Monday Quickies: Kentucky Basketball Scrimmage at Rupp Arena Edition

The Cats can’t have exhibition games this year, so this is the next best thing.

By John Morgan Francis@MonJorgan Nov 16, 2020, 6:40am EST

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The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team had a simulation Sunday at Rupp Arena, per head coach John Calipari. Since the program won’t partake in any exhibition games this season due to COVID-19, the Wildcats are competing against each other and running what they’d normally do in those games.

We put the guys through a game simulation today. Had them go through many of the things we would normally do on a game day since we won’t have any exhibitions this season. We finished with a scrimmage at @Rupp_Arena. The guys competed & were fiery. @deemintz1 hit a bunch of shots pic.twitter.com/SzzRCabbCv
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) November 16, 2020

Calipari had a special shout out for Davion Mintz, saying he “hit a bunch of shots.”

We talked to them again today about doing every thing they can to be safe — wearing a mask, social distancing and staying in our bubble. This is going to take every one of us to get through this, and our guys understand that.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) November 16, 2020

The head coach went on to say the team is emphasizing taking extreme precautions to avoid any issues with COVID-19. The ultimate goal is to of course ensure the safety of the athletes and staff.

These kids are so hungry to get this season underway. They just want to play basketball. I’ve told them 100 times how much I respect what they’re doing. This hasn’t been easy for them but they’ve handled with a sense of appreciation to be preparing for the season. Proud of them.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) November 16, 2020

Calipari added that his team is hungry to get started. He made note of how proud he is of the team and he respects how they’re handling themselves during the pandemic.

It’s of course the trend every year, but Kentucky looks big, long and supremely athletic.

UK posted some basketball scrimmage highlights from this afternoon. Isaiah Jackson, Terrence Clarke and Olivier Sarr with some really impressive plays: pic.twitter.com/LLzWQs00SB
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) November 16, 2020

The Wildcats always have a high ceiling, but this team is expected to be hyper athletic and intense on the defensive end of the court. If they can protect the basketball and make shots, the sky is truly going to be the limit.