(UK Athletics)
2020 was the most unimaginable year any of us witnessed. A pandemic struck, cities were protested, the NBA played in a bubble and Kentucky Basketball had its worst season of all time. In a season unlike any other, Kentucky struggled all season and could not get a rhythm. UK coach John Calipari knew after the 2021 SEC Tournament loss to Mississippi State that changes had to be made in not only coaching staff, but coaching philosophy as well. Calipari spent a lot of his opportunity to speak with media talking a lot about the speed of his team. Cal recently used the term 'speed team' to describe his plans for this team. When asked Wednesday what a speed team was, his response was simple:
"You run faster than you think you can run, and when a guy's not going his speed I stop [practice]."
Calipari also took time to speak on NIL (Name, image, likeness). Coach Cal reassured BBN that the players are coming to Kentucky to be part of something special, to play for Kentucky. Kentucky will continue to sell Kentucky, not the money that comes with it. While Calipari mentioned that the basketball team has had the 'most transactions on this campus', he also established this as an opportunity to teach the team basic life skills.
After Cal was finished speaking, media got the opportunity to speak to this years team. Below, I will add some of my favorite clips caught today:
Sahvir Wheeler Talks Turnovers, 1st Team SEC
Dontaie Allen talks Fans, Football Friendships and Smashing Basketballs
TyTy Talks Lifestyle Changes, Leadership from Davion Mintz
Oscar Tshiebwe Talks Competition, Speed and Wearing Makeup
Davion Mintz on Decision to Return, What it Means to Play in Full Crowd
Keion Brooks Jr. on Leadership, Damion Collins' Skills, Bryce Hopkins' Physicality, Relationship with Calipari
My Overview
This team is long and athletic. Should have an advantage at guarding the perimeter, and is already communicating on defense. Unlike many years, practice has shown me that the team can shoot. Calipari is looking for the lineup that will run from baseline to baseline without missing a beat. The team already has a chemistry you can feel by just being in the same room as them. Lets enjoy this, folks. It's going to be a fun ride.
Lets ball.