THE SCOTT SCOUT

By David Scott

Editor, CoachCal.com

Check out videos from Friday's meet-the-media session at the Joe Craft Center.

"As I travel around this state," said John Calipari at various stops on this summer's book tour for "Bounce Back." "I'm finding out this is a pretty big game."

Laughs would follow each and every time.

That laughter is silent now.

It's game time: UK, UL - winner takes bragging rights for at least a year.

The Wildcats had what I would term a "very productive week" of practice AND, maybe more importantly, bonding. With classes on-hold for Winter Break, the Joe Craft Center's men's gym has become a classroom for Professor Calipari.

"I love this time of year the most," Coach Cal said. "I'm able to spend ALL day with the team."

It hasn't just been basketball either, as the team has had several meals together and now, after Friday night, two movies in the last week. (The team saw Sherlock Holmes on Friday night.)

• Kevin Armstrong from the New York Times penned this UK-UL preview for Saturday's edition. (Yours truly gets quoted as well, but probably loses his red Sox Nation membership card in the process.)

• Even if this is true, it will not change how Coach Calipari's team approaches the game. You never assume a player won't be available; you only prepare as if he will be.

• In the end, this game will come down to one thing from my perspective: Can UK defend the 3-pointer. If they do that and if the freshmen don't become overhwelmed by the atmosphere, the Wildcats will finish off their non-conference schedule unblemished and will be battle-tested for the start of SEC games next Saturday against Georgia.

-CC-

• Check out Tom Leach's interview with Cedric "Swoop" Jenkins: