John Calipari: SEC favorite Kentucky could start 3 freshman from strong recruiting class

Kentucky’s Calipari high on prized recruits

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — New Kentucky coach John Calipari says the Wildcats could open his first season with three freshman starters.

That doesn’t mean he’s downplaying the high expectations. Those three came from the nation’s top recruiting class and include point guard John Wall.

At the Southeastern Conference media day Thursday, Calipari says Wall is ahead of former Memphis and current NBA players Tyreke Evans and Derrick Rose at this stage.

The Wildcats also have preseason SEC player of the year Patrick Patterson.

Calipari predicted the SEC would have seven or eight teams in the NCAA tournament after only three teams made it last year.