Key players’ underperformances led to Kentucky’s exit in NCAA Tournament

By Ali Cetinok sports@kykernel.com

Kentucky mens basketball lost to Kansas State 75-69 on Sunday afternoon to end the 2022-2023 season and miss out on its first Sweet Sixteen since 2019.

Even though Cason Wallace and Oscar Tshiebwe shined even in defeat, it was the lack of support from other key players that led to the Wildcats failing to get past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.

Tshiebwe, as he has so often this season, was the key factor against Kansas State. In what was possibly his last game in Kentucky blue, Tshiebwe scored 25 points and racked up 18 boards.

Also, NBA prospect Wallace, who also most likely played his last minutes at Kentucky, put in a solid showing, scoring 21 points with four assists.

Chris Livingston, whose future at Kentucky also seems to be hazy, did what he had done much of the season, making sure to do his part with 11 points. Combined, the three would score 57 points.

Despite the great performances from those three, it was another group of three players that disappointed on John Calipari’s team.

Antonio Reeves, who has been Kentucky’s best shooter all season, went cold on Sunday night, going 1-12 from the field and hitting just one of 10 attempts from beyond the arc, scoring his first points of the night with less than 30 seconds remaining in regulation and his first field goal with less than 10 seconds remaining.

Jacob Toppin also had a day to forget, as he went 1-7 from the field and missed both of his attempts from beyond the arc, finishing with a disappointing two points.

Finally, CJ Fredrick also did not make enough of an impact during his 20 minutes of play, as he hit just one 3-pointer for his only points on the day.

Reeves, Toppin and Fredrick, who are all seniors, combined for just 10 points and went a total of 3-25 from the field. All three hit just one field goal each in what Calipari believes could very well be each player’s final outing in a Kentucky uniform.

“My guess is they will all leave,” Calipari said regarding Kentucky’s six seniors. “That’s my guess, but I have not talked to them all. Those conversations will be for a little later.”

Despite the loss, Calipari made sure to recognize the frustration of Kentucky fans who feel as if expectations continue to not be met.

“I understand what this program is about,” he said.

“I think, again, that’s what makes it what it is. That’s why I tell players this isn’t for everybody, because the expectations are so high.”

Calipari did not shy away from criticism coming his way as well as he has done so often this season, reminding Big Blue Nation that the Kentucky job is one based on results and an especially difficult one at that.

“(It’s) the same with coaching, it’s not for everybody,” he said. “There’s a high expectation level and it is Kentucky. The other team is going to play out of their minds and they’re going to play like they have nothing to lose.”

With another season in the books for Kentucky, the search for title No. 9 will have to wait another year as the Cats welcome yet another highly anticipated recruiting class that comes into Rupp Arena this fall.