Chris Livingston, Summer Basketball, Bronny James, and other Calipari Interview Notes

In the wake of Hunter Dickinson’s commitment to Kansas, John Calipari did as John Calipari does and went on a mini-media tour to redirect the conversation to Kentucky Basketball. We’ve covered all the big headlines from his interviews with Dan Patrick and John Fanta — how he intends to coach out the remainder of his contract, the importance of the freshman class, Kentucky’s approach to NIL, an update on Oscar Tshiebwe’s stay-or-go decision — but there are still some leftovers worth passing along. Join me as we comb through them.

Calipari supportive of Chris Livingston testing the NBA Draft waters

Chris Livingston is one of three Kentucky Wildcats currently testing the NBA Draft waters along with Oscar and Antonio Reeves. Another year in Lexington could help Livingston develop into a first-round draft pick, but Calipari said he is supportive of Livingston going through the draft evaluation process.

“Chris Livingston is another guy I’ll do everything I can to help him get to where he’s trying to go,” he told Fanta. “He’s got to run this down. He’s a terrific young person. Physically, he’s ready for the NBA.”

ICYMI yesterday, Jack Pilgrim reported that there have been some whispers about Livingston potentially returning to Lexington in recent days, but outside parties remain skeptical. He has until May 31 to decide whether or not he wants to stay in the draft or return to school.

Cason Wallace “has all the intangibles to have success”

One player that is definitely not returning to Kentucky next season is Cason Wallace. Calipari believes Wallace has all the tools to make it at the next level.

“He looks like an NBA guard. I remember going to watch him after his AAU coach told me he was what we wanted, and man, it took me no time to figure out he was the perfect fit for us. I’m happy for him. My hope is that he’s in that lottery, but he’s another one, I said this about (Tyrese) Maxey and (Immanuel) Quickley, the guys who passed on him will regret passing on him. He has all the intangibles to have success.”

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Incoming freshmen will change Kentucky’s style of play

Calipari spent a lot of time discussing his incoming freshman class (a recap of which you can read here). One reason he’s so excited is he believes the freshmen help him return to his favorite style of play, the dribble-drive with a focus on letting shooters shoot. Kentucky ranked 315th in attempted threes per game last season (18.0 per contest).

“The last two years, efficiency–wise, we’ve been in the top 10-15 in the country. But we had to play how we play with who we had. This upcoming year, what we have is a group that is collectively great with the basketball. We can create pace instead of having to run plays. My best teams have been able to do that. The question will be, how many 3s can we knock down? Are we good at shooting 3s? There are teams out there that are trying to shoot over 30 3s per game. We will play like my best dribble-drive teams and the guys who are supposed to shoot will do so.”

Antonio Reeves returning for another season will be a big part of this. Thankfully, things look good on that front.

Concerns about the Transfer Portal

Calipari has used the transfer portal successfully since its inception; however, he does have concerns. Calipari noted the number of older players still in the game due to multiple transfers, waivers, COVID relief, etc., and how it creates issues with scholarships. He called for the NCAA to issue more guidance on NIL and install guardrails on the portal to keep things from further spiraling out of control.

“As for the kids, we have 1,500 players in the portal, and here’s my question: How many are losing the scholarships that they had? We have to get it right for the kids and the sport. I have always been one of the guys who has said ‘fine, go’ to kids who want to enter the portal. But educationally, that’s where it gets difficult. If you graduate, and you want to transfer, that’s fine. But for the kids in their seventh year of school now, come on. It’s not healthy for an 18- or 19-year-old to be playing against somebody that old. Some schools are not recruiting freshmen, but only transfers. Power 5 schools are putting only 11 guys on scholarship because 13 or 14 is too many.” 

He made the pitch for Summer Basketball again

Back in October, Calipari made the case for summer college basketball, specifically exhibition games against Division I opponents in July and August. According to Jeff Goodman, the idea was well received at the NABC D-I head coaches’ meetings in Houston at the end of March. He brought it up again yesterday in his conversation with Fanta.

“Let’s just say we played Michigan State in Rupp Arena. We would have a sold-out crowd, amazing atmosphere, and we could get that on big-time TV. Why should it be just be the 3-on-3, TBT and summer league during that time of year? Why not throw us in there? You’re telling me TV networks wouldn’t air that? How about this? Both coaches are mic’d up for the game. You don’t think that would go over?”

Couldn’t talk about Bronny James

Dan Patrick couldn’t help but ask about Bronny James, the son of LeBron who is still deciding on where he’ll attend college next fall. Because Bronny is a recruit, Calipari isn’t allowed to discuss him, but he did remind Patrick that he sent scholarship papers to Bronny when he was born.

“He was out west and I can’t mention all that. LeBron’s a friend. His son did get scholarship papers when he was born. I sent scholarship papers the minute he was [born].”

From there, Calipari changed the subject by asking Patrick what kind of socks he was wearing. He also cussed and awkwardly laughed when Patrick made a joke about Rick Pitino. Check it all out below.