John Calipari has changed his mind about playing rotation

allen-nov-30

Dontaie Allen had nine points and six rebounds against Central Michigan Monday. (UK Athletics Photo)

As Kentucky continues to rip through non-conference cupcakes, coach John Calipari is getting a look at a lot of players in not overly stressful situations. After the loss to Duke, Kentucky has not had a full roster the last five games with Jacob Toppin, Lance Ware, Keion Brooks, and Davion Mintz all missing games — along with C.J. Fredrick who is out for the season. That has allowed Dontaie Allen, Brice Hopkins, and Daimion Collins to get more minutes than they probably would have with a healthy roster.

The Kentucky coach said a few weeks ago he wanted to have a set playing rotation of probably eight players and if he had to change it game to game that would mean players were being too inconsistent.

However, after Monday’s 85-57 romp over Central Michigan, Calipari apparently has changed his mind about the rotation — which makes sense considering the talented depth he has to choose from depending on an opponent’s strengths.

“I think it is going to be game to game (on the playing rotation) and guys have to accept that,” said Calipari. “If someone is playing well, they will get a lot of minutes.

“If you are not playing well, I still love you. I will have you at the house for breakfast. You just are not playing a lot tonight.”

Allen, a fan favorite, got 18 minutes against Central Michigan. He was 3-for-11 from the field — 1-for-7 from 3-point range — to get his nine points. But he pulled off six rebounds — he had seven Friday against North Florida when he also shot poorly from the field — and one assist.

Hopkins got 17 minutes and scored six points on 3-for-9 shooting and also had four rebounds and three assists. Collins missed his only shot but went 3-for-4 at the foul line, grabbed three rebounds and made one steal.

Calipari said Allen can be a “game-changer” with his shooting but has to play with “great confidence” and that often starts with defense.

“There is a spot for him,” Calipari said. “It is a hard deal to make shots. It’s a whole lot easier to get assists. It’s a little bit harder getting rebounds.”

16 Responses

  1. “There is a spot for him (Allen)!,” Calipari said. “It is a hard deal to make shots. It’s a whole lot easier to get assists. It’s a little bit harder getting rebounds.”

    Wonder why Calipari holds Allen to a higher standard than anyone else on the team?

    1. "…make shots", "…get assists", "…getting rebounds." I don’t see coach holding Allen to higher standards. I see a coach who expects all his players to do these 3 things and more.
      I see a coach that wants to win and insists on playing his best players. You don’t seem nearly as concerned about Hopkins, Collins and Toppin’s playing time.
      Tell me Keith, do you really believe coach has some nefarious scheme going on that involves not playing his best players?
      If so please share your theory with us.

  2. Coach has held in-state players to a higher standard. He doesn’t see them going pro, much less being lottery picks and that seems to be what Coach sees as his legacy. I am not sure anyone on this team is NBA ready, with the exception possibly being Oscar. That being the case, he is loosening up a little, but let’s see how long that lasts.

  3. The teams Rick Pitino had 25 years ago…

    (25 years?!? It hasn’t been that long has it?
    Yes it has now get on with it before you forget who you are again!)

    …ahem, uh those teams regularly played 9-10 guys. Certainly there were 4 or 5 players that got the bulk of the minutes but the first 10 could usually count on getting 5 or 6 minutes or more depending on how they were playing. I think this team could be used that way, it’s just a matter of whether Cal can bring himself to try it.

  4. The teams Rick Pitino had 25 years ago…

    (25 years?!? It hasn’t been that long has it?
    Yes it has now get on with it before you forget who you are again!)

    …ahem, uh those teams regularly played 9-10 guys. Certainly there were 4 or 5 players that got the bulk of the minutes but the first 10 could usually count on getting 5 or 6 minutes or more depending on how they were playing. I think this team could be used that way, it’s just a matter of whether Cal can bring himself to try it.

  5. I think Dontaie is firing up shots a bit too much even when he is cold. He can help with rebounding, assists, and not feel he has to shoot when having an off night.

  6. I think it’s all about confidence for Allen…and yes,his (all around)game is what will give him confidence.. he’s shown bits of defensive abilities..I think he will come together..but…he ain’t no Washington.. go Cats..

  7. To Mr.Johnson…Pitino, arguably was and is a better x and o coach….no dis to Cal.. he’s a great coach and motivater.Pitino would have this group full court pressing and rotating in and out more freely..I 🤔

  8. Dontaie’s defense has improved, so has his rebounding. Even though he is expected to shoot, he is a willing passer to the guy who has a better shot. His teammates need to get him the ball sooner so he doesn’t have to force up shots. At times, it seems like the ball goes away from Dontaie

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