Kentucky's title gives way to uncertain future

By Colin Fly

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, April 4 2012 1:55 p.m. MDT

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Fans celebrate during a championship celebration at Rupp Arena Tuesday, April 3, 2012, in Lexington, Ky. Kentucky's basketball team returned home to its adoring fans Tuesday, after defeating Kansas 67-59 Monday night to win the school's eighth NCAA college basketball championship.

The Lexington Herald-Leader, David Perry, Associated Press

Summary

It took 14 years for Kentucky to reach title No. 8. To repeat, the Wildcats' magic number may be seven.

LEXINGTON, Ky. — It took 14 years for Kentucky to reach title No. 8. To repeat, the Wildcats' magic number may be seven.

That's how many players coach John Calipari could lose from his roster that helped him win his first national championship. Only freshman forward Kyle Wiltjer is certain to return from the regular rotation.

Now that the confetti has been collected and the banner unfurled at Rupp Arena, it's time for the talent exodus to the NBA while fans debate where this team ranks among Lexington's other title teams.

Kentucky loses seniors Darius Miller and seldom-used Eloy Vargas. The rest — freshmen Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague and sophomores Doron Lamb and Terrence Jones — are weighing their options on turning pro.

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