John Calipari evaluates Adou Thiero's performance in Globl Jam opener

On Wednesday, the Kentucky Wildcats picked up their first win of GLOBL JAM, being held in Canada. The Wildcats won over Germany 81-73 victory, thanks to big performances by veterans Tre Mitchell and Antonio Reeves. But following the game, Kentucky head coach John Calipari gave thanks to another player who stepped up in a big way against Germany, forward Adou Thiero.

“He is so much better, so much more aggressive, so much more committed to the game, which has made him more confident,” said Calipari. “I said he made the plays in the moment to rebound balls. He missed one on a free throw, but the other two he made; he willed himself.

“But then I heard Justin had nine rebounds. So the coaches reminded me that Justin had nine too. So, without either one of our seven footers, you’re gonna have to have someone come up and do it. But Adou was good. I mean, he played well.”

Thiero was the Wildcats’ second-leading rebounder in the game, and from the guard position, no less. He finished the game with seven rebounds, five defensive and two offensive. Thiero also had an effective night scoring too. He finished the game with nine points on 3-6 shooting from the field.

Mitchell calls Kentucky fan support in Canada ‘unbelievable’

Kentucky has a few players making their debut for the program in the GLOBL JAM, one of which is Mitchell, who transferred in from West Virginia. But ahead of his Wildcats debut, Mitchell shared his thoughts on the amount of fan support Kentucky has in Toronto with them.

“I think it’s unbelievable that this many people showed up in Toronto. It just shows that the Big Blue Nation is one of a kind. You got people everywhere, and they support us no matter what. Even walking in the gym, you felt the love immediately,” said Mitchell.

Kentucky is the fourth program Mitchell will suit up for in his collegiate career. Entering into the offseason, it looked as if the power forward would remain with the West Virginia Mountaineers for the last year of his collegiate career. But following a tumultuous offseason, Mitchell elected to hop into the transfer portal, joining John Calipari in Kentucky. Last season with the Mountaineers, Mitchell was a starter in 32 of the 34 games he played. The six-foot-nine forward went on to finish the year averaging 11.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.

Mitchell had himself quite the exhibition against Germany on Wednesday. He finished the game as the Wildcats leader in minutes played with just over 34 minutes. He was also the Wildcats’ second leading scorer with 20 points behind super senior guard Antonio Reeves. Mitchell and the Wildcats are loving the fan support they are receiving in Toronto, and the result of their opening game is proof of that.