Sunday Lunch: Super Bowl Edition
by Glenn Logan on Feb 1, 2009 11:54 AM EST
in Kentucky Wildcats News
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Today's big news, of course, is that it is Super Bowl Sunday, that wondrous time of the year when we watch one of the biggest sporting events in America. Super Bowl XLIII (43) pits the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Arizona Cardinals. Fans of these two teams should be sure to visit the SB Nation fan sites, Revenge of the Birds and Behind the Steel Curtain.
And now, for the news.
Kentucky Basketball News
- Gillispie is obviously upset at his team:
"We had no answer (for Downey), and had nobody who wanted any part of him," Gillispie said. "He is a really good player, and played great today. Their guys followed instructions the way they were supposed to, and that is why they played tougher and smarter than us."
Maybe so. But I think the coach could use a little introspection, in my opinion. - Jerry Tipton has this article. I'm not impressed with the "charge" trick Gillispie tried (again).
- Gillispie calls out the players for a lack of toughness. I'm not sure I agree, and Patrick Patterson's sure he doesn't. I think Patterson has figured out that all the shot-blocking rotation is causing more problems than it solves. This article also confirms that 3-pointer by Liggins irked the coach: "He played fine till the one shot," Gillispie said. "He was told to drive it today because they were taking away ball reversal."
- John Clay accurately describes the sequence of events that cost us the game. I'll add this -- 5 offensive rebounds in one possession that resulted in a basket. John also gets the overrotation problem on defense, and the problem with the brain-dead nature of UK's game at the moment.
- The State-Journal says that UK is closer to the NCAA bubble than a high seed. I'd say they are about equidistant right now. I guess a few snarky editorials are justified right now, though.
- Anti-Gillispie rants are popping up all over the Internet. Predictable.
- Larry Vaught has his report here. [via Sidelines]
- Rick Bozich says turnovers, not toughness, killed the 'Cats yesterday.
- Tom Leach has thoughts.
- Darius Miller likes being a Wildcat. Miller played pretty well yesterday, I thought. Except for the turnovers.
Kentucky Football/Other Sports News
- Terrell Mitchell commits to Kentucky over Michigan. Georgia did not offer him a scholarship. Big get for Brooks & Co.
- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has some signing day predictions. Could the 'Cats come up with another?
- Dermontti Dawson does not get elected to the Hall of Fame -- yet.
- Chip Cosby details who's coming and going for UK next year. I must admit, the Wildcats are looking pretty strong next year, but potentially scary in two years.
- Jody Demling has more on the Wildcats' recruiting success. UK's class currently falls in at 31 by Scout, and 42 by Rivals. That's solid, and getting better every year.
- West Virgina shows Louisville (and everyone else) why they are so tough.
- Matt Jones shares his thoughts.
NCAA Basketball News
- Wake Forest goes down to Georgia Tech after upsetting Duke.
- Washington defeats Arizona State.
- Kansas State upsets the Longhorns. Good for our RPI -- if only we could win.
- St. Marys dropped by Portland.
- Elbows flying in the Big Ten. I do think sometimes officials get carried away on unintentional contact.
NCAA Football News
- Lots of grudges being held in the SEC.
- College football is outsourcing their recruiting work to private companies. Interesting, but not surprising.
- Why doesn't the NFL adopt the spread? Here's one argument.
Other News of Interest
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A day removed from another UK loss....
and I do not feel any better. I truly worry about the future of UK basketball as a premier program. Unless UK reels off a bunch of wins in a row they will continue to be unranked or borderline at best. That is not the UK I have grown to love. Next season UK may lose its 2 best players and although the recruiting class is good it will not solve UK’s problems. UK needs to find a reliably good point guard. I don’t know if another year will all of a sudden solve all of Liggins bad habits and there doesnt seem to be a PG coming that will return UK to the upper eschelon nationally.
I need to be talked off the ledge because I just dont see a bright future. I know I know just trust the coach and everything will get better. If Meeks and P Pat leave next season, Uk will be back to square one with a young team again. There is no doubt I am impatient but I think this team should be better than their record.
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
Meeks and Patterson
I really really think they will both be back next year.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Feb 1, 2009 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
Well ...
… I’m always here to help, :-)
UK is fine. You may not think we have a good point guard, but we do — he is just going through an adjustment phase. We may lose one but we will not lose both of our leading scorers, and next year will bring a very experienced team and include another pretty good power forward in Matthew Pilgrim if Patterson decides to go to NBA riches. We will probably not contend for the national championship if Patterson leaves, but we will be very powerful with Daniel Orton in the middle and Harrellson, Pilgrim and Perry Stevenson and Stewart rounding out the front line. We will get some scoring help with Jon Hood, who will be an impact freshman. Vilarino will give us speed and quickness at the point, even though his minutes will be limited.
UK has its challenges this year, but they are fully capable of being addressed. The coach, to his credit, is a very determined and competitive man, and he will find ways to correct our current problems.
If Patterson stays, we are a legitimate national championship contender next year, no doubt about it. Our front line will be peerless, we get help at both guard positions, and that’s really all the impetus we need to be a top ten team. We will have no less than 5 4+ star players and plenty of capable backups.
I am stoked about our potential, and we can be much better this year with just a few tweaks. This team could “get it” at any time, and if they do, watch out.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I truly believe this years team could be a national title contender with a good PG...
ala Downey.
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
Seth Davis
Usually I find what he has to say objectionable…. but he recently wrote an article about title contenders and their “missing pieces.” He suggested Maynor from VCU would be a great fit for the Cats. Not a bad read, actually.
UK Is Farther Away Than Just PG
Anything is possible but compare 2009 roster to 1970, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1984, 1986, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, or 2005 (all NC contenders), you’ll see some gaps to NC status.
by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 1, 2009 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
I agree
With an exception or two, we don’t have well-rounded offensive players. (All players should be able to learn to play decent defense; all around offensive skill separates the studs from the role players.) Patterson is a multi-dimensional Big, and Meeks is close as a guard (he needs to improve his dribbling and passing). They can do the things a good basketball player should be able to do.
Harrellson appears to have good offensive skills for a Big. Needs to improve his footwork, but he gets points and rebounds whenever he comes in — regardless of the competition.
Outside those three guys, we don’t have much offensive skill. There is no proven 3-point shooter. It seems to me that a good team should have 3 or 4, including a Cameron Mills type. We don’t have a single player who can take the ball to the hole and finish consistently. We don’t have players who can pull up and shoot the jumper from 10 to 15 feet. From what I’ve seen on TV, we don’t have any player who is really good at dribbling the ball up the floor against pressure. We should have half a dozen. We don’t have players who know how to move without the ball. We don’t have basic passers who see the court know how to move the ball around quickly and smartly.
Ole Miss lost their three best players to injury — all of them guards — and their 4th, 5th and 6th guards were better than ours.
Let me say that Perry Stevenson is a terrific defensive player, and a very dedicated team player who works very hard to do — successfully — what he is assigned to do.
I’ve said enough.
2007 And 2008 Recruits
Patterson = great.
Legion = flop (due to transfer).
Liggins, Miller, Harrellson, Galloway, Williams = none has been standout (yet).
UK lost Legion to transfer and Crawford, Bradley to graduation, yet recruited 0 shooters to replace the 3 of them (all of whom could shoot from outside).
by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 1, 2009 9:03 PM EST up reply actions
I love your optimism
But I’m a skeptic. Next year, if everybody stays (excluding Williams) and everybody comes, we’re one over on scholarships. So somebody leaves (Liggins maybe) or gets cut (Stewart perhaps).
So we still have a starting line-up (remember Billy is stubborn) of Patterson, Meeks, Stevenson, Harris and Porter. (I would try Liggins in Harris’ spot to take advantage of his defense and rebounding, and Galloway at lead guard to take advantage of his cool, but that’s just me.) It will be the same team we have now, and we should be more consistent (fewer turnovers) but otherwise we will have the same deficiencies (limited offense).
I know that Hood and Orton are ourstanding high school players, but who says they are going to adapt quicker and be more productive than this year’s newcomers? Can they play defense to Billy’s satisfaction? Can they run the steps without puking? Will they be that tough?
The point guard coming in — if he is quick and can dribble and has court vision – if he will just concentrate on managing and distributing the ball and being in the right place at the right time on the court — he may be the star of the class.
Lineup (Next Year)
The 5 best players are Miller (WF), Patterson (PF), Orton ©, Meeks (SG), and Liggins (PG).
by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 1, 2009 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
What is a WF???
A weak forward?
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
"Wing forward"
AKA “Small forward” or “wing” or “3 man” :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Agree
If everyone returns I agree that could be the starting lineup. I think hood may give good minutes off the bench. He brings a lot to the table that we dont have right now but it depends on how fast he adjusts to the college game.
Wing Forward.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
Okay...sure
…now what is that position that he has Orton playing??? I know he is supposed to be the next Wilt Chamberlin, but I don’t think you can copyright him.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
Orton ...
… is a talent, but by no means a “one and done.” I expect the primary rotation of our two forwards will consist of Patterson, Stephenson and Orton off the bench for either one or the other. Harrellson and Stewart will likely fight for scraps. That’s assuming Patterson stays, of course.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Pilgrim
Dont forget Pilgrim.
Orton is not a one and done however IMO he thinks he is.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
Yup, Pilgrim will be a factor
He’s probably going to eat up most of Stewart’s minutes and some of Stevenson’s minutes too. If Patterson stays, I think Pilgrim will get about 15-18 minutes per game. If Patterson leaves, I think he will 19-22 minutes per game.
I agree that Orton is not a one and done player. I see him staying 2 years.
GBB!!!
Surprise! But...
Finally an opinion from 40 with which I can unequivocally agree. Not likely to be the players starting or getting most minutes however. Still don’t foresee 2009-10 — even with Rhythm and Bruise — being UK’s time to shine primarily because of plenitude of minutes accrued by Porter, Stevenson and Harris as seniors.
Porter (Not Many)
Harris a few more, Stevenson too.
But none of those 3 will see the PT minutes next year that they did this year or last.
by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 2, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
I Agree!!
I agree, I think this team still has lots of potential. We lost by 1 to USC, by 5 to Ole MIss, and 3 to UL. This team has been in every game, minus UNC. This team is capable of making it to the Sweet 16.
Next year, Darius MIller will have emerged. Liggins will hopfully step up too. So we have Liggins at PG, Meeks at SG, Miller at SF, Stevenson at Forward, and Patterson at C/PF. However, Orton will emerge and play center with Patters at PF. Stevenson/Miller will then rotate, with Hood adding points of the bench. Galloway and Harrelson just add extra depth. And Vallerio (spelling?) will challenge Liggins. Porter will play minimally.
UK is in the right direction, we fans need to be patient. I just want to say that I respect your comments and posts. This site is awesome!!
I think people are kidding themselves with next year's team
I agree they will be good and should be national contenders if everyone stays… but to say that Porter will play minimally is obviously short sighted at this point. Last year, everyone was saying the same thing about Liggins and Galloway coming in. Likewise, implying that Gillispie will change his line-up is also premature IMO.
Our starting line-up next year will be the exact same as it is now. If we are lucky, Coach will realize that the way to win basketball games is to use and trust his bench. I don’t see that. I think Pilgrim will be the hot topic of “Why isn’t he playing?” type calls on the call-in shows, just like Harrelson and Galloway are this year. I think Orton will get some minutes, but not the kind we (or he) will want to see. I think we’ll see Villarino about as much as we see Galloway.
Maybe that’s just pessimism on my part, but I think based on what I’ve seen so far from the coach… I think its probably realistic. We could have the bench of the LA Lakers next season and it wouldn’t matter a lick if they didn’t play.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Another example of where 40yr had it right
Whilst many of us were touting a rotation for this season that would be 9 deep; 40yr pointed out to us repeatedly that Gillispie seldom used more than 7 at UTEP or Texas A&M. The counter argument was always “He didn’t have enough players, he does now!” Gillispie has now coached over 50 games at UK… I think it is fair to say that we know a few things about him. One of the things we can take from what we’ve seen so far is that he will seldom go more than 7 deep. I see no reason to think that will change next season.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Big Blue is okay
I agree, I think this team still has lots of potential. We lost by 1 to USC, by 5 to Ole MIss, and 3 to UL. This team has been in every game, minus UNC. This team is capable of making it to the Sweet 16.
Next year, Darius MIller will have emerged. Liggins will hopfully step up too. So we have Liggins at PG, Meeks at SG, Miller at SF, Stevenson at Forward, and Patterson at C/PF. However, Orton will emerge and play center with Patters at PF. Stevenson/Miller will then rotate, with Hood adding points of the bench. Galloway and Harrelson just add extra depth. And Vallerio (spelling?) will challenge Liggins. Porter will play minimally.
UK is in the right direction, we fans need to be patient. I just want to say that I respect your comments and posts. This site is awesome!!
off the ledge
i feel the same way with you. I know some might say I am not a true BBN member because of what I am about to say, but here is how I stay off the ledge.
1) I was headed to the ledge in 1992 when the cats lost to duke in the regional final on the miracle shot. At the time, I thought Pitino would never get it done and boy was I wrong – I long for the late 1990’s. however, it took pitino 7-8 years to get to the promised land.
2) For 8 or so years, i was glad Tubby came to UK rather than Billy D. UF had a bad habit of losing early in THE tournament. However, he has now won two – would UK have given Billy D as much time as UF did? Not sure, but it takes time (and please do not turn this into an opportunity to get the Tubby issue going – just saying that it takes time)
3) I thought Rich Brooks needed to go 4 years ago and he has led the football team to 3 straight bowl games. I know that is not the same as the NC in bball, but (and I am not a big fan of our AD) Barnhart did stick with Brooks. I am hoping he has the right judgement call on BCG (he did a good job on baseball and women’s basketball with the previous coaches – jury still out on current two).
4) this point may evaporate, but at least for now, I can try and tell myself both Meeks and Patterson will be back. If it does not come to pass, then hopefully I will have another point 4 by July!
5) Also, at this point, I prefer to think of the recruiting class as a glass at least half full. Will be 8 months + before we know for sure.
Anyway – hope that helps……
Billy D
FF in 2000 and back-2-back NC in 2006 and 07. I’d say YES to ? # 2 above.
by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 1, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
"Their guys followed instructions the way they were supposed to . . ."
Sounds like Adolph’s initial line to Claude Sullivan following ANY loss, “Waall, Claude, the boys just didn’t do what we told them to do tonight.” Translated: Can’t possibly be the coach’s fault . . .
On the one hand, I admire confidence. In my current schtick, golf, if you don’t have it, you’re finished. But an honest review of your own performance is probably necessary from time to time. Even Tiger does that, and has changed his swing twice during his career, with great results both times.
Related to coaching b-ball, there is great merit to adjusting your “system” to fit the players you have. Even Adolph vacated his man-to-man occasionally for the “Shifting and Transitional Man-to-Man . . .” that was really a 1-3-1 trapping zone.
If BCG is able to make adjustments (and I really don’t give a hoot what defense he plays if it works), then maybe “he will find ways to correct our current problems.” I hope so, because I, too, think this team, while not supremely talented, has the potential to do better.
Me
I appear to be the only warm-blooded male in the country who doesn’t a rats ass about the NFL or the Super Bowl.
I find the whole thing nauseatingly worthless, but everyone else wants to watch an overhyped game MAYBE turn into an actual game. Blech.
I do like buffalo wings, though.
Maybe I’ll watch a replay of a UK VICTORY. Haven’t seen one of those in a while …
The Heart & Mind of the Big Blue Nation ...
I am right there with you.
Haven’t watched a Super Bowl in over 10 years and don’t plan to resume tonight. Now if I just had a replay of a UK victory to watch.
Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi
fortunately i have the UT game...
on Tivo – have watched it 10 times.
we are having a few people over for the super bowl – a couple of which are UT fans. maybe i bring up the game at half time…..
by memphis wildcat on Feb 1, 2009 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
The Super Bowl ...
… is the only NFL game I watch all year. So if you don’t give a rat’s ass, I guess it could be said that I give maybe half a rat’s tail.
I have more fun watching the commercials than anything else, but I’ll pick a team (I hate the Steelers from childhood, so it’ll have to be the Cardinals) and cheer for them.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Go Morgan Athletic Club!!!
That was the original name of the Cardinals They were first called Morgan Athletic Club and then The Normals (the started playing at Normal Field) and then the Cardinals… Google Chicago Cardinals and there is some interesting team history and an explanation of why they are the Cardinals and you would probably never guess why…
As for the game The General said, “Kentucky does not know how to win games that they should”… Pretty true statement if you ask me…
ShagOnSports - "people should know when they are conquered"
Terrell Mitchel
looks like a great recruit for UK. They beat out some good programs for his services.
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
Indeed.
I am tickled about that. I love what we are doing recruiting-wise in football.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Ah vinceuk1
Not seen you here for a few days. I thought you were probably w/o electric there in Louisville.
But the Super Bowl is the only NFL game I watch all year and I am rooting for AZ…sorry. I always go with the underdogs in this annual game, but may the best team win.
Go UK
Every morning I get up and look at ASOB to get my daily fill of KY Sports news. You see when I get up in the morning here in Japan it is mid afternoon yesterday where you are…Regardless, I watched the game against SC the other day and yes I was down and depressed. I couldn’t be a true UK fan if I didn’t. I know that expectations for our beloved program are high. However, I just want to say that I support Billy G and the entire team 100%! I know deep down that UK is not a Final Four contender this year. I also know that they may not make it to the Sweet Sixteen. But to me it is silly to say that if Porter was this or if Billy G did that UK would win. It isn’t that simple. I have watched over the season as people have said that Porter was horrible, that he had no business on a Div I team. Then when UK was winning, some of those same people said, “I was wrong, he is doing much better.” Here is my point and I have a couple; this is a young team, with a coach who is new to the SEC, there are going to be growing pains. And 2, this is Billy G’s second year. We all have high expectations, but let’s not get to ahead of ourselves. As always, I love your commentary, thoughts, and analysis. Go UK!
SSgt Shepherd, SSgt, USAF
35 SFS/SFOSK MWD Handler
Misawa AB Japan.
Thanks for reading ...
… and for your service. Ken and I glad you enjoy the blog.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Shepslaw,
welcome aboard. Take care of that dog and he’ll take care of you. I was in the AF for some time and in a couple of positions where I certified MWD/handler teams-by far the best part of my job!!! Again, welcome. We’ll outnumber those Navy guys (Tru) yet!!
The comments from Patterson are worrisome.
I don’t know…strictly from a basketball perspective I just don’t see him staying another year. I get all the thoughts that he may stay for academics but if his draft position is solid, I don’t see a real reason for him to stay. I am not sure you can count on Orton to deliver as a freshman….he is not even playing his senior year, is he???
Meeks on the other hand is likely to stay. Sure he has shown a lot this year, but I don’t see his size or lack thereof, translating well or at least automatically to the NBA. To me he is a player like Ben Gordon but less so. Gordon can better generate his own shot but he is routinely killed on the defensive end…much like Meeks will be. But on the other hand, I am not sure another year will improve his deficiencies…defense, ball handling, passing. But it all may be a moot point because I don’t see him in the first round for sure. The question will be will he be pleased enough to go as a second rounder.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
Orton's injured ...
… but he is a rare talent. I think we can count on him quite a bit. As for Patterson, who knows? There is no real reason for him not to go, but then again, there was no real reason for Earl Clark to stay — but he did.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Hope So
Orton was injured as junior, now as senior. Hope he’s not injury prone.
by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 1, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions
Patterson and Meeks
IMO both stay for another year. Patterson is on track to graduate in March of 2010 as a junior and his parents want that degree for him before he goes to the NBA.
I think Meeks needs another year at college before the NBA, but then again what do I know.
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