The month of March is a crucial time for the head coach of Kentucky basketball. With the expectation of winning national championships, the pressure is high. John Calipari, the current head coach, has not met these expectations recently, and the team is in a serious NCAA Tournament win drought leading up to their upcoming matchup against Providence.
Calipari acknowledges the added pressure that comes with the tournament, but he believes that every coach feels this pressure, no matter the scenario. He wants his team to fully experience the NCAA tournament without being bogged down by external pressures and distractions. However, despite his efforts to shield his players from the noise, some of them may still be exposed to it through their phones.
Kentucky players are aware of the expectations placed on them and the need to break their win drought. Calipari’s job is to make sure they are mentally prepared for each game and to block out external distractions. He acknowledges that other teams tend to play their best against Kentucky, but he wants his team to focus on their own strengths and what they can control.
Although Kentucky’s recent loss to Vanderbilt may have hurt morale, the team still has hope as they head into the NCAA tournament. They are excited about the potential matchups and are focused on taking it one game at a time. Calipari believes that being mentally prepared is crucial to their success, and he is working to ensure that his players are in the right mindset heading into each game.
Overall, Calipari is aware of the pressure on him and his team, but he believes that every coach feels this pressure during the tournament. His job is to shield his players from external distractions and help them focus on their own strengths and preparation. He is confident that his team will rise to the occasion and give their best effort in each game.
Kentucky plays Providence in the opening round tonight at 7:10 PM EST.
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