John Calipari evaluates continued development of DJ Wagner

DJ Wagner is someone that fans at Kentucky long-awaited as a recruit out of high school. They knew of his connection to John Calipari, realized the kind of player that he could eventually become, and, now, are seeing him transform into that player as a freshman in Lexington.

Calipari spoke about Wagner’s growth over this season during his postgame press conference following a 105-96 victory for UK over Georgia this weekend. He started by noting how his performance against the Bulldogs was the first double-double of his collegiate career.

“I mean he had 18 and 10,” Calipari pointed out. “He had a double-double, two turnovers.”

As Calipari continued, he recalled the sprained ankle that Wagner suffered against Miami back at the end of November. That caused him to miss a game and has led the team to be careful about him ever since.

“What I’m saying to him? You know, he had that high ankle sprain. It kind of lingers,” said Calipari. “I’m telling him and a guy like Tre (Mitchell) that if I play you too many minutes? The next day? Don’t do as much in practice.”

“We’ve got a really smart team, a team that I really trust and believe in,” Calipari said. “They tell me that they need a day off? They’re not trying to not practice or get out of something. They’re not. Just trying to get themselves right.”

Wagner is now averaging 12.8 points, 3.8 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and a steal as a starter for Kentucky. He’s doing so efficiently with a field-goal percentage of 45.7% on the year.

After a so-so start to the season, Wagner has been great for the Wildcats over their past eight games since mid-December. Since a win in the CBS Sports Classic over North Carolina, he has averaged 12.9 points and 3.9 assists while shooting 49.1% from the field. He has scored 14 or more in six of the eight outings while shooting better than 60% from the field in four of the last six. The 10 assists versus the Bulldogs was also a career-high and was three more than his previous best.

Wagner has played a part alongside several contributors who are shining for Kentucky so far this season. However, his recent improvement, whether in impact or efficiency, shouldn’t be looked over as the point guard for the No. 6 team in the nation.

Chin Coleman: DJ Wagner is “probably playing better than any guard in the country”

During his media availability on Monday, Chin Coleman didn’t quite understand why anyone would suggest that freshman PG DJ Wagner “struggled” early on this season.

“DJ Wagner, he’s — you say struggled. I don’t know. Because he didn’t play up to his level in the Kansas game? Everybody thinks he struggled?”

“We never doubted DJ Wagner,” Coleman added. “I would say, in the last eight games, he’s probably playing better than any guard in the country. And consistently. It’s a long season, t’s a long season. Him getting familiar with everybody, when to pick his spots, how to get everybody involved, and still set the table, feed everybody? And then, obviously take a play for himself? I think he had to go through that a little bit.”

On Monday, Wadger picked up his third award as SEC Freshman of the Week for his performances against Mississippi State and Georgia.

“Probably the toughest kid on our team in terms of a mental standpoint. Very strong-minded,” Coleman said. “We never doubted would he ever catch a groove and get in a rhythm in terms of him playing at a high level and being a good basketball player for us. Because his mind is in the right place. Most of the time? When your mind is right, your game is right. He’s got the right spirit so we wasn’t concerned about him being a good basketball player for us. And, obviously, not playing up to whoever those naysayers’ capabilities are but for what our team needs. He’s all about that.”