Kentucky coach John Calipari says freshman Nerlens Noel is an "energy guy, not a skill guy." The comment coming after UK whipped Portland 74-46.

Noel came to Kentucky as the No. 1 recruit in the country and in the early season, hes displayed more competitive spirit than any player on the team. Against Portland Noel played through some pain with tendonitis in his knee. Calipari encouraged him to keep the same intensity. "I said you're an energy guy, you're not a skill guy. You're not an up-and-under, swing and a hook shot, that's not who you are. You're an energy guy, play with energy."

Noel responded by saying Calipari is trying to keep him focused. "Energy is just a given, I've always got to play with that and as the road goes along, when I put it together skill wise, I think it will go well for me."

As hes said many times before, Calipari said again it's not going to be easy. "It's hard playing here and it's hard playing for me. You don't come here unless you want to be special. Don't do it, don't torture you or me."

Noel is averaging 11 points, 9 rebounds and more than 3 blcoked shots in his first nine games at UK. He says it's just going to take work. "Just making sure I get in the gym and stay in the gym and constantly work, work my butt off, to really be a special player."