This aspect of John Calipari's coaching style could pay off for Kentucky in March

John Calipari is a Hall of Fame coach, and while it might drive some fans crazy, one aspect of his coaching style could help this current Kentucky team make a deep run in March.

The Kentucky Wildcats needed to improve their record in Quad 1 games, and they did just that on Saturday, taking down the Alabama Crimson Tide in Rupp Arena. Not only did Kentucky win, but they blew out the Crimson Tide, winning this game 117-95.

The highlight of this game for the Kentucky Wildcats was the way freshman Justin Edwards played. He literally couldn't miss going 10-10 from the field and 4-4 from three. This gave Edwards 28 points on the night. Edwards has struggled throughout the season, but over his last seven games, he is shooting 50% from three and averaging 12.1 points per game. If Edwards can give the Wildcats 12 points a game for the rest of the season, and guys like Antonio Reeves and Rob Dillingham continue to score the basketball, this team can make a deep run. Some coaches would have gone away from Edwards, but not Calipari. Coach Cal has always been known as a coach who sticks with players through struggles. Sometimes it pays off, and sometimes it does not. Big Blue Nation is hoping what they saw out of Edwards against Alabama wasn't a fluke and the freshman wing can continue to shoot the ball well from the field and deep.

Coach Calipari had this to say about him sticking with Edwards after the win over Alabama, "You know, I kept saying you're going to break through, I believe in you. He said coach, I believe in you."

If Edwards can develop into the player we expected throughout the remainder of the season and take this Kentucky team on a deep run in March, Coach Calipari deserves a big pat on the back for keeping him on the floor through the struggles and letting him develop through the course of the season.

After the game, Edwards discussed the mental health issues he went through during his struggles, but he is feeling better. Coach Calipari, having the confidence to stick with Edwards and always help keep his chin up, needs to be remembered if this team does something special in the postseason.

Hopefully, Edwards's play of late and over the course of the remainder of the season will get him back in the first round of the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft.