Oscar Tshiebwe has been slowed by an injury but coach John Calipari says UK will need his physical presence against Duke. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Kentucky coach John Calipari knows how good 6-9 Duke freshman Paolo Banchero is. That’s why he recruited him so hard and was hoping he would be playing for the Cats, not Duke, in tonight’s season-opening game in New York.
“The biggest thing is he’s got size and girth. He’s 250 pounds. So our four men are not that big, but they’re quick and athletic and he’s got to guard them too now,” Calipari said Monday.
“But he’s a skilled passer, scorer. He’s a terrific player and a great kid from a great family. He will be a challenge. But he’s going to be a challenge for everybody all year.”
Duke’s inside strength could be a problem for Kentucky, especially if West Virginia transfer Oscar Tshiebwe is not at full strength. He’s been slowed in both Kentucky exhibition games by a hip injury.
“He’s OK. He’s still a little bit nicked up. But, you know, again, this is one of those that, let’s go,” Calipari said. “He gives us a physical presence.”
Translation: No way will Tshiebwe not play.
Calipari said he would not intend to play 11 players in tonight’s game barring foul trouble or injuries.
“Your rotation is going to be more normal with eight guys, maybe seven. Who are they? And then the other side of it becomes next man up. Are you ready for your opportunity to prove you should be playing more?” Calipari said.
“We’re doing stats right now on points against a player as though he played 40 minutes. How many points would you give up if you played 40 minutes? And so now they’re really seeing it. We’re talking about it. We’re zeroed in on it. So, all of those things play into this.
“We’re going to have to help inside because they’re big. They also shoot 3’s. We’ve got to help inside and take away 3’s. Not an easy task.”
In Kentucky’s exhibition win over Kentucky Wesleyan, the interior defense was a problem. In the second exhibition against Miles College, the 3-point defense was a huge problem.
So what will the defensive focus be in tonight’s game?
“Well, we want to stop them in the post and don’t give them 3’s,” Calipari said.
2 Responses
Oscar may be in for a long night, so will Lance. Our lack of bigs will be an area that Duke will attack. That is why bigs go to Duke, Kansas, Texas, N. Carolina. They know the offense will be played through them at these schools. Our offense will be 80% guard/wing generated. Shooting guards and small forwards come here; point guards and bigs go elsewhere.
Banchero did not disappoint, but Keeling and Moore, Jr. seemed to be what broke our backs.
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