Arkansas Razorbacks coach John Calipari is among the era’s most vocal tacticians, a trait evident in his animated postgame press conferences, where he discusses his players and the team’s performance.
In a postgame media session following the Razorbacks’ 93-56 win over Central Arkansas on Tuesday, the national champion and Hall of Fame coach vented his frustration at freshman Isaiah Sealy’s outside shooting woes, yet also praised Sealy for hustling on defense, even after he had fouled a player on the 3-point line in the first half.
John Calipari Talks About Isaiah Sealy’s Foul and His Overall Performance Against Central Arkansas
Fouling a 3-point shooter is a major basketball mistake, and Calipari stressed this to players in practices and games. But Tuesday’s game against Central Arkansas was an exception. Afterward, the veteran coach told the media he wasn’t mad at Sealy for fouling Bears guard Javion Guy-King on a 3-point attempt.
“He raced in down the other end offensive rebound. He did exactly what I wanted him to do. When he turned and started running back, he’s not veteran enough to tell the guy in front of him, ‘take mine,'” Calipari said. “He just he doesn’t know it yet. So, what did he do? Ran right down the middle of the court and then ran out to the corner to go get his guy and ran him over.”
The former Kentucky coach, who led the Wildcats to their 2012 championship, said he was not mad at the freshman because he had followed directions. However, Calipari stated he wanted Sealy to attack the rim more, noting that the Springdale, Arkansas, native had consistently struggled with shooting drills in practice.
Sealy played 14 minutes, scoring six points on 1-of-5 shooting and making 4 of 5 free throws. He added six rebounds, two assists, and one steal but committed four fouls. The Razorbacks controlled the game from the start, earning their second win in three games.
“I told him (Sealy) after, some of you guys, I have a vision of what you could be and that’s what I’m coaching you to. And I apologize if I’m asking too much for you, but I know this. If I can get you to play the way I’m trying to get you to play individually, your life is going to change,” he said.
Calipari said he didn’t like his team’s ball movement, as they committed eight turnovers, similar to what Central Arkansas had committed in the game.
After a contentious start, the Razorbacks finally got their game going in the second half, limiting the Bears to 22 points while dropping 50, and went home with a 37-point win. Arkansas shot 49.2% from the field, including 38.2% from deep. They were also accurate from the free-throw line, making 82% of their attempts. They dominated the rebounding battle, 49-35, and ruled the assists department, 17-11.
Darius Acuff Jr. finished with 21 points to lead the Razorbacks’ offense, while Karter Knox and Meleek Thomas added 19 and 17 points, respectively. Arkansas returns to action on Friday night against Samford at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.