(AP) -Memphis coach John Calipari has a problem with how he should handle his 18th-ranked Tigers.
On one hand, he’s trying to jump on them enough to encourage aggressive, relentless play. At the same time, he doesn’t want to affect the confidence of individual players.
The equation seemed to balance on Saturday as Doneal Mack scored 18 points to lead five Memphis players in double figures in an 86-46 victory over Middle Tennessee.
“I’ve got my hands full,: Calipari said of dealing with his team’s emotions. “I love this team, but it is the challenge of challenges. I’m trying to coach aggressively, but make sure they love themselves as a group and as individual players. I have to be aggressive because there are things that are not acceptable. So, I’m kind of juggling balls a little bit.”
Mack, who was 6-of-10 from the field including 4-of-7 from 3-point range, is one of those who is just building his confidence. The 18 points were a season high for the freshman guard, who didn’t play in the Tigers’ 79-71 loss at No. 9 Arizona on Wednesday.
“I’m a rhythm player. I play in a rhythm,” Mack said. “If I miss my first shot, I think sometimes I get down. Once I get my first shot, my confidence builds. When I start hitting them, then I start feeling it. I’m not playing timid.”
Jeremy Hunt added 16 points for Memphis (9-3), while Chris Douglas-Roberts went 5-for-6 from the field and had 13. Willie Kemp and Robert Dozier each had 11 points.
