Appalachian State @ Kentucky: Post Mortem
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 20, 2008 4:43 PM EST
in Basketball
69 comments
Despite being outmanned and outgunned, the Mountaineers from Appalachian State came in and gave it their all today against the Kentucky Wildcats in Freedom Hall. A hearty "Thank you" to the Mountaineers for a never-say-die effort, and some of the best sportsmanship I have seen in a while, despite a technical for barking at the referee (that guy needed a bark from somebody).
Moving right along, I don't know that we can take away a heck of a lot from this game, but there are surely a few things:
- Jodie Meeks, at his best, is incredible. Perhaps the most dangerous catch-and-shoot player we have had in recent memory.
- Michael Porter had a super game. After all the heat he has taken around here, we have got to give the guy his props for this game -- 5 assists and only one turnover against some defensive pressure. Very impressive.
- The combination of Porter and Galloway just seems to work. Galloway is getting better and better on the floor. Hopefully he will someday develop an offensive game as well. He is a great athlete.
- A.J. Stewart played his best basketball so far at UK by a wide, wide margin. He was confident, in the right place, and got 15 very good minutes.
- Patterson shot the ball very poorly for him today. I also wish he could have done more on the glass -- seven rebounds for him is just not enough.
- Josh Harrellson was the invisible man today. When he did play, he struggled.
- Darius Miller didn't shoot well, but he did have 4 assists, no turnovers two steals and a block. Coaches love players who produce more than points.
- Stevenson had a weird game, taking three (3) 3-point shots. That's unexpected, but he did make one. Five rebounds is a disappointment. He should be able to manage seven or eight against a team like Appy State.
- Great to see Ramon Harris back, even if it was only for 9 minutes. He managed 2 assists, a block and a steal to go along with 4 points. Very efficient.
- Liggins continues to struggle with turnovers, but his defense just keeps getting better and better. Three steals and a block rescue him from an otherwise disappointing performance. He is getting better, but right now, his games look like the movie "Groundhog day," the same thing over and over.
This Kentucky team is getting better and better, especially defensively. Two games in a row, the 'Cats have come out with fantastic intensity and humbled teams in the first half, although to be fair, the competition level hasn't been very high. That's why we can be encouraged, but let's not get into any chest-thumping here. Against better opponents, Kentucky has been less than impressive.
But overall, 'Cat fans have to be encouraged by the steady improvement in the team. UK continues to score their points off an impressive number of assists, a total of 15 today on 31 shots taken, and at one point, it was 23 assists off 21 taken shots. Garbage time made that number worse than it should be. We also managed only 15 turnovers today and a very impressive 11 steals, four of which belonged to the man of the hour, Jodie Meeks.
If the 'Cats continue to improve, they just may be a threat to knock off a top team. Perhaps even the same top team Minnesota defeated today.
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App. State
Is actually a really good rebounding team. They’ve averaged 8+ rebounds over their opponents up to this game. Still, I also would’ve like to have seen Patterson and Stevenson do a better job.
You have mail, Tru.
by BBallSophist on Dec 20, 2008 5:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Once again UK....
dominates a completely overmatched team. Not sure what to take away from games like this. Still glad to see that they were able to blow out a team that they should have.
by SevenRings on Dec 20, 2008 5:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
PT For All, More Experience, And Nice W
What more could you want?
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 20, 2008 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, you know, you can't take much away, really.
The biggest thing is that we are playing these teams the right way. That’s the most important thing to me, anyway.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 20, 2008 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Incrementalism
My guess is that Coach Gillispie might not consider it as such but after today’s game I think I finally have an understanding of his process in building this Wildcat basketball team: incrementalism. It explains the unusual starting lineups, inexplicable substitution patterns, cryptic player minutes and other inscrutable decisions. I believe I recall Coach using the term “baby steps”, an indeed apt metaphor for incremental growth of individuals and team. Perhaps it should have been evident to me sooner but that it wasn’t is more likely due to my fan’s typical impatience and desire for exigent excellence. Today’s performances by Stewart, Galloway (actually last couple of games) and Porter are pertinent examples of personal incrementalism. The first half was a tribute to such team growth and the second half was testament to the need for further amelioration of different lineups. I look forward to more incrementalism and also, now that I understand and accept it, less skeptical and stressful time as a fan.
by Wild Weasel on Dec 20, 2008 5:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yep.
Small improvements are more easily made habit. Baby steps are good. We really had no huge bactracking today, which is another positive.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 20, 2008 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not all fans find BCG's coaching and substitution patterns to be inexplicably inscrutable.
Most of the more serious ’Cat fans in my little corner of the world know full well that there are very good reasons why BCG is being paid the millions to recruit and coach, rather than the rest of us. And they have not suffered from the hysteria prevalent in some quarters surrounding the playing time of guys like Mark Coury, or DeAndre Liggins.
Passion looks good in a fan base, right up to the point where bakers and CPA’s and clerks and importers actually start believing there is anything they can say that would assist the head coach at the University of Kentucky in improving his team’s play. If we only played more zone. If we only shot more threes. If we only played so and so more minutes. If that McDonald’s All American would just get rid of that hitch I’ve diagnosed in his shot. It’s unbelievable vanity, but we all know people like this.
I find I am far more mystified by such breathtaking arrogation than I am by anything the head coach does.
Obviously, I concur with the conclusion at which you have belatedly arrived: life as a fan is easier and more fun if you approach it with the humility of knowing there is a very good reason why Mitch B. did not hire you to be the Head Basketball Coach at the University of Kentucky.
We’re getting there.
by Ken Pomeroy on Dec 20, 2008 10:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Once the system is in place for four years
the incoming players won’t have to worry about adjusting as quick, since there won’t be such reliance on young players. They can take the baby steps without creating much public turmoil by losing to experienced teams like VMI.
by bluecrip on Dec 20, 2008 10:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
4 Years
It remains to be seen what that means. He’s never coached 4 years anywhere (yet).
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 21, 2008 7:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's The Measure Of Any Coach
Pitino coached 8 years at UK but did better in Years 5 thru 8 than Years 1 thru 4.
He has done the reverse at Louisville – better in Years 1 thru 4 than Years 5 thru 8.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 22, 2008 1:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well
We got to see Meeks score 46 points.As far UK history is concerned,I am pretty confident that is a Top Ten performance all-time,scoring wise.
by -Zoso- on Dec 20, 2008 5:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
6th Best All-Time
Only Issel, Hagan, and Burrow ever scored more in a game.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 20, 2008 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the stat 40
That’s only the second time in 30 years watching the Cats I seen a player go over 40 points.The first time was pure magic,it’s when Goose went off on Duke,my first “witnessed” NCAA Title.
by -Zoso- on Dec 20, 2008 6:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Turpin Scored 42 In Early 80's
I forget which year. But after Givens put 41 on Duke.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 20, 2008 7:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
46 POINTS??????
I missed the game today. That is incredible!
by kentuckygirl0724 on Dec 20, 2008 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep.
Jodie was en fuego, no doubt.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 20, 2008 6:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
Meeks broke the record of Mike Pratt in Freedom Hall.
by kykat51 on Dec 20, 2008 5:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I can see the overall improvement
Since start of the season…guys working together.
by kykat51 on Dec 20, 2008 5:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good Performance Overall
Except for a couple of brief lulls, I thought we played good basketball from start to finish. We stayed focused. The defense was consistently strong. Porter was very solid. I’ve noticed too that everything seems to flow better lately when Porter and Galloway play together. Liggins passed the ball and didn’t try to do too much. The improved passing got Meeks (and others) some very good shots. It was good to see Harris back and looking good. AJ is catching on. If they stay focused and consistent, they’ll beat some good teams this year.
by Fortunatus on Dec 20, 2008 6:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
A.J. ...
… had just a great game. Confident, athletic, made good decisions and played fairly good defense.
We might just eventually wind up with a player here.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 20, 2008 6:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
I just don’t see that “want to” from him. He has the tools but sometimes lacks the desire in my humble opinion.
by SevenRings on Dec 20, 2008 6:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No argument from me. Maybe he found it today.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 20, 2008 6:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't see the game,
but I do trust all you folks and your comments, so there’s hope. Can you imagine about 10 kids all ready to sacrifice for TEAM and each one able to contribute in his own way? I can begin to make out the shape now, through a glass, darkly. Continued incrementalism (great description, Weasel!) both as individuals and a team will bring the vision into focus more clearly. Fairly blurry words for an engineering major, but it’s that kind of day.
by oldcat'69 on Dec 20, 2008 6:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Heh.
Through the glass, darkly, indeed. Even if it is a trick of the light, it warms my heart.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 20, 2008 6:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I liked seeing 9 players play nine minutes or more in the game.
This is excellent training for March. I expect to see Harrellson play more. That is 10 players playing a lot of minutes in a game and develops excellent depth. It may not be Coach G’s style but it fits this team. Today they played like a team. No matter who was on the floor.
Great game by Porter. If he plays like that the remainder of the year and everyone else protects the ball when it is in their possession, we should be a very dangerous team. Porter provided leadership today that made the offense look like it had actually been practicing plays. It looded very organized in the first half. KUDOs to Michael! Jodie should take him out for a steak dinner. You have to have a passer to have a scorer. Galloway had his best game too.
by Blueobsessed on Dec 20, 2008 8:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Re MIKE PORTER: App State did not score a single bucket while Porter was in the game in the first half.
We outscored them by a total of 38-4 with Porter in the game (first half), with App State managing only four free throws.
Time to start realizing BCG knows what he’s doing?
by Ken Pomeroy on Dec 20, 2008 10:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great game for Porter
Even though his stat line doesn’t show it. It was good to see him getting confidence and lining up and making the open 3 when it was time.
I just hope it will carry over into top-25 team play.
by EEWildcat on Dec 21, 2008 5:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
AMAZING GAME!!!!!
I WAS AT THE GAME TODAY AT IT WAS AMAZING TO SEE J. MEEKS PEFORM!!! I FEEL LIKE IF THE CATS KEEP UP THIS INTENSITY THEY CAN PLAY WITH ANY TEAM IN THE COUNTRY. I CANT WAIT TO PLAY LOUISVILLE AND KICK THEIR ASS JUST LIKE TUBBY DID!!!! GO CATS!!!!
by amandaukbb on Dec 20, 2008 10:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Am I the only one troubled by the fact that we let them score 48 points on us in the second half?
They outscored us by eight in that half. Ouch! I don’t think very many of those points were in the garbage minutes of the game. I know the scrubs came in during the “Get Jodie One More Shot” minutes, but our vaunted defense disappeared there for most of the half. Same thing happened against Kansas State and West Virginia, didn’t it? Can’t blame all that on DeAndre. Something is happening systemically that allows other teams to catch up to our level. Maybe it’s just damned fine coaching on the other side.
Makes me nervous.
by Ken Pomeroy on Dec 20, 2008 10:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think it has a lot to do with the fast starts the last couple of games.
It’s hard for a team with a good amount of youth to keep concentration defensively when up by 30+ points. Gillispie mentioned that he wish we would’ve played better D in the second half, but he understood considering the scoreboard and that it probably would’ve been different if the game had been closer.
I was more bothered by it against IU because our lead wasn’t as large and the team really looked asleep during the entire second half in that one. They let down in this game too, but not to the extent they did against IU. Like Gillispie said, if the game was closer it would’ve been different.
Against West Virginia we had a slow first half and picked it up in the second down 10+ points. Against Kansas State it was turnovers that got us in trouble, not poor defense.
by BBallSophist on Dec 20, 2008 11:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, it was the Kansas State and Indiana games where we also got waxed in the second halves.
Kansas State: lost first half by 14, won second half by 12
Indiana: lost first half by 23, won second half by 5
App State: lost first half by 32, won second half by 8
Although they lost both halves, Longwood was twenty points closer to us in the second half (-7) than the first (-27).
The difference is almost entirely on the defensive side (from our perspective). Teams are scoring double or triple in the second half what they did in the first.
Kansas State scored 23 in the first half, 49 in the second.
Indiana scored 13 points in the first half, 41 in the second
App State scored 21 points in the first half, 48 in the second
Are the starters that much better than the subs, or does our magic just have its limits? Are these just statistical flukes?
Interestingly, we did to UNC and Miami exactly what IU, K-State, and App State did to us.
by Ken Pomeroy on Dec 20, 2008 11:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Incrementalism Cont'd
Perhaps I’m overvaluing this incrementalism - hey, it’s such an epiphany for me - but the defense that allowed the 48 points was an exposition of the principle rather than an exception. That is, the conflation of personnel that was so effective in the first half had proved itself to have reached an incremental benchmark (same group had exhibited a similar achievement in first half versus Hoosiers) and Coach, recognizing that other conflations required such evolution, continued to experiment, thus losing efficiency but — dare I say incrementally — advancing individual and team development. Perchance that is only rationalization but sure does lower my perturbation level. Can hardly wait until Monday to see if my theory holds.
by Wild Weasel on Dec 20, 2008 11:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
College basketball palyers like everyone else learn from their mistakes, and you have to be on the floor to have a chance to learn.
Even with 20 deep, practicing against the same people gets old. You have to let these Cats learn to hunt their own prey.
by Blueobsessed on Dec 21, 2008 12:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Williams
Anyone know what is going on with Donald WIlliams? For someone on scholly for just this year, we sure arent seeing him.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Dec 21, 2008 8:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Gillispie Said The R Word
Redshirting him.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 21, 2008 8:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Curious ...
… to redshirt a player for whom you have no scholarship next year.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 21, 2008 8:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 21, 2008 9:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It always does.... lol
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
by vinceuk1 on Dec 21, 2008 10:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Who knows at this point?
Since the start of the season, I have been warning of the challenges that UK has dealing with a lack of shooting. Sheesh….talk about a lack of shooting, take a look at the Cards….unless UofL can improve UK certainly has a chance on January 4th. UofL has a terrible tendency to stand around and to just watch Clark everytime he has the ball.
It seems to me that the winner will be who can defend best in regards who can better deal with Meeks v. Clark. At the risk of showing my red bias, I think UofL has a better chance of matching up with Meeks than UK does with Clark.
Whatever…maybe this entire assessment is worthless given the ridiculous travel schedule that UofL was up against and the relatively weak UK schedule…..or maybe Tubby is the best coach in the country. :-)
….I need some eggnog & Woodford.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
by HozeKing on Dec 21, 2008 9:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
U of L Schedule
Pitino’s fault.
UK schedule, UNC #1 team. Miami FL, West Va, and K-St all solid BCS teams. Not all that weak, really.
Best coach in the country is probably Roy Williams right now. Tubby is a darn good coach though.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 21, 2008 9:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I dealt with all this ...
… over in one of the fanshots.
As far as the UK – U of L game is concerned, Louisville does have the talent to take Meeks away. Pitino is known to go to junk defenses or just face-guard dangerous shooters like Meeks, and I expect he will if Meeks shows signs of heat.
Kentucky has the personnel to handle Clark. At his best, I think Ramon Harris can do a job on him. Clark is bigger, but there will be plenty of help near the basket. The big question is whether or not the ’Cats can handle the combination of Samuels and Clark. That will be difficult.
My biggest fear about Louisville is their press. That’s where they can crush us if we continue to mishandle the ball. I have no confidence that Porter can bring it up against the Louisville press. But maybe I’m concerned for nothing. We’ll just have to see.
Louisville is streaky from the outside, but in Freedom Hall, they have a number of people who can shoot it. UK really only has three, and one of them is a power forward and one is a guy who won’t shoot it unless he must. The Minnesota game gives me no real confidence that the Cards are vulnerable, they had many circumstances against them in that game that will be absent against Kentucky.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 21, 2008 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed about the press
I’m not that worried about Louisville’s offense. I think Patterson can handle Samuels. That leaves Clark and Smith as the only real scoring threats (with a few other shooters that could get hot), as Williams is incredibly streaky from a scoring perspective, though he tends to perform consistently on D and intangibles.
It’s the “turned-up” Louisville D that scares me. That press is absolutely nasty, and Minnesota quickly let a 13 point lead whittle down to 4 (or 3?) because of it. Had Louisville actually scored a few times when they were running the press at the end, they would have won that game. Our ball handling must improve by then. We have shown an ability to break the press pretty well against lesser competition, but Louisville’s press is smothering.
by blbskue on Dec 21, 2008 12:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I will add
That I hope we put Harris on Clark, and Clark doesn’t see the light of day.
by blbskue on Dec 21, 2008 12:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, please....
…Harris is the best defender no doubt, but come on….
Certainly the press is our biggest strength, but can we put the ball in the basket within the half court offense? Maybe the game will go dependent on how TWill shoots the ball, but that’s a rough thing to count on.
By the way, I know who to fault on the schedule, unless I can somehow blame God on having the bus not show up. I think I can count on Him to blame the strong headwind adding another hour or so to the flight, though.
Maybe I can blame Pitino on approving the auto bailout as well….
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
by HozeKing on Dec 21, 2008 7:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So what are you trying to say here?
You don’t think Harris can handle Clark? I’m quite certain he can’t hold him scoreless, or anything, but Clark rarely faces a defender as tenacious as Harris.
Additionally, Clark is moody. He does not react well to adversity, because he is too busy thinking of NBA millions. I think Harris can unglue him.
Unfortunately, if we put Harris on Clark, who will guard Williams? As streaky as Williams is, he is an incredible athletic talent, and he hurts you just as much with his passing as with his scoring. He may be the best passing 3 in all of college basketball, perhaps the best there has been in years. What we do about him, I just don’t know. If he always played within himself, he could be a Naismith candidate. Alas for Louisville, he doesn’t.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 22, 2008 7:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Minnesota Put Their Best Defender (Damian Johnson) On Him
I think Harris would be the logical guy to defend Clark.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 22, 2008 8:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It does make me wonder ...
… who will guard Williams, though. Meeks can’t. Stevenson can’t. Who does that leave?
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 22, 2008 10:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe we see some more AJ
if he continues to improve.
by EEWildcat on Dec 22, 2008 10:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Galloway?
He has the athleticism to do so.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 22, 2008 10:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah.
Miller and probably Liggins as well, but …
We’ll just have to wait and see, I guess.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 22, 2008 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Freshmen
I think Galloway has a bit more experience against players like Williams.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 22, 2008 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It may look like this…
I know this isn’t the "ville thread, but the comments have shifted this way…
Galloway—- T. Will
Stevenson—Earl Clark
Patterson—-Super Sam
Meeks——— Smith
Porter———- Sosa
I think that’s how the match up will be to start, that is if our line-up doesn’t change and Billy said in his weekly TV show, that he does not like changing a winning combination. (we’ll see) I can’t imagine starting against ‘ville without Harris, but we’ll see… Plus, why should Harris loose his starting spot because of a injury? but, we’ll see
Interchanging combination’s used by Billy G will be interesting.
T. Will & Clark will be trouble for any "one" player, so Billy may keep fresh bodies on those 2. I do think that if this is the starting line up, we’ll see AJ & Harris very early if things start to fall apart.
BTW: We still have to win 3 games before ’ville.. :-)
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
by vinceuk1 on Dec 22, 2008 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Those 3 W Are Pretty Certain
And UK has enough talent to match up with (and beat) Louisville.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 22, 2008 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I am trying to say...
…Razor is the best choice to defend Clark, but he won’t keep him from ‘…seeing the light of day…’, which to means that he can lock him down. He can’t and won’t. He won’t unglue him either…unless you can give me a proof source when it happened over the past year or so. If he is all distracted by money, he would have spent more than 24 hours at that NBA camp last year.
You know, the more I think of it, the more I come back to TWill being the real issue like you suggest. He plays well, UofL wins; he doesn’t and UK has more than a legit chance.
On the other hand, maybe this is all moot since Billy may play zone. :))
P.S. Where in the world did Galloway have any experience playing someone like Williams???
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
by HozeKing on Dec 22, 2008 2:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Galloway...
…is the starter, (according to Billy’s philosophy), so the logical match-up would be he and T. Will..
Now, whether he can guard him or not has yet to be determined, but I do believe that he will start the game on T. Will…
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
by vinceuk1 on Dec 22, 2008 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Galloway
Played at USC as frosh and JuCo ball as soph. Both gave him the opportunity to play against better caliber players than Miller or Liggins played in HS or prep play.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 22, 2008 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure ...
… I’ll give you proof. The Minnesota game. He was ineffective, and the reason was because UM put their best defender on him. I am not stating facts here, I am giving opinions. I think Clark is distracted because in almost every game I have watched him play, he has only been so-so.
Williams is definitely the player that I worry about most. He is simply too athletic for anybody to guard, and when he is at his best, he makes everyone around him better.
If Gillispie played zone, I might perish of a heart attack — even though I think that would be a good thing to try against the Cards the way they are shooting it right now. Won’t happen, though.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 22, 2008 6:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Pitino
will have an excuse for the Minnesota loss,Jet Lag,and Depth Perception of the large stadium affected the perimeter shooting.I know,I have his playbook : )
by -Zoso- on Dec 21, 2008 11:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
To some extent ...
… he is right. Louisville had very little time to prepare, and that matters a lot. Smith had ten full days to prepare for Louisville, and nobody is better at that. Jet lag is unquestionably an issue in every quick turnaround.
But Pitino has nobody to blame but himself. He’s the one that approved the schedule.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 21, 2008 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A good team doesn't use
excuses. If they are TRULY conditioned then jet lag, etc is moot.
by bluecrip on Dec 22, 2008 1:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Jet Lag Is A Huge Factor
Conditioned or not. They played Thursday night in Cincy. Flew all day Friday across 3 time zones. Then played an afternoon game against a well rested, well prepared opponent.
HUGE factor in their L to Minnesota.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 22, 2008 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nah.
It’s a factor. No doubt. Conditioning may help a little, but only a little.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 22, 2008 6:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great Game, Real Progress
I love reading other’s perception’s and complare them to mine own. I thought UK played such a complete, wonderful game against App. State! It was a thing of beauty to watch. Granted, I pay attention to things like defensive assignments, and offensive spacing and flow but I thought UK looked very strong and showed improvement and promise in almost ever area. I am confident that all My Three Sons (Patterson, Stevenson, Harrelson) will be hitting their strides come March and now it looks like they have help from Stewart. As post play becomes more and more important, watch out for this frontline! It did not concern me that once garbage time arrived, App State began to score a few more points. It seemed obvious to me that coach was working on some specific things and that the focus of everyone turned to Meeks scoring. Not to mention, there were probably personel rotations that were unfamiliar to everyone. As far as the level of competion, yes App State is not NC but they are not completely shabby either. They have a higher RPI than the average RPI of Louisville opponents so far this year As far as future game are concerned, I hope the players are only thinking about Tenn. State. Again, I enjoyed watching that game so much. Passing inside out. rotating without the ball! Great defense! Teamwork!!!! Looks like a Blue Christmas. My compliments to the whole team!
by LyricSmith on Dec 22, 2008 7:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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