Cal extends players-first philosophy to Combine

John Calipari applies his “players first” philosophy to the NBA Combine.

Upon arriving at the Combine on Thursday and immediately attracting media attention, Calipari advised participating players to think of their own interests first and foremost. One-for-all selflessness should be reserved for a later team setting.

“If there’s no reason to play, how do you help yourself?” Calipari said of the decision many players make not to participate in Combine games. “If you’re some of our guys, you’re not going to help yourself, so don’t play.”

Hamidou Diallo, who is not playing in the five-on-five games, fits this description.

No one said so directly, but the games might not be best for someone…