The Impact of Kenny Payne...

Today, The Kentucky Wildcats ended their season with a 74-73 2nd Round SEC Tournament loss to Mississippi St. For only the second time in Coach Calipari's 12 season tenure at UK, the Wildcats have not qualified for the NCAA tournament (in 2012-13 the Wildcats went to the NIT.) This is Coach Cal's first losing season and the first losing season for the program since 1989. A lot of national media has attributed UK's struggles (and that of other "Blue Bloods" around the country) to Covid-19, but what this team is missing more than anything else is Kenny Payne! 

Coach Kenny Payne came to Kentucky in 2010 and has been an integral piece of the puzzle and in my opinion, the glue that held that puzzle together! In his 10 seasons in Lexington; Coach Payne was a part of a team that qualified for 9 NCAA Tournaments, reached the Sweet Sixteen 7 times, Elite Eight 6 times, Final Four 4 times and won a National Championship in 2011-12. From 2014-2020 Coach Payne served as the Associate Head Coach of the program. Prior to coming to UK, Coach Payne was an assistant coach at Oregon. During his tenure there he helped lead the Ducks to two NCAA Tournament appearances and the Elite Eight in 2006-2007. On August 11, 2020 it was announced that Coach Payne would be joining Tom Thibodeau's coaching staff with the New York Knicks. 

Kenny Payne is a WINNER! As a player he was an All-American and National Champion on the collegiate level and a First Round Draft Pick. His knowledge, experience and expertise was invaluable and seemingly irreplaceable for the Wildcats. His ability to connect with and develop future Pro's has been unmatched. When you discuss all of the reasons for UK's shortcomings on the court this season, make sure you mention Kenny Payne's name!