Kentucky 74, Kansas State 72: Post Mortem

by Truzenzuzex on Nov 29, 2008 4:26 AM EST in Basketball Comment 86 comments

Well, it's 1:00 AM here in Las Vegas, and even though I am tired, I figure I owe all you intrepid Wildcat fans a report on how the game went live.

First of all, I want to congratulate Kansas State on a hard-fought game that they nearly pulled out in the end. As a Kentucky fan, and a fan of college basketball, I really appreciate how Kansas State relentlessly attacked UK's weakness and in the end, nearly overcame a deficit that got to as large as 17 points. Toward the end of the game, Kentucky's players were visibly more fatigued than those of K-state, and that allowed open 3-point shots and offensive rebounds which really hurt Kentucky.

In the end, though, UK made just enough rebounds to send the K-State 'Cats to tomorrow's consolation game vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes, who were handily defeated by West Virginia in the first game of the evening session.

Some observations from the bleachers. A note -- I have not looked at the statistics, as I find they tend to color my observations.

As good a game as Jodie Meeks played in the first half, he played an equally poor game in the second half. He was repeatedly beaten off the dribble, had the ball stolen from him over and over again, and just generally stunk in many ways.
Michael Porter played about 15 minutes of good basketball, and the rest was abysmal. One thing I will give him credit for (and the reason he stayed in the game so much despite his obvious failings to handle the ball at times) was his defense. It was notable, and impressive against some guards who, quite frankly, are significantly better than he is.
Perry Stevenson starred in this game as the Invisible Man. He did have one block in the first half that almost brought Orleans Arena to the ground with a roar that would have deafened a man at 100 yards.
Darius Miller played a very strange game, almost Porter-esque. Up and down. In the end, he fouled out.
The officials failed to call two indisputable, prima facia intentional fouls. The officiating in this game would perhaps generously be described as "uneven."
Kansas State has some really good players. If they had either Beasley or Bill Walker back, they would surely be a top-25 team. With both, they would be top 5.
At times, UK's defense was worthy of a top 5 club. In the beginning and in the end, it wasn't worthy of a top 100 club.
I like the way Frank Martin coaches. They guy is a real up and comer, and will one day be a star.
Gillispie did a very smart thing at the end of the game when UK was up by five. He basically told his players that if anyone guarded K-State over half court, they may never see the floor again. UK players literally ran away from Jacob Pullen as he lined up and made the last, meaningless three.
Patrick Patterson struggled to rebound. That's not good.
Ramon Harris worked hard on defense, but struggled handling the ball and making free throws.
Patrick Patterson ran the floor like a gazelle. Maybe that's why he was so tired at the end.
Billy Gillispie has a deep bench which is utterly wasted, because he almost never used it. That has got to change.
UK fans were at least 5-1 more numerous than K-State fans, although K-State was much better represented than any other fan base besides UK. That says a lot for them, and how seriously they take their team.
Man, the blue. Wait until you see the pictures. For an arena that seats about 7,000, the first game had maybe 1500 people in the stands. For the UK game, there were at least 3500 and maybe 4000.
UK fans were passionate and pretty darn fair. It was a pleasure being with them so far from home. I have had many interesting conversations.
I was very impressed so many of you stayed up and blogged the game. Give yourselves a pat on the back.

That's all for tonight. Tomorrow, Ken has an awesome preview of the UK-Tennessee game and I will have an open thread up as always. I'll be watching that game (UK doesn't play until around 7:00 Las Vegas time) and will try to participate in the conversation.

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not a good sign...

http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/dawson/blog.html?GID=oEj1MrTrGRDdwm2AVwA6L1dXA47t/+0wMEsvBKVTGlU%3D

If Liggins turns out to be another Legion it could be bad for us

by the spork on Nov 29, 2008 5:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

well...

very depressing, but not surprising…
All we can do is hope for the best…

Hey Jai, you listening dawg..????

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 29, 2008 9:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

UK Is Full At 13 Scholarships Now

Someone would have to transfer at semester break to free up a scholarship for Jai Lucas.

He was UK bound in March 2007 but I doubt he transfers to UK in December 2008.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 9:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Liggins...

… may free up that scholarship….
If not, I don’t think Jai and his Dad John are hurting of cash….

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 29, 2008 10:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Not

But I think Jai Lucas will transfer ON SCHOLARSHIP wherever he goes.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 10:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

what if....

..Liggins leaves..? Jai and his dad know that UK is in real need of a true point, hell, everyone knows… lol

I hope, pray, am begging that Liggins stays, but if the kid is unhappy, I see him leaving soon…. Very soon….

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 29, 2008 10:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That Would Free Up Scholarship

UK must fins an open scholarship by December 2008 to take Lucas as transfer.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 10:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Crap...

Are you freaking kidding me?

Do we not give these kids thorough psych exams before we offer scholarships????

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Nov 29, 2008 9:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bad news...

…but not that surprising. If the man wants to run his team like the military, then there is going to be some section 8s.

Del Tha Funky Homosapien
formerly known as senowen

by Mr. Bob Dobalina on Nov 29, 2008 10:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Could be something else

When Liggins came out of the game in the first half, he had just committed a walk where he drug his pivot foot. When coming off the floor, he was walking as if he had pulled something. Maybe, just maybe he did pull something, and did not want to tell anyone. Just a thought.

true blue living in a sea of orange

by qmwhitlock on Nov 29, 2008 11:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Injury?

That’s not what I got from Gillispie’s quote up there…

I gotta think that if you’re hurt, you’re a lot better off telling the coach that rather than just refusing to go in.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Nov 29, 2008 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

He would be better off telling someone if he were hurt, but he is a Freshman, and young men do not always do what it would be best for them to do. To me it would make more sense if he were hurt, that he would just say he did not want to go in, than for him to be disgruntled about not getting much playing time, so refusing to accept the playing time that is offered. But again he is young, and young men do not always make sense.

true blue living in a sea of orange

by qmwhitlock on Nov 29, 2008 12:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

A Mature Freshman

If I’m not mistaken, he is a 20-year-old freshman. The year he spent in prep school in Nevada, far from his Chicago home, should have matured him.

by Fortunatus on Nov 29, 2008 5:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My Friend On The K-St Staff

Told me earlier this week that Meeks would be the W or L factor. His words on Wednesday:

“Meeks will take 20 shots. If he goes 6-20, we can can. If he goes 12-20, we can’t.”

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 6:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Dammit

Comcast doesn’t carry ESPNU. But the other cable provider around here does. My girlfriend has the other cable provider. A couple months ago we watched Kentucky/Arkansas on ESPNU at her place.

Well, about a month ago she changed her cable package so she could get regular ESPN and get the Kentucky games. She dropped the “Kids Pack” that she had… apparently ESPNU is on the kids pack. I didn’t find that out until I woke up on the couch at 11:50 last night and turned to that channel…

I guess I’ll just read the open game thread to get a feel for it.

grumble grumble grumble

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Nov 29, 2008 9:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

important qoutes from Billy G...

“He played very gutsy,” Gillispie said of Porter. “Because he was totally physically drained and worn out.”

“He needed to be rested. He needed to not play so many minutes. But he had to. He showed a lot of toughness and grittiness.”

15+ players on the bench coach…. 15+…..

Porter will be done at half time tonight….

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 29, 2008 10:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Liggins Declined To Play

But I don’t understand why Galloway couldn’t see PT in relief of Porter.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

agree 100%

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 29, 2008 10:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wonder if Liggins will even dress tonight

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Nov 29, 2008 10:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Erik Martin

Back in early 1990’s at UC, there was a bizarre incident wherein Bearcat forward Erik Martin declined to re-enter the game. Bob Huggins banished him to the locker room. But they “made uP” their differences and Martin played in the very next game.

Martin is now an assistant on his WVU staff.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 10:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Just one

of a number of in-game strategies that I don’t understand. I’ve never seen a major college coach with such an opaque coaching philosophy.

Del Tha Funky Homosapien
formerly known as senowen

by Mr. Bob Dobalina on Nov 29, 2008 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It is ...

… very difficult to explain many of Gillispie’s decisions conventionally. I have given up trying and at this point, am pretty much going on faith.

The weird part is, I never noticed the attempt to get Liggins in and his refusal. But what really gets me is why he didn’t play any of the other players he had available, especially when we had a big lead.

I have no idea, and I expect he won’t be telling me.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Nov 29, 2008 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

what..? he won't tell you Tru..?

Well now, that’s ridiculous… lol

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 29, 2008 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Look, plain and simple.........

if he even speaks of a transfer, things need to be looked at big time. Two seasons in a row screams of problems somewhere…sure they are pampered from the age of 13…but man this is frkn ridiculous. Our most vulnerable position is in trouble, all they do is run with no resemblance of an offense being run anywhere, anytime….and are u telling me 80% of the bench cant play. I’m just discouraged right now…but my hope carries me

by teambeam on Nov 29, 2008 12:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Happens Everywhere

Joe Hall was 33-21 his first 2 years at UK. Rick Pitino was 36-20. They turned out OK.

Gillispie deserves AT LEAST 5 years to show what he can do.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 12:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

We have to have something that

none of us are used to. PATIENCE! It sucks, but it’s true. Does anyone remember Rashaad Caruth? Roderick Rhodes? Enough said! Let’s be patient, and support our coach! This quick to ambush, insane negativity is why we have a bad rap anyways! But it sure was good to see the following we had in Vegas last night…..The All Time Winningest Program in NCAA history! Go Big Blue! Go Big Blue! Go Big Blue!

gobigbluecatsfan72

by gobigbluecatsfan72 on Nov 29, 2008 1:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Impatience

As fans, we are as impatient for wins as freshmen are for playing time.

While many have credited Gillispie with being a great recruiter, the recruits playing now are not a fair reflection of his ability. For both ’07 and ’08 most of the best players had already committed. So we ended up mostly with transfers and jucos, kids who had some issues previously. Historically, few of these kinds of players have become reliable producers.

His ‘09 and ’10 recruiting classes will be kids he identified early and then worked closely with to get them here. By then the recruits will have a better idea of what they are getting into with Gillispie and shouldn’t be shocked by his tactics. It may be the 2010-11 season before we can judge what he can really do.

As of right now, we are not likely to be much different at point guard next year. When Liggins and Galloway try hard to do what Billy tells them to do, they will get playing time. But it may not happen.

by Fortunatus on Nov 29, 2008 1:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

If You Look At His Recruiting (2003 Through 2008) Without Bias

You’ll see he is a good (but not yet great) recruiter.

There were plenty of possibilities for 2008 recruits. He chose Harrellson and Galloway to go along with Liggins and Miller. UK missed out on a number of more talented recruits.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 1:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

But...

building a reputation of running kids off, (I’m not saying that he’s doing that), has a very negative effect on these high school kids, coaches and parents….
If (and that’s a big if), Liggins leaves, that would be 4 players in 1yr & 1semester that has left Billy’s teams…

Tubby’s recruits I can live with, but when you start losing your own recruits, that’s not good…

I can see both sides actually… For Billy G., he is the coach and if you’re not doing the job, you sit, period… but, in Liggins eyes, he sees getting yank 2 mins into the game over a single mistake and having to sit there and watch Porter make mistake after mistake after mistake… I mean come on, put yourself in his frame of mind… How would you feel… We as fans see it, so you know he does…

You guys may already have noticed that I am NOT a Billy G. fan… I think is overrated and not up for this job… And from what i hear, he’s not a very good person…

All that being said, us as UK fans need to give him fair chance to see what he can do and I think 3-4 years is about right…

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 29, 2008 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I dont think...

anyone completely understands the issue with Porter…to me he has been ‘The Engineer of the Turnover Train.’

by teambeam on Nov 29, 2008 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It may take 3 or 4 years

to unwind the mess Tubby made of the program. This season will say a lot; however, if he has some more VMI and G-W moments, I will be the first to say he was a mistake.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hogwash, That's BS

2004 class was #1 rated. 2006 was Top 15. And 2007 was going to be Top 10 with Patterson and Lucas.

UK was 131-40 in the 5 years prior to Gillispie. He’ll do well to match that.

UK was 44-25 the 2 years before he came. He’ll do well to match THAT. He’s 21-15 so far.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't care about recruiting rankings.

I do care about results. The mess I am talking about is running UK in the the ground of national insignificance.

FYI, Tubby didn’t sign Patterson and he didn’t sign Lucas.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

UK Had 2 Subpar Years

But was HARDLY nationally insigificant either of those years.

Both Patterson AND Lucas were GOING to sign with Kentucky.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 4:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

They were?

Did you talk to them and ask them personally? You don’t know that, you assume that.

10 years in a row, no Final Fours … national insginificance. But, if you are that insecure about Tubby Smith’s record then by all means, please.. have the last word.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Talked To Both Of Their Parents

John Lucas knows my stepdaughter from her WNBA playing career and played against her Dad in the NBA. I talked to him at O’Hare Airport in Fall of 2007.

I talked to the Pattersons (we have a mutual friend in WV) before the UK / South Carolina game in Columbia SC in Winter of 2008.

UK made 1 FF in the last 14 years under Coach Rupp. UK made 1 FF in the 14 years after the 1978 NCAA title. Been there, done worse before.

Tubby went 9 years without FF. Gillispie has never been NEAR a FF unless he bought a ticket.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I heard

that you also spoke to the Easter Bunny and Santa Clause. Good try old timer.

UK also never went to a Final Four from 1922 through 1938 so I guess Tubby gets a pass.

Now I understand, you have a Tubby bias that goes beyond objectivity… good luck selling that garbage.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Both Are Fact

Tubby is a black man.

Methinks you already knew that in May 1997.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 4:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

of course..

and did you know that BCG is white? but as a black man myself, I do not hold that against him.

I have much better role models for my children than Tubby Smith. I certainly don’t want them looking up to someone who turns a thriving organization into mediocrity and caps his failure by walking away from it (in an unethical manner) to make even more millions while the program is left to suffer. Sorry, I can find much better role models than that failure.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 5:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Baloney

Tubby won 1 NCAA title, 5 SEC titles, and 5 SECT championships in 10 years.

His most immediate predecssor won 1 NCAA title, 2 (or 3) SEC titles, and 5 SECT champiosnhips in 8 years. I COUNT 1991 hence the “or 3” comment.

(Hall and Sutton era) They won 9 SEC titles, 3 SECT championships, and 1 NCAA title in 17 years.

Do the math. Tubby was just as successful at Pitino, Hall, and Sutton.

by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 1, 2008 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Baloney Forty

Look what Pitno had when he got here and what tubby had when he arrived…

Pitino’s “bad” years he inherited, Tubby’s “bad” years were a result of his on recruiting….

You’re are good at posting numbers, but they are only “raw” numbers and do not tell the story correctly…

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Dec 2, 2008 10:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Titles Don't Lie

1 NC, 2 (or 3) SEC, 5 SECT in 8 years for Pitino.
8 or 9 in 8 years.

1 NC, 5 SEC, 5 SECT in 10 years for Tubby.
11 in 10 years.

0 NC, 1 SEC, 2 SECT in 4 years for Sutton.
3 in 4 years.

1 NC, 8 SEC, 1 SECT in 13 years for Hall.
10 in 13 years.

by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 3, 2008 7:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bad Years?

I guess 2006 and 2007?

Those teams had the #1 class from 2004. The #1 JuCo player from 2005. And Top 15 class from 2006.

Bad recruiting?

by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 3, 2008 7:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

numbers don't tell the whole story

a intelligent person knows that…
But keep on throwing them out their friend, you seem to impress yourself…. lol

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Dec 3, 2008 10:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you're wrong...

A&M was a Acie Law lay-up away from the elite eight, so “never been near” is a little far fetched…

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 29, 2008 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Never Been Close

Unless he buys a ticket.

by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 1, 2008 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ESPN Provides This For Your Memory

Patterson was near decision before Tubby’s departure (Mar23)
Patrick Patterson’s college decision hinged greatly upon Tubby Smith coaching Kentucky next season, his high school coach, Lloyd McGuffin, told the Kentucky Kernel. “Big, a real big factor,” McGuffin said in response to Smith’s influence on Patterson’s decision. The coach went on to say the McDonald’s All-American was nearing a choice before the news of Smith’s departure came about.

Decision on Tubby will affect Patterson (Feb27)
Heralded prospect Patrick Patterson, one of the most highly coveted recruits in UK basketball history, told the Herald-Leader that Kentucky coach Tubby Smith was the “main reason” he was considering Kentucky. If UK were to dismiss Smith as coach, “I’d be very disappointed,” Patterson said. “It’d affect my decision.” Asked whether he’d scratch Kentucky from his list of six schools, Patterson said, “Probably.” Patterson, a 6-foot-8 power forward and McDonald’s All-American from Huntington, W.Va., plans to narrow his list of schools to three by mid-March. He’s also considering Duke, Florida, West Virginia, Wake Forest and Virginia. He plans to make his college choice April 3.

McDonald’s All-American to wait and see about Kentucky (Mar27)
Top unsigned point guard Jai Lucas tells the Kentucky Post he will wait and see who Kentucky hires as head coach before eliminating the Wildcats from his list. UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart left a message for Lucas’ father John imploring them to wait until a coaching decision has been made. The younger Lucas will make a decision two weeks after the Final Four regardless of the Kentucky situation.

Lucas not ruling out Kentucky despite Tubby’s departure (Mar23)
ESPN 150 guard Jai Lucas has not crossed Kentucky off his list of schools after hearing of Tubby Smith’s move to Minnesota, reports the Kentucky Kernel. The Bellaire High senior did tell the paper that he “loved” Smith.

Lucas to decide in a month (Feb26)
Jai Lucas said yesterday that he plans to make his decision by the end of March, and that his final choices include Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 1, 2008 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It is all relevant

look where he was coaching. You could coach at UNC and land a top 10 class every year but I doubt you are a better recruiter than BCG.

Results matter, recruiting rankings is just noise.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

As I Posted

If you look at the facts, you’ll see Gillispie is a good recruiter, not a great one.

The great ones are Roy Williams. Coach K. Billy Donovan. Jim Calhoun. Bill Self. Ben Howland. Guys like that.

The spin is that Gillispie is a great recruiter. The facts are Not Yet.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Billy D. is a great recruiter..

as he has proven by the talent he brought in at a non basketball school. UNC will make any coach a great recruiter as will KU and I suspect UK will do the same for BCG.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 3:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not So

UTEP is a basketball school. Don Haskins made it one. He beat Rupps Runts.

TAMU had little success but Gillispie’s best players were signed by his predecessor.

He’s a GOOD recruiter, not great. Not yet anyway.

The prior UK coach signed Top 20 (or better) classes in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, and (was going to sign another in) 2007. That’s 9 out of 10 classes.

Many say Top 20 isn’t good enough. Except when Gillispie does it. Then it’s GREAT???

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You crack me up...

do you actually believe most of the stuff you post? lol I posted “Billy D. is a great recruiter.. as he has proven by the talent he brought in at a non basketball school. UNC will make any coach a great recruiter as will KU and I suspect UK will do the same for BCG.” and you say “not so.” You crack me up old timer.

Bringing UTEP and TAMU into it is absolutely absurd. FYI, I have never said BCG is a great recruiter; I never said or even hinted that BCG recruits were great. Stop making assumptions, pay attention and relax.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 4:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Donovan IS A GREAT Recruiter

Gillispie is a good one, not great (yet).

Those are indisputable facts.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and.. FYI

I find nothing special about Tubby Smith. He never reached a Final Four with his recruits. No argument about that, it is fact.. and he never will. When it is all said and done, Tubby will be known as a decent man but an underacheiver at UK.

A decent man maybe, but Tubby’s character is not perfect, he took in millions from UK only to walk away with the program in disarray and insignificance. Negotiating with Minn while still UK’s coach is shameful; UK made him wealthy and famous and he disrespects the program in that manner? Shameful, especially given the millions he was given and his failure at UK.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 4:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Tubby

on the ALL-TIME list for most consecutive 20+ W seasons. Dean Smith #1 and Lute Olson #2. Tubby s #1 on the list for active coaches.

He ranks 6th ALL-TIME for Most W in first 17 seasons as coach. 407 W. Pitino had 396 W in the same timeframe. Tubby ranks in Top 10 active coaches (10+ years experience) in both W-L (%) record and NCAA games.

He ranks 5th (all-time) for consecutive NCAA tourneys at 14. Dean Smith #1. Lute Olson #2. Roy Williams #3. Bobby Knight #4. Pretty impressive list.

UK wins 76% of its games and 69% of its NCAA games. (Tubby, 76% and 72% at UK).

UK wins NCAA title every 10 years (7 of 70). Tubby won 1 in 10 seasons.

UK wins SEC title and SECT championship every 2 years. Tubby won 5 of each in 10 years, or 1 every 2 years.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 4:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I Hate The No Edit Feature

He’s #3 in the first category above.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 4:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ther is a "preview" feature... lol

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 29, 2008 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and..

he left UK in shame as he turned the program into national insignificance, he never took any team of his to a Final Four and he never will. He is good, I admit that, but he is certainly not great. Stats are for losers, they are used by desperate people… but, given Tubby’s track record and his failure at UK, that is all you have. Tubby doesn’t care though.. he is filthy rich thanks to UK basketball so his failure means very little to him. But Tubby’s unethical behavior gets a free pass and that is fine with me, I am just glad that guy is gone.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Baloney

The UK record over his last 5 years exceeded UK historical record.

He ranks with all-time coaching greats in a number of categories.

He won 76% of his games and 72% of his NCAA games winning 1 NCAA title, 5 SEC titles, and 5 SECT championships in 10 years. Each of those MEET or exceed UK all-time results. How is that FAILURE?

by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 1, 2008 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Forty...

Can you honestly sit there and tell us that the UK Mens Basketball program was not on a steady decline in resent years..???

really…?

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 29, 2008 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If You Count 131-40 Over 5 Most Recent Years

That’s 76.6% or slightly BETTER THAN UK all-time.

If you count only 2 years, then UK was in decline MANY TIMES over my lifetime.

by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 1, 2008 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

C-A-T-S

Nice early road win for the Psycho Cats. Looks like they did just enough to get buy. If this teamcould put two halfs together they could be tough.

Meeks is a 40 a night threat that we havn’t had at KY in awile. " Wow" this guy can score at will at times! We should be able to beat alot of teams with Jodie and Pat alone.

3OR is not getting it. But 29 DR is!

Bring on the Mountneers. One more and were champs.

by bigbluefan on Nov 29, 2008 3:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

40 A Night?

Haven’t had that since Issel.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 3:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Tubby Is Actually A Very Good Recruiter

Good classes at Tulsa, including 2 NBA draft picks. Not many of those from Tulsa.

Good (Top 15 rated) classes at Georgia.

Good ones at Kentucky, too.

ALL good recruiters run players off.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 3:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Meeks was fabulous!

He beat KSU single handed.. 37 points, 6 boards, 4 steals and 2 assists… noone likes the turnovers, but he can turn it over 9 times every game if he is going to put up amazing performances like that. The guy averages 27 points a game, over 5 rebounds and two 2 steals. As much as he is called on to do and with the ball in his hands so much, he gets a pass on the turnovers.

Saying he “general stunk in many ways” is absurd. You should thank him for an amazing all around performance.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 3:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Meeks

Florida really wanted him.

UK recruiters won out.

In 2006, B.G.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lost in last nights game.....

Jodie Meeks accounted for exactly half the UK points….

One man does not a team make…!!!

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 29, 2008 4:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

You are correct..

but one man can surely carry a team, that we know.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 4:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Carry It To What?

L to VMI? 2 point W over K-St?

UK will be MUCH more successful with a balanced scoring attack.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 4:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

what are you talking about?

I wasn’t talking about UK.. go take a nap.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 4:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

One Man CANNOT Carry A Team

Michael Jordan won Diddly Squat until Phil Jackson became his coach and the Bulls added the right mix of players around him.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

???

actually MJ won a National Championship at UK. Maybe that just slipped your mind.

So Michael Jordon owes his succes in the NBA to Phil Jackson? uhm, that is a new one.. I actually think you believe that. There is only one coach I know of who could have held back Mchael Jordan’s teams from winning championships but Tubby was busy elsewhere.

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 5:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i agree on the edit feature..

make that UNC

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Syracuse

Carmelo Anthony.

by EEWildcat on Nov 30, 2008 1:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That said

I don’t like UK to be that kind of team. I like a balanced team.

by EEWildcat on Nov 30, 2008 1:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nor do I......

but add Kansas

Danny Manning

by racercat98 on Dec 1, 2008 4:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Manning Was Senior And Dominated For KU In 1998

Anthony was a star but had LOTS of help in 2003.

by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 1, 2008 7:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I remember a great line from his Airness

“There is no "i” in team but there is in W-I-N." – Michael Jordan

by MyBloodRunsBlue on Nov 29, 2008 4:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I Wish We Had Michael Jordan

But we don’t. The “I” in WIN only matters when a player of his stature is mentioned.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 29, 2008 4:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

there is no "i" in team...

…but there is an “m” & “e” and that spells ME-eeks…

just a little humor….

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 29, 2008 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't want Jordan

I want someone else. Someone better. There will be a time when the next great “one” comes along and it would be lover-ly if he/she came to UK to play for a couple of years.

by bluecrip on Nov 29, 2008 5:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

hmmm

…Still nothing on what actually went down with Liggins?…just kinda hopin smthing would break

by teambeam on Nov 29, 2008 7:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm With You

What seems to be true is that the players who get to play are the ones who go all out in practice (Coury, Porter) and who go out on the floor in games and try hard to do what the coach tells them to do. Players who enter games and do what they want to do — not what Billy wants them to do — get jerked. If they are trying to do what Billy wants them to do — even if they make mistakes — they’re okay. That’s why Harris, Stevenson and Porter play. Harrellson is getting there.

Patterson and Meeks are the only two who can score at will — and they both work hard — and neither is particularly selfish — so they get to play — even though they make mistakes.

Other players seem to want to do their own thing. They apparently think they are smarter than the coach.

by Fortunatus on Nov 29, 2008 8:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Looking Back > Patterson And Lucas (2007) And UK Recruiting

Lucas to decide in a month (Feb26)
Jai Lucas said yesterday that he plans to make his decision by the end of March, and that his final choices include Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 1, 2008 11:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs