catmandoo
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posted 10-12-2016 08:23 PM
It's a long read and written a while back but some good info for sure.
John Calipari’s own words are a tell-tale sign that something special is about to unfold in Lexington. Most years the Hall of Fame coach spends October downplaying the potential, noting only that, ‘I like my team.’
Not such much this season. In fact, the comparisons are as outrageous as the aforementioned Madness gala.
Freshman point guard De’Aaron Fox has the unenviable task of replacing Tyler Ulis, one of the most highly decorated and genuinely adored players in recent memory. Calipari’s idea of easing Fox into the psyche of the fan base is to liken him to NBA stalwart John Wall.
“There are times he can look as fast as John Wall,” Calipari said. “But John Wall knew that was his No. 1 weapon and he used it all the time. De’Aaron hasn’t figured out that should be his No. 1 weapon.”
On fellow freshman backcourt running mate, Malik Monk, the coach draws on the memory of an NCAA champion and No. 2 NBA draft pick in 2012.
“Malik plays like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist,” Calipari said. “If he’s ahead on the break, give it to him. If you don’t give it to him you’re coming out because he can just … his explosion to go by you, his ability to make runners.
“When Malik Monk comes down the left side,” Calipari said, “you have no idea what he’s going to do … and neither does he. But you will watch him and at least four or five times a game you will say, ‘Oh my.’”
The lynchpin, counted on by Calipari to unite the veterans and freshmen, is sophomore Isaiah Briscoe, dubbed the team’s Alpha Dog by his coach.
“He’s got a killer in him,” Calipari said. “You win with guys like him. He’s going to teach these young kids the competitive spirit you have to have.”
That trio will get the bulk of the early season hype, and deservedly so, but the key to Kentucky extending its season into late March will be the play of the interior guys. A glaring weakness last season now appears to be a gluttony of riches.
No fewer than six players could roam the paint for Calipari. That’s 42 feet of big men and 36 fouls to give.
The curiosity is Derek Willis, a senior who led Kentucky on some nights last year but just as quickly faded into the background.
“He’s been on a great path, but now he’s got to sustain it,” Calipari said. “What you did in the middle of last season, that’s who you are now. Go be that guy. He’ll be in an eight-man rotation. The question becomes, are you a guy we know we can count on every game for 25 minutes? 30 minutes? What are you? How consistent are you?”
The buzz is all about Isaac Humphries, a 7-foot sophomore who has slimmed down so much that his own Mom didn’t recognize him.
“He’s a really intelligent player, an intelligent person,” Calipari said. “He’s becoming confident, a little more self-assured. That’s why you look at him out there and you say, ‘Wow!’”
But the mystery man, and perhaps the true key in terms of a dynamic Kentucky defense, is freshman Wenyen Gabriel. The 6-10, 215-pounder could provide the Cats a much-needed rim protector.
“He can be a 6-10 perimeter guy, inside and outside. He’s like Derek Willis in that way,” Calipari said. “But he’s got a better motor, he rebounds, he blocks shots.”
Defense, as we know, wins championships.
“Let’s really guard. Let’s take great pride in it,” Calpari said. “Let’s block shots. Let’s gang rebound, and if a guard gets it, fly. Lobs, dunks and layups. I want to be a great team from defense to offense. When we block it or get that ball, we’re flying.”
Link
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http://www.ukfightsong.com/
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