This is a big week for John Calipari and the Kentucky basketball team
All across the World Wide Web, Big Blue Nation can find articles and posts about the chances this Kentucky basketball team has at a double-bye in the SEC tournament next week. UK fans can see the odds of a double bye happening, and what exactly needs to transpire for UK to earn the double-bye.
Kentucky basketball fans can see the odds of a double bye happening, and what exactly needs to transpire for UK to earn the double-bye. But this week is about much more than if Kentucky can clinch a double-bye. This week is about momentum, about improvement, and about continuing to make strides.
The Cats are on a 3-game win streak and it’s important to continue improving. John Calipari recently said that there is absolutely a chance his young team will regress or revert back to old habits during the next couple weeks. This team needs to continue to improve and continue to stride in the right direction. Even if the Cats don’t earn a double-bye this week, they still need to show improvement and cohesion.
The Kentucky basketball team is absolutely playing better and it’s no coincidence that it’s resulting in wins. Nearly all of the Cats are buying in to the team-first mindset and setting aside selfish ambitions. During the 3-game win streak, there have been less forced shots, selfish plays, and bad turnovers than previously. Calipari has this team committing to making “winning plays” and sharing the ball on offense. This is resulting in more open shots for the Cats, more driving lanes for the guards, and more opportunities to score in transition.
While all of BBN desires that double-bye, it’s not nearly as important as continuing the strides and improvement we’ve seen the last 3 games. The Cats need to take care of business, in a convincing manner, at home against Ole Miss on Wednesday. This is an opportunity for Kentucky to win by 15+ points, boosting morale and confidence.
Calipari wants to see baskets in transition, open perimeter shots consistently made and strong drives to the basket. Kentucky’s players will need to avoid selfish and greedy plays, doing what’s best for the team. And of course, Calipari wants to see strong, solid team defense that shuts down the Ole Miss offense.
Big game in Gainesville
Saturday, on the road against Florida, is a bit of a different story. This will be a difficult challenge for Kentucky, but a challenge the Cats should relish. Kentucky doesn’t “have” to win this game to continue improving and building momentum. The Wildcats need to compete, need to defend, and need to play with mental toughness on the road. Florida will host a loud and hostile crowd, and Calipari’s squad will needs to play as a team.
If Kentucky can go to Gainesville on Saturday and really compete in a difficult environment and play as a team, they’ll show improvement and continued success. It’s almost an advantage for the Cats to play their final regular season game on the road at a hostile arena. All games after Saturday are on neutral courts, which will seem much easier for the Kentucky basketball team.
This week is bigger than SEC Tournament seeding. This week is about momentum and improvement. John Calipari wants his team to continue the lessons and progression they´ve shown during the last 3 games. Coach Cal simply wants to make sure that his team does not revert back to bad habits and selfish play.
If Kentucky plays the right way, Calipari will reinforce to his team that they are ready for the NCAA Tournament. If UK struggles and plays selfish, Calipari won´t be able to protect his team from disappointment in the coming weeks. BBN, we will learn a lot this week as to what UK team will show up in St. Louis next week, and the NCAA Tournament the week after.