Be an Athletic Supporter
by jshawn17 on Dec 21, 2007 3:34 PM EST
3 comments
I personally am disgusted with the bashing of our boys in blue. It is one thing to get upset about how the game is played or even decisions made on the court, however, more and more I glance around the blogs and nearly all of them talk about the how all but 5 guys on the team are worthless.
I understand our frustration with the way the season is going, and everyone seems to be quick to point out that it is going to take a few years. But to continually write off the boys in uniform each and everyday has got to stop.
I don't know how many times I have read about the lacking of Porter's ability. "He can't run the point." "He's not even division one caliber," and etc. If memory serves, Porter was brought in as a three point specialist. The UAB game really showed his potential. I remember another specialist we passed on that is going to break the SEC three point record this year that went to the South. It is hard for a shooter to run the point, but when Bradley doesn't constrain himself or gets in foul trouble it becomes necessary to run it.
I hate people saying these guys aren't any good, and we will have to wait for Billy to recruit. I hate to use this example, but Tennessee's resurrection to relevance came on the backs of one Dane Bradshaw, a guy who probably shouldn't be playing at a top tier conference. The one difference between Bradshaw and one of our guys is that UT fans actually started to support the players despite the lack of talent. In fact most the guys who started the surge weren't top tier players. All they needed was a coach who could get them fired up and get the best out of them. i.e. Major Wingate, Dane Bradshaw, Stanley Asumnu, and etc. And that is what Gillespie brings if we allow him to work his system.
If we actually got behind our boys instead of every time they turned on the radio or television they heard how awful they were, we might see them gain some confidence on the court as well. Yes we have injuries; yes we are struggling to catch on to the new system; but is that any reason to tell the team they are no good. You tell someone they are worthless long enough and they start to believe it. We ought to be cheering our boys on and encouraging them, instead of taking them behind the woodshed after every game. It doesn't mean we can't critique, just make sure it is constructive rather them destructive, or this season is liable to get a lot worse.
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Re:jshawn
Porter wasn't recruited to UK as a 3-point shooting specialist. If you read, for example, The Cats Pause Yearbook in the player profile section, you will not find any references to his shooting. His toughness is the major attribute he possesses. He did shoot 41% from the 3 point line his senior though.
While I agree that Bradshaw was a big part of UT's suceess his junior and senior years, the main ingredient was the presence of Lofton. His impact on UT is very easily quantified by looking at how they did when he was hurt last year.
The mere presence of a shooter of his caliber changes how teams defend. It opens up the inside for players like Wingate, Chism and Childress. Coaches are so preoccupied with keeping Lofton from dropping 30 on them, that they cheat out, opening up the middle. If you'll notice, Lofton as been very "unLofton-like" this year, and UT has struggled a bit. If Western Kentucky had been able to make a few free throws in the final three minutes, they may have very well beaten UT.
I'm not sure what you mean when you write "The one difference between Bradshaw and one of our guys is that UT fans actually started to support the player despite the lack of talent."-- If by "support" you mean playing in a half empty building, then yes the UT fans suported their team. Other than that I have no clue what you are referring to.
As far as the negativity one finds on blogs and its effect on the players: If a player reads what is being said on the blogs, then he has too much time on his hands, and if he allows what is written to negatively effect his game, then he needs to transfer because UK doesn't need anyone that weak minded on its roster. I seriously doubt though that this group of players are spending much time perusing the various blogs.
You are right though about staying positive. But, when discussing a loss, especially some of the losses UK has suffered this year, it is difficult not to find fault. Unfortunatley, due to injuries, UK has 2-3 players who have been playing 2 and 3 times the amount of minutes their talent warrants. That is just a fact that cannot be overlooked.
These issues are going to be dissected and discussed to death. It's why we have sports blogs. At times, the reality of a situation is not pretty, ergo the discussion of said situation is not filled with praise and optimism.
Well taken
Also Lofton struggles due to the loss of Bradshaw. The team has no one holding it together.
Being related to a UT fan (Dad has just been wayward his whole life), the attitude in Knoxville, despite coming off a year they went 14-17, was what is Pearl going to do, not Peterson left the cupboard empty. The number of attendance doubled per game, and now they rival UK for attendance. The fans treated the players better then the football team, which is saying something about Knoxville, even before they started winning.
And to say the players don't hear the peanut gallery, is a stretch. We all know they hear it. They do have tough skin, but chinese water torture doesn't work through quick bouts of pain, but constant annoyance.
jshawn
Yes, 41% is exceptional from the 3 point line. If he can regain that form at UK he will become an asset to the team.
I have been pretty hard on Porter, especially after the IU and Houston games. Media reports have indicated Porter was playing with a painful ankle injury Tuesday. This limited his ability to pivot, which led to 2 of his 6 turnovers. Porters toughness is something noone can discount. Considering a lack of toughness has plagued the UK roster the last few years, it is good to know someone is willing to play hard 100% of the time, regardless of being hurt or not.
You mention a very relevent point. Developing talent. I feel Porter and Carter are both capable of being "coached up". Remember, Porter is only a sophomore, and Carter has had very little practice time the lasst few years. Both players could become an integral part of UK's roster if they continue to develop. Although I feel at the present Porter is overmatched versus elite competition, I do feel he could raise his game enough to be a effective backup.
Don't be too hard on your pops. He is simply a product of his environment.
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