Florida 65 @ Kentucky 68: Postmortem
by Truzenzuzex on Feb 11, 2009 12:04 AM EST
in Basketball
94 comments
Like most of you, the adrenaline is still surging like mad through my body. Typing is a barely-controlled attempt to press the keys through the keyboard and into the pressboard of my computer desk.
Congratulations to Florida on a great game, particularly Nick Calathes. He was Meeks-esque in a dominant performance. Other than the very strange ejection of Walter Hodge for stepping on Perry Stevenson, the game was pretty cleanly played. To be fair to the officials and the Gators, I just can't tell if there was any intent to make the contact there. But they officials carefully reviewed the tape and were right on top of it, so it is what it is. The Gators played well in a tough environment against a desperate team. Great effort by Florida in an uneven but highly competitive effort by both teams.
And now, to Kentucky.
First off, I am very glad to win this game, make no mistake. But if Patrick Patterson is out for any significant length of time, it was not at all worth the price. He looks to be OK, just a sprain, but I always fear the deadly "high ankle" sprain on steps like that, and if he has one of those, UK is in a bad place.
Right now, however, we need to celebrate a lot and pray Patterson's injury is minor. This was not the execution I had hoped for from Kentucky after a week of remediation, but with the exception of a couple of stretches of brain-dead low-effort play, it was a gritty performance that never could have ended the way it did without some incredible effort on the part of some very unlikely players.
Here are my observations:
- Who would have thought we could win against Florida on a night in which both Patterson and Meeks were as cold as Kentucky was last week. Meeks heated up at the end, but was 3-10 from three. Patterson wasn't himself the whole game, going 3-9 and a lot of his shots were U-G-L-Y. But he was respectable on the boards with eight rebounds.
- Kevin Galloway was absolutely terrific. He fulfilled much of the promise that he showed at the College of Southern Idaho, and his athletic dunk on a fast break in the second half nearly brought the house down. The only blemish was that inexplicably foolish foul at the end of the game that could have allowed Calathes to put it into overtime. Alas for Florida, Calathes took that moment to miss his first free throw of the night.
- Michael Porter made a lot of mistakes, but he also made some huge shots. Overall, the good far outweighed the bad.
- DeAndre Liggins got curiously few minutes, but played pretty well when he was in there, particularly defensively.
- Great game by Josh Harrellson. He gave us all kinds of help, both offensively and defensively, until Florida caught on to our switches and began taking advantage of them.
- Speaking of switching, what the hell was that all about? We haven't switched on screens all year long. I can only figure it was to better play the pick and roll, or perhaps it was just something to throw a monkey-wrench into the Gators' game plan. Sometimes it worked, but a lot of time it didn't, particularly when we wound up with Harrellson guarding Calathes.
- Perry Stevenson came up huge in the first half, then kind of vanished in the second. Ten points, eight boards and six turnovers. He was working on a triple-double, albeit a really weird one.
- Free throw shooting nearly cost us the game. I have not had to say that all year. Remarkable.
- Once again, turnovers were a huge problem. If we could have taken better care of the ball, this game would have been a blowout.
- Ramon Harris is just having a really rough stretch right now. He only had two turnovers, but he was indirectly responsible for at least 3 others and just got schooled by Calathes.
- Kudos to the 'Cats for much improved defensive rotation inside. Never once did we get caught flat-footed because Stevenson and Patterson went for the block. As a result, we outrebounded the Gators by 13, which made up for many of our turnovers.
- Jodie Meeks really turned it on when he had to. He played all forty minutes of this game. But he sure shot the ball poorly from the perimeter.
- Defensively, we held Florida to 4-14 from three, and without a 3 point field goal in the entire second half.
- It's amazing to look at the box score and see three Kentucky players in double-digits with a fourth one point away, and none of them are Patterson.
- 19 turnovers is better than 20, I guess. One above our average.
- Meeks was obviously fouled on his game-winning three. No call.
- We FINALLY won a close one!
I'm still in a state of shock. When Florida went up six with about three minutes to go, I was already thinking about what I was going to have to write, and seriously thinking about abdicating that responsibility. But it is with great pleasure and not a little pride that I get to finally, after what seems an interminable interregnum, write about a victory.
Wildcats! Huzzah!!
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One other thing i'd like to put out there
- Darius Miller hit two absolutelyclutch free throws at the end of the game. This would have been huge from anyone., but especially so considering he hadn’t had a shot the whole game, and walked up to the line as a freshman on a night when everyone was struggling from the line and knocked down two HUGE ones.
by uk52 on Feb 11, 2009 12:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Those ...
… were huge. That was a one and one. Huge.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Feb 11, 2009 12:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm really happy for Darius
Those were huge free threes. We were down by 3 and he made both to make it a 1 point game. If he would have missed 1 or both, we may not have won that game.
GBB!!!
by OGETARTS on Feb 11, 2009 6:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
abdicating in case of a loss
I was thinking about you at the same point – was thinking about how i would write about losing 3 sec home games in a row for first time in history – i could not have done it.
however, that is all moot – let the meeks man crush begin again!!!!
by memphis wildcat on Feb 11, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Galloway's Dunk
was SICK! it looked like he kept his head down all the way until he got into the paint then… WHAM. just a massive dunk that was probably UK’s best of the season. But that’s not all he did, I mean 9 assists and 8 rebounds??? this kid needs some more minutes
by ukwildcatfan40 on Feb 11, 2009 12:13 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Well ...
… he most assuredly picked a great time to have a coming-out party. We needed all of his line tonight.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Feb 11, 2009 12:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We sure did
I hope, nay, PRAY, that he not only gets into the rotation more, but that he keeps playing like this when he gets the chance.
by uk52 on Feb 11, 2009 12:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Things I noticed about galloway
- when he passes the ball, he passes to the right spot on the receiving player. He put the ball in a position to score or pass without the teammate having to pick up the ball or readjust too much in order to do something with it. something that both porter and liggins seem to be lacking.
- Galloway lets porter play the 2 more – which is his natural position
by schizm42 on Feb 11, 2009 12:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Coach's post conference
I was in and out of my room at the time, but I heard him say something about Galloway volunteering for the scout reports for games? Is that something that the team members do? I am at a loss with this. Anyone know?
by kykat51 on Feb 11, 2009 12:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like he is volunteering to run the opponents' offense in practice...
in order to get more court time and impress the coach.
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
by SevenRings on Feb 11, 2009 12:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bingo
Gillispie attributed Galloway’s energized play to his work on the scout team. He said that in recreating the opponent’s offense, Galloway played with more energy … he thinks that translated into Galloway playing with extreme vigor tonight.
by Ken Howlett on Feb 11, 2009 12:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks SevenRings and Ken
Now I understand.
by kykat51 on Feb 11, 2009 1:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No problem, kykat
I don’t know about you, but it feels like a gigantic, Jane Goodall gorilla was just lifted off my shoulders … imagine how the players feel.
by Ken Howlett on Feb 11, 2009 1:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Scout Team
Gillispie said that often as the scout team point guard, Galloway had to recreate how many of the point guards in the SEC push the ball up the court (attack I think is the term he used)
by LyricSmith on Feb 11, 2009 2:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Makes sense
For a while there in the second half he was doing better at beating the press than I’ve seen any of our guys do this season!
by ben-p on Feb 11, 2009 9:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Top Ten Plays
UK vs UF got several plays included in Sportscenter’s Top Ten plays of the night. One was a Perry dunk and another some Calathes shot. Jodie’s last second shot, Galloway’s dunk, and the Calathes circus shot all failed to be mentioned. I was a little surprised.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
by davw83 on Feb 11, 2009 9:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Meeks scored 13 of UK's last 15 points...that is what an all conference player does
Props ot KG on his coming out party and Harrleson for stepping in and playing well.
I feel great.
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
by SevenRings on Feb 11, 2009 12:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yea, i thought Harrellson filled Pattersons void quite well when he was out
by uk52 on Feb 11, 2009 12:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Harrellson was great
Harrellson and Galloway really stepped up. Porter even hit some big shots too. It was a really good team effort and it was nice to see other guys scoring and contributing.
GBB!!!
by OGETARTS on Feb 11, 2009 6:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Harrellson and Stevenson
filled in admirably in the post area when Pat went down. That’s encouraging to see come tourney time and Pat needs a breather. Same goes for Galloway coming in with Porter and Miller/Liggins/Harris combos to releive Meeks.
by hoboat33 on Feb 11, 2009 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I am very surprised by the low scoring of the game....
I totally expected the winner to be over 80 points
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
by SevenRings on Feb 11, 2009 12:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I thought they all played well as a TEAM!
With the toughness they showed earlier. They will be fine…I just feel it.
by kykat51 on Feb 11, 2009 12:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Billy G's post interview
He said that PPat most likely had an ankle sprain in his right leg, but they were still looking into.
by kykat51 on Feb 11, 2009 12:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
KSR said that Patterrson is recieving and x-ray tonight
by uk52 on Feb 11, 2009 12:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Already had it. They were negative.
He’s probably going to be in a “walking-boot” for the next couple of days (to keep it stabilized). I think he’ll play Sat.
This is not the same leg as his foot injury last year.
by Ken Howlett on Feb 11, 2009 12:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ken
if I could see you now I would kiss you! Thanks for the information!
by tenken on Feb 11, 2009 12:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If I could see you ... I would have a really cool computer :)
Always glad to be the bearer of good news.
by Ken Howlett on Feb 11, 2009 12:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I am
just hoping that I don’t wake up tomorrow and see gloom and doom with the headline “Patterson out for season”. Like I did last year. Ugh. An ankle sprain is still not good especially with some tough teams to play. Arkansas will be tough bet on it.
Ok I have a basketball question and I know if its off topic but I just have to know. My son’s team was playing tonight and one of our players mistakenly put it in the wrong basket. Now if I remember my bball rules its not supposed to count. Is this correct or I am I wrong on this.
by tenken on Feb 11, 2009 12:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
it counts for the other team but not sure what the rules are on your sons level
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
by SevenRings on Feb 11, 2009 12:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
thanks
ken and seven…….they did count it. We still won but I was just wondering. I felt so bad for that kid. Not just a minute earlier, my son threw it to the opposing player. We were playing the other school team(we have two) and he was thinking he was passing to a teammate. LOL, he scored on it. We won though made for a great night. But I missed most of the first half of UK/Florida.
by tenken on Feb 11, 2009 12:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No prob, tenken
It sounds like you had an eventful evening!
by Ken Howlett on Feb 11, 2009 12:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Patterson has a sprained ankle.
He’s day to day. That’s as good as news of an injury gets.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Feb 11, 2009 7:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Switching on Screens
Tru, we’ve been switching on screens since at least the MSU game, and I believe we did some switching on screens against Ole Miss. I think they were begging Calathes to drive and dish instead of dropping 3-pointers.
by TheFakeGimelMartinez on Feb 11, 2009 12:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good observation.
Gillispie has talked about the players needing to know better who to switch off on, and which picks to fight through.
He said that they are thinking, instead of reacting.
But, tonight they clearly were “allowing the switch” out high on Calathes. If the reason is the one FGM states, well, I suppose it worked as far as Calathes 3-point shooting is concerned, but to be honest, I’d rather put the clamps on him with a rotation of one or two players.
Giving him any room at all to maneuver is a death knell for most defenses, as we saw tonight.
by Ken Howlett on Feb 11, 2009 12:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It didn't help that Ramon Harris couldn't hang with Calathes
Calathes didn’t look quick enough to shake any of our defenders. But for some reason, Harris just couldn’t hang with him. He’d fade too far back in the first half and let Calathes have the 3pt shot.
When Stevenson would switch off on him, it worked much better. Calathes did get a 3pt off on Perry, but Perry would let Pat roll over to collapse and then try to rebound.
by TheFakeGimelMartinez on Feb 11, 2009 1:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We switched a little ...
… in the last three games. Not much.
This game, we switched on virtually every possession.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Feb 11, 2009 7:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was so happy
From Section 238 Row J, I could hear very audible singing of the UK Fight Song in the second half. First time I’ve heard Rupp even remotely filled with singing ever.
(According to one of the KSR commenters, the student section has been doing a good job of singing the fight song this season. I was at one SEC game and 2 non-conference games last year, and there was no singing.)
by TheFakeGimelMartinez on Feb 11, 2009 1:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Keep them singing Fake
I saw your post at KSR today and it was much needed!
by kykat51 on Feb 11, 2009 1:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
It was most definitely not me
No way my post yesterday and today had any impact whatsoever. I was just glad to see the students take ownership of cheering, singing, etc. A+ effort from the Erupption Zone.
by TheFakeGimelMartinez on Feb 11, 2009 1:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fingers crossed...
that Galloway can keep up the good practices and can keep putting in good minutes. Eventually, Harris will be out of the starting lineup, or at least start playing no more than 10-15 minutes a game like tonight. I don’t care how good Harris is defensively, (I don’t see that he is that great anyways) he is a liability in every other aspect of the game. Galloway’s passing is crisp and his athleticism added a lot of rebounds that Harris would get hurt goin for. Driving the length of the floor and throwing it down was one of the best plays I’ve seen a UK player make this year.
by the spork on Feb 11, 2009 1:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I hate to, but I have to agree.
Harris just hasn’t been producing, either offensively or defensively. Why that is, I don’t know, but for UK to be a threat to any good team they can’t have a complete non-factor out on the floor.
by Ken Howlett on Feb 11, 2009 1:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think
that injury has him messed up. Mentally messed up I mean. I cannot imagine how scarey it would be for me to have all that happen.
by tenken on Feb 11, 2009 1:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You may very well be right.
He hasn’t been the same since the neck injury, except for his first game back.
I really like him, and I want him to succeed, but at the present he’s not effective. Hopefully he’ll conquer whatever demons are limiting his play.
by Ken Howlett on Feb 11, 2009 1:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It may very well be that Ramon is just won't bounce back this season. Perhaps in the off-season he can put himself back together.
Before that injury, he was becoming an offensive threat as well (a couple of games in double figures).
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
by blbskue on Feb 11, 2009 9:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In the meantime...
What do you do with him if you are the coach? Do you continue to start him and watch him deliver a Mark Coury like performance night in and night out, or do you put him on the bench and give his minutes to other, more productive players who clearly need more seasoning before any post season tournamants?
by tooblue on Feb 11, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Harris dilemma
develop the bench. Harris is just totally ineffective right now. We don’t have any margin for error to cover up for his deficiencies.
by Bluegilla on Feb 11, 2009 9:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
well
it depends honestly. Its like they say “when you fall of a horse, get right back on it”. That may be BG approach. We may not like it but it may be the best thing for him and I am sure that BG knows that and that is why he is putting him in limited time. Billy knows what he is doing. He owes his players first, fans second. He will do what is best for Ramon first above all.
by tenken on Feb 11, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What a game!!
So I had some other stuff to do tonight so I watched the game on tivo, and WOW!
You’ve got to give credit to Billy G. for getting the non-Patterson/Meeks crew ready for the game. Just by looking at the look on Michael Porter’s face before the game I knew he was going to be fearlessly draining some threes – and he did! Clearly Gillispie recognized that we can’t be afraid to shoot and still win games. If teams are playing these gimmick defenses against us, then we need to punish them by making jumpshots. And we did. Great gameplan, preparation and execution by Gillispie. There is too much moaning and groaning about coach when things don’t go well, so you’ve got to give credit when it’s due. And it’s due. Did you see the play at the end of the game where Florida was running the Calathes screen/switch that they burned us with a couple of times? Well, Jodie switched off for Perry guarding the screening man at the last minute, confounding Calathes. Clever. The man’s doing some coaching.
Still, the team was a little tight starting out, you could see it from our shooting, especially free-throw. But excellent D kept us in it.
Great game for Porter, even though he started turning it over late in the game. Good decision making and confidence shooting the three. I was impressed to see him go aggressively to the basket and get fouled early on. That’s what we need to do, attack. He even did a good job helping out on rebounding, getting in there and swatting some balls loose.
I can’t talk enough about how excited I am about Galloway. He had a great game and really showed the confidence and aggressiveness that we need. And what a monster dunk! Love to see that. He’s still reckless and a bit more flashy than he needs to be, but that will improve over time.
Solid game by Harrellson. He did a great job of getting in position and making layups. And he again proved he’s a threat from three, really opening things up for the other guys. Unfortunately, he’s a real mismatch on defense for Florida and a lot of the quick SEC teams.
I feel bad for Patrick. He struggled with his shot and then the injury. I really hope it’s nothing serious for his sake and the team’s.
Ramon is also really struggling. I hope he can get his game back because he’s such a team player and a leader.
Perry represented the “tale of two halves” Kentucky today. Great first half, lackluster second. He really needs to work on those turnovers.
Miller looked pretty good for the limited minutes he was in there, but could have been more aggressive. Clutch free-throw shooting at the end.
Liggins looked OK in limited minutes. Kinda blended in, which I think is good for him. We definitely didn’t see any selfish play from him, which was great. He will find his place.
Great game and great clutch play by Jodie at the end. He really played within himself and did a lot better job of not forcing every play. He is so great we take him for granted, but the player of the game award was well-deserved.
Florida does a great job of getting their arms out into contact and falling on the ground. I guess Coach K isn’t getting all of those guys.
Nick Calathes is great. He’s an offensive machine. He can drain the long range three, drive, make Crazy Shots like I haven’t seen since Erik Daniels wore the Kentucky Blue, and his spectacular vision and passing ability keeps you honest. Phenomenal player and phenomenal game. He played such a great game, I almost felt bad for him missing those free throws except for all the cheap fouls Florida was getting called their way.
Overall, I like the team a lot better now, we’re playing Kentucky basketball. We’re working hard and taking good shots – everyone is. Patrick and Jodie’s weren’t falling as well today early on, but we stuck with it. We really showed a lot of toughness today, which has been sadly lacking in the past 4 or so games. We have the potential to be quite good, but these turnovers have to be drastically reduced.
by EEWildcat on Feb 11, 2009 1:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Coach has been reading ASOB
Hey, we’ve all been saying it. Others need to shoot when open and Porter, Harrelson, and Stephenson came through. Didn’t see the game by Galloway coming though.
by LyricSmith on Feb 11, 2009 2:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jodie
Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, Jodie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by camara40 on Feb 11, 2009 4:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Please keep Daniel Orton and his family in your prayers
Very sad news……
Apparently his mother passed away.
GBB!!!
by OGETARTS on Feb 11, 2009 6:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I read that.
I was waiting for confirmation.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Feb 11, 2009 7:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A nice photo from the game
CBG and Jodie:
GBB!!!
by OGETARTS on Feb 11, 2009 6:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Awwww
Billy looks so happy. Good for him!
by kentuckygirl0724 on Feb 11, 2009 8:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice Win!!!
Tru… You saw the same game I did… What was up with the switching, we got in several mis-matches that gave the Gators scoring oppurtunites… KG was terrific and I have been calling for more time for him for weeks… He finally got into the flow of the game and made two great scores with the spin move and the dunk and some nice assists… Would love to see him get a portion of both Harris and Porter’s playing time…
I really do not like the way BCG treated the ESPN reporter again at half time… That is just not neccessary and the people I watch the game said everything from it made the cringe to other expletives… Why does he do this??? My wife says he looks very uncomfortable in any situation that involves a female…
Anyway nice win in a MUST win game… Florida had us on the ropes and we still were able to win!!!
ShagOnSports - "people should know when they are conquered"
by ShagOnSports on Feb 11, 2009 8:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Frankly ...
… I have no problem with Gillispie’s comments to Jeannine Edwards. I saw no intent to be rude there like I did in the first dust-up between those two. I think people who are making a big deal about this are predisposed to dislike Gillispie or are being excessively reactionary.
I called it rude the first time, and it was. This was nothing, and I think it’s time to forget it.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Feb 11, 2009 8:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with Tru.
Look, if he and Jeannine hadn’t had their previous unfortunate encounter, no one would have thought Gillispie was rude last night. That was sticking in the back of people’s heads, and made his general ackwardness with this interviews have an appearance of rudeness. He wasn’t rude. He was obviosuly frustrated with his team, trying to get through the interview, and he just couldn’t follow her.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
by blbskue on Feb 11, 2009 9:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree...
He was rude the first time but in his defense, I didn’t like the question either. This time, she asked another question that was irrelevant. She asked him about controlling Calathes floor vision which was something that I read in an article somewhere but don’t remember it ever being attributed to BCG. He responded the way he did because he literally did not know what she was talking about. It seemed awkward and was but I don’t put this one on him.
And by the way, I am not impressed by her halftime questions and in game reports at any game I have watched this year.
Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi
by hoopchi on Feb 11, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You would think
after the first time she might shorten her questions a bit. I mean – good grief – how many words were in that question. You gotta think – its half time, Billy doesnt really like interviews anyway and is more than ready just to get to the locker room with his team and then here’s good ol’ Jeannine blabbering on and on about floor vision and whatever else. Hell, I was sitting on the couch watching and I just about stopped listening. Plus even when the crowd is not going wild, Rupp is not an easy place to hear during a ballgame – ESPECIALLY with a question that is as long as the Twelve Days of Christmas!
I hate these half time interviews. It just gives people something else to be all over Billy for. “Billy is rude.” “Billy is clueless.” (and the worst one) “Billy is drunk.” I am SICK of it. Get off Billy’s ..uhhh… back – yeah, his back.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Feb 11, 2009 9:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Its not a situation that "involves a female"..
that makes Billy look like a deer in the headlights. He gets that look anytime you stick a microphone in his face. Good – less time making speeches , more time coaching. Nice job, BCG.
by hoboat33 on Feb 11, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Chill, Billy, Chill
Have a game plan for these halftime encounters. Don’t act surprised. The TV networks pay UK (and you) for them. You know they are coming. The reporter’s job is to ask a provocative question; your job is to avoid being provoked.
So prepare a little speech, and say practically the same thing every time. Ignore the reporter, ignore the question — say what you want to say. Whether you’re ahead by 15 or down by 15, you can say some things are going well, but we’ve got to improve on some things. The second half is going to be tough, we’re going to make some adjustments, and try to come out and work hard and win the game. UK’s media staff should prep you.
Unless, of course, you are trying to present yourself to the nation as a perpetually confrontational, combative, competitive coach who will fight anyone and everyone wherever on behalf of your team.
by Fortunatus on Feb 11, 2009 8:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Even if he had a prepared speech
The media would say he did not answer the question…Lol. This is getting to be ridiculous.
Unless, of course, you are trying to present yourself to the nation as a perpetually confrontational, combative, competitive coach who will fight anyone and everyone wherever on behalf of your team.
The only thing I think is relevant is the latter part of your comment about being a competitive coach. I think we all know his competitive spirit and his love for his team. That is all that matters.
by kykat51 on Feb 12, 2009 4:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Toughness
Now I can appreciate a little tough play as much as the next guy. Hell, its the reason I liked last year’s team so much despite their other deficiencies. But if i hear Jimmy Dykes talk about “toughness rebounds” any more… I just might vomit!
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Feb 11, 2009 8:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
"Toughness" or "game face.' UG.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
by blbskue on Feb 11, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Calling all statisticians...
What is Kentucky’s season record for turnovers? I have to think that this team has a chance to break that record.
Great win, but maddening as well. The turnovers, careless plays, and boneheaded mistakes make this team VERY difficult to watch. I am euphoric about last night’s win, but I also know that we were more lucky than good, and that 99 times out of 100, Meeks is NOT going to make that fadeaway, double clutch, desperation three point shot.
Nonetheless, congrats are in order on a much needed win.
by tooblue on Feb 11, 2009 8:40 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
A Great, Great Win
I’ve been thinking about last night’s win this morning & I have several thoughts on the game:
(1) I feel more relief at not losing than the joy of winning;
(2) I am very happy not to go into the history books with 3 straight losses at home;
(3) Even in making the winning shot last night, Jodie still doesn’t seem to know the difference in a good shot & a bad one. Seemed like most of his shots were contested or not in the rhythm of the offense, hence his low shooting percentage. (I know he missed a couple where he was wide open)
(4) I am very concerned about P’s last few games, even before he got hurt. Something is definitely wrong with his finger. His shot is flat & it doesn’t seem like he can get any rotation on the ball when he releases it. Perhaps, if he has to sit out a few games (I dread that as well) it will give his finger time to get better in time for the stretch run to the SEC tournament.
(5) Before I even write this, I know it’s not going to happen, but just switching up defenses last night, just to show Calathes a different look, like coming out of a timeout, might have thrown Florida off for a couple of possessions. We are continually getting beat off the dribble & there doesn’t seem to be anyone on our team who can contest the other teams best guard. Just once.
Having said all that, there still doesn’t seem to be answer to the turnover problem. Last night, especially, Jodie wanted to dribble a hundred miles an hour without looking where he was going. Several times he dribbled into 2 or 3 Florida players & got stripped. Run, but with your eyes focused & not your head down.
The rest of the season still hangs in the balance. I liked what I saw from several players who stepped up & contributed. We need even more of that. I think that each & every game is going to be as close as last night’s because other SEC teams now have a template on playing UK.
I am going to enjoy last night’s win until Saturday. At this rate I am not going to have any fingernails left by March, but I still love my Cats.
by Bluegilla on Feb 11, 2009 8:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately (and I think Tru said this a few games ago)
as much as we hate it, and as much as it is a problem that is fixable and SHOULD be fixed, we’re just going to have to deal with turnovers.
This team has its best offensive success when it plays up-tempo (not glaring out of control, but fast). When we get ourselves into the half-court offense, we struggle a lot. Unfortuantely, we don’t have the ball handlers to play up-tempo, for the most part. Thus, we turn it over. I think that if this team can finish a game at or under 20 turnovers, we have to call it a success for THIS team. The other key is forcing a similar number of turnovers from the other team – we did that tonight, and we did it in some other games where we turned it over a lot.
We did not do that against MST or Ole Miss (we didn’t turn it over much against South Carolina).
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
by blbskue on Feb 11, 2009 9:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Turnovers
I reluctantly agree. 20 turnovers for this team seems to be the benchmark. Above that, we struggle to win, below gives us a good chance of winning. Of course, this is very simplistic but this one area of many seems to be the lynchpin of being successful or not.
by Bluegilla on Feb 11, 2009 9:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, Cat Fans, Doesn't it Just Feel Good ...
… to wake up on the “W” list again? Those 3 losses did not feel very good, and clearly we, as Cat Fans are not very good at handling them. Come to think of it, I hope we never get comfortable with 3 L’s. But as for now, you have to remember we have beaten Tennessee, Vandy, and Florida so far this year, and that counts for much happiness in our big blue hearts.
by StillCatwoman on Feb 11, 2009 10:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
liggins
what was with liggins sprinting down the floor and forcing a handoff to meeks? why push the ball into his chest with two defenders around? he did this 2 or 3 times at least.
GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!
by UKWildCatFanatic on Feb 11, 2009 10:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Liggins is excellent at.....
…. making plays (or passes) harder then they really are. I have no idea why he does that, but hopefully, it’s something that will get corrected as he gains experience.
GBB!!!
by OGETARTS on Feb 11, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great win by the Cats last night.
Not a pretty scene in the first half, albeit. Unbelievably, I couldn’t watch the second half so I Tivo’d it, but the satelite went out. I did see the replay of Meeks last shot and that kid has some backbone. A couple of questions that bare asking:
1. What is wrong with PPat? He is just not the same player. I know about the thumb but it has to be more. I don’t know what the deal is.
2. What does this mean for the player rotation now? With Galloway’s play, how does this affect Liggins? How can they get Harrelson on the floor more? I juust don’t know why they don’t play him more, put him on the high post, and get PPat the ball on the low post. Seems simple to me.
3. I did’t realize that Florida was such a one-man band. It’s no wonder they dropped out of sight in the rankings.
I really think this puts UK back in the drivers seat with beating Tennessee at their place. Tough games to be sure coming up, but they did what they had to do last night.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
by HozeKing on Feb 11, 2009 10:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hoze
Re: 1 – You’re right, and I don’t know (it’s not his thumb though, right? I think it’s his index or middle finger. . .). He’s not been himself for much of this season. He’s still a beast, and one of the best, but just not as flat out dominate as last season. He’s shown flashes of that here and there though, and had some wonderful games.
Re: 2 – In a perfect world, I think you see Galloway, Meeks, Miller, Steveson, and Patterson on the floor the most. Liggins comes in for Galloway for some solid minutes (and maybe comes in for Miller at times – I like Liggins and Galloway on the floor together). Porter subs in for Galloway some and Meeks some (and we run set plays to give Porter a shot, then pull him back out again). Harreslon subs often for Stevenson and occasionally for Patterson.
Re: 3 – Calethes is their spark, glue, and main point man, but usually they’re not so one-sided. Calethes usually puts up around 20 or so, with their remaining 50-60 average points spread fairly evenly between 5 or 6 guys, ranging from 12-14 points for some, 6-8 points for others.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
by blbskue on Feb 11, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You are right, it's not the thumb.
But your reference to a middle finger doesn’t have some hidden meaning, does it? :)
I just wonder what Liggins may be thinking. If I could put myself in his head (oh, boy)…I’d be asking, ‘…what the heck, now I am going to lose playing time to a guy that only has one more year left in the program and after fighting for time against Gillispie’s pet player?"
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
by HozeKing on Feb 11, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Regarding Galloway & Liggins
They can easily play at the same time. They did yesterday in the 2nd half. Galloway is really more of a point forward, where Liggins looks a lot more comfortable at the point.
I think the guy that will see a decrease in playing time is Ramon Harris.
GBB!!!
by OGETARTS on Feb 11, 2009 12:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
FL is not a one man team and also
Calathes is Florida’s best player, but they have 5 players that average at least 9 points or more per game. That’s great balance and a big reason why they are so tough to guard.
Also, I would definitely NOT say UK is in the driver’s seat. Did you see our remaining schedule? We still have to play Tennessee, LSU, Georgia at home. Then we have road games @ Arkansas, @ Vanderbilt, @ South Carolina and @ Florida. All of those games are tough except the Georgia game. If we don’t play well, we could go 4-3 over the final 7 games.
GBB!!!
by OGETARTS on Feb 11, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I smile as i read a quote from BCG...
After inserting Galloway and LEAVING him in there…“He had an aggressive attitude. I don’t like guys looking scared. We’ve had WAY too much of that lately.”
A ton of positive stuff, but I really am hopeful about KG.
GO CATS!
Get well PP…..beside the finger, which was mention last night… now an ankle injury. SIGH
by teambeam on Feb 11, 2009 10:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Geat game
It’s always GREAT to beat Florida and that game was a MUST win regardless of what some say. If the Cats would have lost I think the NCAA tourney may have been lost too. The game was ugly (geeeezz those turnovers) but the grit and determination that had been missing in the previous three games was back. Harrellson,Porter and Galloway were huge and Miller’s free throws shows the Maysville kid has some ice in his veins. Patterson’s injury may be trouble but I think the finger injury has really been a major problem for him and his shooting. But this may be the icing on the cake for PP as far as being dominant. I agree that Ramon Harris may be troubled by all the injuries,but I never thought he was deserving of all of the playing time he has recieved. He provides zero offense. I think if Patterson is limited then BG has to just turn Meeks loose and let him shoot at will even if it means taking some bad shots. Some will fall. The three he hit at the end proves that. GO CATS!!!
by maysvilleblue on Feb 11, 2009 10:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
May have to turn Meeks loose and let him soot at will?
Just what exactly have we been doing to this point?!!?
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Feb 11, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, when did Meeks become a chimney sweep?
And does he know Mary Poppins?
...when you let other people tell you what success is, you already have no chance of ever finding it. - Doug Glanville
by JLeverenz on Feb 11, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well played sir, well played
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Feb 11, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh... and Julie Andrews was totally hot
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Feb 11, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree about Andrews
...when you let other people tell you what success is, you already have no chance of ever finding it. - Doug Glanville
by JLeverenz on Feb 11, 2009 11:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Chimm...chimm....shirrie
….a sweep is as lucky as lucky can be.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
by HozeKing on Feb 11, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
BTW, we're on the front page of the ESPN College Basketball section. . .
Titled – “From Blue . . . to Whoohoo!”
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
by blbskue on Feb 11, 2009 11:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ugly game, but some things to like
1. Big Big Big Big Big Big shot by Meeks at the end, but the three he hit a bit earlier was just as big in some ways.
2. Great game by Galloway, but would anyone really be surprised if he only plays 2 minutes against Arkansas?
3. It was GREAT to see other guys step up and make shots. It doesn’t matter how BCG adjusts the offense, if the other guys don’t look to score when they have open looks then Meeks and Patterson will be easy to defend. Hopefully this game will give those guys confidence for the future.
...when you let other people tell you what success is, you already have no chance of ever finding it. - Doug Glanville
by JLeverenz on Feb 11, 2009 11:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
The sleeping GIANT maybe awakening. I hope the lineup is beginning to gel. It's pretty good.
LG-Galloway, Liggins
W-Meeks, Porter
W-Miller, Harris
Post- Stevenson, Harrellson
Post- Patterson
by Blueobsessed on Feb 11, 2009 1:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I do know this ...
… the combination of Galloway and Liggins was extremely effective defensively last night. By that time, Patterson was down with the ankle, but I can easily see a Patterson/Stevenson/Galloway/Liggins/Meeks team being a dangerous five players. Galloway either made astonishing strides in the last couple of weeks or it was a fluke.
We will know shortly.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Feb 11, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Was it 9 assists?
Did I hear right? Is that the most number garnered by a player this year? That and offense. I was so proud of Porter for popping those threes, as well. It just means if the lineup changes, you can’t change your defense. Everyone will shoot. Like Coach said, he would like to have several 5-10 point players.
by Blueobsessed on Feb 11, 2009 5:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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