Expect More Minutes for Collin Chandler in Postseason: ‘He’s Gonna Be a Big Key to This’
As the postseason approaches, Kentucky head coach John Calipari is preparing to lean more heavily on freshman guard Collin Chandler, with expectations that he will play a critical role in the Wildcats’ postseason success. In a recent interview, Calipari made it clear that Chandler’s contributions will be integral to the team’s playoff aspirations, and fans can expect to see an uptick in his minutes as the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament unfold.
Calipari, who has developed a reputation for giving his young players key minutes in big games, expressed confidence in Chandler’s growth and readiness for the intense pressure of postseason basketball. “Collin’s been one of the guys we’ve been grooming for this moment,” Calipari said. “He’s a talented player who has been working hard all season, and I think he’s going to be a big key to what we’re trying to do in the postseason. He’s gonna get a lot more minutes, and we’re excited to see him step up.”
Chandler, who has impressed during his freshman year at Kentucky, has been developing his skills throughout the regular season and is now poised to have a breakout postseason. His athleticism, basketball IQ, and scoring ability make him an essential piece for the Wildcats, especially when the pressure intensifies in tournament play.
Throughout the regular season, Chandler showed flashes of his potential. He demonstrated a knack for scoring, both from beyond the arc and by driving to the basket. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting range has made him a valuable asset on offense, while his energy and defensive awareness have contributed to Kentucky’s depth on the other side of the ball.
However, as the Wildcats gear up for postseason play, Calipari emphasized that Chandler’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor will be critical. “In March, you need players who can do it all,” Calipari said. “Collin’s a player who can score in multiple ways, but he’s also tough defensively. We need him to be locked in on both ends. That’s how we win games in the tournament — it’s about playing complete basketball.”
Calipari’s plan to increase Chandler’s minutes also comes at a time when Kentucky’s rotation is tightening in preparation for high-stakes games. As the Wildcats enter the SEC Tournament with high expectations, Chandler’s presence on the court will provide added depth to the team’s backcourt, giving them more options when facing tough opponents. His versatility allows Calipari to mix up his lineups and find favorable matchups, particularly against teams that focus on heavy perimeter play.
Kentucky’s path to success in the postseason will likely rely on a balanced team effort, and Chandler is expected to contribute in a variety of ways. Whether it’s hitting critical three-pointers, making timely steals, or providing fresh legs in the backcourt, Chandler’s role will be pivotal in Kentucky’s tournament aspirations.
For Chandler, the chance to shine on such a big stage is a culmination of the hard work he’s put in since arriving in Lexington. The freshman guard understands the importance of the moment and is prepared to embrace the challenge. “I’m ready for whatever Coach needs from me,” Chandler said. “I’ve been working to be able to play a bigger role, and I’m excited to help the team in any way I can.”
As Kentucky heads into the postseason, expect to see more of Collin Chandler as a key contributor for the Wildcats. With his combination of skills, athleticism, and growing confidence, he could be one of the X-factors that propels Kentucky through the SEC Tournament and into the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats’ success may depend on how well Chandler performs when the stakes are highest.
