close
close

John Calipari delivered a powerful message to players Hogs fans have missed

John Calipari delivered a powerful message to players Hogs fans have missed

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Lost in the glow of an unexpectedly big win over No. 1 Kansas and high-level guard play was a stern warning from Arkansas head coach John Calipari that many people missed. This will be a close team of love, loyalty and responsibility, and that should not be violated.

“We only had three turnovers in the half,” Calipari said. “We had 10 in the second half. How the hell can you have 10 in the second half? And some of them came in for no reason at all. Why would you do that? We even had a quarterback who had an interception and run threw into the field and said things to the wide receiver so everyone knew it was his fault, not mine. We had one of those today. It’s your fault.

    Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari during the second quarter against the Kansas Jayhawks at Bud Walton Arena.

Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari during the second quarter against the Kansas Jayhawks at Bud Walton Arena. / Nelson Chenault-Imagn images

That was said less than 30 seconds after Calipari’s press conference. He wasn’t going to wait to discuss the things he didn’t want to see on the floor.

Calipari knows that after a good game, players will want to rewatch the coach’s press conference to try to absorb as much praise as possible. And there was praise, but it only came after a few more things were addressed, in case there were any players who wanted to tune out in favor of the latest popular TikTok video.

The biggest thing Calipari is looking for is players who want to fight. One of the biggest indicators of that is that he goes after rebounds with ruthless abandon, and that’s where he directly challenged his players.

“Returning (was a problem),” Calipari said. “I know we don’t have Jonas, so maybe that solves some of this problem, but I had to tell some guys that if you don’t rebound and come up with balls, I can’t play against you. This league is a If you I’m put under pressure or if they outsmart you for balls, then I have to play someone else.”

Razorbacks guard Johnell Davis drives against Kansas.

Arkansas Razorbacks guard Johnell Davis drives against the Kansas Jayhawks at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. / Andy Hodges-Hogs on SI Images

It was made clear that players could come on board or watch everyone else play for a year. There is simply no room on the pitch for players willing to give up points due to a lack of commitment to the little things that define the game.

“The biggest thing that hurt us is second-chance points, and there were a lot of them, and it was two or three guys,” Calipari said. ‘Either you take the ball, or I’ll put someone else in it. Are you ready?’
‘A box drill?’
‘No. You either get it or he gets it, and if he gets it, I’ll get someone else. Then you fight and think of those balls.’”

One thing Calipari wants to find are those who will not only fight the battle, but are also willing to listen to their general. If they want to do things their own way, there is no room for them in the game.

“I told the guys afterward, I’ve got to help find two or three of these guys,” Calipari said. “This is how you’re going to play and you’re going to look like a star, or you can fight me and I’m not going to play you. Nelly (Johnell Davis), I tell them he’s going to play boys because he will. ” to fight. He will fight.”

The Razorbacks won’t have the energy of the home crowd pushing them on Friday night in Fort Worth. In addition to a theoretically hostile audience, the players have to deal with their coach who has made it clear what he expects of them.

They can fight for their team, take responsibility when they make a mistake, and achieve success, or they can find a place on the bench. Calipari has already made his intentions known and clarified what awaits anyone who doesn’t want to come on board.

A pair of Arkansas guards find themselves on the preseason watch list

Why the latest Razorbacks departures aren’t actually a big deal

• Calipari is still recruiting those who love basketball and not just money

Razorbacks will host big prospects this weekend

• What Paul brought to Ole Miss after years with the Hogs

Register and follow us YouTube
Follow HogsSI X And Facebook