Calipari Says He’s Serious About His Player-First View

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If you’re not believing John Calipari’s recent statement that he would consider a national title to be a disappointment if he didn’t also get some players drafted, check out these comments:


“When you make decisions after the season, if it was just about winning championship, what do you think I would recommend to all of these players?  I’d say: ‘Come back.  I need to help your free-throw shooting.  You’ll be bigger.  You’ll be better prepared in the NBA by staying two more years.’ 

I just don’t do it that way.  And as this has happened, we encourage kids to chase their dreams.”


Most Kentucky fans are sharp enough to grasp Calipari’s unstated logic:


* If you’re a player-first program, your recruiting should be good

* If your recruiting is good, you should be in the running for a national title


But if Calipari doesn’t break through at some point with a national crown, you have to wonder if Wildcat fans who are used to hanging banners will be so understanding of Coach Cal’s player-first view.