Paul Finebaum: Kentucky to Target Nate Oats Despite Huge Buyout, 'Saving $33M' from Calipari

Kentucky basketball searches for new coach after Calipari's exit to Arkansas. Paul Finebaum predicts Nate Oats will be top target.

The Kentucky basketball program is embarking on a new era as they search for a new head coach following the departure of John Calipari to SEC rival Arkansas. Talk show host Paul Finebaum has a bold prediction on who will receive the first call from the Wildcats.

Finebaum believes that Kentucky will set their sights on Nate Oats of Alabama, who recently led the Crimson Tide to a Final Four appearance. The reasoning behind this prediction stems from the tension between Calipari and Kentucky in recent years, particularly due to early exits in the NCAA Tournament.

Despite Calipari's early success with four Final Four appearances and a national championship in his first six seasons, the Wildcats have struggled to maintain that level of success in recent years. Upsets in the NCAA Tournament have left fans disappointed, with losses to lower-seeded teams like Saint Peter's and Oakland.

While there was a vocal portion of the fanbase calling for Calipari's removal, a $33 million buyout caused the administration to hesitate. However, with Calipari's departure to Arkansas, Kentucky now has the opportunity to make a change without the hefty price tag.

With the financial burden lifted, Finebaum believes that Kentucky will go all out in their pursuit of Nate Oats. Oats has proven his coaching prowess at Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a No. 1 seed last season.

The potential of what Oats could achieve at a prestigious program like Kentucky is tantalizing. Finebaum is confident that an $18 million buyout will not deter the Wildcats from pursuing Oats and potentially causing a significant shakeup in the SEC. Kentucky fans can only imagine the possibilities of having Oats at the helm of their beloved program.

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