They were coached by Rick Pitino in his eighth, and final, season at Kentucky as members of the East division of the Southeast Conference.

They defeated Montana, Iowa, Saint Joseph's and Utah to return to the Final Four for the second consecutive year.

In the Final Four, they defeated Minnesota to advance to the National Championship game against Arizona.

They defeated Florida and Arkansas in the SEC tournament before losing to Mississippi State in the championship game.

There they defeated San Jose State, Virginia Tech, Utah, and Wake Forest to earn a trip to the Final Four.