By WADE UPCHURCH
Monticello — Coach John Calipari said, "Playing in the NCAA tournament was like going
on a plane ride." If that be the case the Wildcats had a smooth flight into
and out of New Orleans. Winning over East Tennessee State and Wake Forest by
a combined total of 59 points, there was little turbulence for Ken-tucky
during first round action.
The Wildcats had great play from a host of players and good play by
everyone. Wall, Bledsoe and Cousins played as well as they have played all
season, and Darius Miller was the best player on the floor during the first
10 minutes of the Wake Forest game.
At a time Kentucky looked like it might be a little stunned, Miller
stepped up and carried the Cats for the early part of the Wake Forest game.
With a 2-1 ratio of assist over turnovers (48 assist/25 turnovers) the
Wildcats are hitting on all cylinders.
The team unity Kentucky displayed during the two games in New Orleans
was perhaps what impressed me the most. They all seem to be on the same page
and with genuine interest in each other. What I observed is a coach's dream
at this time of the year. They appeared focused, confident and ready for
battle. The results indicate this appearance was reality.
I give Coach John Calipari credit for preparing this group mentally for
play in the NCAA. Though he has players with limited tournament experience
he has a great deal of tournament experience.
He has communicated the urgency with which you have to play with during
tournament time. When it is "one and done" this is most important.
Watching the Kentucky team play this year I have always thought
physically they were as good as any team in the country. There were times I
questioned their mentality and I think the game at Tennessee showed what can
happen when you are not prepared mentally.
I think they learned from that experience and I can say as a Kentuckian
in the city of New Orleans I was proud of the way the team played and
represented our state.
They didn't act like they were "good" they were just "good." They played
hard, they played with passion and they played with purpose. That is about
all you can ask
for.
The next leg of the flight is to Syracuse and just as Coach Calipari
says, "There may be some turbulence but you just have to get through it."
Kentucky could face a stiff test from Cornell and I think that is what
they should expect. But if Kentucky is as focused and locked in as they were
in New Orleans, Cornell may have some turbulence of their own.
I look forward to the East regional. When you are out of state and you
see a great deal of people who want to see the Cats fall, it makes you even
more of Kentucky fan than when you are at home.
I don't wear Kentucky blue on photographer's row but I can tell you I am
not as neutral as I may appear.
Though I will be driving to Syracuse, I hope Ken-tucky has a smooth
flight in and out and we can head on to Indianapolis for an eighth banner to
hang in Rupp Arena.