'09-'10 Kentucky basketball: an off the 'Wall' preview

by sportsinlex on Nov 12, 2009 10:55 PM EST Comment 1 comment

They're the team that can do no wrong. With the coach that says all the right things, a top-ranked recruiting class, and the return of one of the country's best players, the 2009-2010 Kentucky basketball team has the folks in the Commonwealth more excited than a crowd before a Hannah Montana concert (for the record, I wouldn't know).

Buzz. Anticipation. Star-power. Athleticism. Depth. Potential.

All of these words have been directly associated with the new-look Wildcats since head coach John Calipari's arrival. Aided by his can-do attitude and his 'can't miss' recruiting class, Cal and company's expectations are higher than sky high.

UK fans, whom Calipari has said are "the greatest in the world," are ready to burst with excitement on Friday, as UK tips off its season against Morehead State. Speaking of the fans, "they're like throwing wood on fire," says diaper-dandy Demarcus Cousins, "it's going to be roaring."

For those that have some worries about team unity and togetherness, have no fear. According to the players, it's all sunshine and rainbows on and off the court. "We're like brothers" said newcomer Eric Bledsoe. "God put this team together," claims freshman Daniel Orton.

But hold on just one second, you rabid UK fans; allow me to bring you down to earth with some words that may, just may, be associated with this team:

Immature. Inexperienced. Overrated. Selfish. Distracted. Overhyped.

Now before you go crazy, throw your computer, or let your frenzied fingers type a hateful post below, allow me to explain myself. I'm not saying this team will underachieve. I'm not even saying they won't do what all UK fans think they might. It's reasonable to hope for an SEC Championship, a Final Four appearance, or even an eighth national championship for Kentucky. Just do yourself a favor and don't expect it (I promise, you'll thank me later).

Keep in mind that Jodie Meeks has left and, while he's been replaced by some freakishly talented players, he will not be forgotten. The lack of long-distance, Meeks-like marksmen may hurt the Cats this season.

Keep in mind that the highly-touted 'dribble-drive' offense doesn't include many looks down low for big men. Why do you think All-American Patrick Patterson has been jacking up threes this preseason? He's got to find a way to get shots, and Cal knows his looks in the paint will be limited due to UK's new style of play. Sure, you'll see some set plays designed for Patterson, Cousins, and Orton, but not as many as you'd think. Just watch.

So before you set your goals at the aforementioned accolades of championship banners and #1 rankings, try some reasonable ones first. Here's some examples:

Kentucky will be looking to avenge losses to several teams this season, including Louisville, Mississippi, South Carolina (twice), Mississippi State, Georgia, Florida, and LSU.

Think the football team's 24-game losing streak against Tennessee is embarrassing? Last season, Bruce Pearl's Volunteers finished ahead of UK in the SEC for the fourth straight season, the first team in SEC history to do so.

While preseason basketball rankings may be the most insignificant polls in sports, don't forget that Kentucky fell out of the AP top 25 last season for the first time since 1990. Thanks to Calipari and his recruits, UK has jumped back into the top 25 (the top 10, for that matter) in most collegiate preseason ratings. See how much fun this is? Go ahead and mark that one as 'completed.'

One more goal you can put in your 'reasonable' column may be the most gratifying one. UK failed to receive a bid to the NCAA Tournament last season for the first time since 1992. Despite a pretty cool atmosphere at Memorial Colesium and a hellacious dunk from Perry Stevenson, I don't think anyone wants N.I.T. rumblings anytime soon. On top of that, UK team leader Patrick Patterson has yet to strut his stuff in the Big Dance, something all UK fans can be pulling for this year.

While the Billy G. era ended with a season full of unwanted firsts, it brought Big Blue Nation to its knees in a lesson of perspective. Hopefully UK fans remember where they've been with the Cats of late before they dream about where the Big Blue may be going.

So enjoy the layup lines, the pregame intros, and the 99% of basketball previews that have the Cats among the nation's elite. But allow yourself to be pleased if UK beats LSU and Ole Miss, tops the Vols in the SEC East, or punches a ticket to the NCAA Tournament in March. Go ahead and jump for joy if the Cats win the SEC Tournament or knock off pesky teams like Louisville and Florida. And if they should happen to cut down some nets in March? Go nuts, Big Blue Nation, and be surprised.

2009-2010 Kentucky basketball schedule

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You make some very valid points that anywhere but UK would be heeded

without any further justification. However, as you point out above, this is Kentucky, and we have by the very nature of our heritage and birthright developed an overwhelming sense of asking for the improbable, and yes, sometimes, even the impossible as an everyday occurrence.

We may struggle from the 3 point line, we may not……however, we now have our power forwards and centers taking 3’s and hitting a decent % with some regularity. We will no longer be a 2 man show in Lexington, with little or no supporting cast.

A blind man could see what was wrong with the Cats last year. When all you have as a regular scoring threat is an outside shooter and a center playing out of position and no one around them to help out with regularity, you will not win big in college basketball.

Now there is a conundrum for opposing coaches when they play us. Who do we guard??
The answer is elementary my dear Watson, you better guard them all, because if you dont, one of them will scald you. The only problem with that theory is that there are at least 3 players now on our starting 5 that cannot be guarded by most players 1 on 1.

Unless you get the guys in stripes playing for you, you will not stop this team. The only guys that can stop the Cats now, are the Cats. And it could happen, it really could…..but we are spending over 3 mil a year to make sure that does not happen. Seems to be money well spent.

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on Nov 13, 2009 8:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs