Kentucky's Calipari encouraged by new recruiting class, considered the best in school history
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this March 15, 2013, file photo, Kentucky head coach John Calipari reacts to a call against the Vanderbilt during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Southeastern Conference tournament in Nashville, Tenn. After a disappointing season that left the Wildcats out of the NCAA tournament, the coach is mindful not to put too much on a recruiting class considered the best in school history. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File) (The Associated Press)
The pending arrival of eight heralded newcomers has allowed Kentucky coach John Calipari to quickly move on after losing out on top recruit Andrew Wiggins.
Calipari is confident his large recruiting class will mesh and have the Wildcats back in national championship contention.
Calipari acknowledges the challenge of melding the skills of another talented group of freshmen, one featuring six McDonald's All-Americans. Kentucky's latest recruiting class is considered the best in school history, ratcheting expectations of a ninth national championship next season.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Wiggins was considered the final piece for a Wildcats' title run, but the nation's top-rated player committed to Kansas Tuesday.
Still, Calipari's believes his class will be successful because junior Kyle Wiltjer and sophomores Willie Cauley-Stein and Alex Poythress return to provide experience and leadership for the rookies.