Category Archives: John Calipari

Apr 03

Calipari Learns From Mistakes, Earns Championship

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By Blake Schuster New Orleans, La. — It was happening again. Down by nine, to John Calipari and against a seemingly unbeatable team, Kansas made its run.  But in the Jayhawks 67-59 national championship loss to Kentucky, it wasn’t a miracle Jayhawk comeback as it was in 2008 — although it felt similar — this time was about Calipari, and the demons he finally exorcised. Four years ago with Calipari’s Memphis team up nine with 2:12 left to play, Bill Self pulled out one of the sweetest wins of his career, downing the Tigers in overtime. This time Calipari’s Kentucky team took the lead early in the first half and never gave it up despite… Continue reading →

Apr 03

UK’s Davis dominates without scoring

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NEW ORLEANS — The national player of the year scored one field goal in the national championship game.
Yet no one is crying for a recount on any awards presented to Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis.
Sure, he went just 1-for-10 against Kansas and didn Continue reading →

Apr 02

Kevin Haskin: No miracle for Jayhawks this time

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NEW ORLEANS — One more second-half rally was possible for Kansas on Monday.
If you believe in miracles, which the Jayhawks do — wholeheartedly — in the NCAA championship game.
Danny had his Miracles for teammates. Mario had his Miracle on a clutc… Continue reading →

Apr 02

Austin Meek: KU, Kentucky belong on big stage together

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NEW ORLEANS — The alarm bells started sometime after 3 a.m. in the hours before the national championship game.
Something (or someone) tripped the fire alarm at the Kansas team hotel, the JW Marriott on Canal Street. Guests were reassured that everyt… Continue reading →

Apr 02

Kentucky holds off KU to party on Bourbon Street

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NEW ORLEANS — Kentucky bourbon will be flowing tonight in the Big Easy.
Kansas gave its best second-half effort, but Kentucky held on to beat the Jayhawks 67-59 and claim the national title at the Superdome.
The Jayhawks trailed by as many as 18 … Continue reading →

Apr 02

NCAA title: Stakes include beef, ham

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If the Las Vegas gambling experts are right, Gov. Sam Brownback will owe the governor of Kentucky a package of Kansas beef.
Brownback, who is attending the Final Four in New Orleans, said the underdog Kansas Jayhawks would defeat the Kentucky Wildcats … Continue reading →

Apr 02

Schuster: Dining With The Enemy

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By Blake Schuster New Orleans, LA.— It was bound to happen. With a city full of nothing but Kentucky and Kansas fans surely confrontation would be unavoidable, I just never thought I would come away enjoying their company and with a new outlook on Big Blue nation.  Standing in line at Felix’s Seafood on Iberville St., my sports director, Jay, and I did what everyone in town was doing — discussing the looming championship matchup between the Wildcats and Jayhawks. The line was long, so was our conversation. But as I was trying to focus on Jay’s comments I found myself more interested in eavesdropping on the chat going on in front of me. Two… Continue reading →

Apr 01

Meek: Calipari, Self have come a long way

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NEW ORLEANS — Back in 1982, John Calipari was the guy serving peas and carrots at the Kansas training table.
Spooning vegetables wasn’t glamorous work, but it was part of the job description when Ted Owens offered Calipari a spot as a volunteer ass… Continue reading →

Apr 01

KU looks to capitalize on experience

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NEW ORLEANS — The one-and-done power game Kentucky possesses in terms of talent and superiority almost resigns Kansas into a different basketball subspecies.
With its experience, its role fulfillment and its underdog status, the Jayhawks are comparab… Continue reading →

Mar 30

Final 4 notes: ESPN guys in K-State mix?

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NEW ORLEANS — Based on public sentiment, Kansas State fans wouldn’t mind having a broadcaster as their next basketball coach.
ESPN’s Doug Gottlieb got Wildcat fans buzzing when he made a public pitch for the job, prompting a website — hiregottl… Continue reading →