Calipari: Comments not specifically aimed at Coach K

There's never a dull moment at a John Calipari news conference.

Calipari was asked Wednesday about recent comments that appeared to be a shot at Mike Krzyzewski and Duke's recruiting pitch. A recruit being pursued by both programs recently described both of their methods, noting that Kentucky focused on getting players prepared for the NBA while Duke promised players they'd be set for life.

Calipari wrote a blog post earlier this week that appeared to bash the Blue Devils' strategy:

I refuse to go in a home and paint a picture saying things like, "If you come with us you'll be taken care of for the rest of your life by the program and by our alums" even though you may only be in school for a year or two. How preposterous does that sound? What if I say that same thing and the young man decides to transfer for one reason or another? Does that still hold true that we're going to take care of them the rest of their lives? Our approach is to give them the fishing rod and the lures to help them catch fish, not to just give you the fish.

Calipari downplayed the remarks Wednesday.

"That post was more in a general sense," he said. "It wasn't geared to one person, one program."

Calipari added, "When you throw a rock in a pack of dogs, the one you hit starts yelping. That should've hit about 15."

He also talked about Skal Labissiere and believes he could have been a superstar if he stayed in school. Labissiere declared for the NBA draft after just one season with the Wildcats.

"If he stayed in school another year or two, he would've been the No. 1 pick," Calipari said.

Many observers agree that Labissiere, a 6-foot-11 big man, has all the tools to be a great pro player, but would have benefited from more polish. Labissiere averaged only 15 minutes a game last season, posting 6.6. points and 3.1 rebounds per game.