UK basketball coach John Calipari says his Wildcats aren't where they need to be yet and what they need to work on to improve after Friday's exhibition win over Centre College.
Good post review, Cal. Your team is what it is, just as you know it is, but don't worry. It isn't March, it's only preseason. Sure, you'd expect some more ball movement by your team, but it was only two or so players who actually stunk it up by being selfish with the dribble. Trying to get their numbers up. I'm telling you, Quade is your point, Knox at the two guard. This gives ham and Shai the time to see the game, think the game out before they have to get on the floor. And that gives you a formidable front court, pj, Gabriel, and nick. Now, Sasha played pretty good last night, he did some good things, add big boy wynyard to spell in the middle when he gets fully healthy, you got a nice compliment going on. You start ham and Quade together and I'm afraid that'll be like oil and water. I don't know why, I just do. But hams and Shai, together, I think they could take it to another level. Bring in intensity and bounce off the bench. Much less a pissed off attitude for having to sub when they are both equally deserving to start. That'd let them take it out on the opposing team. Because last night, them two were playing out on an island somewhere else. I don't know what they was thinking. But, hey, it's early. They're just wanting to impress their teammates and the fans, not let anyone down and were pressing a little. Their young, that's understandable. They'll both be just fine. This early, hell, I think they looked great. At least they were playing committed instead of scared and wide eyed. I'll take that any day, especially this early. Them two dudes are going to be like batman and Robin, instant offense and defense, you'll see. Now, my man Gabriel, he shot decent, but he's got to get stronger with his handle still. And dunk them two footers, quit trying to play small when you're 6-9. Get the ball in, not around, the basket. He's still running around failing his arms about like he's on fire instead of just deliberately going about his bisness. Nick is tough. Hes got to be given more touches in the offensive sets, instead of having to always just go get his. He's too good and solid to just forget his length and ability. He's a weapon that should be deployed. I think he, Knox and Quade have to be the primary core. They, especially early in games and the season, have to get the bulk of the minutes. If they aren't, look out, five minutes into the game and you look up and bam, down fifteen points. I hope not, but they are the stable group. And pj? Where did he go in the second half? Ten at halftime and poof, gone! I know he took an ill advised three from the top in like, three seconds into the shot clock, but to bury him for a whole half, what's up with that? How's a kid going to get his sea legs with the confidence needed this early by getting slammed for something about everyone else was doing? I kept wondering what happened. He's an alpha dog on this team, maybe cal is on him more for that reason. But you have to keep him engaged. There might be too many chefs and not enough cooks on this team. Coach better define these kids roles more sharply and get everyone on the same page quickly, or this could implode early. There or four losses wouldn't be the end of anything, but these kids aren't used to losing, and it could derail their growth, their confidence, set em back too far, too early. But I don't think anyone in big blue nation has their expectations so sky high this year that a few losses would hurt. Might be good for them. Humility is a good thing. We don't need another repeat of all wins, no losses, until when it counts. Who needs that? No none remembers nor respects 38-1. They should, but they don't. Hang a few more banners along with that and it'll look better over the years. Until then it's just paradise lost. Oh well, why digress? These kids will be a joy to watch grow, develop, and become I hope another great addition to the big blue lore. Hopefully they'll all play for one another and get number 9 hung. Wouldn't that be awesome? Peace out, rl.
