The Kentucky Wildcats gutted out a tough 60-41 win against the Bellarmine Knights on Tuesday at Rupp Arena. Afterward, UK coach John Calipari took time during his news conference to eloquently praise the Knights program, Scott Davenport's coaching and the respect of the players."If you do things for the kids, you're never wrong," Calipari said. Calipari said the NCAA should consider reevaluating the five-year role that schools that move into higher divisions have to endure. Bellarmine has moved into Division I from Division II and can't participate in NCAA tournaments in any sport for five seasons. To Calipari, the players do not deserve to miss out on once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like playing in March Madness.Tyler Greever@Tyler_GreeverJohn Calipari said Bellarmine should be allowed to play in the NCAA Tournament. Scotty Davenport thanked him and talked more about the NCAA. "These players, I look them in the eye every day. I'll tell ya this right now: The NCAA has never looked them in the eye one second."23443John Calipari said Bellarmine should be allowed to play in the NCAA Tournament. Scotty Davenport thanked him and talked more about the NCAA. "These players, I look them in the eye every day. I'll tell ya this right now: The NCAA has never looked them in the eye one second." https://t.co/5rEMI5URTcWith Bellarmine transitioning into Division I basketball two years ago, the school is not eligible to play in the NIT or NCAA Tournament until 2025. Last season, the Knights took home the Atlantic Sun tournament championship but could not represent the conference in the NCAA Tournament in March.Bellarmine has played high-level Division I opponents, though their 2-6 record will not reflect how competitive this team truly is. Bellarmine has been battle-tested since playing Duke, Clemson, UCLA and Kentucky all on the road in November.The Knights (2-6) are perhaps best known for their viral clip of no dribbles in their upset win to start the season against city rival Louisville 67-66 on Nov. 9.Rock 🧘🏽🌿@Irockyrock1Lakers need to play Bellarmine basketball in practice. My freshman coach in high school had this same rule "dribble the ball, you better score" 71Lakers need to play Bellarmine basketball in practice. My freshman coach in high school had this same rule "dribble the ball, you better score" 😂😂 https://t.co/SHXDPZO7inThe Knights joined the Atlantic Sun in the 2020-21 season after an impressive run in Division II. In 2011 Davenport led the Knights to an NCAA championship. He was awarded Division II Coach of the Year in the same year.Kentucky pulls away lateWhat separated the No. 19 Wildcats (4-2) in the second half was timely scoring from a pair of seniors. Antonio Reeves finished with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and a block in 24 minutes. Later in the second half, late 3-pointers from guard CJ Fredrick propelled UK.With Name, Image and Likeness coming into full effect, it does not seem logical that a team like the Knights should be penalized for being good? It seems as if it would be somewhat oxymoronic. However, transitioning is a tedious process that requires restructuring an entire athletic program.Multiple Division I conferences have brought on members from Division II and Division III over the years. There are constant benefits, like receiving conference media rights and guaranteed payouts.Another check was collected when the Knights left Rupp Arena, and the Knights were vouched for by one of the NCAA's most prominent basketball coaches.The Knights are favored to win the Atlantic Sun tournament. If they win a second conference championship, they will only help their case as to why the NCAA should lift this five-year ban.