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Kentucky 117, Clarion 52 -- Postmortem

Patrick Patterson was a bit more present this game than versus Campbellsville.

Ed Reinke - AP

Patrick Patterson was a bit more present this game than versus Campbellsville.

Thanks to the Clarion Golden Eagles for coming into Rupp Arena and giving a game effort against the Wildcats.  John Calipari's alma mater came in and gave a good account of themselves versus a vastly superior team, and did both the school and our coach proud with their relentless effort.

Examine the score.

Kentucky has played many exhibition games over the years.  The last time Kentucky scored over 110 points was just last year, versus Missouri-St. Louis, 111-53.  Two games later, Kentucky allowed 111 points in a loss to VMI.

I mention this only to focus the mind of the Big Blue Nation.  This victory, and the size of it, is as ephemeral and meaningless as the pixels on your screen.  Well, maybe the pixels mean a bit more.

No matter what, this was a much more impressive game than versus Campbellsville.  The Wildcats played with more skill, more cohesion, and an equivalent level of intensity and determination.  When big guys like DeMarcus Cousins start taking charges, that is motivation and determination.  Kentucky has quite possibly taken more charges in two exhibition games this year than they did in the first four games last year.  Maybe that is a comment on the disparity of the skill level.  Maybe it is a comment on the determination of the team.

My observations follow the jump.

Star-divide

  • John Wall was all that he was supposed to be, particularly defensively.
  • DeMarcus Cousins gets better with every game.  I wonder how long this will continue.
  • Darius Miller did not seem all that great, except when you look at his line -- 11 points, 7 assists, 1 turnover.
  • Speaking of turnovers, they were not a problem versus the Golden Eagles.
  • Patrick Patterson had two beautiful three-point shots.  He could have done a bit more, but 14 points and 6 rebounds is not too bad.
  • Ramon Harris had a strong game, with 11 points and 7 rebounds.
  • Darnell Dodson did not dominate this game, but he did play pretty well.
  • UK shot 50% from 3.  That is way, way better than they need to shoot to be successful.
  • Once again, the 'Cats held their opponent under 30% shooting.  That will win every time.
  • All this with Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton on the bench.

This game didn't mean much, overall, but the coaching staff had to love the improved effort and better execution all around.  I must admit, the DDM as currently executed does not look all that different from a regular motion offense, but I also realize that the players have not come anywhere near perfecting the system yet.  The thought that it will only get better and better as familiarity with it grows is ... encouraging, to say the very least.

Defensively, I thought Kentucky was really good tonight.  Yes, they were playing a markedly inferior opponent, but even considering that, the 'Cats did a good job of fearlessly drawing charges and moving their feet.  The effort was there defensively in a game where it didn't have to be for the 'Cats to win.

In the end, this game doesn't tell us much, but it does tell us that the 'Cats have improved over their last effort, which is really the best we could hope out of an exhibition. The score doesn't mean much to me, but the improvement means a lot.

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great game.

a few years ago i saw a message board post that said kentucky was the most boring and frustrating offense to watch. The offense tonight was thrilling to watch and well just fun to watch. They play to score. Wall is exciting to watch. They all are. Still concerned about turnovers. North carolina will turn those into points so we must be careful. Kentucky is finally exciting to watch again. I love it. :-)

Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!

by tenken on Nov 7, 2009 3:01 AM EST via mobile reply actions   0 recs

I think having the two guards together will fix the turnover situation

That and having guys be ready to receive those Wall passes will make it work. And you are right, this is more fun to watch than anything we have seen in a long time.

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on Nov 7, 2009 7:12 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

When playing a D2 school

I try to keep some perspective.But,I mean really,the numbers are flat out sick.

UK FG59%,3PT50%,FT83% Clarion FG23% and we won by 65 points.

by -Zoso- on Nov 7, 2009 8:01 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

What About Liggins?

Does anyone know the deal with Liggins? Two games, everyone plays except him?

by Bluegilla on Nov 7, 2009 8:08 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Cal stated that he would not comment on the Liggins situation, he does not throw his

players under the bus for issues.

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on Nov 7, 2009 8:10 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Hmmmmmm. . .

I have no idea what that means.

by Bluegilla on Nov 7, 2009 9:35 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Cal refused to comment Liggins

said he would not throw him under the bus.

by -Zoso- on Nov 7, 2009 8:09 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

ESPN..

Has some headline that says Rumor: Cal angry at Patterson.. I don’t get Insider, but anybody know wth this is about?

by JRod1229 on Nov 7, 2009 8:43 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

simple...

…It’s called a cliff hanger. They are trying to get you to subscribe and they know that UK basketball is HOT right now…

DO NOT BITE… Probably nothing…

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 7, 2009 9:26 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

On a closer look...

…That was an older article from ESPN, and Cal has said that he was upset that PP took only 7 shots in the 1st exhibition… Wants Pat to demand the ball.
 Like I said, nothing too it…

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Nov 7, 2009 9:31 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

PPat shoots threes and makes them,

John Wall is fast, Cuz is smooth for a big guy, and Perry can dribble drive. These are a few of my favorite things….
Yes….I have a lot more too :-)

Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Nov 7, 2009 10:30 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Heh.

Really. They are good things to love, that’s for sure. :-)

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

by Truzenzuzex on Nov 7, 2009 10:35 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Last night was the first time I began to think about 30 plus wins

I almost smiled, but worried about pulling a muscle after 2 years of… whatever that was.

I went for it anyway. After a couple of aspirin this morning, I feel fine.

No matter where you're at, there you are

by cincyblue on Nov 7, 2009 11:50 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

30+ W Is VERY Likely

UK had 32 W in 1986 coming off 18 W season in 1985.

This team is > than 1986 team.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 7, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I think the UK train has been turned around and is picking up steam

and we ain’t talkin the “I think I can, I think I can” train, either.

Darn, I smiled again. Where’s my aspirin.

No matter where you're at, there you are

by cincyblue on Nov 7, 2009 11:57 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Someone contact a pharmaceutical company

we are gonna need large quantities for a while. :-)

Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Nov 7, 2009 12:44 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Key Improvements

Much better overall performance and execution. Most impressive IMO is the improvement in the two areas of greatest weakness vs Campbellsville: perimeter defense and perimeter shooting. Increased athleticism and corresponding quickness very obvious on defense although the talent disparity must be considered. Team looked much more comfortable in DDM but still miles to go in crispness and knowledgeable execution. Impressive FT shooting especially early in season. Improved rebounding, noticeably on defensive boards. Harris and Stevenson responding well to diminished playing time, experience will be a great asset. Wall appears to be all he was hyped to be. Patterson tendency to be deferential was not as great but it should be recognized that the DDM favors perimeter/wing players although, as Calipari asserted, there will be some changes made in DDM to facilitate Cats interior size. Liggins, I feel his central difficulty is, shall we say, academic. One should not forget the classroom difficulties Liggins has experienced throughout his scholastic experience.

"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius

by Wild Weasel on Nov 7, 2009 2:06 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Why we are better.

The biggest reason we will be a much improved team this year is due to the overall competitive spirit this team has. I like what Coach Cal has done with the roster. It’s deep and talented. There is not the disparity in talent for the 8th, 9th, and 10th players off of the bench like we have had in the last few years. Our practices make us better, pure and simple. When you have talent playing against talent everyday, you are going to get better. I love that we can basically rotate in a whole new 5 when our guys get winded. Is it just me, or do substitutions seem much less noticeable than the way our last 2 coachs did it?

I know it’s only an exhibition game, but I would guess that we have all watched enough basketball to recognize some of the positive changes already.

Plus, we finally have a point guard. Hallelujah! Go Cats!!!

by goinss1 on Nov 7, 2009 2:18 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Quantum Leap In Talent

Is the primary difference. Consider that two starters from last year’s team are now no better than 8 and 9 on this squad…and even lower if one considers talent only.

"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius

by Wild Weasel on Nov 7, 2009 4:24 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

AMEN.....

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on Nov 7, 2009 7:13 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Not Fair To Stevenson Or Harris (Knocking Their Talent Level)

Pure baloney.

Stevenson was the all-time HS leading shotblocker in the USA. He was 2-time All-Stater who AVERAGED a triple double those 2 seasons. His HS team won 2 state titles to boot.

He has talent. So does Harris.

Harris won 4 straight state titles in Alaska. Few others have done that in ANY state. He got little publicity playing up there but he is a talented player.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 7, 2009 7:38 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I dont think it was as much knocking their talent levels as it is realizing

the talent levels of the incoming players……Both the guys are talented, but on this team they do fall in that 7-10 range. Thats what is so great about this team, it is loaded from top to bottom…..If, and I say only if DeAndre Liggins is the least talented player on this team right now, I will take it. Mark Krebs not withstanding.

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on Nov 7, 2009 8:51 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

Orton and Cousins > Stevenson.

And Dodson and Hood > Harris.

In terms of talent, that is.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 8, 2009 6:41 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe that should be rephrased....do you Forty see either of those kids as NBA talent?

I only say that for one reason…..We may……ok….we should have 4 NBA Players starting this year….possibly 5…..Cousins, Patterson, Wall, Bledsoe, and Orton ALL in my judgement are NBA talent. We had 2 playing last year…..To me that seems on the surface to be a major upgrade in talent….Also….look at our 2nd 5 compared to last year…..that is an even bigger upgrade in talent.

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on Nov 7, 2009 9:04 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

No

Stevenson is too skinny and short to be NBA “4” player.

Harris doesn’t create enough offense to be NBA “2” player.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 8, 2009 6:43 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Two years of

BG’s head games were possibly Perry and Ramon’s biggest problems. The man did not know how to build confidence in anybody but his opponents.

by Grasslands1 on Nov 7, 2009 10:09 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

High Praise For Cats From Coach Righter

Most talented team, top to bottom, that he’s seen in years. Outstanding improvement from Monday to Friday.

"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius

by Wild Weasel on Nov 7, 2009 7:44 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Coach's Postgame Comments

Audio

"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius

by Wild Weasel on Nov 7, 2009 8:03 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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