After a brief one game return to Rupp Arena, the Kentucky men’s basketball team heads back on the road this week for games against the Ole Miss Rebels on Tuesday and the Florida Gators on Saturday.  John Calipari joined the SEC coaches’ teleconference Monday morning to offer some comments on the upcoming week. Calipari will have further comments on Ole Miss before the team travels to Oxford, Miss., later this afternoon at media availability. Check back later for video of those.

• Calipari expressed surprise that the team had another two games on road, having played their previous two on the road before the Georgia game. “This is another tough trip with a young team,” Calipari said.  “Both programs are solid and strong and do the right things and play the right way.”
• Even though the game on Saturday in Gainesville, Fla., will be featured on ESPN’s College Gameday, Calipari said that his full focus right now is on Tuesday’s game. “We’ve got our hands full Tuesday,” Calipari said. “I’m truly not worried about Saturday yet. Let’s just try to get by Tuesday and see how we do.”
• Calipari was asked a question about some of Ole Miss’ recent struggles in their 1-5 start in conference play, but he was quick to praise Andy Kennedy’s squad. “They’re spacing the court, they’re running good stuff, they’re getting good looks. I like how (Kennedy) is spacing so they can attack the rim. They’re playing to their strengths.”
• Calipari was also unreserved in expressing his admiration for Kennedy’s coaching, saying “Andy is one of the best coaches around.” Calipari also said that his Hall of Fame visitor of last week, Larry Brown, is a fan of Kennedy. “He thinks the world of him and he doesn’t even know him that well,” Calipari said. “His comment was ‘That guy can really coach.’ “
• Oxford is very close to Calipari’s former stomping grounds in Memphis, Tenn., and Calipari said he would have friends in town to see him and his team. “It will be fun to see them, but this is a business trip for me,” Calipari said
• Of course, the requisite question about Calipari’s thoughts on how Darius Miller is playing was asked. Calipari said that he has been happy with his play in spurts, but that he still wants to see him bring his A game more consistently. He also said he would be speaking with Miller today about whether he needs to play fewer minutes in order to maximize his level of play when he is on the floor. Calipari did make sure to mention that Miller is making strides. “He’s getting closer,” Calipari said. “I’m pleased he’s moving in the right direction.”
• OKennedy talked at length about Kentucky and the challenges that they present in Tuesday night’s game, calling UK a “very, very talented team.” Kennedy also said UK would create a number of matchup problems for his team.  “They’re very big, they’re very athletic,” Kennedy said. “Four of the five guys in the game can extend you out to the 3-point line as well as take you off the dribble.”
• Both Kennedy and Florida head coach Billy Donovan talked about the play of freshman point guard Brandon Knight. Kennedy spoke of the matchup problems he presents as a 6-foot-3 point guard, while also saying his play has been more reminiscent of a veteran than a freshman. “He has great poise and great tempo to his play,” Kennedy said. Donovan, having recruited Knight in high school, is familiar with Knight’s work ethic. Donovan recounted one of his visits to Knight when he learned of Knight’s daily routine that consisted of three hours of independent study after school, an hour and a half of practice on the court, then another hour and a half of weight training. “I always felt like he was a very focused kid,” Donovan said. “He was very focused in school and very focused in basketball. He really has a strong desire to be the best.”