Rating:

3.0 (9 votes)

There have been rumors picking up over the last week that Daniel Orton, even though he doesn't start, might be leaving after the season.

No one even asked Cal, but he gave it up.

Cal's way of doing business is, if it could happen, he likes to, if he can, get on top of it.

Cal told a good story about Orton going back to the days when he was recruited by Billy Gillispie.

You could also take this as a shot against Billy G. And, Cal comes right out and puts a rumor that was gaining steam to rest.

Cal was asked about the re-recruiting Daniel Orton.

"That's a great question," says Cal.

"In our locker room after one of our games I was proud of how he played and how he's responded to this team."

"And I said, Daniel, when you were recruited here, what did they tell you? They told me I would start. Did they tell you you'd be the man? Yes, they did. And I said, Now all of a sudden, guys, he's playing behind DeMarcus Cousins, and, you know what, all he's done is helped our team win."

This is the part that will make some True Blue fans talk.

"And I'll tell you right now, Daniel will have options at the end of the year to make a decision on what he wants to do."

"Can you imagine? And I'm not sure that would have happened if he was on a team that was an NIT team. You hear what I'm saying? Now they're looking at him saying this kid is really, really good. And he is."

Cal on Orton the person, which is strong.

"The other side of it is people love his attitude in that he's dealt with it. But he's a talented big player who blocks shots, who rebounds. And he's taken on his role to say I'm going to do whatever I need to do."

Is it possible that it's been better for Orton not to start, then start for Billy G?

"At the end of the day, like I told him, it's worked out better for you. You're going to be fine. If you choose to do something, it's there for you. If you choose to come back, that's fine, too."

Orton wasn't sure what to say. So, in not saying much, he spoke volumes.

"I really don't know what he means by that," says Orton.

"I guess a lot of people will have options to do certain things," says the talented backup center-forward.

"So, hopefully my choice is good. I hope I can make a great choice for the future for myself."

What about perhaps not coming back?

"Ah, I really not open to talking about that now."

Patterson, Wall, Cousins, Bledsoe and Orton could all leave.

If they all really want to, getting blown out by Wake Forest makes it tougher.

Winning it all and playing great, makes it easier.