This is not a shot at John Calipari, but after Saturday’s game, Calipari mentioned the team did not have a shoot-around to prepare for the Tennessee game. Let’s break down my thoughts.
First, it’s concerning that the team didn’t prioritize this aspect of their preparation. Shoot-arounds are crucial for getting players in the right mindset and refining their skills just before a game. Without this practice, it could impact their performance on the court, especially against a team like Tennessee.
Tennessee is ranked No. 1 in the country, and when facing a team like that, preparation is key. Unfortunately, yesterday, the Hogs looked like a team who never got off the bus. It’s concerning to hear that there was no shoot-around leading up to such an important game. This lack of preparation might have contributed to their sluggish performance on the court. Against top-ranked teams, every detail matters, and it seemed like they were caught off guard.
Arkansas managed to put up 52 points against Tennessee, which is impressive considering the Vols are known for their strong defense. Tennessee really applies pressure, and when shots aren’t falling, it can make the game increasingly difficult. Unfortunately for the Hogs, everything seemed to unravel for them during the game yesterday in Knoxville.
The last few years haven’t been kind to his coaching tree. Losses in the NCAA tournament to Saint Peter’s, Kansas State, and Oakland—two of those came in the first round while the other came in the second round—have raised questions about the effectiveness of his coaching lineage. It seems that the momentum has not been in their favor during the crucial moments of March Madness.
He would have been run out of town if he made these comments as the Kentucky head coach. I get that things happen, like a team being late, but not having a shoot-around before a big game raises serious questions about his coaching and what’s going on behind the scenes. Those decisions can greatly impact performance in crucial moments.
The moment I saw things go downhill was after the COVID season when the Cats missed the tournament. The following year, they lost to Saint Peter’s in the first round. Since then, something seems off. With each interview, Calipari appears more tired and worn out, and it’s clear the coaching approach has changed. It’s concerning to see the decline in a coach who once was one of the top coaches in the game.
I’m not sure what the future holds for Arkansas and John Calipari, but right now it just seems out of place at the moment. My biggest concern was his reaction to the portal, this year he did improve on bringing a team together and making the portal a priority.
Yet at the same time, the game has passed him by at times with the new modern offense and coaching style. The last few years haven’t been kind to him. Losses in the NCAA tournament to Saint Peter’s, Kansas State, and Oakland have struck a harsh blow, with two of those coming in the first rounds.
Every moment I see a game or catch an interview, I can’t help but notice a coach who seems exhausted and possibly looking for a way out. Perhaps that’s just my perspective, but it might also be tied to the fact that he’s spent so many years at Kentucky, experiencing great moments only to witness a gradual decline over the last three to four years.
It’s troubling to see a coach who once was among the best in the profession not looking like his old self anymore. The passion that once drove him seems to have waned, and it raises questions about the direction he’s headed and the future of the program.
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