Billy Gillispie Call-in Show Rundown 1/28/08

Here’s a rundown on Billy Gillispie’s call-in show earlier today.

Coach Gillispie was absent this evening. He’s out on the road doing some recruiting. In his place were his assistants Jeremy Cox, Glynn Cyprien and Tracy Webster. Also participating were Alvin Brooks, Eric Fry (Trainer) and Todd Forcier (Strength & Conditioning Coach).

Opening up was Jeremy Cox.

Cox said, the team is having some great workouts, with lots of energy.

Joe didn’t practice any, but he along with Jasper have been rehabbing. They always plan on Joe being a go.

Talk of the biggest gains made by the team.

Getting everyone healthy and learning the system were a couple of the mentions.

Caller asked about what happens on gameday. (He’s heard rumors of Gillispie having tough practices etc.)

Jeremy Cox: They do practice on gameday lasting 1 hour or maybe a little longer. Said that it’s not abnormal and it’s to get the players mentally and physically prepared.

As in last week’s show….A caller wanted to know about A.J. Stewart and his situation.

(MATURE was a key word here. Used many times)

Cox said Stewart is still learning, needs to mature as a player in all aspects. More minutes will come, could be this year or next. He wanted it put out there that Stewart is a great kid, with a good upside.

Alvin Brooks Joins the show

Brooks is enjoying Kentucky, said he enjoys it more when they win games.

Asked how the team has come together.

Brooks: Players recovering from injuries, Ramel exuding confidence, guys buying into the system. (He noted how Ramel and Joe were used to a different system for three years.)

Caller with some comments, asked about problems with players switching and trapping.

Brooks: Talked about players buying in. Said, they base what to do on personnel, the score, time etc.

Caller is impressed with Perry Stevenson, Also Ramel’s control of play. Ask about specific player improvements.

Brooks: Mentioned Ramel and Joe’s leadership skills. Patrick Patterson’s footwork. (Missed the rest due to radio cutting out.)

Tracy Webster Joins the show

Caller asked about recruiting and what scenario when to pass on a player. Chris Lofton was brought up as an example. Asked about Darius Miller and thoughts of him coming in.

Webster: Miller is tough, versatile, enjoys playing the game. He’s a team player and everyone’s going to love him.

Regarding Chris Lofton. sometimes it’s hit or miss. They try to see players as much as they can, so they don’t miss on them. Brought up how some players will go to a different school and do well.

Caller wanted to know the reason behind Derrick Jasper’s improved shooting. Asked about more guys seeing time with the SEC tournament coming up.

Webster: Said, Jasper has worked hard. Encouraging him to shoot more when he’s open. Following through all the way with his shot. Shooting the ball the same way every time is key.

On more guys playing…They need guys to show up in practice and be ready to play. Need to understand how they want them to play. Taking it one game at a time.

Eric Fry joins the show

Joked how popular they’ve been with all the injuries and whatnot.

On Joe Crawford’s foot problem and recovery. Fry said that Joe will probably have some kind of pain the rest of the season.

He laughingly mentioned getting all kinds of calls and emails offering suggestions etc. Said, Joe is improving and doctors have been helping him. Joe is getting treatment around the clock.

Talked about Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson getting banged up Saturday. Also about Derrick Jasper’s injury.

Fry: Patrick sprained his ankle a little bit. (He’s had a few of those during the season) He’s doing fine, had a great practice and it’s not a huge concern.

Jodie Meeks had some cramping in both quads. Felt good afterwards, needed more fluids in him.

Tom Leach asked if Derrick Jasper’s situation is more mental or physical right now. (Mentioned him with the knee brace and the noticeable limp)

Fry: Derrick’s knee continues to get stronger. The new injury against Vanderbilt didn’t help, the injury is totally separate issue. Doesn’t think it’s mental, believe there is a little discomfort, and Jasper’s a tough kid. He’s continuing to get better and better, had some great dunks in practice.

Glynn Cyprien Joins the show

Opened up about how winning is fun. Cyprien said everyone in practice had a great attitude, are excited and positive.

From a recruiting standpoint, anytime you win, you can flaunt a little bit.

Things have been good, likes the ways the guys are playing and meshing.

Caller asks about Carter and Williams and if there are any plans for these guys. He mentions how 7 footers haven’t done well at UK.

Cyprien: Said, Carter has been playing well for the past couple of weeks and expected him to play in their last game. But because the way the game was, he didn’t. The matchups would of been difficult defensively for him. Carter has gotten better and they really, really like the progress he’s made.

Caller asking about any concerns with the Georgia game.

Cyprien: They are going to get into the gym and refine some things the next couple days. Will start focusing on Georgia and Wednesday or Thursday.

Complimented Coach Felton, said they play hard and are talented. It will be an uphill battle because the lack of success on the road this season.

Tom Leach asked Glynn Cyprien about Perry Stevenson, what he thinks has clicked with him the past couple weeks.

Cyprien: The coaches have known Stevenson was a talent. The key was for him to be more aggressive. His practice habits have picked up and his confidence has grown.

Leach brought up Stevenson’s size, putting on more weight, becoming stronger etc. Cyprien brought up Tayshaun Prince as an example of someone with the same kind of build who’s strong.

Todd Forcier joins the show

Leach brought up Jasper and Meeks missing alot of practice time and asked about their conditions percentage wise.

Forcier: Their getting close 100%. Big thing is to get them out in games to know how well they’re doing. Not overworking them, get them some extra non-impact work in. Them communicating after games to see how they feel.

Leach brings up Perry Stevenson, his body type, how to get him stronger.

Forcier: His philosophy has never been better weightlifters make better basketball players.

Always been a believer in performance versus lifting weights. There’s a lot of weightlifters who can’t play a lick of ball.

The biggest thing with Stevenson is how they can maximize his energy and effort on the court. Stevenson has alot of issues before they go and try to throw more weight on his body. His frame isn’t going to carry 240 pounds, no matter what anyone says.

Keep in mind he’s a basketball players first, before he’s weightlifter.

That’s about it folks. Actually some decent questions this week, a change from the usual.