Six Kentucky Players Participating in Senior Night, No Decisions Made on Leaving or Returning

It'll be the biggest Senior Night of the John Calipari era on Wednesday night inside Rupp Arena.

Kentucky basketball is nearly at the finish line of the 2022-23 regular season after battling a bevy of ups and downs since November. 

On Wednesday night, the Wildcats will look for a season-sweep of Vanderbilt, hosting the Commodores for a game that will also serve as Senior Night. 

This won't be your typical Senior Night in Lexington, however. 

While it's true that coach John Calipari has made a living off of the one-and-done spectaculars that have walked through the doors of UK's campus, this season's team has a much different flavor to it. 

A grand total of six Wildcats will be participating in the festivities: 

• Brennan Canada
• CJ Fredrick (redshirt)
• Antonio Reeves
• Jacob Toppin
• Oscar Tshiebwe
• Sahvir Wheeler

Normally, Calipari will give a nod to his seniors, letting them start the game. He may not physically be able to do that this year. The status of point guard Sahvir Wheeler remains day-to-day, but he's missed the Cats' last six games. 

This is the first time that more than four players will be a part of Senior Night during Calipari's tenure. It doesn't mean all of them are leaving, however. 

In a release from UK Athletics, it was stated that while all six players will be honored, all six still have eligibility for the 2023-24 season and that "decisions on the future will be made at a later date."

It remains unknown who is likely to return to UK for another year and who's likely to pursue a career in the NBA. The Wildcats are welcoming in the No. 1 class in the nation for 2023, meaning there could be beaucoup depth on the bench at Rupp next season if a few of the current seniors decide to come back.

Media will have an opportunity to speak with Canada, Toppin and Tshiebwe in the lead-up to Kentucky's game against Vandy. Wildcats Today will have more on the thoughts of the seniors, in what's expected to be an emotional night in the Bluegrass.

Tipoff on Wednesday is set for 7 p.m. EST and the game will be televised on the SEC Network. 

More on Kentucky's NCAA Tournament résumé HERE.

More on the win over Auburn HERE.

More on Oscar Tshiebwe's improved defense HERE.

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

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