For the last month, fans questioned why the seven-footer remained in the starting lineup. Richards responded to the complaints by validating them.
In the last four games, Richards has only attempted three shots. He made one today to increase his four-game point total to three. In that time has hauled in ten rebounds, a contribution feels insignificant.
Calipari has kept Richards in the starting lineup because he does not want to “lose” him for the year. Today is the reason why Calipari must continue to play Richards.
In the previous three games, Calipari tightened the leash and played Richards fewer than ten minutes.