John Calipari tells fans that Cats could be a “little shaky” in November and December

It looks like John Calipari was even trying to play defense against Missouri Western Sunday. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Just as he has done for the last several months, Kentucky coach John Calipari reached out to connect with UK fans again Tuesday.

He knows the 56-38 exhibition win over Missouri Western didn’t overly impress Big Blue Nation even if the Cats were without All-American center Oscar Tshiebwe because of his recent knee surgery.

That’s why Calipari went on Twitter Tuesday with a lengthy message for the Kentucky faithful before the Wildcats play Kentucky State Thursday night in their second exhibition game.

“As I get ready for practice, BBN, I said, let me talk about this team a little bit and be direct to you. I like the pieces. We’ve got the player of the year, we’ve got another first-team all-conference (player), we’ve got good young guys, but let me explain to you — and you know I’m honest about stuff — we’re not where we need to be right now. And I’m looking at November and December saying, we could be a little shaky,” Calipari said on Twitter.

Kentucky plays Michigan State and Gonzaga in November before playing UCLA, Michigan, Missouri and Louisville in December along with other non-conference foes.

“And what we’re building to and what we’re doing every day, these guys are giving everything. I love the pieces. I love the teammates but what we have to do to win at the highest level is going to take us a little time,” Calipari said.

“I’m saying this for me as well as you to say every day, man, get better. Every day you step on the gas, to look at this and say where can we take this? The big picture of this is January, February, we’ve got to be at our best.”

“Hopefully the injury bug hit us early this year instead of what it did last year, it hit us late. Let’s hope that we move on. Can’t wait to get the entire group together and then start working together to grow this thing.”

 “Good group. Let’s have some fun. Let me coach. Let me cheer these guys on, hold them accountable, and let our fans enjoy the ride because that’s what this is.”