LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky opened its second season under coach John Calipari with the usual fireworks but without freshman center Enes Kanter.
The 6-foot-11 Kanter was introduced to the packed house at Rupp Arena on Friday night along with the rest of his teammates during Big Blue Madness, but watched the rest of the festivities from the bench clad in a sweat suit.
Kanter, who played for a Turkish club team in 2008-09, must sit out practice while the NCAA determines his eligibility.
Even without Kanter, there were still plenty of new faces from Calipari’s latest hotshot recruiting class making their debut.
Calipari told fans to “turn the page” on last season’s team, which won 35 games and produced five NBA draft picks, saying he “loves this team” and can’t wait to get started.
