Kentucky has to put the pain of last year's NCAA Tournament loss behind it to have success this season. (Vicky Graff Photo)
As director of player development for the Kentucky men’s basketball program, TJ Beisner probably talks to coach John Calipari more than anyone except maybe his assistant coaches.
“Honestly, I talk to John Calipari more than I care to,” Beisner joked.
However, Beisner does understand that many UK fans don’t understand how hard the UK coach takes losing, especially in NCAA Tournament play.
“I am on the internet and see stuff out there. You can be negative and frustrated when things don’t go well,” Beisner said. “No one was more upset and more frustrated over losing to Saint Peter’s than Calipari but that does not change his enthusiasm for what we can do here.”
“We cannot let that change how we move forward and compete. BBN loves this team. It has for the last 100 years and it is still happening. The fans love this program.”
That seemed obvious on the recent five-city tour that Calipari, his assistants and UK players did at Kroger locations.
“The challenge for us is to make sure the disappointment and frustration (of the last two NCAA Tournaments) does not linger. We are going to move on with great players and coaches who are tied in together,” Beisner said.
“I feel good about what we have done. If people are upset with Cal or the team, that is their choice. I hope they are upset with themselves when we are in the Final Four and winning the title because that’s the plan.”
2 Responses
I for one have move on, life is too short to be frustrated about the past. I’m so ready for football season to start and looking forward the basketball season as well.
The challenge for this team will be a choice…play for the good of self or play for the good of the team. Both choices have their own reward and sacrifice. Coach will have to make the same choice too.
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