John Calipari did not notice any lack of excitement on the UK bench at Georgia. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Kentucky had to know it was in another must-win game at Georgia. To make sure it stayed firmly on the right side of the NCAA Tournament list, Kentucky had to beat a Georgia team that had lost six of its seven previous games.
Instead, the Cats seemed to come out flat and have no real energy in the game.
Aaron Gershon of The Cats’ Pause noted late in the game that Kentucky’s players on the bench were not enthusiastic.
“After a jumper from Oscar Tshiebwe pulled UK within six with 1:21 to play, not one Wildcat stood up to encourage their teammates as instead, the players simply clapped and looked on as its season collapsed right in front of them,” Gershon wrote after the game.
What the heck? Why was no one more enthused? Had the players given up?
During his five-minute postgame press conference — the second straight one of less than five minutes after a loss — Calipari was asked about the lack of bench energy in the second half.
“I’ll look at it. Obviously, I’m not looking at the bench,” Calipari said. “We had a lot of guys out, and when I get on the bus, I’ll say, ‘This was said to me,’ and I’ll ask them.”
I am not buying that. Calipari constantly walks up and down the court and no way he could not have noticed no one standing up or his assistants would have missed that.
Freshman Chris Livingston was asked by UK Radio Network analyst Jack Givens after the game about the “tight spot” the Cats were in now if they hope to make the NCAA Tournament.
“We don’t have those types of guys to throw in the towel and let go of the rope,” Livingston said. “It does look tough. But we went to Tennessee and won with our backs against the wall and everybody counting us out.”
19 Responses
CJ hurts us. Ore than helps. He didn’t smile once or root for his teammates. Yet he had enough time to get new tires and shoot a n ad for discount tires. He helped dog the hole in toast few games.
CJ hurts us more than he helps. He didn’t smile once or root for his teammates. Yet he had enough time to get new tires and shoot an ad for discount tires. He helped dig the hole in last few games that got us here. We miss TyTy’s gritty and the pregame energy of the old trainer that got fired.
Calipari lost this team before they played a single game.
To add insult to injury our ONE big win turns out to be “fools gold”.
Also, if we’re having so much trouble protecting the rim play the 7 footer along with O as a low post 4.
Paul, that would make too much sense. It would also force Calipari to admit that he has been wrong about his approach to coaching this team.
To all you Basketball Bennies, Calipari mocks you and despises that you exist.
That’s okay, we feel the same about him
And he is the Biggest Benny of all.
What is going on with Wallace? If he is hurt, then say so. Play Oscar at the 4 and Onyenso at the 5 with Toppin at the 3, Reeves at the 2, and Thiero at point. Ware can play backup 5, Collins backup 4, Livingston backup 3, Canada can backup Reeves and Darbyshire or Horn can backup Thiero until Wallace, Frederick, and Wheeler get healthy. A bigger lineup will make it harder to double Oscar at the 4, should improve rim protection/rebounding, and give Oscar the chance to improve his outside shot. Onyenso would also be an easy drop off/lob target when Oscar did get doubled. This would also let Toppin be guarded by a smaller man which should make for a mismatch that favors Toppin. The added rim protection would also make Reeves a better defender and give him more shots per game. Wallace and Frederick would benefit from a bigger lineup when they are healthy to play again. Even Wheeler would play better with a bigger lineup. Calipari needs to quit worrying about having a lottery pick come from this team and just focus on winning games. With 6 games left, and injuries being what they are, its time to try something different. Hell, shock the world and come out with a 2-3 zone in the SEC tourney. Give the kids the freedom to look for shots earlier in the clock and make playing fun again.
Not long ago Cal said its getting harder to play @ UK. Going back to coach Rupp till today indeed their is expectation when a UK uniform is donned by a player. But I don’t see it Cals way. I’m less enthusiastic now than at any point since Joe B Hall’s time here till now . Cal is Billy Clyde territory as far as I’m concerned. I think Cal is making excuses in terms of how hard it is to play here to cover his arse . Again. Resources galore at UK. No excuses.
Looks like Barry and I think alike. been begging to get this line up in since Bahamas
Onyenso should have been getting minutes all year. Even if only scores 4 points a game, he is going to stop 8-10 points a game just with his height. He is going to a few shots, alter a few shots and becomes a match up nightmare for teams. Oscar should have been learning to be a 4 because he will not make in the NBA for any length of time as a 5. Oscar needs to watch some film of Karl Malone.
Ya. No doubt on the Karl Malone. He could dance the hoop and shoot with proficiency.
Excuse me, "face the hoop".
Well he might get some apparently Wednesday — or at least that is what Cal said tonight
Old Fan – check, check & check.
It’s obvious that Calipari smells what is burning on the stove…his own ass! He is in danger of producing a second losing season. Recruiting be damned, he will not survive here at UK. He has stated many times that Kentucky is not the place for some kids to play. The same can be said about coaching here too. Texas, be careful what you wish for…you just might get it!
We’ve seen KY teams like this before and with different coaching. In each case, they just lost their mojo. I’m a big critic of NIL and this team is exactly what I have been talking about. Pay for Play? nah, these kids are getting paid for showing up.