We’ve had the poll question up for a while now, may be about time to change it. Of the few weaknesses the 2012 Kentucky Wildcats have shown, Terrence Jones’ attitude was the one that most concerned me. Our readers agreed, as over 50% of the votes said Jones’ attitude was the major concern, beating out half-court offense and 3-point D. Things like the latter can be fixed through hard work in practice, and both seem to be improving.

Attitude, along with a perceived lack of effort, slowed down UK’s pre-season All-American early on. Flexing for the camera after a simple play, talkin way too much smack, not showing up for the Cats’ only loss at IU, and that constant scowl made TJ’s decision to return and improve his draft status seem like a lost cause (not to mention his involvement in a hit-and-run late at night before the home-opener). This Kentucky team has the talent to be very good despite him, but my belief has been that to be truly great, he’s got to be a leader.

Our boy Scott Anderson over at Nation of Blue did a piece over the weekend detailing an intervention of sorts that assistant coach Kenny Payne had with the UK sophomore. It’s worth a read, go check it out. Basically, the kid needed to be put in his place. By a man. Kenny Payne is a very large man, and a stern talking to from a guy who, despite playing for lil bro, overcame the odds and won a National Championship(yes my young friends, UofL did that once or twice), looks to have been just what Dr. Calipari ordered. Jones’ play and demeanor of late suggests Coach Kenny may have gotten through to him. The effort has been night-and-day from what we saw the better part of December. The numbers are obviously improved as well, the residue of hard work.

What say you, fans of the Blue? Has Terrence Jones’ attitude been adjusted? Still work to do? Or are you yet to buy in?

 Loading ...