Echoing a sentiment he first expressed on his radio show Monday night, Coach Cal is calling on the Big Blue Nation to allow him, the staff and the team to tend to their business in Houston in relative peace and quiet.

Show your Final Four pride, but give the players their space, says Coach Calipari (Available at Fan Outfitters and other fine retailers)

“If we take care of our business, there will be plenty of time to get autographs and personal photos beginning next Tuesday,” Coach Cal said. “We have the greatest fans in America and we want to reward them with our players’ undivided attention, focus and peak physical condition.”

As Coach Cal explained on his radio show, he’s not trying to shut the BBN out of enjoying being part of this team, he’s just hoping the citizens of the BBN can wait a few more days to help  the guys’ preserve their energy level and mental sharpness.

“You can scream at them, cheer for them in the open practice and take pictures from afar – but in order to make sure they – and our staff – don’t get worn down by thousands and thousands of requests at the hotel and in public, I’m just asking that you’ll give us all our space while we’re in Houston,” Coach Cal said. “I mean no disrespect at all and I know you all understand that we take pride in being The Commonwealth’s Team. But this is a business trip for these young men and our program. Let’s take care of business first and then we can have some fun later.”

The team is expected to depart for Houston on Wednesday and will practice in the host city beginning Wednesday evening. Formal NCAA activities at Reliant Stadium begin on Thursday with media responsibilities in the 4 o’clock PM CT hour. UK’s Thursday team practice at the dome will be closed to media and fans. On Friday, UK’s portion of the open practice will be held from 1 to 1:50 p.m. and Coach Cal said, “I can’t wait to see how many of the Big Blue Nation come over to watch us that afternoon!”

-RTL-