Will Kentucky's freshman bow to their upper classmen next season for the first time in the Calipari era? With the return of sophomores Alex Poythress (5.9 ppg, 4.5 rpb) and Willy Cauley-Stein and fresmnen Marcus Lee, Dakari Johnson, highly regarded (as usual) incoming recruits Trey Lyles and Karl Towns, 6-foot-10 and 6-foot-11 respectively, might have to sit more than they expected. Worse -- if Lyles or Towns become the next Julius Randle or close -- one of the four returners might have to cede playing time. It's not always easy being a basketball player at the University of Kentucky. It does, however, seem pretty enjoyable. Rarely do players transfer away from Calipari-coached teams (which might be because they leave for the NBA after a season).

"Playing in the NBA has always been a dream of mine, but I want to make sure that I'm NBA-ready before I make that jump," Poythress said. "By coming back, I'll be so much closer to earning my degree in business and it will give me another year to prepare my game and my body for the next level."

To be fair, only Cauley-Stein had a shot at the first round. Poythress was considered a second rounder while Lee and Johnson weren't assured of anything. They needed Kentucky maybe more than Kentucky needed them.

"This year has been for me a year of transition, growth and so much fun! I've learned a lot about myself personally through adversity and triumph which I know made me a stronger individual," said Johnson, who averaged 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds. "I would like to thank my brothers (teammates) for pulling together and stepping up and taking the road that many don't travel. What memories! I would like to thank Coach Cal and the staff for trusting and providing me the opportunity to grow and build on my skills."

Kentucky also has very outside chance at retaining the Harrison twins. They're expected to make a decision before Sunday (and expected to enter the draft).