Photo | Keyli Chisesi
The list of candidates for Naismith Coach of the Year was released on Wednesday and John Calpari’s name is nowhere to be found.
Despite having the Wildcats in the top four of the national polls and 24-4 overall, the UK coach was left off the list. The list includes Rick Barnes, Roy Williams, and Chris Mack- three coaches Calipari has defeated this season.
The Wildcats were 10-3 after a loss at Alabama on January 5th. Since then, Kentucky has won 14 of their last 15 games and are a serious threat to take home the programs 9th NCAA title.
While John Calipari will never admit he should be on the list, it didn’t stop Brad Calipari from taking up for his dad.
Not saying he has to be the favorite for it but but some respect on his name @NaismithTrophy
— Brad Calipari (@bradcalipari) February 27, 2019
Forget it lmao the numbers don’t lie. We all know that. Even they know that. It’s always been this way and it always will be @NaismithTrophy https://t.co/EWmQawFDhI
— Brad Calipari (@bradcalipari) February 27, 2019
Even ESPN’s Jimmy Dykes thinks it is a joke Calipari isn’t included.
@KentuckyMBB John Calipari not on this list ? You’ve got to be kidding me. Voters have no clue or agendas. One or the other https://t.co/ti18dzWEMS
— Jimmy Dykes (@CoachJimmyDykes) February 27, 2019