Kentucky 68, North Carolina 66 -- Postmortem
by Truzenzuzex on Dec 5, 2009 3:13 PM EST
in Basketball
272 comments
Wow, what a game. Thank God I am diligent about exercise, because at my age, these kinds of games are bad for a less than strong heart.
Thanks and well-wishes to North Carolina for a very tough game. The Tar Heels came back from a big deficit in the first half to make this game a nail-biter. Needless to to say, my nails are bleeding all over the place. The Tar Heels showed much better defense in the second half and forced the Wildcats in to a level of turnovers that could have done us in. Kudos to the Tar Heels for a strong effort. Not only that, their presence today allowed UK to set a new Rupp Arena record for attendance.
For Kentucky, this represents a very good win that could have been great -- not because of anything the Tar Heels did, but because UK did not appear to come out ready in the second half. Combined with John Wall's apparent dehydration (I have no doubt he went to the locker room to take an IV), Kentucky and North Carolina literally swapped places at halftime. With UK at 43 points going into the half, who would have believed they would only score 25 points in the second half?
Of course, you can expect a team like North Carolina, a team with many players who know what it's like to play in the NCAA tournament at the highest level, to make a game of it after being uncompetitive in the first half. It will be very galling to UK fans who saw some great basketball in the first half to remember how the 'Cats went out in something less than style.
More after the jump.
Here are my observations:
- DeMarcus Cousins has got to learn to control his emotions -- and his foul shots.
- It goes without saying that this team is different without John Wall in the game.
- Eric Bledsoe showed nerves of steel by making all those free throws at the end.
- Patrick Patterson was awesome, but for some reason, we went away from him in the second half.
- Dunk on Daniel Orton? Nope.
- Ramon Harris continues to amaze with his rebounding and heady play. If he could only score a little more.
- Darnell Dodson seems a bit off form, but he contributed some good offensive minutes and made a couple of good defensive plays.
- Speaking of defense, this was the best defensive game the 'Cats have played all year.
- Seeing North Carolina play at the pace they did was just weird.
- Darius Miller vanished in the second half. But he sure was great in the first.
- Calipari showed why he is such a winner. I think he out-coached ol' Roy today, and had a big hand in the outcome.
- Perry Stevenson made some nice contributions on defense. I wish he could score more.
- The best thing about this win was that UK will get better. So will UNC, but I think UK's ceiling is significantly higher.
That's about it for now, I am getting ready for the SEC championship game. This win makes my weekend automatically great. I am tickled to be writing about a win, because I was prepared to write about a loss.
Great win by Kentucky. Not perfect, but in the end, we won the stat that counts the most -- the final score.
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WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
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 5, 2009 3:15 PM EST reply actions
I've listed to postgame
on the uk athletics site before.
by blue kentucky girl on Dec 5, 2009 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
I got it from
the link here
http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/kty-m-baskbl-body.html
just had to tweak my firewall….
This qoute of yours...
Patrick Patterson was awesome, but for some reason, we went away from him in the second half.
Simply mystifies me…
But , we won and ALL IS GOOD..!!!
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
I think the loss of
Wall early in the 2nd half totally threw UK’s offensive flow off. The good news is they hung on and won.
It totally looked that way to me, too.
However, I think we were up 15 at the half, and up 12 when Wall returned. (?)
We lost composure when he left.
With him in the game we would have been up by 20 at that point.
Dense cam up big doing enough to keep them from cracking off a huge run to get them back in the game. If it had been a 3 point game at 10 minutes instead of 10 seconds, we lose this game.
Now the offense just needs to learn how to run well without Wall and we are set to jet.
Just a blip
Not a total lack of composure, but we did lose our stride. That’s what makes me proud, they got it back to a manageable game when it was quickly getting out of hand.
Emotional or not
Still LOVIN’ Big Cuz!!
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 5, 2009 3:20 PM EST reply actions
he ever figures out ...
…how to control his emotions, he will be simply unstoppable… IMO
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
Cousins
demonstrates every game why he will need to hang around for a couple of years or so before going to the NBA. They would eat him alive.
NBA drafts on potential
He is a top-10 draft pick at the end of the year. The skills he does have plus his body will get him scooped up. Unless he just melts down, he will pad his numbers enough against the weak SEC schools to make the jump.
Give the guy a little bit of a break. He has never, and may never again go up against such a big and experienced frontcourt. That transition is going to be difficult for a lot of players. He’s just not used to the physicality of the college game.
He’ll get there though.
Cousins
I’d be more than happy to have him hang around as long as he’d like. ;)
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 5, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
He can move into my house
if he would like ; ))
by blue kentucky girl on Dec 5, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
I think he'd better stay in Lexington...
closer to classes and all. ;)
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 5, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
hmm
I see your point. That 4.5 hour drive to Lexington might be a problem…
by blue kentucky girl on Dec 5, 2009 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
I knew you would ;)
DOnt worry. I’ll look after him.
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 5, 2009 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
How will he handle the money and other perks... He is a young eighteen in many ways
No matter where you're at, there you are
Prepared to write about a loss?
FWIW ….I had the same feeling I had before the UGA game. I didn’t have it before the UT game. I am so glad you were able to write about a win. :-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
Tru
you said that the cats went out in something less than style. I kind of like the style of two freshmen hitting clutch free throws to hold on to the victory. I am starting to believe.
we survived
and against an opponent like this, with freshman in their first month of college hoops, surviving was good.
But we are hoping for even more by March. :)
Obviously a great win.
I thought Bledsoe did not play well up to the foul shots…out of control and took a bad fade away 3 late in the game. I frankly like Dotson starting in his place because of the shooting and size.
Wall was clearly not as aggressive in second I guess because of dehydration, but man several eye brow raising plays on both ends. Williams has to wonder what his team would be like with Wall in the line up.
by chrisgettlefinger on Dec 5, 2009 3:29 PM EST reply actions
Bledsoe
They are worrying me with Bledsoe’s ankle. Seems like its a nagging sort of thing that isnt getting to rest enough to heal. I kind of wish they had held him out some in the earlier games before stiff competition got going. Then again, the way those early games were played so close…. I just hope this doesnt turn into something worse.
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 5, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
not to change the subject....
but a score update:
Cincy-45
Pitt-44
:33 to go….
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
not to hijack the thread
but why did pitt go for 2? take the XP , and be up 7 with 90 seconds left! seems obvious to me, but apparently not to wannstedt!
GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!
by UKWildCatFanatic on Dec 5, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
same time!
First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...
ahh
stupid espn box score! says 2 point conversion failed.
GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!
by UKWildCatFanatic on Dec 5, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
They didn't go for 2
botched snap on the xp
First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...
You can
party with the blowouts, but you win championships by winning the close ones.
Orton didn't do much on the stat line...
But he sure gave us some good minutes! And that block on the jam was spectacular!!
If your wings don't sweep....
I think
that we got key contributions from everyone who set foot on the floor. This was a team victory and that is what holds so much promise for the future.
Orton.
Ok, I’m going to attempt to talk seriously here for a minute (man this thread is fun today, I wonder why?? : )…
Anyway, no, Daniel’s line isn’t out of this world, but he is our gentle giant and he certainly gives me a sense of calm when he’s on the floor. He’s awesome, and what is really nice is that we KNOW that we will have him back next year. On the flip side, let’s take a look at Orton’s fellow big man, DeMarcus Cousins (and please, ya’ll, remember that I adore DeMarcus Cousins as you are reading this) – well, to be honest, I thought Cousins was a total non-factor in today’s game, whereas he has the potential to be a huge factor.
Keep in mind that what I’m about to say is just for fun, of course, and shouldn’t be taken too seriously, but it did occur to me that Cousins is a Leo (don’t laugh : )), and typical traits of a Leo are that they have a great flair for drama, an instinct for getting attention and their public image is very important to them. Well, taking that little bit of (probably useless) knowledge into account, all I can say is that I hope he’s pissed off that he wasn’t able to contribute more today and that he’ll remember that for next game. I realize that my expectations for Cousins may be a bit out of whack and over the top, but you are always the hardest on those you like, right?? : )
Other than wanting more from Cousins, I’m not going to reflect too much on this early season win (and yes, I stress early season win) and I’m not going to dissect our play as I just want to sit back and savor it. I sure do feel good about where we are headed as a team and once again, I love us!! ; )
IMO, PP is a more natural #4 rather than a #5. However your right, we should never...
forget the worth of our beloved PP at the #3, #4 or #5.
Problem is...
We go up against UConn next and their bigs are typically very physical. I thought Cuz let his emotions get the best of him on some “minor” bangs in the paint and it won’t won’t be that way on Wed night!
Talk with him BSC, will ya?? We’re gonna need him in a big way next game… :-)
If your wings don't sweep....
exactly.
Judging from the replies, I guess I did a very poor job of explaining myself in my initial post ; ), but yes, I totally agree that Cousins let the rather (what I considered to be) “minor” bumps and nudges by the UNC big men get to him and because I believe he does care about his image, my sincere wish is that the fact that he wasn’t a major contributor in our win today bothers him to the extent that next game, he doesn’t allow those little minuscule jabs by his competition to deter him, but rather grabs the ball with force and either takes it to the basket and literally owns the shot, or kicks it back out and waits for another, better opportunity to score. Whew.
Oh, the trials and tribulations of loved ones. ; ) Going to bed now. Night all…….
Gotcha! Cuz can begin to stay composed by...
not talking trash (which becomes bulletin board material) before the game. Tru
linked a UNC site in an earlie post It was very clear on the post game blog that the Tar Heels’ plan was to shut Cuz down and up! Which they did.
Awful, one-sided officiating in most of the 2nd half
Welcome to CBS games and them keeping the score even. Kentucky played poorly in the second half, but should have had 8-10 more free throw attempts due to uneven play calling. Really took the fun out of watching the game. But our guys were able to tough it out and get the win.
Great first half though! And still a great win for our resume! Go cats!!
I disagree
I thought this was one of the best officiated games i’ve seen in a while, including the second half. The disparity was due to unc playing more aggressively. A lot of times those disparities are becauae one time actually did foul much more than another. The loss of wall for a 6 minute stretch was part of the reason for it.
by BBallSophist on Dec 5, 2009 4:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
That seems like a bit of an exxageration…
by BBallSophist on Dec 5, 2009 5:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The refs did a pretty good
job overall but I agree…..I was screaming walk at least 4 times on their big men. They seemed to shuffle their feet in close to the basket after they’d received the ball.
I agree
Watching the replays and NC was pushing off…and not njust a little…to get defensive rebounds as well. One of those push offs is what unnerved Cousins. And then there was the traveling. Overall, a well officiated game but it always seems to happen that when you get too ahead the whistle is a little slower to blow for you.
Ahhh!
Four Roses Single Barrel. And they have a gift set for the same price that includes two beautiful short whiskey glasses.
Go get yours now. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Heard you talk about 4 Roses twice now! LOL
Give Wathens or Elmer T Lee a try if you can find ‘em… Good everyday sippin’ bourbons!
If your wings don't sweep....
Yeah.
I like Makers for my everyday. But FRSB is my … happy, happy, happy bourbon. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Ahhh! Kentucky,
great bourbon, great basketball, beautiful horses and fast women, I mean, beautiful women!!!
fast women?!
Hey, I resemble that remark…I mean, resent ; )
by blue kentucky girl on Dec 5, 2009 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
I don't know about that...
I saw what you ladies were posting at the end of the open thread!! LOL
If your wings don't sweep....
ha ha ha. that's hilarious.
you know what’s even funnier, blue kentucky girl and myself are both blondes, too. ha ha ha ha ha…… : )
I am blonde as well!
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 5, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
blondes have more fun
and also, more RAGE
by blue kentucky girl on Dec 5, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
new name per new prenupt
heard he has to change his name to Cheetah…
"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as much as you please."...Mark Twain.
Cheetah is no longer...let's say...intact
Prenupt has sharper edge than 3 iron.
I like
fine wine and great sipping bourbon! Best of both worlds.
Same here.
Bought three bottles of wine to keep my holder stocked. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
No ...
… I have not seen too many of those. But I am willing to try. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Try River Bend Winery
Based in Louisville, they have a restaurant downtown. They use Kentucky grown grapes. Excellent wine at 15 a bottle.
If we're going to do commercials,
I highly recommend Acres of Land. Of course, I make it so I would do that.
Ask for the winemaker,
I will give you the special tour.
I'm taking you up on that.
The wife and I did the Bourbon Trail last year, we’ll have to do a Wine Trail next year.
Everybody come,
the more the merrier. We will do a barrel tasting.
Acres of Land
Is that in Richmond? I’m there all the time.
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 5, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
My bad. I wasnt clear.
I meant I’m in Richmond all the time. I’ve never been to Acres of Land before.
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 5, 2009 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Will have to pick up a bottle next time I'm home...
You’ve gotten my curiosity up!
If your wings don't sweep....
Greetings from Jolly Ridge
Your Vidal Blanc is excellent.
You can get me that for Christmas Tru!
First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...
I can't listen to post-game
Who’d they give the Player of the Game to?
by blue kentucky girl on Dec 5, 2009 3:42 PM EST reply actions
all I heard was Cal
talking and talking and talking and
heh
Listening to Cal now.
They get tomorrow off. But he had a lot of great criticisms. (so far).
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Blowouts
I didn’t want a blowout. I wanted them to be “Punched in the nose” as Calipari said and learn from it. I think they did that AND came out with the Win. I am sooooo proud of my Cats
It is nice ...
… to get the best of both worlds. But I would have loved a blowout. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Don't you love...
How they didn’t fall behind when confronted. This team is gonna be magic I tell ya. I am loving this team.
Things were not perfect but they kept composed and didn’t play scared. That is what Champions do
Absolutely!
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 5, 2009 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
blowout would have been great fun today
but this outcome will serve us well on the season
His timeouts were perfect
They either stopped the bleeding, made adjustments, or both
No matter where you're at, there you are
If Wall doesn't get hurt
UK wins by double digits. The 1st half was a preview of what this team can do. They were much quicker than UNC, and that’s saying something. The fact UK held on without their best player says a lot. Bledsoe seemed like he wanted to have the ball at the end so he could hit the free throws….I like tha a lot.
That's what she said.
Bledsoe
has a lot of confidence in his game. I like that as well!
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 5, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
not sure
I mean, was he hurt? Dehydrated/cramps. Did UNC dictate a slower pace?
well, not hurt
but cramped…just saying that the tempo changed while he was out and he wasn’t the same when he came back, UNC just didn’t have an answer for him until that happened.
That's what she said.
dear Jay Bilas,
Give me an American teenager in a Ferrari on the interstate over an adult European in a souped up BMW on the Autobahn anytime. Thank you!
I left TN and now I am back in the Bluegrass... just in time for Football and Keeneland! Life is great!
by sleepytimetea on Dec 5, 2009 3:54 PM EST via mobile reply actions 7 recs
LOL!
Better than mine.
Dear Jay Bilas,
Nah nah-nah nah-nah!
:)
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 5, 2009 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
That American
teenager just ran that BMW off the road!
But I think
they were driving a Chevy. Hope to be in that Ferrari by March.
yes!!!...to the teen in a Ferrari
remember your words, Bilas!!!
"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as much as you please."...Mark Twain.
Back into the elite conversation
Isn’t it great to be back this fast, remember last year?
Awww Come on now.
Such a great day. Big win. Wonderful season to look forward to. Kentucky is back. Cant we just let Billy be? ;)
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 5, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
situational amnesia
That is what we all need
There you go!
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 5, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
Great game
Big win
First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...
Recently visited
China. Their wall pales in comparison to ours.
Ours is one of the true
Wonders of the World. Yay, I love puns!
by blue kentucky girl on Dec 5, 2009 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
You Tube
There is a youtube video of some people doing the John Wall dance on the Great Wall.
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 5, 2009 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
I'm 55 years old, and been watching UK for nearly 50 years
That 10 minutes in the first half where we got the 30-2 run may have been the best a UK team has ever played.
Not as old
But I agree. Only been watching UK for sixteen years and I was trying to rank that first half. I can;t think of a better more exciting 10 minutes
I know we de-pantsed Florida a few years back
When they came into Rupp with an unearned No. 1 ranking, and walloped Vandy in a terrific 2nd half back in Tubby’s era, but this was better, given the competitiion, I think
The time-
We came back from about 30 down against LSU ranks high also…
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
Sorry, Hoboat
Didn’t see your post when I replied…
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
Nope.
The first half of the LSU mauling in 1995 — 86 points in the opening stanza — is the best a UK team has ever looked.
Totally, completely dominant. Would have given some NBA teams fits for that half … especially given the starting five all played in the NBA.
The Heart & Mind of the Big Blue Nation ...
the fact that we are even debating this
is great, eh?!
Amen...
the “mardi gras” miracle is hard to beat – but that was out of desperation. i thought from the 9-2 point on, the 1H today was the best i have ever seen.
i am looking for an archived report on the 95 lsu game – i do not remember it either…but 85 in 1H is hard to beat
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Dec 5, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions
here's the LSU comeback
(not the 86pt half)
http://www.kentucky.com/799/story/529270.html
UK Best Half Ever?
1945 the Cats outscored Ark St 35-0 in 2nd half (yes, BASKETBALL) to win 75-6.
by FortyYearCatFan on Dec 5, 2009 10:06 PM EST up reply actions
I'm 52 ...
… and it was the best i’ve seen since the Suffocats.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Don't forget
1995 SEC Tournament Championship game in Atlanta against Arkansas.
We beat the Hogs (in the Corliss Williamson days) in double overtime.
This team can easily be that good.
I was skeptical on Friday, but I’m drinking the Kool-Aid now.
Definitely
the best point guard at this stage of his career.
Oscar said before the game he was the fastest ever
He thought faster than The Blur
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
I think
he is, but my memory might be a little blurred.
Sweet, Sweet Talent!!!
I believe he’s the best ever!!!…just ask his Mom!!!…and I’ll go right along with her!!!
"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as much as you please."...Mark Twain.
Why?
I never agree with this mentality, Holding him at UK is just selfish on our parts. He is going to be an amazing ambassador for us in the future. In the present he will just be amazing
I got bama
just a feeling
First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...
Well ...
… you know where I stand. I have had them #1 in my poll for six weeks for a reason.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
My 16 year old daughter said during the big run that this years' Cats..."smiling and having fun".
I said me too:)
a2d2
Way back last spring…I responded to a reply to you about smiling too soon etc… I am smiling today. This should be a very good season for the Cats. In fact, bringing my 16 year old daughter back (from Oregon) to watch the Cats at Rupp during the Xmas. My daughter has watched the Cats since she was 8 years old but never been to Rupp.
We are both extremely excited about our trip back to the Basketball Mecca of college Basketball!!!
You are welcome :-)
The UK Wildcats always make me smile….
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
We got 29 points and 20 board`
Out of guys playing their 8th or 9th college game. Against mighty UNC no less.
Boy, the future looks bright!!
Tru: "Patrick Patterson was awesome, but for some reason, we went away from him in the second half."
- Could it have been UNC’s big frontline and and a less than healthy JWall that couldn’t get him the ball?
- Patrick needs a breakout game. He quietly scored 19, and every one of those was needed and earned against a good UNC frontcourt. Awesome.
I want to see him blow a team away. Not for any other reason than, I want him to dominate. He needs a “I’ve seen your game and I am unimpressed, bring me your finest wines and cheese,” performance.
*Speaking of 19 quiet points. The great ones score and you don’t even notice it. Bird was like that. At the end of the game he’d have 30 and you’d be sure he hadn’t scored more than 10.
No matter where you're at, there you are
agree about the "GREAT ONES".
The great ones just “ARE” and they do it without a lot of fanfare. You mention Bird and I would also say, (with a bit of disgust as I LOATHE the Spurs) sort of like Tim Duncan. Quietly going about their business and getting shit done. Patrick was huge for us today, and I totally appreciate it.
Also, I love your little “grover” avatar (somewhere wilson is rolling over since I called it “avatar”, but whatever. : )) — you have no idea.. : )
"little" grover?
My dear lady, that’s Super Grover. There’s a difference. LOL
No matter where you're at, there you are
Maybe I shouldn't jinx ASOB, as I am relatively new here.
Where is the king of hoses? None of you killed him, did you?
No matter where you're at, there you are
Was he banned or he has finally understood that this team is good
and as crazy as we are all, we were right so far.
No matter where you're at, there you are
Cursed? Dog gone I hope not.
I still think one of you people killed him. :)
No matter where you're at, there you are
Speaking of the dirty cards...
Short handed Cards being seriously outplayed by Charlotte. Score early 2nd half (down 20)
Great Win
That 10-minute first half run was fantastic. By February, our young guys should be able to concentrate and focus that way for 20 to 30 minutes a game. What was really impressive was our poise during the final 5 minutes. I’m not going to criticize anybody. Everybody played hard; we’re still learning. Cal is fantastic, the way the works with the players. It’ll just get better from here.
It's A GREAT DAY
UK beats UNC. Bama beats the Gators. Cincy goes unbeaten.
And Louisville/Pitino getting it handed to ’em in Freedom Hall by Charlotte.
what a day!
UK beats North Carolina in a thriller, AND UL gets absolutely stomped. Even Florida goes down…in football, which I don’t follow, but still, I love to see it. I’m expecting Ed McMahon to ring my doorbell any minute now.
I’m even having some celebratory bourbon tonight. I don’t typically drink bourbon, but it seemed a very “Kentucky” thing for me to do.
by blue kentucky girl on Dec 5, 2009 9:10 PM EST up reply actions
post game video on john clay's blog.....
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
ok, what about EB and his injury???
are we not letting him heal?…i know he wants to play, but WTF?…we gotta take care of all those kids!!!
"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as much as you please."...Mark Twain.
John Wall post-game
“is your knee okay?”
“nah, I got tendonitis bad. it hurts.”
John Wall reported on John Clay's post game video that...
he has tendonitis in one of knees that is really hurting.
Don't know who these folks are
but they think Carolina played against “KU” today.
http://tarheeldaily.com/article.html?aid=14848
Photos from the Raleigh paper
http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/story/227018.html?tab=gallery&gallery=/galleries/gallery/227617.html
maybe not
trying again
Photos from Raleigh News & Observer
Damn
I would kill for arms like that. Although Bledsoe is probably stronger, but still.
by aidanpryde18 on Dec 5, 2009 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
Like everyone else
I am soaking in every second of the unbelievable enjoyment of having John Wall pass through our fair city on his way to national MEGA stardom…
… but I still can’t help every once in a while thinking ahead to what an incredible PR machine his images will be for our recruiting efforts for years and YEARS to come… like what MJ did for UNC. With that smiling assassin face of his— he will be such a natural for endorsements…. I just hope he plays for a team in the East. And especially a bigger market team.
I am already convinced that he is the best player to ever wear a Kentucky uniform. And I am not convinced that it is even close.
And he will be connected to us his entire career, just like MJ and UNC…. yes !!!!
by Sonic on Dec 6, 2009 12:52 AM EST reply actions
Sonic hits the nail on the head!!!
We have been double-y blessed with JW and Cal…career connections and the hailstorms they will bring to our Cats present and future will go down in College Basketball History!!!…what a turning point, and so fast!!!…I LOVE the description of “that smiling assassin face of his”…as we enjoy, and know that multiple careers will be always tied to UK…let’s ALL give thanks and empower them/us for eternity!!!
Is there any way to watch this game again???
"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as much as you please."...Mark Twain.
You can watch it again
at the SEC Digital Network site. (www.secdigitalnetwork.com)
Click on this link.
Select the “Men’s Basketball” tab, and there you go…
by Sonic on Dec 6, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
nice!
i go there all the time, but usually for football games, since i don’t get most of them.
watched UNC-UK, but glad that they put the whole game up for UNC, instead of just highlights like they usually do.
GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!
by UKWildCatFanatic on Dec 6, 2009 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
That is an excellent point Sonic
and I will admit, one I hadn’t considered. I think this kid is extremely talented plus he seems to have a good head on his shoulders. The John Wall dance thing is spreading like a wildfire. Who’da thunk that would happen? :-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
I do not have the COMPLETE list of things
.
that JW was “born to do”, but I do know at least two things on the list:
1) Play basketball
2) Appear in commercials and other endorsement media
Think of some of our latest players: Jamal, Tayshaun and Rajon. Great players, obviously. But the kind of personalities that go out and become the “face” of their team all over the media? Not really. And not that there is anything wrong with that.
It is just that JW does have all of that. Like I said, to the rest of the world (including young players currently dominating on playgrounds all across the country) JW is going to become the “face” of UK basketball for YEARS to come, even (and especially) after he joins the league.
Which is just fine by me. :-)
by Sonic on Dec 6, 2009 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
Not that coach Cal needs any help....
…But yesterdays nationally televised win, will be a big boost in recruiting…
Kentucky Basketball is BACK..!
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
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