By LARRY VAUGHT
It’s a fact of life that no media member has better access to Kentucky coach John Calipari than ESPN’s Andy Katz — and that certainly pays dividends for UK since ESPN televised a UK practice last season as well as the press conference where all five starters declared for the NBA draft.
That’s why everyone should pay attention to what the UK coach told Katz Wednesday night. Calipari worked out his newcomers under the NCAA rule that allows brief summer workout periods for players now in school — Alex Poythress, Archie Goodwin and Willie Cauley-Stein are the newcomers.
Katz wrote on ESPN.com that Calipari was “giddy” about his team and expecting even more from Cauley-Stein than he first imagined.
“He’s so skilled, real skilled. I was stunned how good he was,” Calipari told Katz.
Stunned? That’s a strong endorsement, even from Calipari. Katz wrote that Calipari is already considering playing Cauley-Stein as well as 6-10 recruit Nerlens Noel together on a frontline with the 6-7 Poythress.
“Noel is so good he could guard a three man, too,’’ Calipari told Katz.
Obviously, UK has had only four brief workouts this summer. Still, if Cauley-Stein has a chance to be better than a mere role player, UK’s outlook for next season improves dramatically.
16 Responses to Calipari tells Katz he is stunned by how good Willie Cauley-Stein is
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I’ve said all along that WCS is a “world class stud”…just watch clips of how well he runs and how quickly he gets off the floor. The length we will have in our front court will be something else. What makes it even better is that we took him right out of Bill Self’s back yard-Ha!
I always liked Cauley because of his talent on the football field. Had to believe once he went basketball only with Cal that he would really blossom. could still turn out to be a steal
It looks like depth will become less of an issue than it was.
This is great news, but comes at no surprise to me. I can remember a post from last month from a recruiting “guru” stating that he wouldn’t be a good match for him playing with Nerlens Noel at the same time. Didn’t take Cal long to throw this out there for all UK fans to drool on!! Count me as one with saliva down my chin!!
Thanks Larry!
Go Big Blue!!!
I agree – Cal is a master at getting the best from each individual (Jorts & others).
He is setting the bar high for Willie & my bet is that Willie will clear the bar. His comments keep players excited, fans excited & creates fear with opponents. You can bet that Willie will work to reach Cal’s expectations.
As for the best fit comments from the “Guru”, I think that Cal could take 4 guards & one big man & win. He just wants the best talent & will adjust to fit that talent. There are still a lot of “Guru’s” that do not understand Cal’s philosophy even though he is the most publicized coach in the Country.
According to the “Guru’s”, Cal can’t coach, all he does is roll a ball out in practice.
move over shagari alleyene and lukas orbszut we have a new set of twin towers.
Is it October yet!!!!
Won’t be that long until October Bryan
This is great news and i find it hard to accept this comes as an suprise to coach Cal . I know some may say i’m off my rocker abit but this team reminds me alot of the same makeup of last year’s National Champs Poythress-MGK ,Noel-Davis , Cauley-Jones in the front court with Wiltjer . In all honesty i think we have an stronger front court than last year . Between the 3 guards i think will replace the fire power of Lamb,Teague and hopefully Miller . Thats the area that’s ifeee lamb’s points and Miller’s spark to jump start. I am very very excited to watch this team develope next year and possibly could be stronger than last year’s . Isn’t this great BBN monster team after monster team .Both teams were 7 deep . We have an great talent as an 8 th man already and it’s time he get’s his head out of his rear end and gets in the game . I think he has stepped back and accepted what ever comes. Hood needs to step forward and fight threw his talent for an starting spot .He has the shot and defense .This is team ball and 6-8 minutes quality time could go an long way towards next years drive for the title . I like this kid and him being from Kentucky is an huge plus.He needs to put on Millers shoes next year and know i’ll be screaming for him in florida next year.GO Big Blue!
Is Nerlens Noel on campus and taking part?
He is not on campus yet. Expect him in July
Bet Cal will let us know when he arrives!
I really feel that John Hood will have a positive impact on this years team. Word has it that he has been working hard to get back. Good Luck John!
Would love to see healthy Hood have big year. Great kid, hard worker
I think UK needs another real banger and other than Polythress we don’t have that on this team.