John Calipari happy not only for his players but also for UK fans

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Vicky Graff Photo

Every time Kentucky wins a game, coach John Calipari pounds the message that his team has been disrespected and is using that motivation to obviously inspire his team.

“People thought they could talk us out of the NCAA Tournament,” Calipari said again after UK’s 86-52 win over Auburn Saturday. “It is their opinion or their hope? You know what it was (hope). That’s even local (media-wise).”

Calipari again explained how he told his team not to read or listen to what was being said when the team was struggling.

“And you know what else, I’m just so happy for our fans. That we’re promoting and pushing. And I mean that building was packed (against Auburn). You don’t think that has an impact on the game? It absolutely does have an impact on the game,” Calipari said.
 
“And so now we go to Florida, what do you think they’re yelling at the end of the game? Go Big Blue. Louder than their fans. And it’s our fans on the road. And I’m just happy for the fans who were so patient and were so supportive.

“I mean, and I’m saying this to everybody, you can stop sending me letters now and cards. I got a stack of them. Everybody, I’m fine. I’m good. I mean, it’s, none of it – I say it, I got bazooka holes in my body. You think a bullet or an arrow? It doesn’t hit skin. I’m just trying to worry about them (his players).”

He said he has to hold players accountable on and off the court.

‘You gotta do what you are supposed to but they also have got to know I love them and care about them because I have to keep building them up,” he said.

He’s not sure  how many of his players will go through Senior Day ceremonies Wednesday when the Cats host Vanderbilt but guessed it would be a “bunch of them” and Oscar Tshiebwe, Jacob Toppin, Sahvir Wheeler, Antonio Reeves and CJ Fredrick all could. However, all could also opt to stay another year if they wanted.

“Guys been here and fought for us and played for every fan out there,” Calipari said. “We lead the nation in attendance but I will say this, the spirit of the fans and the arena and what it stands for is incredible.

“My hat’s off to all the fans who stuck with this group and was not jumping on them. If it was your son, how would you want him treated? Our fans are the best. There is a little sliver that loses their mind but that’s fine. It is everywhere.

“Sometimes that voice is louder than it should be. Our fans are unbelievable and can’t be led down a road. I am so appreciative to be coaching here and have this opportunity.”

2 Responses

  1. Calipari needs to own this season. He started it in his typical gaga fashion of focusing on his pets and not the team. Injuries and losses forced him to become a coach again and the product on the floor reflects that now. If the man would just coach and not worry about who is going to get drafted, stop favoring pets, and stop being cute…I would have no issues with him. He was a good coach at UMass and Memphis. Being the coach at Kentucky seems to get the best of coaches. Sutton, Pitino, Smith, Gillespie, and Calipari have all struggled with the demands of the job in different ways. It’s almost like they thought they had been elevated to the position of Grand Pupa and were no longer accountable for their performance on and off the court. How will the season end…who the hell knows? But before Calipari starts taking shots at those in BBN who have been critical of him, he needs to own his role in that criticism.

    1. I believe Cal did take responsibility for the teams struggles earlier in season, I heard him say blame me not these kids!
      Cal has done great job w this team that has struggled w injuries fr start of season , all thru season, & still dealing w injuries. I’m sure Cal was referring to KSR in his comments, since it seems him & Matt Jones has some sort of issue but both of em love UK & want us to win!

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