"I think they trust that when the year is out, they're going to get the right information and be treated fairly," Calipari said. "They don't worry about it. Historically, we don't convince kids to stay who should leave. They are going to get the information, and they know that. They are just going to play basketball."
It means freshmen Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, both projected as high lottery picks, probably will be gone after this season, and it's not impossible to think the rest of the starting lineup -- all freshmen and sophomores -- could leave, as well.
Calipari, who has had NCAA trouble at every step along his college head-coaching career, said this is a price worth paying for running a "players-first" program -- with players who worry about winning first, then reap the benefits when the NBA comes calling.