john calipari twitter

John Calipari Twitter followers are currently around one million.  The guy is the perfect fit for UK basketball.  I can’t think of anyone with a large ego that fits the job at UK any better.

Here’s the thing, Coach Cal has a big ego, but he’s also humble and very personable when he needs to be…His ability to coach Freshman into cohesive units is nothing short of remarkable.  He keeps getting top recruits.  They keep listening to him. They keep going to the NBA.  UK fans keep getting a solid product on the court.  It really is a nice recipe for success and everyone wins:  The fans, players, and Coach Cal.

Hatred of Coach Cal

I believe a lot of the hatred towards Coach Cal is pure jealousy.  Of course, his enemies would never admit that, but you can’t draw any other conclusion.  People that know him personally say he is a great guy and very honest and caring.   His enemies are usually getting beat by him on an annual basis and their envy can’t be contained.  A perfect example is most UL fans.  If you visit their message boards you will see they are obsessed with Coach Calipari and they just can’t stand that his teams beat UL every year and he keeps signing top recruiting classes.

I advise you to sign up at John Calipari Twitter and give him support if you’re a cat fan.  He’s given a lot to UK fans and we need to support him to keep him at UK.  I couldn’t stand watching Tubby Smith basketball the last few years of his tenure and Coach Cal has resurrected the passion in UK basketball.

Soon, we play St. Johns and North Carolina and I think our team is a work in progress.  I don’t even care if we lose one of those games because I know this UK team will be the best team in the nation at the end of the season when it really counts in the NCAA tournament.  Go Big Blue!

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Michael Kidd Gilchrist at UK will become an all time fan favorite.  This kid is Chuck Hayes, but with more talent.  His no B.S. playing style is fun to watch and honestly, refreshing in today’s “me first” culture.

I’ve seen him dive for more loose balls than some UK players I watched over a four year period.  Coach Calipari can’t say enough about the guy.  He just raves about his play every time someone asks him about Kidd Gilchrist.

He grew up in New Jersey and he’s already played in tough competition within the AAU circuit and other high school tournaments.  I don’t think the spotlight of Rupp Arena bothers him until a microphone is shoved in his face after a game.  He freezes up a little when surround by a pit of journalists.  To me, this demonstrates more of his humility that translates onto the floor.  We love “Kidd Vicious” at UK and I hope he can stay more than one season.

How will he play amongst other UK stars? We’ll see, but so far the guy is smiling more than most players and he could care less if he starts in a game.  He is plain having fun and we know you can be successful at anything in life if you are absorbed into the moment and having fun while you do it.  This is the secret behind great players like Michael Kidd Gilchrist at UK.  They simply love what they do and they want to be there more than other players.

I can’t wait to see how far his blue collar work ethic can help propel UK far into the NCAA tournament.  Hopefully we can watch Coach Cal in the gang cut down some nets.  UK fans deserve it.  More importantly, UK haters deserve it even more.

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So is Joker going to last at UK? I don’t think so for very long.  The is in over his head. Why didn’t Joker get many head coaching offers before UK at big schools?  It never seemed to me that Joker really wanted to be a head coach.  Unfortunately, Rich Brooks talked him into being the next head coach and now Joker Phillips’ job security is at stake.

I don’t think Joker had the motivation to become a head coach.  He knew he wasn’t up to the job. It was an easy hire for Mitch Barnhart and allowed him to continue a false image of commitment to UK football while cutting the program off at its knees behind the scenes by withholding funding.

This is a longstanding problem at UK and fans know it.  Times have changed though. With the advent of the internet, fans are organizing a small rebellion. The word is out to quit going to games at Commonwealth.  This will send a message to Mitch that UK fans are serious about getting a serious football program.

Lets see if Mitch Barnhart takes us seriously.  If not, he should be sent packing too.  UK fans take football seriously and we’re tired of the over commitment to basketball while football is left holding the bag.  We want a football program. No more excuses.  Joker Phillips’ job security is precarious right now and it should be.

Joker Phillips

I tell you what, this match up should be special.  As a UK fan, I think I have more faith than many.  I just think UK is playing really well right now and their defense continues to get better.

Yes, Ohio State has played some good competition, but did that competition have the talent of UK’s 5 starters? I seriously doubt any team in the nation has 5 starters as good as UK at this point.  Jones, Knight, Lamb, Miller, Harrelson, and Liggins are all a load and I consider all of them starters even though it’s six players.

All of those guys can score the ball well and they are not all going to have an off night on the same night.  It’s just a matter of giving the ball to the guy who is hot.

On defense, I think UK’s length on the outside should give Ohio State some problems.  Harrelson can hold his own against Sullinger.  Even if Sullinger plays well, I think Harrelson can slow him just enough to get the win.  It will be a heavy weight fight down low, that’s for sure.

Brandon Knight is shining below the bright lights.  I have to think he is eager to shine during this game.  He will play well and I believe he will be draining it from 3 point range during this game.

I’m really excited about this game because if UK wins this game, they have a legitimate shot at the NCAA championship game.

Nobody would have picked UK to go to the Final Four, but it’s definitely within reach for the Cats.  They can get there with a full team effort and an intelligent game by the guys on the court.

I have no doubt that Coach Calipari can coach just as well as Thad Matta.  Coach Cal will give the Cats a chance to win this game, but will the players live up to the coach’s expectations?

Terrence Jones, wake up! This is your chance to shine and prove to the nation you are a lottery pick!

Kentucky vs. Ohio State in the Sweet 16 is going to be one to remember my friends…

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So UK is headed into the game against WVU and I’m nervous.  Personally I think this is a terrible matchup for UK because WVU is so physical and we played soft against physical teams mostly this season.  In addition, they still have Mazzula who torched us last year in the NCAA tournament.

UK will have to play much better to win this game.  I think we should drive the ball as much as possible to draw fouls in the dribble drive offense.  We must become the physical aggressor and bang on the inside with Jones and Harrelson.  If UK shies away, it will be a long day for the Cats.

Bob Huggins has a dominant record of wins against Coach Cal.  Coach Cal must coach a better game this year. He has to make adjustments on defense if Mazzula continuously beats us into the lane.  This is something I hope Coach Calipari has improved.

One good thing to note is that UK has become a much more physical team as the season has rolled on. UK was the aggressor against teams like Ole Miss and Florida in the SEC tournament.  So this may be the reason UK can win the game.  Which team is tougher and more physical?

The Big East vs. The SEC.  Most people would say WVU has a distinct advantage.  I’m not sure because UK is peaking at the right time and this UK team is much more physical than earlier in the season.   Harrelson is a brute and he’s become a real enforcer.  UK will continue to get better and I think they will pull out this game actually.  I think UK is the most dangerous team in the tournament right now.

Brandon Knight is the best point guard in the country right now.  I know I’m biased, but this kid is completely fearless and he seems to get better and better every game.  I’ll take him against anyone.

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Well, how does it look to you?  I think UK once again got ripped off by the NCAA.  What else is new? We know the NCAA despises UK and will stop at nothing to screw them in football and basketball.

Saying that, if we can get to play Ohio State in our bracket, I don’t think it’s a bad matchup.

First off, Thad Matta is not a great tournament coach.  Coach Calipari has UK playing at a high level.  UK has so much length and athleticism, they will give anyone fits.  Sullinger can be double-teamed.  Even if he gets a lot of points, I think UK can still win the game because of superior shooting and defensive pressure.

UK could surprise everyone in this tournament.  UK just has a lot of athletes to throw at you and not many teams can match up that well.  The physicality of UK’s inside game has gotten better as the season wears on and this should pay dividends in the NCAA tournament.

I wouldn’t be surprised a bit if UK beats Ohio State and ends up in the Final Four.  Kentucky can be that good if they want to be….We also have too many shooters to stop.  Knight, Liggins, Miller, or Lamb will be hitting three point shots.  It’s just a matter of finding the guy that is hot that night.

You could say Ohio State got a bad draw too because UK will be the toughest 4 seed by far in the tournament.  Don’t look now, but UK is white hot and they are peaking at the perfect time so a long run may be the result of this momentum.

Don’t bet against UK in this bracket just yet.

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So the upperclassmen are finally stepping forward and now they’ve locked up a SEC championship at UK.

This team is really starting to be special in my eyes. We’ve got a few super star freshman coupled with solid upperclassmen and it’s beginning to look like the perfect mix. This team will be a tough out for anyone in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

I don’t see a lot of weakness on this Kentucky team. If I had to pick one, it would be the inside game. I still think a legitimate big man will give the Cats trouble, but not nearly as much as it would have during the beginning of the season.

Harrelson and Jones have surpassed my expectations as far as rebounding the ball and eating up space on the inside. There is now a presence in the middle, which is necessary to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. You add that with an emerging Vargas and UK is looking like a formidable team. I wouldn’t want to face UK in this tournament. They are peaking at exactly the right time.

Their length on defense gives teams fits. Liggins is probably the best defensive stopper I’ve ever seen in a UK uniform. The guy gets under the skin of everyone he faces. I can’t wait to see him play defense in the NCAA tournament. It’s truly going to be special.

UK has shooters, which give us a shot(no pun intended) against anyone. You just can’t shut down so many shooters on one team. Miller, Liggins, Knight, and Lamb can all hit the three and that’s something very troublesome for opposing teams.

Coach Calipari is proving himself to be one of the best in the business. I see Coach Calipari help these Freshmen improve and I don’t know if there is another coach who can do that as quickly. He is simply a master at getting players to work hard and improve their own game. I don’t think there could be another coach who fits as well at UK compared to Coach Calipari. He is simply the man right now in the Big Blue Nation.

Let her rip….This is gonna be fun!

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Brandon Knight and the Cats are looking a lot better compared to earlier in the year when they struggled mightily against teams on the road. There are many reasons for their improvement, but it’s been a tough road for Calipari and the young Cats.

I feel for Coach Cal and I believe there aren’t many coaches in the land that could have brought these young guys this far and this fast. He is a master at getting the attention of young players helping them improve more than previously thought possible.

One thing I notice is the increased hustle of Terrance Jones. He is not one of my favorite UK players because he never acts like he cares that much about being at UK. Honestly, he just seems like he’s waiting to get to the NBA. But saying that, he is putting forth more effort than he ever did earlier in the season.

Brandon Knight continues to amaze me because he is such a mature player for a Freshman. This guy continues to improve and he is now one of the best point guards in all of college basketball. His shot is one of the best I’ve ever seen at UK. In addition, I love the quick release and no hesitation whatsoever to jack up a three when it’s needed.

Darius Miller has increased his intensity, but I don’t like the fact he’s a junior and Coach Cal has to continually challenge him. He needs to become more of a self-starter and he can become a dominant player especially next year at UK with an additional year of experience.

I believe the Cats will be a tough out in the NCAA tournament until their lack of depth finally hurts them. Jones and Harrelson have become a good post presence, but it may still be a little thin for NCAA tournament time when they start banging against bigger teams with more post experience.

UK’s 3 point shooting will have to carry them in some games into the NCAA tournament. Our first game where Lamb, Knight, and Miller aren’t hitting 3s will get us a loss.

Of course, I’ll be cheering them every step of the way as they take on opponents in the season’s tournament. Look for a lot of surprises in the tournament because I don’t see very many dominant teams.

I predict the SEC will do much better than many have predicted in the NCAA tournament.

Go Cats!

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Deandre Liggins’ toughness is helping UK with an added dimension.  Demarcus Cousins is not the only player diving on the court and sacrificing for the team.  Of all players, Liggins was the least likely guy to become the scrapper and defender on the team in my opinion.  Frankly, I’m shocked how Calipari can get some players to do certain things.

I think he shows players a certain level of respect they’re not used to seeing from other coaches.  Some fans criticize John Calipari for letting his players mouth off and show emotion on the sidelines, but I believe they appreciate the respect he gives them.  He gives them more freedom than many other coaches and it creates a mutual respect between the players and coach.  This is a unique coaching gift that Calipari uses consistently.

Deandre Liggins was on the edge of quitting basketball or transferring out after a rough start with Billy Gillispie.  Thank God Gillispie was fired and Deandre stayed on the team.  That alone shows a certain toughness the kid possesses as a young collegiate athlete.  He did come from the streets of Chicago so lets say he’s probably seen worse that a tough coach giving him hell.

This is the added dimension this team needed.  When Liggins comes in the game, players start hustling more and diving on the floor.  Demarcus Cousins and Liggins are showing leadership that most Freshman don’t usually show on a team.  Liggins is only a sophomore, but he looks like a veteran on the court and he seems to know how to make a play whether it be a pass or shot when the ball is in his hands.

I love the fact that Deandre said he loves UK because of the fans.  He commented that he loves the cheers he gets whenever his name is called even though he may be in the coach’s doghouse.  He bleeds blue and will always be a revered Kentucky Wildcat.

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Calipari and Kentucky are rolling along in the SEC.  Even though they lost last night to South Carolina, I see a team that will be hard to handle in March.  They almost seemed bored on Tuesday night against South Carolina.

We have to remember these guys are still just Freshman and they’re growing up.  I believe there was a lack of leadership last night on the floor.  Patrick Patterson is not acting like a leader this year and he’s stepping to the side too much.  He needs to be more assertive and less lazy.  In addition, I believe Patrick Patterson may need to stay another year in college before he leaves for the NBA.

See Post on Demarcus Cousins at UK

John Calipari probably feels a sense of relief after one loss.  He’s had unrealistic expectations foisted upon him by UK fans and possibly himself.  A tough SEC loss will drain the hot air balloon of UK basketball for a short time and help young players refocus on a season knowing they can lose if they don’t play their best games.

In the long run, this could all be beneficial.  I’d rather a loss or two happen now than a loss in the NCAA tournament.  I believe UK has a legitimate chance of winning an 8^th NCAA Championship this year.

Flickr: by MCHart

Calipari and Kentucky are doing the right things.  Coach Cal is a master because he always seems to set the right tone for his team.  If you notice, he doesn’t yell at players when you think he should.  Sometimes he does yell at them when people don’t think he should…He’s a psychologist on the court.  That is the secret behind his real success and what sets him apart from many other coaches.

There is a reason so many great players want to play for him after they have a meeting.  Leave it to Coach Cal.  These guys will make a deep run in the tournament and have a great chance to win it all.  They are really that good and they are getting a healthy dose of humility after last night’s tough loss.

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