Tre Mitchell not only has a unique relationship with coach John Calipari but he also is a "voice" that freshmen teammates listen to. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Listening can be an underrated skill for a successful basketball team.
Coach John Calipari likes the veteran “voice” that fifth-year senior Tre Mitchell brings to his team. ESPN analyst Jimmy Dykes calls him a “terrific connector” because his voice matters to the entire team.
Mitchell appreciates the way younger teammates have listened to him this season.
“It is a very important piece because not only do they listen to me but they listen to Coach and are coachable,” Mitchell said. “I have been with plenty of players who are hard headed and only listen to their circle.
“These dudes see adjustments. It’s a credit to them and they can all go far in this game when they are willing to listen and adjust like they are.”
Mitchell said he can take more time in practice to explain small details to teammates than he can in a game.
“They listen and make adjustments which shows they are intelligent players,” Mitchell said.
Calipari obviously has a special bond with Mitchell, who transferred from West Virginia after Bob Huggins was fired.
“Like, if I say something that’s funny, he laughs,” Calipari said.
The Kentucky coach said he will get on Mitchell but his team’s leading rebounder responds in his own way.
“I can’t remember what it was but I kind of needled him without looking at him and he said, ‘Well, the guy may be struggling because you are drawing up six plays in a timeout and we don’t know which one we are running.’ He said that to me, which I sometimes do,” Calipari said.
“I love coaching him. I love it. And I love how he is as a teammate.”
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