catmandoo
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Member # 1284
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posted 06-24-2021 02:30 PM
Following a season of delays, cancellations and uncertainty for the Kentucky basketball program in 2020-21, John Calipari and his revamped staff are going out of their way to ensure a return to normalcy this time around. At this point last year, players were just now beginning the move-in and quarantine process, with individual workouts not starting until the first week of July. From there, coaches were not allowed to work out with players until July 20 – at this point, it was “one ball, one player, one coach, one goal” – with full contact five-on-five scrimmages not starting until August.
This offseason, though, players started the move-in process on May 28, with workouts and pickup games beginning almost immediately afterward. Coach Cal was able to conduct his first official practice of the offseason on June 14, essentially a two-month head start from last year’s return to action in August.
With workouts and pickup games well underway this offseason and the first official week of practice in the books, KSR spoke with several individuals inside and around the program to get an early look at where things stand, including early standouts on the roster. The quick synopsis? So far, so good.
The biggest early takeaway isn’t necessarily about any individual player or moment, but the overall vibe around the basketball facilities and inside the Wildcat Coal Lodge compared to last season. The 2020-21 roster saw small cliques develop early and overall team chemistry was a serious issue. Blame it on COVID-19 and the constant setbacks that followed, blame it on the lack of team bonding opportunities, blame it on clashing personalities, whatever, the locker room was simply not a healthy one from the start. This time around, multiple sources were quick to tell KSR that things just feel ‘different’ with the team, all for the positive. The players genuinely enjoy being around each other and spend quality time together outside of practice and workouts, creating a better, more enjoyable atmosphere inside the facilities.
The additions of Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman have been endlessly praised publicly, but behind the scenes, their work on the floor has really turned heads and their presence has helped fix things internally. One source raved about Coleman’s hands-on and detail-oriented approach in practice, actively participating in drills and keeping track of stats and reps on a daily basis. Antigua’s ability to build relationships and connect with players and staff members has always been known – it’s why Calipari brought him back to Lexington in the first place – but Coleman has made quite the impression in the team’s return to basketball activities this month.
As for individual standouts, the first name brought up in numerous conversations with individuals inside the program and players’ parents is freshman guard TyTy Washington, specifically for his impressive shooting in pickup games and drills. In one recent shooting drill that focused on dribble combinations leading to shots along the 3-point line, Washington knocked down 45 of 50 total attempts. He’s a fluid and consistent shooter that knows how to get to his spots and convert when he gets there. Building strength is a key point of emphasis for the five-star freshman this summer, but the early expectation is that the early hype with Washington is real.
From there, Davidson transfer Kellan Grady has earned plenty of early praise, with one source telling KSR that his addition was like bringing a “pro” into practice and the locker room. The way he carries himself with a business-first mindset has been a huge plus for some of the younger players on the team, meticulous in his practice habits and working in drills. One individual added that they would be fairly shocked if the 6-5 guard didn’t lead the team in scoring this season.
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http://www.ukfightsong.com/
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