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John Calipari on Dontaie Allen: “Now it’s his turn to shine”

Dontaie Allen
Chet White | UK Athletics

John Calipari has been asked the same question after every loss for the last three weeks. Why is Dontaie Allen not playing?

Allen hasn’t played meaningful minutes since the first half of Kentucky’s loss to Georgia Tech on December 6, leading to fans questioning why the Falmouth, Kentucky native is struggling to get on the floor while the Wildcats are 1-6.

For weeks, Calipari preached patience and that Allen needs to be ready for his chance, saying the redshirt freshman forward is behind some guys in the rotation.

On Monday, Calipari spoke about Allen during the UK Healthcare John Calipari Show. Calipari says he had a conversation with Allen today and told the in-state product that he will get a chance now.

“I told Dontaie last night, and tonight, he’s going to get a chance now,” said Calipari. “Still got injuries. Not going to play guys that can’t play but 70-percent, which means are you ready? He was great in practice; I was so proud of him. He started off shaky, and I had to be right beside him talking to him, just pumping him up, (saying) let it go, let it go. I was really proud of him because he’s waited his turn, and rightfully so, the guys in front were better than him. Now it’s his turn to shine, and it’s his turn to do it.”

Kentucky will take their six-game losing streak to Starkville on Saturday to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the lone SEC program that hasn’t defeated John Calipari during his tenure in Lexington. Will Allen get his opportunity to shine in the SEC opener?

Skip to the 14:15 mark in the video below to hear what Calipari had to say about Allen.

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