Monday Headlines: The Season Ends Edition

Kentucky was knocked out of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, falling 75-69 to Kansas State. Poor shooting, unnecessary turnovers and poor rim defense led to the loss.

It’s been a tough five months for Kentucky basketball fans. Coming in to the year, the Wildcats were ranked No. 4 but quickly fell out of the Associated Press rankings entirely.

There were some bright spots for fans — like beating Tennessee on the road AND at home — but still too many smears on their resume to expect much come postseason time.

The Wildcats finished the regular season with a 21-10 record and posted just a 1-2 record in the postseason. “Mediocre” records in the regular season and flopping in the postseason has been the constant over the last several years. Is that the new norm for Kentucky? Fans hold their team to high standards (rightfully so) and patience seems to be running out.

John Calipari said after the team’s loss to Kansas State that he expects all six of his seniors — Antonio Reeves, Brennan Canada, CJ Fredrick, Jacob Toppin, Oscar Tshiebwe, and Sahvir Wheeler — to leave. Cason Wallace and Chris Livingston are also expected to declare for the NBA Draft, though there is a chance Livingston decides to return for another year.

Kentucky does have the top recruiting class coming in next season. But how many times have fans seen the Wildcats land both high recruits and sought-after transfers yet the season ends much earlier than expected?

There are lots of questions heading into the offseason.

Tweet of the Day

Will miss watching him in a Kentucky uniform.

Headlines

Nowell, late 3s lift Kansas State past Kentucky in NCAAs - ESPN

Recap from Sunday’s game.

UK had other games with same issues that led to NCAA exit - Vaught’s Views

Tough to make the same mistakes and expect a different outcome.

Cowboys trade for Texans WR Brandin Cooks - ESPN

Small or big deal for Dallas?

Disappointing end to a very frustrating season - Vaught’s Views

Just tough all around.

Texans reach $75M extension with LT Laremy Tunsil - ESPN

He’s come a long way since his NFL draft night.

Wallace, Livingston reflect on freshman year at Kentucky - KSR

Will miss watching them rep Kentucky blue.

This NCAA men’s tournament is up for grabs like never before - USA Today

How does your bracket look after the second round?

Calipari guesses all six Kentucky seniors will leave in offseason - KSR

Sounds like a lot of turnover in the near future.