Kentucky head coach John Calipari participated in the weekly SEC coaches’ teleconference this morning.
Here are some highlights from the teleconference (via UKAthletics.com):
• Calipari expressed surprise that the team had another two games on road, having played their previous two on the road before the Georgia game. “This is another tough trip with a young team,” Calipari said. “Both programs are solid and strong and do the right things and play the right way.”
• Even though the game on Saturday in Gainesville, Fla., will be featured on ESPN’s College Gameday, Calipari said that his full focus right now is on Tuesday’s game. “We’ve got our hands full Tuesday,” Calipari said. “I’m truly not worried about Saturday yet. Let’s just try to get by Tuesday and see how we do.”
• Calipari was asked a question about some of Ole Miss’ recent struggles in their 1-5 start in conference play, but he was quick to praise Andy Kennedy’s squad. “They’re spacing the court, they’re running good stuff, they’re getting good looks. I like how (Kennedy) is spacing so they can attack the rim. They’re playing to their strengths.”
• Calipari was also unreserved in expressing his admiration for Kennedy’s coaching, saying “Andy is one of the best coaches around.” Calipari also said that his Hall of Fame visitor of last week, Larry Brown, is a fan of Kennedy. “He thinks the world of him and he doesn’t even know him that well,” Calipari said. “His comment was ‘That guy can really coach.’ ”
• Oxford is very close to Calipari’s former stomping grounds in Memphis, Tenn., and Calipari said he would have friends in town to see him and his team. “It will be fun to see them, but this is a business trip for me,” Calipari said
• Of course, the requisite question about Calipari’s thoughts on how Darius Miller is playing was asked. Calipari said that he has been happy with his play in spurts, but that he still wants to see him bring his A game more consistently. He also said he would be speaking with Miller today about whether he needs to play fewer minutes in order to maximize his level of play when he is on the floor. Calipari did make sure to mention that Miller is making strides. “He’s getting closer,” Calipari said. “I’m pleased he’s moving in the right direction.”
[URL=”http://www.ukathletics.com/blog/2011/01/sec-coaches-teleconference-notes-1.html”][COLOR=#0d1db8]Complete Article[/COLOR][/URL]
