Ole Miss Coach Praises Tre Mitchell for Poise He Gives UK

Tre Mitchell (Vicky Graff Photo)

Ole Miss coach Chris Beard wanted no part of speculating on the criticism Kentucky had been taking because of its defensive play after his team lost to UK Tuesday night when the Rebels shot 38 percent from the field and had 12 shots blocked.

“First part of that question is none of my business. I coach our team. I thought Kentucky was aggressive,” Beard said.

He also thought the return of Tre Mitchell, who missed the previous two games due to back pain, made a huge difference.

“I think Tre Mitchell is one of the best players in college basketball. In my opinion, he’s not a stat sheet guy. There’s no denying it’s the poise and composure he gives this young really talented team,” Beard said. “So I thought, especially in the first half, where in our perspective, the game got out of hand, we played even with them for the most part in the second half.

“I thought Tre Mitchell did a good job just doing what he does. He’s a veteran player, makes plays.”

Unfortunately for Kentucky, Mitchell injured his left shoulder midway of the second half, left the game and dd not return. Kentucky coach John Calipari had no update on Mitchell after the game other than he had been taken for X-rays.

“From my point of view, the combination of a high turnover game and getting our shot blocked which seemed like a 100 times from where I was sitting (made the difference),” the Ole Miss coach said.

Ugonna Onyenso had 10 blocks, including seven in the first half, and Aaron Bradshaw two for UK. Onyenso also altered numerous other shots.

“In college basketball we win as a team and lose as a team so as a coach, I don’t get into the deal of talking about individual players for the most part but I will tell you we did not execute our game plan tonight,” Beard said.

“We understood the talent at the rim, we understood the collapsing defense. We would’ve much preferred to play off of two feet. We had some good inside-out possessions but just not enough of them so it was obviously a big factor in the game.

“What makes it equally difficult with Kentucky is that’s what starts their offense. To me their best offense is their defense. If they can get a turnover there’s elite guys with hand speed. (Reed) Sheppard is a steal guy, the blocked shots at the goal just kind of fuels their offense.

“Some teams you can absorb that a little bit better. You can get back on defense and make a play, but it’s almost put in the (score) books Kentucky blocks a shot or gets a steal. They’re just very explosive on the floor with great spacing.”