By LARRY VAUGHT
John Calipari certainly wants to make sure Kentucky fans don’t underestimate North Carolina Saturday even though the Tar Heels lost to UNLV Saturday, a loss that moved UK to No. 1 in the polls and knocked the Tar Heels out of that position.
“North Carolina was the greatest team in the last 22 years then they lose (to UNLV) and it’s ‘This guy can’t do this?’ What? They’re still one of the best teams in the last 20 years. They lost a game. The other team went nuts and made 13 3′s. With us, if a team comes out and makes 13 3′s, we’ll lose.”
Most teams would if they gave up 13 3- pointers. No arguing that point.
Here’s more with Calipari on the Tar Heels.
“North Carolina is still, if not the best team in the country, one of the best teams in the country. That’s why you can’t throw too much stuff at our guys. It’s as much mental. I have to build them up. You have to make them feel they’re as good as anybody,” Calipari is.
Kentucky is. Calipari knows that. UK fans know that. But Kentucky might not be quite as good this early in the season. Then again, who thought UNLV would beat North Carolina.
Don’t forget that the Tar Heels still host Wisconsin tonight and UK plays St. John’s Thursday before the marquee game on Saturday.
5 Responses to Calipari: North Carolina “still one of the best teams in the last 20 years”
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I think NC is an top 5 team however i did not feel they were an #1 team in the nation Ohio State is the team this early in the season that scares me. I am watching alot of good basketball this year and i love this sport. Kentucky i feel is the most talented group of players i may have ever seen playing together. However how long it takes them to come together and play as an solid team is the question. John Wall and company went threw an season winning on each’s talent when they need team work agaisnt WVa.it wasn’t there and they still could have won but feel short at the wrong time.The next year these kids had talent but needed team work to win and beat the best team in the nation to reach the final 4 however lacked an productive bench.This year it’s hard to say when they all come together however when they do they’ll be unbeatable. I love my cats and i am 100% behind them win ,loose, or draw .
Bob, my sentiments exactly. Win or lose, I am behind my boys. It does not mean I always agree with Cal, but he’s the coach and I’m not. Make sure you keep your seat belt on this year, it’s going to be a heck of a ride. Do I want number 8? Sure I do but just to be able to have the fire and heart back in Kentucky Basketball makes me happier then a rabbit in a garden. Go Cats! Livin’ Blue and Lovin’ It!
Cal has to say nice things about UNC so he doesn’t fire them up. But UK certainly could make a claim to being the best team in the last 20 years. Let’s not forget they were one point away from a 3-peat. That doesn’t happen very often. The team struggled after that but they’re back now. It’s only a matter of time before the banners start getting hung in the rafters again. I really believe that. Cal puts together so much talent it’s inconceivable that they wouldn’t win it all on a regular basis. If the NBA goes to 2 and thru UK could have a dynasty a la UCLA. Only the Cats won’t need a sugar daddy buying cars, clothes and abortions for the players (and their girls obviously). Abortions were illegal back then BTW. Sam Gilbert didn’t care. He only cared about wins and the media only cared about an LA team dominating.
I couldn’t agree more with either of you. While I understand that UK is talented, I know they will have a few bumps in the road. However, by the end of the year, they will be fantastic!
Calipari needs to make sure that he and his players do not under estimate UNC come Saturady. The fans will be fine, especially if the team is ready to go and understands the stakes that this game carries for both of these programs.