Much of the talk about Kentucky vs. St. John’s centers on Rick Pitino facing his former team and team captain, with whom he shares the 1996 national championship. But it’s a Kentucky reunion for one of Pitino’s players, too. Don’t forget about Bryce Hopkins.
Hopkins began his college career in Lexington as a top-20 recruit in John Calipari’s 2021 class, but his time at Kentucky was mostly quiet. He appeared in 28 games during his only season as a Wildcat, averaging 2.1 points and 1.4 rebounds, and never found a consistent role, even though it looked like he had.