Kentucky 64, Connecticut 61 -- Postmortem
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 10, 2009 12:29 AM EST
in Basketball
122 comments
What. A. Game.
We may be saying that a lot this year. I have no idea why, but at no time during this game did I ever worry about losing. Why? I can only suppose that perhaps John Wall is the reincarnation of the Buddha, and all I can think of is Zen.
Great effort by the Connecticut Huskies. They were what we knew they would be -- tough and determined. Jerome Dyson was incredible, Kemba Walker was amazing, Gavin Edwards outplayed everybody on both teams -- except one. John Wall. The Huskies were awesome, just amazing, but not amazing enough this time.
For Kentucky, well, we saw exactly what John Calipari implied we should see -- a really bad team having really good stretches because of their talent. Once again, UK had one more good stretch in this game than the opponent, a now-familiar theme for the 2009 Wildcats.
I have to confess, I really wanted Calipari to go zone. But as he has said, and perhaps I should acquiesce to (not a chance), "I am the coach, let me do my job." Okay, Coach, but forgive me if I sit in my armchair and disagree. It's what we do here in the Bluegrass State, and if you are going to kanoodle the job here at Kentucky, this is just another part of what you have so enthusiastically embraced. Deal with it.
Moving along, I was not concerned going in down six to the Huskies at the half. I want to stop right there and ask you all, ladies and gentlemen of the Big Blue Nation -- when was the last time you could have imagined that we could go into half time down six points versus the UConn Huskies in Madison Square Garden and not be concerned? It has been a very, very long time, certainly the better part of a decade at least. That, in and of itself, is a wonderful thing.
More after the jump.
Here are the things that jump out at me:
- Bad Cuz, Good Cuz, all in the same game. Nothing to see here. Move along.
- John Wall. Well, what can you say? He was pretty good, but then, he always is. But he had a stretch in the first half where he looked very much like the freshman he is.
- Patrick Patterson -- Warrior of warriors. I have no idea how severe his ankle sprain is, but I get the impression he would have gone back in with a compound fracture -- he was going to make sure this game was won, and physical maladies be damned. And largely because of his leadership, the 'Cats did win.
- Eric Bledsoe had an off night, particularly defensively. It wasn't lack of effort, really, just lack of experience. He will get a lot better, and his effort was very good.
- Darius Miller just took a step back tonight. He didn't look confident, his shot was flat, and the more he missed, the worse he played. But he had a great game defensively against Stanley Robinson, who was almost never a factor.
- Darnell Dodson made a couple of big shots, but he played abysmally overall, particularly on defense. He is much better than that.
- Daniel Orton did what he always does -- play harder than anybody. This time, he fouled out. He will have better days, and this day was better than it looked.
- Ramon Harris is such a great effort player, but he sure does need some kind of offensive game. Big free throw at the end, though. And a ton of rebounds.
- Josh Harrellson made one good play and then laid down flat. C'mon, Josh, you can do this.
- Perry Stevenson gave some good minutes, and did what he was in there to do.
- Are the oddsmakers any good or what? They had UK +2. Scary.
- That 12-0 run showed what could happen, just like the 28-2 run last week did. If the 'Cats can ever learn to sustain the effort, look out Indianapolis.
- Calipari did a great job. Then again, John Wall can make an average coach look like a genius. Fortunately, he didn't have to tonight.
- Where the heck did our offensive rebounding go? On vacation to Hawaii, apparently.
That's it. It's late. I'm finishing up a taste of Four Roses for a nightcap. Up next -- the Hoosiers.
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They
are freshman but these games will only make them better. I agree with Dick VItale……..Indiana can be a trap game.
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
Well ...
… I suppose so, but I don’t see it that way. Against a lesser team, I might be concerned, but we out-talent Indiana by a wide margin right now.
We need to focus on it and not overlook the Hoosiers, but I am confident.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 10, 2009 12:39 AM EST up reply actions
I made a point to watch the last IN game
They seemed decent, I’ve always liked their coach, but I just don’t see how they can beat us without us having a really off night.
by tyler cottrell on Dec 10, 2009 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
ditto that here, tyler.
I consider myself a reasonable and fair individual, but unlike what Dickie V was professing, I do see carnage in the future. Carnage for us, that is. : )
besides ...
IU is not a “trap” game. A “trap” game is a “ho-hum” game played between two big games … 1.) IU is never a “ho-hum” game, it’s a rivalry game, and 2.) UK’s opponent after IU is Austin Peay. Not an opponent the UK players will be looking at, instead of focusing on Indiana.
Neither “trap” game criteria is present.
Agree
I’ve watched IU play a couple times and, at least on paper, they don’t match up well in terms of talent and team speed. Unforeseen intangibles aside, I don’t see us letting this one slip away.
Seems like just another example of Vitale over-hyperbolic excitement – he seemed to have a pre-determined agenda in hyping this “trap game” theory – but I couldn’t tell exactly why.
He must have been talking about announcing
for the UK – IU game as being a trap. As in, the announcers are trapped into not waxing poetic about UK while IU is getting run out of the gym.
“Well we’ve GOT to say something nice!”
“Ahhh, yes….those sure are some spiffy uniforms! Tom Crean looks absolutely marvelous in that zoot suit! Next year he will really have a team to reckon with! WHEW!”
’That’s right Pepper! Tom will have himself a squad come next season…."
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH…..
turn down the sound and make up your own commentary with family or friends….much more entertaining and less stressfull, even if the Cats are choking on bull nuts.
GO VITALIS!!!!
GO BIG BLUE!!!!!
I have kleptomania,
but when it gets bad,
I take something for it.
Vitale
“ahh, what a speccccial place, Bloomington Indiana, what a speeeccccciiiaaallll place. Lot of history here, lot of memories. It reminds me of being down in Durham….”
by Gobe Igbloo on Dec 10, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
I sure
hope that they don’t have the same over confindence that all of you seem to have. This team tends to play to the competition level. INdiana just beat a Pittsburg team. I think that considering the close games we have had with lesser competition shows that anything is possible. These kids don’t know the rivalry that we have with IU.
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
I wouldn't
really call it over-confidence on my part, more like just being realistic. Look, I like Jeremiah Rivers, I think he’s really good. I also like Verdell Jones (and at one point I was sad when we didn’t land him) and Christian Watford was definitely very heralded coming out of high school, and I’m quite certain that Crean will have the Hoosiers back on the map sooner rather than later, but the reality right now is that on paper, well, it’s pretty simple, we have WAY more talent. And baring something unexpected, this should not be a huge challenge for us. Also, that Pittsburg team you are referring to is definitely in a rebuilding year and is nowhere near where they were last year so I’m not sure how great Indiana’s win against them really is.
Sure, we had a couple of scares earlier this season and I get the reason for being cautious, but at some point it just seems that we just have to start trusting in the numbers and trusting what our boys can do. Maybe the last couple of years have people running scared, but frankly, I’m tired of being scared of our opponents and dwelling on what could possibly go wrong, I just want to believe. : )
I agree BSC.
And baring something unexpected, this should not be a huge challenge for us.
I would say if they bare something unexpected it will be challenging.
Oh ithink
that we could kill em on talent alone. I think we will kill em on Saturday BUT I think that Vitale had a valid point. IU will be gunning for us. Over confidence could hurt us but just know that I am not “scared” of IU. I am not scared of any team.
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
We should win this game
However, it also should be tougher than Miami (OH).
This will also be our first true road game, and I would expect a hostile environment. (Won’t IU sell it out with only a standard allotment leftover for rabid UK fans??)
It’s just too bad we won’t get to see MIKE DAVIS getting his first experience with JOHN WALL. That would be, as the credit card commercials say, PRICELESS.
Good way to put it.
“John Wall can make an average coach look like a genius. "
I’m just happy our new coach and players are really delivering. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I have it logically worked out how UK is going all the way every year. This time, it’s not so much of a dream as a reality, and John Wall has clutch reliability!!!!
by tyler cottrell on Dec 10, 2009 12:43 AM EST reply actions
Oh, well.
That’s why I don’t mess with lines here. I never bet on sports, and have no handle on them.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 10, 2009 12:44 AM EST up reply actions
3 words that say a lot ...
What. A. Game.
I admit when the schedule came out, I was worried about this game in The Garden. But after watching the team for 8 games, I knew they were capable of winning. PPat is so determined and I hope he can show these freshman what it takes to endure. I think he is trying to play and mentor. And doing so quite well. :-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
How bad was the officiating?
I don’t think it would have been as close if our starters could have gotten more minutes instead of sitting on the bench in foul trouble
Thank you!!
How did UK only score 23 ponts in the fist half? How come UK let a big lead sip away? How come UK lost thier momentum? Because our starters were riding the freakin’ pine for the final 10 minutes of the first half, that’s why!
I was so relieved that UK won, so I could slam the officials. They were horrible, horrible, horrible. They were horrible for both teams, mind you, but I thought UK, especially in the second part of the first half, got jobbed, big time.
Just another learning experience for the freshmen.
I could not Agree More
I will go so far as to say after Calhoun complained to the official, calls got really one-sded. Walker faked a couple of calls. So did Dyson. Uconn was camping in the lane an no 3 seconds. It was clearly a case of let the team behind get the benefit of the doubt. Refs need to decide if they let the big men get physical or not and call it the same on both ends no matter what the score is. They shouldn’t even know the score. Oh, and tackling someone going for a dunk like happened to Cousins is an intentional foul fast break or not. But I rant….sorry.
Agree but....
UConn FT’s were so bad, the fouls actually were a plus for UK last night. Having said that, I wouldn’t want to make a habit out of it. Before the year ends, games will be won or lost at the charity stripe.
Don't agree, entirely
The fouls are what led UK to play the second half of the first half with last years’ team.
True, but..
The team needs to face the fact that Wall can not be on the court for 40 minutes, nor should he. Cal said the most minutes would be around 29 a game. So far at least 2 guys are getting more. Last year’s team as you said, needs to step it up. I wouldn’t want to depend on Wall to finish every game himself to win. That spells trouble long term.
Well, I don't disagree with anyting you wrote directly above,
but that doesn’t change the fact that the poor officiating nearly cost UK the game, and that UK’s fouls were not a “plus” last night because of UConn’s poor free throw shooting. Another thing to keep in mind about fouls, is that they sometimes are counted as a turnover because they sometimes take away possession.
Calipari— You have to take EVERYTHING he says with a grain of salf. There is Cal’s world (as it pertains to him talking to the media) and then there is reality. And the reality is that John Wall will play nearly every minute of every important/close game that UK plays in this year. You can book that.
I hear you..
but if Wall must play that much, I don’t think he’ll have enough left at tournament time. I know these guys play ball year round, but the kind of schedule college ball keep, they haven’t seen. Mentally, as much as physically.
That's a good point
Many freshman hit that “wall,” let’s hope it doesn’t happen to JW. One thing though, I do believe UK will be involved in quite a few blowouts this season, and Wall might get some much needed rest then. We’ll just have to wait and see.
If Wall
can’t handle playing a lot in every college game, how will he be able to handle the longer Pro season?
He can handle it
but why should we make him if we have other players? It also works to give those other players some experience for the times when he may be unable to play, and I think Bledsoe needs some time as the point gaurd to figure out how to do it without wall there to save him.
"Come test me every day if you want," says Pujols, "Everything I ever made in this game I would give back to the Cardinals if I got caught."
Wall is such a freak athlete that I don't know itf the rules apply to him, but
you won’t normally see rookies play major minutes for an entire season, expecially ones that come out early. It’s a physical maturation issue. Now there are examples, such as LeBron James, of early entry rooks playing major minutes, but he’s the exception.
And not all freshman hit the “wall,” but some do.
Worst. Officiating. Ever.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Dec 10, 2009 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
one has to..
adapt to the flow of the game. I’m sure the refs read all about how physical the game might get, and called the game tight. I would like to just let them play, but they really wanted to control how physical the game could get. It won’t be the last time this year either.
Wont be the last time
I post that again either then. ;)
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Dec 10, 2009 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
remember..
the refs are only 9 games into their season as well, and some, maybe less than 9 games. They have some new guidelines as well to implement this year. I tend to rip on the refs sometimes, but for now I think we need to cut everyone, players, coaches, and refs some slack.
You are a better person than me then.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Dec 10, 2009 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
Officials usually call two, three, sometimes four games in one week,
so they are quite a bit farther along in their season than the players.
by Ken Howlett on Dec 10, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
OK, but...
the freshman haven’t been “exposed” to how the college level game is called, but for 9 games. I doubt they even know the “calls” refs have to make. Example, tripping is an automatic call this year. Orton was a victim last night, and I think Wall got a similar call as well. They will learn to adapt with Cal’s help. And kentuckygirl0724, I’m not a better person, maybe a little more “forgiving” of the officials right now.
Also to expand
Patterson, no fouls. Miller, Harris, not so much. Freshman? 5, 5, 4, 3. Lends to my points above.
Oh, I'm not intimating that UK didn't commit fouls, but
two of Orton’s fouls were awful calls — The block he was called for in the 1st half was a terrible call, and the 4th foul on him was the worst call I’ve seen this year — On a rebound, the opponent had the ball, Orton was behind him and the guy sticks his butt into Orton’s midsection, knocking him to the ground and they call the foul on Orton.
One of Bledsoe’s fouls was similarly awful — Dyson (I believe) extended his arm to create space and Bledsoe was called for the foul. Also, UConn’s big man walked at least three times and nothing was called.
Another good point
Adapting to officiating can be tough, especially to freshmen, but last night’s game should serve as a good lesson.
Orton was really getting physical
when he got knocked to the ground from that set position. just sayin’
by Gobe Igbloo on Dec 10, 2009 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
Cal said ankle in the post-game,
I heard knee during the game thread or calf or something…..Okay some part from his thigh to his toes then. :-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
games of interest (perhaps)
Thursday: Syracuse vs. Florida
Friday: Vanderbilt vs. WKU
very interested
in the syracuse/UF game
If UF wins, we can stop the NIT jokes on the Gaors though…
I am kind of torn.
Root for the SEC or keep giving Gator’s grief …..
(although 98% of the Gator fan base sill has no idea about this game)
http://wildcatblueblog.com
by PJordan32746 on Dec 10, 2009 8:27 AM EST up reply actions
I watched the Fla - Bama football game
in the presence of two Fla graduates. Just for fun, asked them about their basketball team. Not one word to say. The woman said she had forgotten the name of their coach. To be fair (or maybe to be accurate) these were two Fla graduates who didn’t seem to know a ton about their football team, either. But she knew players names.
by Gobe Igbloo on Dec 10, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
Florida/Syracuse
I’m torn on this one as well. I would really like to root for the SEC team but I have SUCH a hard time rooting for Florida. I would also like to see some of these other undefeated teams fall for purely selfish reasons. I really dont like Florida though.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Dec 10, 2009 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
After the way the SEC other than
Kentucky, Florida, and Tennessee (and to some extend, Vandy, but they just lost again) have started, I think we need to root for all the OOC SEC wins we can. Otherwise, no matter how well we do in the SEC, we’ll hear all the “yeah, but it was another down year for the SEC.”
The bottom looks to be pretty low in the SEC, so we need the three usual SEC east teams to be very high. Really, it’s quite possible K, F, and T can all be ranked in the top 10 come the start of conference play.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
The better
the gators and volunteers do, the more credit we get for beating them.
This one is easy - I can't stand Jim Boeheim or Syracuse
Go Gators.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
Actually, it is hard to root for any team in Orange
now that you think about it
by Gobe Igbloo on Dec 10, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
Tennessee, Texas, Clemson, Virginia....
by Gobe Igbloo on Dec 10, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
They need to get NCAA bid for two reasons:
1. SEC needs to show rebound from last year’s poor showing.
2. Might give us a third chance to beat them in one year.
full box score is up
is it really possible that Orton fouled out playing only 3 minutes? Or is that a typo?
That box score on ESPN is wrong.
by TheFakeGimelMartinez on Dec 10, 2009 1:35 AM EST up reply actions
UK Athletics box score
has Orton with 9 minutes
by Gobe Igbloo on Dec 10, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
great game by you guys
John Wall – 1, UConn – 0.
you guys have a serious talent in that kid. let me just speak for the rest of the country that i hope he is the number one pick next year :) (and not punishing us for another season).
hope to see you guys again in the tourney… although in a neutral site i think you guys mop the floor with us (MSG is like 2 hrs from Storrs, its a home away from home for the Huskies).
"I suggest more bike" ~KSK
www.throughbucknerslegs.com
Without Wall we don't win ....
He just took over for us at the end of the game. But, I can’t say enough about Patterson – he picked us up with his outside shooting and tough inside play. and Cousins came in with a double double …. this team continues to improve and impress.
Will John be SEC freshman of the week again? …. He just made a good case.
I think this is what it would have been like if LaBron had went ot college …. just saying…..
"Without Wall we don't win"
Now, normally I’m Mr. Obvious, but for that one I turn the crown over to you … but just for a day :)
Thanks for stopping by justdave, now go out and beat the hell out of U of L.
sorta obvious
But I’d say “without Wall all season” we’d have been better “without Wall last night”
by Gobe Igbloo on Dec 10, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
I mean
we’d be better Wall-less today if we’d been always Wall-less.
(meaning they are relying on him, he’s winning the games for us, and the rest of the team doesn’t have to work as hard to get better)
by Gobe Igbloo on Dec 10, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
And I'll wear my crown proudly ... Thank you very much....
Har! Har! …..
I guess the point I was trying to make was that John Wall didn’t beat UConn – Kentucky beat UConn (see comment above “John Wall – 1, UConn -0”) …. He was the key but, he had a little help from his friends.
P.S. Crown’s a little tight Ken … trying to keep from getting the big head with these W’s.
LOL! I'll retake the crown tomorrow:)
And I understand what you’re saying,and I agree. Without PPat, and Cousins against UConn, UK loses.
Thanks, Justdave.
Thank you for coming by. We enjoyed having you, and you are welcome anytime.
It was an entertaining game, although Neither team played well. UConn will do very well this year. Good luck.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Thanks for coming by
Love watching the Huskies play and, unlike many of my UK breathren, was not quite as confident that we would pull that game out given the talent level and experience you have. A rematch in March or early April would be a treat for us all.
Wall
John Wall is Superman. I’m sure of it.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Dec 10, 2009 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
I'll tell ya
I’ve been watching college basketball since the mid-70’s and I don’t recall seeing a freshman play this well. Wayman Tisdale at Oklahoma was great as a frosh,and so was Rex Chapman, as well as Chris Jackson of LSU, but Wall may be in a league of his own … so far at least.
Its Good to a Cat Fan today...
John Wall- I think he’s about to Melo us to an unbelievable season…hope he enjoys every win…because whether he is in New Jersey, New York, or Charlotte, he may not see many more for a year of two…
Cousins-big, big game…seemed to click a bit. I still wanna call him a baby sometimes. But never to his face.
Ramon Harris-Relentless. Guy gets his stuff swatted more than flies at a family bbq but never gives up. Senior leadership is huge.
Jon Hood-hang in there son. you’re time will come.
Orton-feel good that parents are pointing at the tv tellin there kids “you’re supposed to play THAT hard.”
Go. Big. Blue.
Orton
Poor Orton was on the business end of at least two TERRIBLE calls tonight. He set the tone early though with a wicked block down low against Oriahki ( I believe).
I realize he’s on a team of scorers but I would like to see him shoot a little more, he has a nice stroke.
I love watching Orton in the game
He’s got a great intensity, seems to position himself well and has a strong defender attitude, Really look forward to seeing him develop over the next 1-2 years as I think he is a cornerstone player for us.
You nailed it
It’s great to know UK will have him at least one/two more years. I think the guy is gonna be a great player.
It's beginning..
to look a lot like Christmas..
Oh my
It’s games like this that will attract more top-flight PG’s to UK…Calipari is making no mistake in telling all of the potential one-and-done quality PG’s that when the game is on the line (even big games vs big time opponents in big time arenas) you as a freshman can be given the keys to the car to drive us home…even with an All-American in the paint not getting a single touch down low in the second half…you have to wonder if Selby and Knight were watching that game thinking “…that could be me next year…”
The beauty of this offense is that it’s designed for guards to create and get open looks driving…completely different thing to be able to finish the way JWall did tonight…spectacular…wish I had Tivo’d that game…thank goodness it will be on ESPNU the following night…my X-Mas gift is #11…
I can’t tell you how disappointed I am in the development of Darius Miller thusfar. I isolated my viewing on him a number of times last night during the game and he’s just a spectator out there. He doesn’t seem to be looking for a shot and seems perpetually passive and out of rhythm. I think he’s guilty of doing what I do – sitting and watching Wall, Pat and Cuz to see who will do something great next.
What I wouldn’t give for a cold-blooded outside shooter on this team. Who would have thought that it would be Wall and Pat delivering the key 3pt shots?
Liggins
Hearing reports that Deandre was not on the bench and did not travel with the team to NYC. Any confirmation on that?
confirmed ...
I would say we don’t see Liggins till afer this semester and 12/19.
He has been desperately needed the last two games though
http://wildcatblueblog.com
by PJordan32746 on Dec 10, 2009 7:33 AM EST up reply actions
pretty much agree with you
I was very happy we were only down 6 at the half. We should have been down 10-12 points but I was very happy with the 6 point deficit with all the players out…. and that is a good thing about this team. We don’t fall completely apart with Wall out, we have enough talent to stay close…
I am beginning to wonder if Cousins will be NBA ready this year ….. He may still try to go but it is looking more and more like he needs another season.
http://wildcatblueblog.com
Anybody have a link to Cal's full postgame?
I fell asleep.:) Sad
No matter where you're at, there you are
Indeed.
I LOVED the interviewer’s comment post-game. She talked with Cal out on the court right after the win and he gave his whole “we drank the cool-aid, im going to be bald” spiel and when he walked off she said something to the effect of, “There goes the most disappointed undefeated coach in the nation.” LOL!
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Dec 10, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
Remeber..
Coach saying early to his wife that this team may have more talent than any other he’s coached? I think he told the players this as well. Could be he needs to gear back a bit on his own comments, lest the team get too complacent. Deep down he’s got to have a small feeling they may run the table, however unlikely that may seem.
You have to remember ...
… what his standard for comparison is. We are not a good team when compared to his 2007-08 Memphis team. Not at all. That team would drub us at this point in the season.
Compared to most of the top ten this year, we are pretty good. Compared to Kansas, we are not a good team, at least, not as good as they are by a long way.
That doesn’t mean we won’t be a good team, but a lot of what we have done so far could have been erased by just a few bounces of the ball. Calipari is right. I think we are guilty of drinking a little too much of the “poison,” as he called it last night.
This is a journey, not a destination. We have a long way to go, but we do have the talent and the tools. There is no reason we can’t get there.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 10, 2009 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
i disagree...and agree
I saw the memphis 07-08 team and the memphis team at the end of the year might beat (not drub) this team, but the 07-08 memphis team 8 games in would NOT drub this team – might not even beat it…
the whole purpose of my fanpost “cal’s best team ever?!” was to point out that this team is every bit as talented and i am enjoying the journey – just make sure you do not miss it!!!
(train is leaving the station – better get on board!)
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 11, 2009 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
They are more talented than Memphis.
But they are not as good. Not yet. Not by a long shot.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Wanted to watch the game with my uncle last night to kind of ease him into the being alone part
but after the funeral he was just too tired. Was exhausted myself, but just couldnt pass up the chance to see this team again. what a way to make an otherwise awful day better. My man-crush on John Wall is growing by the day. Sometimes I would love to know what goes on in that kid’s head during a game. It is almost like he sees it turning out the way it does. keep it up guys……I just love me some Wall……I am seriously reconsidering letting my daughter date him……seriously……
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Well ABC
my daughter (seriously) has dated Tom Jurich’s son and your friend the troll, Matt Jones so I think your daughter would be making a better decision than mine did!!;-)
What's that
saying? To paraphrase…“the good Lord won’t give me more than I can handle but he apparently has more faith in my abilities than I do”.
Tru may not have been worried but I certainly was. That was a road game against an experienced tough team and we were playing against 8 which several have noted. We could EASILY have lost that game and frankly, if UCONN hits a few more freethrows, we DO loose.
I agree with everyone on the obvious, John Wall won the game. I struggle to remind myself this is a young team but what continues to bother me is the lack of fundamental basketball that we’re seeing game after game.
We don’t seem to box out at all (UCONN out rebounded us), we play defense in short spurts and then seem to forget it (a LOT of Dyson’s points were drives…IU SHUT that down), we over penetrate leading to charges or turnovers, we seem to forget what offense we’re running for stretches, and we have players disappear instead of stepping up.
I watch Coach C on the post game and listen on radio and he’s seeing exactly what I am…..not saying I’m smart just that most of this is obvious. This team is relying on it’s oveall talent and especially John Wall’s to bail us out instead of playing fundamental basketball.
We’re 9-0 and that’s great but Coach C is absolutely right, we could easily be 5-4. Let’s all applaud 9-0 but playing poorly and depending on one guy to pull each game out isn’t going to take us very far in March.
With practice
and experience they will improve. That’s why they play a whole season. Much too early to come to any conclusions.
Actually, think about it
Madison Square Garden
New York City
Starting 3 freshmen!
And by the way, UCONN has already played in MSG this season before last night
by Gobe Igbloo on Dec 10, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
Oh I agree
with those comments and as I said, I TRY to remind myself of how young they are. I just don’t see any improvement in some of those areas. I think that’s why Cal keeps saying the things he’s saying. Bottom line, with the talent in that lineup, we will beat a LOT of teams regardless but against a “good” team, Wall’s not always going to make up for fundamental basketball.
Report from the front lines
Got to attend the game, and it was a ton of fun. I’m not sure if it came across on the TV, but the crowd was awesome. It was probably 50-50 UK/UConn (maybe 60-40 either way), and it was LOUD on both sides. Both sets of fans were standing and chanting the entire night, and there were a couple near-skirmishes in my section. All in all, it felt like a game in late March.
As to the officiating, I really did not think it was biased either way. Sure, they missed some calls, but it seemed evenly divided, and expecting perfection may be a bit much. Our fouls looked like fouls to me.
All in all, a GREAT time (esp. since we won)!
It's time. . .
My Opinions
1. (Again) John Wall is Superman.
2. Darius Miller looked as if he wanted no part of the ball. He plays scared and it irritates the hell out of me.
3. Ramone Harris. He has a lot of heart and tries his best and does some good things at key moments, however, I just can not get excited about him. There was one point in the game toward the end when the ball was passed to him and he poised for a shot and both my husband and I shouted, NO!" That about sums it up for me.
4. What’s the deal with John Hood? Is it his defense that is lacking? I would have to assume that he has a better offensive game than Harris.
5. I am SO pumped over this win!! This was already such a big game but I have to admit that the minute I purchased tickets to the Drexel game, the UConn game got 10 times more intense for me! Keep rolling Cats!!!
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Dec 10, 2009 9:42 AM EST reply actions
Re
Hood vs. Harris. Yes, Hood is more of an offesive threat than Harris, but right now he’s looked like a deer in headlights during his little playing time thus far, and he’s not a strong defender yet.
We have enough offense for the most part, so Harris is the better play right now. Hood will get there, but Harris, despite not being an offensive threat whatsoever, makes good decisions, sets his teammates up, rips down rebounds at clutch moments, and continues to play lock-down defense.
I will say that the past two seasons Harris was usually good for a three pointer or two, plus an easy putback or two. What little offense he had has defintiely disappeared this year.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
What a difference...
talent makes.
These guys are young, and make lots of mistakes, but watching them play is so much more fun, exciting, and enjoyable than watching last year’s team struggle through each and every game. It is now easy to understand how last year’s team failed to make the big dance, because the quality of play drops exponentially this year when our freshmen studs take a seat and the likes of Stevenson, Harrellson, and—from an offensive standpoint—Harris take the floor. Those guys are role players, at best, and it really is a different game when they are on the floor together.
It may be a bumpy ride, this year, but what a fun ride it’s going to be, and what a fun time it is to be a Kentucky Wildcat.
our returning bench
is probably also trying to “unlearn” a LOT of stuff that does not fit in the new system. Like “be afraid to shoot, be very afraid”
by Gobe Igbloo on Dec 10, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Cant blame Billy forever.
There comes a time when it is what it is and the “big bad Billy” stuff has to cease.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Dec 10, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
so you disagree with what I said?
Or you just think taking up for our players does not justify saying something that is essentially an indirect criticism of some of our last coach’s methods?
Ok
I have no idea what you are talking about here.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Dec 10, 2009 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
I would say
that my comment above is not “the ‘big bad Billy’ stuff”
Not?
“Be afraid to shoot, be very afraid,” is not reference to Billy?
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Dec 10, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
on fouls, dont forget
Uconn had issues as well – 2 big men and the main guard sat for time. They were upperclassmen so handled playing ith 4 fouls..
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 10, 2009 12:10 PM EST via mobile reply actions
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