John Calipari explains how he balances coaching a player like Rob Dillingham

When unchecked, Rob Dillingham can be a loose cannon. However, if aimed correctly, he is a dangerous weapon. After Kentucky’s 87-83 win over No. 9 North Carolina on Saturday, head coach John Calipari discussed his approach to Dillingham’s explosive style of play.

“You’re coaching a kid that can create space and get a basket when he wants to. Do you clip his wings? You can’t,” Calipari said. “You’ve got to let him go. But I give him two a half [extra moves]. The third one you’re coming out. You’re not going nuts. This isn’t the and-one tape.”

“For you older people in here, you know what I mean, and-one. When I tell them that, they have no idea what I’m talking about. But this isn’t the and-one tape where you got to do five extra things and then pass it.”

Dillingham’s flashy play certainly blinded the Tar Heels. In the win, Dillingham led Kentucky with 17 points, three rebounds and assists. Of course, his game wasn’t void of an occasional wild shot selection. Dillingham shot 6-16 from the field in the win while connecting on just 1-6 from deep.

On the bright side, Dillingham only committed one turnover, which occurred on one of his patented one-handed passes. Despite Dillingham’s jaw-dropping antics, he’s been efficient this season. Through 10 games, he’s shooting 46.1% from the field and 46.5% from range while only committing 1.7 turnovers per game.

John Calipari compares Rob Dillingham to past player

Calipari claimed this isn’t the first player he’s allowed to play through mistakes.

“I had this kid named Dajuan Wagner who on defense I turned my back and looked at the coaches, how’s it going down there, and then I turned, we’re on offense, and I said, score that ball, kid, score that ball. So yes, I have done it,” Calipari said.

Dajuan Wagner is current Wildcat DJ Wagner’s father. Calipari coached Dajaun Wagner in the 2001-02 season at Memphis. After only one season, Dajaun was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft.

If Dajaun Wagner’s career is any indication, Dillingham has a lot to look forward to. ESPN listed Dillingham as the No. 16 pick in its latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony praised Dillingham’s improved pace and control.

“Dillingham has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the freshman class, shooting the ball significantly better and playing a far more under-control, relatively mistake-free style than he did before Kentucky,” Givony wrote.