LOOKING BACK

 The season started and I was excited. The Kentucky Wildcats of Coach John Calipari were going to Canada and ran over three Division III teams. Hopes were high with the prospect of having three highly rated freshman ready to go, and a sure fire super star in Enes Kanter in the wings.

Oh, the detractors were there, Bobby Knight and such, and of course the vultures of the press patiently awaiting the slightest hint of impropriety, while sniping away at innuendos aimed at Coach Cal.

Even I, who from the beginning thought the hiring of Calipari was the best move Kentucky has ever made, had my doubts about approaching the season with such a thin roster. What about injuries? What about foul trouble? What about leaving that to the guy they pay four million dollars a year? He has earned every penny.

Through mid-season the ‘Cats seemed to have developed a penchant for losing close games on the road, “a short roster I cried”, they tire at the end of games.

They lost to UConn by 17, they lost to Ole Miss, to Alabama, to Vanderbilt, and they lost to Georgia, to Florida and to Arkansas.

All were to be avenged except Arkansas, whom they never faced again and Connecticut who awaits the ‘Cats in Houston.

The ‘Cats have lost to Connecticut and may lose in the finals, or may win a national championship.

Whatever may happen, John Calapari is in my opinion the best college coach in the nation, and if Kentucky is able to keep him, they will once again assume their position as the best basketball program in the country.

Josh Harrelson will always be a hero in the state of Kentucky. DeAndre Liggins and Darius Miller have also earned their place in Kentucky lore.

I do not feel Brandon Knight should go to the NBA, nor should Terrance Jones or Doron Lamb, but something tells me that Knight and Jones will go.

Next year looks just as wonderful as this year with all the new recruits and at least Miller and Liggins returning.

The one area of concern is the loss of big Josh Harrelson. But, I fear not, nor will I question a short roster even if he plays four. Coach Cal has made a believer out of me.

Oh, by the way, it is very obvious to me that the ‘Cats continue to win only because Nancy Carroll continues to wear her Wildcat jewelry and Irene Karr continues to wear her Wildcat hat.

Keep up the good work ladies!