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John Calipari is HYPED about his Wildcats.
Throughout the summer, Calipari has expressed a rare level of optimism when it comes to the 2020-21 edition of Kentucky basketball. However, the players have done very little team work until yesterday when they were finally able to practice fully.
Now, Calipari is even more excited about what his team is capable of this coming season.
During a Wednesday meeting with the media, Calipari said he hasn’t been this excited about his team since 2014-15 squad that went 38-1.
John Calipari says 2020-21 roster is giving him 2014-15 vibes: “Yesterday’s practice yesterday reminded me of a team four or five years ago where two guys blocked a shot at the same time. Like, bam, bam. I told them, “That’s what I’m talking about.’”
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) August 26, 2020
Yesterday was the first day Kentucky went against each other. Everything until then had been separated. Being super careful with COVID-19. Says he's really challenging the players to live safely or get out. "We've got this pretty well in order." https://t.co/Xeqi4V6IPJ
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) August 26, 2020
However, a big part of this is Olivier Sarr.
As fall arrives, the Wildcats are still waiting for the NCAA to make a decision on Sarr, a senior center who transferred in from Wake Forest and has been waiting for a decision on a transfer waiver to play in the 2020-21 season.
Normally, the NCAA makes athletes who transfer sit out a full season before being eligible to play. But all along, Kentucky has felt it had a good case for the NCAA to rule him eligible, and Calipari is still confident that a waiver is granted.
Calipari on the status of Olivier Sarr’s waiver request: "I feel good about Olivier’s situation, it’s just going through channels. We’ll hear when we hear, but I feel comfortable with it.”
— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) August 26, 2020
The waiver request for Sarr was sent sometime in May, so there could be a ruling any day now. We’ve seen the NCAA grant numerous waivers to other college hoops players changing schools, which has given more optimism that Sarr will be eligible to play this season.
If eligible, Sarr will be an all-conference level center capable of taking home some postseason conference awards and honors.
Of course, the only postseason hardware Sarr really wants is national championship. If he’s eligible, Kentucky will have a shot at getting one.
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