Sports Illustrated’s college basketball issue hits newsstands today.
The magazine ranks Kentucky No. 4 in its pre-season poll.
The preview of UK highlights the youthful starting five and development of sophomore Kyle Wiltjer.
“Hopefully in a month you’ll watch us and say, ‘Man, they really got better.’” UK Coach John Calipari said. “And in another month you’ll say, ‘Man, they’ve got a chance.’ And in another month you’ll say, ‘Man, they’re right there.’ That’s our hope.”
The preview also notes the number 7 – the years in a row that a Calipari team has ranked among the top 15 in adjusted defensive efficiency.
That is a telling number for the Wildcats, the magazine said.
S.I. predicted a Final Four run for this Kentucky team.
Jerry Tipton of the Lexington Herald- Leader has covered Kentucky basketball since the 1981-82 season. That time includes five coaches, five Final Fours, four athletic directors, two interim athletic directors and many memories. Before coming to Lexington, Tipton worked eight years for the Huntington (W.Va.) Herald-Dispatch. He covered Marshall’s basketball team for two seasons before coming to the Herald-Leader.
