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Calipari: 'Kentucky is not for everybody'

Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

There's immense pressure when you're in charge of a program like Kentucky. Mistakes happen, and not every player is cut out to be a Wildcat.

Head coach John Calipari recruits top talent each year, but he understands Big Blue Nation isn't for everyone. From his blog:

Kentucky is not for everybody. And the ones who don't come here, we're fine and we do not take it personal. Not every player should come here, and if you've been brainwashed to the point of doubt of what Kentucky is and what Kentucky isn't, you shouldn't come here.

This is about succeeding in all areas of your life, not just basketball. It's our holistic approach. It has been and always will be that way.

He also wrote about how he mishandled recently drafted big man Skal Labissiere:

When you think about individual players like Skal, I tried to use the lesson plan we used for Anthony and Karl. It wasn't the right one. We adjusted, but it was late. He's still going to be fine because he learned to fight, he didn't blame anyone, and he learned to trust. He was still a first-round draft pick and is going to have a terrific career. But, we could have done better. I could have done better.

Since arriving at Kentucky in 2009, Calipari has reached the Final Four four times, winning it all in 2012. He'll have a great opportunity again this year with another superb recruiting class coming in, including big man Bay Adebayo.

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