Zero rebounds in 34-plus minutes: ‘That’s hard’ to do, Kentucky’s Calipari says
Two numbers jump off the page when checking Kentucky guard Kellan Grady’s stat line. In 215 minutes of playing time this season, he has grabbed only nine rebounds and committed only two fouls.
When asked to assess whether only two fouls was an indication of heady defense or passivity, UK Coach John Calipari focused on the rebounding (or lack thereof).
Grady had no rebounds in 34-plus minutes against Southern. That followed one rebound against Central Michigan (28-plus minutes) and North Florida (25-plus minutes).
“That’s hard,” Calipari said, “because one (rebound) is going to bounce to you, especially if you’re playing 28 minutes a game. It’s hard to get zero.”
Grady, who grabbed a season-high two rebounds against Duke, Mount St. Mary’s and Albany, cited two factors. One is at times a height disadvantage when matched up with one of the opposition’s forwards.
The other brought knowing nods from reporters.
“A lot of times I’m boxing out and Oscar (Tshiebwe) just gets every rebound,” the 6-foot-5 Grady said. “But that’s not an excuse. You have to stick your nose in there.”
Tshiebwe leads the nation in averages of total rebounds and offensive rebounds. His zeal can lead him to compete with teammates for rebounds.
“I don’t care if he takes it from me,” Grady said.
Calipari saluted Grady’s willingness to box out opponents.
“Maybe I should just say keep blocking out,” the UK coach said. “We’re doing fine rebounding. Sometimes you have to accept what guys are. But I love coaching him.”
Baptism by fire
Notre Dame center Paul Atkinson is a 6-foot-9, 230-pound transfer from Yale. He is averaging 11.1 points and 6.0 rebounds.
“Ivy League to Power Five games is an adjustment he’s going through,” Notre Dame Coach Mike Brey said. “The bodies coming at him, it’s no different with the big fella coming Saturday.”
That was a reference to UK “big” Oscar Tshiebwe (6-9, 255). Earlier this season, Atkinson went against Illinois “big” Kofi Cockburn (7-foot, 285). Next weekend, Notre Dame plays against Indiana and its “big,” Trayce Jackson-Davis (6-9, 245).
“It’s like, ‘Thanks, Coach, yeah, yeah, I am stepping up a level,’” Brey said.
When Illinois beat Notre Dame 82-72 on Nov. 29, Cockburn outscored Atkinson 28-3 and out-rebounded him eight to five.
Tshiebwe leads Division I in rebounding (15.4 rpg) and offensive rebounding (6.5 per game). His seven double-doubles is tied for the second most.
“It’s one of the unique skill sets I’ve seen as far as getting rebounds,” Brey said. “He’s just amazingly nose-for-the-ball gifted.”
Live and learn
Calipari thought the week off between games against Central Michigan (Nov. 29) and Southern (Dec. 7) would help a UK team battling illness and injury. He said he expected team conditioning to improve.
“But the reality of it is we lost our competitive edge,” he said in reference to the 76-64 victory over Southern.
Calipari acknowledged the learning process with this Kentucky team is not complete.
“I have not figured this team out, especially offensively,” he said.
Silence is golden
Grady said there was additional appeal when winning a game on the opponent’s court.
“It’s more appealing to walk off a court with the arena in silence,” he said.
But Grady remembered fans at St. Bonaventure being “rather profane” when he played for Davidson.
“A little personal,” he said. “When I was shooting free throws, they chanted my sister’s name.”
Why?
“Try to rattle me,” Grady said before adding with a smile, “I made both free throws, though.”
‘Good friends’
Brey and Calipari have a long-lasting friendship.
“John and I are good friends,” the Notre Dame coach said. “We go way back.”
Brey said he and Calipari were friends about 30 years ago when the former was an assistant at Duke and the latter head coach at UMass.
“Where we really got to be close was on the NABC board together,” Brey said in reference to the National Association of Basketball Coaches. “Sitting in those meetings and talking about what’s best for college basketball moving forward.
“He’s still very, very involved and really cares. I love him for that. He really, really cares about the game and the profession and the kids.”
Brey is president of the NABC Board of Directors. Calipari, as third vice president, is scheduled to be president in the 2024-25 season.
Etc.
Dave O’Brien and Jay Bilas will call the game for ESPN.
