Kentucky has a been a sturdy blueblood program for decades.
However, in the last two seasons, the Wildcats have struggled, creating some tension and fan negativity within the program. Kentucky recorded a dismal 9–16 mark during the 2020-21 season and failed to qualify for the NCAA men's tournament. Then, in the '22 NCAA tournament, Kentucky was eliminated by Saint Peter's as a No. 2 seed in the first round back in March.
After Kentucky's 88–68 win against FAMU on Wednesday, Wildcats basketball coach John Calipari addressed the fan negativity on his regular “Wildcat Wrap-Up,” encouraging fans to be patient with the team and the program overall.
“They're trying,” Calipari said. “It is hard to play here now and it's become harder to play here. You don't want it to be so hard that they don't want to come here.”