Saint Peter's may be the underdog, but its coach was too good for John Calipari to recruit

When Kentucky and Saint Peter meet in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, pundits will view the Cats as the prohibitive favorites.

The tables were turned 26 years ago when UK coach John Calipari was recruiting a star at St. Patrick's High School in New Jersey. Calipari didn't bother to even try to pursueHolloway, even though he signed him.

Every kid in the east wanted to go to the Big East. I probably went in and got him.

The SEC Tournament loss to Tennessee was a "godsend" according to John Calipari.

After being named a McDonald's All-American, he went on to star at Seton Hall. He was the school's all-time assists leader.

After a seven-year professional career that included stops around Europe, Holloway started a coaching career at Iona in 2007. He returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach and was hired as Saint Peter's head coach.

The Peacocks have taken on a similar identity to the one that Holloway had when he was a player.

Matthew Lee, a junior guard for Saint Peter, said that everything he says we try to piggyback on and execute on the court. He brings that every day as a coach.

Saint Peter is ranked 34th in defensive efficiency. The roster is built around a 6-7 senior forward named KC Ndefo.

The Big Friendly Giant is as important to the UK off court as it is on it.

Even if Kentucky gets up early, Holloway's team will not let go of the rope because he has instilled his competitive playing style in the Peacocks.

It is not easy to say I am a good player. I have watched him coach, and I am telling you that he is phenomenal.

The Saint Peter's coach confirmed that Calipari did not recruit him at the University of Massachusetts.

Was he good to play for the Hall of Fame?

I'm not going to say I was good.

Email Jon Hale at jahale@courier-journal.com or follow him on social media.

The article was originally published on the Louisville Courier Journal.

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