John Calipari said again Monday he was rooting for all his players, including ones who have to wait longer for a chance to play. (SEC Photo)
Dontaie Allen was not mentioned by Kentucky coach John Calipari during his appearance on the SEC coaches teleconference Monday. However, I had the feeling the UK coach was sending a not so subtle message to all those wondering why Allen has not been given a chance to play more during UK’s 1-6 start. Calipari said a unique issue at Kentucky is that a player can be “pretty good” and still be playing behind two first-round NBA draft picks.
“This is a different deal. Sometimes you have to wait for your chance and then prove yourself,” Calipari said. “I am rooting for them all.”
That led him to say how proud he was of former Cat Mychal Mulder, who now plays for the Golden State Warriors after barely playing in his two years at Kentucky after transferring from junior college.
“He learned to fight and that dude never lost his spirit,” Calipari said. “His deal was if he could play against these guys, he could play.”
Calipari pointed out that sophomore transfer Jacob Toppin got a chance to show what he could do against Louisville and had 10 points and six rebounds.
“He waited for his chance,” Calipari said again in what I took as a message for Allen just to be patient and his chance to play would come.
The coach said Creighton transfer Davion Mintz didn’t play as much as he wanted early. He led UK with 19 points against Louisville and has turned into UK’s most efficient offensive player.
“I am in practice every day with these kids,” Calipari said. “The greatest thing about Kentucky is that you have a raging fan base but when things are going south you have to deal with that. Having to deal with that is all part of growth. I tell them (players) this is a great thing to go through.
“Stuff doesn’t happen on your timetable. We have a tough game coming up. We wanted to beat Louisville. A shot didn’t go down. It is not all on our timetable. I am still focused on how to get these guys better and how do I have fun.”
