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Calipari, Cats Focused on Establishing Little Things that Make them Great

Photo by Chet White | UK Athletics

 

The Kentucky Wildcats will return to action on Wednesday vs. North Dakota and head coach John Calipari hopes you see a different team.

 

After a strong showing in the Bahamas and preseason quotes from Calipari that had Big Blue Nation buzzing with excitement, fans were left wondering what happened to the team they watched in August. Well, Calipari blames himself for moving too fast.

 

“We went too far and tried to do too much,” said Calipari on Tuesday. “We didn’t really get established in what we wanted to be, so hopefully when you watch us, you will see a little different team.”

 



 

It was clear through two games that Kentucky didn’t know how they wanted to play. When Duke started out hot, guys reverted to going 1-on-1, which is what they were accustomed to doing in high school. However, at Kentucky, we all know that doesn’t work.

 

Following Kentucky’s 71-59 victory vs. Southern Illinois last Friday, SIU coach Barry Hinson preached patience to Kentucky fans.

 

“Now, Big Blue Nation, I’m going to talk to you for a second,” said Hinson. “You need to read the book of Job. You need to have a little bit of patience…Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes time, so back off and let these guys go through the maturation process.”

 



 

A matchup between Kentucky and Duke is big at any point in the season, but it’s not a must win game when it’s played in November. Kentucky fans never want to lose to Duke, especially the way Kentucky did, but that game won’t matter the first week of April. Even Calipari admitted he moved too fast because of thinking a game was important.

 

“That’s not their fault, that was me and maybe I was trying to get ready for a game I thought was important and move them too far. So, now all the stuff that makes us who we are, we didn’t do any of it.”

 

Kentucky did bounce back and find success in the second half vs. Southern Illinois, but Calipari is going back to figure out how this team needs to play to be successful. Whether it be on offense or defense, Calipari says it’s a mistake if he assumes his guys know something.

 

 

“We’ve kinda gone back and said, let’s just get this stuff down. In all areas, whether it’s defensively or offensively, we went beyond all the little things that are going to make you good. Anytime I think these kids know something then I’m more than likely making a mistake.”

 

After a few days focused on what they’re good at, Kentucky returns to action vs North Dakota Wednesday night at Rupp Arena. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET. on the SEC Network.

 

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