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John Calipari

John Calipari’s tenure at the University of Kentucky (2009–2024) stands as one of the most talent-rich, headline-grabbing, and nationally impactful eras in modern college basketball. His time in Lexington produced a national championship, multiple Final Fours, dozens of NBA players, and a complete modernization of how elite programs recruit.

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When Calipari arrived in 2009, Kentucky was eager to return to dominance after a difficult stretch. He immediately transformed the program by embracing:

  • One-and-done superstars

  • NBA-ready development

  • A dribble-drive offense built on pace and spacing

  • Elite recruiting classes year after year

Calipari didn’t just bring in good players—he brought in generational talent. His recruiting classes routinely ranked No. 1 in the nation and produced some of the biggest names in modern basketball.

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Calipari hit the ground running:

  • 2010 Elite Eight with John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, and Patrick Patterson.

  • 2011 Final Four behind Brandon Knight and a tough, physical defense.

  • 2012 National Championship with one of the most dominant teams of the era.

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The 2011–12 Wildcats are widely considered among the best teams of the 21st century.

  • Anthony Davis (National Player of the Year, Final Four MOP)

  • Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

  • Doron Lamb

  • Terrence Jones

  • Marquis Teague

2012
Kentucky 67-Kansas 59

Player
Field goals
Field goal attempts
Field goal %
Free throws
Free throw attempts
Free throw %
Reb
Assists
Steals
Blocks
TO
Player fouls
Points
Doron Lamb
7
12
58
5
6
83
2
3
0
0
1
2
22
Marquis Teague
5
14
36
2
3
67
2
3
0
0
2
2
14
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
4
7
57
3
4
75
6
1
0
1
1
2
11
Terrence Jones
4
7
57
1
2
50
7
0
1
2
2
4
9
Anthony Davis
1
10
10
4
6
67
16
5
3
6
3
2
6
Darius Miller
2
7
40
0
0
0
6
0
0
2
2
2
5

Watch full game below!

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