John Calipari opens up on Twitter about Kentucky’s Sweet 16 loss
Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari took to Twitter Friday morning to weigh in on a season that ended with a 61–58 loss to the Kansas State Wildcats in Thursday’s Sweet 16 showdown.
While Kentucky’s overall season was an up and down affair, the Wildcats seemed to be hitting their stride heading into the NCAA Tournament. But it was all for naught as the No. 5 Kentucky squad was upset by the upstart No. 9 Kansas State team.
K-STATE SURVIVES!!!
The Wildcats hold off Kentucky and move on to the #Elite8#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/UQXBB8eBVe
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 23, 2018
The loss inspired Calipari to get somewhat philosophical about the abrupt ending to the Wildcats’ season, actually stating he felt “sick” upon waking up Friday morning.
I woke up this morning feeling as sick as I did last night after that game. This is going to hurt for a while for all of us. The players took it as hard as any team I’ve had when it ends.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) March 23, 2018
What they accomplished this year can never be taken away. To play like they played all year – coming together, battling through adversity, continuing to work every day and representing all of us the way they did – is truly amazing.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) March 23, 2018
It’s hard for us to see the forest through the trees right now, but each of these kids gave everything they had, including in a game last night when we weren’t playing at our best. And we still had a chance to win!
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) March 23, 2018
As a coach and as a fan, all you can ask is that they give their very best and that they do it as a team. This team tried to do that all year. Losing stinks, but I’m proud of each and every one of them.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) March 23, 2018
Some criticism was levied at Calipari for his late-game management during Thursday’s loss. The Wildcats also were taken to task for not shaking hands with Kansas State after the game in an arguable display of poor sportsmanship.
“My team is not like that; neither is our program,” Calipari told reporters after the loss. “There’s no disrespect in any way. They beat us. They deserved to win the game.”
It’s clear the entire Wildcats squad was demoralized by the loss. But there’s no reason to believe Calipari and company won’t be back next March to make another run in the Tourney.
