When an elite recruit from Chicago picks Kentucky and John Calipari over any of the local schools in the city or state these days, it’s routine. We’re used to it at this point.
It’s Calipari. It’s Kentucky, or “Big Blue.” What did you expect? Saturday brings us UK vs UCLA, and John Calipari vs. Steve Alford at 2:30 local time on CBS.
Calipari comes into Chicago with a team that unanimously #1, and a true threat to finish the regular season undefeated. (If they win at #4 Louisville next Saturday) For Calipari, these are the best of times, and these are the best of times.
Cal was asked during his local media availability about the common characteristics between players who played for him that are from Chicago …
“They were all different. I mean Derrick (Rose) played at one of the best high schools as far as the tradition of the program,” Calipari responded.
“Anthony (Davis) played at one of the worst high schools traditionally. Tyler played at a private school so it’s all different. What they all had in common is a desire to improve, a comfort-level in their skin, which made them very good teammates, great guys to be around. It’s funny how they won’t ever change.”
“The injury that Derrick has, his team fully supports him because they know what a great guy he is and that he’s there for them. The same with Anthony.”
Next in line is Tyler Ulis, who hails from Ohio originally, but did his prep ball at Marian Catholic in the Chicago suburbs.
“Well, I consider myself a Chicago player, an Ohio player. I’m from both,” said Ulis.
“I just grew up playing with a lot of guys out of Chicago and in Ohio and it made me who I am today. Growing up, playing on the playgrounds, having to play against older guys, just having to be tough.”
Next in line is Charles Matthews. He continues the Chicago to Calipari pipeline next year. The undercard match-up before Calipari takes on the Bruins is #24 but should be unranked North Carolina vs #12 Ohio State at noon.
The four participating teams have combined for 25 NCAA Championships, including national leader UCLA (11). Kentucky has won the second-most in history with eight national championships and North Carolina is tied for third with five.
Kentucky and North Carolina are two of just three programs with more than 2,100 wins in program history. Kentucky is the national leader with 2,151 all-time victories and North Carolina is third with 2,121.
Since 2005, each team has appeared in at least two Final Fours each, combining for 11 total berths in the national semifinals: Kentucky (2014, 2012, 2011), North Carolina (2009, 2008, 2005), Ohio State (2012, 2007), UCLA (2008, 2007, 2006).
This will be the inaugural CBS Sports Classic college basketball showcase, which follows in the footsteps of ESPN’s “Champions Classic.” It also features Kentucky; but the other three teams are Michigan State, Duke and Kansas. Now we just need Fox and NBC to join in on the fun too.
It’s nice to see college basketball making a real effort here to schedule real games in the pre-conference season. Verne Lundquist and Greg Anthony will call both games on CBS.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net ,which is partners with Fox Sports. Read his feature stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on KOZN 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks). His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post and ESPN 2