Love, Sweet Love

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 10, 2008 4:12 PM EDT in Media

Kentucky is finally getting a fair amount of sweet love from the national media. After you go on a 10/12 rampage, even the haters have to surrender a modicum of respect.

I don't know about you, dear reader, but this season has been a very trying one. From the Days of Darkness when everyone was doubting everything about Coach Gillispie and the players on this team, hating on Smith for leaving us such terrible players, passing rumors about underage love affairs and carousing. I have not forgotten going to bed after the Florida game at the O-dome, so incredibly frustrated I got almost no sleep. It is doubly fitting, therefore, that the latest victory against Florida is the "cherry on top" of one of the great in-season turn-arounds in NCAA history.

So let's get to some of that sweet, sweet love, shall we? Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News:

Rising: Kentucky is now like one of the monsters in those awful '80s slasher movies: Jason from Friday the 13th, Freddy Krueger from Nightmare On Elm Street -- take your pick You just can't kill this team. Injuries have taken the two most talented players from the rotation -- Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson -- and they keep competing. UK fans want to believe the 12-4 record in the SEC means the Wildcats are in -- just like Syracuse fans wanted to believe 10-6 in the Big East was good enough last year. As with all bubble teams this season, the Wildcats still have work to do.

Well, I suppose I can't blame him for doubting we're in, that is a legitimate difference of opinion. But I love Kentucky being compared to Freddy Krueger or Jason. I loved Freddy -- Jason, not so much -- but the metaphor leaves me wanting more. So here is more from Gary Parrish of CBS Sportsline:

Win to brag about: Billy Gillispie completed the turnaround of all turnarounds Sunday when Kentucky ended the regular season with a 75-70 win over Florida. That means the Wildcats have gone from 7-9 overall (1-2 in the SEC) to 18-11 overall (12-4 in the SEC) in a matter of seven weeks despite losing their best player (Patrick Patterson) to injury. Now the only question is whether the SEC Coach of the Year trophy will read Billy Gillispie or Billy Clyde Gillispie. Because either way it's his.

Oh, yeah. There is a bit o' honey for ya Billy. Well earned, I might add. Next, we go to Andrew Skwara of Rivals.com, writing for Yahoo:

Breakout: Kentucky appears to have found a solid replacement for sidelined big man Patrick Patterson. Lanky sophomore Perry Stevenson, who was averaging less than five points a game before Patterson injured his ankle two weeks ago, hit all six of his field goal attempts, scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the Wildcats' 75-70 win over Florida. If Stevenson, who scored 13 points and had 14 boards in Kentucky's 63-60 loss at Tennessee, continues to play at that level the Wildcats will be a serious threat to make a run in the NCAA Tournament.

Now, we're getting somewhere. From "more work to do" to "Coach of the Year" to "serious threat to make a run in the tournament." Still need more? Spencer Hall, a.k.a "Orson Swindle" of EDSBS fame, has a little something over at The Sporting News:

Blue Blowout: Kentucky

The legendarily patient fans at Kentucky never pressured first-year coach Billy Gillespie. No, not at all. It's all backpats and flowers for the coach who, coming off a win against Florida and a 7-1 run through February, certainly doesn't remember anything about a November loss to Gardner-Webb.

An 18-11 record and an NCAA Tournament bid in Year 1? Fine work by any standards ... even by the, how shall we say this ... "elevated" standards of Kentucky fans.

Heh. Well, somebody had to mention the Big Blue Nation and our expectations. Finally, via Chris Diggs at the Courier-Journal UK fan blog, some weirdness from Florida after the game:

"If we played hard like that from the beginning, it wouldn't have even been close," Speights said. "You can look at stuff after the game. But the game's over. You can't do anything about it now."

Nor could Florida do anything about Kentucky's improbable shot-making.

"They hit some big shots at the (shot-clock) buzzer," Calalthes said. "Casper, or Jasper his name is, hit some."

You just gotta learn to hold your ears right, fellas. And it's Jasper, Nick -- a name I am quite certain you will come to know much better than you would like.

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Comments

Lovin' it

Great overview Tru.

Good all around day...saw the BCG playback on Mike and Mike....saw the powerful Old Ky Home piece with the seniors and an emotional BCG....saw Rhondo looking good...and heard Dickie V talk SEC coach of the year. When asked about pressure from fans on M&M BCG replied only with the attendance being so great even in down times, touting the classy Ky fan base. He is a class act. And what a difference to see our game among highlights all day. Ky players with national exposure of good shots. Kentucky in because the team earned it. Music to one's blue ears.

Hope Dick or was it ....what' that...o right? Nick.. remembers Jasper's name next time around. With a name like Calathes one would expect him to avoid locker room motivation-comments. Atlanta could be interesting.

by CAWebb on Mar 10, 2008 4:55 PM EDT 0 recs

Locked in

An ESPN INsider article that was published this morning called "Bracket Math" now lists Kentucky as a "lock" from the SEC along with Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State.

Their non subscription "Bracketology" article still has us on the "Work to do" list for the SEC though.

by KYColonel on Mar 10, 2008 5:15 PM EDT 0 recs

Bracketology

The non-subscription actual bracket has us as a 9 seed, playing K-State in the first round. What a crappy pick if that happened. It would be a shame if that game took place without Patterson. Patterson v. Beasley would have been astounding I think.

This was discussed more heavily in other sections on ASoB, but most brackets have us as a 9 seed now. Hopefully we can improve that before Sunday (or, drop a few spots). If we can't get a 7 seed or better, I REALLY hope we drop to at least a 10 seed. 8/9 is deadly.

by blbskue on Mar 10, 2008 6:27 PM EDT 0 recs

Calalthes

Calalthes is his own worst enemy. The young man can be confident, but what an immature statement about Jasper in the press. Wow.

by Chuck Alexinis on Mar 10, 2008 6:31 PM EDT 0 recs

GP

Where the crap is GP? I havent seen him around in a while, not even before the game.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Mar 10, 2008 6:43 PM EDT 0 recs

Like a bad apple, I'll always turn up

Still here. Still swamped.

I had time to write up a little something before and after the game. That's about it.

I kind of hate this "regular working man" schedule I'm on now. It's like they expect me to do real work...

Good win, y'all, and good luck in the Big Dance. We may join you there yet, but I doubt it.

Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Mar 10, 2008 8:46 PM EDT up 0 recs

A chance to win another title...

On the upside for Florida, I do think they'd be a real threat to win the NIT. It'd be intriguing to see the 2 time NCAA champ turn around after losing their whole team and winning the NIT.

I know its not what you want, but it'd be a great learning experience for the kiddos.

by chirop1 on Mar 10, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up 0 recs

Pretty sure...

... their goal is still to make the NCAA tourney. Don't laugh, it could happen. They played UT tough enough to win (almost) and were a boneheaded play or two away from defeating Kentucky in Rupp. They will not be happy with the NIT. Neither will Gator Nation for that matter... but at least the future is bright.

Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Mar 10, 2008 10:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

The future is..

irrelevance for UF basketball. Back to the old Billy D., the one all of Gville was screaming to have fired 4 years ago. UF became worse as the year progressed; truly a very poor coaching job on BD's part. The gator nation did not support the team, not one.. NOT ONE.. sell out the enite season. Shamefulllll.

UF still has bragging rights for quite some time, enjoy it. You are this decades version of UNLV.

Not only did PP choose the right Billy, so did UK.

by BeatUL on Mar 10, 2008 10:44 PM EDT up 0 recs

Billy D.

No one wants him fired, no one wanted him fired, even in the early 2000s when Florida has a string of unpleasant early tourney exits. We'll see if Billy DUI leads P-Pat to the promised land. My bet is still on the guy who's taken his team to the championship game 3 times in seven seasons.

Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Mar 11, 2008 1:44 AM EDT up 0 recs

Well..

You have it too easy GP.. all you have to say is two in a row.

PP will be earning gazillions in he NBA before UK wins it all once again. It is going to take more than a PP to unwind the mess Tubby created.

by BeatUL on Mar 11, 2008 6:16 AM EDT up 0 recs

Knock Off The Tubby Remarks

UK was 131-40 the prior 5 years. 26-8 average.

UK is 18-11 (so far) this year. UK averaged 22 W the prior 2 years.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 11, 2008 6:28 AM EDT up 0 recs

But..

yes, all of central Florida was screaming about Billy D making millions as a basketball coach and not producing results. Obviously keeping him was the right move but it is untruthful to say he was not on the hotseat. If Florida fans could have flown a plane inside the O-center that said "www.fireBillyD.com" they would have. (ah yes, the most classless act by a fanbase will always haunt the lizard nation).

My suggestion is just type "two in a row." I will eventually shut up as I will not want to keep puking.

by BeatUL on Mar 11, 2008 6:20 AM EDT up 0 recs

Florida basketball

NCAA, NIT... haven't spring practices started yet??

http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/register/joingroup ID: 10939 password: wildcats08

by TrickyD26 on Mar 10, 2008 10:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yeah, yeah...

Yeah, speaking of football, why doesn't UK care more about its program? You had a Heisman candidate quarterback, a team that beat the #1 team in the nation and eventual national champion, had a winning conference record and you won your bowl game. Yet no utterance of the spring game, spring practice, nothing... Guess you don't care about your "other sport."

(See how dumb the argument sounds when you flip it around? :)

Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Mar 10, 2008 11:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

GP,

any comments on how calathes acted after being fouled? Honest opinion, simply showing he won't be intimidated or bush league antics?

by wldcatsfreak on Mar 10, 2008 11:33 PM EDT up 0 recs

Calathes

Truthfully, I haven't seen it yet. I was unable to watch the entire game. Work engagements.

Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Mar 11, 2008 12:51 AM EDT up 0 recs

Apples and oranges...

oh, UK sells out EVERY football game and has a massive following. UF is strictly a football school; there is not anythign wrong with that. UF does not support its basketball team; ok, weak support at best.. you know it, I know it and the wrong Billy knows it.

Why do you even care anyways... those two NCAAs should last the next 20 years; I am jealous. friggn lightning in a bottle caught by a good, not great coach.. I am going ot puke again.

by BeatUL on Mar 10, 2008 11:38 PM EDT up 0 recs

LOL

Strictly a football school... good one. Three Final 4s in this decade, two national champions, assorted conference championships... yeah, we're all about football and nothing else down here.

BeatUL, I know you're enjoying this win, and you deserve to enjoy it. But please... you and I both know the Gators will be back. :)

Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Mar 11, 2008 12:53 AM EDT up 0 recs

No, UF won't be back..

the new UNLV. two time defending champs and you didnt sell out a single game... shamefull.

by BeatUL on Mar 11, 2008 1:02 AM EDT up 0 recs

Dreaming...

... doesn't make it so.

Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Mar 11, 2008 1:38 AM EDT up 0 recs

Media and Calathes

It's always nice to hear people say nice things about your team, but I personally could care less this year. We won 11 of 13 without the national media giving us props, so to hell with them at this point.

After proving so many "experts" wrong, there is now a mad dash to all of a sudden jump back on the Kentucky bandwagon. I have news for those guys: The bus is full, it's been full. Coach made a great point on Mike and Mike today when he said that "any other school that went 7-9 non-conference wouldn't have anyone show up for conference play, but we had 24,000 every night." Paraphrasing, of course.

As for Calathes, I'm afraid he's heading down the long dark path of Joakim Noah. He made my blood boil when he shouted and stared down Perry Stevenson after being fouled. He obviously has talent, but show some respect for the game and your opponent. A player's class reflects his coaching...

http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/register/joingroup ID: 10939 password: wildcats08

by TrickyD26 on Mar 10, 2008 7:00 PM EDT 0 recs

Typical of UF

rude, arrogant. There is no doubt in my mind that UF basketball is going to head down the path of irrelevance. They did not sell out 1 game all year.

by BeatUL on Mar 10, 2008 7:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

Agree with you on calathes...

when he popped up off the floor and stared at Perry, I thought that really showed poorly on him. The first thing that came to mind was how much that looked like a stunt noah would pull...total lack of class.

by wldcatsfreak on Mar 10, 2008 9:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

Devil's Advocate here

To be completely fair to Calathes, I remember a certain 6 foot nothing point guard who played limited minutes pop up off the floor of an Elite Eight game to jaw directly in the face of a much bigger player on the opposing team... In fact, its my first real memory of one Ramel Bradley at Kentucky.

by chirop1 on Mar 10, 2008 9:41 PM EDT up 0 recs

If an opposing...

player pops you intentionally or after fouling someone kinda stands over them, I have no problem with that player jumping up and giving it right back via a staredown or some good old fashioned "woofing" back and forth. If however a player does what calathes did during the course of what was obviously a routine play (hard foul yes, but hardly intentional and no one was jawing at him) I think it is bush league crap and very much reminiscent of noah and his antics.

This is just my opinion of course, but I can stand when someone acts like that no matter what jersey they are wearing.

by wldcatsfreak on Mar 10, 2008 9:56 PM EDT up 0 recs

Agreed.

Don't get me wrong. I'm for a little trash talking, but not on a routine and one play with your team down. Stevenson showed a lot of class by just turning around and walking to the huddle.

It also depends on the player. A hard-nosed kid for brooklyn gets away with it much easier than a softy out of the sunshine state. :)

http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/register/joingroup ID: 10939 password: wildcats08

by TrickyD26 on Mar 10, 2008 10:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

there was...

...a play later in the paint where crawford got knocked down. UK was huddling up in the paint and UF was at the elbow. as ramel was coming to the huddle, calathes was in front of him, so ramel kindly nudged him out of the way. the ref actually came by to tell him to calm down. this was when it was getting a little chippy. but i loved seeing that out of bradley. he may not be the biggest guy out there, but he isn't taking anything from anyone, and he won't let his teammates either.

GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

by UKWildCatFanatic on Mar 10, 2008 11:30 PM EDT up 0 recs

Calathes

Hilarious. Noah's "long dark road" led him to an SEC championship, two national titles, NCAA Tourney MOP accolades, a place in school history as one of the most beloved players to ever play any sport for the university, and a Top 10 draft pick.

I'm fairly confident that Calathes would be pretty pleased to follow him down that road.

Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Mar 11, 2008 1:01 AM EDT up 0 recs

fairly sure

he was referring to the fact that there always seems to be a player on UF that really gets under the skin of the big blue nation. most recently it was noah, and now calathes seems to have taken his place.

as for where this "long dark road" will lead, we'll have to see in the next few years if he goes the way of noah or if follows walsh and roberson.

GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

by UKWildCatFanatic on Mar 11, 2008 1:15 AM EDT up 0 recs

I guess then...

... that the "Dynasty Man" himself would probably be UF fans' least favorite Kentucky player. The mouth of of the south(eastern conference).

Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Mar 11, 2008 1:39 AM EDT up 0 recs

Calathes into Noah

Who knows.... maybe someday his teammates will vote to have him suspended a couple of games... :)

by bteam1502 on Mar 11, 2008 2:04 AM EDT up 0 recs

UF has UF to blame

a very very very weak OOC schedule (so typical) comes back to bite them.. I love it.

by BeatUL on Mar 10, 2008 7:13 PM EDT 0 recs

I guess PP did choose the right Billy...

it was a moronic article then and it is even more moronic now.

by BeatUL on Mar 10, 2008 7:13 PM EDT 0 recs

Glad you...

... remembered it. :)

We'll see how he feels at the conclusion of his college career. All he's done so far is lose in the only game he's played against Florida.

Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Mar 11, 2008 12:55 AM EDT up 0 recs

Uhm...

"All he's done so far is lose in the only game he's played against Florida." Really? Too easy....

(psssst... fyi, it isn't about Florida, UF is way down the pecking order)

by BeatUL on Mar 11, 2008 1:01 AM EDT up 0 recs

Are you sure?

You bring up Florida so often that I get the distinct impression that our little basketball school is at the top of your list. :)

Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Mar 11, 2008 1:02 AM EDT up 0 recs

Jesus H Christ

Get a room...I am sure your little pissing match would be welcome over at TCP

by sylvar on Mar 11, 2008 9:37 AM EDT up 0 recs

Amen!

by olddoc on Mar 11, 2008 10:53 AM EDT up 0 recs

Funny!

by BeatUL on Mar 11, 2008 1:23 PM EDT up 0 recs

Nice to see

the UK bandwagon back on the dusty NCAA trail. It will especially help with continued tv exposure next season which brings with that all the other encompassing benefits (recruiting, brand sales, PR and lastly, ref calls- they love a winner:SEE UCLA).

Thanks Tru for the links of love. To be honest I am waiting on the haters. When the haters start in that means that others think we've enjoyed too much success. This new century hasn't been fruitful in that department. Sure there have been buds of success (undefeated in conference 02'), but no outright weary, "Not them AGAIN!!!"

Yessir, the days of every game being a statement game for our opponents is around the corner. I can sense the change in the basketball cosmos. Okay, I'm no seer. I base this assumption on the fact that every returning player from this season forth will bring the same mental attitude learned this season and help the newbies to adjust to coach's expectations and teach them just what is needed to get the job done.

I know, sounds better than Hoosiers, doesn't it? I do know that I'm giddy with anticipation for this postseason and most especially for the seasons to come.

Billy Gillispie is "The Miracle Worker" with the 07-08 Alley Cats as Helen Keller. "Born deaf and blind, and lacking in heart the Alley Cats weren't expected to see a post season. Watch as Coach Billy Gillispie, with his enduring patience and emotional entreaties sticks by them and teaches them what it takes to overcome their obstacles and go to the big dance."

GO BIG BLUE!!!!!

by bluecrip on Mar 10, 2008 7:31 PM EDT 0 recs

Calathes

I'm not surprised Calathes said that. He couldn't guard me so it's a bit much for him to remember who he's got on UK. And don't compare him to Noah. Noah could play D. Calathes is a dark haired Matt Walsh.

And yes, the bandwagon was not as populated as last season. If you're a UF alum over the age of 35, you think there are two seasons at UF; football and spring football.

By the way, I believe the last time I commented on a story here was after the Vandy blowout. If I'm not mistaken, I said UK could still make the tourney. Now, if I could just reverse jinx UF...

by mlmintampa on Mar 10, 2008 8:29 PM EDT 0 recs

Hey ...

MLM, thanks for coming by.

Calathes is so much better than Matt Walsh it isn't funny, and unlike some, I think Florida is doing pretty much what everybody expected them to do this year with a team full of talented frosh -- play well sometimes, and look like freshmen sometimes. I fully expect Calathes to learn defense -- he is a competitive guy, and isn't selfish, and not learning to defend better would be selfish.

Donovan is a fine coach and will have these young guys playing better defense. I don't know if it will happen this year (and the press was very strong at Rupp), but it still could.

Noah was much easier to dislike than Calathes. Heck, he is even having difficulty gaining the respect of his professional teammates, not because he isn't good enough, but because of his bizarre antics. He just needs to grow up a little.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 11, 2008 7:04 AM EDT up 0 recs

Still...

I wouldnt mind seeing Casper - I mean Jasper - make a big jam in Calathes' face ending with a LOUD Kentucky war cry. Bet Calathes would never "forget" his name again!

by kentuckygirl0724 on Mar 11, 2008 11:22 AM EDT up 0 recs

WCC tonight

Who are we cheering for tonight in the San Diego/Gonzaga game? A SD win would help our RPI, but would also likely create another team to the tournament from the WCC. VCU already lost in their tournament, but still may get an at-large bid. Do you think we're comfortably enough in to not have to worry about these small conference tourneys, or do we not want them taking our spot?

http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/register/joingroup ID: 10939 password: wildcats08

by TrickyD26 on Mar 10, 2008 8:56 PM EDT 0 recs

UK is in

barring a blowout loss to Georgia in the SECT.

by bluecrip on Mar 10, 2008 9:05 PM EDT 0 recs

Well... take the "bad loss" tag off...

of San Diego. The team once derided as "worse than Gardner-Webb" has beaten Gonzaga to earn a trip to the NCAA's.

Its starting to look like a VERY thin bubble this year. South Alabama lost and they look to be an at large team... which turns the Sun Belt into a 2 bid league. The WCC most likely became a 3 bid league tonight.

The ACC and Big 10 will be four bid leagues this year. So much for the "glamour" of the ACC-Big Ten challenge and the old argument that UK's 12 wins were against a "down" SEC.

by chirop1 on Mar 10, 2008 11:05 PM EDT 0 recs

Props to san diego...

I can't really say I am full of knowledge on the history of their program, but I would be willing to bet you would be hard pressed to find another year where they had wins like going into Rupp and coming out victorious and then knocking off WCC's top ranked zags to earn an automatic berth to the dance.

by wldcatsfreak on Mar 10, 2008 11:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

Galloway

UK just picked up another 6-6 point guard in Kevin Galloway. We are going to be huge next year. Meeks will be the smallest man on the floor. Now we just need Hopson.
http://kentucky.rivals.com/

by T Svoboda on Mar 10, 2008 11:18 PM EDT 0 recs

Guards Guards Guards!!!

Are there no power forwards or true centers who want the chance to play at the best program in college basketball???!!!???

by chirop1 on Mar 10, 2008 11:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

as much as I would love

a PF/C recruit (it would probably be #1 on my wish list), the truth is that BCG doesn't need to push the issue and can wait a year if it means giving a scholarship to a big man he really wants here. This is because Stevenson has the potential to be a serious threat on a game to game basis, and when you add in the beast that is the PPat-1000, our interior will be above average next year. Still, we would be thin at the position. On the other hand, Harris looks like if he gets stronger, at 6'6 (yeah, too short for some SEC PFs), could play the 4 spot next year for UK in many, many situations considering the number of players we will apparently have that are able to play SF.
Plus, I think the success BCG has a big thing to do with his apparent ability to recruit guards.
I think that next year UK will be a serious top #25 team next year (does anybody remember how good Meeks really is? - he dropped to 20pt games this year, and has barely played a full game at full health).

As good as the Wildcats have looked, I still think that this team has an ever higher level of play that they will show before the year is over. If we play as good or better as we did against UT, this team has a true and honest chance at beating ANY team in the country on any given night.

by cdnWildcatfan on Mar 11, 2008 12:01 AM EDT up 0 recs

woops*

the success BCG had *with Acie Law, has a big thing to do with his apparent ability to recruit guards.

by cdnWildcatfan on Mar 11, 2008 12:04 AM EDT up 0 recs

Excellent National Media Summary

Sweet Summary on all the national positive Kentucky basketball media. Your spot on, it's nice change to hear the Cat love and to have BCG begin to receive his due.

Calathis was acting like a punk yesterday after the routine foul, no doubt. Calathis demonstrated his lack of posie and it will come back to bite him soon.

However, if your honest with yourself, Calathis and UF's big man are both talented players that will be worthy opponents in the near future.

Kentucky is College Basketball.

by oregonblue on Mar 11, 2008 1:22 AM EDT 0 recs

NOT wanting to join the....

...Calathes "fray", but let's remember he is a freshman.

When I was 18 I would have taken a Louisville Slugger to anyone who fouled me too hard.

Just one of the many, many reasons I didn't play D1 basketball :)

by Ken Howlett on Mar 11, 2008 1:55 AM EDT 0 recs

Also trying to stay out of this. . .

But Calathes is REALLY ugly. He sort of looks like a cartoon. So, in that he is REALLY ugly like Noah was, they have much in common.

He also does seem like a punk.

by blbskue on Mar 11, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

Whoops

I should have said, "So, in that he is REALLY ugly like Noah IS. . ."

As far as I know, Noah is still ugly.

by blbskue on Mar 11, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up 0 recs

Everybody Loves a Winner....

...and an Underdog. Kentucky happens to be both.

I think I gave the media too much credit. My problem with the dire talk from the "heads" earlier in the season was that I thought they should know better. Emotion fuels fan talk. It's natural for fans to bemoan their fate when their team underperforms, or just doesn't live up to expectations. Analysts and commentators should be speaking from a position absent emotion.

What changed this year, what put the emotion into the "heads' words, was the Tubby Situation. Tubby was, and is, very well liked by most, if not all, of the significant college basketball media figures. I feel, that they feel, that Tubby was "run off" to Minnesota. So UK, and it's fans look like the bad guys in their eyes, which is why I think they went overboard in their criticism of UK earlier in the year.

Many of the media types allowed their emotions to override their sense of professionalism. Ergo, knee-jerk, emotional statements became a common theme among many commentators.

Now they are having to back-track, BIG TIME, which is the inherent pitfall when one analyzes with the heart, and not the brain. (Guilty as charged)

I won't hold a grudge, though. What's the point? I may though, read and listen with a more critical eye and ear.

by Ken Howlett on Mar 11, 2008 2:56 AM EDT 0 recs

What Seed In NCAA Tourney?

http://www.kenpom.com/rpi.php?y=2006 41 RPI, #15 SOS, 9 W vs Top 100 RPI teams = 8 seed.

http://www.kenpom.com/rpi.php?y=2007 13 RPI, #1 SOS, 13 W vs Top 100 RPI teams = 8 seed.

http://www.kenpom.com/rpi.php?y=2008 48 RPI, #12 SOS, 5 W vs Top 100 RPI teams = 10 seed maybe.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 11, 2008 6:47 AM EDT 0 recs

Calathes

Im not a fan of Calathes by any means but he sure isnt another Noah come again. He's a little bit punk but IMO Billy D does a pretty decent job of turning out kids who are slightly punks.

I dont think UF is going to go back to the way things were prior to the 04's as long as Larry Schyatt is on the bench for them but to duplicate the success of the 04 class is going to be impossible. Billy G is going to be every bit as competitive as Billy D and I look for a much more even rivalry with UF in the years to come as opposed to domination by either team. I do think Billy G has a chance to get to the final game just as soon as Billy D does again.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Mar 11, 2008 10:13 AM EDT 0 recs

Florida will

not make the NCAA tourney. They don't deserve it. I realize it boggles and frustrates the talking heads on tv not to be able to wax poetic about the two-time defending champs and their shot at a third title. "WHAT? That Billy D and Foley have jacked up our tournament coverage!!!!"

If the Gators do make it in, it is only because of the storyline that CBS wants/ or already has developed for their tournament coverage. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ will get you in everytime. Just like UNC a few years back. They got in based on name recognition and the waning love of Jordan.

Okay, if they (Gators) make it to the SECT champoionship game and play well there they COULD make it in and save the heads, producers and selection committee headaches. Anything less than that would be a conspiracy to rival JFK.

GO BIG BLUE!!!!

by bluecrip on Mar 11, 2008 11:00 AM EDT 0 recs