UK Student-Athletes
#31, Kellan Grady, Graduate Student, Guard
On UK head coach John Calipari‘s trust in Kellan that he’ll make shots …
“It’s a rewarding feeling. He mentioned it (told him to shoot more) in the starting lineups. I was able to get some in transition and I just went to the half court. But that’s the beauty of being on this team and outrunning teams and just being able to get good looks.”
On how aware he is of the fans during his shooting streaks …
“I’m honestly more grateful for the anticipation, which essentially tells me that 20,000 people trust me to make it or are excited for me to make that shot. The last couple games at Rupp, that’s become just an amazing feeling and I’m grateful to be able to play in front of such a loyal fanbase.”
On whether he felt like Steph Curry after the 4-point play opportunity …
“A little bit, yeah. I don’t know if anyone saw me do the four-point play, like what he does, but then of course I missed the free throw.”
On what makes this team special compared to other teams he’s been on …
“It’s hard to pinpoint. We’re just a cohesive group both as you can see, on and off the court. We understand each other and it’s just what you expect for a team where you have a bunch of guys that are close. Everyone appreciates each other, everyone has their own unique traits both on the court and off the court. It’s been a joy to be a part of.”
On number of points compared to the total amount of shots they take …
“We have such a deep team with a plethora of options with regards to scoring. If you look at our box scores, I’m not sure anyone on this team has taken over 15 shots this year. Usually, our core guys are shooting five to ten times and it’s about being efficient and taking advantage of opportunities when you’re granted them.”
#3, TyTy Washington Jr., Freshman, Guard
On the jerseys hanging in the gym …
“I know who Tubby (Smith) was but other than that, not really. I just know their jerseys are up there for a reason. They set a great standard for all of us. Even back in the time they played in, they didn’t know they were going to set standards here. It’s a standard here that we’re all accountable to hold up to. So just seeing those jerseys go up there, and then to see Tubby’s go up today, was really great, because, like I said, it’s just the standard. It was a blessing for not only me but my teammates and Tubby’s family as well.”
On the t-shirt he wore in the postgame …
“Everybody on our team actually got this. It was in our locker room after the game. I just wanted to throw it on because Tubby’s a legend, as well as a Cal. You always have to pay your respect when respect is due. Everyone here and in the state respects Tubby. Everybody’s appreciative of what he did for the program back then. We’re just trying to keep it going, and that’s why I’m wearing this shirt. Loud and proud.”
On Kellan Grady’s scoring …
“It’s crazy. I think he scored 12 points in 30 seconds. He is off running and shooting threes. When I saw him going crazy like that, I asked him, ‘Do you mind if I join in on the party?’ He was like, ‘Yeah man.’ I know once he makes two, the shots get wider for him. So, whenever he is shooting, we all think it’s going in. Even his heat check, he thought it was going in. Then every time he hits a three, we all celebrate it. Then when I hit the three, he was the first person who came to celebrate it and chest bump me. It just shows how well connected we are as a unit and shows that we all care about each other. We don’t really care who scores, as long as we are producing and coming out with a win at the end of the day.”