Morning Newspaper for January 15th
by Glenn Logan on Jan 15, 2009 8:29 AM EST
in Kentucky Wildcats News
Email
Print
Today marks day 2 PME (post-Meeks Eruption) and things still have not returned to normal in the Big Blue Nation. The national media is still buzzing, Big Blue fans are still chattering, and this is undoubtedly the biggest UK basketball event since Tubby Smith packed up for Minnesota.
But there are other things happening, and we'll get to some of that now.
Kentucky Basketball News
- Cat Scratches is the just-launched blog of UK Athletics. Eric Lindsey of the Media Relations department is apparently the blogger, and posted a ton of stuff yesterday you will want to read. Welcome to the blogsophere, Eric.
- USA Today has a 3 way discussion about the SEC. Kentucky and you-know-who figure prominently.
- Just in case you haven't had enough, LawVol at Gate 21 looks askance at UK-UT.
- Jerry Tipton has this blog on Liggins' notable absence from the Tennessee game.
- John Hood continues to dominate in losing causes.
- More Meeks.
- Even more Meeks from Mike Miller at Beyond the Arc.
- CHN chats with Jodie Meeks' father, Orestes.
Kentucky Football News
- It's already been posted, but in case you missed it in all the Meeks celebration, Trevard Lindley is coming back for his senior year.
- Myron Pryor selected for the East-West Shrine Game.
NCAA Basketball News
- Florida edges Auburn.
- Georgetown defeats Syracuse.
- Billy Gillispie's old team delivers a big upset of #21 Baylor.
- Illinois takes out #25 Michigan, splitting the series.
- LSU defeats South Carolina.
- Yikes. Lose a game, lose Derrick Favors to Georgia Tech. Dawg basketball fans are displeased -- all 137 of them.
- Heh. Told ya.
NCAA Football News
- There is now an official proposal for an early signing period for Football, but 'Bama Sports Report finds this particular proposal flawed, and has better ideas.
- Mike Hartline's brother Brian is jumping into the NFL waters.
- Sam Bradford may be returning to OU. That guy is really, really good, just in case his Heisman didn't make you aware of that already.
- Need a little sports related hilarity? By all means, Black Heart Gold Pants.
57 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Wow
Lindley coming back is a HUGE deal. This Kentucky team has the potential to be very good next year – the defense should be solid, and the offense should be much better with another year of experience. Woo hoo!
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
Indeed.
There is no telling how good we can be next year with just a little help on the D-line. Of course, the offense is still a giant question mark, but it looks like we will have another solid defensive unit.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
137 -- haha
….That was good, Tru.
I watched the Florida game yesterday. It was brutal. I thought both teams played pretty bad. I think we have a good chance to beat FL twice this year, especially if we keep improving.
Hood is having a great season. He’s going to be a nice addition to the team next year.
GBB!!!
Terrible game
Florida looked awful, Auburns defense was pretty bad and they were struggling to score….both teams were shooting very poorly. I pray UF plays that bad when we visit them.
UK beats Florida at least twice this year...
We will beat them no matter how many times we play them this year… They have NO, and I mean NO answer in the paint for our front line…. ‘’Oh yeah, and then there’s Jodie….!
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
Meeks' 46 was NOT a freedom hall record
It was a record for UK players at freedom hall. They made this very clear during the broadcast of the App. State game. More points had been scored on the Louisville floor, but not while UK was playing there.
UK & Jodie Meeks, USA Today Sports
A very good debate concerning UK & Meeks…!
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/2009-01-14-roundtable_N.htm
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
oh crap... Sorry Tru, just noticed that you have already linked this... :)
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
Some Kentucky Scoring Lore
Frank Selvy of Corbin, Ky., is the only player to have scored 100 points in a Division I NCAA men’s basketball game. He did it for Furman against Newberry in 1954, before embarking on a successful NBA career. Wikipedia has a nice piece on it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Selvy#1962_NBA_Finals.2C_Game_7
I wonder if Rupp got blamed for not signing Selvy, letting him go out of state.
From Memory (Reading About It)
I don’t think Rupp tried to sign Selvy. Don’t remember why, not sure.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 15, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
According to CollegeRPI.com, UK is 66th in RPI....
Now that conference play has started, I expect them to continue to win and move quickly up the RPI rankings. Scheduled teams remaining that are better in the RPI are no surprise – UT, UF (twice) and Arkansas.
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
DeAndre Liggins
Does anyone else honestly see him in a Kentucky uniform next year? Porter is a junior and only getting better. Landon Slone seems to lie heavily in CBCG’s favor. Plus Coach G’s coveted GJ Villarino will be here next year. These are the players that are coming for sure. If the off season next year is anything like this previous one, then there will be at least four or five unforseen surprises as well. Is there room for Liggins on the team and his apparent badatude? I don’t know the answer personally, but if I were DeAndre, I’d be re-evaluating my attitude post haste.
I need a Sea of Blue because I am surrounded by Tennessee orange!
not sure Liggins is either
too many turnovers… too much pointless dribbling. I hope he can turn it around, but there is a lot of stiff competition out there and athleticism is one thing, but to be coachable is another. Liggins is definitely an athlete but the rest of qualities of being a great college player still remain a mystery with him. I hope like the rest of UK’s fans that he can turn it around, but he doesn’t seem to have much patience and a few more games of pine riding…. I’ll be interested to see his reaction.
I need a Sea of Blue because I am surrounded by Tennessee orange!
by sleepytimetea on Jan 15, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
I really WANT to see him in a uniform
I think Liggins has incredible potential. His decision-making needs to get better, his attitude needs to get better, and his jumper needs to improve (I SO want a 3 to go in for that kid), but these are all unsurprising things right now. He is young, and has acted somewhat reminicent of Joe C. when Crawford first arrived. I think with time, that kid will be fantastic, and could lead this team for 3 years, or at least 2. Regardless of how well Vilarino might turn out to be, no one wants to start a freshman at the LG if it can be avoided, so next year isn’t really an issue for Liggins if he can step up.
No way Slone replaces Liggins. Slone hasn’t seen the court once since whoever we played before Louisville, and while he did fine and impressed me, I just don’t see him getting much PT in conference play unless we’re blowing someone out. Coach might surprise me, of course, and he probably will. Porter may or may not continue to start for the rest of his career, but if Liggins improves, I could easily see next year Liggins starting and Porter backing up Jodie.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
And to answer your question
I do see him in a Kentucky uniform next year. He knew Porter was on the team when he decided to come to Kentucky. He knew Vilarino was coming in when he decided to come to Kentucky. Sure, things haven’t gone as well as he probably thought they would, not as well as the Blue faithful hoped they would, but hopefully he matures enough to step up to the plate and meet these challenges.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
Compassion Emphasized
Anyone who’s familiar with Coach Gillispie knows that he is — despite his seemingly on-the-court lack of sentimentality — the embodiment of compassion. It’s evident when he speaks of those near to his heart. I believe that nurtuant attitude is prevalent in his dealings with the special circumstances of DeAndre Liggins. For that reason I expect Coach to continue to go the extra mile and thus Liggins will remain a Wildcat for as long as university rules allow. This quote from Arthur Stainback, I believe, well states Coach’s position
"The value of compassion cannot be over-emphasized. Anyone can criticize. It takes a true believer to be compassionate. No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or understands."
Excellent comment...
And I believe you are right on with the situation. Coach has a huge heart and love for his team. I have said this all along. I know he does not have any biological kids but these kids are his family. Perhaps his compassion for others goes back to his childhood that we have no knowledge. There is something there that I have seen so many times since he came to UK.
fantastic comment
I agree with you 100 percent about Gillispie. I don’t think he possesses the capability to quit, be it in a game, at his job or on an individual player. I question Liggins and his quest for stardom… his lack of patience… the seemingly endless supply of rumors of practice problems. I should not have brought this up because it is certainly a great time to be a UK fan and this is certainly a buzzkill topic, but it is something I have noticed. People have been known to leave UK before to seek success elsewhere. To me as of right now, Liggins seems to fit that persona. Again, I hope I am wrong.
I need a Sea of Blue because I am surrounded by Tennessee orange!
by sleepytimetea on Jan 15, 2009 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
Um...
I don’t want to play you this year. Take a pass?
Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com
hehe
Thanks for the kudos, GP. Is it just me, or have you not been around these parts as much this season? We miss you! (Especially when you’re making comments like the one above! :) )
:)
I have been around less. Been busy. But I’m just kidding, of course. I think our Gators can give the ‘Cats a good game, and certainly have it in them to win. But I’m not really expecting it. We have zero low post presence right now.
Orange and Blue Hue: The World through GATOR-colored Glasses -- http://www.orangeandbluehue.com
and Absolute MUST!!!!.....
check out this pic from KSR……
http://new.kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads//2009/01/54.bmp
GO BIG BLUE!! Long Live Coach G (so long as he wears KY blue)!!!
Even the fans aren't watching!!!!
GO BIG BLUE!! Long Live Coach G (so long as he wears KY blue)!!!
by bluebloodtoo on Jan 15, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
OK, a kudos for Tubby
As much as I despise his tenure at UK.. Tubby recruited Meeks. Thank you Tubby.
by MyBloodRunsBlue on Jan 15, 2009 5:22 PM EST reply actions
Despised?
1 NCAA title, 4 Elite 8, 6 Sweet 16 and 5 SEC titles, 5 SECT championships in 10 years.
Despised???
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 15, 2009 7:34 PM EST up reply actions
...
despised is another word for hated
Agreed, Tubby’s recruiting was horrendous for all but just a few years and Jodie was definitely a diamond in the rough.
Horrendous?
Top 5 recruits in 1998 and 99. Top 10 recruits in 2000 and 01. Top 15 recruits in 2002 and 06.
- recruits in 2004.
Horrendous???
Not exactly.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 16, 2009 6:33 AM EST up reply actions
...
those rankings were obviously flawed, but I wouldn’t expect anything but a bunch of useless numbers as your response.
I mean, please I don't want to get into the Tubby good vs. bad
But I’d watch the tone a little there, spork. Tru can get a little incensed at personal atttacks, especially fan on fan action (giggle). Just take 40’s numbers for what they are, you don’t have to agree. I don’t always agree with his barrage of stats, but often they’re on the mark and sometimes put things in a new perspective.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
Not Flawed At All
The 98 thru 06 recruits were part of UK teams that were 228-79 (average 25 W per season) from 99 thru 07 seasons. Two A-A (Prince, Bogans), numerous All-SEC players, many NBA players, etc.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 16, 2009 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
Good Lord
Why not just come out and call the whole state racist, as opposed to just hinting at it? Douche.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
I Didn't Read It That Way
Tubby is a humble, quiet guy. UK coaches like Rupp and Pitino were neither.
Guys like Tubby and Hall were reasonably successful but not so much as Rupp or Pitino.
Being the UK basketball coach takes more than coaching or recruiting.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 16, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
40... seriously...
But he wasn’t cut from the same cloth as those guys, and we mean that in precisely the manner it looks and sounds.
You don’t read that as saying “He was ran out of town because he was black.” ?
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
You Can Read It That Way
And there are A FEW who think like that.
There are more who weren’t satisfied with the last 2 years of his UK career (44-25) compared to the first 8 years (219-58). The lack of FF appearances was significant to many.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 16, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Totally agree
But the author is turning it into a racial thing, not a performance issue.
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
Exactly
What is the one thing that Lute Olson, Coach K, Roy Williams, Jim Boeheim, Tom Izzo, and Mark Few have in common (the referenced “those guys”)?
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
1998 Thru 2007 Results
The overall W-L (%) records and NCAA (W-L %) results in those 10 years are comparable for Tubby, Lute, Coach K, Roy, Boeheim, Izzo, and Few.
That’s how I read his meaning (or intent).
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 16, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions
Wrong
I think you read it wrong man.
It was clearly intended to be interpreted at “Kentuckian are all rascist hicks”.
I can see how you would interperet it the way you did but not too many people think as anaylitically as you do.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
FWIW
I agree with you 40. Fans were itchy over the fact we hadn’t been to a Final Four in 8 years. The last two years with slim prospects for improvement in the upcoming season lead to the disgruntlement many fans felt. I honestly don’t believe race was a factor in Tubby’s decision to leave.
What I also believe is that this author is deliberately trying to make it sound like the numbers didn’t matter and the color of his skin did.
You can feel the way you do (and I agree with you) but you need to be able to see other people’s points of view as well and I think you’re ignoring what this guy is (wrongly) trying to say.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Facts Trump His Intent
And so do Tubby’s personal statements as to why he left. There was a pertinent article in the Minnesota papers this week on that subject.
Tubby is THRILLED to be in Minnesota. So are Donna and Saul. I’ll see them on Sunday actually.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 16, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
I agree
But your statements made it sound as though you thought his intent was “wins and losses” and I think the general consensus is that this small minded individual was going for a below the belt shot.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
That's How I Read It
He mentioned several of Tubby’s peers with comparable W-L (%) records.
UK ranked 4th in overall W-L (%) and Most W in Div I during that timeframe.
UK was 5th in NCAA games (both W-L % and most W) in those 10 years.
Clearly he had a pretty good run. Some don’t agree with that assessment.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 16, 2009 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
40...
You never cease to amaze me.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Not Sure Y
1. He’s one of the best coaches.
2. It was time for a change.
3. He’s better off for it.
4. UK is fine, too.
5. Simple as that.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 16, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
I don't usually get incensed by things...
But this is the worst piece os $#@% writing I’ve seen on ESPN in a long time. Ridiculous.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Community Guidelines
[UPDATED 01/18/2012]
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
