The Kentucky Wildcats were on a roll. Feeling good about their latest run of wins on the court and looking forward to the SEC Tournament. That was until Wednesday night against Vandy when they were toppled at home on Senior Night.
Even though Vandy was down a man in the first half with Vandy’s big man, Liam Robbins, going out with a lower leg injury, the Wildcats still couldn’t seem to get it in gear and bring home the win.
It was during an in-game huddle in the first half that things seemed to go sideways and the Commodores went on a run, this according to Jacob Toppin.
“I want to apologize to my teammates. It started with me in the first half,” Toppin said post-game interview. “I did something very selfish in the first half that sparked their run… You can blame me for this loss.” Toppin continued, “I messed up on two plays, then Coach said something to me. I got an attitude, I got selfish. I argued back with him and told him to take me out. That was selfish, I let my teammates down.”
Toppin followed that up with “I got to be better, especially as a leader. I can’t have those outbursts like that. Moving forward I’m going to control my emotions, control my actions and approach every situation the right way.”
But let’s be honest with one another. No one person can take the blame for a loss. Sure, it may have been disruptive and threw them off their game a bit but someone should have stepped up. The Cats just weren’t having a good game and, even though they battled back to take the lead, it wasn’t in the cards for the night. These are young kids and they are learning some lessons along the way this season. All good.
There has been chatter this year about lack of leadership amongst the Wildcat bunch and this shows that it’s a real thing. It’s unfortunate but you’ve got a group of young guys that are trying to do good for their team but somewhere in the back of their minds and, in their ear I’m sure, are thoughts of and people talking about getting to the next level. It goes on I’m sure and that is partly the reason why Calipari has taken their phones away at points during the season.
Either these guys are going to come together and make an incredible run or they are going to fizzle out and forever they’ll be full of regrets on the season.
The Cats return to action on Saturday against the Razorbacks of Arkansas. Tip-off is at 2pm ET on CBS.
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