Calipari open to adding more players to current roster

It appears John Calipari may not be done shaping his 2019-20 roster after all.

At his press conference Tuesday, the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats said he’s happy with the current state of the roster, but he also wouldn’t be against adding more talent.

“I’m really happy with where we are right now,” said Cal. “If there’s anything that could help us and also help the player, I would consider that.”

Calipari made sure to note how Kentucky’s frontcourt could benefit from another big in case an injury strikes.

“What if one of them gets hurt right now?” asked Cal. “Now you’re playing four guards, which I haven’t done before but I’d try to figure it out.”

By saying this, all the speculation is that Virginia Tech Hokies transfer Kerry Blackshear Jr. would be who Calipari would be open to adding.

Blackshear is coming off a 2018-19 season that saw him average 14.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and shot 50.8 from the field.

The Cats still could use another big man to help EJ Montgomery, Nick Richards and Nate Sestina in the frontcourt.

Other schools linked to Blackshear include the SEC rival Florida Gators and Texas A&M Aggies. Blackshear is a sunshine state native, and former Virginia Tech coach Buzz Williams is now with the Aggies. Thus, the Cats may have an uphill battle to land the prized power-forward.

At the end of today, Calipari’s comments by no means make the Cats the frontrunner or even confirm they’re a legitimate contender for Blackshear’s services, but it does add to the already massive speculation.

If Blackshear falls through, perhaps more graduate transfer bigs could emerge, though it’s hard to see it this happening in June when most grad transfers have already found their new home.

Of course, there are several other potential options via reclassification in 2020 recruits N’Faly Dante and Cliff Omoruyi. Dante has been frequently mentioned as a reclass candidate who could make a major impact next season, while Omoruyi is more of a developmental prospect that could be used when other bigs are in foul trouble (or injured).

Do you think Kentucky adds one more big for next season?