Coach Calipari was on the Tim Brando Show today, here’s what went down. By the way, nice of Coach Cal to share his birthday with the BBN don’t you think?
Brando started the show by commenting on Cal’s ‘understanding of the modern day athlete’. Cal said “The team is guarding, getting tighter as unit and sharing the ball.” noting that the latter is “impressive for guys so young[I].”[/I]
Cal said “this weekend will be an experience for the team with him being on the end zone,” especially for Teague who looks to him a lot during the game. He also noted that[I] “[/I]playing so late might be tough for youngsters.”…Jokster.
Cal reiterated his philosophy on getting these kids to buy in to what it takes to win a championship, namely playing on a team of superstars and getting less spotlight because of it.
Cal said “The best thing about the Big Blue Nation is they’re everywhere, and the worst thing about them is also, they’re everywhere.” Example: Terrence Jones being so exposed through his struggles.
The conversation then turned to Anthony Davis, Brando said “Davis is doing things that Patrick Ewing didn’t even do in college.” Cal deferred and compared Davis to Camby, not that Camby was too shabby himself.
On the topic of Vanderbilt’s team (and Miss St) Cal said “they are bigger and longer like UK, so it will be an entirely different match up than Florida.” Brando asked Cal what he has told his team about the game and this final stretch in the SEC. Cal said he told them he just wants them to get better. Cal said “the last 6 games of the season are the only ones that matter” whether you win or lose. Other wise, he said he knows it will be a tough game he just wants to make it so that another team has to play great for 40 minutes to win.
When the conversation turned to the NCAA tourney, Cal said he didn’t understand why the bracket was set up so the 4 best teams (UK, OSU, UNC, and Marquette) were all put in one region last year. He referred to the 08’ tourney when all four #1 seeds made it to the Final Four, and also said that in the current format the best team doesn’t always win the title as he believes is the case in the NBA with best of 5 and 7 series.
Coach Calipari and the Cats will be in Nashville Tenn. tomorrow night to take on Vanderbilt. the game is televised on ESPN at 9 PM.
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