Calipari hopes WKU game brings "light and honor" to tornado-ravaged region

When word started to circulate that Louisville might not be able to play Kentucky this week, John Calipari picked up the phone and went to work. Calipari spoke with coaches at Ohio State, Texas, and Gonzaga in hopes of replacing the Cardinals on this week’s schedule; however, due to logistics and negotiations, he couldn’t get anything on the books. For reasons much bigger than basketball, that ended up being a blessing in disguise.

Western Kentucky was originally scheduled to play Austin Peay tomorrow night, but the Governors agreed to move the game to next season. That cleared the path for Rick Stansbury to bring his team to Lexington for an ESPN primetime game vs. Kentucky, only the seventh meeting between the two programs. Not only is it a matchup many Kentuckians have been asking for for years, it provides another opportunity to raise money for the tornado-ravaged region of the state.

This afternoon, Calipari shed some light on a chaotic few days at the Joe Craft Center as the staff scrambled to find an opponent.

“Two things that happened,” Calipari said. “I, first of all, said, this building’s sold out. We have to try to get the best team we can get. We can make it about West Kentucky with another big-time opponent but as you went through the list, there were none that were willing.”

When it became clear the Hilltoppers could adjust their schedule, the pieces fell into place.

“And now, with Western, the history of their program and our state, the respect they get in our state and even nationally. People still remember Western Kentucky and Coach Diddle and the red towel and all the stuff. You talk about a top program. And what they’re doing now is, they’ve got a good team. They beat Mississippi good. They beat Louisville good. Louisville made some threes to make it close. This is a team, the leading shot blocker, the shooters. They’re well-coached. Rick does a great job. Always has.”

“Let’s really bring light and honor to West Kentucky”

As Calipari said, Western has wins over Ole Miss and Louisville this season, along with losses to Minnesota, South Carolina, Memphis, and Buffalo. The Hilltoppers are No. 100 in the KenPom rankings, making them the fourth toughest team Kentucky has played behind Duke (6), North Carolina (37), and Notre Dame (53). With the nation’s best shot-blocker in Jamarion Sharp and an arsenal of shooters, Western is no slouch and they’ll be hungry for a win vs. the state’s top team; however, bringing the Hilltoppers to Rupp is a risk Calipari said is worth taking in exchange for the money they can raise.

“This is a dangerous — I don’t want to call it a no-win [situation] because it’s a win. Playing the game is a win. We’re playing basketball. And the other thing that’s a win, let’s really bring light and honor to West Kentucky and do it in a way where the country’s watching. So, someone’s got to lose the game unless we can go tie. I’d take a tie. But it’s still going to be something special. And I think whoever’s in the arena, those people are going to say, ‘Wow. This is special. I’m so happy I’m here and maybe this worked out for the best.'”

Fans can participate in the Kentucky United Toy Drive

How can you give back to those impacted by last weekend’s storms? If you’re going to the game, consider participating in the Kentucky United Toy Drive. New, unwrapped toys in original packaging or $25 VISA or Mastercard gift cards will be collected and donated to families in Western Kentucky in need following the tragic tornadoes last week. The UK Police Department is working with UK Athletics on the collection and distribution of the donated items. Kentucky will accept donations at all entrances of Rupp Arena during the game. Free admission with a donation cannot be offered due to limited availability.

The toy drive is in conjunction with the “Kentucky United for Tornado Relief” telethon that UK Athletics, WLEX-TV, and JMI Sports hosted earlier this week. With donations still being accepted online, nearly $4.5 million had been raised through Kentucky United. All proceeds are going directly to the American Red Cross to benefit Western Kentucky victims.

If you’re not going to the game, you can still donate to the Kentucky United for Tornado Relief fund at redcross.org/donate/cm/wlextv-pub.html (site will be active through the end of the month) or by mailing a check to: American Red Cross, Attn: Kentucky Tornadoes, 1450 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511.