Kentucky Basketball: Coach Calipari Upset at Team's Lack of Conditioning

Even a 32-point blowout isn't enough to please Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari.

The Wildcats defeated Samford on Tuesday night, 88-56, but Coach Calipari wasn't pleased with his team's second-half effort, according to FOX Sports' Jeff Drummond.

"

Calipari none too pleased after this UK win. Cats only won 2H 43-42 after dominating 1H 45-14. Says 3 weeks of hard conditioning are coming

— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) December 5, 2012"

The fact that Kentucky dropped out of the AP Top 25—in what is the largest dropoff since 1990, when the rankings were expanded to 25 teams—is what most likely has Calipari fuming (h/t ESPN).

Consecutive losses to Notre Dame on the road and Baylor at home are what knocked the Wildcats out of the Top 25 after securing the No. 8 spot in the standings a week prior.

According to Kentucky beat writer Kyle Tucker, Calipari admitted that he and his team let early success get to their heads, which has resulted in the poor play of late.

"

Calipari: "We all got intoxicated, including me, about what was written and said about this team."

— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_CJ) December 5, 2012"

With so many young players seeing a lot of playing time—which is what Calipari is primarily known for—he shouldn't be overwhelmingly surprised by what he's seeing on the court. 

The Wildcats have just one starting senior, and since a majority of players under Calipari are "one-and-done," it's no wonder that there's little veteran leadership on a team that lacks conditioning.

Conditioning might be part of the issue, but it's also about mental toughness and experience, which his team doesn't seem to have right now. Regardless, Kentucky players will be put through rigorous conditioning, as Tucker tweets:

"

Calipari said three weeks of conditioning will be at 7 a.m., before classes. Team's about to go to "Camp Cal."

— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_CJ) December 5, 2012"

Kentucky will have three easier games against Portland, Lipscomb and Marshall before taking on No. 5 Louisville on the road.

Let's hope the Wildcats are well-conditioned enough to keep up with the Cardinals.

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