Breaking down John Calipari’s ESPN Bracketology interview
John Calipari, media savvy as ever, had some March Madness thoughts on Selection Sunday.
Kentucky Basketball Coach John Calipari loves his team. Normally they have a way to go, “they’re still learning,” after all, but he likes what he sees.
On Selection Sunday, Calipari let the fans know what he really thinks about his team heading into the NCAA Tournament.
“Tell us what these league tournaments mean.”
Calipari has criticized the selection committee in the past for not consistently judging conference tournament outcomes, and continued to express his frustration on ESPN.
“League tournaments [are not] being taken that much into account,” Calipari said. “It may get you in or out, but you’re not going to move that much on your seeding because of a late season run.”
The committee did acknowledge that this year’s field is difficult to seed, with as many as six teams deserving No. 1 seeds. That is the kind of transparency Calipari says he appreciates, and hopes to see more of.
Like many Kentucky fans, Calipari remembers splitting the regular season SEC Championship with Texas A&M last year, beating them in the conference championship, and still falling short of them in the tournament seeding. This is the type of perplexing seeding question he still wants an answer for.
“All of the sudden we’re deeper now.”
A month or so ago, Kentucky fans were begging for defense. The Wildcats suddenly weren’t lighting up the scoreboard at the same clip from earlier in the season, and their lack of pride in defense led to three losses in four games.
The bench heard the calls. Seniors Dominique Hawkins and Mychal Mulder have played both sides of the coin, adding toughness and energy with Hawkins and shooting from deep with Mulder. Derek Willis has played up to his starting position standard lately as well, crashing the boards and giving his best effort while defending.
Kentucky’s sudden depth proved clutch for the Wildcats as De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk both picked up two fouls early in the SEC Championship game’s first half. With Hawkins leading the way, it hardly felt as if Kentucky was lacking. If the supporting cast can keep this up, the Wildcats will have a shot against any team they play.
“I know you’re gonna defend Duke, Jay!”
This quote was immediately followed by a disgusted gesture, with Calipari acting as if he may throw up. Oh, and if you can’t tell, that just means Swaggy Cal is back.
Swaggy Cal is a great thing. It kind of reminds me of the groundhog on Groundhog Day. If Calipari isn’t talking up his team, joking on all the others by, say, March 18? You may be in for another 12 months without a championship. I think that’s how Groundhog Day works anyway.
This year Calipari brought the jokes early and on live TV, so you get the feeling we could be in for an all-time Swaggy Cal run.
Not sure you believe this Swaggy Cal stuff? Check this out. Dickie V told Calipari that all he had to do to reach the Final Four is beat Wichita State, UCLA and North Carolina. Naturally, he asks if he thinks this team can do that.
Here’s Swaggy Cal’s response:
I love Swaggy Cal.
As always, Calipari loves his team
Calipari may have gone through his typical riff on liking where his team is going, but this time, there is reason to believe they are in a good place. The team is on its longest winning streak of the season, the role players are bringing a ton to the table, and Swaggy Cal brought the smirk out. Teams should be scared when Swaggy Cal brings the smirk out.
Next: Kentucky's Final Four Formula
Fans will have to wait until Friday night to see what Calipari brings to the table. The Wildcats play Northern Kentucky at 9:40 p.m. on CBS. Check back on Wildcat Blue Nation throughout the week for more March Madness news, previews, and more.