Cal's 1st 6 years (2010-15) here were the 3rd best such run in our history, although maybe should have had 1-2 more titles. 2016-20 we were arguably a top 6 program. 2021-24 we are barely top 60. That is 4 years; most elite programs historically have not just let that be left alone without major changes.
Unlike Tubby, Cal's recruiting was still excellent; as good as any other program except for MAYBE Duke. Not only that, but several transfers were named All-Americans, including a consensus NPOY. Our recruiting class rankings from 2020-23:
2020 #1 with 3 x 5*, 6 top 100 guys
2021 #5 with 2 x 5*, 3 top 100
2022 #9 2 x 5*, 2 top 100
2023 #1 4 x 5*, 5 top 100
A look at various categories 2021-24 compared to UK's historical numbers:
Overall W/L:
All time 76%
2021-24 63.5%
Vs AP Top 25
All time 244-165 for 59.7%
2021-24 11-18 for 37.9%
SECT W/L
All time 111-22 for 83.5%
2021-24 1-4 for 20%
NCAAT W/L
All time 99-44 for 69.2%
2021-24 1-3 for 25%
Home Record
All time 87.1%
2021-24 78.5%
A few other things that most recall:
0-8 in SEC titles and SECT titles; longest drought ever
Worst 5 year start to any decade since the 1920s by 8% at 66.9% W/L
Obviously, 9-16 worst season record in 100+ years
4 years with no Sweet 16 tied for longest drought in non-probation years
4 years with no Elite 8 tied for longest drought in non-probation years
Lastly, an astonishing number...since 2020 at 2-7 UK ranks 13th in total number of post-season wins...that is in the SEC, NOT nationally. Just ahead of USC.
Unlike Tubby, Cal's recruiting was still excellent; as good as any other program except for MAYBE Duke. Not only that, but several transfers were named All-Americans, including a consensus NPOY. Our recruiting class rankings from 2020-23:
2020 #1 with 3 x 5*, 6 top 100 guys
2021 #5 with 2 x 5*, 3 top 100
2022 #9 2 x 5*, 2 top 100
2023 #1 4 x 5*, 5 top 100
A look at various categories 2021-24 compared to UK's historical numbers:
Overall W/L:
All time 76%
2021-24 63.5%
Vs AP Top 25
All time 244-165 for 59.7%
2021-24 11-18 for 37.9%
SECT W/L
All time 111-22 for 83.5%
2021-24 1-4 for 20%
NCAAT W/L
All time 99-44 for 69.2%
2021-24 1-3 for 25%
Home Record
All time 87.1%
2021-24 78.5%
A few other things that most recall:
0-8 in SEC titles and SECT titles; longest drought ever
Worst 5 year start to any decade since the 1920s by 8% at 66.9% W/L
Obviously, 9-16 worst season record in 100+ years
4 years with no Sweet 16 tied for longest drought in non-probation years
4 years with no Elite 8 tied for longest drought in non-probation years
Lastly, an astonishing number...since 2020 at 2-7 UK ranks 13th in total number of post-season wins...that is in the SEC, NOT nationally. Just ahead of USC.
