Tennessee 58, Kentucky 77: Postmortem

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 21, 2009 3:49 PM EST in Basketball Comment 107 comments

UK was hoping to win this game today. I just don't think anybody expected them to win the game this way -- or this big.

This was definitely not the Volunteers' best effort. For some reason, in an almost karmic inversion, the Volunteers looked like the team afraid to shoot the three point shot, and Kentucky looked comfortable and confident taking the open shots that Tennessee gave them. I'm sure UT played hard, but this just wasn't their day.

Kentucky, on the other hand, played their most complete offensive game of the season with almost everybody looking like they belonged on the floor. Many times this year, Kentucky fans have seen a team that looked so one or two dimensional that you could have put almost anyone in the place of every player other than Patterson and Meeks, and you could have had the same result.

But today, the "other guys" played terrific. Patrick Patterson was back to normal, his ankle looks mostly healed and his "mummy" finger a lot better. His touch looked like the touch of the old Patterson, and he sent a couple of memorable jams down the cylinder that I'm sure many Tennessee players would like to forget immediately.

Here are my observations for this game:

Game ball: Darius Miller. This is the promise that we had all hoped to see fulfilled. Darius has gradually improved, and now he has reached the point of logging more minutes than Ramon Harris. How's this for a line: 17 points on 100% shooting in every single category, six assists, one turnover and 3 rebounds. Folks, that is about as good as it gets.
Michael Porter was unpressured, and when you don't pressure him, he can be very effective. Today, he was very effective, and hit some big shots with confidence. 3-6 shooting (all threes), six assists and two turnovers, a steal and a block
Perry Stevenson looked great in the first half, but disappeared (as is his wont) in the second half. He did rebound better, getting five to go along with six points, all in the first half.
Patrick Patterson was back to being himself, mostly. Great to see. 9-12 shooting, 19 points, only 5 rebounds though. When we got the ball to him, he was effective.
Ramon Harris had his usual line, 5 points and 3 rebounds, although he did go without a turnover today. Ramon gave us defensive toughness and hit a three. Overall, not bad.
AJ Stewart once again gave us some valuable minutes. If he would just defend and rebound better, I think his minutes would go up substantially. He had five points but on ly a single rebound in six minutes.
DeAndre Liggins had some nice assists, but also some bad turnovers. However, Liggins is starting to get it. Zero bad shots, always looking to distribute even when he made errors.
Jodie Meeks had another tough shooting day, but I knew Tennessee would take him a way from us. He still managed 14 points on 14 shots, and made all his free throws. That, we can live with.
Michael Porter logged 34 minutes today, and played well for about 32 of them.
Tennessee pounded UK on the glass, 35-28.
Great shooting day for the 'Cats. Tough to beat 60% from the floor, 41% from the arc and 87.5% from the line.
The 'Cats had 32 points in the paint. That's a welcome stat after the last game.
Kentucky just looked very confident today, and Tennessee's body language was very subdued.
No technical on Gillispie by Greene today. Pearl got one, though.
Scotty Hopson had a very good game, but he was overshadowed by Darius Miller. That's sweet.
17% from 3 for UT. Ouch. 30 second-chance points made up for some of that.
Kentucky's offensive and defensive execution was excellent today. UK didn't play a zone, but they really dared the Vols to beat them from the perimeter. Tennessee couldn't.
Holding Tyler Smith to six points will win you most games. Holding Chism and Smith to 16 points combined will win them all. Terrific defense today by Kentucky.
Despite getting beat on the boards, UK had 8 OR's which should give them a very good OR %, considering how well they shot from the field.

Overall, this was a confidence-building win for UK, and taking a broom to the Vols for the regular season is something UK hasn't done in four years. It really feels good to take back the "team to beat" status in the East from the Vols, and now, we need to take it back for the whole league by beating South Carolina and LSU. I suspect much of the coach-bashing will cool now, since Gillispie may be the only coach to go 3-1 against the Vols in the last two years.

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Credit where credit's BLUE

I have, along with many, many homeys, been bashing Billy pretty hard for being "stubborn" and "inflexible".
Did I not just watch a game where his flexibility and ability to change his game plan outfoxed the eternally unctuous Pearly One?
It was genius. Use Meeks as a decoy all game and let Patterson and the supporting cast beat UK like unwanted stepchildren.
It took a brand new plan by the Coach and a very unselfish superstar to pull that off.
I don’t think Brucie ever figured out what was going on.
We will take Meeks with 14 and a victory by 19 any time we can get it.
Solid D carried the day again and Patterson and Miller came up big.
Kudos to Harris and Porter the sharpshooter for good efforts.
And, a board and a basket for our man Carter.
Total domination, solid for 40 minutes and a nice job by BCG and his staff.
That’s Kentucky basketball!

by ukfastcat on Feb 21, 2009 3:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I must say ...

… I’m glad Gillispie came around to that. I have been calling for that very thing for several games now.

Better late than never! :-)

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 21, 2009 3:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Coach played 9 players and rotated them fairly well so they were fresh. It

was nice he brought in 5 subs at the end. I was really impressed by Carter’s move. I never saw him do that before. Total team effort.

by Blueobsessed on Feb 21, 2009 10:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

"Eternally unctuous"

Great stuff! :-)

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 21, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Text should, of course, read "beat UT". That sure sounds good.

by ukfastcat on Feb 21, 2009 3:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Congrats, guys...

Impressive statement by the Cats. Way to get revved up for the stretch run.

Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans. http://www.garnetandblackattack.com

by Gamecock Man on Feb 21, 2009 3:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

And by that I mean, if you guys can learn to play like that on offense consistently, you can beat anyone in the country, certainly anyone in the SEC...

Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans. http://www.garnetandblackattack.com

by Gamecock Man on Feb 21, 2009 3:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks very much.

Big game Wednesday. Looking forward to it.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 21, 2009 4:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thoughts

According to the AP, some joker named “Tyler Prince” scored 11 points for Tennessee.

Tru: you said
However, Liggins is starting to get it. Zero bad shots
Liggins didn’t take any shots – just what are you trying to say? ;-)

There was a nice kind of symmetry to the UT games this season. Meeks dominated the first game, and the second was the best team effort all season.

23 assists on 28 fgm – that’s just awesome.

Good to see Patterson back to his old self. That last dunk off the pass from Liggins was just sick – I want to see more!

I like important stuff just as much as the next guy, but please, for a little while, deliver us from meaning, baseball. That's your greatest glory, and we thank you for it very, very much. -- Craig Calcaterra

by JLeverenz on Feb 21, 2009 4:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Liggins pass/Patterson reverse..

was one of the sweetest plays I’ve seen all year.

And don’t forget Miller’s two blocked shots! What a game.

by ben-p on Feb 21, 2009 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Darius Miller

played a great game. He always seems to play well against Hopson. Maybe we could ask opposing players to wear a Hopson mask. :-) Seriously, I’ve been rooting for him all season long, and he seems to be playing better almost every game. Go Darius!

by sprink on Feb 21, 2009 4:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Heh.

Hopson mask, indeed.

Maybe the staff just needs to hang a Hopson poster in his locker. :-)

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 21, 2009 4:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I love beating UT....

especiially twice in one season. UK showed the promise that I believe they have but hardly ever show( (at least not consistenly). Now the trick is to bottle this game/effort up and use it for the remainder of the season. When UK get contributions from the bench and “role” players they can be a very good team. The problem is that they dont always show up.

Congrats to the Cats…I’m gonna savor this one!

Slower Traffic Keep Right!

by SevenRings on Feb 21, 2009 4:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Tru, that Twitter widget is wierding me out

I feel like crazy stalker guy

by JLeverenz on Feb 21, 2009 4:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Heh.

Yeah, Twitter is a bit of an experiment for me. I’m not real huge on social networking stuff. :-)

But I’m getting used to it.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 21, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Twitter

What is it supposed to do? I have never heard of it.

by kentuckygirl0724 on Feb 21, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It's a social networking thing.

You can follow people, and you’re basically answering the question, “What are you doing,” so that people can follow you. I use it to alert people following me of blog posts and such.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 22, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This was a much needed win for the Cats.

Coach made a comment in the pregame that this is the first team he has ever had where he never knows how they will come out and play a game. I am sure he is very happy with what happened today.

Great team effort by all. That is what we have needed for so long.

by kykat51 on Feb 21, 2009 4:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Miller time!!

Great game by the Maysville kid. He is going to be a fine player for UK.

Great game by Patterson and he had a couple of thunder dunks

Meeks didn’t have a great shooting game but UT had to focus so much on Jodi that it opened things up for others like Miller,Poter and Patterson.

Bruce Pearl seemed befuddled most of the game and his players didn’t seem into the game from the get go. I think his luster may be fading.

UT is firmly on the bubble now and they seem to have no direction which is a reflection on their coach.

Great win by the Cats!!!!

by maysvilleblue on Feb 21, 2009 4:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Miller Time!

He got a chest bump from Coach when he came off the floor after blocking a TN foul!

Great game by our freshman and a huge confidence builder for the young guy.

by kykat51 on Feb 22, 2009 12:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

oops

TN shot, not foul.

by kykat51 on Feb 22, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Coach Gillispie

Coach had a great game plan. However, if MIller had not stepped up and Porter not hit the open looks or had Patterson still been injured, we may have all been posting that Coach G is not the right person for the job and how we simply do not know what he is doing with his subsitution pattern.

The good news is that they ALL did. If Meeks continues to get this kind of help from everyone else then UK looks to make another late season run.

I think the key for everyone in this game and games to follow from Meeks to Porter, from Miller to Liggins, is they played within themselves. Do what you do and let the game come to you,

Nice Game Cats. Nice Post Tru,

by LyricSmith on Feb 21, 2009 5:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Tn. knock out!!!

wow!!! great win for the cats. now we have one more victory than last year. Great team effort. Starting to look like the cats of old.

J.R. Hitchcock

by kyblue34 on Feb 21, 2009 5:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

North Carolina falls to Maryland

in overtime after blowing at 16 point second-half lead. 88-85 Maryland. We get one back on the all-time win list today.

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 21, 2009 5:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I give that a Hip Hip and Hooray....:))

Slower Traffic Keep Right!

by SevenRings on Feb 21, 2009 6:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That pushes our lead back above 10,

I think, to 1985-1974. Woo-ha, Terps.

No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!

by oldcat'69 on Feb 21, 2009 6:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Did you see those yellow uniforms that Maryland was wearing?

I thought they were really ugly.

GBB!!!

by OGETARTS on Feb 21, 2009 6:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

They looked pretty good to me,

as long as they beat UNC 8’-0

No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!

by oldcat'69 on Feb 21, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

A.J. Stewart

I actually thougt that A.J. did a good job today. He only played 6 minutes, but he had 5 points and 2 rebounds, no turnovers and seemed to be real aggressive. I really think that we are beginning to see the young guys turn the tide. All around great game today.

by cabradley on Feb 21, 2009 5:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

He's A Good Player

Deserves more PT at F from now on.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 21, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Quotes

Kentucky-Tennessee Postgame Quotes

http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/022109aae.html

GBB!!!

by OGETARTS on Feb 21, 2009 6:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Wow!

Pearl really dogged his team big time! It’s one thing to comment on how your team didn’t play well and it was disappointing loss and all, but to apologize to the fan base publicly seems like a really humiliating statement that could do a lot more harm than good. I don’t think it was a good idea if he’s wanting to motivate them.

All I have to say is we made them look bad alright, and it’s exactly what we needed! If the team as a whole can play defense and stay patient on offense like that the rest of the way out, we can win the rest of our games. We’ll see……….

by slidemank on Feb 21, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Did I Miss Something?

In comments Pearl said:

(Patrick) Patterson, I would hold off for a second.

and nothing else. Do you suppose he meant to add something? What?

by Wild Weasel on Feb 21, 2009 7:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Was odd......

Seems like he kind of lost his train of thought. He was a little pissed………..heh heh heh.

by slidemank on Feb 21, 2009 7:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Liggins

I really liked what Liggins said about knowing that his time would come and being patient. I also liked his comment that his role was to help the team in any capacity. Sounds like he might be growing up…

by kentuckygirl0724 on Feb 21, 2009 8:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thoughts And Questions

Haven’t had the opportunity for review but first impressions and queries:

1) A quintessential defending the home territory contest, Cats as guardians, Vols as diffident invaders. Result: intimidated Orange. Question now is: Will the conditions be reversed in Columbia?

2) Is there just a dire mismatch of personnel, UK vs UT? Or is it an equally dreadful pairing of coaching styles/systems, Gillispie vs Pearl? Or both?

3) Was the regeneration of Patrick Patterson more mental than physical (I tend to that conclusion)? And was it contagious?

4) What does this rather vigorous display do to the theories and suggestions that the Cats are/were a tired team?

5) As for Darius Miller, the Al McGuire comment kept coming to mind: The good thing about freshmen is they become sophomores. Well Miller played as a sophomore might.

6) What can be done — short of new personnel — to ameliorate the opponents offensive rebound favorable numbers? Is it truly a result of shot block attempts? Or perhaps something more basic such as technique?

7) Michael Porter is becoming a utilitarian PG but how far he’s progressed on that line will likely be demonstrated on the road versus Devan Downey.

More musings after second (perhaps third, since it would be so pleasureful) viewing.

by Wild Weasel on Feb 21, 2009 6:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

A couple of answers (or at least opinions of answers)

1) I don’t know, but UK definitely has the ability to win in Columbia. Whether they do or not is an open question, but if they bring it the way they did today then I think it’s a W.

2) This is worth a closer look. UK has now beaten Tennessee 3 out of 4 times with the one loss being quite close. Given that, on paper, Tennessee has more talented players a coaching/scheme/matchup difference in UK’s favor is a distinct possibility.

3) I think the time off probably helped in both ways.

6) I think it has a lot to do with block out responsibilities. I would have to go back and look at the game tape, but at least 5-6 of UT’s offensive rebounds could have been easily prevented with basic block outs.

7) Porter is a fine role player, but he can’t be expected to defend Downey by himself. UK should use the multiple-look defense like they did in the first matchup.

by JLeverenz on Feb 21, 2009 8:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

#4-I don't know what their practice schedule this week was,

but, for a college basketball player in great shape, one day off, or even with a light workout, can result in a pretty good regeneration (your word) of physical strength. Then, it’s amazing what kind of mental change that physical freshness can produce. I remember even in high school, after not practicing on Saturday and maybe just shooting around a little on Sunday, I felt like I could whip the world at Monday practice. Of course, all the other guys on the team had had those two days off too, so . . . .the world sometimes fought back.
Nevertheless, for whatever reason, great effort, great game. Great to see Darius come alive. Now, if we could get his best game and Galloway’s at the same time, we might see some real fireworks

No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!

by oldcat'69 on Feb 21, 2009 8:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

oldcat...don't know if you will see this or not...

I just noticed your profile for the first time… knew you were a former UK player. Did not know you are a PGA club pro. You are practically family! My husband played the Tour for many years (is not a member of the PGA of America, though) and is just about your age. Did you ever go to Q School, or play any Tour events?

by StillCatwoman on Feb 21, 2009 10:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

#7--I think, with his newfound willingness to shoot,

that Porter has become a more complete guard without any qualifying words attached to it. Despite his lack of quickness and foot speed, he has some skills that help the team. Shooting happens to be one of them. This ability to do a lot of different things and not be pushed into a pre-conceived positional box is what I’ve been wanting a lot of these players on this team to exhibit. A team of versatile players presents a tough problem to an opposing team/coach.
It seems that it’s not enough to just guard Jodie any more, and that’s a really good thing. This one factor has put USC, UF, UGA, and LSU in the position of reacting to us now. I can’t imagine that their coaches are as confident about their game plans against us after today’s game.

No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!

by oldcat'69 on Feb 21, 2009 8:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Answer To #3

Physical. He had a bad ankle sprain. Had he come back too soon, a repeat of 2008 may have resulted.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 21, 2009 7:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think......

what WW was trying to get at is he seemed a lot more mentally in the game than before the sprain. I think his finger getting a reprieve for a while really helped a lot too. Since he seems to be physically healed better now it really boosted his mental accuity too. Good to see for sure!

by slidemank on Feb 21, 2009 7:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The finger

I think that probably helped as much as anything. When you don’t have your touch and you know that finger is hurting, you lose your confidence. You miss a couple and you think, “Dang, this thing really hurts, and it’s messing up my shot.” Then that gets in your head. We know Pat hasn’t been right since the finger injury, but he looked right as rain today. Great time for him to show up again.

by Acdixon on Feb 21, 2009 10:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Glad to see the place packed with an early crowd today...

Nice win and nice crowd today… Brooksy finished spelling Kentucky as the Y in the second half and UK went on a 6 to 0 run at that point… Big Game Brooksy!!!

Why UT did not pressure Porter is beyond me.. What the hell was Pearl’s game plan??? I am not sure he had one… UK played great defense and that had something to do with it…

I am still a bit unclear as to what the sub pattern is… There really is not pattern I guess..

UK is in a nice spot now… A win on Wednesday at USC would be big… Take care of business and beat Georgia and LSU at home no matter what happens on the road UK should be in the dance…

UT is in danger of not making the tournament… They are a BIG disappointment…

I do not like to if but if UK wins the home games with MSU and USC then they would have the conference wrapped up and also a tourney bid…

Wins, wins and more wins will fix allot of the teams and fans ills… It will fix mine…

ShagOnSports - "people should know when they are conquered"

by ShagOnSports on Feb 21, 2009 10:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I do not in any way mean this to disparage Kentucky's game today:

I’m sure UT played hard, …

According to Pearl, that is not at all true. He credited Tyler and Scotty for their hard effort, but said that others in the team quit at times.

by Hooper on Feb 21, 2009 10:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

his

team has just quit on him! As bad as I despise Tennessee I just don’t like this happening to them. It takes away from our competition. I want them strong. They are just weaklings right now. I have wondered many times over the past few weeks why they were placed above us……now I won’t have to worry about it unless we lay an egg. If we win out and they win out………..there is no way that our seeding is lower then theirs. We beat them twice and have a better record. Still though I hate that they are having a bad year…….“chuckling now”.

by tenken on Feb 22, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How can you get all those offensive rebounds ...

… and not play hard?

I think they didn’t play well, or smart, but the effort was there. It had to be.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 22, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The effort was there in places.

Tyler, Scotty and J.P. all played their brains out. Part of J.P.‘s foul trouble was that he was too aggressive around the basket and tried forcing too many things, but at least they were fouls from effort. Other than that, our point guard play was abysmal. From the very first play of the game, they disregarded Pearl’s instructions.

But as a team, they were dysfunctional. At some point in time, Chism has to stop trying for 3’s and be the post player he can be. Maze has to realize that his first reponsibility is to coordinate the play, and with his height, he needs to be more judicious in his shot selection or he can expect more blocks.

I guess what I meant was that there was individual effort, but no team effort.

by Hooper on Feb 22, 2009 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

tru

its not just yesterday but overall. These are not the same athletic guys that were picked the overall SEC favorites.

by tenken on Feb 22, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My favorite part of today's game

was that Tennessee NEVER led. NEVER led. Now THAT is a good game. :)

by kentuckygirl0724 on Feb 21, 2009 10:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Game ball

Can’t argue with game ball to Miller. That’s what we’ve been waiting for from him all year, especially me since I went on record as saying he was my favorite newcomer after only a couple of games. But I might split the game ball between him and Patterson. We had no inside game with Patterson out, and that makes it tough on your shooters. When that happens, the only way to win is for Jodie to play out of his mind like he did at Arkansas. He’s capable of doing that at times, and it’s fun as heck to watch, but nobody can do it night in and night out. When you’ve got Patrick down there – and I mean beastly, double-team me or else Patrick – it doesn’t matter much if they are face guarding Jodie; somebody’s going to be very open. Today, we saw that if it’s Darius, Mike, or even A.J., we can make you pay for that. But it all starts with Pat. Like Jodie, it’s easy to take him for granted because he’s so consistently excellent. When I watch these two guys, I make a conscious effort to savor it, because they are special. The last time I remember feeling that way about a player, it was “Monster Mash”.

by Acdixon on Feb 21, 2009 10:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Congrats cats,

This game proves how valuable a healthy Patterson is and should put to rest any notion that the cats somehow play better without him. If Miller and Porter can shoot from the perimeter like that the rest of the way UK is going for a deep run. Galloway was disappointing in his few minutes and Liggins continues to make ugly turnovers. Great to see the vols get swept in such convincing fashion in both games.

by ILcatsfan on Feb 21, 2009 11:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Off Subject

but did anyone catch Calhoun’s post game interview where the reporter questioned his salary?

by kentuckygirl0724 on Feb 21, 2009 11:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I saw that

He should take lessons from BCG about how to deal with the media ;-)

by JLeverenz on Feb 22, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Calhoun

man, he really comes off like an ass

by blue kentucky girl on Feb 22, 2009 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe so...

But I personally felt he was justified. The reporter was an ass to both him and the regular sports beat guys that cover UConn.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Feb 23, 2009 8:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And I think he responded pretty well, pointing out that

the men’s basketball program makes the university almost 12 times what he is paid.

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 23, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Feb 23, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Video: Liggins To Patterson Dunk

For those that may have missed it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfkE9_X6tiU

GBB!!!

by OGETARTS on Feb 22, 2009 5:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I just noticed that you had already posted this link

I posted it over in the fan posts section… when I saw it was one of the ESPN’s top10 plays this morning. Great finish!

by cthom on Feb 22, 2009 8:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll say it again, because it can't be said enough

The pass and dunk were both fantastic ! They should be added to the highlight package played at the beginning home games IMMEDIATELY

by JLeverenz on Feb 22, 2009 9:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Seth Said

I know this is off subject but I just heard on ESPN that our good buddy and basketball guru Seth Davis believes that Florida is the only team in the SEC who could make it to the Sweet Sixteen. Wonder which SEC he has been watching?

by maysvilleblue on Feb 22, 2009 11:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

That's silly

I would say LSU, UK, Florida, and SC are all capable of making the Sweet 16, but on the other hand I wouldn’t be shocked if none of them made it. When you have teams that have some talent but are flawed in various ways (as all these teams are this year) matchups play a HUGE role in determining whether a team gets past the opening weekend or not.

by JLeverenz on Feb 22, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

JL

I think you hit it right. Any one of these teams could make it to the sweet 16 as long as they don’t run into the buzzsaw of Okie or North Carollina(who will play for the title). But they all could lose first round too. This is the weirdest season I Have ever seen in the SEC. EVER! I cannot see a clear frontrunner and i think its so STUPID to say that any team is ahead of another. Just two weeks ago, I heard that Florida had ONE solid player…..now they are the favorite? Are you kidding me. I think one thing that I have learned this year is how fickle these people are and not to trust them. I have no idea who is the best team and neither do they. I mean Florida? Come on…………The last team in the division has one win and its against who?>>>>>>>>>>>>>FLORIDA!!!!!

by tenken on Feb 22, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: maysville

Yeah, the team that just lost to GEORGIA …

I’ll wager Davis hasn’t watched more than 10 minutes worth of SEC BB this year.

by Ken Howlett on Feb 22, 2009 7:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hate to defend seth but

at half of UK-UT game he at least said he thought SEC would get 5 teams in. the other guy said only 3 – sad commentary when seth is the most positive on SEC during half time

by memphis wildcat on Feb 23, 2009 12:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, I heard him say that. I had to go clean out my ears to make sure they were working properly :)

by Ken Howlett on Feb 23, 2009 1:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He also said in his chat over at KSR

that he thought 9-7 in the SEC would definitely get the Cats in, 8-8 would probably be enough.

I’m not sure about that. . .

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 23, 2009 8:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see us getting any less than four

Five will depend on how the rest of the season plays out.

I think the top three from the east are definitely in (whoever that turns out to be) and LSU is in.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Feb 23, 2009 8:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

bad

part is we all will be playing each other. Piling on more losses to one team or another potentially taking them out.

by tenken on Feb 23, 2009 9:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Congrats on the win..

bodes well for the future having other players step up besides the two headed monster of Meeks and Patterson.

Tennessee is in serious danger of not making the Tournament though I think they would get in at 9-7 in conference because of their tough non conference schedule.

http://accsec.blogspot.com/search/label/Kentucky

The ACC & SEC Blog
http://accsecblogspot.com

by accsecblog on Feb 22, 2009 11:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Their RPI is so ridiculously high because of their SOS ...

… that they are almost a lock to get in. If they were to implode and lose the rest of their games … that’s the only way I see them not making the tourney.

But, it would be great to see them in the NIT.

by Ken Howlett on Feb 22, 2009 7:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

A passing thought

We mentioned this over at Rocky Top Talk, but do you guys realize that if you take away Jodie Meeks, the rest of your team shot 24 of 33 (73%)?! That’s beyond ridiculous…clearly our defensive strategy backfired. Enjoy the confidence boost.

By the way, loved Rupp Arena, first time I’d ever been there.

by Will on Feb 22, 2009 3:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hey, I was going to use that stat. Quit stealing my thunder :)

It’s amazing how well UK shot the ball yesterday, even if everyone other than Patterson was “loosely” guarded.

Thanks for the kind words about Rupp. We kinda like it :)

by Ken Howlett on Feb 22, 2009 7:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Glad you came!

And what a great stat. It never occurred to me.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 22, 2009 7:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully this game will provide the

young men with the knowledge that they are welcome at the table. There are a couple of early conference losses that could have been avoided with this additional offensive production. Once opposing defenses quit daring our other players to shoot and have to play solid D we will see the Cats torch teams like we knew they would.

Also, I have noticed that they are talking to each other constructively during stoppages. There’s not many outbursts by the players (reserved for BCG .) I’d say that bodes well as this season finishes up and their off-season conditioning gears up. Instead of slacking off the guys won’t have a problem getting together and working out, play some pickup games and get a few new drills to practice.

So far this season hasn’t disappointed my fun and love of UK ball and as it winds to a close I am looking forward to the postseason with mild trepidation. ;)

GO BIG BLUE!

by bluecrip on Feb 22, 2009 5:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm already anxious about the postseason, myself ...

… we’ve felt this way going on four years now.

I’m ready to go into the NCAAT with loads of confidence … perhaps next year:)

by Ken Howlett on Feb 22, 2009 7:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I Never Was (In 2006, 07, Or 08) And Not Now (09) Either

The Cats were alway “in” the NCAA the past 3 years, come this time of year.

Ditto this year. Not a great seed (perhaps) but in the NCAA.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 22, 2009 8:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

oh gosh

last year was the worst. I remember doing the live thread and tru getting nervous when the brackets weren’t showing us yet. I was sweating it out.

by tenken on Feb 22, 2009 8:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Forty

My “anxiousness” (if that’s a word) is related to how well UK will do in the post season tourney’s, not whether they will get in the NCAAT. I wasn’t clear on that point.

I think they’ll get in, but how many W’s they get is another thing altogether.

by Ken Howlett on Feb 23, 2009 1:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gotcha, I Misread

NCAA tourney has been a Box Of Chocolates for UK the past 20 years. 1989-90-91 = DNP.

1992 = 3 W. 1993 = 4 W. 1994 = 1 W. 1995 = 3 W. 1996 = 6 W. 1997 = 5 W. 1998 = 6 W. 1999 = 3 W. 2000 = 1 W. 2001 = 2 W. 2002 = 2 W. 2003 = 3 W. 2004 = 1 W. 2005 = 3 W. 2006 = 1 W. 2007 = 1 W. 2008 = 0 W.

That’s every possible outcome from 0 W to 6 W in NCAA tourney.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 23, 2009 7:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I know

I love the days when we just knew the sweet sixteen was automatic. Ready for those days to return. I really want them to do well and honestly its in their hands now.

by tenken on Feb 23, 2009 9:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

UK Averages 6 Sweet 16 Every 10 Years Of NCAA Play, Never Was Automatic

NCAA started in 1939. So (through 2008) here are Sweet 16 years:
20 appearances under Rupp were ALL Sweet 16 or better. NCAA tourney only had 8 of 16 teams.

Hall in 1973 was the same. Then 1975-77-78-80-83-84-85 were Sweet 16.

Sutton made Sweet 16 in 1986 and 88.

Pitino made it in 1992-93-95-96-97.

Tubby made it in 1998-99-2001-02-03-05.

Gillispie, not yet.

That’s 41 Sweet 16 in 70 years of NCAA tournaments or 58.6% of the time, about 6 in 10.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 23, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Here

we go again!!!!!!!!!!! Take it in the context it was meant. FROM A FAN! From 92 to about 06(give or take one or two years) we were seeded high enough and played well enough that the sweet sixteen was automatic. Didn’t always happen but every fan and sports guru expected Kentucky to be in the sweet sixteen!! That is what I meant. Nowadays I don’t know what to expect. The last three years we wondering if we will make it past the first or second round. This is based on the seedings that we have gotten. I am just saying I am ready for better seeds and an “easier” road to the sweet sixteen.

by tenken on Feb 23, 2009 1:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry Not Even Then

1992 thru 2007, UK appeared in 16 straight NCAA tournaments.

In 5 of them, UK failed to make Sweet 16. That’s about 30% of the time.

UK leads all Div I schools with 41 Sweet 16 appearances.

It is AUTOMATIC for NO ONE.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 23, 2009 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Last 15 Years (2004 Thru 2008)

Duke has 10 Sweet 16. UNC has 10 Sweet 16. UK has 9 Sweet 16.

Those are 1-2-3 (tops) in Most Sweet 16 over past 15 seasons.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 23, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Give it up Tenk

Forty is a very literal analytical type. Dont let it bother you. His comments are often very valuable but sometimes when you are just making an offhand statement like you are his replies can be a little frustrating. IMO anyway. Dont let it bother you. He is just contributing his own opinion. I know how you feel though.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 23, 2009 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Simply Trying To Correct The Notion That Sweet 16 = Automatic

Isn’t. Won’t be. Never has been. UK or anyone else.

That’s a byproduct of the Pitino-influenced fanbase of the 1990’s.

Pitino has coached 22 years and been to 8 Sweet 16’s. Not automatic EVEN for him.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 23, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Understand

I understand what you are getting at I just think her comment is more emotive than factual. I think you are misunderstanding her. She isnt saying that fatually the sweet sixteen is automatic only that it should feel that way. Disagree however you like but she’s not argueing a debate point and doesnt need the stats to prove her wrong.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 23, 2009 4:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I've Always Felt Sweet 16 Is A Good (Not Great) Result

Great results happened in 1946 (NIT=NCAA) and 1947-48-51-58-78-96-98.

Very good results happened in 1945 & 47 (NIT=NCAA) and 1942-66-75-84-93-97. You can make a case for 1954 & 70 and 2003 (#1 in final AP poll) as very good also.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 23, 2009 4:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yes

Thank you!

by tenken on Feb 24, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That

explains alot. Forty, my fellow Kentucky fan, I understand you now. Just understand that I am not a stats/fact person. I am the emotional person. Maybe now we can understand each other
!

by tenken on Feb 24, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey

I know what you meant! Those days when we expected UK to get to the Sweet 16 every year. I miss those days too, but we’re gonna be just fine.

by slidemank on Feb 24, 2009 9:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

MY POV...

…if anyone is interested is: CBS saw fit to dub it: The Road To The Final Four, and accept it or not for the last 28 years it has gradually become the holy grail of college basketball. Note that CBS didn’t name it: The Road To The National Championship, or The Road To The Elite Eight, or The Road To The Sweet Sixteen, or The Road To The Big Dance. A prime example of the importance of attaining The Final Four was Bill Self’s great expression of relief after his Jayhawks held off Steph Curry and Davidson. He literally collapsed after numerous failures to qualify for the national semifinals. Such exultation and assuagement was much greater than his/KU’s next victory or even the championship. Since that is the case, IMO anything else is unsatisfactory, and since UK hasn’t accomplished it in more than a decade I perceive those years — regardless on W-L’s, and winning percentages, and high seedings — to be unacceptable for a once, and supposedly still, elite program.

by Wild Weasel on Feb 24, 2009 6:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

FF For UK

UK made 1 FF in 1960’s. 2 in 1970’s. 1 in 1980’s. Then 4 in 1990’s.

Was the program elite in 60’s – 70’s – 80’s or only in 90’s?

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 24, 2009 10:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not Elite

Not elite in 60’s & 80’s.

Very good, but not elite. You need at least one NATIONAL championship in the decade to be considered elite in my book. The 1984 team was an elite team, though. I don’t know about the 1966 team. UCLA was just too dominant in the 1960s to have any other elites.

The 70’s, with the 1978 championship and 1975 runner up, plus some very good years, that’s elite, though. (Even though UCLA dominated the early 70’s as well, UK finished it well)

40’s, 50’s, 90’s UK was absolutely elite and dominant.

2000’s… definitely weakest ever with zero final fours. Hopefully we’ll get things turned around for the 2010’s.

by EEWildcat on Feb 24, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not Elite Except 40's And 90's

By the definition of Many FF appearances.

6 in the 40’s – 3 NCAA, 3 NIT (when NCAA = NIT).

4 in the 90’s. 2 NC too.

Only 2 in 70’s and 2 in 50’s. Close but not elite. UK didn’t dominate either decade.

60’s – Cincy had 4 FF and won 2 NC also. Definitely elite behind UCLA.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 25, 2009 8:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Let me get this straight

You consider final fours to be the mark of a successful program because CBS tells you to.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 24, 2009 10:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Elucidation

The Final Four wasn’t coined as a term until 1981 thus the 60’s and 70’s are moot. As usual in the world of marketing/branding it takes a while to become the accepted standard thus the 80’s – at least the early part – are equally less relevant. Beginning in late 80’s The Final Four was established as the ultimate goal, the destination at the end of The Road.

It’s not just me who considers The Final Four as a primary goal. As a result of excellent marketing by CBS in 4 decades a great majority of the American public accepts it as well. One need only look at the millions of pots and pools coast-to-coast.

by Wild Weasel on Feb 24, 2009 10:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs