Before the season even began, John Calipari preached about the importance of mental health during the pandemic. While every team in college basketball is playing under unique circumstances due to COVID-19, the disparity between a normal season and this one is greater in Lexington than anywhere else. This team, comprised almost entirely of newcomers, has had to trade the best parts of being a Kentucky Wildcat, packed arenas and a thriving campus life, for the worst, non-stop scrutiny and criticism from one of the most rabid fanbases in sports.
This morning, Calipari once again opened up about the impact the pandemic has had on his young squad, which is also struggling under the weight of a 4-8 record.