Notes from John Calipari’s question-and-answer at the just-completed UK media opp previewing Saturday’s game with Louisville.
- Calipari opened his remarks with effusive praise of Louisville.
- “I’ve been saying for years how much I love Siva.”
- Says Wayne Blackshear is a big guard who can shoot threes, “but a big guard.”
- Says Chane Behanan is best offensive rebounder UK will play this year.
- Says U of L reserve Montrez Harrell would be a top 15 pick if he was playing 20-25 minutes a game.
- Says he thinks Louisville should be “odds-on favorite to win the whole thing. That’s how good I think it is.”
- On Saturday: “This is a game if you physically can’t withstand this game, it’s going to show.”
- Said team had a terrific practice on Thursday.
- Brushed off a question about UK relishing underdog role.
- Said his team is too young to know how it will react to that.
- “They are a well-oiled machine. We are a work in progress.”
- Asked about Louisville’s press, Calipari says “This is a game of less plays and more players making plays, which plays to our favor.”
- Josh Harrellson had huge game at Yum Center two years ago for UK, but Calipari reminds that DeAndre Liggins “guarded like crazy two different guys.”
- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist took Siva last year, but has not decided who will guard Siva this year.
- Whoever guards Siva, Calipari wants, “just make the game difficult.”
- On Ryan Harrow: “This will be a great challenge for him because this is going to be a physical body-on-body game.
- Cal said he is not sure if he will start the same lineup.
- “I do know we’re getting better and I’m pleased with that.”
- Have kept Jon Hood away from the team while the junior is contagious.
- Told Hood, “Just stay away until you’re healthy.”
