Last week, John Calipari joined former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski on his podcast, “Coach K Interviews,” to talk about the state of college basketball, old stories, and other things. Among the topics, talk Coach K had surprisingly high praise for Calipari’s Wildcats this season.
What does he like about this Kentucky team? They share the ball and make each other better. “They share the ball. Six double-figure scorers,” Krzyzewski said. “Talent makes talent better if talent is not selfish. That’s what I see in your team. …I really like your team a lot.”
His favorite player? Reed Sheppard. “My favorite guy, Reed Sheppard. Who is like a wind-up doll that never makes a mistake.” Calipari was quick to bring up that Sheppard broke a cardinal rule and fouled a three-point shot with a just few seconds left against Florida. Krzyzewski wittingly responded, “He had to show that he was human, because up until that point he was not human.”
The praise didn’t stop with the team or Sheppard, as he gave Calipari some flowers as well. When talking about Kentucky’s guards, past or present, Krzyzewski asked the rhetorical question, “Who has more perimeter guys in the pros?”
This is high praise from one of the best coaches college basketball has ever seen, to another. After being overlooked this past offseason and preseason, people are starting to take notice of this Kentucky basketball team, and for good reason.
More must-reads: