By LARRY VAUGHT
Dick Vitale has not been surprised that John Calipari has been such a good coaching fit for the Kentucky basketball program.
“Not many guys can handle that job. John is one I thought could, and he has,” said Vitale.
Even Vitale’s wife, Lorraine, noticed the way Calipari got along with former players when she came to Lexington with him when he spoke at the John Calipari Fantasy Experience.
“My wife pointed out that she could see the warmth of relationships between the players and coach with the way they hugged and were shaking hands,” Vitale said. “She said that told her he built strong relationships with his players. It was so great seeing Anthony (Davis), Michael (Kidd-Gilchrist), Demarcus (Cousins), Wayne (Turner), Derek (Anderson) and all those other guys interacting with Calipari.”
However, Vitale has had to admit he was wrong about one thing.
“I didn’t believe he could win a national championship with a steady flow of personnel changes, and even told him that,” Vitale said. “It slaps in the face of everything you talk about being in rhythm and having familiarity in putting together and efficient team together. What he has done is such an unbelievable compliment to his teaching skills. It tells me he can teach, blend a unit together.
“Heck, he’s already coaching this team and the season has not even started. I am doing the first two games (on ESPN against Maryland and Duke) and he is already convincing everyone that they might be 0-2 but to look at the bottom line at the end of the year. It’s part of his psychological makeup. No way he believes in his heart they will be 0-2.”
Vitale could see Kentucky back in the Final Four, too, despite losing the top six players off last year’s national title team.
“They will be talented, but last year they had three quality players (Darius Miller, Doron Lamb and Terrence Jones) that had been to the Final Four. This year’s team does not have that luxury,” Vitale said. “This year’s freshmen don’t have what last year’s group did with the veterans. (Nerlens) Noel has got to be the man right from the start. That could be a problem early, but when you are looking at what might be by the season’s end, then Kentucky could be right there.”
7 Responses to Vitale says even his wife liked relationships between Calipari and players
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Cal’s mantra of “We are a family”, is the reason his teams have succeeded. All of the players, with very few exceptions, have bought into it and the results have been phenomenal.
One of the many things I like about Dickie V is that he’ll admit when he was wrong. Lots of self-proclaimed experts also believed you can’t win a title with a roster continually in flux, but you won’t hear anyone else admit they were wrong about it.
Dick never afraid to say what is on his mind. And despite what some think, he does like UK fans a bunch
Larry knows how to pick up Kentucky fans after that shut out yesterday bring up Basketball and Titles . My wife and i were in Lid’s down on the beach last nite before dinner and two employees started great game shut out. I walked over and picked up an New Orleans National Title cap and said we are very close to tip off boys. They agreed and shut up . You have to Love Dickie V even if he is an band wagon jumper . He is one of few whom has given coach Cal. the credit and respect he’s earned .
dickie v is a class act..and prehaps coach cal will let dickie v cut down the nets this year after we win our second national championship in a row..
Coach Cal is so giving, it’s hard for him to receive…the fact of the matter is, Coach feels very blessed to do what he does and be where he is…He Loves his wife,adores his children and is Coaching basketball at the School Of His Dreams. God has Blessed him. Coach Cal has earned this Championship and more fittingly, Deserves It, just look at the comments from his Players (past and present), Commentators and other Coaches. Great Job Coach, you and your assistants, staff and managers are the best in the Country. But, of course, us Wildcat Fans in BBN, already knew that …We didn’t need # 8 to show us the Man you are Coach, but we sure are happy you got it, for All Of Us…THANK YOU….Gallery721.com
My goodness, Larry C…you sure like the guy. Could I say worship?