Gillispie: Let’s fix problems
Kentucky Coach Billy Gillispie doesn’t like his team’s 0-2 start. But there’s something more troublesome to him.
“The way we’ve gotten there rather than 0-2,” he said at a news conference on Friday.
By that, Gillispie meant how the Cats haven’t been as aggressive as they’ve shown in practice. The result has been an upset loss to Virginia Military Institute on opening night and then a whipping at No. 1 North Carolina four nights later.
“We’ve not competed as hard as we’d need to,” Gillispie said.
The UK coach dismissed the notion of Kentucky needing to beat Delaware State Saturday afternoon to restore its place in the basketball world or bolster its confidence for the season ahead.
“A win or a loss doesn’t fix all our problems,” Gillispie said. “The way you go about it on a daily basis will fix the problems.”
Gillispie acknowledged puzzlement with this UK team so far. The Cats have practiced well, for the most part, he said. But those practice sessions haven’t translated into games.
“Maybe it’s inexperience,” he said. “Maybe it’s not. We need to get experience in a pretty big hurry. We have to stop making the same mistakes.”
Although Delaware State brings a 1-4 record into Rupp Arena (and will be playing its fourth road game in six days), Gillispie cautioned against an expectation of an easy victory. He cited the Hornets’ deliberate style of play.
“You have to be really patient and confident,” the UK coach said. “They are dangerous for a team like us. You think you’re going to play well and (win the game) in the first 10 minutes. It’s not going to happen.”
Other topics touched on included:
– Turnovers. The Cats have committed 53 in the first two games.
“We have to think a little bit bettter,” Gillispie said. “Slow down a little bit. Have a little more composure.”
Gillispie also noted how teammates must help UK’s embryonic point guards, junior Michael Porter and freshman DeAndre Liggins.
The UK coach noted how Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks must clearly outplay their opposite numbers, while Ramon Harris and Perry Stevenson must hold their own against opponents. That would lessen the load on the point guards.
Gillispie noted how Liggins fed the post and defended well in the second half at North Carolina. But the UK coach did not commit to starting Liggins against Delaware State.
– Porter’s need to play with more confidence.
“He needs to exhibit more confidence,” Gillispie said. “He’s not played with much confidence at all. . . . He’s been a little bit anxious.”
– Gillispie emphasizing some good signs at North Carolina. The Tar Heels made only 41.1 percent of their shots. Despite giving up 16 offensive rebounds, UK won the battle of the boards 37-35.
“I don’t want to make too much out of it,” Gillispie said. “But the bottom line is those are good numbers.”
In player interviews after Gillispie spoke to reporters, highlights included:
– Stevenson noting the need for UK’s big men to help the point guards by setting screens.
“Mike and DeAndre have had to put on a dribbling show,” he said.
– Stevenson dissecting UK’s rebounding, which has resulted in both opponents grabbing double-digit offensive boards.
“We need to be a whole lot tougher,” he said. “I don’t know of any technique you can teach to get your man to stop rebounding. It’s all about being tough.”
– Meeks accepting the responsibility of being a main man for UK. After the loss at North Carolina, Tar Heel Coach Roy Williams cited the “load” Meeks carries for a five-for-20 shooting night with six turnovers.
“I’m a junior now,” Meeks said. “I definitely have a lot of responsibility for this team. It’s not something I don’t want. I like responsibility. My whole thing is you can’t be afraid of failure.”
– Meeks noting how some victories will change the atmosphere surrounding Kentucky basketball.
“I don’t if it’s panick,” he said. “There’s just a tone you feel walking around campus. . . . We have to not listen to naysayers. The wins will come.”
