• Terrence Jones was dressed for practice today, but he’s not likely to see any on-court action as a precautionary measure for his injured finger. “I don’t think he’ll practice today,” coach John Calipari said. “He wants to play tomorrow. I may not let him. We’ll see.”
• Michael Kidd-Gilchrist said last week he was hesitant to be a leader because he’s a freshman, but his work ethic has gained him the respect he needs. “He’s out there spending the time,” Calipari said. “There will be guys mad. ‘Michael, you’re trying to kiss butt.’ No, he’s just trying to be the best player he can be.”

• Calipari on Kidd-Gilchrist’s personality: ““Michael’s one of those guys, when he figures out what he can do and can’t do, that he just goes. But sometimes he’ll be tentative trying to figure out, what am I supposed to do here?”

• If he’s worried about a potential upset against Loyola, Calipari can point to the rest of the college landscape. “South Dakota beat Washington. Xavier loses to Oral Roberts,” Calipari said. “It’s hard for guys to get up for every game, but you bought into that by coming here.”

• If Kyle Wiltjer is going to be an asset in SEC play, his defense will need to get better. “We need a confident player out there making baskets, because that’s what he does for us,” Calipari said. “We also got to figure out how to play defensively when he’s in. I’ve got to come up with some plans and schemes with him on that court.”

• Today’s available players were all players who can’t play. I’ll have a story up on Jon Hood and Sam Malone later.

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