Kentucky basketball: Stop!! Let’s take a timeout for some rational thinking

Calipari doing all he can so give him some slack.

And don’t think Calipari isn’t doing all he can. He looks exhausted trying to push the right buttons, guide them on and off the court, be a mentor and psychologist at the same time.

Wait. Don’t say he gets paid $10 million to do that every coach is in this same dilemma.

Cal has even gone to visit former coach Joe B. Hall two weeks ago and talked through a window. He too had teams fail to make the tournament.

This team also had to do with the passing of Ben Jordan as well. A crushing blow for a young person no matter if they knew him personally or not.

 Former coach Kenny Payne was the good cop to Calipari’s bad cop and would put his arm around them. But he headed to New York this off-season. Another blow.

Even older players like Davion Mintz have tried to lift the team, but the Creighton grad transfer is also feeling the burden.

"“There is a lot of pressure being put on you at the University of Kentucky. Attending such a historic, legendary school like this, I mean, this is a big deal. I think that’s what kind of brought me here, brings all of these guys here. I mean, they’re built for it. You want this type. I mean, it’s good pressure. I won’t say it’s bad pressure. I mean, as far as mental health, I mean, it’s just controlling what you can control. Taking those deep breaths, understanding living in the present moment and letting everything roll with it."

As to what exactly is wrong with the team, what works, who isn’t doing what, who is a disappointment, etc. let’s take a moment to step back and reflect on what is truly important. These kids are getting to play and do what they love doing.

More importantly, be thankful that we are alive to sit and watch them. There are many Kentuckians who loved their Wildcats just as much but aren’t here anymore to do it in person.