Oscar Tshiebwe led the nation in rebounding and won the hearts of Kentucky fans. (Vicky Graff Photo)
I have started this post three times and somehow nothing I write seems real. Did I not listen to Charles Barkley pick Kentucky as the team to beat in the tournament a few hours before Kentucky played Saint Peter’s Thursday night?
There is no need for postgame quotes from coach John Calipari or the players. Nothing they said can change things … this season is over.
The Cats played like they had everything to lose and the Peacocks played loose as if they had nothing to lose. That was the summary of the game.
The fan base will be disgruntled with coach John Calipari and rightfully so. His stubbornness in calling timeouts late in the game has been an issue since he took over the reins. This team didn’t have a John Wall or a Brandon Knight that could make those costly decisions. Is he going to change? Probably not.
His stammering on the sidelines has become humorous when the Cats are winning but tonight as Saint Peter’s coach Shaheen Hollway calmly coached his team, Calipari was performing his run and scream up and down the sidelines. To a team that is playing tight, this doesn’t seem like the right approach. Will he change? Probably not.
For those that will rally together for Calipari’s job, will that happen? Definitely not. Hopefully, Calipari will reassess his offense and realize that some adjustments need to be made.
However, you cannot blame him for shots not going in or free throws not being made.
As I close my laptop for the final time until October I will take one memory from this season, Oscar Tshiebwe.
Fans, coaches and media have all been blessed this year by the light surrounding Oscar. He is the definition of kindest, generosity and hard work. He was playing the game not for himself but out of his love for others. He gave 100 percent to this fanbase on and off the floor.
Remember Oscar when you feel the need to be resentful, angry, or selfish.
This world would be a much better place if we were all more like Oscar.
Until October…
One Response
Oscar has been a man among boys all season long. Oscar will remain in the hearts of all Big Blue Fans forever.
However, Calipari and his dedication to moving players (and now non-players) to the NBA is all that should be remembered about this team, this season, and every team and season since 2015 when Calipari allowed his single-minded determination to feature his favored NBA future stars against Wisconsin cost that team, and the UK program, a chance to make history.