Austin Peay Governors 69 @ Kentucky Wildcats 90: Postmortem
by Glenn Logan on Dec 19, 2009 6:36 PM EST
in Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
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PrintWell, it was interesting.
Congratulations to the Austin Peay Governors for hanging in there with an obviously bigger and more talented Kentucky Wildcat team. The Governors had no quit in them, and are much better than I expected. They challenged our big people, took (and mostly made) the shots Kentucky gave them, and just generally impressed me with their toughness and physicality, particulary in the interior.
Today was a day of extremes -- extreme badness and extreme goodness. But the only stat that matters was pure, unalloyed goodness.
The badness was our team defense -- it was pretty loathsome. I have not looked at the numbers yet (I usually don't until I do the stat analysis), but I do know that Kentucky's defensive eFG% was not as good as it should have been by a long way.
With that said, though, you have to love the spectacular stuff that the team delivered today. As I sit here enjoying a victory tot of Four Roses Single Barrel, my thoughts turn to the amazing double-alley-oop, Eric Bledsoe to John Wall to Patrick Patterson. That was, in a microcosm, the goodness of today. UK shared the basketball incredibly well on offense, and but for some really bad turnovers, had a very impressive outing offensively.
Defensively, it was another matter. I paid particular attention to Darius Miller and Darnell Dodson, and it is pretty clear why Miller is starting and Dodson isn't. I was also disappointed in the defense of John Wall. It looks to me like he is really conscious of his fouls, and just isn't quite tough enough defensively. It's hard to be too tough on him, though, he was banged up pretty bad and wound up looking like he had been in a knife fight with a big band-aid over his forehead. An apparent minor hyperextension of his knee scared the bejeezus out of me, but I have to give Wall credit for overall toughness.
More after the jump.
Here are my observations:
- How much fun was the late second half of this game? I couldn't sit down.
- John Wall was great offensively. He shared the ball, and all his shots but two were good ones. A couple of bad turnovers and some matador defense marred an otherwise outstanding outing by Wall.
- I'd give anything to see Darius Miller not disappear for long stretches. But when he's good, he's really good.
- Patrick Patterson is just ... how can you not love this guy? He does it all -- defense, offense, spectacular stuff. I have a huge man-crush on Patterson.
- Eric Bledsoe is developing into a real good player. He had some defensive lapses, but he was always a factor on every possession, even when he didn't score or assist.
- The Big Cuz was tough today, wasn't he?
- DeAndre Liggins played. He didn't impact the stat sheet, but he played. And quite a bit, too. The timing of this suggests the reason for his long absence. I will not say more.
- Daniel Orton is just ... well, he's really a favorite of mine. I love what he does, and I love how he does it.
- Dodson can be so much better than he has been lately.
- Ramon Harris didn't get much time today. Liggins is why.
- Perry Stevenson made a really nice move at the end, and did some nice things. I just wish his hands weren't made of pig iron.
Victory 1999. How sweet it is. It wasn't our best, but then, Calipari said the 'Cats did not practice well, and their lack of energy on defense really showed. I am disappointed the 'Cats didn't show defensive progress, but I'll get over it.
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No more on Liggins?
Come on.. kudos to the Rupp Crowd on recognizing him coming in, and then really cheering when he scored.
That was directed ...
… at the reason he hasn’t been playing. Liggins played pretty well, I thought, and I was really glad to see him back on the floor. I think he can really help Kentucky.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Fun to watch
even if they were slightly apathetic on D, I really enjoyed the team work on offense, and they had a great time.
I didn't see the whole game but
Liggins looked like he was staying within himself and not trying to do more than he was capable of. That showed with Zero turnovers in twelve minutes. Last year he was a turnover machine.
Less ball handling
Liggins wasn’t playing the point, or lead guard, or whatever today. Didn’t touch the ball as much, but also made good decisions with it…
was glad to see him play...
but the game – even against AP – is still faster than he is used to. he is clearly 10 games behind but am sure he will catch up fast..
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 19, 2009 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
Not as long as you think..
He’s been practicing every day against two pretty good guards!
If your wings don't sweep....
This team looks like it will let you hang with them for awhile
But at some point you’re going to look up and realize you’ve been outscored 18-3 in 2:14.
Listening to
the post game. Tom Leach has the easiest job in the world. Ask a short question and sit back and listen for 5 minutes…..Coach C is something else!!!:-)
Not sure I like him saying that free throw shooting is about 100 on his list of important things and that they haven’t worked on free throws in 2 weeks……but you can’t argue with 18-18.
Sloppy game but still almost 20 points. A month ago that was a last second win!! Definite continued improvement.
You can't fix "stupid"!
If you talk a lot..
you don’t have to answer many questions.. Cal can make a 20 min press conference into four easy questions..
FT shooting is 100 on his list... heh
He’s blowing smoke. That guy could sell Yugo’s.
I did like his comment that he did not want to “dwell” on FT’s b/c of the mental stuff it may create. That’s probably what he was getting at with his comment. He is one hell of a coach.
No matter where you're at, there you are
I guess I can understand the reasoning
for scheduling games like this at this point of the season. Maybe to step back and take stock, work on some things, or get some guys some playing time. But I wonder why we scheduled so many of them in a row at this stage?
I mean, I could see scheduling maybe 1 or 2 like this… but why did we schedule 5 in a row?
by Sonic on Dec 19, 2009 7:07 PM EST reply actions
Just got off a tough streak..
and about to enter SEC play.. this is pretty standard
You are both probably right...
.
I was actually just trying to have a little fun with our close neighbors to the west….
" … but why did we schedule 5 in a row?"
Starting with Austin Peay.
by Sonic on Dec 21, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
Test out the three-a-days' progress with popcornstates?
is my guess
No matter where you're at, there you are
I just meant our
close neighbors to the west in the Bluegrass state…. down 64.
" … but why did we schedule 5 in a row?"
Starting with Austin Peay.
Link to schedule.
by Sonic on Dec 21, 2009 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
Missed out on being online since I was with my uncle this weekend, got a free
hour or so and ran out to my parents house to get the net to do e-mailsand had to drop in….cant believe that game is going to cost me 114.00……….lol…….but it was fun to watch and we have it on DVR so I am going back for seconds here in a minute…..they just find more ways to impress me…..and befuddle me……lol
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
WTF?!?!!?!
The number one ticket in college basketball is going to get it’s 2000th win on Monday (more than likely) and ESPN has the game relegated to the U?!?!??!?!!?!? WTF?!?!?!?!
Didn’t they just have a highly viewed contest between UK and UCONN? I would think that a “historic” game like that would make the main show or at least the deuce!!! Effin haters!!! :)
GO BIG BLUE!!!!
I have kleptomania,
but when it gets bad,
I take something for it.
Promoting the College Network
Notice that Dallas is playing at New Orleans right now, but not on broadcast network or generic cable channels – it’s on The NFL Network. And ESPN has Monday Night Football, too.
They are pushing the expanded channel offering.
I'm assuming the timing on Liggins
suggests that it was academic problems, but he played in the IU game which means he was eligible for the whole semester because finals were this week. Maybe we’ll never know why.
That's what she said.
The Cats must improve on defense
no two ways about it, defense is the weak link in the armour right now. I love PPat’s game, but even his defending was off today. He had the height advantage on his man, but the guy, to his credit, made shots over Patterson. I guess 3 a days will definitely work on this aspect of the game.
Agree ... just seems like
We know what to do … but for some reason we just don’t do it. I’m not sure how many uncontested threes the team will have to watch on film before it sinks in ’Hey!, He MIGHT make it" …
Some of it I can pass off as learning a new system and learning to play together … but it just seems like we get a really great effort and follow it minutes later with a really poor effort …
I have to say
that I was wrong. I expected two losses by the end of this month. I am shocked but happily shocked that it looks likely that we go undefeated till SEC time. Very proud of the Cats.
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
Heh...
Orton fan here too! He just needs to work on his footwork, and watching him today, I figured out that he’s really rushing his shot… It’s like “OMG-I’ve-got-the-ball-and-I-have-to- shoot-it-this-very-instance” type of mentality. Maybe that will improve as his footwork comes around. Plus, he didn’t play at all last year, so he’s really a HS Senior playing against college guys. Hopefully the game will slow down for him as he gets more reps…
Remember all the chatter about getting #2000 against the Cards?? Way ahead of schedule, don’t ya thing?? :-)
If your wings don't sweep....
The necessary player comparing
It is early, but Orton reminds me of a 6’11" Chuck Hayes. I think he will prove that over the next 3 years and fans will love him (3 years counting this year – he might be NBA ready after his junior year).
Chuck does more with less...
If Ort develops the same game as Chuck, being 6-11, he’ll be around the NBA a long time!
If your wings don't sweep....
I agree
Orton most reminds me of Hayes, too. Granted, he definitely has more to work with, but in terms of his dedication, defense (most of the time) and hustle, he’s a lot like ol’ Chuck.
by wildcatfaninexile on Dec 21, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions
I Never Understood Why People Didn't Give Hayes More Credit
He was 6-6 barefooted, 6-7 in shoes (decent size for F).
He was leading rebounder at ABCD summer camp in 2000.
He was Parade HS A-A and Calif Div I POY as HS senior.
He was recruited by Kansas and UCLA among others.
He is among UK’s all-time leaders in many stat categories.
His UK teams were 109-25 (81%) and 7-3 in NCAA tourney.
He is among the FEW UK players in the modern era to be a 4-year starter at UK.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 21, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
He ranks high in book!
Accolades aside, just his sheer work ethic was enough to make me a fan… Never quit on a play that I ever saw!
If Ort can develop that type of work ethic, he’ll be another fan fav!!
If your wings don't sweep....
VOLS suck it up in loss to USC.....
“Tennessee committed just eight turnovers, but shot a season-low 2 of 22 (9.1 percent) from beyond the 3-point line and scored a season-low 55 points. The Vols entered the week eighth in the nation in scoring offense (85.0) and seventh in 3-point field goal percentage (43.4).” -CBSsportsline recap
Dude, this sux for the SEC. Play some tough D on them and they wilt…..we better have our A game defensively with this bunch!!!!
Course, they didn’t have any tape on the PG that played so that really threw them for a loop….
I have kleptomania,
but when it gets bad,
I take something for it.
Saw this post at the bottom of the CBSsportsline recap:
TIME FOR BILLY D TO GO
Oh boy…..really? Already? Back to back NC’s and it’s what have you done for me lately?
I wonder if his experiment with the NBA left a bad taste in all 5 Gator b-ball fans?
I have kleptomania,
but when it gets bad,
I take something for it.
5?
that’s how many players are on the court, not the # of fans…..
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 19, 2009 11:09 PM EST up reply actions
I have to think he kicks himself from time to time
That he didn’t come back to Lexington when asked. Asked nicely, too.
UF basketball fans?
Humorous. I live in GA and know lots of UF fans. They only want to talk about basketball when they are top 5. In other words, in the back to back year. They admit no one cares about the basketball team now that they aren’t a top team anymore. It is frustrating as a UK fan. They trash talk when they are good, but don’t care when they aren’t.
Billy G stayed b/c, like Tubby going to Minn, he was comfortable with lots of money and low pressure/expectations. We will see if Florida lets him coast this long.
Some Falsehoods In There
Tubby did NOT go to Minnesota for low expectations. Poppycock!
Billy D stayed in Florida because he liked it there (and still does). He has 2 NC and 3 FF appearances (there) in the 2000’s. UK has 0 of either.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 20, 2009 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
Most cat fans
like to believe that coaching at UK is the epitome of the profession. We have seen coaches leave for the NBA or be let go, but Tubby is the only one that I know of that has left for another school. Saying that Tubby left for Minnesota because that was a step up in his profession is a bit hard to swallow. Tubby left because in the eyes of most fans, he let us slide into mediocrity. No knock on Tubby as a person, he just could not live up to the expectations of UK fans.
Baloney, Up And Down The Line
Tubby left for another job with a better AD, better Univ Prez, and more appreciative fans. He left for a better opportunity, not a step up. His goals are the same there as anywhere else. He did NOT leave for lower expectations
He won 76% of his UK games, 72% of his NCAA games, 1 NC, 4 E8, 6 S16, 5 SEC, and 5 SECT in 10 seasons – each at or above UK historical averages.
If you consider those 10 years mediocre, then UK historical averages are mediocre, too.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 20, 2009 7:56 PM EST up reply actions
The key word was slide into mediocrity,
not that he started out as such. Tubby is a great man but an average coach. 10 loss seasons do not cut it at UK. His move was best for all concerned.
Average coaches never make it to be head coaches
in the SEC or Big Ten and certainly never win a national championship. They are lucky to make it past high school coaching. Tubby is regarded by his peers as a one of the best bench coaches in the game. Tubby’s weakness was not the coaching aspect of the job at all. It was more that he didn’t care for the recruiting methods of the day.
by Grasslands1 on Dec 20, 2009 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
I consider recruiting to be part
of coaching and I am talking about the game as it is coached and played in this day and age.
He Has Recruited Well For 15+ Years
Tulsa, Georgia, Kentucky, and Minnesota.
His 2 classes at Georgia were ranked (in Top 25 classes).
8 of his classes at UK were ranked (in Top 25 or better).
And both of his classes at Minnesota are ranked (Top 25 or better).
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 21, 2009 2:36 AM EST up reply actions
Not True At All (Recruiting)
He recruited well at Tulsa, Georgia, Kentucky, and now at Minnesota.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 21, 2009 2:34 AM EST up reply actions
Agree With Your Last Sentence
He averaged 8 L at UK, not 10.
Joe Hall averaged 8 L at UK, too.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 21, 2009 2:32 AM EST up reply actions
Not taking up for them
But, maybe exam week played a part in that one … we came out a little flat too
does anybody know..
if any of the players Cal is after were at the game today, or will be on Monday night?
A Step Back
A bit of a reversion to the mean today it seemed to me — maybe even below the mean. The defense resembled that versus Sam Houston State and Miami (O) rather than that of late. But perhaps one shouldn’t be surprised since it is improbable that a team as inexperienced as this one could maintain a high level for 4 games especially since the 4th was versus an opponent of less notoriety, plus coming off the freshmen’s first ever finals week. Haven’t watched for the second time so I’ll reserve observations and opinions of individuals until then but don’t find much with which to contend in Tru’s remarks. I would say that on this day UK was not as good as either KU or TX especially the factors of physicality and depth. When was the last time Cats were 100% from FT line shooting 10 or more? Probably more recent than I imagine but seems forever. Welcome Drexel Dragons and Bruiser Flint and the ignominy of being the loser in UK’s 2000th victory.
"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius
Couple of trivia questions in there, now that I think about it...
1) Best FT game (Thanks Cincy)
2) “Who was the opponent when UK cracked the 2000 mark??”
If your wings don't sweep....
I thought UK's first half D was lacking, i.e. lazy,
but in the second half they picked it up considerably.
It was good to see Miller have a solid off. game. He’d been floundering lately. I know there’s only so many shots available to him because of all the talent on this team, but UK is a better club with him taking and making threes and floaters.
Cousins is getting scary. I’ll be interested to see how he responds to S. Samuels, and J. Varnado, as well as the other big men in the SEC. Right now he’s dominating smaller players, but he’s also building some confidence, which I think is important to his game. His footwork has gotten so much better than it was earlier in the year … that tells me he’s coachable, and willing to improve. Because of that, and his God-given athletic ability, his ceiling his very, very high, and he seems to be on his way to reaching it.
I should also add that it's obvious that Cousins has been
working on his free throw stroke. He’s now made eight of his last nine, and looking good at the line.
So...
Based on Cal’s postgame, he doesn’t care about FT’s (see Cincy’s comment above)… So, how then does Cuz improve his shots at the line?? FT Fairy visit him in the middle of the night?? :-)
So that leaves either un-coached personal time in the gym, or they are working on them in practice… I tend to lean towards the latter, so I guess Cal can sell ice to Eskimos! LOL
If your wings don't sweep....
Coach not caring about free throws.
Don’t believe him. He’s full of shit about the free throws. Saying he doesn’t care about FT’s? Please. He sure as heck better care as he does have a bit of a history of having poor free throw shooting teams and that poor free throw shooting has caused some problems in extremely important games, one against Kansas comes to mind and even I, someone who isn’t totally obsessed with stats knows this.
I believe it was right after the UNC Ashville game and DeMarcus was asked about his free throws as he did much better in that game as opposed to the previous game against Stanford, and his reply was something to the effect of "yeah, I’ve been shooting a lot of free throws in practice". Then he was asked, "How many, would you say?" and his reply was "well, we tallied about 250, but I swear I shot more like 500". So yes, they are working on their free throws in practice. Maybe FT’s are stressed more for some of the players than for others, and they probably aren’t being over-stressed because of the mind issues that can create, but they are most definitely being worked on.
So true..
think about it, how can you not take advantage of the opportunity to put points on the board without having your shot contested? To coin a pun, “it doesn’t get much better than that”.
FT's
are nothing more than good mechanics, and concentration. As bad as the intensity level was yesterday, 100% from the line is being focused.
Yeah,
I’ve never really understood how people, post players in particular, can be so incredibly awful from the line. I mean, sure, the post players obviously do their best work when they are as close to the basket as possible, but for the love, free throws are totally unopposed shots! They are free baskets, for goodness sake. I can think of about a dozen big men who are absolutely terrible at free throw shooting and you know, it’s ironic, because they are the ones who get fouled the most and rightfully should be able to polish something that doesn’t appear to be that hard. Maybe it’s a confidence thing, they aren’t used to shooting from that range, get nervous and freeze up. Or maybe it’s like you say, it’s not really skill-related, but rather, it’s just a matter of concentration and staying focused. I don’t know.
I’m just really glad Cousins is getting better at his free throws as he does get fouled at a phenomenally high rate and it really behooves him (stat-wise) to perfect that particular b-ball shot.
Re: BSC
Big hands.
Players with extremely large hands tend to have less touch on the ball. Some players, through practice and repetition, overcome, others don’t.
by Ken Howlett on Dec 20, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
Ken, I was typing my comment, below,
when yours popped up. You said it much more concisely than I did.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
LOL!
It’s true — Great minds think alike:)
by Ken Howlett on Dec 20, 2009 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, especially on a Sunday morning,
sitting on win #1999. Ain’t it great.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
one reason rondo...
was not necessarily a good shot – he has big hands for a guard. clearly, he has worked to overcome it…
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 21, 2009 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
Still a terrible FT shooter though. . .
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
BSC, I have no studies backing what I'm about to say,
but I’ve always believed that outside shooting (including FTs) is affected by hand size. Hands too small aren’t good, as the ball is tough to control without an adequate finger spread. On the other hand (pun intended), hands that are too large can be a problem, too, as the ball feels “lost” in your fingers.
Anyone who has ever tried to shoot FTs with a volleyball, softball, or even baseball can tell you it’s not as easy as doing it with a basketball. As a matter of fact, I’ve always had trouble shooting as well with the women’s basketball as I do with the men’s. Probably has a lot to do with which ball a person has learned to play with, but the effect, at least for me, is real.
Now, all that said, there are some big guys who have shot FTs well. And that gets back to your point, and UK1972s, about mechanics and concentration. I would add a third factor: a lot of practice in pressure situations. While nothing can adequately simulate game pressure, having your teammates standing around in practice waiting to run laps if you miss a FT comes close.
Free throws are the “short putts” of basketball. Expectations are high, as are the penalties for missing. Having a confidence-building routine and practicing under pressure is the only way I know to improve performance.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Barkley plays golf
pretty big guy. His FT% was .735.
FT’s are the closest thing basketball comes to golf. It’s 50% physical and 90% mental. Bet Shaq hates golf — anyone know?
No matter where you're at, there you are
I didn't say that big guys with big hands couldn't shoot FTs,
just that a lot don’t do it very well. The Mound’s percentage is OK, but wouldn’t win any awards. And BTW, Barkley doesn’t play golf very well!!
Agree 100% about FTs and golf. It’s just you and the ball and the hole/hoop. No defense, no opposing player’s move to react to. Just your brain, and your heartbeat in your ears. If you hear anything else, you’re in trouble in either case. :-))
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Barkley is not a big big guy
He is like 6’5". Not even close to Cousins’ size. I don’t know what his hand size it. Probably not Dr. J in size. That guy held a basketball like a softball.
Barkley Was 6-4
And a superior player to Cousins.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 20, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
To be fair 40, Barkley is only superior
to Cousins because of heart and drive, not ability though. Barkley just has it and that is something you either have or you don’t.
by Grasslands1 on Dec 20, 2009 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
I Don't Agree
Barkley had tremendous basketball skills.
Cousins’ only advantage over CB is 7 inches of height.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 21, 2009 2:37 AM EST up reply actions
And he shot OK, too :-)),
proving that every “rule” has notable exceptions.
Barkley did “play big” though. He used his weight/strength well.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Look! Cincyblue Is Yogi Berra
"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius
He Putts
I went with the course designer when Shaq wanted a putting green built at his house in Isleworth. It is my understanding that putting is the part of the game he likes best.
It was an interesting project because he didn’t have a ton of space but the green had to be proportionately generous just to accommodate his feet.
The other thing I remember about the visit was that his kitchen cabinets all have Superman logos on them. :)
by StillCatwoman on Dec 20, 2009 10:13 PM EST up reply actions
With the full swing "hitches" he displayed
on the Haney series, it’s no wonder that he likes putting best. Interestingly, it’s usually in the putting stroke that those involuntary movements occur. Of course, Charles Barkley is not your “usual” person, is he?
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Oops, was still reading Barkley
but you said Shaq. I don’t know how a guy who’s that far away from the ball can hit it, even with a 460 cc driver. He’s REALLY tall.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
yes, I have trouble thinking of what Barkley does as playing golf
he’s not very flexible is he? that has to figure into that trainwreck of a swing too, I would think. (I usually close my eyes when I see his swing on television)
I’ve heard the guys talk to Oosty about the challenge his height created and Shaq is at least 6 inches taller. The designer who built Shaq’s putting green was a huge guy himself, probably close to 6’5 as well, but even he commented about the proportion of everything for Shaq.
Ernie’s big. Isn’t Cink, too? (never met him) I think George Archer was really tall, but I don’t recall ever meeting him either. Oosty is still about the tallest i can think of but so very much leaner, so I can’t even really think about what Shaq’s club look like in his hands.
by StillCatwoman on Dec 21, 2009 5:42 AM EST up reply actions
Archer Was 6-7 Or 6-8
Pretty good for a tall guy.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 21, 2009 8:46 AM EST up reply actions
did you ever see him play?
I don’t think I did, in person ever.
by StillCatwoman on Dec 21, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
George Archer was a very tall golfer,
especially for his day. He use to play in a golf tournament I use to help run in S. Illinois. He had a very good sense of humor and seemed very nice from the couple of times I talked to him.
by Grasslands1 on Dec 21, 2009 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
Yes
At US Pro-Am in Cincy back in the 60’s.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 21, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
Archer was 6' 5 1/2",
which is not that much bigger than Els, etc. today. But, it was massive compared to the superstars of the 60s (Player, Palmer, Nicklaus). I’d always heard Jack Nicklaus was 5’11, but when he walked by me at a tournament in the early 90s, I really though he looked more like 5’9" or so. I’m only 6’ and I was significantly taller than he was.
The interesting thing is that Archer was a very good putter. I never saw him play in person, but have seen films and photos of him putting, and he was bent over pretty far to be able to get down to the ball.
Conventional wisdom is that the longer the club/the farther you are from the ball, the tougher it is to hit the sweet spot consistently. Club manufacturers have taken care of that to some extent with huge drivers and oversized irons. For most of us that translates into less off-line shots.
For Tour-quality golfers, the impact is that they can swing out of their shoes and miss the sweet spot by a little and not get overly penalized. That and the new era of multi-layer balls, which curve less on full swings, has produced the longer drives, but not SIGNIFICANTLY lower scores we see today. It’s also resulted in the ridiculously long courses that we mere mortals can’t enjoy. Ah, the good old days.
Back to basketball; it’s the day of 2000 (hopefully); let us rejoice and be glad in it.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
the tour page lists oosterhuis as 6'5
sounds about right. but as with Jack, no one measures these guys. I am pretty sure it is on a form they fill out themselves. (no one’s height or weight ever changes on their profile) Jack is taller than my husband a little and my husband is ‘officially’ 5’10… but I can tell you this much… they are all shrinking!
by StillCatwoman on Dec 21, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
Big hands, huh?
So, I guess free throw shooting would be the one instance where big hands could be a detriment, then? : )
Yeah, the big hands theory actually makes pretty good sense to me and could probably be proven if you could somehow compare the overall free throw percentage in the women’s game with that of the free throw percentage of big men in the men’s game. That’s not something I would particularly be interested in as I don’t personally watch a ton of women’s games (this is going to sound bad, but I don’t really care for the women’s games all that much, it’s bad, I know, but it’s the truth) and I also don’t have that kind of time on my hands nor the desire to do it, but I think your point (and Ken’s point, as well) is very valid and could very likely be fact.
WWEEELLLL, you could only compare the percentages accurately
if men and women used the same sized ball.
I don’t watch a lot of women’s games, either, but they play a brand of ball that was played by most boys’ HS teams when I was playing in the mid-60s. Better picks and overall team offensive play than the men. Plus, they actually shoot pretty darned well. So maybe my theory is off.
Besides, it’s foot size. :-))
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Just so you know,
I really wasn’t trying to poke fun at your theory (you either, Ken) as I really do think it holds some water. I don’t really believe that it holds all the water in our finding-the-key-to-free-throw-shooting-woes, but I definitely think it surely might play a part.
I think you are very sweet and I feel bad that you think that I might have scoffed at your theory, so I’ll share a little secret with you, ok? It’s true that I don’t currently watch a ton of women’s games as I truly don’t find them as entertaining as the men’s games, but I think I can attest to the fact that, as you say, "women shoot pretty darned well". I’m 5’9" in bare feet (which is pretty tall for a girl) and I do come from a fairly sports-crazed family and in our family you really had no choice, you played sports, so I was actually a three sport athlete in high school with basketball being one of those sports (the most important to my family, btw, go figure). I hated every minute of it, let me tell you, as I’m quite the girly girl. I love high heels, fingernail polish, fashion, hair, makeup, you know, all that ridiculous girl stuff and, well, all the sweating and overexertion really wasn’t my cup of tea, but although I hated every minute of it while I was living it, I really do appreciate the knowledge that those years of playing basketball gave me about a sport that I do dearly love (love to watch more than play, of course, but love nonetheless).
Anyway, back to the topic of tall players and big hands — I wouldn’t necessarily say that I have big hands for my height but I do have rather long fingers (which really aren’t good for much except piano playing and grasping a basketball) and I must say that my free throw percentage was pretty great . This was in high school, mind you, but nevertheless, my main point here is that I don’t think height and size always equate to bigger, clumsier hands, but in some cases, I’m sure it does. I’m also pretty sure that comparing men and women in this arena isn’t the best way to come to a solution, but it’s amusing nonetheless and thanks so much for the lovely chat. : )
I took absolutely no offense, bsc.
In fact, I loved the comments. Interestingly, not all big people have big hands, although there is a general correlation when one gets really outsized. The same applies to feet. Eric Davis, the former Reds player was about 6’4" or so and wore a size 8.5 shoe—pretty small for such a big guy. Jack Nicklaus had very short fingers, and Tiger Woods hands are smaller than average (no comments, now!!).
I have very long fingers for a guy only 6’ tall, but I shot pretty darned well, too. Unfortunately, that was about the limit of my skills. :-))
Nothing in life ALWAYS correlates when humans are involved, but it made for a nice discussion on a non-Wildcat Sunday, didn’t it? BTW, I’m sorry you hated playing the game. The truth for me is that I loved practice more than games, because games had so much pressure that it was hard to have fun. Practice was hard work, but more fun.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Talk to any coach or player
and they’ll tell you the same thing.
The big hands = bad FT shooter isn’t a new thought.
Cousins
has to get past the bad habit of putting the ball on the floor before going back up with it. Today, 3 guys grabbed at the ball, causing a held ball situation. Just take it up strong big guy.
Orton is guilty too...
They’ve always been able to get away with it in HS ball. But the college guards are quicker and stronger and can take the ball away from them before they blink if they don’t protect it enough. Just a bad habit that has to be “unlearned”.
If your wings don't sweep....
wish i could've seen the game!!!
why not go with Farmer for our next Governor and maybe there will be no more of this CR**!!!
i’m a BIG fan of Liggins and would have liked to have seen him on the floor!!!
"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as much as you please."...Mark Twain.
I think it hasn't quite
hit me yet that we are doing so well. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. Does anyone else feel this way. I think I am emotionally scarred from the last few years :)
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
Tenken, you may be on to something,
because I feel the same way. With 2000 first now assured, I’m feeling kinda fuzzy and disconnected (not unlike after too many drinks!!). I’m happy about what’s gone on so far, but keep expecting something bad to happen. Emotional scarring is probably as good an explanation as any. It’s like I’m afraid to get my expectations too high.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
I've coined a new psychological term for your malady. I suffer from it too
It’s called SPTSD
Sports Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After 2 years of a great coach that lost interest and another coach that insulted pretty brunettes… it’s normal to worry, folks.
Feel the pain, embrace the future. We’re here for you :)
And yeah, I do have a crush on Ms. Edwards… she puts that blonde dame to shame.
No matter where you're at, there you are
Drinking the Poison
It really annoys me that international media doesn’t seem to watch the games….at least they can hire a good analyst to cover teams and give a solid analysis on each game, they just do their commentaries from the hip, it’s really ridiculous.
I meant
national media. the international media would probably do a better job, if they cared about college sports.
Did you see the SportsCenter coverage of the game last night??
What I saw had a brief intro about Cal trying to break Rupp’s 10-0 start record and getting to No. 1999, then moved into highlights of AP! The only thing they showed in regards to the Cats was the Bledsoe-Wall-PPat alley-oop play. Back to the announcer with the final score…
Tru’s right, just embrace the hate!
If your wings don't sweep....
I'm surprised
that they showed anything at all. It was not a high profile opponent and there were bigger games going on. A better indicator of the media’s attention to the UK program comes tomorrow night when we get win #2000. Even with a lessor opponent that will be newsworthy.
Right, Byron,
but the boy could shoot him some free throws back when he had hair!!!!
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Hey
careful with those hair comments [:-)
Now, that's a hint a motivated sleuth
could follow up on your website!!!! :-))
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
This was a wierd game, today, er yesterday
The energy level was low
from the crowd, the players, even ASOB.
I think it’s the weather. Cold, snow, damp… more night than day.
For our UK team: exams, perhaps some Christmas home sickness, and Cal’s Tap drill.
The stats weren’t actually that bad.
P-Pat had his, usual, off the radar, great game.
The best FT shooting since ’83.
50.8% from the field and 8-12 from the arc !
Opponent held to 37% shooting
Other good stuff:
Liggins played 12 minutes
Wall survives a knee bend and a shot to the eye
Not bad — all of that just lost in the malaise.
No matter where you're at, there you are
Halftime Monday night
I sure wish we could get Mashburn to be the Y at half. Anybody out there have a pull in this?
Derek Anderson
Is Derek is doing a documentary on the 95-96 team called the Untouchables: The Greatest Team Ever. He says more people remember him for the 96 championship team than his time in the NBA. What may this year’s team be called if they “run the table”???
Cal's Kittens?
You know, if they run the table before the SEC, that’ll be the first time since the Rupp era. !!!!
No matter where you're at, there you are
Coach Cal
at this time in their progress would call them the Unimpressibles.
Rupp accused a similar team of "fiddling around."
Others simplified that to Fiddlin’ Five. That was in ‘57-’58, a pretty good vintage.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Correction, what he actually said, paraphrased,
was that they were “pretty good fiddlers” but not “concert violinists” that might invited to play Carnegie Hall. Should do my research before I flip my finger switch to ON.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Go to wildcatworld.com
for audio of Adolph Rupp, Claude Sullivan and Caywood. Rupp talks about the Fiddlin Five and it is very interesting. Also the Courier Journal has a piece if you dig far enough (go to the sports section) that gives a chronology of milestones along the way to 1999 wins.
Cool, thanks, I'll go there, even if just to hear
those three voices again. During my first year at UK, Coach Rupp’s first reply to Claude always started, in that nasal twang, "Wellll, Claude, . . . "
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Lady Cats Hammering Cards
UK 58 – UL 32 with 16:40 remaining. Coach Millers Ladies are not going to let Men be alone in 0 losses. Largest crowd ever for women. Wish I was there.
"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius
Mitchell
I think UK women’s coach is Matt Mitchell, not Miller (but not 100% sure).
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 20, 2009 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
My Bad
Now 78-46 with 9:06 left. UK has 33 points off 34 Card turnovers. Victoria Dunlap with 25 and 8 — I would say she’s had no ill effects of concussion.
"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius
Lady Cats Break Century Mark
UK prevails over UL 101-67. Victoria Dunlap near triple-double 27-9-8 plus 4 blocks.
"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius
Wonder if they will make the front of the sports page in the LHL??
Or on the website?? Don’t think they are getting the coverage they quite deserve!
If your wings don't sweep....
Tru
you need a special accolade to the lady cats on the page. They deserve some recognition!
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
Indeed they do.
Indeed.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Dec 20, 2009 11:01 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I missed watching the game live
but I watched it today on the SEC digital network online. What an awesome double alley-oop, if I can call it that. Can we say assists are showing up? PPat must have sensed the pass from Wall. They are learning very quickly to think like a team.
And how about those free throws? WOW ! I don’t think we will see perfection every game but at least they have been working on it. I guess we will be checking out the size of their hands now, when they miss FT’s….LOL :-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
Interest in college basketball
I know that college basketball doesn’t carry the numbers that the NFL does, but I must admit that I was stunned this morning when I poked in over at the SB Nation 49ers blog.
For yesterday’s game, there are not 1… not 2… not 3… but FOUR open game threads which average 500 posts each. We thought it was impressive when we were nearing 500 posts when searching for a coach… this is 2000 posts for a team in the middle of a mediocre season. Its more than a bit humbling.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
I would say there are more UK blogs/sites, thus the fanbase is spread out more
If you ever go on the Cats Pause (My advice is don’t do it), there are routinely a couple thousand people on there at one time.
First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...
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