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 Considering that UMass is the fourth-winningest team in college basketball the last five years, Coach Cal's speeches are viewed with skepticism. Considering that UMass is the fourth-winningest team in college basketball the last five years, Coach Cal's speeches are viewed with skepticism.
  
-"If you listen to John, you'd think UMass won't win a game this season," said Kentucky coach Rick Pitino, whose top-ranked Wildcats meet the fifth-ranked Minutemen in the Great Eight tournament tonight at 9.+"If you listen to John, you'd think UMass won't win a game this season," said [[opponent_kentucky|Kentucky]] coach [[pitino_rick|Rick Pitino]], whose top-ranked Wildcats meet the fifth-ranked Minutemen in the Great Eight tournament tonight at 9.
  
 This season, however, Calipari's concerns seem legitimate. Inconsistent showings in two exhibition games prove that UMass sorely misses power forward [[roe_lou|Lou Roe]] and point guard [[kellogg_derek|Derek Kellogg]]. The Minutemen undoubtedly will iron out the wrinkles, but they must do so against one of the toughest Division 1 schedules. This season, however, Calipari's concerns seem legitimate. Inconsistent showings in two exhibition games prove that UMass sorely misses power forward [[roe_lou|Lou Roe]] and point guard [[kellogg_derek|Derek Kellogg]]. The Minutemen undoubtedly will iron out the wrinkles, but they must do so against one of the toughest Division 1 schedules.
  
-"We're still trying to find ourselves," said Calipari yesterday. "We lost one of our exhibition games and in the other we didn't play well. We're not playing with the intensity we need to have but we will get there."+"We're still trying to find ourselves," said Calipari yesterday. "We lost [[game19951117_converse_all-stars|one of our exhibition games]] and in [[game19951107_dinamo|the other]] we didn't play well. We're not playing with the intensity we need to have but we will get there."
  
 Since Calipari arrived at UMass eight years ago, every one of his teams has matched or bettered the success of the previous one. That has been due in part to players like Roe, who was the school's leading career rebounder and No. 2 scorer, and Kellogg, who had a 2-1 assist-to-turnover ratio and was a coach on the court. Since Calipari arrived at UMass eight years ago, every one of his teams has matched or bettered the success of the previous one. That has been due in part to players like Roe, who was the school's leading career rebounder and No. 2 scorer, and Kellogg, who had a 2-1 assist-to-turnover ratio and was a coach on the court.
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 "We want to have football practice. We want them out there diving for loose balls, getting back to the way we've played -- with intensity." "We want to have football practice. We want them out there diving for loose balls, getting back to the way we've played -- with intensity."
  
-That would come in handy against a Kentucky team that is one of the deepest in the nation. The Wildcats are coming off a 96-84 win over scrappy Maryland in the Tip-Off Classic. The Minutemen are 0-3 against Kentucky, with all of the games in the last four years.+That would come in handy against a Kentucky team that is one of the deepest in the nation. The Wildcats are coming off a 96-84 win over scrappy [[opponent_maryland|Maryland]] in the Tip-Off Classic. The Minutemen are 0-3 against Kentucky, with all of the games in the last four years.
  
 Among Calipari's concerns is Kentucky's press, which Maryland beat early with lob passes but struggled against in the second half. Among Calipari's concerns is Kentucky's press, which Maryland beat early with lob passes but struggled against in the second half.
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 "The main thing is not to hurry. That's what they want. You have to attack it -- if not you're playing right into their hands." "The main thing is not to hurry. That's what they want. You have to attack it -- if not you're playing right into their hands."
  
-Calipari said the Minutemen will not be carried by Marcus Camby, but the 6-foot-10-inch star center must make his presence felt against the Wildcats.+Calipari said the Minutemen will not be carried by [[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]], but the 6-foot-10-inch star center must make his presence felt against the Wildcats.
  
 "We need him to be more assertive," said Calipari. "I told him, 'If you have the shot, take it.' But we need his post presence, too. He has to rebound and block shots." "We need him to be more assertive," said Calipari. "I told him, 'If you have the shot, take it.' But we need his post presence, too. He has to rebound and block shots."
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 Even if a team returned 12 out of 12 members from a successful squad, it wouldn't necessarily mean everything would kick in just as before. There are always shifting roles, shifting dynamics. Even if a team returned 12 out of 12 members from a successful squad, it wouldn't necessarily mean everything would kick in just as before. There are always shifting roles, shifting dynamics.
  
-"What we're looking for," sighed John Calipari, head basketball coach at Your State U, "is a team personality. We don't know who we are. We've got a lot of good players, but this isn't wrestling, where we're not sure who's going to fill in at the 130-pound class. There is so much involved. It's how we have to shift them around, how we're actually going to play."+"What we're looking for," sighed [[calipari_john|John Calipari]], head basketball coach at Your State U, "is a team personality. We don't know who we are. We've got a lot of good players, but this isn't wrestling, where we're not sure who's going to fill in at the 130-pound class. There is so much involved. It's how we have to shift them around, how we're actually going to play."
  
 Of course, even without playing, Calipari's team had somehow managed to rise to No. 5 in the Associated Press poll. Of course, even without playing, Calipari's team had somehow managed to rise to No. 5 in the Associated Press poll.
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 "If I'd have known we'd move up in the polls by not starting until the 28th," he quipped, "we'd have waited until Dec. 14. Maybe we'd be No. 1 by then." "If I'd have known we'd move up in the polls by not starting until the 28th," he quipped, "we'd have waited until Dec. 14. Maybe we'd be No. 1 by then."
  
-It was hours before his team took the floor in Game 1 of a new season against nothing less than the No. 1-ranked team in the country. It was the second season in succession the University of Massachusetts had been placed in that exact scenario, and that's without counting the 1993 squad, which had to wait all the way till the third game of the season before upending No. 1 North Carolina in the semifinals of the preseason NIT.+It was hours before his team took the floor in Game 1 of a new season against nothing less than the No. 1-ranked team in the country. It was the second season in succession the University of Massachusetts had been placed in that exact scenario, and that's without counting the 1993 squad, which had to wait all the way till the third game of the season before [[game19931124_north_carolina|upending No. 1 North Carolina in the semifinals of the preseason NIT]].
  
-In last year's opener, the Minutemen found themselves staring at defending national champion Arkansas, which had every key player returning. Two hours later, UMass had a 104-80 victory and the attention of every college basketball fan in America.+In last year's opener, the Minutemen found themselves staring at defending national champion [[game19941125_arkansas|Arkansas]], which had every key player returning. Two hours later, UMass had a [[game19941125_arkansas|104-80 victory]] and the attention of every college basketball fan in America.
  
-But the ringleader of that bunch was Lou Roe, and he can be found in the FleetCenter tonight in his new gig as a member of the Detroit Pistons. Roe was more than just a rugged, 6-foot-7-inch inside player who guaranteed the Minutemen X points and X rebounds a night. Lou Roe was a ferocious competitor, and that spirit rubbed off on the team.+But the ringleader of that bunch was [[roe_lou|Lou Roe]], and he can be found in the [[wp>TD Garden|FleetCenter]] tonight in his new gig as a member of the Detroit Pistons. Roe was more than just a rugged, 6-foot-7-inch inside player who guaranteed the Minutemen X points and X rebounds a night. Lou Roe was a ferocious competitor, and that spirit rubbed off on the team.
  
-Also missing from the [[season_1994-95|'94-95]] cast is Derek Kellogg, the three-year point guard who seemingly never made a mistake. Many's the night Calipari knew how lucky he was to have such a thoroughly dependable point guard at his disposal.+Also missing from the [[season_1994-95|'94-95]] cast is [[kellogg_derek|Derek Kellogg]], the three-year point guard who seemingly never made a mistake. Many's the night Calipari knew how lucky he was to have such a thoroughly dependable point guard at his disposal.
  
 "The layman would never understand how valuable a player like Kellogg was to us," Calipari explained. "Real basketball fans know. There were many more talented players around, but not many as steady. "The layman would never understand how valuable a player like Kellogg was to us," Calipari explained. "Real basketball fans know. There were many more talented players around, but not many as steady.
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 "When you've got to depend on erratic players," Coach Cal continued, "it means you really need three game plans. What if he shows up tonight? What if he's average? And what if he doesn't show? And if that's your point guard, you're in deep trouble. Derek Kellogg made it look like I was coaching my butt off many nights, but he was making the necessary judgments himself." "When you've got to depend on erratic players," Coach Cal continued, "it means you really need three game plans. What if he shows up tonight? What if he's average? And what if he doesn't show? And if that's your point guard, you're in deep trouble. Derek Kellogg made it look like I was coaching my butt off many nights, but he was making the necessary judgments himself."
  
-This year Calipari has no true point guard. He's got Edgar Padilla and Carmelo Travieso, each of whom can shoot better than Kellogg, but neither of whom has ever really had to take permanent control of the team. Could either or both survive Kentucky's vaunted pressure? Hours before game time, Coach Cal had no idea.+This year Calipari has no true point guard. He's got [[padilla_edgar|Edgar Padilla]] and [[travieso_carmelo|Carmelo Travieso]], each of whom can shoot better than Kellogg, but neither of whom has ever really had to take permanent control of the team. Could either or both survive Kentucky's vaunted pressure? Hours before game time, Coach Cal had no idea.
  
 Speaking of Kentucky, what kind of an opener is this? Where is North Adams State when you need it? What, was [[opponent_aic|AIC]] booked? Speaking of Kentucky, what kind of an opener is this? Where is North Adams State when you need it? What, was [[opponent_aic|AIC]] booked?
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 While the hoop junkies would be in near unanimous agreement that most of Calipari's players would have little chance of cracking Rick Pitino's 10-man rotation, everyone would certainly agree that Coach Cal had one thing Kentucky didn't have. While the hoop junkies would be in near unanimous agreement that most of Calipari's players would have little chance of cracking Rick Pitino's 10-man rotation, everyone would certainly agree that Coach Cal had one thing Kentucky didn't have.
  
-In other words, Kentucky would be happy to find a spot for Marcus Camby.+In other words, Kentucky would be happy to find a spot for [[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]].
  
 "Marcus is good," said Calipari of his 6-11 All-America candidate, "but I've been trying to explain to him that he shouldn't try to be Superman out there. Granted, it's a fine line. I certainly want him to be aggressive. I've told him that it's all right to try to score, even if he's double-teamed, even though he can really pass the ball. But in the same sense, I know that if he comes down and starts trying to shoot threes and do some other things and just generally go nuts out there, we can't win that way." "Marcus is good," said Calipari of his 6-11 All-America candidate, "but I've been trying to explain to him that he shouldn't try to be Superman out there. Granted, it's a fine line. I certainly want him to be aggressive. I've told him that it's all right to try to score, even if he's double-teamed, even though he can really pass the ball. But in the same sense, I know that if he comes down and starts trying to shoot threes and do some other things and just generally go nuts out there, we can't win that way."
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 From [[http://www.ap.org|The Associated Press]], 11/29/1995 From [[http://www.ap.org|The Associated Press]], 11/29/1995
  
-Marcus Camby had 32 points, nine rebounds and five blocks as fifth-ranked Massachusetts toppled number one Kentucky, 92-82, in a Great Eight game at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan.+[[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]] had 32 points, nine rebounds and five blocks as fifth-ranked Massachusetts toppled number one [[opponent_kentucky|Kentucky]], 92-82, in a Great Eight game at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
  
-[{{ https://umasshoops.com/games/1995-96/1128kentucky/camby_fadeaway.jpg?nolink|Mark Pope tries to stop Marcus Camby}}]+[{{ ::19951128_camby_fadeaway.jpg?nolink|Mark Pope tries to stop Marcus Camby}}]
 It is the second straight season that the Minutemen (1-0) started their season by defeating the top-ranked team in the country. It is the second straight season that the Minutemen (1-0) started their season by defeating the top-ranked team in the country.
  
-Massachusetts routed Arkansas in the Tip-Off Classic in [[springfield_civic_center|Springfield]], Massachusetts, last year, 104-80.+Massachusetts routed [[opponent_arkansas|Arkansas]] in the Tip-Off Classic in [[springfield_civic_center|Springfield]], Massachusetts, last year, [[game19941125_arkansas|104-80]].
  
 The Minutemen improved to 3-0 all-time against number one teams and won for the first time in four tries against Kentucky. The Minutemen improved to 3-0 all-time against number one teams and won for the first time in four tries against Kentucky.
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 "The biggest thing I was worried about was would we play the way we always played, which is aggressive, go after the jugular and play with emotion. We did today." "The biggest thing I was worried about was would we play the way we always played, which is aggressive, go after the jugular and play with emotion. We did today."
  
-Kentucky had pulled within 76-74 on free throws by Walter McCarty, but Camby made a pair of free throws and hit a turnaround jumper to make it 80-74. The Wildcats never threatened after that.+Kentucky had pulled within 76-74 on free throws by [[wp>Walter McCarty]], but Camby made a pair of free throws and hit a turnaround jumper to make it 80-74. The Wildcats never threatened after that.
  
-"We got beat by a great team and a great player," Kentucky coach Rick Pitino said. "Marcus Camby is truly one of the best players in the country. We tried to trap him with two people and he still got off awfully good shots.+"We got beat by a great team and a great player," Kentucky coach [[pitino_rick|Rick Pitino]] said. "Marcus Camby is truly one of the best players in the country. We tried to trap him with two people and he still got off awfully good shots.
  
 "We didn't make our free throws, there's really no excuses for our players not shooting well at the foul line. No way is this a great basketball team. The number one thing is that we're not executing. Our veterans are playing like inexperienced players." "We didn't make our free throws, there's really no excuses for our players not shooting well at the foul line. No way is this a great basketball team. The number one thing is that we're not executing. Our veterans are playing like inexperienced players."
  
 +[{{ ::19951128_weeks_defense.jpg?nolink|Tyrone Weeks gets in Mark Pope's face.}}]
 [[dingle_dana|Dana Dingle]] added 19 points for Massachusetts, which ran out to a 29-10 lead and never trailed in the game. Camby scored eight points in the first 10 minutes for the Minutemen. [[dingle_dana|Dana Dingle]] added 19 points for Massachusetts, which ran out to a 29-10 lead and never trailed in the game. Camby scored eight points in the first 10 minutes for the Minutemen.
  
 "We knew they were going to make a run," said Camby. "You have to give credit to our team, our guards were outstanding. We knew they would double and triple-team me, but the guards got me the ball and I was able to do something." "We knew they were going to make a run," said Camby. "You have to give credit to our team, our guards were outstanding. We knew they would double and triple-team me, but the guards got me the ball and I was able to do something."
  
-[{{ :19951128_padilla_free_throw.jpg?direct&250|Edgar Padilla was clutch with 7-8 free throw shooting.}}] 
 Camby finished 11-of-16 from the field and made 10-of-11 free throws. Massachusetts enjoyed a 31-18 edge at the foul line, as Kentucky missed 10 free throws. The Minutemen shot 53 per cent from the field (29-of-55), while Kentucky shot 27-of-62 from the field (44 per cent). Camby finished 11-of-16 from the field and made 10-of-11 free throws. Massachusetts enjoyed a 31-18 edge at the foul line, as Kentucky missed 10 free throws. The Minutemen shot 53 per cent from the field (29-of-55), while Kentucky shot 27-of-62 from the field (44 per cent).
  
-Tony Delk had 21 points and McCarty added 17 for the Wildcats (1-1), who played their second ranked opponent in as many games. Kentucky defeated number 19 Maryland, 96-84, in its season-opener last Friday.+[[wp>Tony Delk]] had 21 points and McCarty added 17 for the Wildcats (1-1), who played their second ranked opponent in as many games. Kentucky defeated number 19 [[opponent_maryland|Maryland]], 96-84, in its season-opener last Friday.
  
-Massachusetts started the second half with a 11-1 run. Camby opened the half with a dunk. After Mark Pope made one of two free throws to pull the Wildcats within 47-46, Camby made a jumper, Edgar Padilla made a pair of free throws and Dingle added a three-point play to make it 54-46. Padilla capped the run with a layup with 16:51 to play.+Massachusetts started the second half with a 11-1 run. Camby opened the half with a dunk. After Mark Pope made one of two free throws to pull the Wildcats within 47-46, Camby made a jumper, [[padilla_edgar|Edgar Padilla]] made a pair of free throws and Dingle added a three-point play to make it 54-46. Padilla capped the run with a layup with 16:51 to play.
  
 "Marcus is one of the best players if not the best player in the country, who's on a mission right now," Calipari added about Camby. "He's so unselfish, I told him, 'If I was as good as him, I'd shoot it every time.'" "Marcus is one of the best players if not the best player in the country, who's on a mission right now," Calipari added about Camby. "He's so unselfish, I told him, 'If I was as good as him, I'd shoot it every time.'"
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 By Justin C. Smith, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Staff, November 29, 1995 By Justin C. Smith, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Staff, November 29, 1995
  
-"If we can't play defense against these guys," junior Marcus Camby asked after playing a sloppy exhibition game. "What are we going to do against Kentucky?" +"If we can't play defense against these guys," junior [[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]] asked after playing a [[game19951117_converse_all-stars|sloppy exhibition game]]. "What are we going to do against Kentucky?" 
  
 [{{ :19951128_dingle_drive.jpg?nolink|Dana Dingle drives on UK's Ron Mercer (L), Derek Anderson (C), and Walter McCarty (R)}}] [{{ :19951128_dingle_drive.jpg?nolink|Dana Dingle drives on UK's Ron Mercer (L), Derek Anderson (C), and Walter McCarty (R)}}]
 Answer: Win.  Answer: Win. 
  
-For the third straight year, the Massachusetts men's basketball team took on the No. 1 ranked team in the country and made the pollsters eat their votes. Camby led the way for Minutemen scoring 32 points in a rousing 92-82 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats. +For the third straight year, the Massachusetts men's basketball team took on the No. 1 ranked team in the country and made the pollsters eat their votes. Camby led the way for Minutemen scoring 32 points in a rousing 92-82 victory over the [[opponent_kentucky|Kentucky Wildcats]]
  
-This adds another chapter to the legacy of UMass knocking off top ranked teams. North Carolina 91-86 (OT) in 1993 and Arkansas 104-80 last year. +This adds another chapter to the legacy of UMass knocking off top ranked teams. [[game19931124_north_carolina|North Carolina 91-86 (OT) in 1993]] and [[game19941125_arkansas|Arkansas 104-80 last year]]
  
-Just 37 seconds into the contest senior co-captain [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]] nailed a three-pointer with the shot clock running down to give UMass the lead. It also started a 9-to-1 run that got the Minutemen out of the blocks quickly, as well as gaining confidence over Rick Pitino’s troops. +Just 37 seconds into the contest senior co-captain [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]] nailed a three-pointer with the shot clock running down to give UMass the lead. It also started a 9-to-1 run that got the Minutemen out of the blocks quickly, as well as gaining confidence over [[pitino_rick|Rick Pitino’s]] troops. 
  
 Instead of letting up. the Minutemen continued what got them the lead pressuring the Kentucky backcourt and making the Wildcats take rushed shots. That lead to UMass opening up their biggest lead of the night at 29-10, ten minutes into the first half. At that point Kentucky had only hit three baskets from the field.  Instead of letting up. the Minutemen continued what got them the lead pressuring the Kentucky backcourt and making the Wildcats take rushed shots. That lead to UMass opening up their biggest lead of the night at 29-10, ten minutes into the first half. At that point Kentucky had only hit three baskets from the field. 
  
-The Wildcats, true to their ranking, were far from finished as they used the three-pointer as the major weapon in getting back into the game hitting six-of-seven from downtown, including all five in the final 10 minutes of the half. Tony Delk (21 points) hit three while Walter McCarty (17 points) sank two in the 31-14 run that got the Wildcats within two with 1:43 left in the first half. And when Antoine Walker hit a bank shot with three seconds remaining, the game went to the half tied at 45. +The Wildcats, true to their ranking, were far from finished as they used the three-pointer as the major weapon in getting back into the game hitting six-of-seven from downtown, including all five in the final 10 minutes of the half. [[wp>Tony Delk]] (21 points) hit three while [[wp>Walter McCarty]] (17 points) sank two in the 31-14 run that got the Wildcats within two with 1:43 left in the first half. And when [[wp>Antoine Walker]] hit a bank shot with three seconds remaining, the game went to the half tied at 45. 
  
 "We knew they were going to make a run," Camby said. "They are a good team and you've got to give them credit."  "We knew they were going to make a run," Camby said. "They are a good team and you've got to give them credit." 
  
-The second half started much like the first, as Camby stole a Ron Mercer pass from the top of the key and went in for a flying two-handed slam for a lead the Minutemen would never relinquish. +The second half started much like the first, as Camby stole a [[wp>Ron Mercer]] pass from the top of the key and went in for a flying two-handed slam for a lead the Minutemen would never relinquish. 
  
-Camby, who was by far the standout in the first half, got tremendous support from senior Dana Dingle (15 second half points, 19 for the game). Bright chipped in as well, scoring 17 on the night. +Camby, who was by far the standout in the first half, got tremendous support from senior [[dingle_dana|Dana Dingle]] (15 second half points, 19 for the game). Bright chipped in as well, scoring 17 on the night. 
  
 [{{ :19951128_travieso_dribbles.jpg?direct&250|Carmelo Travieso pushes up-court.}}] [{{ :19951128_travieso_dribbles.jpg?direct&250|Carmelo Travieso pushes up-court.}}]
-The UMass backcourt of Edgar Padilla and Carmelo Travieso played all but the last minute of the game. Freshman Charlton Clarke attempted to play, but after on the court for less than a minute in the first half, had to come out of the game. When he returned from the locker room at halftime, Clarke was on crutches.+The UMass backcourt of [[padilla_edgar|Edgar Padilla]] and [[travieso_carmelo|Carmelo Travieso]] played all but the last minute of the game. Freshman [[clarke_charlton|Charlton Clarke]] attempted to play, but after on the court for less than a minute in the first half, had to come out of the game. When he returned from the locker room at halftime, Clarke was on crutches.
  
 Camby credited the juniors for their yeoman-like efforts.  Camby credited the juniors for their yeoman-like efforts. 
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 A glaring weakness in the past for the Minutemen was their foul shooting. There was no sign of that on this night as the margin of victory came down to how UMass shot from the charity stripe. Calipari's corps was 31-37 from the line, while Kentucky was only 18-28.  A glaring weakness in the past for the Minutemen was their foul shooting. There was no sign of that on this night as the margin of victory came down to how UMass shot from the charity stripe. Calipari's corps was 31-37 from the line, while Kentucky was only 18-28. 
  
-UMass returns to action Saturday in the Franklin National Bank Classic against Maryland.+UMass returns to action [[game19951202_maryland|Saturday in the Franklin National Bank Classic against Maryland]].
  
  
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 By Joe Burris, [[https://www.bostonglobe.com/|The Boston Globe]] Staff, 11/29/1995 By Joe Burris, [[https://www.bostonglobe.com/|The Boston Globe]] Staff, 11/29/1995
  
-AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - From now on, don't believe a thing John Calipari says. The man cannot be taken at his word.+AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - From now on, don't believe a thing [[calipari_john|John Calipari]] says. The man cannot be taken at his word.
  
 Throughout the preseason, the University of Massachusetts coach said his program was perched on the panic button. He said his team could not defend, could not hit the open man and didn't play with passion and emotion. Throughout the preseason, the University of Massachusetts coach said his program was perched on the panic button. He said his team could not defend, could not hit the open man and didn't play with passion and emotion.
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 [{{ ::19951128_game_ball.jpg?direct&400|John Calipari displays a game ball in his office.((https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari/status/1332876372868554752))}}] [{{ ::19951128_game_ball.jpg?direct&400|John Calipari displays a game ball in his office.((https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari/status/1332876372868554752))}}]
-The same players that cried after a subpar effort in an exhibition game against a Russian team scored one of the biggest wins in school history last night, a 92-82 dismissal of top-ranked Kentucky in the second annual Great Eight tournament at the Palace of Auburn Hills.+The same players that cried after a subpar effort in an exhibition game against a Russian team scored one of the biggest wins in school history last night, a 92-82 dismissal of top-ranked [[opponent_kentucky|Kentucky]] in the second annual Great Eight tournament at [[wp>the Palace of Auburn Hills]].
  
-It marks the third consecutive season that UMass has upset the nation's No. 1-ranked team. Last year, the Minutemen stunned Arkansas in their opener; two years ago, they knocked off North Carolina in the Preseason NIT.+It marks the third consecutive season that UMass has upset the nation's No. 1-ranked team. Last year, the Minutemen [[game19941125_arkansas|stunned Arkansas in their opener]]; two years ago, they [[game19931124_north_carolina|knocked off North Carolina in the Preseason NIT]].
  
-Center Marcus Camby scored a game-high 32 points and added 9 rebounds and 5 blocks for fifth-ranked UMass. The Minutemen jumped out to a 29-10 lead with 10:10 left in the first half, saw Kentucky hit six 3-pointers to tie the game at the break, 45-45, then outplayed the Wildcats throughout the second half, taking a 47-45 lead on a Camby dunk and never trailing.+Center [[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]] scored a game-high 32 points and added 9 rebounds and 5 blocks for fifth-ranked UMass. The Minutemen jumped out to a 29-10 lead with 10:10 left in the first half, saw Kentucky hit six 3-pointers to tie the game at the break, 45-45, then outplayed the Wildcats throughout the second half, taking a 47-45 lead on a Camby dunk and never trailing.
  
 "I was worried about this team playing with passion," said Calipari. "It was incredible how we stepped up." "I was worried about this team playing with passion," said Calipari. "It was incredible how we stepped up."
  
-A few weeks ago, the coach's fears seemed justified. On Nov. 17, the Minutemen were embarrassed by a Converse All-Star squad and hardly looked ready to face the deepest team in college basketball.+A few weeks ago, the coach's fears seemed justified. On [[game19951117_converse_all-stars|Nov. 17, the Minutemen were embarrassed by a Converse All-Star squad]] and hardly looked ready to face the deepest team in college basketball.
  
 "I got mean," said Calipari. "I made our practices wars. It was like football practice out there. Compared to our practices, this was easy." "I got mean," said Calipari. "I made our practices wars. It was like football practice out there. Compared to our practices, this was easy."
  
-With just two guards available, the Minuteman surprisingly exploited Kentucky's deeper, more experienced backcourt. Point guard Edgar Padilla officially logged 39 minutes, shooting guard Carmelo Travieso 36. Padilla tallied 14 points and 6 assists, while Travieso contributed 10 points.+With just two guards available, the Minuteman surprisingly exploited Kentucky's deeper, more experienced backcourt. Point guard [[padilla_edgar|Edgar Padilla]] officially logged 39 minutes, shooting guard [[travieso_carmelo|Carmelo Travieso]] 36. Padilla tallied 14 points and 6 assists, while Travieso contributed 10 points.
  
 "Our guards were unbelievable tonight," said Calipari. "They were strong and they controlled the tempo." "Our guards were unbelievable tonight," said Calipari. "They were strong and they controlled the tempo."
  
-Then there was forward Donta Bright. He scored 7 of UMass' first 16 points and finished with 17. Dana Dingle overcame a sluggish start to tally 19 points.+Then there was forward [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]]. He scored 7 of UMass' first 16 points and finished with 17. [[dingle_dana|Dana Dingle]] overcame a sluggish start to tally 19 points.
  
 [{{ :19951128_norville_in_paint.jpg?direct&250|Inus Norville battles in the paint.}}] [{{ :19951128_norville_in_paint.jpg?direct&250|Inus Norville battles in the paint.}}]
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 Kentucky's press was not as effective in the second half, and UMass surprisingly risked a 2-3 zone trap against the Wildcats' 3-point shooters. It worked. Kentucky's press was not as effective in the second half, and UMass surprisingly risked a 2-3 zone trap against the Wildcats' 3-point shooters. It worked.
  
-With 16:50 to go, UMass went ahead, 68-58, and appeared primed to open more room. But again Kentucky rallied and with 10:05 left cut the margin to 64-62 on Tony Delk's trey. UMass answered with clutch baskets by Camby, Dingle and Bright to keep the Wildcats at bay.+With 16:50 to go, UMass went ahead, 68-58, and appeared primed to open more room. But again Kentucky rallied and with 10:05 left cut the margin to 64-62 on [[wp>Tony Delk|Tony Delk's]] trey. UMass answered with clutch baskets by Camby, Dingle and Bright to keep the Wildcats at bay.
  
-"They were a better team tonight, no question about it," said Kentucky coach Rick Pitino. "Marcus Camby is truly one of the best players in the country offensively and defensively. We had too many difficult baskets, and that is because Marcus played so well."+"They were a better team tonight, no question about it," said Kentucky coach [[pitino_rick|Rick Pitino]]. "Marcus Camby is truly one of the best players in the country offensively and defensively. We had too many difficult baskets, and that is because Marcus played so well."
  
 UMass went up, 78-74, with 3:18 left, and with the Wildcats misfiring on most of their perimeter bids, the Minutemen sank 14 of 16 free throws over the last 2:58 to seal the stunner. UMass went up, 78-74, with 3:18 left, and with the Wildcats misfiring on most of their perimeter bids, the Minutemen sank 14 of 16 free throws over the last 2:58 to seal the stunner.
  
-"My team needed me to step it up tonight because we no longer have Lou Roe and Derek Kellogg," said Camby. "And that's what I did.+"My team needed me to step it up tonight because we no longer have [[roe_lou|Lou Roe]] and [[kellogg_derek|Derek Kellogg]]," said Camby. "And that's what I did.
  
 "I'm glad I came back to school. This is better than the NBA." "I'm glad I came back to school. This is better than the NBA."
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 AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - We should be used to this by now. If it's early in the season, then Your State U is busy dusting off a No. 1 somebody, right? Isn't that the way it works? AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - We should be used to this by now. If it's early in the season, then Your State U is busy dusting off a No. 1 somebody, right? Isn't that the way it works?
  
-[{{ https://umasshoops.com/games/1995-96/1128kentucky/bright_weeks_rebound.jpg?nolink|Donta Bright and Tyrone Weeks were part of the reason the Minutemen won the battle of the boards, 34-29.}}] +[{{ ::19951128_bright_weeks_rebound.jpg?nolink|Donta Bright and Tyrone Weeks were part of the reason the Minutemen won the battle of the boards, 34-29.}}] 
-Two years ago, it was North Carolina. Last year it was Arkansas. This year it was Kentucky. And it doesn't matter where they play these games, either. Two years ago, it was in Madison Square Garden. Last year it was in the Springfield Civic Center. Last night it was in the Palace of Auburn Hills. What difference does it make? Just bring 'em on.+[[game19931124_north_carolina|Two years ago, it was North Carolina]][[game19941125_arkansas|Last year it was Arkansas]]. This year it was [[opponent_kentucky|Kentucky]]. And it doesn't matter where they play these games, either. Two years ago, it was in [[wp>Madison Square Garden]]. Last year it was in the [[Springfield Civic Center]]. Last night it was in [[wp>the Palace of Auburn Hills]]. What difference does it make? Just bring 'em on.
  
-Of course, John Calipari still wants to know exactly where it came from. "I'll tell you," said Coach Cal after his team's 92-82 spanking of the Wildcats. ``We've been playing awful in practice. But the last six or seven practices were so grueling, playing this game was easy. Lately, we've just had football practices."+Of course, [[calipari_john|John Calipari]] still wants to know exactly where it came from. "I'll tell you," said Coach Cal after his team's 92-82 spanking of the Wildcats. "We've been playing awful in practice. But the last six or seven practices were so grueling, playing this game was easy. Lately, we've just had football practices."
  
-His team had lost an exhibition to the Converse All-Stars. He had no idea what to expect last night from a group playing its first real game without emotional leader Lou Roe and intellectual leader Derek Kellogg.+His team had lost [[game19951117_converse_all-stars|an exhibition to the Converse All-Stars]]. He had no idea what to expect last night from a group playing its first real game without emotional leader [[roe_lou|Lou Roe]] and intellectual leader [[kellogg_derek|Derek Kellogg]].
  
 And then there's the matter of the opponent. Kentucky, says every basketball expert from Pensacola to Puget Sound, is the deepest basketball team in the country. Nobody's better than Kentucky, 1 through 10. It just so happens that last night Your State U was better, 1 through 5, which is the maximum number allowed on the floor at one time. And then there's the matter of the opponent. Kentucky, says every basketball expert from Pensacola to Puget Sound, is the deepest basketball team in the country. Nobody's better than Kentucky, 1 through 10. It just so happens that last night Your State U was better, 1 through 5, which is the maximum number allowed on the floor at one time.
  
-Beating Kentucky is always great fun. Rick Pitino has McDonald's All-Americans. He's got Burger King All-Americans. He's got Wendy's All-Americans. He's got Pizza Hut All-Americans. He's got Subway All-Americans. He's got High School All-Americans backing up High School All-Americans.+Beating Kentucky is always great fun. [[pitino_rick|Rick Pitino]] has McDonald's All-Americans. He's got Burger King All-Americans. He's got Wendy's All-Americans. He's got Pizza Hut All-Americans. He's got Subway All-Americans. He's got High School All-Americans backing up High School All-Americans.
  
-John Calipari? He's got a backcourt born the same day (5/9/75) on the same Caribbean island. Swear to God. Kentucky has been playing basketball since Teddy Roosevelt was in the White House, and here is a statement you can take directly to the savings institution of your choice: Never before has Kentucky been beaten by an all-Spanish-speaking backcourt.+John Calipari? He's got a backcourt [[news19960313_travieso_edgar_padilla_obstacles_overcome|born the same day (5/9/75) on the same Caribbean island]]. Swear to God. Kentucky has been playing basketball since Teddy Roosevelt was in the White House, and here is a statement you can take directly to the savings institution of your choice: Never before has Kentucky been beaten by an all-Spanish-speaking backcourt.
  
-``Can you imagine our two guards playing 40 minutes?" gushed Calipari. He was exaggerating, but very little. Carmelo Travieso played 36 minutes, receiving a three-minute respite in the first half. Edgar Padilla, meanwhile, played 39 consecutive minutes and change, being removed by Coach Cal in the final minute when the game's winning or losing issue was no longer in doubt.+"Can you imagine our two guards playing 40 minutes?" gushed Calipari. He was exaggerating, but very little. [[travieso_carmelo|Carmelo Travieso]] played 36 minutes, receiving a three-minute respite in the first half. [[padilla_edgar|Edgar Padilla]], meanwhile, played 39 consecutive minutes and change, being removed by Coach Cal in the final minute when the game's winning or losing issue was no longer in doubt.
  
-The two Puerto Rico natives had to withstand the most frightening pressure college basketball has to offer. ``Kentucky comes at you in waves and swarms," said Calipari. Padilla and Travieso had zero backcourt help because prime sub Charlton Clarke sustained a foot injury in the only minute he played. Under the relentless Kentucky pressure, they cracked on occasion. But they hung in there and they got the ball to the right place often enough for the starting frontcourt to score 68 points while scoring 24 themselves.+[{{ :19951128_padilla_free_throw.jpg?direct&250|Edgar Padilla was clutch with 7-8 free throw shooting.}}] 
 +The two Puerto Rico natives had to withstand the most frightening pressure college basketball has to offer. "Kentucky comes at you in waves and swarms," said Calipari. Padilla and Travieso had zero backcourt help because prime sub [[clarke_charlton|Charlton Clarke]] sustained a foot injury in the only minute he played. Under the relentless Kentucky pressure, they cracked on occasion. But they hung in there and they got the ball to the right place often enough for the starting frontcourt to score 68 points while scoring 24 themselves.
  
 The five University of Massachusetts starters scored every one of the 92 points. It was one of the truly great five-man efforts in UMass history. But it represented something more than points, rebounds, assists and steals to the coach. He was looking for some things that were not to be found in any box score. The five University of Massachusetts starters scored every one of the 92 points. It was one of the truly great five-man efforts in UMass history. But it represented something more than points, rebounds, assists and steals to the coach. He was looking for some things that were not to be found in any box score.
  
-[{{ https://umasshoops.com/games/1995-96/1128kentucky/weeks_defense.jpg?nolink|Tyrone Weeks gets in Mark Pope's face.}}] +"The biggest worry I had was whether or not we would play UMass basketball," said Coach Cal. "Would we be aggressive? Would we go for the jugular? Would we play with passion and emotion? Would we dive on the floor? Would we make the extra pass? Would we play with that `refuse to lose' attitude? Those questions were answered. How we're going to play, I don't know yet. But if you play hard, you've got a chance."
-``The biggest worry I had was whether or not we would play UMass basketball," said Coach Cal. ``Would we be aggressive? Would we go for the jugular? Would we play with passion and emotion? Would we dive on the floor? Would we make the extra pass? Would we play with that `refuse to lose' attitude? Those questions were answered. How we're going to play, I don't know yet. But if you play hard, you've got a chance."+
  
 When Coach Cal is old and gray and he once again thinks about this game, he'll be thinking about a team that built a 19-point (29-10) first-half lead, found itself tied at halftime, then never allowed a deeper team to feel the satisfaction of a second-half lead for so much as one second or one possession. In other words, UMass took Kentucky's best comeback shot and then turned around and beat the Wildcats a second time. I would wager that when Grandpa Cal starts reminiscing about his fondest UMass memories, this game will be very close to the top of the list. When Coach Cal is old and gray and he once again thinks about this game, he'll be thinking about a team that built a 19-point (29-10) first-half lead, found itself tied at halftime, then never allowed a deeper team to feel the satisfaction of a second-half lead for so much as one second or one possession. In other words, UMass took Kentucky's best comeback shot and then turned around and beat the Wildcats a second time. I would wager that when Grandpa Cal starts reminiscing about his fondest UMass memories, this game will be very close to the top of the list.
  
-What a sweet game it was. It was Padilla and Travieso burying early threes to give themselves some confidence. It was Donta Bright owning the baseline and playing his best game since hitting Arkansas with 24 last year. It was Dana Dingle slashing to the hoop, hitting face-up jumpers and even astonishing Minutemen hoop cognoscenti with two right-hand baskets.+[{{ ::19951128_dingle_move.jpg?direct&300|Dana Dingle makes a move for the lane. Photo credit: Jonathan Daniel via Getty Images.}}] 
 +What a sweet game it was. It was Padilla and Travieso burying early threes to give themselves some confidence. It was [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]] owning the baseline and playing his best game since hitting Arkansas with 24 last year. It was [[dingle_dana|Dana Dingle]] slashing to the hoop, hitting face-up jumpers and even astonishing Minutemen hoop cognoscenti with two right-hand baskets.
  
 And it was Marcus. Oh boy, was it Marcus. And it was Marcus. Oh boy, was it Marcus.
  
-``Marcus Camby," said Coach Cal, ``is on a mission."+"[[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]]," said Coach Cal, ``is on a mission."
  
 Marcus Camby was a Man, capital M, last night. He let Kentucky know who was boss inside with five blocks. He hit enough soft turnarounds, graceful moves to the hoop and free throws (10 of 11) to match his career high of 32 points. He had nine rebounds. And he made clutch play after clutch play after clutch play. Marcus Camby was a Man, capital M, last night. He let Kentucky know who was boss inside with five blocks. He hit enough soft turnarounds, graceful moves to the hoop and free throws (10 of 11) to match his career high of 32 points. He had nine rebounds. And he made clutch play after clutch play after clutch play.
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 Three times in the second half, he hit turnarounds in traffic when the lead was down to 2. On one, he looked like [[wp>Patrick Ewing]] as he took three men to the left baseline and swished a monster shot. Three times in the second half, he hit turnarounds in traffic when the lead was down to 2. On one, he looked like [[wp>Patrick Ewing]] as he took three men to the left baseline and swished a monster shot.
  
-But perhaps the biggest play of the entire ballgame came on the first possession of the second half. Kentucky had the basketball. One of those patented threes could have done some damage. Not to worry. The 6-foot-11-inch Camby flashed out high to pick off a sloppy pass and took it all the way for a thundering dunk, which, according Dingle, ``picked our emotional intensity up again."+But perhaps the biggest play of the entire ballgame came on the first possession of the second half. Kentucky had the basketball. One of those patented threes could have done some damage. Not to worry. The 6-foot-11-inch Camby flashed out high to pick off a sloppy pass and took it all the way for a thundering dunk, which, according Dingle, "picked our emotional intensity up again."
  
-``The thing about that play," explained Padilla, ``is that it shows how we can follow instructions. The last thing Coach Cal said before we left the locker room was that they were going to run that double screen high. Marcus cheated out. He knew exactly what was coming."+"The thing about that play," explained Padilla, "is that it shows how we can follow instructions. The last thing Coach Cal said before we left the locker room was that they were going to run that double screen high. Marcus cheated out. He knew exactly what was coming."
  
 We all should have known what was coming. Early-season No. 1's have no chance against Your State U. We all should have known what was coming. Early-season No. 1's have no chance against Your State U.
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 By Joe Burris, [[https://www.bostonglobe.com/|The Boston Globe]] Staff, 11/30/1995 By Joe Burris, [[https://www.bostonglobe.com/|The Boston Globe]] Staff, 11/30/1995
  
-UBURN HILLS, Mich. - The first feats -- a couple of tomahawk rejections -- were downright scary. Right up there with the bedroom scene in "The Exorcist." Then Marcus Camby stole an errant pass, drove the length of the floor and threw down a two-handed, rim-rattling dunk. Frightening.+AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - The first feats -- a couple of tomahawk rejections -- were downright scary. Right up there with the bedroom scene in "The Exorcist." Then [[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]] stole an errant pass, drove the length of the floor and threw down a two-handed, rim-rattling dunk. Frightening.
  
-When the University of Massachusetts junior center swatted a University of Kentucky attempt into orbit for the fifth time, you pitied the Wildcat fans who couldn't stomach horror films. But he was like the Rottweiler in "The Omen": Whenever he entered the picture, the adversary had no chance.+When the University of Massachusetts junior center swatted a [[opponent_kentucky|University of Kentucky]] attempt into orbit for the fifth time, you pitied the Wildcat fans who couldn't stomach horror films. But he was like the Rottweiler in "The Omen": Whenever he entered the picture, the adversary had no chance.
  
 [{{ :19951128_camby_tracks_delk.jpg?nolink&400|Camby prepares to erase Tony Delk's shot.}}] [{{ :19951128_camby_tracks_delk.jpg?nolink&400|Camby prepares to erase Tony Delk's shot.}}]
 When the game was over, Camby had led fifth-ranked UMass to a 92-82 shocker over top-ranked Kentucky with an awesome display of power and precision. When the game was over, Camby had led fifth-ranked UMass to a 92-82 shocker over top-ranked Kentucky with an awesome display of power and precision.
  
-"Marcus Camby is truly one of the best players in the country, offensively and defensively," said Kentucky coach Rick Pitino. "We had so many difficult baskets, and that was because Marcus played so well."+"Marcus Camby is truly one of the best players in the country, offensively and defensively," said Kentucky coach [[pitino_rick|Rick Pitino]]. "We had so many difficult baskets, and that was because Marcus played so well."
  
-In doing so, Camby proved he will take over the leader-enforcer role that Lou Roe and [[williams_harper|Harper Williams]] once assumed. Yet unlike Roe and Williams, ferocious warrior types who outmuscled the opposition, Camby uses size, finesse and timing. With him, UMass still is capable of matching up with anyone in the country.+In doing so, Camby proved he will take over the leader-enforcer role that [[roe_lou|Lou Roe]] and [[williams_harper|Harper Williams]] once assumed. Yet unlike Roe and Williams, ferocious warrior types who outmuscled the opposition, Camby uses size, finesse and timing. With him, UMass still is capable of matching up with anyone in the country.
  
-"I just had to step it up," said Camby, who finished with 32 points, nine rebounds and five blocked shots. "We were getting a lot of pressure; a lot of people were saying that because we lost Lou, Derek Kellogg and Mike Williams, we weren't going to be as skilled. We circled the wagons, put together a strong effort and got away with the victory.+"I just had to step it up," said Camby, who finished with 32 points, nine rebounds and five blocked shots. "We were getting a lot of pressure; a lot of people were saying that because we lost Lou, [[kellogg_derek|Derek Kellogg]] and [[williams_mike|Mike Williams]], we weren't going to be as skilled. We circled the wagons, put together a strong effort and got away with the victory.
  
 "I want to be a leader out there a lot. Lou was our vocal leader, our heart and soul of the team last year. I think someone had to step it up. And it should be me, considering I'm going to get most of the shots and the focus is going to be on me. That's why I worked hard on my game this summer." "I want to be a leader out there a lot. Lou was our vocal leader, our heart and soul of the team last year. I think someone had to step it up. And it should be me, considering I'm going to get most of the shots and the focus is going to be on me. That's why I worked hard on my game this summer."
  
-Among the things Camby worked on was handling the ball. He provided glimpses in the Minutemen's exhibition against Dynamo of Russia as he handled the ball in transition.+Among the things Camby worked on was handling the ball. He provided glimpses in the Minutemen'[[game19951107_dinamo|exhibition against Dynamo of Russia]] as he handled the ball in transition.
  
-With 2:10 left in the Kentucky game, Camby rebounded a missed free throw by guard Allen Edwards, then dribbled the length of the floor and dished off to forward Donta Bright on the wing. Bright was fouled on the drive and sank two free throws to give UMass an 82-78 lead.+With 2:10 left in the Kentucky game, Camby rebounded a missed free throw by guard [[wp>Allen Edwards (basketball)|Allen Edwards]], then dribbled the length of the floor and dished off to forward [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]] on the wing. Bright was fouled on the drive and sank two free throws to give UMass an 82-78 lead.
  
-"I pretty much had that in my hand for a while now," said Camby. "But we're still trying to lob it to me so I can make plays and allow Edgar Padilla to bring the ball up the floor."+"I pretty much had that in my hand for a while now," said Camby. "But we're still trying to lob it to me so I can make plays and allow [[padilla_edgar|Edgar Padilla]] to bring the ball up the floor."
  
-Point guard Padilla, much maligned during the preseason, had a 14-point, 6- assist effort Tuesday night -- and Camby had a big role in that, too. After Padilla botched a few plays, coach John Calipari colorfully voiced his displeasure. But Camby motioned to the coach to ease up on the guard, and Padilla played through the errors.+Point guard Padilla, much maligned during the preseason, had a 14-point, 6- assist effort Tuesday night -- and Camby had a big role in that, too. After Padilla botched a few plays, coach [[calipari_john|John Calipari]] colorfully voiced his displeasure. But Camby motioned to the coach to ease up on the guard, and Padilla played through the errors.
  
 "Edgar's going to do those things; that's why Marcus kept looking at me, going, 'He's OK, leave him alone. We need him,' " said Calipari. "And I said, 'You're right, Marcus.' The greatest thing that happened in this was when they came over to me and said, 'Coach, don't act like this wasn't supposed to happen.' The arrogance that you want your basketball team to have, they have. We didn't have that two weeks ago. We want them to be arrogant." "Edgar's going to do those things; that's why Marcus kept looking at me, going, 'He's OK, leave him alone. We need him,' " said Calipari. "And I said, 'You're right, Marcus.' The greatest thing that happened in this was when they came over to me and said, 'Coach, don't act like this wasn't supposed to happen.' The arrogance that you want your basketball team to have, they have. We didn't have that two weeks ago. We want them to be arrogant."
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 By Bob Ryan, [[https://www.bostonglobe.com/|The Boston Globe]] Staff, 11/30/1995 By Bob Ryan, [[https://www.bostonglobe.com/|The Boston Globe]] Staff, 11/30/1995
  
-he letter should be arriving at Coach Cal's desk sometime today.+The letter should be arriving at [[calipari_john|Coach Cal's]] desk sometime today.
  
 Dear John, Dear John,
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 [{{ :19951128_camby_vs_walker.jpg?nolink|Antoine Walker blocks out Camby.}}] [{{ :19951128_camby_vs_walker.jpg?nolink|Antoine Walker blocks out Camby.}}]
-When you're Kentucky, and the major issue with your conglomeration of pampered High School All-Americans is parceling out playing time, a loss on Nov. 28 is not such a bad thing, as long as it doesn't come to someone your fans really care about, like, say, [[opponent_louisville|Louisville]]. Hence Rick Pitino's postgame attitude, which could be described as borderline cavalier.+When you're [[opponent_kentucky|Kentucky]], and the major issue with your conglomeration of pampered High School All-Americans is parceling out playing time, a loss on Nov. 28 is not such a bad thing, as long as it doesn't come to someone your fans really care about, like, say, [[opponent_louisville|Louisville]]. Hence [[pitino_rick|Rick Pitino's]] postgame attitude, which could be described as borderline cavalier.
  
-"Trying to mesh 10 or 11 players is harder than trying to mesh seven," declared Pitino following the 92-82 University of Massachusetts triumph. ''We're going to lose again, early on. We're not a great basketball team, but we will be come March."+"Trying to mesh 10 or 11 players is harder than trying to mesh seven," declared Pitino following the 92-82 University of Massachusetts triumph. "We're going to lose again, early on. We're not a great basketball team, but we will be come March."
  
 Pitino needed something to get his players' attention, and he has it. Meanwhile, he can get the fans off his back by pointing to Marcus Camby and saying, "Hey, they had him, and we didn't." Pitino needed something to get his players' attention, and he has it. Meanwhile, he can get the fans off his back by pointing to Marcus Camby and saying, "Hey, they had him, and we didn't."
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 If a Kentucky coach ever went through a season without defeating a Division 1 opponent, he would not be fired. He would be executed. On statewide television. If a Kentucky coach ever went through a season without defeating a Division 1 opponent, he would not be fired. He would be executed. On statewide television.
  
-UMass is now 112-18 during the last four-and-a-fraction seasons, with four consecutive Atlantic 10 championships, but it is still nowhere near Establishment. Despite John Calipari's reputation as a demon recruiter, the fact is he is making do with something less than first-choice recruits. There are certain programs that routinely recruit on a national basis. The [[opponent_duke|Dukes]], [[opponent_north_carolina|Carolinas]], [[opponent_kansas|Kansases]] and Kentuckys are always assumed to be involved with any Top 20 player. Even archrival -- and don't think it's anything less than that -- [[opponent_connecticut|Connecticut]] now regularly recruits from Calais to Chula Vista. Not so Your State U. In the last four years, they have recruited exactly two (2) players who had attracted widespread national interest -- Lou Roe and Donta Bright. Even Camby is a lucky accident of geography. Most people didn't catch onto him until it was too late. It became a battle of Storrs vs. Amherst. Coach K and Little Ricky were never involved.+UMass is now 112-18 during the last four-and-a-fraction seasons, with four consecutive Atlantic 10 championships, but it is still nowhere near Establishment. Despite John Calipari's reputation as a demon recruiter, the fact is he is making do with something less than first-choice recruits. There are certain programs that routinely recruit on a national basis. The [[opponent_duke|Dukes]], [[opponent_north_carolina|Carolinas]], [[opponent_kansas|Kansases]] and Kentuckys are always assumed to be involved with any Top 20 player. Even archrival -- and don't think it's anything less than that -- [[opponent_connecticut|Connecticut]] now regularly recruits from Calais to Chula Vista. Not so Your State U. In the last four years, they have recruited exactly two (2) players who had attracted widespread national interest -- [[roe_lou|Lou Roe]] and [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]]. Even Camby is a lucky accident of geography. Most people didn't catch onto him until it was too late. It became a battle of [[opponent_connecticut|Storrs]] vs. Amherst. Coach K and Little Ricky were never involved.
  
 Calipari has good players, but they aren't the inner sanctum high school elite people sometimes think they are. Indeed, Coach Cal and his staff, only hours prior to pistol-whipping Pitino's assortment of marquee studs, were amusing themselves by speculating on just how few of their players Pitino would even put on a list, let alone actively recruit. Calipari has good players, but they aren't the inner sanctum high school elite people sometimes think they are. Indeed, Coach Cal and his staff, only hours prior to pistol-whipping Pitino's assortment of marquee studs, were amusing themselves by speculating on just how few of their players Pitino would even put on a list, let alone actively recruit.
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 2. [[game19920322_syracuse|March 22, 1992. UMass 77, Syracuse 71 (OT).]] Take that, Big East. 2. [[game19920322_syracuse|March 22, 1992. UMass 77, Syracuse 71 (OT).]] Take that, Big East.
  
-3. Nov. 24, 1993. UMass 91, North Carolina 86 (OT). Topples top-ranked team and legendary coach.+3. [[game19931124_north_carolina|Nov. 24, 1993. UMass 91, North Carolina 86 (OT)]]. Topples top-ranked team and legendary coach.
  
-4. Nov. 25, 1994. UMass 104, Arkansas 80. Pulverizes defending national champ with every key player returning.+4. [[game19941125_arkansas|Nov. 25, 1994. UMass 104, Arkansas 80]]. Pulverizes defending national champ with every key player returning.
  
 5. Nov. 28, 1995. UMass 92, Kentucky 82. Roughs up yet another No. 1 team with a classic tradition. 5. Nov. 28, 1995. UMass 92, Kentucky 82. Roughs up yet another No. 1 team with a classic tradition.
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 When UMass plays brilliantly to defeat a No. 1-ranked Kentucky team, John Calipari never knows who is sitting home watching. It might be a 6-foot-11-inch center. It might be a 6-7 forward with [[wp>Grant Hill]] skills. It might even be the next [[wp>Muggsy Bogues]]. Whoever he is, there might be something about the UMass style of play, something about Calipari, something about -- who knows? -- the uniforms that kid may like. He might factor UMass into his thinking. You never know. When UMass plays brilliantly to defeat a No. 1-ranked Kentucky team, John Calipari never knows who is sitting home watching. It might be a 6-foot-11-inch center. It might be a 6-7 forward with [[wp>Grant Hill]] skills. It might even be the next [[wp>Muggsy Bogues]]. Whoever he is, there might be something about the UMass style of play, something about Calipari, something about -- who knows? -- the uniforms that kid may like. He might factor UMass into his thinking. You never know.
  
-What we do know is that Your State U's display of athletic excellence two nights ago put the name of the school on the lips of every college basketball fan in America. Now it's up to incoming president [[wp>William_Bulger|William ("How-Many-Men-Did- You-Say-There-Are-On-A-Side?") Bulger]] to give his basketball team a university it can be proud of.+What we do know is that Your State U's display of athletic excellence two nights ago put the name of the school on the lips of every college basketball fan in America. Now it's up to incoming president [[wp>William_Bulger|William ("How-Many-Men-Did-You-Say-There-Are-On-A-Side?") Bulger]] to give his basketball team a university it can be proud of.
  
 ===== Other content ===== ===== Other content =====
-  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWVFTA4qQRA|Recording of ESPN Classic re-broadcast, commercial breaks excluded, 480p]] +  * [[https://youtu.be/gFFxo9HU0qw|Video: Full game recording]] 
-  * Highlights from [[https://twitter.com/ClassicsCBB/status/1309617193391333376|ESPN]], [[https://youtu.be/JzUeh96lyhs?t=77|UMass Athletics]], [[https://youtu.be/oFEqdk_9WHQ?t=15|Season banquet video]]+  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWVFTA4qQRA|Video: Recording of ESPN Classic re-broadcast, commercial breaks excluded, 480p]] 
 +  * Video: Highlights from [[https://twitter.com/ClassicsCBB/status/1691499802394349569|ESPN]], [[https://youtu.be/JzUeh96lyhs?t=77|UMass Athletics]], [[https://youtu.be/oFEqdk_9WHQ?t=15|Season banquet video]]<!-- Alt source for ESPN highlights https://twitter.com/Alcides_Coop/status/1513522051763642376 -->
   * [[https://19nine.com/blogs/news/h-v-s-classics-umass-kentucky-1995?_pos=3&_sid=b9d8fff5b&_ss=r|Article from HVS Classics]]   * [[https://19nine.com/blogs/news/h-v-s-classics-umass-kentucky-1995?_pos=3&_sid=b9d8fff5b&_ss=r|Article from HVS Classics]]
  
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 </code> </code>
  
-{{tag>"1995-96 season" "Kentucky" "Ranked game" "Win over Top 25" "Win over Top 10" "Win over Top 5" "Win over Number 1"}}+{{tag>"1995-96 season" "Kentucky" "Ranked game" "Game versus Top 25 opponent" "Game versus Top 10 opponent" "Game versus Top 5 opponent" "Game versus Number 1 opponent" "Win over Top 25" "Win over Top 10" "Win over Top 5" "Win over Number 1"}}
game19951128_kentucky.1606778099.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/11/30 18:14 by mikeuma