Last season was easily the most challenging year for John Calipari since his arrival in Lexington, perhaps even the most difficult of his entire coaching career.
After all, COVID-19 had a dramatic effect on everyday life for everyone, and Kentucky basketball was far from immune to it.
In fact, Kentucky appeared to suffer more than most programs because of the many ways COVID restricted how players trained, practiced, and even bonded. Those three things are pivotal to establishing any semblance of a ‘team,’ especially when you’re routinely replacing most of the roster as Calipari does most years.