Rating:

5.0 (1 vote)

Now, it's for real.

Coach Cal's Cats are getting ready to open up the new season against East Tennessee State and to say they're ready, might be an understatement. Well, not ready in the sense that they've learned everything they need to learn, but ready as in chomping at the bit.

"We've gotten together and bonded. We're coming along together trying to accomplish one thing, we're trying to win the national championship. We're taking it one step at a time and everyone's going to have to contribute," said freshman Stacey Poole.

Chemistry will either make this team championship calibur, or if they don't have it, it could keep them from reaching their goals. The guys say so far, so good.

"We play with each other and mess with each other on the court, but off the court we hang out, we do things with each other and we always have each other's back," said Poole.

Calipari preaches to his team about being your brother's keeper. They are starting to get it. In fact, they're starting to have a lot of fun and the season hasn't even officially started yet.

"Besides myself, Doron (lamb) is the funniest. We all crack jokes. Darius miller imitates anybody. Just ask him, he can do it," said Poole.

We asked, Darius didn't oblige.

"Stacey's lying. I can't do anybody, I don't know why he's saying that. I'm actually bad at impressions to be honest," said Darius laughing.

There is still a lot that remains to be seen with this team. How much will they improve? How well will they learn to play together? And what happens if Enes Kanter can't play?

"We want Enes to play, that's our brother. He's a hard worker but right now if he doesn't play, we still have a good team, but we really want Enes to play," said Poole.

Don't we all?