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Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari got a sneak peak of his team during a four-game excursion in the Bahamas last week and came away impressed.

The Wildcats reached the century mark in three games and defeated their four opponents by double digits. Calipari was impressed with his team’s performance in the finale against the Bahamas National Team, a 98-74 victory, and liked the way responded after being down late in the first half.

“That team we played was an experienced, physical group,” he said. “With the quick turn, I wanted to see if we had fight, and I loved what I saw. I loved that it was close and we had to pull away.”

Calipari was especially impressed with Oscar Tshiebwe, who averaged 11.5 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.

“You know what I really loved about the week? That Oscar was our fifth-leading scorer and he cheered like crazy,” Calipari said. “That’s what makes him special! That’s what makes this team special! They all want each other to succeed!”

Illinois State transfer Antonio Reeves led six players in double figures during the four games, averaging 17 points per game. Reeves connected on a team-high 14 3-pointers and was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Veteran returnees Jacob Toppin (16.8 ppg.) and Sahvir Wheeler (14.5 ppg.) also averaged double figures, followed by Tshiebwe (11.5 ppg.), freshman Cason Wallace (10.5 ppg.) and Damion Collins (10 ppg.).

Kentucky’s offense averaged 106 ppg., while surrendering just 56.5 ppg. The Wildcats committed just 42 turnovers per game and 92 assists on 165 made field goals.

Calipari doesn’t want his team to get ahead of itself despite the overseas success.

“My message to the players now is to not drink the poison,” he said. “Don’t read the clippings. Don’t listen to the accolades of that trip. We were good, but not close to where we are going to be if they stay hungry, yet humble.”

Now that the tour is over, Calipari wants his team to keep improving in the off-season.

“My focus now is where do I take each individual player to be their best version on the court,” he said. “We can already see their best versions off the court with what they are doing for the people of Kentucky. (They are a) special group.”

Keith Taylor is the sports editor for Kentucky Today. Reach him at keith.taylor@kentuckytoday.com and via Twitter at keithtaylor21.