Kentucky Wildcats 104, Hartford Hawks 61: Postmortem
by Glenn Logan on Dec 29, 2009 11:50 PM EST
in Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
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PrintWhat can you say when a team far exceeds your expectations? Yes, Hartford had only managed two wins so far this year. Yes, Hartford is not a team that was ever likely to give UK a tough game. But wow, UK scored 57 points in the first half, and probably could have hit 60 if they had not begun to ease off the accelerator a bit.
As warm-ups for the Louisville Cardinals go, this game probably wasn't quite tough enough. Hartford was simply too small to prevent numerous alley-oop dunks from John Wall to you-name-the-player, and even an alley-oop from Darius Miller to Wall for a nasty reverse dunk that will surely be an iconic and oft-replayed highlight this year on the Worldwide Leader.
With all that said, this game was not a perfect game, at least not defensively. Offensively, it's hard to imagine how Kentucky could have played any better -- they were simply amazing. But as we have seen all year, defense is not the strength of this team, even against much weaker foes.
More after the jump.
It isn't that the Wildcats were bad on defense. In fact, at times they were very good. The problem is, as it has been all year, that Kentucky could not manage to stop open three-point looks, allowing the undermanned Hawks (they even lost their starting point guard to an injury) from shooting 41% from the arc.
Kentucky is allowing teams, relatively poor teams, mind you, to average 36% from the field. That's 237th in the NCAA out of 347 teams. Folks, that's a real problem.
But it's hard to worry about a 43 point victory, isn't it? Pointing out this team's obvious defensive shortcomings against a team they blew out of the gymnasium is a bit like shouting "fire" in an empty building. Nobody cares, because even if there is a fire, nobody is at risk.
Eventually, though, this lack of perimeter defense will mater. Some of you are probably thinking, "Well, by that time, Calipari will have the problem solved." Maybe. We'll have wait and see.
Here are a few more observations:
- No Eric Bledsoe today. Calipari must have decided rest was better, and given the quality of the next foe, I can hardly disagree.
- Patrick Patterson had three whole rebounds. You would think that is worthy of complaint, but DeMarcus Cousins and Darnell Dodson sucked them all up. Dodson had 3 of his 8 rebounds on one possession.
- Dodson really shot the ball well. Kentucky is a terrific 3-point shooting team, (50% tonight) and most of us can
imagineremember a time when we actually worried about that. - You had to love Dodson's effort overall tonight. He still isn't a great defender, but he really gave maximum effort tonight, and we need to recognize him for working so hard.
- Ramon Harris is such a great complimentary player. If you watch this game on replay and just pay attention to what he did, you will be amazed.
- There are no superlatives that fit John Wall. I think Tina Turner has it closest with, "Simply the best." Offensively, there is no point guard in America, perhaps even in the NBA, that is as good.
- DeMarcus Cousins' individual efficiency in both scoring and rebounding is just plain sick. He is really beginning to "get it" defensively, too.
- Darius Miller looked great tonight. If he could find consistency on offense, Kentucky would be scary to everybody, including Texas and Kansas.
- Daniel Orton just keeps doing yeoman's work. He never complains, never changes expressions, is always on an even keel. 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks in 13 minutes. Efficient.
- DeAndre Liggins got 19 minutes tonight, and looked very good, particularly defensively. He is out of Calipari's dog house and making an impact.
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An all around excellent offensive night
The team really took advantage of their superior talent tonight the way we want to see them. The assists-to-field-goal ratio was just awesome and Wall setting the single game assist record was icing. I’m glad the team showed no signs of rust and the UL game should be quite the event.
As for Patterson with only 3 rebounds – I blame the extraordinary shooting for not producing enough offensive rebounds. Seriously though, there really isn’t any reason PPat shouldn’t get 5-6 rebounds a game easy even with Cousins sucking them up at a nationally-leading rate. I hesitate to harp too much on it though because if any player is beyond criticism it’s Patterson.
I would like to see Patterson get more shots though. I know he’s stated he doesn’t mind, but he’s just so damn efficient with the ball that it’s criminal he doesn’t get more involved in the half court offense. It seems like the only time Patterson gets to touch the ball in a position to score is in fast break opportunities or when he gets an offensive rebound.
The three point defense was better in the second half (5 – 17 for Hartford) and from my recollection they did a better job of getting in front of shooters, but there were still too many unnecessarily open shots. It’s one thing if the opposing team does a great job of ball movement to get an open look, but too many times guys are just not paying attention to opposing players who are set up to shoot or backing off them for some reason.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
Story of the game for me
Was the extraordinary confidence that Darius Miller showed, especially on offense. There was no hesitation, he just did his thing and looked great. Let’s hope he can keep it up against stiffer competition.
I thought the cats showed good defensive intensity throughout the game. It was the first time I’ve seen (the starters) really go after it on defense the whole game. You can tell coach Cal has been working on it with them. Getting more skillful about it will be next.
14-0
26 to go.
I got Calipari’s book Bounce Back for Xmas gift.
In the book, he says 40-0 is his dream.
Why not?
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 30, 2009 6:44 AM EST reply actions
With utmost respect
40-0, Please… don’t drink the koolaid….
Every one us here knows, we’ve been lucky so far.
Our team has improved and can be scary good… but UofL and the SEC await. They don’t like us very much. And one key injury could turn this season sour.
“I do not seek to extinguish emotions, only to avoid emotional troubles by developing clear judgement.”
paraphrased from some dead guy— a Stoic
No matter where you're at, there you are
Heh.
Well, dare to dream.
As Calipari says in his book, “Dream like you are 12 years old.”
Of course, as adults we have a duty to temper our dreams with reason, but a little sip of the Kool-aid now and then never hurt anybody. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Calipari
is starting to drink the koolaid, I’m hating that saying more all the time, because he is beginning to talk about undefeated season.
I say we line up and pay Bobby Knight 5$ each to punch him in the mouth
until our frustrations would leave us…….???
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
It strikes me as a bit more
inspirational to talk about going undefeated than saying: “We have a goal of losing 3 games.” :D
only bad part about dead guys is that they are well............dead.....
they wont be here to see it happen…..lol
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Another Calipari Quote (Paraphrased) From The Book
Aim for perfection settle for excellence.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 30, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
Me too Forty.....guy has some amazing ideas and
some really great life lessons and guidelines doesnt he? I havent finished the book yet, but so far it is amazing. I wanna see that 40-0 too……
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Must Read Book For Anyone
Has not so much to do with basketball, much more to do with life itself.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 30, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
Team defense
I think the overall defense is better, but the freshman are making progress. They tried zone defense last night, and a couple variations of man defense. The three-a-days will continue to work on this part of the game. For me, the FT’s were a step back last night(8-14). If you watched Marquette/West Virginia, Marquette lost the game at the line in the last minute. Tru, I’m surprised you have such a concern with the D right now, because Cal has always had excellent defensive teams, and I don’t see that being any different with this team eventually. He says they listen to everything he’s teaching, so I think they will “get it”, and be “unleashed” with time. Defense hasn’t cost a L yet, so I’ll continue to be encouraged by what I see.
Something I saw last night that we had NOT seen yet was that there are truly 3 distinct
“teams” within this team now. The starters, the backups, and John Wall and the 3rd dtringers. All 3 played decent last night, but I think that is more the reason we did not see as much defense. The ESPN halftime commentator last night pointed out that Calipari teams usually decrease their points allowed per game by about 5 starting in January with conference play. I believe that is when the starters are playing the most minutes and they begin to jell as a unit. I think that is what Cal is getting to. He has got to get these other guys playing time while he can. The time for that is now over. Starting Saturday there will be no taking the foot off the gas, no letting up on D, and the custodians at Rupp will have to start investing in that stuff that removes skid marks from hardwood floors.
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Decreased points allowed by 5 in January
Try to remember that Memphis’ pre-conference schedule usually was pretty stout with teams like Gonzaga, Tennessee, etc and then they started play against C-USA. I think that must be considered.
That said, I do think this team will continue to improve on both ends of the floor.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
True, the SEC is better than Conference USA, but . . .
The SEC is not that great this year. Don’t get me wrong, it is much better than last year, but still not where it should be. The only teams that have done anything non-conference wise is us and Ole Miss. Florida started strong and then began laying eggs against teams like South Alabama. Tennessee (are supposed strongest competition) got their hat handed to them by the team picked last in the Pac 10 for Pete’s sake. Even Vandy has had troubles with consistentcy. The way our guys are playing, Cal will probably dominate the SEC this year like he dominated Conference USA.
The three pointer is David's slingshot in the NCAA
He dropped Goliath with it, as I recall. We’re Goliath, folks.
A scary reason for clear judgement on a perfect season:
Kentucky is allowing teams, relatively poor teams, mind you, to average 36% from the field. That’s 237th in the NCAA out of 347 teams. Folks, that’s a real problem.
No matter where you're at, there you are
Here's the "glass half empty" version,
Patterson does what he has to do-he didn’t have to do much tonight.
Orton is coming along-hope it’s soon enough for Louisville, ‘cause we’ll need him’
Dodson needs to get some zip on his penetration passes, and if he shoots that well drifting sideways on most of his shots, how well can he shoot when he figures out he needs to go straight up?
Miller was much more aggressive looking for shots-good.
Stevenson, Krebs, Harrellson, Hood hustled, but . . .
Harris is really losing his fear of shooting, and he looks better when he does it.
Liggins-two assists and NO TURNOVERS!! Is this the same guy? Neat!
Cousins and Wall-well, they were Cousins and Wall!!
The opposition was too easy to be a good prep for Louisville-hope they knock heads in practice the next two days.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Watching Liggins in
the last couple of games made me think the same thing as you, " Who is this guy?" He no longer looks totally out of control on the court. He just might be Coach Cal’s finest piece of work on this team as they continue to develop. The progress of Ramon Harris is up there as well.
I'm with you-
I thought the exact same thing about Dodson going straight up on his shot…
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
Great hands, but lazy legs!!
In most cases, he had time for a pivot stop, but used a (n ineffective) jump stop instead. And he was lazy on them. But, if he can shoot like that . . . .
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Defense
Tru, I’m gonna have to take exception to your past statements of “Wall is the worst defense player we have”. After watching last night on the DVR, and rewinding a couple of times, Dodson is worse on D than JW!
There was some improvement from JW last night… More down in his stance, and while we wasn’t playing belly-to-belly like PPat & Ramon can and do, his feet were sliding better and his head was more on a swivel. He was very aggresive going for the backside steals, and against a better team, they would make him pay for that but last night it wasn’t a factor.
Dodson, on the other hand, plays the ol’ Matador D… He just waves at people as they go by!! Yeah, his points are great, but he’s gotta at least stay in front of his man. Hope Cal and the staff can work on this during the break…
If your wings don't sweep....
I don't think ...
… I ever said Wall was the worst defensive player we have. In fact, I specifically said Dodson was worse.
I said Wall was pretty bad at defense, and he is. Last night he was somewhat improved, but he is still severely underachieving defensively.
And Dodson plays pretty bad defense as well, but his effort last night was noticeably improved. He still has a long way to go, though, farther that Wall. He just doesn’t have Wall’s natural ability.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Dec 30, 2009 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
My mistake...
I remember you talking much more about JW’s D than Dodson’s, must have been where that thought came from…
If your wings don't sweep....
That's so weird...
I really thought Tru said that too! It really stuck in my head, because I thought he was totally nuts : ) When he said he didn’t, I was all oh contraire! And then I went back to find the quote….and it, um, does not exist. I think eagle and I are having a shared dulusion : )
by blue kentucky girl on Dec 30, 2009 7:34 PM EST up reply actions
LOL
“Insanity is best shared with a friend.” Don’t know where that quote comes from, but it’s certainly applicable in this situation!! So… How are things in your world?? :-)
If your wings don't sweep....
Tru said...
Wall could not guard a decent HS player.
i took exception thinking he was over stating how poor wall’s defense was/is. i still think it is better than that.
however, Tru and i both agreed that 1) Wall relies on his athletic ability to play defense (which i would argue by default makes him an ok defender) and 2) that wall, if he ever got it in his mind to focus on defense, could be scary good.
just wanted to clarify because i had an extended debate/discussion with tru on the subject last night. we all agree on dodson – in fact, in the post game hartford presser, even cal said he was leaving 2 players in even though they did not play good defense – clearly dodson is one
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 30, 2009 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
I believe the success of the
opposing teams 3 pt percentage is proof of Wall’s defensive lapses. He is certainly not the only guilty one, but is surely to blame for some of it.
Agree with you and memphis...
But, some of our “lack of defense on the 3” is based on the way we play man-man. If you’ll notice we are very adept at getting 2 and 3 bodies on anyone that gets the ball in the paint, via either a pass or off the drive.
Once we collapse into the paint, that leaves the wings open. If the opposing player with the ball has the ability to kick the ball out, then there’s a wide open shooter out there someplace! And I don’t think we’re very good, as a team, of closing out on the shooter which results in good looks from 3…
Is this by design?? Don’t know… Is Cal trying to protect the middle?? Again, don’t know, but I’d think as much of a “numbers” coach as Cal is, he’d rather give up 40% shooting from 2-land as opposed to 40% from 3.
If your wings don't sweep....
Continued improvement in almost
every facet of the game. I believe Forty was asking a few weeks ago for a team that would put it’s foot on the neck of the other team and I think we see that.
We were stuck on 26? for a short while but there were no dead spots even though Cal kept shuffling the lineup. Miller and Dodson looking great on the wings. The team seemed to play with intensity through out with Wall and Dodson on the floor constantly diving for balls.
This was EXACTLY the kind of game that many of us were talking about for Wall several weeks ago when he was scoring 20+ but the entire team wasn’t involved. Did you see the difference…he had everyone involved and could have easily have scored more but now understands getting everyone involved is better
7 to’s vs. 30 assists…that’s cooking against anyone and I’ll bet those Cancun teams are soooooo happy they’re not playing us now.
Yes our defense, especially on the perimeter, needs to improve but remember Cal is still experimenting with who can play and where. Playing a zone against Hartford???? Obviously just using it in game conditions to get the guys some time in it.
U0fL has lost the game prior to playing UK 3 straight years. Yes, we were going to beat Harford regardless but we could easily have come out flat and listless and thinking about nothing but UofL and we didn’t.
If we played with that kind of focus and intensity against Hartford, Saturday I expect to see some grilled blackbirds!!
You can't fix "stupid"!
61 points?
If Hartford (Hartford!) can score 61 points on us, why can’t UL score 95?
Some commenters are saying that we turn it on and off as needed,
but that’s a dangerous way to live.
On a side note, the Colts may learn that lesson that hard way, too.
While UL might
score high against us, you just cannot make that assumption on the results of the Hartford game. First of all, against Hartford Cal was running people in and out like crazy. Against Louisville he will keep his best performers on the court as long as their foul situation permits.
I really don’t know what people expect out of a ball team. No team currently, or ever, played 100% from start to finish in a game and particularly when they are far superior to the other team. If they did, the critics would trash them for running up the score and rightfully so. This UK fan obsession with totally humiliating the opposition is not one of our better traits as fans.
I didn't want to humiliate them,
43 was OK :-). Seriously, I was screaming for the “end of the bench-ers” earlier than they got in, but I don’t get paid to make that decision, and it’s a good thing. The reason I wanted them in a little longer is that I want to see what they do when they’ve had time to settle into the flow of a game instead of just doing duty as Red’s cigar. Mostly, I’m disappointed in what I’ve seen out of Hood so far, and would like to see him get some game time to get comfortable. Oh, well.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
I'm starting to think Hood may never play
If Cal is doing his job correctly, he’ll be recruiting 3-4 guys better than Jon Hood every year.
/shrug
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Padgett In 1995 And 1996
You could have said/thought similarly about Padgett then.
Surely Pitino would recruit better than him.
Nope. Padgett was part-time starter in 1997, then starred in 1998 and 1999.
Ya never know. If Hood develops, he’ll play. If not, he won’t.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 1, 2010 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
Letting a team score 61 is not bad
when we are scoring 100+. That is why some very good offensive teams will not have the greatest defensive stats because they don’t have to constantly play lock down defense but they are still good defensive teams.
If we score 100
That means there’s a LOT of possessions out there. Scoring 61 in that pace is perfectly acceptable.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
re: Cousins being a black hole once he receives the ball
I noticed a few nice passes out to an open man on the perimeter after the defenders collapsed on him in the paint last night. As Tru has commented, his earlier tendency was to force up a shot. Although even when he missed those shots 99% of the time he would get his own put-back! He keeps getting better and better (and more likely to enter the draft).
by DCBlueandWhite on Dec 30, 2009 11:23 AM EST reply actions
He is getting better at that.
He really is beginning to pass better out of the post. It is noticeably better.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Dec 30, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
Matter of fact...
He did it on back to back possessions last night, was good to see! Both the bigs played better last night. We’ll need Ort to spell Cuz and if Ort can put a few balls in the basket, all that much better…
If your wings don't sweep....
Bigs Passing
I’d like to see Cousins and Patterson passing to each other a little better, too.
(Man, are we nitpicking!)
thoughts from someone who is enjoying the koolaid....
I am clearly on board and a glass more than half full guy, but:
1) Cal in the post game show on BBN radio said he had 2 guys he was leaving on the floor strictly for their offense and that he needed them to step up on defense (clearly dodson, but who else – Wall?)
2) I know the competition was weak and one game does not allow a good conclusion, but should Cal be playing Bledsoe and Wall together or separately…
3) Miller was horrid offensively in 1H – however, Cal has clearly given him the green light and he shot until he found his stroke in 2H
4) UK offensively settled WAY too much for the 3 last night. When Memphis did lose, that is how they lost – I just hope that we did not get into any bad habits last night
5) we cannot defend the 3 – was thinking we had just run into a couple of hot shooting teams, but have to pile on this point after last night
As i said, glass is more than half full and do not want to complain about big margin of victory, but it is time to see how good we really are….
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 30, 2009 11:27 AM EST reply actions
The way I perceived his comment
was we have two guys who we might need to score (meaning need the points) but they weren’t awesome with the DD. And he is trying to figure out plan B for when we need their buckets really bad. I could be totally off with what he said though. Did I miss it?
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
Wall Salute
I’m starting to get into this little salute he’s doing now, more so than the dance. He gave it out a few times last night, to the student section, and I think to Miller on the pass for his dunk. Gotta love it!!
Post Game Radio Interview
Anyone know where I can find the post game radio interview with DeMarcus Cousins? I stayed after for that and shouted out a special message for him during one of the pauses – lol! I just wanted to see if it could be heard on the radio. All the people around us got a pretty good kick out 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 30, 2009 11:58 AM EST reply actions
Hard to believe...
that Saturday marks the all most halfway point in the season. Time flies when you are having fun!
TT Fires Leach For Cause
Have to admire Red Raiders for their fortitude and good economic sense.
"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius
I want to hear the rest of the story before I start admiring them.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Hmmm...
So, let me link this up… Billy G makes Jorts sit in the crapper during halftime and doesn’t get fired for it. Leach does, essentially, the same thing and does get fired for it. So, having said all that, I’d say we hire him for Offensive Coordinator if Papa B leaves! :-)
If your wings don't sweep....
one room was a garage and the other the media room for visiting coaches...
jorts clearly got treated a lot worse…..
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 30, 2009 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
absolutely....just tryin to do my part lol
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 31, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
77.6% Full
That’s my approximation (WAG) of the Blue basketball glass contents — which is 28.3% greater than my similarly accurate preseason expectation for this point in season. Note: I reserve the right to adjust the figures as more data appears. Areas needing improvement in order to reach full capacity* of said container:
1) Maximize DDMO understanding and possibilities.
2) Increase strength/aggression taking ball to hole, especially on rebounds.
3) Establish stronger rebound base/position.
4) Improve the recover aspect of the help/recover defense.
5) Continue to develop bench.
6) Continue to develop conditioning.
7) Encourage Patterson to exhibit a modicum more selfishness.
- Most likely not going to reach 100% capacity — 95+% would suffice.
Cats-Hawks observations after review:
1) Orton’s best game with recognizeable lift in confidence level.
2) Passing out of post was an obvious point of emphasis and not only for Cousins.
3) Pleased with Miller’s progress, he finally may be considering himself worthy of his
position with this talent.
4) Would hoped to have seen a game by now where Patterson was the #1 offensive
option just to see the results. Happened on 3 successive possessions last night and
he scored each time. Perhaps we’ll see it in a more meaningful game.
5) Wasn’t so much that UK settled for 3 but that UH packed defense inside 20 feet. Most
of 3’s could be considered good shots.
6) As for defending the 3, it is worth noting that UK’s better results have come versus
teams of more equal talent (UNC 35%, UConn 16.7%, Stanford 35%). Teams with
little or no chance of matching UK’s inside strength are relegated to shooting/making
3’s for any semblance of competing. The very nature of those teams is founded on
scoring from perimeter.
7) Adding — if possible — to Wallmania, he seems to be one of those rare talents that
can choose what part of the game to which he contributes. Last night it was quite
apparent that his purpose was to assist teammates (perhaps he read Tru’s earlier
critical comments). On another night it might be scoring. Who knows, we might even
see a game devoted to defense — nah.
8) A question: Where would Bledsoe have made a difference last night?
9) With each succeeding game the evidence of UK’s dearth of athletic talent last year is
incontrovertible.
"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius
agree - clearly more than half full (see my post above)
1) thru 3) agree
4) Amen – maybe he is saving it for SEC
5) fair enough, but given our size advantage inside it was not necessary
6) thanks, i am feeling better already
7) bet he does (focus on defense) for a game
8) that’s sort of what i was hinting at about last night. do not want to start anything, but my point was not where could he have made a difference, but does he (or another “true point guard”) get in the way of wall (or another “true point guard”) – is 2 PG’s on the court too many chefs in the kitchen?
9) tell espn’s OTL’s that…….
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 30, 2009 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
Heh.
UK’s dearth of athletic talent last year?
Compared to this team, the New York Knicks have a dearth of athletic talent. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
You Could Have Chosen
A more relevant comparison — but not the Nets.
"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius
reminds me of a funny story...
my dad grew up in southern mississippi in th 40’s and 50’s and said everything north of memphis was new jersey….
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 30, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
Lost In Translation
What I intended to suggest was you could have picked a team other than the lowly Knicks with which to compare but not the lowlier Nets. Perhaps the Bucks or Bulls, sort of lost its punch now however.
"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius
lesser team or not...
huge advantage to these kids and their responses to great coaching!!!…my heart is “all a flutter”!!!
"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as much as you please."...Mark Twain.
Does anyone...
truly believe the team can go undefeated? It’s almost impossible to even think such a thing. The away games will be the true test. It doesn’t matter, any road game is tough in the SEC.
This tidbit was news to me
Happy Birthday to former Cat Travis Ford.
On his birthday, John Wall broke his record.
According to BBH.net yesterday was Travis’ 40th birthday. I am sure he liked holding the record, but he had to be happy for a current UK player. Right? Right? :-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
I can’t believe no one has mentioned it yet,
but my favorite part of our 43-point win last night might just have been after Wall got his record-breaking 16th assist.
Did you see what he did? He totally went up to every player who was on the floor (and at that point it was all like 2nd or 3rd string) and shook their hands and gave them a high five or whatever, and then proceeded to go over to the bench and do the same thing to everyone seated, including managers and such as if to say "hey, thanks everybody, we are a team, we did this together" or something similar. I thought that little gesture to acknowledge everyone on his team was so cool and screamed of humility from Wall. So neat.
That WAS the best BSC
Add Big Cuz leading the crowd to chant John’s name after….that shows a special bond too. :-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
Cousins and Wall bond.
I think you are right about that. : )
I also think that that particular bond is quite possibly the most important one that needs to be made in order for us to achieve maximum team chemistry (and I know we all have different ideas of what chemistry means, but in this instance I mean the personal relationship between the players) as they do seem the most likely to possibly butt heads over star power and who is receiving a bigger portion of the recognition and such as I think they both do crave attention (nothing wrong with that mind you). I’m sure it also helps that they play totally different positions, but if Wall and Cousins can form a friendly bond and be cool with one another it decreases the chances of one of them feeling that the other is stealing their thunder, so to speak.
It’s fairly obvious that Patrick doesn’t pine for the spotlight (sometimes frustratingly so) and both Bledsoe and Orton will definitely get their day in the sun in the coming years, and the others can’t realistically expect to be the front-runner (I feel very strongly that we need both front-runners and role players to be successful, btw, so that isn’t a knock on anyone), so if two of our players that are currently being billed as the "stars of the team" can get along famously (and it appears that is the case at present), well, it can’t be anything but a bonus for the team as a whole.
even more important...
looked like bledsoe was genuinely happy for wall as well….
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 30, 2009 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
I'll agree with that...
You really have to admire Bledsoe, he took a huge risk coming to UK. Help me out here, but didn’t he commit after JW?? If so, how would you feel to come in behind the #1 PG in the country?? Playing time is uncertain, may be some personality things going on, etc, etc.
But he did it anyway, and now he’s playing with JW during the games, and practicing with/against the best Fresh. guard in the country. How much better is that going to make him down the road?? He’s nobody’s dummy, that’s for sure!
If your wings don't sweep....
Bledsoe committed first
But did it knowing that Wall was likely coming.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
When you
break down a team to see if it has the elements to go all the way to the national championship game, you realize how much Bledsoe adds to our chances. He can play alongside Wall as a shooting guard, take over the reigns of the team if Wall has to sit for prolonged periods of the game, and is a decent defender. He does all of these things and does not pout if he is not on the floor. If that ankle will get back to 100% look out!
I'd like to see ...
nobody with over 30 minutes. That would mean that everybody is contributing, and means fresher legs at the end of the season.
Nice point...
Forgot that Eric is really playing out of position if JW is on the floor…
If your wings don't sweep....
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