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UK Basketball: Full speed ahead for Calipari

June 30, 2009|Keith Taylor/Sun Sports Editor

Kentucky coach John Calipari is nearing his first 90 days in office.

Since he was hired to replace Billy Gillispie on April 1, Calipari has been "just learning" the in and outs of his new program and described the experience as an "absolute whirlwind."

"You try to touch as many people as you can and I mean physically touching," Calipari said during an SEC teleconference Monday. "That means speaking, going to meetings, luncheons and dinners. Those first 90 days are vital that you get off running and that you do so many things. One of those is just learning and I'm learning as fast as I can."

In addition to learning the ropes in his new home state, Calipari has learned one thing about Big Blue Nation.

"They are raving fans — in a good way," he said.

Calipari hinted that some have advised him to slow down, but the Kentucky coach doesn't intend to take a break.

"This (going at a fast pace) is how we do things," he said. "We can't slow down."

Calipari also has been finalizing his roster and making plans for next season without the presence of Jodie Meeks, who was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the NBA Draft.

The Kentucky coach understood the reasoning behind Meeks' decision to stay in the draft. If he had stayed, Meeks would have been playing for his third coach in four years.

"I wish him well," Calipari said. "We can't hold these kids back. At the end of the day, it was a great choice, because that's truly what he wanted to do."

The absence of Meeks will lead open opportunities for other players, including returnees Darius Miller and Ramon Harris, along with newcomers Jon Hood, John Wall, Darnell Dodson and Eric Bledsoe. Calipari hinted that Wall and Bledsoe could play together.

Calipari said Wall and Bledsoe have been bonding and blending with classmates DeMarcus Cousins and Daniel Orton.

"The best thing I like is they like each other," he said.

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