John Calipari discusses coaching philosophy with Rob Dillingham: 'You can't clip his wings'

Calipari spoke about how he handles Rob Dillingham's aggressive play style for the Kentucky Wildcats.
John Calipari discusses coaching philosophy with Rob Dillingham: 'You can't clip his wings'
John Calipari discusses coaching philosophy with Rob Dillingham: 'You can't clip his wings' /

John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats picked up another huge victory over an ACC opponent over the weekend, taking care of the North Carolina Tar Heels, 87-83, on Saturday behind a team-high 17 points off the bench from Rob Dillingham.

Despite leading the team, Dillingham didn't exactly have his best night, going 6-16 from the field and 1-6 from the three point line, while chipping in three rebounds and just one assist.

Still, it was yet another solid performance against a premier program for the freshman, and coach Calipari spoke about how he handles his hyper-aggressive play style after the game.

"You're coaching a kid that can create space and get a basket when he wants to," Calipari said. "Do you clip his wings? You can't. You've got to let him go. But I give him two a half. The third one, you're coming out. You're not going nuts. This isn't the and-one tape."

Calipari's coaching style has often allowed creators to, well, create, and it's a huge part of his success churning out high level NBA talent and recruiting top high school players.

Dillingham is projected to be among the next crop of NBA stars out of Lexington, rocketing up draft boards through 10 games where he has posted averages of 14.4 points, 4.5 assists. 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 46.5% from three.

Calipari admitted he sometimes struggles to let players like Dillingham and starting point guard DJ Wagner make mistakes, but his willingness to do so is how these players improve.

The trajectory this team is on right now, and with Aaron Bradshaw and Ugonna Onyenso back from injury, could make this team one of the most dangerous in all of college basketball by the time March rolls around.


Takeaways and Watches from Kentucky's win over the #9 North Carolina Tar Heels

Takeaways: Kentucky gets it done late to take down #9 North Carolina 87-83

WATCH: Reed Sheppard steals and slams against North Carolina

WATCH: Aaron Bradshaw has had a huge impact early for Kentucky against North Carolina

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