When it all began, Kentucky was dancing. Literally. John Wall, the five-star freshman and anchor of John Calipari’s first recruiting class at Kentucky during the 2009-10 season, had gone viral with a dance that fans around the country mimicked. From there, it was the run to the national title in 2012 with future NBA superstar Anthony Davis. The 2014-15 squad made the Final Four after a 38-0 start. And then, the glory stopped.
The No. 3 seed Wildcats’ 80-76 loss to 14-seed Oakland in the first round of the men’s NCAA tournament Thursday night extended an ongoing trend for blue-blood program that continues to recruit some of the best players in America but has failed to translate that talent into significant postseason wins over the past decade. Give the Golden Grizzlies credit for outplaying Kentucky for 40 minutes, and for Jack Gohlke‘s explosive 32-point performance.
Yet, for a team that has one NCAA tournament win since the 2019 edition, the future seems uncertain after its latest loss. ESPN’s Myron Medcalf, John Gasaway and Jeff Borzello discuss the significance of this loss for Kentucky and the win for Oakland.
What was the most important moment of the game?
John Gasaway: With apologies to the amazing Jack Gohlke, the corner 3 DQ Cole hit with 37 seconds left in the game was absolutely crucial. Kentucky had pulled within one, and it looked like maybe the Wildcats were going to win after all. Then Cole nailed the shot that sealed UK’s fate.
Myron Medcalf: From the 8:14 mark until the 4:43 mark of the second half, Oakland had just one field goal. That was the stretch that allowed Kentucky to finally make a run and cut Oakland’s lead to 64-62. Ninety seconds later, though, the Wildcats were down by six again. They had a shot, and then they let it slip away again. They hit shots down the stretch to keep the game close, but the earlier run had been an opportunity to strike — and they just couldn’t.
Jeff Borzello: The moment Gohlke checked into the game with 15:55 left in the first half. He attempted two 3-pointers in his first 32 seconds on the floor — missing them both — but brought a confidence and energy that never disappeared. He ended up producing one of the legendary performances in recent NCAA tournament history, finishing with 32 points off the bench on 10-for-20 3-point shooting. He didn’t attempt a 2-point field goal. It was in line with the rest of his season, as he attempted 327 3s and just eight 2s.
How significant was this loss for Kentucky?
Gasaway: Enormously significant, because it comes on the heels of the loss to No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s just two years ago. Now it has happened again, and this isn’t they way things are supposed to work when you’re Kentucky. Look at history, and consider what the fans of Big Blue Nation have come to expect based purely on reality. The Wildcats were 26-1 in the round of 64 from 1988 through 2019. Now, in the past three tournaments, UK is just 1-2 in that round. That will not be tolerated.
Medcalf: It’s significant because it prompts legitimate questions about Calipari’s approach to winning in this climate, which is changing in real time. Calipari said he told his team after the game that “this one is painful.” The scar from this loss could linger a long time and ultimately lead to a leadership change for the winningest program in college basketball.
What needs to change for the Wildcats going forward?
Borzello: Stylistically, this Kentucky team was different and seemed better-equipped to win in 2024 — and win in March — than past Kentucky teams. Calipari recruited a bunch of quick, dynamic guards who could play fast, make 3s and create their own shots whenever they wanted. And it still didn’t work. In a world in which teams are starting three or four seniors or graduate transfers, it’s still tough to win in the NCAA tournament with multiple freshmen in your lineup. Given where Calipari has his most success on the…
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