THREE POINTER:

• Kentucky Wildcats seek new coach after Calipari’s exit.
• Top-tier names in the mix for the coveted position.
• Quick hire expected as season concludes.

Big Shoes to Fill at Kentucky The Wildcats’ hunt is on. With John Calipari’s unexpected jump to Arkansas, Kentucky basketball is on a mission to find the one who can step into some pretty large sneakers. Calipari left behind a legacy of a national championship and four Final Four appearances. The question buzzing in everyone’s mind: who will take the reins?

High-Profile Interest The vacancy at Kentucky isn’t just another job opening; it’s a siren call to the elite of the basketball coaching world. We’re talking potential interest from the NBA level. Early chatter points to a list of who’s who in coaching circles: think Nate Oats of Alabama, UConn’s Danny Hurley, the Bulls’ Billy Donovan, and Baylor’s Scott Drew.

The Dark Horses and Dream Scenarios Let’s not overlook the underdogs and the wishful thinkers’ picks. BYU’s Mark Pope and Xavier’s Sean Miller could be in the running. And for those dreaming big, could Boston Celtics’ Brad Stevens be tempted to make a switch?

The Clock is Ticking Mitch Barnhart, Kentucky’s athletics director, is feeling the heat. With the season’s end in sight, a decision could come swiftly. Barnhart’s choice will be scrutinized by fans and analysts alike, making this one of the most high-stakes decisions in college sports.