Rob Dillingham gives unselfish answer about lack of playing time vs. Team Africa

Rob Dillingham played just 12 minutes in Kentucky’s win over Team Africa (BAL Select) on Saturday, but that didn’t bother the former 5-star freshman.

Dillingham has been a standout for the Wildcats at the 2023 GLOBL JAM this week in Toronto. However, on Saturday, his minutes were limited after he started 1-for-5 from the floor in UK’s 104-92 victory.

After the game, Dillingham said he trusts coach John Calipari and he understood why his minutes were limited.

“It’s just trusting coach Cal and knowing the process,” Dillingham said. “Maybe today wasn’t my day. And, obviously, the people that were in the game, that was the moment.

“DJ [Wagner] was getting buckets, Reed [Sheppard] was getting buckets. So I wasn’t really having a problem sitting on the bench. I want to get in the game, but it’s like, ‘if they’re playing better, why would I force myself to be mad?’ We’re a team.”

Wagner finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Sheppard scored 18 points on just 10 shots and made 2-of-5 from beyond the arc.

Here’s video of Dillingham meeting with reporters after the game:

The media talks with Rob Dillingham after the game.

– Being a team player
– having fun a Drakes
– playing on and off ball
– letting the game come to him

Take a listen as he brings up all his his and more! pic.twitter.com/18K2LfVMWp

— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) July 15, 2023

Dillingham projects to be an important player for the Wildcats this season. He was the No. 16 overall player and the No. 3 point guard in the class of 2023, per 247Sports Composite rankings.

But first, Dillingham and the Wildcats will face Canada in the gold medal game on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

Spenser Davis

Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.