John Calipari shares message to fans as outside noise becomes louder

This Kentucky is team is the gift that keeps on giving but in the worst possible way. Just when you think things cannot get any worse, they do. John Calipari potentially hit a new low on Wednesday night with the Wildcats dropping a home game to South Carolina.

Possibly worst of all? The Gamecocks controlled most of the game and kept it out of reach most of the night. When you thought Kentucky had an opportunity to put themselves in position to avoid an embarrassing loss, momentum swung back the other way.

As most coaches have to after a debilitating loss, Calipari sent a long, passionate message out to the fans. Big Blue Nation is upset with the team’s performances and he rightfully understands. However, Calipari wants them to keep encouraging players through the tough times.

If anyone is going to receive blame, Calipari wants it to be him.

“Stick with these kids,” Calipari said. “If you want to get on me, that’s fine. I’m the coach. If we weren’t ready to play then I got to look at me and say ‘where were we mentally?’ And I was trying things to get them a positive mindset because it’s hard and it’s hard here. I always say this isn’t for everybody — including coaches. It’s not for everybody.

“If you want to be mad, be mad at me. These kids, they’re trying. We’re still not quite in sync… We got to be better. We got to be better than this and that’s on me. Got to be better.”

John Calipari will continue to coach, teach players

Somebody within the program has to remain positive. If everyone just accepts this will be a poor season and goals cannot be accomplished, Kentucky will continue to crumble. Calipari is taking it upon himself to maintain an encoring mindset, saying it’s his job to keep being coaching while blocking outside noise.

“I’m on a mission,” Calipari said. “I was into the game today. I was being as enthusiastic as I can be watching some of this stuff. Because just like you’re going to get mad, I get mad.

“These kids need me to keep teaching and keep working with them and keep believing in them. That’s what they need from me. I don’t listen to any of the clutter. None of it has an effect on me coaching these players.”

Home loss gives fans reason to be mad

Rupp Arena has become a fortress of sorts for Kentucky under Calipari. No matter how bad of form the Wildcats were in, a home game was a good reset button, no matter the opponent. But now, with a loss against South Carolina — everything has been thrown out the window.

“Are fans mad? They should be,” Calipari said. “We lost at home. We don’t lose at home. We lost at home and we were down 10 at half. I expect fans to be mad. We have the best fans and I love our fans. I know you may be mad at me right now but I have been here a long time teaching and working and having our fans being a big part of this. And all I am saying is just be with these kids. They need you now more than when they’re 4-0. They need you.”

Calipari will have an opportunity to get back in the fan’s favor on Saturday, facing off against a top five ranked Tennessee team. Recent trends would tell you a trip to Knoxville is not going to go well for Kentucky, especially after its performance against Alabama.