The Kentucky Wildcats didn’t need much help getting past Colgate on Wednesday. Now, sitting on a 9-1 record, they have a crucial rivalry matchup with state neighbors Louisville Cardinals.



Mark Pope’s side will have homecourt advantage for one of the biggest games of the season. Needless to say, we’re talking about two programs that have absolutely no sympathy for one another.



This will be Pope’s first time coaching in this rivalry, and while this might be new to him, he fully trusts his veteran players to be up to the task of taking the Cardinals down, so he didn’t feel the need to emphasize what’s at stake on Saturday,



<h2>Mark Pope gets honest on his first game vs. Louisville</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“The answer is probably no,” Pope said. “You probably have to experience it to do it (communicate). But, I am blessed with guys that are seasoned. I have guys that have played in big-time rivalry games so it’s not like a foreign concept to them. This is just a little level up.” </blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241212_BUS_291563_Mark-Pope-1024x576_68b75c82.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Mark Pope" class="wp-image-285800" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Mark-Pope.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kentucky head coach Mark Pope watches his team play against Lipscomb on Tuesday night, Nov. 19, 2024, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky</figcaption></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“It’s exciting and awesome. We love it and we hate it and we all the things…I’m well-aware of the beauty of this rivalry,” he concluded.</blockquote>



<h2>Kentucky will have to turn to other players</h2>



The Wildcats are dealing with some injuries right now. Kerr Kriisa and Lamont Butler are out, and while Otega Oweh and Jaxson Robinson held their own, the coach acknowledged that he might need to turn to Travis Perry and Trent Noah more often:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“That’s gonna be a work in progress. They’re super talented players. I thought they made solid contributions tonight. It’s hard, you kind of want to put them in the game when there’s a real flow to it,” Pope said of his freshmen.</blockquote>


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Perry and Noah held their ground in their last outing, and given how shorthanded the Wildcats are right now, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see them log heavy minutes vs. the Cardinals.

NCAAB News: Mark Pope gets brutally honest on Kentucky-Louisville rivalry

NCAAB News: Mark Pope gets brutally honest on Kentucky-Louisville rivalry - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The Arkansas Razorbacks needed some big performances to beat No. 14 Michigan Wolverines in the Big Apple. John Calipari knew how crucial it was to win the Jimmy V Classic on Tuesday night.



The Razorbacks rallied in the second half. They turned a 15-point deficit into an 18-point lead, and while the Wolverines rallied, they still hung on to get a one-point win.



Notably, Calipari knows that, as much as their defense was crucial, especially down the stretch, this wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for Adu Thiero’s heroics.



<h2>John Calipari admits Adu Thiero shouldn’t have played vs. Michigan</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Adou shouldn’t have played today. He had the flu. I begged him, ‘Please give us 10 minutes.’ And then I played him probably 20. But he gave four offensive rebounds up in the end because he couldn’t walk. I’m just happy we fought and got by it,” the coach said.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241212_BUS_291549_John-Calipari-1024x576_04ed983d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287684" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></figure>



Thiero wound up scoring 13 points with four rebounds and one steal in 22 minutes. Despite his illness, he still knocked down six of his nine shots from the floor.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We have not been healthy. Today, Adou Thiero should not have played. Was anybody at our shootaround? He couldn’t go in the shootaround,” the coach added.</blockquote>


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At the end of the day, that’s what it takes to be great in this industry. The Razorbacks got their eighth win of the season, and Thiero further cemented himself as one of Calipari’s go-to guys.

NCAAB News: John Calipari makes shocking admission about Adou Thiero

NCAAB News: John Calipari makes shocking admission about Adou Thiero - Bolavip US

It’s not very usual to see BYU beating top-tier basketball programs for the best recruits. If anything, this might have been the first time in program history that it had actually happened.



In a somewhat shocking turn of events, AJ Dybantsa, the projected first-overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has decided to take his talents to BYU, staying in Utah, where he’s currently a high-school senior.



Of course, he still has to clear several hurdles before turning pro, but barring a major turn of events, he’s expected to headline his class. Notably, he already knows where he wants to play: San Antonio.



<h2>AJ Dybantsa hints at a desire to play with Victor Wembanyama</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“You watch the film [of me playing], how do you think me and Wemby would play?” the 17-year-old said on ESPN’s First Take.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241212_BUS_291524_AJ-Dybantsa-1-1024x576_ddbb6bd6.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-290603" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>FINAL USA v Italy FIBA U17, U 17 Basketball World Cup 2024 AJ Dybantsa (7) United States beat Italy 129-88 for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2024 title and the country s seventh straight undefeated run to the trophy. The Americans have been breaking records all tournament. Turkey Copyright:</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Dybantsa reveals why he chose BYU</h2>



Plenty of people were surprised to see him choose BYU over other blue-collar programs. However, he loved the fact that former NBA assistant coach Kevin Young, as well as his entire staff, were tailor-made to prepare him for the pros:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I went on my visit,” he said, “Head coach all the way down to the analytics guy, analytics guy all the way to the dietician is all NBA staff, even the strength coach.”</blockquote>


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Of course, having a NIL deal reportedly worth somewhere between $5 million to $7 million may have also helped. Notably, this might be the first step in turning this program into a prime one-and-done destination.

NCAAB News: Projected No. 1 pick hints at desire to play for the Spurs

NCAAB News: Projected No. 1 pick hints at desire to play for the Spurs - Bolavip US

Good teams are measured against other great teams, which is why no losses feel the same. That’s a lesson No. 7 Gonzaga learned the hard way after dropping a thriller to No. 4 Kentucky.



The Bulldogs came firing in the first half, with Graham Ike scoring 18 of his 28 points in the first half. The Bulldogs led 50-34 at the break, and they were poised to make a statement against a tough opponent.



Then, things went south in the second half. Gongaza missed 12 consecutive three-pointers and struggled to get to the rim. Eventually, the Wildcats got into a 16-2 run and hung on to beat them 90-89 in overtime. Following the loss, senior guard Ryan Nembhard credited his opposition’s adjustments.



<h2>Ryan Nembhard discusses Kentucky’s adjustments vs. Gonzaga</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“[Kentucky] just changed the matchup [to Jaxson Robinson at point guard], did some couple different things in ball screens but, we missed some good looks from 3,” he said.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241212_BUS_291508_Ryan-Nembhard1-1024x576_d30f2148.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-291511" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/12134630/Ryan-Nembhard1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/12134630/Ryan-Nembhard1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/12134630/Ryan-Nembhard1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/12134630/Ryan-Nembhard1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/12134630/Ryan-Nembhard1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/12134630/Ryan-Nembhard1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/12134630/Ryan-Nembhard1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/12134630/Ryan-Nembhard1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>December 7, 2023, Seattle, Washington, USA: Gonzaga player RYAN NEMBHARD (0) sets up to pass the ball to a fellow player, in the 2nd half of the game, Gonzaga vs Kentucky University, with a game ending score 98 to 90, for Battle In Seattle. Seattle USA</figcaption></figure>



When asked whether this game had a postseason feel to it, the veteran point guard, who recorded his fourth double-double of the year with 13 points and ten assists, had to agree:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Yeah, 100%,” he acknowledged. “They’re a good team and obviously, we had our runs and they had their runs. It was a good basketball game and I think that’ll just prepare us for later in the year, for games like this and learn how to close out games a little bit better.”</blockquote>


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The Bulldogs will have a prime opportunity to bounce back when they go against the Nicholls State Colonels on Wednesday, now sitting at the No. 8 spot with a 7-2 record.

NCAAB News: Ryan Nembhard gets real on Gonzaga's loss to Kentucky

NCAAB News: Ryan Nembhard gets real on Gonzaga's loss to Kentucky - Bolavip US

BYU just got their biggest win in program history, and they haven’t even taken the court. The program has officially landed AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class and one of the most hyped NBA prospects in recent years.



The 17-year-old made his announcement on ESPN’s “First Take,” choosing BYU Cougars over more prominent programs, such as Kansas, Alabama, and North Carolina. 



He’s now the Cougars’ highest recruit in program history. He’s also their third commit of the season, joining four-star forward Chamberlain Burgess and four-star center Xavion Staton.



<h2>How did BYU land No. 1 prospect AJ Dybantsa</h2>



As The Athletic pointed out, Dybantsa, currently playing his senior season at Utah Prep, had long leaned towards the Cougars. Then, getting former NBA assistant coach Kevin Young pretty much sealed the deal:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241211_BUS_290636_AJ-Dybantsa-1024x576_8bdaff6d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="AJ Dybantsa" class="wp-image-290602" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075829/AJ-Dybantsa-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075829/AJ-Dybantsa-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075829/AJ-Dybantsa-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075829/AJ-Dybantsa-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075829/AJ-Dybantsa-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075829/AJ-Dybantsa-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075829/AJ-Dybantsa-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075829/AJ-Dybantsa.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Group Phase Guinea v USA FIBA U17, U 17 Basketball World Cup 2024 AJ Dybantsa-USA Defeats Guinea 124-49 in Game Two of the 2024 FIBA U17 Men s World Cup. A dazzling performance on both ends of the floor led the United States to coast to a 124-49 win over Guinea in the second Group B game at the 2024 FIBA U17 Men s World Cup. Turkey</figcaption></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Between Young’s professional experience, Dybantsa choosing to play in-state his senior season and BYU’s vast NIL resources — Dybantsa is expected to command a record-breaking NIL haul, per industry chatter — the industry expectation has always been for the nation’s top recruit to wind up in Provo, Utah,” read the report.</blockquote>


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A jumbo wing with unmatched scoring prowess in his class, Dybantsa’s physical tools and shot-making abilities will make him one of the most exciting players to watch in recent years.

NCAAB News: BYU shockingly gets AJ Dybantasa, beats top programs for No. 1 recruit

NCAAB News: BYU shockingly gets AJ Dybantasa, beats top programs for No. 1 recruit - Bolavip US

For most of their history, the Duke Blue Devils have hung their hats on having some of the best prospects in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. This season isn’t the exception to that rule.



However, with that plethora of talent, some players often fall out of favor. That’s the case with freshman Isaiah Evans, who has been up and down and hasn’t started a single game all season.



Even so, Evans bounced back from a scoreless performance vs. Louisville to help his team secure a win with 14 points and three three-pointers vs. Incarnate Word on Tuesday. That’s why his coach, Jon Scheyer, wanted to show him some love and praised him for working hard to get back on track.



<h2>Jon Scheyer praises Isaiah Evans after bounce-back game</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I love just his work ethic has not changed one bit. His approach before the Auburn game was there, his approach after the Auburn game was there. I think it’s a natural thing,” the coach said.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241211_BUS_290628_GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1024x576_e987bf11.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils" class="wp-image-268979" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils watches from the bench in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.</figcaption></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“To have a letdown at some time, and to bounce back tonight, I think he showed a lot of maturity, and the reality is his approach has stayed the same. Isaiah, just having him on the floor at times, even if he’s not hitting, you know he has to be guarded because he’s such a weapon,” he added.</blockquote>



<h2>Scheyer doesn’t want Cooper Flagg to do it all</h2>



Of course, all eyes have been set on Cooper Flagg this season, as he’s firmly expected to be the first-overall pick in the upcoming edition of the NBA Draft. His coach, however, wants them to play as a team:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We put enough on him (Cooper Flagg) in the 37 minutes and it can’t just be him,” the coach said. “For me, coaching this team, I think maybe we got a little stagnant in the end of those games (losses). We have other really good players too.”</blockquote>


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At the end of the day, Duke might have more than just one NBA-caliber prospect, and the team needs to share the wealth to avoid becoming predictable and getting far in the tournament.

NCAAB News: John Scheyer praises Duke's secret weapon, and it's not Cooper Flagg

NCAAB News: John Scheyer praises Duke's secret weapon, and it's not Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

Long before he committed to Rutgers, Ace Bailey was already drawing comparisons to NBA stars. Kevin Durant and Paul George were the most common, and it’s easy to see why.



Bailey’s scoring prowess is notorious. He’s the kind of natural scorer who doesn’t need a lot of help to get to his spots. And given his big frame, he can shoot over almost everybody.



That’s why his coach, Steve Pikiell, wanted him to develop a different part of his game and be more aggressive on the glass. That showed in the win over Penn State, in which he scored “just” 15 points, but also grabbed 15 rebounds.



<h2>Rutgers coach wants Ace Bailey to crash the glass</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Coach preaches that not just this game but every game,” Bailey said. “The main focus is the rebound so I just took that into account. I wasn’t even worried about scoring so much.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241211_BUS_290624_Ace-Bailey-1-1024x576_bdc8770b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-290607" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>ce Bailey #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights celebrates his slam dunk on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first half of their game during the Players Era Festival basketball tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 27, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada</figcaption></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I know I’m 6-10, I know I’m athletic, I know I can jump out of the gym,” Bailey said. “I’m using that as my advantage and it’s been helping so I’m going to keep using it. You just got to know situations and what to do and what your team needs in that moment.”</blockquote>



<h2>Rutgers has two potential top-three picks</h2>



Besides Bailey, the Scarlet Knights also have another potential top-three pick in the upcoming edition of the NBA Draft. Freshman guard Dylan Harper — Ron Harper’s son — also looks like a star in the making.


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Needless to say, that puts plenty of pressure on this program come tournament time. But even if they don’t get to have confetti on their heads at the end of the season, they will be must-watch TV all the way.

NCAAB News: Ace Bailey reveals why he wasn't worried about scoring vs. Penn State

NCAAB News: Ace Bailey reveals why he wasn't worried about scoring vs. Penn State - Bolavip US

The Arkansas Razorbacks escaped Madison Square Garden with a huge win at the Jimmy V Classic. They managed to beat Michigan by a deuce with a tight and exciting 89-87 final score.



Of course, that didn’t go unnoticed. Even though he’s not in charge of Kentucky anymore, one of his former players still reached out to coach John Calipari after the win.



The renowned coach addressed the media while talking to Karl-Anthony Towns via speakerphone. There, his Wildcats star from the 2014-15 season had a hilarious exchange with him.



<h2>John Calipari has a hilarious exchange with Karl-Anthony Towns</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“That’s Karl Towns. He doesn’t stop. He’s talked his whole life,” Calipari jokingly told the media while holding the phone. “So the media is now listening to you,” Calipari said.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241211_BUS_290619_John-Calipari-1-1024x576_091b782c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-290604" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Arkansas Razorbacks head coach JOHN CALIPARI gives instructions during Arkansas s win over MD Eastern Shore at Bud Walton Arena. </figcaption></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Oh good. I saw your big guys shooting threes. I don’t know what in the hell must have happened. You must have had an epiphany,“ Towns told his former coach.“Because I watch you shooting threes now and I say you won a game last night shooting threes. I’m gonna let these guys shoot threes. But one thing I’ll tell you, you make free throws. You couldn’t guard pick-and-roll defense, you still can’t,“ Calipari responded. “I’m in front of the media. Look you’re bothering me. You know I love you. You’re the best.”</blockquote>



<h2>Coach Calipari admits he’s been helped</h2>



Calipari has had his fair share of elite players. That’s why, also during the win, he admitted that he’s been “bailed out” by the great recruits he’s got the privilege to coach:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I’ve been bailed out my whole career,” Calipari said. “I’ve had really good players who have bailed me out. Now we develop, and they go on, and they’ve made over six million in the NBA, but that’s just here and there.”</blockquote>


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Likewise, those players also owe him a lot. Granted, it’s always easier to win when you have the best, but it also takes a great mentor to shape them into not only great players but also great professionals.

NCAAB News: John Calipari takes a hilarious shot at Karl-Anthony Towns

NCAAB News: John Calipari takes a hilarious shot at Karl-Anthony Towns - Bolavip US

You can’t talk about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> history without mentioning John Calipari’s name multiple times. If anything, the Arkansas coach is also responsible for helping out countless NBA players.



Calipari became a legend at Kentucky, turning the Wildcats into one of the elite one-and-done programs in collegiate hoops. Needless to say, that also led to plenty of success on the court for him.



That’s why, as great a coach and a mentor as he’s always been, Calipari is well aware of the fact that his players also deserve a lot of credit for what he’s done so far.



<h2>John Calipari credits his players for his success</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I’ve been bailed out my whole career,” Calipari said after his team’s 89-87 win over Michigan in the Jimmy V Classic. “I’ve had really good players who have bailed me out. Now we develop, and they go on, and they’ve made over six million in the NBA, but that’s just here and there.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241211_BUS_290601_johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631_933f7a2c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="" class="wp-image-216672" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats</figcaption></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“But it does drive you nuts, doesn’t it, when I say that? It’s just like, I can’t believe he says it. It’s just what he says, but yeah, I get bailed out a lot. And then, I hope they know that there will be times I bail them out. That’s how this works,” he added.</blockquote>



Calipari won a National Championship with the Wildcats in 2012, led by Anthony Davis, Terrence Jones, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, all of which ended up playing in the NBA. Now, as a member of the SEC, he reflects on how long the conference has gone over the past couple of years.



<h2>Calipari discusses current state of the SEC</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“They’re telling me this is like SEC baseball now, where it doesn’t matter who you play, you can lose,” said Calipari. “They’re top to bottom and that may be the case, but all I know is we’ve got terrific coaches, terrific players, and terrific fans.”“I remember when I started, we were getting three teams in the NCAA tournament, and I was trying to get a six, seven, and eight … Now you’re talking about top to bottom, you know someone’s going to win seven or eight games, they should get into the NCAA tournament if they won at Miami and Michigan,” he concluded.</blockquote>


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Calipari’s Razorbacks will put their 8-2 record to the test with three more non-conference games. They’ll face Central Arkansas, North Carolina A&amp;T, and Oakland before an SEC matchup with Tennessee.

NCAAB News: John Calipari makes wild admission about his career

NCAAB News: John Calipari makes wild admission about his career - Bolavip US

We still have several months before we know this season’s national champion. Even so, Tennessee, Auburn, Iowa State, Duke, Kentucky Marquette, Alabama Gonzaga, Florida, Kansas, Purdue, and Oregon have plenty of reasons to celebrate right now.



We’ve entered Week 6, and just like it happens every single week, the Associated Press just released their updated rankings for the 25 best teams in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>.



So, why did we only name 12 teams in the first paragraph? Well, as pointed out by Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo! Sports, history predicts that one of those teams will win the championship this season. 



<h2>AP Poll has historically predicted the champion</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Those are the top dozen teams in this season’s newly released Week 6 AP poll, a poll that has been a surprisingly accurate tool when predicting men’s college basketball’s eventual national champion. The past 20 national champions and 34 of the past 35 were each ranked in the top 12 in their respective season’s Week 6 AP poll,” Eisenberg pointed out.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241210_BUS_290095_uconn-champions-1024x576_b4ed9023.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-289785" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080757/uconn-champions-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080757/uconn-champions-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080757/uconn-champions-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080757/uconn-champions-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080757/uconn-champions-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080757/uconn-champions-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080757/uconn-champions-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10080757/uconn-champions.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates with his team during the trophy ceremony after beating the Purdue Boilermakers 75-60 to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament National Championship game at State Farm Stadium on April 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>History favors Kentucky as potential national champion</h2>



To be more accurate, it seems like the Kentucky Wildcats are in a prime position to take the trophy home. They’re currently ranked at No. 5, which has historically been the usual Week 6 ranking of the eventual champion:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Since the 2003-04 season, the average Week 6 ranking of the eventual national title winner has been 4.8. As former ESPN college basketball writer John Gasaway was the first to note, no other week during the season has been a better barometer, not even the polls that come out in late February or March,” Eisenberg added.</blockquote>


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Needless to say, there’s still plenty of basketball to be played, and a lot can change from today to the Final Four. For now, however, these fans can start planning their parades.

NCAAB News: AP Poll predicts this year's national champion

NCAAB News: AP Poll predicts this year's national champion - Bolavip US

Ernesto Cova is a bilingual (English-Spanish) sports writer with over eight years of experience covering major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, College Basketball, and international soccer. He rejoined Bolavip US as a collaborator after initially contributing to the platform since its inception in 2020, where he also served as a sub-editor in 2023. Ernesto specializes in daily sports news, producing 100% original content that includes trade rumors, player and team rankings, and more. Before returning to Bolavip US, he contributed to Fadeaway World and The Cold Wire, with a primary focus on the NBA.

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