Tom Izzo: "Kentucky fans, don't jump off the ship"

In the Wildcats’ first big game since the devastating overtime NCAA Tournament loss in Indianapolis, Kentucky lost a devastating double overtime game in Indianapolis.

The Saint Peter’s wounds are still fresh for many across the BBN. Tom Izzo ripped the scab off by drawing up impressive plays to erase deficits at the end of regulation and overtime before ultimately pulling away with an 86-77 win. Even though he was the executioner, Izzo provided some reassurance in his postgame comments.

“That’s a really good team and they will be a great team, so all the Kentucky fans, don’t jump off the ship,” Izzo said.

“With Oscar coming back, that’s not easy to just bring a guy like him back in and everything go smooth, Wheeler just coming back. I told John (Calipari), ‘It’s illegal to have that many seniors for Kentucky.’ But I think they’re going to mesh well together, they’re going to get some experience and those young guys are going to be really good.”

Kentucky’s seniors were outstanding at times. Oscar Tshiebwe had 22 points and 18 rebounds in his debut. Sahvir Wheeler rolled up 16 points and 8 assists. However, it was their first game together this season and it looked like it at various times throughout the Champions Classic. Clunkiness overpowered continuity, something that takes time to develop.

“We got a lot of stuff to figure out. We really do, but I like this team,” said John Calipari. “I like us defensively, I like us rebounding, I like us shooting, playmaking, and a lot of good stuff. We weren’t ready. And I told everybody, we’re not ready for teams that are ready to finish off the end of a game. We’re not and that’s on me.”

Kentucky has the right pieces. John Calipari just has to figure out the best way to put them together before the ship sinks and the BBN has to jump off the boat.