John Calipari speaks on PJ Washington fighting through a bad slump

It’s no secret across the Big Blue Nation that the Kentucky Wildcats are struggling right now.

The Cats have lost three consecutive games for the first time in the John Calipari era in Lexington, and many pundits have identified several areas that highlights the struggle.

Areas such as poor outside shooting, inabilities to move and share the basketball, and the extreme youth of the roster have long been issues for this team.

If there is any player that could be an example of those struggles for the Cats it might be freshman forward PJ Washington.

Washington hasn’t had his best performances lately. Since posting 22 points and six rebounds in a 78-65 victory over Mississippi State on January 23rd, Washington has scored 21 points total over the last five UK contests on six of 26 shooting (23%).That includes hitting just three of 17 shots during UK’s three-game skid.

Washington’s struggles haven’t been lost on Calipari.

“A couple of months ago, PJ was the rock, the spirit. He’s not that now,” Calipari stated during his Monday call-in show.

However, Calipari gave Washington some sage advice that might help him snap out of his slump.

“Talked to PJ about playing better...If you don’t like the way you are playing, change your preparation (practice harder.)”

As this topsy-turvy season enters the home-stretch toward the postseason, it is imperative that along with Washington, the Cats need to find that spirit as a team that helped to propel the Cats to wins over tough programs like Louisville and West Virginia.

Here’s hoping the Cats and Washington figure things out and treat themselves and the BBN to a great March Madness once again.