John Calipari updates Aaron Bradshaw’s status, speaks about transfer portal
By Keith Farner
Published:
John Calipari held a press conference on Friday, and updated several issues related to the Kentucky program, and college basketball in general.
Calipari reiterated his philosophy about coaching a players-first program, and said the Wildcats’ program would be transformational, not transactional.
“The culture’s not changing,” he said. “You’re going to come in with other really good players. You’re going to have to compete, you’re not promised anything.”
Calipari this offseason has received criticism from fans and media for his perceived lackluster performance in the transfer portal, and notable roster shift to a younger group. Many of the recent Final Four teams have had a veteran presence on their rosters.
West Virginia transfer Tre Mitchell was a late add by Calipari, who called the move “fate.” Calipari otherwise sounded off on the transfer portal, and called for change.
“First thing we could solve is the transfer portal,” he said, per Jack Pilgrim. “Easily. It used to be you have 5 years to play 4 — go back to it. If you want to transfer one time, do it. … We got guys playing at 26 and 27. This is about safety of 17-, 18-, 19-year-olds.”
Calipari spoke about Aaron Bradshaw’s availability after the 7-foot freshman 2 weeks ago suffered a fracture in his foot is expected to miss the start of the 2023-24 season.
“Aaron Bradshaw was unbelievable in the camps in our community,” Calipari said. “… Had a foot injury, had a choice to make. He said, ‘I want an operation because I want to play. I don’t want to take a chance, I want to play.'”
John Calipari opening up. pic.twitter.com/w19Vn6gvw4
— Mitch B (@MitchBTV_) June 30, 2023
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
