Five takeaways from teleconferences held Thursday for coaches from the Southeastern and Big 12 conferences, ahead of Saturday’s SEC/Big 12 Challenge:
1. John Calipari said having four viable “bigs” is a “big deal” for Kentucky. Reid Travis, PJ Washington, Nick Richards and EJ Montgomery provide options should UK need length or “brute force” in games.
2. Kansas Coach Bill Self said the season-ending injury to center Udoka Azubuike makes the Jayhawks “very small.” The game Saturday in Rupp Arena will see a 6-foot-4 guard for Kansas guarding one of UK’s “bigs” “a lot,” he said.
3.