John Calipari 'guesses' seniors played last game for Kentucky in loss to Kansas State
Kentucky fell short again in the NCAA Tournament with their 75-69 loss to Kansas State in the Round of 32. While moving on to next season could provide some solace in the form of optimism, though, it appears John Calipari doesn’t believe that team will be very similar to this one.
That’s because, per Tyler Thompson at KSR, Calipari said after the game that he guesses all six of Kentucky’s seniors will elect to move on.
Part of that isn’t surprising when it comes to players like Oscar Tshiebwe, Jacob Toppin, and Sahvir Wheeler. Tshiebwe has accomplished just about everything you can at the collegiate level, Toppin has tested the NBA waters before, and Wheeler will likely look anywhere else for playing time considering Kentucky’s projected backcourt next season.
However, this could deal UK a serious blow to their roster next season. It wasn’t set in stone but some thought Antonio Reeves or CJ Frederick would return for another season. If they were to call it a career instead, that would leave the Wildcats with almost no production, and no leadership, returning to lead another stacked freshman class that’s set to come in this fall.
Still, this is just Calipari’s guess as of now. This process usually takes some time in Lexington as they sort out who wishes to stay and who decides to go. Even so, this isn’t exactly what many in the Bluegrass will want to hear after yet another early exit from March Madness.
LOOK: Oscar Tshiebwe dejected following Kentucky’s loss vs. Kansas State
Not all losses are created equally, and Kentucky suffered from a tough one on Sunday. The Wildcats were defeated by Kansas State in the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament 75-69. Sunday’s loss marks the third straight season Kentucky was unable to reach the Sweet 16. However, it could also mark the last game in the blue and white for star center Oscar Tshiebwe.
Tshiebwe returned to Kentucky this year after a stellar season with the Wildcats last season. In 2022, he took home the Naismith Trophy, the Wooden Award, and won National Player of the Year unanimously. He likely returned with a deep NCAA Tournament run heavy on his mind and heart. Still, unfortunately for him, that became a lost cause on Sunday.
He still had a classic Tshiebwe signature performance, ending the afternoon with 25 points and 18 rebounds. But his impressive performance was shadowed by the heartbreaking loss. Then, in the locker room, he was seen completely dejected following the game.