A Sea Of Blue: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Are we having fun yet?

Tru_tiny by Truzenzuzex on in News

Now that A Sea of Blue has migrated to it's shiny new home with all the bells and whistles that can be imagined, I suppose I should start to do my job and talk a little bit about UK.

First off, the lingering hangover from the Tipton debacle.  Marc Maggard took me to task yesterday at his site, Kentucky Ink, for what I wrote about Jerry Tipton.  We exchanged a number of posts on his site, and ultimately agreed that I would appear on his radio show on Monday at 7:00 PM.  I still don't really know the procedure for doing this or where it can be heard, but I will update you on this as I have time to figure it out.

For just a little more on the story, AOL Fanhouse's Michael David Smith has thoughts.  Too bad he didn't read my recent post on the subject.  Or maybe he did.  Who knows?

Moving on to real UK news, Matt Jones had this interesting comment today on his blog:

(2): Billy Clyde was on the Scott Van Pelt show and said that UK would honor commitments of young players, regardless of their development. That means that if Avery, Zollo, Miller, Euton, etc dont develop, they still will be coming to UK. That is good from an ethical standpoint, but sure puts a LOT of pressure on the staff to identify talent early on.

Now, those of you who know my thoughts on this subject probably realize that this kind of thing makes me a bigger and bigger fan of Coach Gillispie.  What he is saying here is that he will keep his word.  That means a lot to me, and aught to stand as a shining example to the rest of the coaches taking early commitments.  How 'bout it, 'Ol Roy, Tim Floyd and the rest of you college coaches out there?  Jump on that band wagon and make us all proud.

John Clay has a story over at his blog Sidelines which brings to our attention the fact that Billy Donovan still hasn't signed his contract extension.  Donovan's excuse?

Donovan has changed attorneys since the extension was negotiated, which has played a part in the delay.

Ah.  OK then.  But wouldn't it be cool if Gillispie beat him to the punch?

Lots of thoughts over the last few days on committing young.  I'll just link dump these and you can read them if you're interested, and haven't:

  • KU Sports
  • Courier-Journal -- Eric Crawford
  • Rivals -- Jerry Meyer (free)
  • Arizona Republic
  • Armchair GM

    • I need to make a post on Jon Hood, which I will soon, I promise ...

    Storyend_dingbat_medium

    UPDATE:  The Big Lead links us in a story about Tipton.

    UPDATE 05/08 3:16PM:  The Cats Pause is reporting that Gillispie will have a press conference tomorrow morning.  Nobody is sure why.

    1 recs | Comment 98 comments | Add your comment

    Read Related

    Story-email Email | Print |

    Comments

    Display:

    Tru V.S Maggard

    I cant find Maggard’s comments about you, Tru. I was really interested in seeing them. Also, I am very interested in the radio broadcast so PLEASE do keep us posted on that. You seem very well known around the basketball circuit, do you mind if I ask how this came to be?

    by kentuckygirl0724 on May 9, 2008 12:10 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    They are ...

    ... in the recruiting forum under a thread called “Dear ‘aseaofblue’”.

    I am not that well-known. I inherited this blog when JL Blue became to busy with life to keep it up, and I have just been doing my thing ever since. I don’t speak to recruits, I’m not an insider or anything like that, I’m just a guy with a soap box and an opinion.

    Ain’t the Internet wonderful? :-)

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 12:20 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Found it

    I read through the whole thread – pretty rough. I really worry about the radio show…..but I wish you luck and give you my full support for whatever thats worth. I dont know what you hope to gain/accomplish for going on – he sounds like a bit of a tyrant to me. Once mind is set, stays that way, you know. I am proud of you, though, for standing up for yourself and your site.

    by kentuckygirl0724 on May 9, 2008 1:09 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Thanks ...

    ... I don’t fear other UK fans, even ones as arrogant as Marc came off in that thread. He probably isn’t that way in real life - I hope not - but I am ready for anything.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 2:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Doubt

    I seriously doubt that someone that is not arrogant sounds anything remotely like that. I know that you arent “afraid,” nor do I think there is any reason to be, I just have a feeling he is not as inclined to “keep it classy” as you do here. You will be great though – I hope I am able to tune in.

    by kentuckygirl0724 on May 10, 2008 4:03 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    You deserve more credit than that...

    I have been visiting this website for over a year. I visit any UK website I can for UK info but this site consistently has the most positive stories followed by the most positive comments. I will continue to go to the other sites for info but If I want to find a site that I agree with on just about everything UK, it is this one.
    Keep up the good work!

    UK has the greatest fans in the world!

    by GoCats on May 9, 2008 1:12 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Thanks.

    I really appreciate the vote of confidence, but only half as much as I appreciate you and the rest for being members of our site. It is you guys that make it what it is—trust me on that.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 2:28 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    I find

    ... that it seems like this Maggard guy is just a big crybaby over anyone critizing him (which I did not really think you did) and who doesn’t have time to read that much text? How long does that take?..5 mins, tops? Unless you read at a third grade level. Jesus.

    Anyway, you rule Tru. Thanks for all that you do.

    by adamblowers on May 9, 2008 10:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Thanks ...

    ... but I personally wouldn’t be so hard on Maggard. Misunderstandings happen in the on-line world, and he does very good work. He is also surely entitled to his opinion, even if it doesn’t seem to make sense when taken in the context of what I wrote.

    But thank you for your kind words. I appreciate them.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 10, 2008 7:56 AM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Couldn't agree more about Coach

    I completely admire a man who will honor his word. I’m sure I can count on you Tru to hold him to this should there be any issues regarding this promise in the future…

    Also, love the new look. Makes life much easier not having to hit refresh every 5 minutes here at work!

    Still not a crook!

    by TrickyD26 on May 9, 2008 12:34 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    It does ...

    ... help a lot posting in the threads.

    And yeah, if Gillispie goes back on his word, I’ll be on him like white on rice on a paper plate with a glass of milk in a snowstorm. :-)

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 12:37 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Also...

    I’m really digging this sweet nixon icon!

    Still not a crook!

    by TrickyD26 on May 9, 2008 2:01 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    It's ...

    ... so you!

    I remember him well.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 2:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Love the new site...

    and just wanted to post my first comment. Keep up the good work and I too am glad that BCG will honor his commitments.

    Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi

    by hoopchi on May 9, 2008 1:08 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Recruiting

    After reading all of the commentary, from KU Sports-Armchair GM, and hearing what ESPN, and most other major media outlets have to say, I’ve found a common denominator in most of them. The all say recruiting 8th graders and freshmen is bad, but none of these guys have seen these kids play! Avery reportedly purported himself well against MAJOR upperclassman talent. Everybody has been jumping on the Billie-Bash Bandwagon, without the benefit of the facts. I seriously doubt that Billie Clyde is handing out offers all “willy-nilly”.

    by racercat98 on May 9, 2008 1:59 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Exactly.

    Avery and Zollo both have serious game.

    Still not a crook!

    by TrickyD26 on May 9, 2008 2:06 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Yeah ...

    ... you know, I think it’s a visceral reaction. I had the same one, but I am actually coming around a bit.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 2:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Its the nature of the beast.

    Anytime that something new is done for the first time it is overreacted about. I think that these young men have some serious game because otherwise they wouldnt be recruited by THE COLLEGE BASKETBALL ELITE.

    By the way, I went over to the card chronicle, and I want to thank you Tru. This site is not dedicated to UofL bashing like theirs is for us. I mean, they sound like a RED headed stepchild who has always had to live in the older brothers shadow, and they think they are smarter, and better, but their frusteration only shows through because deep down inside they know they arent even in the same league…. oh wait…. they are Kentucky’s red headed step child.

    by KingKentucky on May 9, 2008 2:47 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Good Bashing

    My wife picked up a T shirt the other day that said on the front “What’s the difference between a Dynasty and a Wannabe?”

    The back of it said “About 76 miles and 5 championships” and it had a map of Kentucky on it. Ha!

    You ever see that movie Star Wars? People tell me I look like Han Solo.-Reed Rothchild,Boogie Nights

    by chirop1 on May 9, 2008 2:54 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Yeah ...

    ... they really enjoy whacking on UK over there. I had to defend myself at some length over there a few days back. Tough crowd for a Kentucky fan, but just like us, they have their reasonables and their unreasonables. It’s the same everywhere.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 3:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Maggard's Radio Show

    Tru, this is the link to the show’s site

    www.talkshoe.com/tc/18884

    Suggest you pre-register under your username prior to Monday night. Then just sign in to the site around 7:00 (? – not sure of the time).

    by rockatao on May 9, 2008 3:00 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Thanks a lot ...

    I appreciate that. I am looking forward to it. In fact, I plan on asking our users to tune in if they have time, so it should be a great audience and hopefully fun will be had by all.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 3:03 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Maggard

    Go give Maggard the business Tru. I dont dislike the man but Im not a huge fan.

    DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

    by davw83 on May 9, 2008 3:26 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Hopefully ...

    ... that won’t be necessary. Just a nice discussion about a shared passion.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 4:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    The Big Lead

    Wow – read the comments below that story. Makes me want to take up my mighty Bluegrass sword and defender our fair state.

    by blbskue on May 9, 2008 3:34 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Ah ...

    ... I say fuggitaboudit. Bunch of lamers. :-)

    The Big Lead is a good blog, though.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 4:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    WTF

    Is the comment by Jackieyi???? I assume some nice BOT work there.

    by blbskue on May 9, 2008 3:35 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Indeed

    But I’m glad it is a diverse BOT and accepting of both white and black folk!

    You ever see that movie Star Wars? People tell me I look like Han Solo.-Reed Rothchild,Boogie Nights

    by chirop1 on May 9, 2008 3:57 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Thanks ...

    ... for bringing that to my attention, guys. He has been rewarded for his … effort. :-)

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 4:02 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Huh?

    What happened??? I’ve been posting over at Jackieyi’s site since I saw the comment?!? Where am I/?

    J/K. WIth the site’s new sweet look, I’m sure it’s a bigger pull for the BOTS.

    by blbskue on May 9, 2008 4:42 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Probably ...

    ... just part of the deal.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 4:49 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Like I wrote...

    ...in another thread, Maggard comes off like an ass on the site but he’s very pro-UK and I don’t doubt that the players parents really did say some troubling things about Tipton. Tipton has a track record of wanted to be more “edgy” than “fair.”

    by Clandestine on May 9, 2008 3:36 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Very true.

    Very. Tipton has no doubt done some things to earn the reproof of UK fans. Assuming everything that Marc was told was exactly true, in context as stated, this is still just one more in a long line.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 4:06 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Press Conference

    I’m going to go out on a limb and guess this has something to do with Jasper.

    Still not a crook!

    by TrickyD26 on May 9, 2008 3:53 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Ugggh

    Does anyone really think at this point that it could be good news? And if Jasper were staying would it warrant a press conference?

    Could Gillispie also be planning to talk about the state of recruiting in general without discussing specific players?

    You ever see that movie Star Wars? People tell me I look like Han Solo.-Reed Rothchild,Boogie Nights

    by chirop1 on May 9, 2008 3:58 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Presser

    My very optimistic hope is that it’s about Williams’ transfer. I’m sure he’s a great guy, but I think it’s in both his and the team’s best interest for him to seek PT elsewhere.

    by Acdixon on May 9, 2008 4:06 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    There he is!

    I was wondering where you were.

    The latest I have heard about Williams is that he has been given a release to transfer anywhere he wants, but has not decided where or if he wants to go.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 4:08 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    I'm not dead!

    Nice to know I was missed. I’ve had a training conference call all day. I’m just in a break right now. Kudos on the new site. As a webmaster, I knew the AJAX stuff would make it better, but I had no idea how much better.

    by Acdixon on May 9, 2008 4:22 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Yeah ...

    ... it is pretty darn cool. Quite the change from Scoop. Glad you approve.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 4:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Could be.

    Nobody seems to know. Probably a combination of several things, but the potential transfers of Jasper and Williams will certainly be brought up.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 3:58 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Transfers

    My vote is he will be talking about that.

    Tru, I feel you will do well with MM.

    Changing how you think will change what you think.

    by wilson452 on May 9, 2008 4:29 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Hopefully ...

    ... we will both do well for our respective members.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 4:31 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    I'm a Member of both, so...

    ...I hope you both do well and in the end the winner is… UK!

    8^)

    by Clandestine on May 10, 2008 9:24 AM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Hopefully

    Gillispie just speaks about the incoming class.

    Of course, it being a Saturday, odds are against that.

    by piketaylor on May 9, 2008 9:17 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Z key

    Man, that Z key shortcut for the unread comments is COOL

    by cthom on May 9, 2008 4:45 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    It does ...

    make things a lot more convenient.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 9, 2008 4:49 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Yeah!

    The Z key is awesome!

    by EEWildcat on May 9, 2008 7:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Unsure

    Just checking in on the new look..not sure if this old dog can be taught new tricks…...good to know the content will remain the same!! GO BIG BLUE!

    by Magnoliacat on May 9, 2008 6:59 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Testing

    Bingo above!

    Me 2.

    by FortyYearCatFa on May 9, 2008 7:46 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Oh no, your name got clipped!

    We don’t want people thinking you’re FourtyYearCatFart!

    by EEWildcat on May 9, 2008 8:40 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    History

    In 1963 The Wildcat team averaged 13.3 farts a game.

    During Rick Pitino’s tenure, the team averaged 18.5 farts a game.

    In 2001 versus North Carolina, Tayshawn Prince led the Wildcats in farts with 12.

    The Online Home of the Big Blue Nation...

    by TheFakeGimelMartinez on May 9, 2008 8:53 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   1 recs

    Okay, that was awesome

    Funniest FakeGimel posting to date!

    by EEWildcat on May 10, 2008 12:22 AM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    ROFL

    You ever see that movie Star Wars? People tell me I look like Han Solo.-Reed Rothchild,Boogie Nights

    by chirop1 on May 10, 2008 8:49 AM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Typical Snow Job By Service Providers (Not Your Fault)

    Every time I’ve ever seen a website or blog convert to a New and Improved format, it winds up New but NOT Improved. Every one I can think of is worse.

    by FortyYearCatFan on May 9, 2008 10:35 PM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Oh come on!

    You didn’t like my tribute to you, 40YCF? :(

    The Online Home of the Big Blue Nation...

    by TheFakeGimelMartinez on May 10, 2008 12:12 AM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    A few nice new features though

    My only real complaint is the fixed width layout. The z-button mitigates the problem slightly though – that thing is like crack. If they would fix that, I would say it is better.

    by EEWildcat on May 10, 2008 12:29 AM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Girth

    What, is the wide layout not wide enough for you? (You know, on the individual story pages, you can choose a wide layout. Why they didn’t save the wide layout settings for the whole site is below my pay grade.)

    I would have preferred a flexible-width layout with a min size. I do know that doing that and having 50+ other blogs that do different things will be difficult to implement.

    The Online Home of the Big Blue Nation...

    by TheFakeGimelMartinez on May 10, 2008 12:53 AM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Yes

    Wide layout isn’t wide enough. It should just fit the browser window like old ASoB, KSR, etc.

    by EEWildcat on May 10, 2008 8:58 AM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    I'd prefer ...

    the wide layout to be wider, as well. I’m sure this will be considered going forward. The site layouts are likely to be changed after the migration of all the blogs is complete.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 10, 2008 9:42 AM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Sweet

    Cool, I’m glad we agree…

    Here’s a reference if you need some ammo. There is a lot more deadspace in the new layout. (scaled to 50%)
    Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
    By realenchilada
    Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
    By realenchilada

    As you can see the text in the “white” space (actual content) is like 1/3 less in the new layout. The left and right margins in the white area are bigger (okay, aesthetics, fine). The right margin in the text is way bigger: the user icon is a whole column, not just an inset picture that the text wraps around – there is no text under it – you can’t see by this screenshot though, but look at some other posts below (meh). The right sidebar is bigger (okay, I can deal) but then we have the gray space, which is totally dead (not a fan). All this added up makes for a lot of deadspace and extra scrolling! And of course, if I was actually using the full screen, it would be really ridiculous.

    Anyway, like I said, otherwise the upgrade is awesome, in my experience. Sorry to hear FortyYear is having issues though 8’(

    by EEWildcat on May 10, 2008 10:20 AM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    technically

    something can’t be new AND improved…only new OR improved.

    GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

    by UKWildCatFanatic on May 10, 2008 12:55 AM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Well ...

    ... the one constant in the world is change. I will be happy to try to address the problems you have if you will identify them to me. You can also post a comment in the “welcome” post below describing it, and the powers-that-be will try to help you out.

    I have no choice in the matter, and I would choose this new format even if I did. It is technically far superior in every measurable metric, much easier to manage for me than the old format, and I find it to be a far superior blogging experience, although I appreciate that not everyone will agree. This platform has been extensively tested, but it is not by any means bug free, and as all bits of software are, is a work in progress. Those having difficulty will get my full support and sincere efforts to resolve any problems you have. That’s all I can offer, and I offer that willingly and unreservedly.

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

    by Truzenzuzex on May 10, 2008 8:01 AM EDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

    Maggard

    Marc reminds me of an old Southern Baptist politician railing against criminals and the deformed. He loudly denounces that which obviously won’t be able to mount much of a defense, yet you have to be blind not to notice the self-serving purposes of his ubiquitous grandstanding. Marc has a business interest in UK’s success. He has insinuated himself into UK’s recruiting despite having absolutely no training or experience on the subject. His claim to fame is that he has been “paid” by colleges for his “information” but why? Why would a major Division I school pay someone with no background, training, or experience in the game? Are we to believe he just one day declared himself to be a “scout” and as a result he started getting paid?

    I don’t get it? Actually, I do. This is clearly and obviously a front that he hopes will somehow snowball into something. A baseless heap of ever increasing claims about himself.

    So he hops up on his fabricated reputation and he lays into Tipton. Maybe Tipton deserves it, maybe he don’t. Once thing is certain, Maggard is not doing this to “help” or “protect” UK, Maggard is going this to further his own delusions in a long and relentless effort to insinuate himself into the UK program. History suggests that people like this will eventually turn on their object of desire, and my prediction is that one day he will turn on UK viciously in favor of say… Tennessee… then attempt to make a name for himself as a critic of our program once his tawdry advances are finally definitively rebuffed.

    "Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter. The statesman who yields to war fever must realize that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events. " -- Sir Winston Churchill

    by Crow on May 9, 2008 10:15 PM EDT reply reply   0 recs

    Well ...

    ... I am unqualified to comment on that. All I see is a man running a website and involving himself in the recruiting process, much like Matt Jones does. I’m sure there are many differences, and everybody theoretically has some plan for the future of their work. I can’t blame Maggard for trying to do something he wants to do, and quite frankly, it sure would be nice if I could afford to spend all my time chasing down recruits and watching basketball. I guess you could say that I am a little jealous.

    But as far as A Sea of Blue is concerned, all I care about is producing a good place for Wildcat fans to have an honest discussion about their favorite team without fear of mockery or juvenile absurdity. This site is intended to be for adults, and young people with a mature attitude. Many sites are happy to take anyone, but here, we don’t really suffer the absurdly foolish, the profane, the drive-by or those with less than two brain cells to rub together. We welcome discussion, debate, and disagreement but we require that it be conducted after the manner of mature adults and not teen-agers.

    I think other sites are no so discerning, but I don’t mean to cast aspersions on them. Whatever works for them. I know this works for us.

    :-)

    A Sea of Blue -