John Wall's going to be just fine, folks.
John Wall has resembled a human being on the basketball court as of late, and that kind of play was to be expected at some point … wasn’t it?
Well, after Alan Cutler’s story on Saturday that was centered around a frumpy Wall, some of Big Blue nation and the aloof media pounced on the quote below.
As Kentucky Sports Radio was quick to point out, this is all about context. Wall is going to keep his head down and not worry about the BS. Here’s what Wall said about John Calipari directing some criticism his way after the South Carolina loss.
“I didn’t think I played that bad. I don’t know what to expect. He’s probably going to say I played bad today, too. I just try not to listen to him and go out and play basketball and try and help my team win.”
Cal is methodical. Calculated. It wouldn’t surprise me if we found out he told Wall behind closed doors he would do this before he even did it. It’s all part of a grand plan. Calipari likely believes Wall has the mental strength to take criticism, and since it’s likely Wall is bolting for the NBA in a few months, this is the coach’s chance to try and thicken the skin.
We already know of Calipari’s mind games when it comes to telling the team it has more losses than it truly does. He knows he’s coaching one of the three most talented teams in the country, so some weekly humbling needs to be done in order to keep a bunch of teenagers’ heads on straight when thousands around them are doing nothing but praising their every move. Imagine being a Kentucky basketball player right now and living on that campus. You are a god wherever you go.
And if you’re John Wall? The grapes and women in silk clothing are probably ready to be delivered at your immediate request. Wall is approaching this in the right way, and a coach is being a coach. There is no rift.
Things are not in a state of flux in Lexington. Let’s not try and make a story where there isn’t one.
