you know, the one with the worms in it? It may have been opened again Tru… It has been a little quiet lately though, so I welcome some honest debate.

Coming into his senior year, Joe Crawford was far from reaching his full potential as a Wildcat. Under the guidance and “encouragement” of BCG, by season’s end Joe was playing the way most of us expected him to be playing by the end of his sophomore year. Not all Mcdonald’s All-Americans are sure things, but Joe sure looked like one coming in. But he did not become a go-to guy under Tubby. Give Tubby the credit for bringing him in, and laying some of the foundation. But Gillispie challenged him to reach his potential, by earning it. And the challenge was met.

we sit and await the stats that”prove” that “joe crawford really wasnt much different from his junior to senior year.” Sigh….

http://www.lex18.com/Global/category.asp?C=35554&nav=menu203_4

He talks about his time at UK and Coach and also Ramel and Joe.

For Coach G.

is that Joe C didn’t reach his potential until his Senior year. Of course I’m going to follow this up with stat comparisons because they are 100% factual. Everything else is just a matter of opinion. Joe C actually had more rebs and assists and fewer to’s his Junior year. The only substantial difference were free throws, where he got to the line more and shot a better %. I’ve always thought he didn’t get a fair shake from the fans. He played just as hard his Junior year. His Senior year had as much to do with maturing as it had to do with coaching. Everyone will argue his defense was better, but he had more steals, blocked shots, and defensive rebs his Junior year. I’m not trying to put Joe’s Senior year down at all. I’m saying he was just as awesome and valuable his Junior year. Through the first half of last season, most fans on these blogs were still bashing him. I’m just glad most everyone came to their senses by the end of the year and gave Joe his deserved appreciation. Sorry, but the stats don’t lie.

The difference I saw in his performance during his senior year, was a man that played harder than ever as the season went on. He WORKED harder than ever before, all the while, playing in pain. There were many times that he was exhausted. But he played on, and gave it everything he had. That’s what I saw that won’t show up in the stats. That’s why I say he reached his potential as a senior.

Seems like a good kid. Good luck to him!

IMO, of course, both Tubby and Coach Gillispie deserve to be mentioned for the development of Joe and Ramel. I would think that both coaches played a role (sometimes good, sometimes challenging) in each of their lives – both on, and off the court during their time at UK. Hell, as long as we are handing out all of this credit, why not throw a little to Joe and Ramel? You know, the actual players. Surely, they also deserve and have earned some recognition. After all, it was their hard work, dedication, and willingness to stick it out and re-prove their abilities to the new guy that allowed them to have spectacular senior seasons.

Best of luck to Joe in the draft. Ever the optimist…......I hope he ends up with a well-run NBA franchise that will be the perfect fit for his abilities and personality.

... my whole point here is Gillispie didn’t get any credit for Crawford’s development from Bozich at all. Even 25% is better than 0. Even if the great last 60% of the season and his current improved status was 75% due to Smith, surely Gillispie should be mentioned.

That’s all I’m saying.

I can easily go with that FortyYear.

Crawford’s own words regarding Gillispie tell me who was the biggest influence in his college basketball years. He, as the player, knows exactly what Coach G did for him to be successfull as a senior and hopefully getting into the NBA.

why does everything pro-gillispie = anti-tubby?

In forty’s mind I believe it does. Dont bother arguing.