John Calipari was present at last nights NBA draft and was once again using his famous hyperbole by claiming that it was the biggest night in the history of the illustrious program. Hold your horses there Cal! No doubt it was a huge night, but the biggest in the program's history? I would say notching 2,000 wins was much bigger as was winning that 7th national championship, or any of them.
I do think it was a HUGE night as far as recruiting and national image is concerned. High school kids were watching other kids not far removed from their age reaching their dreams of becoming professional basketball players and earning millions of dollars. No other school in the history of professional or college basketball has sent 5 guys in the first round of the draft in one night. Kentucky has once again set itself apart from the pack.
Cal was understandably excited when he made his giant proclamation. He was at the draft sitting with DeMarcus Cousins' family, as a father figure. He made this update on his Facebook status during the draft: "Sacramento took a former player of mine, Tyreke Evans, last year with the fourth pick and this year they take my BIG son with the fifth...Demarcus Cousins!"
Cousins was not the only player to receive Calipari Facebook love. He updated his status after every player was drafted. His final post proclaimed "Players 1st at this program! Players first!" There is no doubt that the best interest of his pupils is what is first in his mind. Helping kids into the NBA draft is a part of his job that he takes seriously and that he achieves with astounding results.
His critics and detractors like to point this out as a flaw and the main reason why he hasn't and may never win a title. He gets one and done players and is unable to build a sustainable team. Now all Cal has to do is prove them wrong. And last night's draft will go a long way in getting the proper players to ensure getting that title.
Good luck to all of the "Draft Cats". Make the University and the Big Blue Nation proud. I am now a huge Wizards, Kings, Rockets and Clippers fan. Not a big fan of Daniel Orton but I hope he does well in Orlando.
Sidenote: Universty of Louisville softy Samardo Samuels was not drafted last night. Best of luck to him. There was promising news that he was impressive in workouts but scouts must have watched tape in which he was totally outplayed by any talented big man he ever faced. DeMarcus Cousins included. Too bad 2 Sam cannot come back to the Cards and get abused by Enes Kanter. I was really looking forward to that meeting.
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