“Champions Rising:Collin Chandler’s heat check is proof he’s going to be a ‘really special player,’ says Mark Pope
Collin Chandler went a bit too far during Kentucky’s resounding victory over LSU on Senior Night. The rookie guard had just assisted on a three-pointer from Ansley Almonor before collecting an offensive foul, and the Wildcats were ahead by 35 points. He made two 3-pointers in the first half and was just minutes away from an offensive rebound and a second-chance three of his own.
The rookie was called for a foul when Chandler pulled up from the Rupp Arena logo more than 26 feet away with a hand in his face, indicating that he was feeling a touch off. This resulted in a and-one three the opposite side. Overall, Chandler’s game was fantastic—his finest in blue and white—but the sequence was subpar.
Mark Pope praised Colin’s performance on Thursday. “I believe he knew, everyone knew, and we knew that he stretched the limit a bit too far, is not that one shot—”
The head coach of Kentucky, however, thought it was fantastic. Why? Chandler’s performance in a game that he would not have considered trying weeks ago, let alone months ago when his Wildcat odyssey started, is a sign of growth.
Pope sees that event as evidence that the former top-35 recruit will one day be a unique talent in Lexington.
The head coach of Kentucky, however, thought it was fantastic. Why? Chandler’s performance in a game that he would not have considered trying weeks ago, let alone months ago when his Wildcat odyssey started, is a sign of growth. Pope sees that event as evidence that the former top-35 recruit will one day be a unique talent in Lexington.
In fact, I cherished that moment. The following morning, I had a quick meeting with Collin and we made light of it. I adore it; it is how we develop,” Pope remarked. Since failure is not final, we want to fail as quickly as possible. Failure is merely a necessary part of the growth process. You learn more, develop more, gather more data, and improve as a player the more failures you can stack close together.
The best aspect of that moment was being unafraid of that. He had no fear. “Hey, guy, I think I am feeling it,” is how it feels. I am going for it even though I am not sure if it is right. He will be an extremely unique player as a result.
