Cal to Wall: It’s OK to play poorly

When asked on Monday’s SEC coaches’ teleconference about John Wall speaking about frustrations, Kentucky Coach John Calipari related a story of a post-game exchange with his star freshman guard.
“He came in like a puppy dog,” Calipari said of meeting with Wall after UK beat Vanderbilt. “I asked him, are you all right?”
Wall shared his frustrations.
Calipari said he told Wall, “Kid, you’re tryin gto live up to this hype they’ve built on you. And you’ll be unhappy if you try to live up to it.
“Just play. Have fun and enjoy yourself. And when you play bad, it’s OK to play bad. Derrick Rose and Tyreke (Evans) had bad games. It’s OK. You act like you can’t play bad. Yes, you can.”
Upon hearing the coach’s response, Wall gave him a hug, Calipari said.
The UK coach noted how Wall is 19 years old and adjusting to new challenges.
“For me, this was a great teaching time for him and the team: How do you deal with challenges?” Calipari said. “How about things aren’t always roses? They (opponents) are finding chinks in your armor.”
Calipari noted how well things are going for Kentucky.
“It’s all good here,” he said. “When you’re 20-1, you’re happy.”
Even veteran players like Patrick Patterson and Darius Miller must learn to adjust, Calipari said.
The UK coach welcomed Wall sharing his frustrations.
“It’s all teaching lessons for me,” Calipari said, and learning lessons for the players.
Calipari suggested that Miller was struggling with expectations, too.