John Calipari details intriguing area where Cason Wallace must improve before March

John Calipari will hit his pillow tonight with a good feeling, taking care of business against Tennessee on Saturday. It’s a season sweep for Kentucky against the rival Vols and the good run against SEC opponents continue. Things are clicking at the right time for Big Blue Nation but especially Cason Wallace.

Wallace played in all but one minute for Calipari, scoring 16 points with six rebounds and six assists. Most importantly to the head coach, Wallace only turned the ball over three times — a major improvement from the trip to Knoxville. A positive afternoon overall from the point guards and that’s not something you have been able to say this season.

“They’re a team that turns you over,” Calipari said. “How many turnovers did we have up there? We had 19 and he had a bunch of them. He’s getting better, he was ready to play. He hasn’t been good in afternoon games. I reminded him, this team needs everybody. You have to be ready to play. You can’t come in and could twice and then sit.”

At least for the regular season, two afternoon games remain for Kentucky. A home game against Auburn tips off at 4 p.m., while the finale on the road against Arkansas is at 2 p.m. The SEC and NCAA Tournament will undoubtedly provide times before the sun goes down as well.

It’s an unusual observation from Calipari. While Wallace might play better and get more tuned up for the primetime showdowns, early start times are just as important.

John Calipari describes relationship with Cason Wallace

Calipari can be a player’s coach at times, continually sticking up for his guys during media sessions. However, he can be tough on them, especially the ones who are going to end up in the NBA. Wallace is no different as there is some pressure on the freshman’s shoulders.

However, Calipari says Wallace is able to take some of the jabs Calipari throws at him. The two seemingly have a great relationship and are hoping it leads to a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

“He’s such a great kid and throws all the shots I throw at him,” Calipari said. “It doesn’t phase him, he knows I care about him, I love him.”

Wallace played high school basketball at Richardson (TX) High School, where he was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 8 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.