Kentucky basketball has won the locker room this year

John Calipari has talked often this year about his team not having a bad practice, a statement that assistant coach Chin Coleman totally embraces.

“I think it’s because of our locker room. You have got to have your locker room won before you can win basketball games and so we’ve won the locker room,” Coleman said. “Our guys all like each other. They like being around each other. They like competing against each other. They like seeing each other and they celebrate each other.

“These guys are pushing each other.  Coach Cal obviously does a good job of keeping a good balance in the competition and getting guys better.

“They all bought in and when you get a locker room that is connected like that, it’s fun to coach. It’s fun to be around and it’s fun to be around each other and I think that’s one reason they don’t get rattled in tough environments.”

Kentucky did get a bit rattled at Tennessee Tuesday night and now will need that practice focus to regroup before it hosts Alabama Saturday afternoon.