Graduation Day

  One thing that tends to get lost in the mix of #1 recruiting classes, Final Four runs, "one-and-done" players and national championships, etc. is the fact that many of the players who play for John Calipari who are not ready at an early stage for the NBA, go on to graduate. A lot can be made of what John Calipari has done for the likes of players like Terrence Jones, Eric Bledsoe, Demarcus Cousins, Marquis Teague, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Doron Lamb...the list goes on. He has helped put them in positions to have great success and showcase their talents, while fine tuning their skills, leading them to the NBA Draft.   Sometimes I think what he has done for a player like Eloy Vargas might be just as good. Eloy Vargas transfered to Kentucky after playing for Miami-Dade College. Before that he played for Florida, a school where he did not receive a significant amount of playing time. Vargas never cracked the starting line-up (other than senior night) for Kentucky either, but he got to be a part of something special. Vargas wasn't just along for the ride either. Vargas was a key contributor in practices, and by all accounts was a great teammate. Vargas had a role on the team and though it didn't ask for him to do too much, he often came in and did just what Cal needed him to do. Whether it was playing a good series or two on defense, or unselfish play on offense--getting the ball into the right hands.   And now today, Eloy Vargas, along with fellow senior Darius Miller, will graduate from the University of Kentucky. Coach Calipari has said more than once that he believes Vargas can play basketball at some level professionally as well. Either way, Vargas will have a diploma in his hands today. And a national championship ring on his finger. Not too bad.   Congratulations to both Eloy Vargas and Darius Miller on their graduation today. Big Blue Nation applauds you. And a congratulations to ALL of the UK students graduating today.