Vicky Graff Photo
His numbers sort of blended into the final boxscore but do not underestimate the impact sophomore Adou Thiero had on Kentucky’s 87-83 win over North Carolina Saturday.
He scored seven points on 2-for-4 shooting from the field and 2-for-2 at the foul line.
He had two assists and one rebound in his 17 minutes of play. But he also had a career-high four blocked shots out of the nine blocks Kentucky had.
“He was slapping shots silly,” UK Radio Network analyst Jack Givens said. “His energy off the bench was huge for Kentucky in this game.”
Off the bench? Thiero had started eight games — he missed one with a concussion — but with freshman 7-footer Aaron Bradshaw now ready to play and start, someone had to go to the bench and Thiero was the one.
Coach John Calipari’s decision was easy because he knew Thiero would not sulk or pout. Instead, he would be his same dynamic stat-stuffing self when Calipari needed him.
He played 17 minutes and made the most of his time with his non-stop energy.
Calipari admitted Thiero played well.
“He did some stuff. He is so physical,” the Kentucky coach said. “Going to the basket he is so skilled with the ball. The way basketball is going, he has got to get better shooting the ball.”
Thiero only has three 3-pointers in nine games but Calipari wants him to “put a bed in the gym” and work non-stop on his outside shot.
“If he is a knockdown shooter, he is a top five pick (in the NBA draft),” Calipari said. “Maybe lose some weight. Get in better shape. He is so physical. I am so proud of him.”
Thiero’s father played for Calipari at Memphis. Another Calipari player who played with Thiero’s dad at Memphis told the UK coach he could not believe how much better the UK sophomore has gotten this year.
“He just has to improve his shooting,” Calipari said.
5 Responses
#3 Adou Thiero-my favorite player on the team bc he works so hard and is the reason we have 3 guys crashing the boards for a rebound. He disrupts other teams with his physical ability.
Also, he has weathered a couple of bad seasons and remained grounded while all the others could not wait to leave. I know it’s coaches stint, but all the mumbo jumbo NBA talk does nothing good for any of the players. Win a championship and then talk. Edwards now has pressure put on him for a 30 point game. Just keep knocking down free throws. This team is physical and will get to the line alot this season.
No knock on you Larry. You are one of the best writers in Kentucky and you just report what the coaches say. Great win for the Cats vs. UNC
You have to love Adou’s game, but he does not need Calipari telling him he could be a top 5 pick at this point of the season. He isn’t a horrible 3 point shooter, but he doesn’t need to be firing up 10 of them in the next game. If he stays and works on that shot this Summer, then he could be that guy next year. He sacrifices more than any other player on the team for the good of the team. He could be the X factor in this team making a Final 4 run.
75% of fans criticized Cal for taking Therio. "Another charity case. Taking a 3* former players son". Now they rave about him. Got to love it.
you got that right Jimmy
That same group said Aaron Bradshaw would never take the floor also! ! LOL