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WATCH: John Calipari, players react to Kentucky's NCAA Tournament draw

Jack PIlgrimby: Jack Pilgrim03/13/23
John Calipari NCAAT

Kentucky has learned its NCAA Tournament fate, with the No. 6 seed Wildcats set to take on the No. 11 seed Providence in the opening round on Friday. It will be a 7:10 p.m. ET matchup in Greensboro, NC, John Calipari vs. Ed Cooley.

How are the Wildcats preparing for the head-to-head battle? Kentucky’s head coach sat down with the media to break it down immediately following the Selection Sunday draw.

  • Two new captains
  • Injury updates (including Sahvir Wheeler)
  • Facing off against Bryce Hopkins
  • Confidence going into March Madness
  • Being in the right mindset
  • Fixing the inconsistencies

Soak in the 16-minute interview below:

And what about the reaction itself? The team gathered around Calipari’s living room in front of the television to learn its postseason path, clearly excited to take on former Wildcat Bryce Hopkins.

Jacob Toppin’s reaction was the best: “J.T.-Bryce matchup? TOUGH!”

Then, CJ Fredrick and Lance Ware discussed the team’s NCAA Tournament fate and their expectations going into the trip to Greensboro. What is their confidence like personally? How excited are they to take on a former teammate in Hopkins?

Take a look:

Go Cats.

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2025-09-12