By LARRY VAUGHT
Kentucky coach John Calipari joked “that you are not going to believe this, but we are going to be really young again” to open his remarks on the Southeastern Conference coaches teleconference and that he might start three freshmen for the fourth straight year at Kentucky.
However, Calipari was also quick to note that “I like my team” and has big expectations for his new roster.
Three freshmen — Archie Goodwin, Alex Poythress and Willie Cauley-Stein — are already on campus and because of a NCAA rule change that allows coaches limited workout time with players this summer, Calipari has had a chance to work with the trio.
He says Poythress and Goodwin are “two different kind of players, but both have looked really good” during workouts.
“Archie is a slasher, scorer who can play both the one and two (guard spots), which is going to be vital. When you are not playing 10 guys and are playing seven or eight guys, you need guys who play multiple positions,” said Calipari. “Alex is a beast. I think Alex and Willie do not understand how good they can be. He (Poythress) is 6-7, has long arms and plays bigger. He is going to be another wing that runs and can make plays and score the ball. He shoots good, but he has to get more consistent.”
Calipari says he has been “blown away” by Cauley-Stein, the lowest rated freshman in UK’s No. 1 ranked recruiting class that also includes Nerlens Noel, who is not yet on campus.
“I knew he was good, but on his official visit he was 215 (pounds). He’s over 230 now and loving it,” Calipari said. “He is soaking it all in. He is one of those guys that just blossoms.”
Calipari said counting Noel, the top-ranked player in the 2012 recruiting class, that UK has “four pretty good guys” coming into the program. The Cats also add Wright State transfer Julius Mays along with Ryan Harrow, who sat out last year after transferring from North Carolina State.
The UK coach said sophomore Kyle Wiltjer is “bouncier than I have ever seen” before joking that “he is still not shaving. He does have hair under his arms. I did see that.”
Calipari also said that Jon Hood, who missed last year with a knee injury, and Twany Beckham will have “their opportunity this year” to help the team.
7 Responses to Calipari likes his team, raves about Goodwin, Poythress and Cauley-Stein
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Should be a pretty solid first seven for next season. I’m wondering just how much of an “opportunity” Jon and Twany will really have.
October cannot get here fast enough.
Agreed
Twany is a great player and I really think he can bring something to the table. I just really hope he shows that because having another great off the bench role player would be fantastic for this years team. I may be extremely optimistic but I really like this team if Hood and Twany can get some playing time.
I have learned one thing about Cal in the last three years. He will play the players who produce in practice, and he doesn’t care if they are stars or not.
That’s true. I would just add that Coach Calipari will play the players who practice well defensively. It’s all about defense. If they do what he wants defensively, he will teach them to score on the other end of the floor.
Larry i visit everyday and what an blessing to be BBN family member .
I am excited…going to be a good team this year again…hooray