I would think these 2 concepts would go hand in hand since if you maximize the talent of the players on your squad, the team itself should benefit and win more games.
However, Calipari's comments today struck me the wrong way.
http://kentuckysportsradio.com/bask...ses-fans-fed-up-with-players-first-mentality/
"If you look at me when I try to do what I’m doing for you and you have a problem with it, that’s your problem. You’re not playing for a team that says, ‘Don’t put their name on the back of the jersey, it’s only about the program.’ Now, we do have some fans who think that’s the case. But most of you — that’s a small sliver who I pay no attention to to be honest with you."
Shouldn't Calipari's actions be tied solely to the success and longevity of the program? Kentucky is paying Coach Cal millions of dollars to put a national championship caliber product on the floor. This is what the fans and administrators expect. I just think the whole shtick about helping players "achieve their dreams" and "become better men" sends the wrong impression to the fans/administrators/donors.
The players should never ever be above the program imo. If a high ranked recruit is not living up to his reputation or not conducting himself in an appropriate manner, he should be benched. Conversely, if a lower ranked player with no NBA potential is being more productive and helping the team more, he should get more playing time over a higher ranked recruit who has a NBA ceiling.
However, Calipari's comments today struck me the wrong way.
http://kentuckysportsradio.com/bask...ses-fans-fed-up-with-players-first-mentality/
"If you look at me when I try to do what I’m doing for you and you have a problem with it, that’s your problem. You’re not playing for a team that says, ‘Don’t put their name on the back of the jersey, it’s only about the program.’ Now, we do have some fans who think that’s the case. But most of you — that’s a small sliver who I pay no attention to to be honest with you."
Shouldn't Calipari's actions be tied solely to the success and longevity of the program? Kentucky is paying Coach Cal millions of dollars to put a national championship caliber product on the floor. This is what the fans and administrators expect. I just think the whole shtick about helping players "achieve their dreams" and "become better men" sends the wrong impression to the fans/administrators/donors.
The players should never ever be above the program imo. If a high ranked recruit is not living up to his reputation or not conducting himself in an appropriate manner, he should be benched. Conversely, if a lower ranked player with no NBA potential is being more productive and helping the team more, he should get more playing time over a higher ranked recruit who has a NBA ceiling.
