Tre Mitchell Tells Cats “there is a fear of what you are capable of doing” From Road Fans

Vicky Graff Photo

Kentucky opens Southeastern Conference play at Florida today in what will be its first true road game of the year since the game at Louisville had as many, or maybe more, UK fans than Louisville fans.

Coach John Calipari’s team has not fared well in SEC road games recently as it is only 15-12 in conference games away from Rupp Arena the last three years. The 2017-18 team led by freshman Shai Gilgeous-Alexander  was 3-6 on the road. The Tyler Ulis/Jamal Murray team went 4-5 on the road. The Julius Randle-led UK team that got to the 2014 Final Four was 5-4 away from Rupp. Even the 2011 Final Four team went 2-6 in SEC road games.

Freshman guard D.J. Wagner said Friday games like this are why he came to UK.

“Those are the best, most competitive games with that fun atmosphere,” Wagner said.  “We are excited to play in an away game and  to have that experience.”

He knows it will be “super, super loud” even in team huddles and stressed how the team has been working on communication in practice to be ready for the crowd noise. He said veterans Antonio Reeves and Tre Mitchell have stressed what the crowd impact will be.

Mitchell understands what the Cats will face because he played in rivalry games when he was at Texas and West Virginia. However, he also knows “playing for Kentucky brings it to a whole other level” from opposing fans.

“As far as competitive spirit, I don’t think our guys need any type of help with that. They have that dog in them and will be ready for what is thrown at them,” Mitchell said. “We are excited to get down there and I will try to help keep them focused when things get a little rowdy.”

Mitchell also had a different motivation/challenge for his team about opposing fans.

“Something I am trying to emphasize to them is there is a reason these people are trying to get in your head and get in your mind and mess up your game,” the UK fifth-year senior said.

“There is a fear of what you are capable of doing. When you really think about it all that so-called hate that they may be screaming, that is really love at the end of the day in how invested they are in what you are doing.