Coach Calipari’s emphasis on defense might surprise fans
October 1st, 2009 | 
Author: By LARRY VAUGHT
With all the attention on new coach John Calipari’s dribble-drive offense, it might surprise fans to see what emphasis the coach plans to put on defense.
Question: What expectations do you have for this team?
Calipari: “All I want is that every day we leave that we feel good about what we just did. My challenge is to keep these guys in the moment, not worrying about November and December. I must keep them in today. Then there is no anxiety, nothing crazy. It’s all feeling good about today and continue building that mental toughness and swagger. We do that by bunting about 100 straight bunts. It’s not hitting home runs, it’s bunts.
“The other thing is I want us to be an unbelievably active, great defensive team so that we are leading the nation in steals, blocks, rebounds. I don’t mean leading No. 1, but staying in the top 10 in a bunch of categories defensively. If we do that, our offense will catch up. The offense early you will say, ‘Please bag this dribble-drive.’ You will. Someone will write it. I will write the article and give it to you to print at some point. That will happen early.
“I will say, ‘Guys you have to trust me or not trust me,’ and hopefully you will trust me. I will have to make adjustments like I did last year with Tyreke (Evans). But when he felt unleashed in it, he became the No. 4 pick (in the NBA draft). We are teaching them how to beat people off the dribble, get to the rim and be confident about it.”
Posted in UK Basketball
Larry great job on all these post today on UK basketball. Enjoy reading all your articles on UK Basketball and Football.
I don’t know if the “dribble-drive” will be a success in Lexington.
I don’t know if all team members will buy in to the coaches conditioning system.
I don’t know if an emphasis on defense will be front and center at Rupp.
I do know however, that any coach who brings his team out to a tent village, housing 400+/- basketball nuts, carrying breakfast for the 400 is some kind of guy———–no doubt!!
Now let’s get back to football!
Good article Larry. I have always enjoyed a good defensive performance. We have had some really great defenses over the last 12 years. The problem has been the completely stagnant offenses on the other end. BORING!!! There is nothing more miserable than a 52-48 type game. I can’t wait to see a really solid defense paired with a high powered offense again. Just like the 90’s.
[...] Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger writes on Calipari’s approach to defense. [...]
Great article! You know it is really a shame that Cal gets such a bad wrap. Wow, what a great guy! We finally have a coach that doesnt just give us BS coach speak. He actually explains his thinking process.
For the first time in forever, I actually want to hear the call-in shows. Last year it was to hear first hand how Billy berates the fans. This year will be to get some actual insight into the game and Coach’s mindset. Can’t wait!
He is one of a kind. No doubt about that. And let’s hope football is the talk of the state Sunday for the right reasons
Unbelievable stuff, Larry. You have 10 times the info all of the other papers have in Ky combined. This is going to be a fun year!
Thanks John. Know you are in Alabama but remain true Blue
Larry-only the first time reading the site, but you have won me over with the first two articles. Very informed writing. Everything I read about coach gives me more reason to trust he is the man.
Glad to have you with us here Ronnie.