UK Basketball: Coach Calipari’s Call-In Show Comments

Coach Calipari had a lot to say on this week’s episode of The Paul Miller Ford John Calipari Show.

Coach Calipari joined Tom Leech, Kentucky’s play-by-play radio announcer, on Monday’s episode of The Paul Miller Ford John Calipari Show. Calipari addressed an emphasis on rebounding going forward, Hamidou Diallo’s growth and PJ Washington’s ability to play on the perimeter.

Rebounding was a major topic during the show. Calipari said he’s having ‘reduced rims’ put in the gym for scrimmages during practice. This will lead to more missed shots, allowing Coach Calipari to stress the importance of offensive and defensive rebounding. When asked if Wenyen Gabriel is the best rebounder on the team, Calipari called him the most active rebounder. Gabriel had nine rebounds last Saturday against Virginia Tech. Cal noted that Gabriel has been in the system for two years and generally goes after every rebound with two hands.

During the show, Cal stressed the idea of holding the players accountable. Hamidou Daillo‘s performance on Saturday against Virginia Tech has afforded Calipari the opportunity to hold him to a higher standard. Diallo had 20 points and shot 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, including a clutch three-pointer late in the game. Calipari credited Diallo’s improved shooting to a more consistent technique.

During the show a caller likened PJ Washington to the former Wildcat Alex Poythress. He asked if Calipari feels Washington can develop a better perimeter game. Calipari said he’s been begging him to shoot three-point shots. The Kentucky coach has high hopes for Washington by the end of the season. “By the end of the year everybody is going to be saying, ‘He’s a monster’,” Calipari told the caller, via UKAthletics.com.

Coach Calipari and the Cats head to New Orleans this weekend to take on UCLA in the CBS Sports Classic. Tip time is 4:00 PM ET.