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John Calipari has been changing things around the program following one of, if not the worst season in program history for the Kentucky Wildcats.
Those changes began with the type of players he was bringing in. Instead of long athletic player, he has targeted more skilled players that might not be as athletic, but they can shoot the lights out.
However, the changes are also coming to the coaching staff, as Orlando Antigua is reportedly set to become back and rejoin Calipari’s staff.
There has been a ton of speculation that this reunion could happen this offseason ever since the 2020-21 season ended, but it finally appears to be a reality.
Antigua was part of Calipari’s staff at Kentucky from 2009-2014 before taking the head-coaching job at South Florida, where he remained until 2017.
Since the 2017 season, Antigua has been an assistant coach at Illinois and is now reportedly making his return to Lexington.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the coaching changes:
Changes are coming....
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 21, 2021
Tony Barbee the frontrunner to land Central Michigan head coaching job, source told @Stadium.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 22, 2021
Illinois assistant Orlando Antigua likely to return to Kentucky, source also told @Stadium.
— All Things Kentucky (@BBNWonka) April 21, 2021
Say this for John Calipari: Guy listened to the criticism from this season (as he should have) and made BIG changes. Orlando Antigua is one of the most well-respected assistants in the business, an elite recruiter + was a huge part of the best Wildcat teams of the Calipari era https://t.co/IdNa6VNPEE
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) April 21, 2021
Seems uncontroversial to say that the guiding principle in Kentucky basketball assistant coaching hires should be getting the best, brightest next generation of college hoops minds, teachers, recruiters. Jai Lucas was a good start.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) April 21, 2021
Orlando Antigua is coming home dude. Life is Good.
— Got s worded (@SixtoMiami) April 21, 2021
John calipari. pic.twitter.com/cb4vOOK9Jy
— Danny Davis (@DannyDa27021564) April 21, 2021
The coaching changes are no longer a secret. I hate this staff couldn’t get to a Final 4. 17, 19 & 20 could have all been cutting down nets. The bounces went UK’s way in 11 & 14, not so much in 17 & 19. The folks leaving represented UK in a great way and seemed like good dudes.
— T.J. Walker (@TJWalkerRadio) April 21, 2021
John Calipari had to make changes after a 9-16 season. Those changes are coming. Anything to get some confidence and swagger back in the program.
— Shawn Smith (@gbbcountry) April 21, 2021
"We've got to evaluate everything. We can't do it emotionally. We have to do it thoughtfully. We all know this is Kentucky. Unacceptable what just happened." – John Calipari, March 15
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) April 21, 2021
BIG THINGS COMING TO KENTUCKY BASKETBALL.
— LIL HANGMAN TUCKY (@SportsHangman) April 21, 2021
I like this new age of Kentucky basketball. Been a long time since we've been the predators
— Go Kentucky! (@JamesCBundy) April 21, 2021
There definitely are multiple major moves coming for Kentucky basketball’s coaching staff. Between all the recruits, transfers and staff shakeup, this spring amounts to a major program reboot for John Calipari.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) April 21, 2021
Cal reminding Illinois that he hasn't forgotten that Anthony Davis story they floated.
— Blake Spires (@RealFakeBlake) April 22, 2021
Kentucky basketball gonna be in a Final Four in the next three years. What say you?
— Sim.0 (@MGSimmons5280) April 21, 2021
I think John Calipari going out in the last two offseasons and bringing in some fresh faces is a very good sign. Certainly felt like things had gotten stale. The transfer recruiting also tells us the philosophy could be changing. All good things I think.
— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) April 21, 2021
I actually sat on this information for at least two months during the season. Wanted to wait for it to end before putting it out. https://t.co/zQpiLsYEqD
— Big Blue Express (@bigbluexpress) April 21, 2021
Orlando Antigua is a money get, cal is really turning things around this offseason, I love it.
— LIL HANGMAN TUCKY (@SportsHangman) April 22, 2021
Orlando Antigua. Is this the fix Cal needs to get back to pre-2015 prominence? pic.twitter.com/PoiDlxBgGl
— Michael Bennett (@justthecatradio) April 22, 2021
Orlando Antigua’s Twitter location is near Lexington’s Lakeside golf course. So, there’s that. pic.twitter.com/YsJoPkUI6X
— T.J. Walker (@TJWalkerRadio) April 22, 2021
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