Thursday, June 25, 2026

Kentucky’s Trophy Case Under John Calipari Is Nearly Empty

  • Saint Peter’s upset over Kentucky was just the 10th time in NCAA men’s tournament history that a 15-seed knocked off a No. 2.
  • Calipari has produced seven NBA All-Stars with a combined $842.1 million in career earnings.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Kentucky’s John Calipari ($8.6M) is the second-highest-paid coach in college basketball behind Kansas’ Bill Self ($10.2M).

On Thursday, he was out-coached by Saint Peter’s Shaheen Holloway — who for reference brought in $266,344 in 2019.

The 85-79 overtime upset was just the 10th time in NCAA men’s tournament history that a 15-seed knocked off a No. 2 — and represents another disappointing March Madness exit for Calipari.

The 63-year-old has been to just four Final Fours and won a single title (2012) in 13 seasons helming the consistently talented Wildcats.

  • Calipari has coached 32 first-round NBA draft picks, including John Wall, Anthony Davis, and Devin Booker — all of whom were one-and-dones.
  • He’s produced seven NBA All-Stars with a combined $842.1 million in career earnings.
  • This year’s Kentucky roster features three players projected to be drafted: Shaedon Sharpe, TyTy Washington, and Oscar Tshiebwe.

Sharpe — the No. 1 recruit in the 2022 class — reclassified to 2021 and is actually eligible for this year’s draft despite never playing a minute for Kentucky, taking the one-and-done concept to a whole new level.

Meanwhile, the Peacocks, who have four upperclassmen in their starting five, will continue to try to survive and advance against Murray State (-8.5*) on Saturday.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 22, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Beaver Stadium.

Court Hands NCAA, Conferences Win in Fight Over NIL Enforcement

Schools are still going above the revenue-sharing cap.

NBC’s John Fanta: College Hoops ‘Has Never Been Stronger’

The NBC broadcaster said the college basketball product has never been better.

The Clippers Have Innovated the NCAA Draft-and-Stash

No. 57 pick Narcisse Ngoy will still play for Auburn this season.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses with 2026 draft prospects before the NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

NBA Draft Highlights College Basketball’s NIL Boom

The first 20 players selected on Tuesday all played in college.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

6/25/26 – Austin Reaves’s Record Deal, IOC to Pay Every Olympian, Taylor Swift’s MSG Wedding, College Eligibility Lawsuits

0:00

Featured Today

Italian Americans Have Severe World Cup FOMO

Bars and restaurants in Boston, Philly, and beyond are missing the Azzurri.
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) celebrates a three-point basket Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77
June 24, 2026

Female Athletes Are Trying to Build the ‘Athleisure of Beauty’

“Performance cosmetics” have emerged alongside the women’s sports boom.
June 18, 2026

Why U.S. Open Host Sites Are on a 25-Year Plan

The U.S. Open has already picked out 22 future sites through 2051.
Wisconsin Badgers forward Laila Edwards, left, and defender Caroline Harvey celebrate after Edwards scored against the Minnesota Gophers in the first period in a game Saturday, February 8, 2025, at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wisconsin.
June 15, 2026

Two Rookies Are Rewriting Women’s Hockey Stardom

Their platforms are a mutual boon for the PWHL and its players.
Ai sports slop
June 5, 2026

How Sports Became Ground Zero for AI Slop

The category is the perfect breeding ground for AI content churn.
Nov 20, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy watches play against the Utah Mammoth during the third period at Delta Center.

Former Golden Knights Coach Cassidy: ‘I Want to Go to Work’

The former Stanley Cup winner says the current restriction is “upsetting.”
Sponsored

Volpe Brings Style to the Bronx

With the New York Yankees & Anthony Volpe, Charles Tyrwhitt is bringing its decades-long playbook to one of sports’ biggest stages.
May 22, 2026

Close’s New UCLA Contract Has Discounted WNBA Buyout Clause

Close has been the UCLA women’s basketball head coach since 2011.
Sponsored

How Daktronics Is Reshaping the Modern MLB Ballpark Experience

The technology powering baseball’s next chapter.
Sponsored

How Thrivent and Athletes for Hope Are Leading With Purpose

Meet those making a difference as Thrivent and Athletes for Hope spotlight community impact.
April 14, 2026

Javier Mascherano Leaves Messi, Miami in Shock Departure

Mascherano won the MLS Cup in his first season last year.
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants coach John Harbaugh speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
March 30, 2026

Amid Team Ownership in Flux, Harbaugh Aims for Normalcy

The newly hired head coach eyes a Bears-type turnaround.
March 5, 2026

Mark DeRosa Is Still Baseball’s Swiss Army Knife

DeRosa is the sport’s utility player both on the field and off.