Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
In addition to his weekly SEC teleconference this morning, Cal met with the local media this afternoon to preview tomorrow night’s game against Tennessee. The theme of the day? Buying in. Cal said that this team hasn’t done that and they probably never have had to before. That, along with the lack of a defensive stopper, are why the Cats have been prone to giving up big runs this season.
– Remember Jarnell Stokes’ claim that he would win in Rupp Arena? Cal does, and he’s using it to light a fire under his players: “Stokes says, ‘We’re winning in Rupp Arena. We’re not losing in Rupp Arena.’ All right, how do you take on that challenge? Because I imagine he will be ready to play.”
– If this team “buys in” and changes? “If we get it right, nobody will want to play this team by the end of the year. Right now, everyone wants to play this team.”
– During both the teleconference and the presser, Cal applauded the Rupp Arena crowd for their support on Saturday night, calling it one of the best crowds he’s seen during his time at Kentucky. He especially liked how fans gave Elston Turner a standing ovation.
– Who could be that defensive stopper like Liggins and MKG, whose pride in their defense drove them to the NBA? Cal said maybe Archie, but the solution may just be working on the zone, which they’ve spent more time on in the last two weeks than in Cal’s entire career. Cal still hates the zone, but says that he wants “this team to have the chance to win.”
– On Alex Poythress’ performance Saturday: “Alex played fine, but it’s about sustained effort.” Cal met with the team yesterday and asked them if they’ve ever played better or harder in their career. Each player said no, that this was the best and hardest they’ve ever played. Cal believes that, but at Kentucky, “it’s still not enough.” +5 points if you had “warp speed” and “steroids” on your Calipari Catchphrase Bingo Card.
– Willie Cauley-Stein told reporters that the team moved forward during Camp Cal but reverted when games started back up. Now, he says they have to rally together behind the criticism: “Now we’re going to be the only ones to have our backs in the whole thing, so we have to stick together.”
– Fans aren’t the only ones surprised at the Cats’ 10-5 record. Willie Cauley-Stein admits when he first came to Lexington, he never expected to lose five games: “No, I mean, it’s Kentucky.”
On this morning’s radio show, Matt and Ryan recapped the Texas A&M loss, a big weekend in recruiting, and whether or not Matt was too mean to a caller on the postgame show on Saturday.Get your podcast at TalkRadio1080.com. Or, after the jump.
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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January 14th, 2013 at 4:09 pm
My fear…. When it’s finally time people “don’t want to plays this team.”"
It’ll be to late and no one will care. ——- me
January 14th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
Unlike most of the commenters here, Cal is working on a solution instead of whining about what’s wrong.
January 14th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
Good point #1. There are spurts in just about every game when this team looks like the best team in the country. Then there are spurts in games where they look horrendous, and lackadaisical. The team has the talent to win in all, but can they sustain their focus and intensity for a 6 game span, assuming they make the tournament? I enjoy this team, especially Noel. If his enthusiasm for the game can rub off on some of the others and they enjoy themselves, they can go as far as they are willing to go.
January 14th, 2013 at 4:16 pm
See Coach Cal said we had good crowd, I love it
January 14th, 2013 at 4:16 pm
1, you will care. You just hurt we not killin people like we have the last couple of years.
January 14th, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Wish I left out that word, “killin” in #2, meant “beating”.
January 14th, 2013 at 4:20 pm
Dude on the right has zombie-eyes.
January 14th, 2013 at 4:21 pm
#5…Lol
January 14th, 2013 at 4:21 pm
Love ya, Coach Cal, but when you tell the team that we all need to band together against the criticism, I wonder if Kyle was thinking “then why did you skewer me after the Vandy game to anyone who would listen?”
January 14th, 2013 at 4:22 pm
Is she gone catch verbal abuse for this pic on the internet from fellow Vandy cheerleaders?
January 14th, 2013 at 4:24 pm
Key point stuck out. These kids are playing the hardest and best they have ever played. But it’s still not KY good. I’m sure the wake-up call has began. This team will get it together. #Notworried.
That Vandy cheerleader is hot. Got some legs that could squeeze the life out of ya. Yes please..
January 14th, 2013 at 4:26 pm
I have been hoping all year that Cal would try a zone with this group, but the zone that was trotted out there looked pretty ineffective to me. These guys need to move their feet MUCH more quickly. Also, probably very few zones out there that would stop a guy on fire the way Turner was.
For all the trolls who want to call out UK fans for being spoiled, poor sports, etc., I offer up the ovation they gave to Turner as Exhibit A for them to stuff in their crack pipe and smoke.
January 14th, 2013 at 4:27 pm
woman on right? doesn’t she play the maid on 2.5 men?
January 14th, 2013 at 4:28 pm
In terms of the crowd, I do think the fans were pretty classy in cheering for Turner. I went to UK and love UK. The fans are extremely passionate about the program, and even though a small percentage whines a lot, or can be arrogant, for the most part the fans are very knowledgeable about the program. However, ticket prices continue to climb with demand, and the stadium is filled with a large number of old people. The college vibe isn’t there as much as some other programs. I wish the students had a larger section of the lower level. I’ve seen fans yelled at for trying to stand to cheer on the team.
January 14th, 2013 at 4:33 pm
10, She wont catch abuse.. Thats me and my brother up there and that’s our cousin in the middle. Plus, judging by the family section, they will applaud her. The Cats fans outnumbered the ‘Dores fans 2:1 in there
January 14th, 2013 at 4:35 pm
Salute to 15
January 14th, 2013 at 4:38 pm
My only question for Coach Cal would be , how come every time we have the ball Alex is out on the wing ? And then about twice a game you post him up and he scores easily. I’m not a coach but if it’s me I post him up 10 times a game.
January 14th, 2013 at 4:38 pm
I’m sorry, but WCS is absolutely lost in the zone on the box/baseline. And having Wiltjer in the middle is laughable. I get it, there’s no where else to put him and you can try hiding him there. The problem is personnel. It’s tough to have Mays and Wiltjer on the floor at the same time. I wish there was a +/-of when they’re in together that could show this. The starting 5 could probably form a legit zone D, but they’re actually athletic enoough to stick to man-to-man. The perimeter D is bad as is, and watching their zone, I saw so many openings and open looks for players. Maybe practicing will strengthen it, who knows. To me though, just stick to man-to-man, don’t lose your man on the perimeter (no more laziness), and trust that if you get beat to the basket that Noel and WCS will be there to have your back. I’m sure Cal is frustrated as to how to get minutes out of Wiltjer, and even Mays defensively since they have no depth. Hope they figure it out.
January 14th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
We’re having a pathetic showing on the EA Sports NCAA cover vote. Come on BBN! We can drop thousands in the first round, but can’t capitalize in the final round to get it?
January 14th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
I get to go to a couple of games in Rupp a year. The seats my friends in laws have are great in the lower level about 8 rows off the floor behind the bench. What is a shame is that I always see multiple seats that are empty through the first 10 rows. I know that I only witness this the two games I am there but I here this is a constant problem. It would be great if some one would take note of these empty seats in the A.D. office and find out why and the hell these are not being filled. If I had seats like that I would sure as hell make sure they were used if I couldn’t go.
January 14th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
No renovations RUpp is just fine how it is. We paid for it so let us sit there. Not all of our vision is great either so close seats help.
January 14th, 2013 at 4:47 pm
let it go, UKjoe. it ain’t nothin
January 14th, 2013 at 4:51 pm
#21. I get it. I just wish it had the same level of excitement that I see at other schools. With that capacity the place could be extremely intimidating to opponents. Yes, I know that the tradition and wins, thanks to talent can indicate otherwise. When I’m a little older I’m sure I’ll be happy in the lower level. However, I would hope that it’s okay to get up and make some noise. To just enjoy the atmosphere and step outside of my comfort zone of sitting and clapping quietly from time to time. My opinion is to extend the student section some. That’s all. Thanks.
January 14th, 2013 at 5:02 pm
Unfortunately this team is just too slow reacting. Not good lateral quickness. Can’t play man to man D. Maybe should mix up some zones. ( 2-3 / 3-2 / 1-3-1 / 1-2-2 / box & 1). We have size & length. Try more full court & 3/4 court presses. Who knows?
January 14th, 2013 at 5:08 pm
I like 24′s idea of more full and 3/4 court pressing. I think this team could utilize it effectively. I also like the idea of 17 in regards to posting up Poythress more. Also, the few times I have saw Wiltjer post up, he has some nice moves. They are rather slow and deliberate, but he is surprisingly effective with his back to the basket IMO
January 14th, 2013 at 5:12 pm
The Cats this year are an interesting high school team.
January 14th, 2013 at 5:38 pm
Anyone wishing to witness a T E A M who have all bought in, need look no farther than the UK
women.
They do every single thing better than the men.
Defense, free throws, getting on the floor, running the offense the way Mitchell tells them too, etc.
Cal’s team should be required to watch every one of their practices before they practice themselves and attend every game that doesn’t conflict with their schedule.
They are the model for the concept of “buying in.
If you have any doubts, just watch them play.
January 14th, 2013 at 5:58 pm
#25 your momma loves you even if she ignores you.
January 14th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
I was one of the UK fans who stood and clapped when Turner came out of the game. It was the right thing to do. I remember David Robinson, Akeem Olajuwan, and other greats who torched us. But they were legends in the college game, and who could say these players deserve anything less. Honor thy opponent.
January 15th, 2013 at 9:30 am
I’m not worried about playing more zone defense as much as practicing our offense against the zone. We looked lost anytime someone switches to it. I’m curious how often Cal practices against the zone.