However, despite the first round exit, this season was notable for the play of Reed Sheppard, who led the SEC in steals.

On November 20, 2021, Reed Sheppard verbally committed to UK over multiple offers, with Louisville and Virginia among the most active in attempting to recruit him.

The son of former UK basketball players Jeff Sheppard and the former Stacey Reed, he was the first commitment to the 2023 recruiting class.

[4] On November 14, 2022, D. J. Wagner, ranked as the top point guard in the class by ESPN and Rivals, committed to the University Of Kentucky, deciding over Louisville.

[5] Sources: The season began on November 6, where Kentucky opened with New Mexico State.

After Kentucky led for most of the game, the Jayhawks came back late and ended up winning a close one, 89-84.

The team traveled to Atlanta for the CBS Sports Classic to face off against North Carolina.

This was their 3rd straight loss at home, which was the first time this had occurred for Kentucky in the history of Rupp Arena.

Kentucky broke the home losing streak the next game, however, as the Wildcats defeated Ole Miss, by a score of 75-63.

The Wildcats ended the month with a 91-89 win over Mississippi State, off of a buzzer beater by Reed Sheppard.

Kentucky opened up the month of March with a 111-102 home win over Arkansas in a back and forth game.

On Selection Sunday, Kentucky got the #3 seed in the South Region of the NCAA Tournament.

Immediately following the season, there were questions as to whether or not John Calipari would remain Kentucky’s head coach.

Calipari had been criticized in recent years for his losses in the NCAA Tournament, specifically to St. Peter’s and Oakland.

On April 8, it was announced that John Calipari would be leaving Kentucky after 15 years to become the new head coach of Arkansas.