Calipari on Kentucky Combine
May 2, 2011
UK head coach John Calipari called the Kentucky Combine the first — and last — of its kind.
The first, because its an unprecedented event. UK had enough players considering the draft, and being considered by NBA teams, to hold a combine of its own. Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones, DeAndre Liggins, Josh Harrellson and Enes Kanter were all scheduled to work out. Calipari urged them to come prepared and in shape.
Calipari said the idea for holding it started about 10 days ago, and quickly developed as he put it together. In the Combine, the players will work through mostly non-contact drills, showcasing their skills and athleticism. Calipari said the Combine will be comparable to what the NBA holds in Chicago, giving NBA teams a chance to accurately compare UK’s players to other potential draftees.
For Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones, “this is it” in terms of being able to be evaluated, Calipari said. Josh Harrellson and DeAndre Liggins will be going to a New Jersey camp for additional feedback.
About 20 NBA personnel attended Monday’s session, and they had the opportunity to give feedback to the players. Calipari said they wouldn’t lie to the players, because it wouldn’t benefit the team — plus, if they did mislead the players, “they wouldn’t be welcome back here,” Calipari said.
But the Combine might also be the last of its kind. With a new rule adopted that would move the draft withdrawal date — current May 8 — to mid-April, underclassmen would essentially lose the ability to test the waters and receive feedback on their draft prospects. Calipari said it was a rule that was unfair to the players, and for teams playing deep into the NCAA Tournament, players “would be thinking about (the decision) during the Final Four.” If the rule stays, those inane questions following the last game about whether a player will stay or go suddenly “become legitimate,” Calipari said.