why he used to say that? It was always because you had to fight for your spot against dudes who are just as good as you and nothing was handed to you. Now it’s because of the fan’s expectations? Does he not realize there’s tape of what he used to say it meant?

 

[WeWant9]

It’s crazy how much Cal has flipped on this over the years. He was a guy who came in and seemed to excel with the pressure. He was the one talking about catching UCLA and going 40-0.

Now he doesn’t even seem like the same guy. The pressure has gotten to him, yet he continues to dig his heels in and refuses to adapt. And now here we all are, with no one seeming happy.

 

[shaudyshaud]

I don’t think non Kentucky fans realize just how bad it has been the last few years . I don’t even think you can say the fans are spoiled at this point. It’s not like the fanbase has been complaining after Cal has led us to multiple titles and a lot of deep runs in the tournament .

 

[know1]

It's not unrealistic at all to expect that. It is however very unrealistic to go to 4 final fours in 5 seasons as UK did from 2011 to 2015 and was never sustainable.

If UK loses to Michigan in 2014 but beat auburn in 2019 it changes nothing for me as calipari still would need to be gone yesterday but I often wonder if his 4 final fours were more spread out how he would be viewed.

I would want him gone. We're paying him the highest salary and he doesn't do any real coaching.

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

Actually watched him answer the question that ESPN reporter asked him. Didn't get that feeling at all he was blaming the fans. If you read the statement, it's legit. There are going to be high expectations and as much as Cal's been disappointing, don't really see this as anything other than speaking the truth.

It's one thing to be upset with direction of program and Cal and another to just look for reasons to keep throwing gas on the fire. 2 things can be correct. The part that I'd focus on in that statement is "I understand what this program is about". That's where I'd be upset if I were a Wildcat fan. What he said about players/recruits is absolutely true. Some guys want to come in and goof off, go to the NBA. Cal saying that he "understands what the program is about" and then doing several things that alienate him/program from the fans and have set some apathy in....well let's just say this '24 team better be fun to watch and produce.

 

[WeWant9]

I don’t think non Kentucky fans realize just how bad it has been the last few years . I don’t even think you can say the fans are spoiled at this point. It’s not like the fanbase has been complaining after Cal has led us to multiple titles and a lot of deep runs in the tournament .

This is very true. But I think this last tournament loss is opening more people’s eyes.

 

[Catfanlou]

Man having expectations and wanting to win is know seen as fans being a problem, 2023 is a weird time for sure

Exactly. We just don’t get it . We should b more than happy with a participation trophy. If we beat other teams we might hurt their feelings and that’s not nice. We are just approaching life with the wrong outlook.

 

[shaudyshaud]

This is very true. But I think this last tournament loss is opening more people’s eyes.

I think some eyes are opened but some think Cal is still capable of turning it around . I saw Jay Williams tweet Cal is gonna turn it around next year . It’s really hard to even get your hopes on that happening judging by the last few years .

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

This is very true. But I think this last tournament loss is opening more people’s eyes.

This last one was probably the least painful and anger inducing of the recent decline too. It's funny media is just figuring that Kentucky hasn't been Kentucky for a while, but the end to this year was very fitting and descriptive of the state of program/season they had. They weren't a championship team but showed flashes of being a good team. Good teams who have flaws and don't win against top competition find ways to lose or breaks go against them.

 

[CrustyCat]

So apparently everyone who thinks they should be able to win more than 2/3 of their games, go to a final four more often than every 8-10 years and not get put out of the tournament by Kansas St (twice) and St Peters are expecting too much.

"I understand what this program is about," Calipari said after a 75-69 loss to third-seeded Kansas State on Sunday. "That's what makes it what it is, and that's why I tell players, it's not for everybody because expectations are so high."

Cal says UK is not for everybody because of expectations

I don't think Cal understands "what this program is about." I think he just *thinks* he does.

If he did understand, he wouldn't be doing and saying the things he is. The program is about winning, to be sure, but it's about playing smart, quality, basketball and doing that with an intense desire to win every time you step on the court.

It's about representing an entire state by doing those things. In doing those things, you also help yourself, but that seems to be lost on Cal and many players I've seen come through UK in recent years.

Based on the past few years, I don't think Cal ever understood - it just seemed that way at the beginning of his time here.

 

[Woodsmoke]

Actually watched him answer the question that ESPN reporter asked him. Didn't get that feeling at all he was blaming the fans. If you read the statement, it's legit. There are going to be high expectations and as much as Cal's been disappointing, don't really see this as anything other than speaking the truth.

It's one thing to be upset with direction of program and Cal and another to just look for reasons to keep throwing gas on the fire. 2 things can be correct. The part that I'd focus on in that statement is "I understand what this program is about". That's where I'd be upset if I were a Wildcat fan. What he said about players/recruits is absolutely true. Some guys want to come in and goof off, go to the NBA. Cal saying that he "understands what the program is about" and then doing several things that alienate him/program from the fans and have set some apathy in....well let's just say this '24 team better be fun to watch and produce.

Ralph, correct me if I'm wrong but our struggles this year and recent years boils down to one major reason. DUDES. We just haven't had the DUDES.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

This is very true. But I think this last tournament loss is opening more people’s eyes.

I'm just sick of losing because of UK and not the other team. Yeah ksu hit some circus and tough 3s the last 6 minutes but how does reeves go 1 for 15? This type of stat happens in some way in almost every close ncaa loss under calipari, whether it be FTs or 3 point shooting or a star player shooting atrocioisly.

We never lose just because the other team played better.

 

[Creed Bratton]

Ralph, correct me if I'm wrong but our struggles this year and recent years boils down to one major reason. DUDES. We just haven't had the DUDES.

View embedded media

I think it boils down to we went from having a bunch of dudes with little to no experience at this level to a couple of dudes with little or no experience and some experienced players that aren't dudes. I think most of us thought experience was key to winning titles but Cal went from one extreme to the other and instead of having 5,6 or 7 freshmen every year we depended on to having 2-3 and a bunch of tranfer portal guys who are just mid major level talent.

Throw in the fact that we haven't been able to guard a good high school team for the past 4 years and it is a recipe for disaster.

 

[WeWant9]

This last one was probably the least painful and anger inducing of the recent decline too. It's funny media is just figuring that Kentucky hasn't been Kentucky for a while, but the end to this year was very fitting and descriptive of the state of program/season they had. They weren't a championship team but showed flashes of being a good team. Good teams who have flaws and don't win against top competition find ways to lose or breaks go against them.

Probably the least painful NCAAT loss I’ve felt as a fan. I’ll always hope for a run, and it pains me to say this- but I was kind of relieved it was finally over. This team was difficult to follow/watch.

Cal showed he really can’t do much with a more traditional, vet style team. So, next year is his last chance to show he can at least win with upper tier freshman again. But sadly, I don’t expect the results to be much different than the last few years. If we lose our big ooc games again, it’s going be ugly.

 

[WeWant9]

I think some eyes are opened but some think Cal is still capable of turning it around . I saw Jay Williams tweet Cal is gonna turn it around next year . It’s really hard to even get your hopes on that happening judging by the last few years .

Never trust Jay Williams lol

Some people will defend coaches at all costs. Never made sense to me, but some go all out and refuse to place blame on them.

 

[shaudyshaud]

Never trust Jay Williams lol

Some people will defend coaches at all costs. Never made sense to me, but some go all out and refuse to place blame on them.

Probably one of those guys that doesn’t want to ruffle any of the coaches feathers .

 

[Cowtown Cat]

It's not unrealistic at all to expect that. It is however very unrealistic to go to 4 final fours in 5 seasons as UK did from 2011 to 2015 and was never sustainable.

If UK loses to Michigan in 2014 but beat auburn in 2019 it changes nothing for me as calipari still would need to be gone yesterday but I often wonder if his 4 final fours were more spread out how he would be viewed.

Really sucks, man. I mean, 2015 is what it is. Then add in 2017 and 2019. Where if we win those two regional games, we most likely cut down the nets. That’s especially true for 2017. It’s just depressing it was taken away mainly due to a referee with an ax to grind.

 

[Creed Bratton]

Never trust Jay Williams lol

Some people will defend coaches at all costs. Never made sense to me, but some go all out and refuse to place blame on them.

Just like some announcers will back every call an official makes. I remember Sunday that one of the K State guys was driving down the lane and he put his head down and head butted Reeves in the mouth on the drive to the basket. When they showed the replay the announcers were talking about Reeves leaning into him and initiating the contact....it was the total opposite of what happened.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

Poor Cal is tired. He said as much……



…..and it shows in his work.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Probably the least painful NCAAT loss I’ve felt as a fan. I’ll always hope for a run, and it pains me to say this- but I was kind of relieved it was finally over. This team was difficult to follow/watch.

Cal showed he really can’t do much with a more traditional, vet style team. So, next year is his last chance to show he can at least win with upper tier freshman again. But sadly, I don’t expect the results to be much different than the last few years. If we lose our big ooc games again, it’s going be ugly.

I got over it immediately. Went back to playing ps5.

We weren't going anywhere even if we beat ksu. This bunch would have lost to msu or ut probably. And if somehow we made the final four would losing by 15 to Alabama really leave us warm and fuzzy?

I guess it would have been another banner but it would have been equivalent of 2018 making it when they had 0 shot at title.

 

[WeWant9]

I got over it immediately. Went back to playing ps5.

We weren't going anywhere even if we beat ksu. This bunch would have lost to msu or ut probably. And if somehow we made the final four would losing by 15 to Alabama really leave us warm and fuzzy?

I guess it would have been another banner but it would have been equivalent of 2018 making it when they had 0 shot at title.

I ate an edible and played video games, too. I was mostly annoyed at the state of our program.

 

[ukwazoo]

It's not unrealistic at all to expect that. It is however very unrealistic to go to 4 final fours in 5 seasons as UK did from 2011 to 2015 and was never sustainable.

If UK loses to Michigan in 2014 but beat auburn in 2019 it changes nothing for me as calipari still would need to be gone yesterday but I often wonder if his 4 final fours were more spread out how he would be viewed.

If his final fours were more spread out, he'd definitely have more support. Because it would show his system and philosophy are sustainable, or that he can adjust to the teams he has and the opponents he faces. And he has the ability to bounce back. He's been laying on the mat, refusing to get up.

 

[catben]

Apparently the only person who doesn't have high expectations now is our coach.

Poor Cal is tired. He said as much……



…..and it shows in his work.

All while RAKING IN $9 million/year!!!

NO MORE EXCUSES!!!!

 

[BluPappi81]

So apparently everyone who thinks they should be able to win more than 2/3 of their games, go to a final four more often than every 8-10 years and not get put out of the tournament by Kansas St (twice) and St Peters are expecting too much.

"I understand what this program is about," Calipari said after a 75-69 loss to third-seeded Kansas State on Sunday. "That's what makes it what it is, and that's why I tell players, it's not for everybody because expectations are so high."

Cal says UK is not for everybody because of expectations

ESPN is sick w Northeast pricks who routinely malign Kentuckians as ignorant hicks. 🖕them.

 

[UKAlum84]

It's the fans who cheer the team to win, not to lose.

And even when we lose, we don't take it lightly.

It's not our fault, we dont get to suit up, the only thing we get to do is cheer the team on.

We're like the benchwarmers.

Does a benchwarmer have any say in the outcome of these games, not much.

 

[G-PIP]

ESPN is sick w Northeast pricks who routinely malign Kentuckians as ignorant hicks. 🖕them.

I read that and thought, "man, you just described Pitino in less than 10 words."

 

[Rivals_Defender]

Well, these are 18-19 year old kids. They do hear and see the good and the BAD from this fan base. There's an 85-90% majority of this fan base that are 100% behind these Kids, the program and Cal.

Then there's the ugly 10-15% that wants nothing but to tear down this program, bash the kids, bash Cal, bash Barnhardt, bash uniforms, bash checkerboards, bash the logo, bash the colors, bash the basketball floor, bash the football uniforms, bash the football field, bash anything they don't like; unless it was created, worn, displayed in the 1950's era that they grew up in. Basically just completely run the program into the ground because they get their panties in a wad when things don't go their way.

Btw, I know I will get blasted by all the ones that took offense to the post because it just hit you that it's you that's part of the problem. Have a great time fellas bashing me too.. haha

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

So apparently everyone who thinks they should be able to win more than 2/3 of their games, go to a final four more often than every 8-10 years and not get put out of the tournament by Kansas St (twice) and St Peters are expecting too much.

"I understand what this program is about," Calipari said after a 75-69 loss to third-seeded Kansas State on Sunday. "That's what makes it what it is, and that's why I tell players, it's not for everybody because expectations are so high."

Cal says UK is not for everybody because of expectations

So he thinks our "late struggles" "doomed" us to a 6 seed? Did he even watch us this season? Between that and his being an ACC reporter for ESucksPN, he has zero credibility on this issue.

 

[ukcatz12]

You're fooling yourself if you don't think there's a contingent of fans, many of whom exist on this board, who hurt the program.

 

[MakinMusic]

😂

 

[Rivals_Defender]

You're fooling yourself if you don't think there's a contingent of fans, many of who exist on this board, who hurt the program.

AMEN!

 

[catben]

AMEN!

You're fooling yourself if you don't think there's a contingent of fans, many of whom exist on this board, who hurt the program.

Those SAME fans that have made Cal about $100 million richer!!!!

Talk about "Generational Wealth"!!!

The fans are in NO WAY responsible for the FAILURE of Cal's UK Basketball program the past few seasons.

 

[Woodrow_Call_1998]

Well, these are 18-19 year old kids. They do hear and see the good and the BAD from this fan base. There's an 85-90% majority of this fan base that are 100% behind these Kids, the program and Cal.

Then there's the ugly 10-15% that wants nothing but to tear down this program, bash the kids, bash Cal, bash Barnhardt, bash uniforms, bash checkerboards, bash the logo, bash the colors, bash the basketball floor, bash the football uniforms, bash the football field, bash anything they don't like; unless it was created, worn, displayed in the 1950's era that they grew up in. Basically just completely run the program into the ground because they get their panties in a wad when things don't go their way.

Btw, I know I will get blasted by all the ones that took offense to the post because it just hit you that it's you that's part of the problem. Have a great time fellas bashing me too.. haha

SMH 🤦‍♂️