JOHN CLAY - Quick Notes From UK's Loss

Ten quick notes (plus one) from UK’s season-ending loss

Posted on March 19, 2013 10:58 pm by John Clay

Ten quick notes from the Kentucky loss to Robert Morris tonight:

1. This in the post-game press conference from John Calipari: “The best thing that is going to happen to us next year is that we’re going to have unbelievable competition at every spot,” said Calipari afterward. “So there’s no one promised, saying ‘Ok, I played 30 minutes a game.’ You may play five. The stuff I had to accept this year, the program almost got hijacked.”

2. Archie Goodwin said in the post-game press conference that he plans on returning next year and sees no reason why any of the freshmen should try and leave for the NBA.

3. Asked about Ryan Harrow’s future — the point guard played just nine minutes — Calipari said he would have individual meetings with all the players, but wasn’t ready to do that yet.

4. Calipari said the program is still in great shape and he will be on the road looking at juniors on Wednesday.

5. Kyle Wiltjer played just 10 minutes.

6. Alex Poythress played 27 minutes and grabbed just two rebounds.

7. Robert Morris coach Andy Toole said that when he first saw UK in warm-ups he was surprised that the players did not look more physically imposing.

8. Asked if he was sort of glad the season was over, Calipari said no, that he wanted to win because he still believed that the light would come on and this team would turn it around.

9. Kentucky was down 10-0 in the first half and fought back to take the lead 25-24, only to trail 28-27 at the half. The Cats were down 13 in the second half only to fight back and tie the game at 53-53, only to lose 59-57.

10. A native of Moon Township whose late grandmother worked in the cafeteria at Robert Morris, Calipari said that if he was going to lose to anyone he was glad it was Robert Morris and that the Colonials deserved to win the game. “If we had made that three and won the game it would have been a shame, wouldn’t it?” he said.

One more: Calipari promised he would have a “tough” basketball team next season.

I think Poythress will leave either via NBA or transferring. He looked more interested in the season being over than advancing in the tourney. I figured Archie would want to stay because he seems like the only one with a competitive attitude. Well, he and Polson. Really could care less if Harrow left. Kid is as tough as a wet noodle. Willie needs lots of help, but I think he can get much much better.

I haven't ever been this disinterested in UK basketball. On to next season, though. Of course UK will be back.

A fitting end to this season.

At this point if I were Cal, the only current player who would still have a scholarship is Polson. He is the only player who has any heart.