UK Basketball: A Statistical Look at the SEC
by Ken Howlett on Dec 18, 2009 7:41 PM EST
in Basketball
54 comments
Ten games into the season, and the Kentucky Wildcats are sporting a pristine 10-0 record, with two wins against top-15 competition. OK, so you already knew that, but do you know how UK stands within the conference in the many statistical categories? If not, prepare yourself for an onslaught of SEC stats, standings, as well as enough conference information to make one forget about Bob Knight and his "unamusing" musings.
After the jump comes ... the rest of the story.
Conference Standings
East West
1. Kentucky - 10-0 1. Mississippi - 9-1
t2. Tennessee - 8-1 2. Mississippi State - 8-2
t2. Florida - 8-1 3. LSU - 7-2
4. South Carolina - 7-2 4. Alabama - 7-3
5. Vanderbilt - 6-3 t5. Arkansas - 5-5
6. Georgia - 4-4 t5. Auburn - 5-5
Scoring Offense -- 1. Tennessee (84.1) 2. Mississippi (83.1) 3. Kentucky (80.3) 4. Arkansas (80.2) 5. South Carolina (78.1) 6. Mississippi State (76.2) 7. Florida (75.4) 8. Vanderbilt (74.4) 9. Auburn (72.2) 10. Alabama (70.7) 11. LSU (66.1) 12. Georgia (63.5).
Arkansas is averaging over 80 points per game, but is still only 5-5?
Scoring Defense -- 1. Mississippi State (59.5) 2. Tennessee (60.2) 3. Florida (60.9) 4. LSU (62.1) 5. Alabama (63.2) 6. Georgia (63.6) 7. Kentucky (65.5) 8. Auburn (67.7) 9. South Carolina (68.2) t10. Mississippi (68.3) t10. Vanderbilt (68.3) 12. Arkansas (72.6).
Tennessee and Florida, both weak defensively last season, have so far shown a tremendous defensive turnaround. John Pelphrey, on the other hand, needs to instill some of the defensive tenacity at Arkansas he employed while playing for the 'Cats.
Scoring Margin -- 1. Tennessee (+23.9) 2. Mississippi State (+16.7) t3. Mississippi (+14.8) t3. Kentucky (+14.8) 5. Florida (+14.6) 6. South Carolina (+9.9) 7. Arkansas (+7.6) 8. Alabama (+7.5) 9. Vanderbilt (+6.1) 10. Auburn (+4.5) 11. LSU (+4.0) 12. Georgia (-.1).
It looks as if Bruce Pearl has finally reigned in his talented UT squad ... as of now, that is.
Field Goal % -- 1. Tennessee (50.4) 2. Kentucky (49.7) 3. Arkansas (49.0) 4. Mississippi State (47.5) t5. Florida (46.3) t5. Mississippi (46.3) 7. Vanderbilt (46.1) 8. Alabama (45.4) 9. South Carolina (43.9) 10. LSU (43.4) 11. Georgia (42.9) 12. Auburn (42.7).
South Carolina must shoot the ball better if they wish to atone for last year's NCAA Tournament slight. Arkansas, shooting 49% and standing at 5-5? I sense a trend developing.
Field Goal % Defense -- 1. Mississippi State (36.8) 2. Tennessee (37.8) 3. Kentucky (38.6) 4. Arkansas (40.1) 5. Florida (40.3) 6. LSU (41.5) 7. Mississippi (41.6) 8. Auburn (41.8) 9. Georgia (42.0) 10. Vanderbilt (42.1) 11. Alabama (42.2) 12. South Carolina (42.3).
Tennessee once again surprises. What once was holding UT back from fulfilling their promise, may now become the strength of their team ... if they can keep up D-heat.
Three-Point % -- 1. Mississippi State (41.9) 2. Tennessee (40.6) 3. Arkansas (39.3) 4. Kentucky (38.0) 5. Mississippi (36.2) 6. Alabama (34.8) 7. Florida (33.0) 8. Georgia (32.3) 9. South Carolina (32.1) 10. Vanderbilt (31.9) 11. LSU (30.5) 12. Auburn (30.4).
Shooters, shooters, needed in middle Tennessee, Louisiana, and Alabama.
Three-Point % Defense -- 1. Florida (21.5) 2. Tennessee (27.5) 3. Mississippi (31.3) 4. Auburn (34.0) 5. Alabama (34.1) 6. South Carolina (34.8) 7. Mississippi State (35.1) 8. Vanderbilt (35.2) 9. LSU (35.4) 10. Kentucky (36.1) 11. Georgia (36.4) 12. Arkansas (38.4).
Allowing 38.4% shooting from beyond the three-point line isn't defense, it's indifferent defense, and also the reason Arkansas may have a new head coach next year. UT and Florida continue to impress.
Free Throw % -- 1. Mississippi State (70.7) 2. Georgia (70.6) 3. Florida (70.1) 4. Tennessee (69.6) 5. Alabama (69.2) 6. Vanderbilt (67.4) 7. LSU (67.4) 8. South Carolina (67.0) 9. Mississippi (66.9) 10. Kentucky (66.0) 11. Arkansas (64.6) 12. Auburn (62.1).
The relative weak conference free throw shooting may render UK's poor average inconsequential.
Rebound Average -- 1. Kentucky (42.1) 2. Mississippi State (40.6) 3. Mississippi (39.6) 4. LSU (39.4) 5. South Carolina (38.0) 6. Florida (37.8) 7. Tennessee (37.1) 8. Vanderbilt (36.7) 9. Auburn (36.6) 10. Georgia (34.5) 11. Alabama (34.3) 12. Arkansas (34.1).
Kentucky should win a number of SEC games based strictly on their ability to hit the boards with a vengeance.
Rebounding Defense -- 1. LSU (30.9) 2. Kentucky (31.5) 3. Georgia (32.2) t4. Tennessee (32.6) t4. Mississippi State (32.6) 6. Alabama (34.1) t7. Florida (36.0) t7. Arkansas (36.0) 9. Auburn (36.2) 10. Vanderbilt (37.8) 11. Mississippi (39.1) South Carolina (39.6).
Rebounding Margin -- 1. Kentucky (+10.6) 2. LSU (+8.6) 3. Mississippi State (+8.0) 4. Tennessee (+4.6) 5. Georgia (+2.2) 6. Florida (+1.8) 7. Mississippi (+.5) 8. Auburn (+.4) 9. Alabama (+.2) 10. Vanderbilt (-1.1) 11. South Carolina (-1.6) 12. Arkansas (-1.9).
Offensive Rebounds -- 1. Kentucky (15.4) 2. South Carolina (14.7) 3. LSU (14.6) 4. Mississippi (13.8) 5. Auburn (13.6) 6. Florida (13.3) 7. Alabama (12.6) 8. Vanderbilt (11.8) 9. Tennessee (11.7) 10. Georgia (11.6) 11. Mississippi State (10.4) 12. Arkansas (10.0).
Offensive rebounds equals a gained possession, something UK has been lacking in to a great degree the last four years.
Offensive Rebound % -- 1. Kentucky (44.8) 2. LSU (40.8) 3. Florida (37.5) 4. Alabama (37.0) 5. South Carolina (36.6) 6. Mississippi (35.8) 7. Auburn (35.4) 8. Georgia (34.7) 9. Tennessee (34.5) 10. Vanderbilt (33.2) 11. Mississippi State (32.2) 12. Arkansas (29.9).
Surprisingly low number for Mississippi State. UK at nearly 45.0% is remarkable.
Defensive Rebounds -- 1. Mississippi State (30.2) 2. Kentucky (26.7) 3. Mississippi (25.8) 4. Tennessee (25.4) t5. Vanderbilt (24.9) t5. LSU (24.9) 7. Florida (24.4) 8. Arkansas (24.1) 9. South Carolina (23.3) 10. Auburn (23.0) 11. Georgia (22.9) 12. Alabama (21.7)
Defensive Rebound % -- 1. Mississippi State (73.8) 2. LSU (71.8) 3. Tennessee (70.9) 4. Georgia (68.8) 5. Kentucky (68.1) 6. Auburn (66.9) 7. Arkansas (65.8) 8. Mississippi (64.2) 9. Florida (64.0) 10. Vanderbilt (63.8) 11. Alabama (63.3) 12. South Carolina (62.3).
How can MSU be so strong on the defensive boards, and so bad on the offensive glass?
Blocked Shots -- 1. Mississippi State (8.6) 2. Kentucky (8.1) 3. South Carolina (7.8) 4. Mississippi (6.0) 5. Georgia (5.6) 6. Vanderbilt (5.0) 7. Alabama (4.6) 8. Arkansas (4.1) t9. Tennessee (3.2) t9. LSU (3.2) t11. Florida (3.0) t11. Auburn (3.0).
Raise your hand if you think John Calipari will have his players drive directly into the path of MSU's Jarvis Varnado, continuing an unpleasant Billy Gillespie tradition, which resulted in nearly 30 blocked shots in two games.
Assists -- 1. Tennessee (18.2) 2. Arkansas (16.3) 3. Kentucky (15.6) 4. Florida (15.4) 5. Mississippi (14.3) 6. Alabama (14.1) 7. Mississippi State (13.6) 8. Auburn (13.1) 9. LSU (12.4) 10. Georgia (12.3) 11. Vanderbilt (11.2) 12. South Carolina (10.7).
I expect UK's assist numbers to rise, as the team continues to gel. Does UT's 18 dimes per game signal an end to the alleged chemistry issues which plagued the team last season?
Steals -- 1. Auburn (9.5) 2. South Carolina (9.1) 3. Tennessee (8.9) 4. Alabama (8.4) 5. Mississippi (8.3) 6. Florida (7.8) 7. Georgia (7.7) 8. Kentucky (7.6) 9. Vanderbilt (6.7) 10. Arkansas (6.5) 11. LSU (5.8) 12. Mississippi State (5.3).
Strong numbers at the top the conference.
Turnover Margin -- 1. Tennessee (+6.9) 2. South Carolina (+5.1) 3. Mississippi (+4.7) 4. Alabama (+3.6) 5. Florida (+2.3) 6. Auburn (+2.0) 7. Arkansas (+1.6) 8. Vanderbilt (-.33) 9. LSU (-.56) 10. Georgia (-1.4) 11. Kentucky (-1.9) 12. Mississippi State (-2.6).
If UK hopes to race to Indianapolis as a Final Four participant, this number has to improve.
Assist/Turnover Ratio -- 1. Tennessee (1.4) 2. Arkansas (1.2) 3. Alabama (1.2) 4. Mississippi (1.1) t5. Florida (1.0) t5. Mississippi State (1.0) 7. LSU (.96) 8. Kentucky (.93) 9. Auburn (.86) 10. Georgia (.84) 11. Vanderbilt (.75) 12. South Carolina (.74).
Top Individual SEC Performers
Scoring -- 1. Rotnei Clarke (ARK) - 21.1 2. Chris Warren (UM) - 19.2 3. John Wall (UK) - 18.1 4. Tasmin Mitchell (LSU) - 18.0 5. Devan Downey (SC) - 17.7 6. Patrick Patterson (UK) - 16.8.
Now we see why Clarke was a hard target recruit for Billy Gillespie.
Rebounding -- 1. Storm Warren (LSU) - 11.4 2. Jarvis Varnado (MSU) - 10.1 3. Patrick Patterson (UK) - 9.6 4. Tasmin Mitchell (LSU) - 8.4 5. DeMarcus Cousins (UK) - 8.3.
Field Goal % -- 1. Jarvis Varnado (MSU) - 67.5 2. Storm Warren (LSU) - 64.3 3. Patrick Patterson (UK) - 62.5 4. Murphy Holloway (UM) - 59.5 5. Ravern Johnson (MSU) - 56.0.
Coming in at No. 7 is UK's John Wall at 54.0%, and at No. 8 UK's DeMarcus Cousins (52.9%).
Three-Point FG % (min. 2.5 made per game) -- 1. Rotnei Clarke (ARK) - 53.9 2. Ravern Johnson (MSU) - 50.0 3. Frankie Sullivan (AU) - 41.3 4. Chris Warren (UM) - 39.8.
Somebody get a hand in Clarke's face.
Assists Per Game -- 1. John Wall (UK) - 7.1 2. Mikhail Torrance (UA) - 5.5 t3. Dee Bost (MSU) - 5.4 t3. Julysses Nobles (ARK) - 5.4 5. Erving Walker (UF) - 5.1.
Steals Per Game -- 1. John Wall (UK) - 2.8 2. Devan Downey (SC) - 2.4 3. Ricky McPhee (UGA) - 2.1 4. DeWayne Reed (AU) - 2.0 5. Eniel Polynice (UM) - 1.9.
Free Throw % (min. 2.5 made per game) -- 1. Frankie Sullivan (AU) - 93.3 2. Mikhail Torrance (UA) - 90.9 3. Kodi Augustus (MSU) - 87.1 t4. Dustin Ware (UGA) - 82.8 t4. Trey Thompkins (UGA) - 82.8.
UK's John Wall checks in at No. 8, making 78.7% of his free throws.
Blocked Shots -- 1. Jarvis Varnado (MSU) - 5.3 2. Sam Muldrow (SC) - 3.3 3. Reginald Buckner (UM) - 2.4 4. JaMychal Green (UA) - 2.3 5. DeMarcus Cousins (UK) - 2.2.
Cousins is averaging less than 20 minutes per game!
Offensive Rebounds -- 1. Storm Warren (LSU) - 5.1 2. Patrick Patterson (UK) - 4.2 3. DeMarcus Cousins (UK) - 3.6 4. Murphy Holloway (UM) - 3.3 t5. JaMychal Green (UA) - 3.0 t5. Jarvis Varnado (MSU) - 3.0.
Patterson and Cousins average nearly as many offensive boards per game as the entire South Carolina team. Paying attention, Darren Horn?
Defensive Rebounds -- 1. Jarvis Varnado (MSU) - 7.1 2. Tasmin Mitchell (LSU) - 6.4 3. Storm Warren (LSU) - 6.3 4. Lucas Hargrove (AU) - 5.6 5. Patrick Patterson (UK) - 5.4.
UK's DeMarcus Cousins comes in at No. 8 with 4.7 defensive rebounds per game.
Assist/TO Ratio -- 1. Tyler Smith (UT) - 4.1 2. Chris Bass (LSU) - 2.9 3. Kenny Boynton (UF) - 2.3 4. Bobby Maze (UT) - 2.3 5. Erving Walker (UF) - 2.2.
John Wall is ranked No. 10 at 1.6. Very impressive number for Tyler Smith, and it may be indicative of the focus he has this season.
Bad Conference Losses -- Alabama (Cornell), Arkansas (Morgan State, East Tennessee State, and South Alabama), Auburn (Missouri State, Central Florida, and Troy), Georgia (Wofford and UAB), Mississippi State (Rider and Richmond), Vanderbilt (Western Kentucky).
Good Conference Wins -- Alabama (Michigan), Auburn (Virginia), Florida (Michigan State), Kentucky (Stanford, North Carolina, and UConn), Mississippi State (UCLA ... kind of), Mississippi (Kansas State), Vanderbilt (Arizona and Missouri).
Individual and Team Points of Interest
Rotnei Clarke scored 51 points versus Alcorn State ... In that game he made 13 three-point shots ... Clarke made 10 threes in a game versus East Tennessee State ... Devan Downey dropped 34 points on Jacksonville ... DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson and Tasmin Mitchell have all corralled 18 rebounds in a game this year ... John Wall dished out 14 dimes against UNC Asheville, and 11 versus Rider ... Dee Bost and Julysses Nobles each handed out 11 assists in games this year ... Jarvis Varnado has twice blocked eight shots this season ... Arkansas scored 130 points against Alcorn State ... Tennessee scored 124 points against UNC Asheville ... Arkansas shot 65.9% from the field against Delaware State ... Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi State have all made 16 three-pointers in games this year ... Arkansas made 35-45 free throws against Morgan State and still lost ... Auburn pulled down 52 rebounds versus Alabama A&M ... Florida and Vanderbilt both have games where they recorded 51 rebounds ... Tennessee dished out an astounding 34 assists in their contest with UNC Asheville ... UK handed out 28 dimes versus the same club ... Mississippi and Tennessee have both recorded 17 steals in games this year.
Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!
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Comments
Try using Tempo Free Stats
Also, a SOS comparison would be advised. That some of these teams have high Offensive Scoring or low Defensive Scoring isn’t so impressive when you consider that it is against a schedule ranked in the high 200 or 300’s.
by KingJamesIV on Dec 18, 2009 8:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Well, that's kind of a given at this point in the year,
and it’s something most UK fans realize.
by Ken Howlett on Dec 18, 2009 8:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Besides,
everybody has played a smattering of tough competition as well as their share of cupcakes.
SOS, while telling later in the year, is not so revealing at this point … at least in my opinion.
by Ken Howlett on Dec 18, 2009 8:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I comment by the seat of my pants
sorry if I came off as a prick in the initial one.
by KingJamesIV on Dec 18, 2009 9:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No, don't worry about it
I’m best described as old school when it comes to stats. Tru does a great job with the new school stats that take into account pace and effective field goal shooting and the like.
We appreciate you coming by, and good luck to the ‘Dores this season. That Jenkins kid can play, it’s only a matter of time before he breaks out.
by Ken Howlett on Dec 18, 2009 11:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Chew on this
Cal is the only Coach to lead 2 non BCS schools to the Final Four in the last 15 years.At UK,this is like letting the mouse guard the cheese.
by -Zoso- on Dec 18, 2009 8:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
It's
irrational, but if we lose either game to Tennessee or Florida, I’m going to be seriously upset.
by Byron on Dec 19, 2009 1:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Both of those teams are playing well right now
Boynton and Walker for Fla. are playing really well, and UT seems to have conquered their chemistry problems (or whatever their problem was last year).
The big difference I see in both teams is their willingness to play D, which is has been both of the team’s problem for a while.
by Ken Howlett on Dec 19, 2009 1:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Stats
I like ’em backwards but not as predictors.
For example, another team that I follow is 8-3 (so far this season) with 79.7 ppg offense and 58.8 ppg defense stats. That team is shooting 48% FG and 40% on 3-pt FG (with 12% margin over its opponents in both categories).
It would rank highly among the SEC teams in most stat categories. But it has only beaten one “good” team and lost to several such teams. Its W are home W over lesser teams.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 19, 2009 6:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
They actually do work well as predictors ...
… when massaged enough. But I don’t use ‘em much that way, myself. That’s mostly for gamblers, and I don’t gamble on sports.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 19, 2009 9:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Horses not a sport?
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
by oldcat'69 on Dec 19, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Uh...
Good point. Team sports. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 19, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jockey, Horse, And Trainer = Team
Your turn.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 19, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sport of Kings...
next…
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 19, 2009 3:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bleh. Only in your dreams. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 20, 2009 5:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not 4 Mine
Stats = How Well DID We Do.
Not (so much) How Well WILL We Do.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 19, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
something to think about
I’m wondering how much coach Cal will up-grade the non-conference schedule in years to come. Do you make the front end of the season tougher, knowing that your SOS goes up for possible seeding, and maybe hurt the confidence level of the players if they lose games? Or do you schedule “cupcakes” as Vitale calls them to get off to a great start to the season? I think it’s a fine line, and one that coach will think on. Personally, I think a tougher schedule would help later in the season when you get in conference. Thoughts?
by UK1972 on Dec 19, 2009 8:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
UK Tried Tougher Scheduling From 2000 Through 2007
It didn’t work so well.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 19, 2009 8:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You've got a valid point 40...
But let me ask this… If Cal continues to bring in, say, Top 5 recruiting classes and the overall talent level on the team increases, wouldn’t a stronger non-coference schedule coorelate with that??
See Kansas this year… Boatload of talent, especially with X Henry to fill the 3 position, but their schedule doesn’t look so tough to me. What, 3 tough games; Tenn, K-State & Texas?? There are already rumblings on the ’Net about them playing soft this year..
If your wings don't sweep....
by EagleTDL on Dec 19, 2009 9:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
UK Recruits 1998-99-2000-01 Were All Top 5-10 Rated Classes
It didn’t mean too much against the tougher schedules from 2000 thru 2005.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 19, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
?????
You lost me… You talk about recruiting classes from ‘98-’01, but then the schedule from ‘00-’05. Or are you saying the class of ’01 played through the schedule of ’04??
If your wings don't sweep....
by EagleTDL on Dec 19, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Those 4 Classes Played The Tougher Schedules
That’s what I meant.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 19, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
OK, copy all...
If your wings don't sweep....
by EagleTDL on Dec 19, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This year's schedule was set by the previous coach
Cal has stated he will toughen the schedule up, most likely starting next year.
First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...
by btcoop71 on Dec 21, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A balance
UK has it right now. UNC, a UConn and rivals UL and IU along with Rupp/neutral games where Cal’s team learn.
I think we’re good where we’re at.
RPI, yada, yada, yada. RPI is for the last four years. Bring a 27 win season into March and that won’t matter. Especially since we’re UK — the committee recognizes money.
No matter where you're at, there you are
by cincyblue on Dec 19, 2009 10:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cal HAD to have a tough OCSOS at memphis to boost his rpi
because the conference rpi was so weak. he actually got a low seeding (high number) or was passed over in the early years at memphis for the ncaa (he went to the NIT his first 3 years at memphis – if memory serves me correctly, the ncaa passed over memphis, primarily due to a low rpi ranking – one year they walked all the way through the NIT to win it – then he decided to “game” the rpi rating – at one point, the loathsome troll geoff caukins joked that Cal understood the rpi calculation better than anyone). he used to say he did not care about rpi and then went out and picked schools to raise the rpi. although he did have some bigger games the last few years, he mainly upgraded from 200+ to 100+.
i think Cal will probably add another top tier team or two, but i would not expect a whole bunch. once he goes through his first SEC season, i believe he will realize that he does not need the same OCSOS at UK that he had at memphis…..
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 19, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sched.
I don’t know. I like the schedule as it is — Stanford, UNC, UConn, UL — All solid teams. Austin Peay is a solid mid-major/low major, and Miami is a solid program.
You can’t play top-20 teams every week, and the whole purpose of playing a pre-conference sched. is to prepare for the SEC season. In order to do that, cocahes need some “cupcake” games.
One thng I would like to see change is the Freedom Hall game. That needs to be against Kansas or Indiana or a like opponent. Cal has spoken to this, and I think he plans on placing a tougher opp. on the sched. for that game.
by Ken Howlett on Dec 19, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the Freedom Hall game...
You know, Ken, I know a lot of people (including our coach, I think) agree with your opinion about seeing a top-notch game in Freedom Hall, but my question is, why?! I really don’t get why they get one there are all, much less one of the top games. Louisville is really, really close to Lexington. Louisvillians can ALREADY attend any game at Rupp with relative ease. Why should a game be taken away from the students and the season tickets holders to be moved a mere 75 miles down the road? I guess some would say to solidify UK’s position in Kentucky’s biggest city, but don’t they already have a pretty solid position there? If the point is to elevate UK basketball buzz and to bring a game more convienently to fans who don’t live in Lexington, then I would argue it should go further away from Lexington than next-door neighbor Louisville…Ideally it would be in Eastern or Western Kentucky for the fans who actually really ARE distant from Lexington, making a trip there expensive and time-consuming. But even my rural advocate-self has to admit that there probably are not adequate facilities in these areas for this to happen ; ) So maybe Nashville, Memphis, Cincinnati (I know Cincy isn’t much further from Lexington than Louisville, but at least being out of state it would offer the advantage of exposing people to UK basketball who are not already likely to be fans) ?
Maybe there are different arguments than what I listed for having a game in Louisville (beyond, hopefully, the desire to annoy UL), and I’d be glad to hear what they are.
by blue kentucky girl on Dec 19, 2009 2:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
call me a cynic...
but think it is Cal’s way of trying to include everyone without having to do it. he already laid the groundwork for it not working out based on lack of attendance at the unc ashville game….
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 19, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The 18,000 or so who attend the FH game (usually)
are not those who generally attend games at Rupp. Although tickets can be had for Rupp games, those tickets are numbered in the hundreds and not thousands. Besides, it’s tradition, and I’m a sucker for tradition.
What I would like see happen is to play Indiana in FH one year, and at Lucas Oil Stadium the next. If you’ve never been to a split arena for that game … it’s truly a special atmosphere and what college BB is all about.
If someone is worried about taking away home games from Rupp, then quit going to Cancun (this year) and Maui (next year), but I don’’t see that as a big concern for most. The number of home games has remained primarily the same for many years.
Cincy — UK use to play games in Cincinnati, which is a way for people in NKY to see the ’Cats live, and I think Cal is thinking about renewing that game.
What you have to understand is that UK is a very propietary entity to the people of Kentucky, and I feel it’s important for as many fans as possible to have the opportunity to the them play. And playing games where 18-20,000 of the tickets aren’t reserved for season ticket holders only gives more people a chance to see them play.
One more thing – The geographical location of the game doesn’t really matter much. UK fans will travel, and travel far to see the ’Cats play, if given the opportunity.
by Ken Howlett on Dec 19, 2009 9:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cincy game
If a game comes north again, my bet is that it would be at the Bank of Kentucky Center at NKU and not at US Bank arena.
First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...
by btcoop71 on Dec 21, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
N Ky Alumni Chapter Is One Of 2 Or 3 Largest For UKAA
Would love to see a game played in N Ky.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 21, 2009 12:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The BOK is really nice
Great place to watch a game.
First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...
by btcoop71 on Dec 21, 2009 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
STATS ...
Still a good barometer of who’s got what at this point in the season …
SEC competition will bring some clarity out of the mud.
Looks like we’ll have a tough time at South Carolina this year … USC stats are impressive while they continue to play without Dominique Archie.
I expected as much from MSU … wonder if Sidney will see the floor this year?
BTW … whole heartedly agree with your comment about forcing the ball in against Varnado …we did the same thing at South Carolina last year …(breath of fresh air is CAL)
by ukcris on Dec 19, 2009 8:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Archie
I should have included a comment about Archie’s absence … nice call.
Yeah, I supported G until the day he was fired, but UK’s game-plan the last two years for the MSU game was maddening to me.
The SC game last year was very interesting. They were coached to “dcuk under” and swat PPat’s shot just after his release. UK never adjusted and the result was a lot of bocks and a blowout loss. To many, many people (ex-players included) that loss was the beginning of the end for G.
by Ken Howlett on Dec 19, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Surprised-
That assist/to ratio is only category UT has players as individual leaders. But they rank high in almost every team category. Must be because they play a lot of players…
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
by iam4ukintn on Dec 19, 2009 9:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Off the subject-
I’m on my way to Middle TN State U. this morning to see my youngest daughter graduate, but just wanted to throw this out there. Last night I watched the Cavs-Bucks game on tv. I saw Jodie Meeks on the bench. He didn’t get to play, even though the Bucks are not any good. I’m sure the money is great, but couldn’t help but think, that he would have had the time of his life with this years Cats team…
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
by iam4ukintn on Dec 19, 2009 9:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
actually jodie came out on the floor
for one series near the end of the 1st quarter…..didn’t sniff the ball.
he would have had some fun on this team….ohhhh wellllll…
I have kleptomania,
but when it gets bad,
I take something for it.
by bluecrip on Dec 19, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hard to argue with the fun angle,
but the money speaks. It’s also very hard to argue with signing, and playing a year, even if most of it’s on the bench and making several times what I made in 29 years in the Air Force. Kinda puts professional sports pay in perspective for me.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
by oldcat'69 on Dec 19, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The team chemistry
seems to be really good, and as much as I thought of Jodie(and living in TN his career game made my life very sweet) I cannot help but consider would the team chemistry be as good or would it suffer if he had stayed?
by rodoc on Dec 19, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it would have been just fine...
However, Bledsoe wouldn’t be getting a chance to shine like he did last game. Don’t think Eric would have edged out Jodie for playing time. Double-edged sword there; you get Jodie, or Eric is a year later in his development. Plus, Jodie would be gone after this year anyway… Pick your poison, I’d guess!
If your wings don't sweep....
by EagleTDL on Dec 19, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
One more thing to consider....
had Jodie stayed we might not have gotten Bledsoe….I say MIGHT….I base that on PT only…
as it is Bledsoe looks like a lock for another season with UK….it all balances out in the end….
Oldcat, I agree!!! It would be hard to turn down the $$$ even if I had to ride the pine more than I am accustomed to. :)
I have kleptomania,
but when it gets bad,
I take something for it.
by bluecrip on Dec 19, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Congratulations, you must be proud.
From what I’ve heard, Meeks was just ready to take the next step. He made up his mind to leave before the end of last season.
He’s seen some time this year, and I think he’s had a double-digit scoring game.
by Ken Howlett on Dec 19, 2009 1:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Ken
I am proud. She’s my second child to graduate from college, and I’ve just got a 13 year old to go :-) I can finally start to see retirement ahead!!
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
by iam4ukintn on Dec 20, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the vols are looking pretty dangerous
Top of almost every category in the SEC. Their only loss is to a very good purdue team by one point They will be tough this year.
by idigl7220 on Dec 19, 2009 12:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think a split with them is very probable...
If your wings don't sweep....
by EagleTDL on Dec 19, 2009 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Beating both of those teams on the road will be tough, that's for sure.
by Ken Howlett on Dec 19, 2009 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
By "both of those teams," I mean UT and UF.
by Ken Howlett on Dec 19, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Got it...
If your wings don't sweep....
by EagleTDL on Dec 19, 2009 3:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just got back home-
From MTSU’S graduation, and can’t believe how the TN-USC game turned out. You just never know. I saw highlights of the UK game and was glad to see Liggins in there. I agree with someone who posted above and said that he can help us. Now, it’s on to win 2000!! GO CATS!!
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
by iam4ukintn on Dec 19, 2009 9:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Then they went and lost to USC
First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...
by btcoop71 on Dec 21, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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