Kentucky Basketball: Surveying the Wreckage

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 10:01 AM EDT in Commentary Comment 121 comments

Well, the SEC tournament is over, the NIT looms, and UK fans are in a deep, deep funk. As it should be.

Let's face it, folks, this season was a disappointment for us all. I'm not going to pretend that there is a silver lining in this big, black cloud of a season, because if there is, I haven't found it yet. Sometimes, sports is just like life -- hard, for no apparent reason. Eventually, tough times find you no matter where you have been hiding. UK has been hiding in a bubble of high expectations for many years, and now hard times have found us. It has happened here before, it will happen again, but it is never something to be embraced or enjoyed.

How a team's fans face adversity is far more important than how they face success. Success is easy, requires no emotional commitment or sacrifice of self. The most shallow, superficial person can handle success. But it takes a lot more to handle hard times like the ones we find ourselves in today.

You will begin hearing lots of rumors and whispers from everyone, including the mainstream sports media. Some of you will get emails from people touting connections in high places and assuring you of this or that. Some of you will even believe these things, causing you to spiral down ever deeper into depression. Many of you will flee the online Wildcat world altogether, feeling that you need a break from the negativism and distress afflicting our fans at the moment.

But after all the sneering opinions from "informed sources," after all the doom and gloom we will hear from respected members of the media, the test and measure of our fandom will be taken by our ability to rise above it all and trust our program. Some of you will be wanting Gillispie to be fired, but everyone with half a brain knows that isn't likely. Some of you will want to blame Barnhart, or Todd, or Tubby Smith, or whoever. I have seen it already, and I know more will be coming.

Here at A Sea of Blue, we will support our team, our coach and our athletic administration. We may criticize them, we may complain about them, we may even dislike them intensely and want them to go elsewhere. But we here at A Sea of Blue will not allow the tone of this blog to go into the toilet where some of our fans would like to drag us. We will hold ourselves with the pride and passion that befits a fan of the most storied basketball program in history. If you cannot find your way out of the darkness, we will try to lift you up. But you must be willing to be lifted. You must be willing to look at reality and eschew rumor and innuendo, which will not be tolerated at all on this site.

These are the times that try the souls of the greatest of fans, but those trials must be made every so often. Disappointment and hard times are part and parcel of even the greatest sports programs. Nobody is safe from it, and nobody can deny the reality that bad times must invariably come to us all. The great souls, the great fans, refuse to be buried under bitter disappointment, recriminations and schadenfreude from enemies, haters and other inferiors. The only way we can ever be the greatest fans in all of sport is to think of ourselves in those terms, and comport our behavior accordingly. You cannot be a great fan if you are a whiny, venting jerk. You cannot be a great fan if all you can do is bring gloom and doom to your fellow-members. You cannot be a great fan if you fail to acknowledge reality and root your emotional investment in past glories.

We must accept our fate this year, but we don't have to like it. But we must, and I mean must, support our program, regardless of how dark it gets. It would be facile to say "it could always be worse, [fill in the blank]," and that is so, but I reject emotional bromides like those -- we don't need them. They are unworthy of us. When players make great plays or win great victories, we demand that they act like they have been there before. So it should be with us in hard times, because we have been there before.

Many of you have never been to a low point in Kentucky basketball, but most of us have. Some even remember the years of the actual Death Penalty, not the near brush with it to close out the 1980's. Kentucky has had a long run of relative success since then, winning two national championships and playing in the final game three times. We will have more success just like that, but not this year.

I'm not going to tell you to keep your head up, because you are Wildcat fans -- you should know that without being told. You should know how to behave like a Wildcat fan because many of you were born to it from your earliest days, and many of us have listened to Cawood on the radio and cheered Kentucky from our cars, or wherever we were that we could hear the dulcet tones of one of the great broadcasters in history. Cat fans will do anything to watch, listen to and support their team, and doing that now is just a little tougher and less enjoyable. But it is your responsibility, and you shouldn't need to be told that.

The Rodney Atkins song says, "When you're going through Hell, keep on going. Don't slow down, if you're scared don't show it. You might get out before the Devil even knows you're there." Let's see if we can get out before the Devil knows we're here. If not, let's act like we belong, and maybe he won't pay any attention to us.

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I'd Like To See UK Knuckle Down And Win The NIT

The 1976 team did that. They had played for the NCAA title in 1975 so I’m sure (well, I KNOW for sure, since I knew many of them personally – my sister dated one of them) they were disappointed in the 76 season results.

That NIT title may not look impressive in the rafters of Rupp Arena but it should. That was the first “national” title won by UK in 18 years. It laid the groundwork for a fine year in 77 and a sterling one in 78 (NCAA champs).

God put eyes on the front of our heads for a reason. Look forward always. You are where you are, that cannot be changed. Only the path forward offers choices and options. There is no path behind us.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 10:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well said.

It would be great if we could win the NIT. It will be a different challenge, but it is certainly possible.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree whole heartedly...

Despite everyone’s reluctance to play in the NIT, winning it would do well for our psyche. It’s been a tough season, hold your heads high Big Blue Nation!

by Iam4UKinMI on Mar 14, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with Forty, I am rather relieve at this time, since we have a clear and achievable goal. NIT would be just what the team needs at this time, kick some butt and get some tourney experience for next year.

by khlim2 on Mar 14, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well put Forty

I too would enjoy seeing this team win the NIT

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 Mar 14, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ohio State...

…won the NIT last year and they just beat Michigan St. heading into the tourney. I’d say that’s a great goal at this point.

by Clandestine on Mar 14, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

completely agree 40

I need a Sea of Blue because I am surrounded by Tennessee orange!

by sleepytimetea on Mar 15, 2009 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well said

…Both Truz and Forty. You make some very good points. I really think this years team was only a player or two away from being very good. BG’s system makes me shake my head at times, but when the pieces are in place I have faith that we will be strong once again. I can’t help but think about how things might have been if Jasper had stayed or even Jai Lucas had chosen the Cats, but like you said, Forty, there is no path behind us.

by cthom on Mar 14, 2009 10:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Awesome

This is only my 2nd time posting on here. This is a great place to read about the cats. Good or bad. We will be better next season if the two guns come back, and if they don’t we will cheer for the guys we have. My only question is, will all of our games be on ESPN? Here in Owensboro, Raycom covered our games on Fox 7. Everygame we have is on TV somewhere. I hope this is the case on ESPN. It is time now to win the NIT and stay behind our CATS.

by cwellsy on Mar 14, 2009 10:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Welcome.

We’re glad you’re here.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

NIT games are all on ESPN/2

I don’t think all the games are televised (at least not the first 2 rounds), but you can be sure all of UK’s will be.

Oh, and welcome to ASoB!

by JLeverenz on Mar 14, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

agree with everything you said

I get so fed up with everybody and their brother stating they have “inside sources”. They need to just shutup already, does anybody that DOESN’T have rocks for brains really give a crap?

I am one of the younger fans (age 27) but my dad started on me young. My first memories were the 87-88 team, looking at their pictures and names/numbers trying to learn who each one was. (these are important things!)

My dad followed UK bball since the 1940s (my brother is named after Alex Groza and HATES sports haha!) and with a history like that, I think it’s virtually impossible have the kind of mindset like some of the younger, demanding fans do. He basically had the mindset that UK has a history of greatness, and just because you have one bad season, the proverbial sky is not falling. I feel like he passed this mindset to me in a sense.

One bad year like this one is a pothole on the highway of Kentucky Basketball’s “Roman Empire”. Annoying, but just a little bump in the road in comparison to the decades this program has existed and will continue to exist.

by uk1982 on Mar 14, 2009 10:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think it is only fair for a fan to step back and rationally assess the current situation.

Supporting both the school and the coach does not necessarily go hand-in-hand, nor should it. Supporting the school and the program does not mean you have to support the coach regardless. That would be called blind faith and that would be as foolish as emotionally shouting & demanding that a coach be fired.

It could be that making a difficult choice would show the utmost support for the school and program….and maybe even the coach.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Mar 14, 2009 10:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hoze, I disagree, but it's a fine point, I admit.

I don’t think support necessarily is blind faith. Supporting the coach may involve analyzing the areas he needs to grow in. As a matter of fact, I expect both the team and a relatively young coach to grow during the course of a season; that didn’t happen in either case this year. But, as long as he is the coach, I will wish only the best for him and his team in terms of success. If I feel he needs to make improvement, I may voice that, and I have (not that he, or anyone else gives a hoot, but it made me feel better). I don’t see that, however, as non-support. As most of us have said, his results the last two years won’t cut it in the long term.

We may be simply talking semantics here.

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

by oldcat'69 on Mar 14, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Identifying the areas that he needs to grow in is a start.

However, whether he can or wants to is even more important. It’s more than wins and losses.

UK deserves a coach that can coach a team and that represents the university with professionalism & class. I think he can do the former….the latter I am not so sure. To me, in retrospect, this was the biggest miss and is the biggest problem to correct.. He has handled himself very poorly over the past month in my opinion and it just gets worse.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Mar 14, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that he must understand that he needs to grow.

Hopefully, that’s what the conversation with the AD will be about. Surely he realizes that this team regressed during the season. I concur completely that I would have liked him to have handled the PR better. Your coach’s halftime remarks yesterday were a model of how a coach should answer questions, even when he’s disappointed at his team’s performance in the half.

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

by oldcat'69 on Mar 14, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you are mistaken.

If the coach fails to win, he will be replaced. That is not the province of fans, it is the province of the Athletic department. While the coach is here, whether we like him or not, want him to stay or not, we should support him. That means keeping our criticism based on facts, even if we conclude he should not say, not belaboring the point to excess.

Blind faith is not required. What is required is behaving like a group of adults rather than petulant children. I have disagreed or disliked several Presidents, but I have always supported them because of the office they hold. UK’s coach is like that to a smaller and less important degree — we may want the coach replaced, or not like him, but we should support his efforts to improve the team as much as we can, even if we may think he is the wrong man for the job.

There is no evidence that what he is doing is actually detrimental to UK or the basketball team. So far, he has merely been ineffective. His arrogance is not hurting the school at all, but it is certainly hurting his reputation, which he will certainly need if he winds up losing his job at Kentucky. If Gillispie is replaced at any point in time, nobody will blame Kentucky for his misadventures with the media.

I find myself rather suspicious of your motives, honestly. You are essentially suggesting something may be good that every fiber of my being suggests would be an utter catastrophe for the school, and you have offered precious little reasoning in defense of that argument. How could it possibly be in the best interests of the school to do what you are apparently suggesting, when history tells us that it has failed every time it has been tried under similar circumstances? Georgia and UCLA are only two recent examples, and I am certain there are more.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I may be mistaken.

I would hope I will never get to the point where my opinion is factual each and everytime. I don’t think I am that pompous…I just wish others would feel the same about theirs.

In regards to your example of always supporting a president, I think recent history showed that wasn’t the best position in light of the actions of the most recent president and entry into Iraq. I personnally made a mistake in supporting the president and his motives back then….I learned a lesson.

Unlike you, I do think a coach has more of a responsibility than wins. I think Bobby Knight grew into a terrible representative of the university. It got worse and worse over the years until it did damage the university. I discussed this quite ofter pre blog and turned out right at that time. Call me highly principled if you’d like. How’s that for evidence to explain my reasoning? Don’t you think IU wishes it would have acted earlier? Does that validate my motives?

In my job I am required to ‘see around corners’. That means I must make decisions based on what may likely occur. More often than not these decisions are difficult. If I wait until an issue is right in my face, slapping me around, it’s too late. It’s easy to sit quitely and wait until you are forced to make a decision. A blind goof is capable of this action.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Mar 14, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your Job May Be Different Than Basketball

It’s impossible to see around corners sometimes.

Denny Crum was fading fast in 2000. Did you (COULD you) see around the corner to 2001 when Rick Pitino might become available as his replacement? Of course NOT.

Crum has a superior coaching resume. But he is not without (NCAA) blemishes.

Knight would tell you that HE erred in not leaving IU sooner than he did, on much different terms. Despite many public “blemishes” he brought FAR more good to IU over 30ish years than bad.

Barnhart and Gillsipie will decide the path to the future. But UK fans SHOULD be on the path regardless.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For what it is worth, I was a proponent of making a change before it happened.

Pitino wasn’t the tipping point for the change (wait…here it comes…Forty will know someone that knows differently).

If an Athletic Director can’t see around corners for what he is managing, that isn’t good. He is no different. The managerial responsibitlies are no different. Basketball isn’t that special.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Mar 14, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He Certainly WAS

Crum stunk long before 2001.

The change was made when Pitino became available.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So what? Even it that was the case, so what?

Regardless, they waited too long.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Mar 14, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crum Is HOF Coach

He brought you 2 NC and 6 FF in 30 years.

All of your other coaches COMBINED brought you 2 FF and 0 NC (NIT in 50’s, NAIB in 40’s excluded).

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And by the way, I think UofL is a perfect example of waiting too long to make a change.

Certainly you can make a change too soon, but it can be even more damaging to wait too late. In UofL’s case, they waited too late and the turnaround took far too long than it had to.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Mar 14, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's incredible ...

… to think that waiting more than two years for a new coach to establish himself could be considered “too long” by any rational person.

Since I know you to be rational, perhaps you could explain in detail.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know enough to say that Gillispie be fired.

But I do see signs that are not good. I don’t think they should be so readily dismissed as to say he automatically deserves another year as many are saying on this site. I think the administration will and should fairly and fully evaluate.

I think Barnhart is making the right move by publicly stating that the situation will be reviewed at the end of the year. Staying with him or parting ways after two years would not surprise me either way.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Mar 14, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hoze ...

… you know we don’t do politics here. My point did not require an expiation of your political stance. Not only that, you materially misrepresented my comment.

You have raised a strawman and then dashed it asunder. I didn’t say that the coach had no responsibility other than wins. I said that Gillispie’s prickliness with the media has little effect on the school, but a major effect on him. Bobby Knight was an entirely different thing — he didn’t make sarcastic comments to the press, he berated them with profanity and behaved badly with his players. Tolerating that is an entirely different thing than tolerating a coach who does not suffer fools gladly. If you can’t see the difference there, it is simply because you have decided that degree is irrelevant — you see in shades of gray only when it suits your convenience.

Regarding your opinion, you have presented no facts whatever, so how could it be “factual”? You suggested, essentially, that UK would be better off firing Barnhart and Gillispie. You didn’t use exactly use those words, but your implication was clear. You didn’t defend your bald assertion as to why that might be so. Now, you suggest because Gillispie has displayed bad manners a few times (no profanity, no berating of the press, just some snarky remarks) he should be dismissed?

With all due respect, your self characterization as “highly principled” may be so, but those principles seem to be absent in your comment above. I am glad you fancy yourself able to see trouble from miles away, but I am unpersuaded that your bald assertion of competence and “high principles” is evident in the instant discussion. Which leads me back to my suspicions that I mentioned in my previous comment.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tru, you brought up the presidential metaphor, not I.

A couple of points:
1. Bobby Knight didn’t start off choking players and I am not saying Gillispie is doing the same. What I am saying is that there were signs early on that should have been noticed. These signs were not addressed and not acted upon. In fact, they justified it because Bobby won. It eventually grew into an issue that made it bad for the coach and the university. I would suggest that UK see that as an example that they don’t want to repeat.
2. I have never commented or suggested that either Gillispie or Barnhart be fired. I have never even commented on Barnhart. In fact, I think Barnhart has done an admirable job and I predict he will make the right call. I do find it interesting that he has purposely not come out and given a strong endorsement. That means something.
3. You’re right, I don’t live in Lexington. I don’t have the benefit from breathing in deep the sweet aroma of dirty blue basketball shorts, and drunkedly claim it gives me special insight. But I have been around the proverbial block and do think I can offer a different perspective.

Suspect me all you want, but maybe you ought to look at me as the friendly neighbor, cooler in hand, showing up to your hot tube full of friends. I may be uninvited, but I offer a cool drink and without me you all would be left to drink your own bathwater.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Mar 14, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, I did ...

… and carefully avoided a partisan position and was deliberately vague for that reason. By not revealing either partisanship or the names of the presidents, I kept the politics out. Surely you could not have missed that.

You’ve fairly made some points, so let me respond:

1. True, but irrelevant. Knight’s misbehavior escalated many years before he was fired. How you can imagine that Gillispie’s sarcasm is a “sign” is curious. He was prickly at UTEP, and at A&M. We knew he might be this way when we hired him. I think you are making a mountain out of a molehill.

2. I think I misread you on Barnhart, but not on Gillispie, to wit:

It could be that making a difficult choice would show the utmost support for the school and program….and maybe even the coach.

In the context of your post, this is calling for the coach to be fired. I misread this the first time to say " … and maybe even more than the coach." There is clearly no “more” there, and I regret attributing that to you. My bad.

3. “Drunkenly” is an unfortunate choice of words, but I chose to think you didn’t mean it with malice. At least I hope not. I wonder what perspective you purport to be offering in this case? That Gillispie’s prickly relationship with the media is the harbinger of player choking and chairs flying across the arena? Is that really what you are offering up to me as “perspective?”

I would love to look at you as you represent yourself. Unfortunately, you aren’t making it easy. I make a post designed to rally our downtrodden fans, and you come in and whisper, essentially, “Maybe you all should cut your losses.” You offer no justifiable defense as why, and then have the brass to suggest that winning may lead us to excuse Gillispie’s bad behavior, virtually none of which has manifested itself here as of this date.

I’m not sure this is the kind of perspective I need, and hopefully, you can see why it has me asking questions.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Intoxicated was probably more proper (meaning: to cause stimulation or excitement)

…of course hot tub is more accurate that hot tube, as well.

I get the rallying part, but I don’t think you want to take the part of Kevin Bacon in Animal House during the last scene either.

I like to think my thoughts are balanced both ways. I don’t think I come off as all doom & gloom, because I don’t think that is the situation. I think there will be better days ahead, for sure. I just try to do my best in assessing a situation, a game, whatever and then to suggest a solution. Our solutions just may differ. Does a difference of opinion open one to criticizing their motives? I think not.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Mar 14, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wait.

You didn’t answer my question in number 3. What perspective are you offering? What solutions?

Surely, suggesting that the coach may not be right deserves more defense than you have given it. Instead, you have chosen to focus on my questioning of your motives — note that I have not criticized them … yet. I am still trying to determine what they are, and the post just above is about as clear as mud.

If you are going to suggest Gillispie be replaced, fine, but justify that with something more than looking “around corners.” Clearly, you are looking at two situations worlds apart if your earlier comments are to be taken at face value. I challenged that, and you didn’t even trouble to defend it. Why?

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure I understand your question, but let me give it a shot anyway...

I have recently changed my mind about ‘automatically’ giving Gillispie another year or two. I use to think (about a month or so ago) that making a move now would be crazy and harm the university & program. I wrote as much, but I don’t feel like going back and pulling quotes right now.

However, I have not completely flipped positions. I don’t think Gillispie should be fired right now, right away. I think that is just about as crazy as automatically giving him another year. What I do think is that there is sufficient information for the administration to second guess or to fully evaluate. I think Barnhart has made the absoultely right move to come out and publicly state that a discussion will be made after the season. That is politcal speak for a full evaluation by administration.

I trust Barnhart’s judgement. He knows more than I. Again, I don’t know enough to say either way at this point, I just know I have come off my strong stance of giving him another year regardless.

Is that what you wanted me to answer, sir?

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Mar 14, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That works for me.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I AGREE!!!!!!!!!!

Just as I will not support Obama because I do not believe in his policies, I will not support a Coach when I do not believe in him. If Billy G. fails to make me believe in him through performance, why would I believe in him? I do not like his attitude towards losses and towards the players. On ESPN he said he was doing all he could do to put the players in the position to make plays, but they were not making them. I do not agree with that attitude, it is the coach’s job to make sure the players make the plays or find someone who will. It IS a big deal when you lose 4 games in a row in the conference. It Is a big deal not making the tournament! We have better facilites and fan support for the players than anywhere in the country, it should be easy to get the players we want.

I support my Cats no matter where or who they play and I support the coach while he is in the game. I do not think I should have to support a coach when the program is going backwards. I also do not think we should ever fire a coach without a good replacement lined up, so my question is WHO IS THE BEST YOUNG COACH OUT THERE? How about Travis Ford.

by ukfan6060 on Mar 14, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No Politics Here

You don’t have to support the UK coach.

It is not easy to get every player to pick UK. It hasn’t been easy for over 40 years.

Travis Ford? Please. Not even worthy of consideration. But he’ll do well at Okla St.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If not Travis, then who?

I mean EASIER, how can Memphis get the top three players in the nation to go there and they play on TV 3 times per year? This is the most winningest program in NCAA history (well for one more year it looks like).

by ukfan6060 on Mar 14, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For Now, Gillispie

Should that change, then a proven winner (including NCAA results) on higher Div I levels.

Memphis has a strong basketball tradition. Calipari is a great coach. He plays a style that players like.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That players like? and that wins!

First of all, a strong basketball tradition? They have never won a championship! Sounds like the coach gets the players and gets them to play!

The point is, I think we sould only look to replace Billy if we can get someone better. So if there is no one out there, let’s stay with Billy. Do you think anywone else is out there?

by ukfan6060 on Mar 14, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hypothetically

Yes, there are other coaches that would be interested in UK.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No politics here.

Read the community guidelines.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Travis Ford?

He does fine, but he’s not ready for UK.

Frankly, I’m sick of hearing these fans pulling for old players to be the next coach. Ford, Pelphrey……whats Martinez doing these days? Just because they played at UK doesn’t give them an innate ability to coach here. It makes no sense to me. Then again, during times like this, many UK fans don’t make sense.

by DeadHeadCat on Mar 14, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

By not supporting our current coach...

…you aren’t supporting the program.

by Clandestine on Mar 14, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So very true

The Team includes the coach and assistants and the AD staff.

by kykat51 on Mar 14, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is ridiculous...

Just becuase I don’t think he is sold on our tradition and I don’t think his coaching style maximizes our talent does NOT mean I do not want him to succeed. I wish we were in the ncaa tournament! Is it true that he tried to get the Oklahoma State job last year?

by ukfan6060 on Mar 14, 2009 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who knows about the OK State thing?

It’s just a rumor. Could be true I guess, though I doubt it, but we’re probably never know. Personally, until something is substaniated beyond some internet whispering, I don’t think it’s wise to believe every piece of gossip that comes around, because it is SO easy to start rumors.

by blue kentucky girl on Mar 14, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OSU Was NOT True

I asked their AD personally in Feb 2008 when I was (in a training class) on Okla St campus.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh my God...!

You can’t know EVERYONE..!!!

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Mar 15, 2009 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ukfan6060

I have been a UK fan for fifty plus years and I’ve seen all of the coaches come and go. I agree with almost all of what you said, except the Travis Ford suggestion. Ask Campbellsville people if they’d want him back, or EKU if they want him back. There will be your answer.

by ikietoy on Mar 19, 2009 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Supporting the players and not the coach is OK>

We have two great players, who weren’t utilized well and we have some others who will work into being good, with time. Now, we need a great coach, who can get the best out of these kids and who has been reared to behave like an adult and a gentleman. THAT’S ALL WE NEED TO BE BACK IN THE HUNT THIS TIME NEXT YEAR.

by ikietoy on Mar 14, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

Thanks Tru…amid the “chaos” it’s nice to have a much more sane a rational voice. I’d say ’it’s ony a game’ but that never quite applies to the UK fan, at least not to me. You know the old saying, “It’s always darkest just before the dawn”. Thanks for turning on a light.

by blupride on Mar 14, 2009 11:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dark And Light

Dark in 1965. Light in 1966.

Dark again in 1967. Light in 1968-69-70.

Dark in 1974. Light in 1975.

Dark in 1985. Light in 1986.

Dark in 2002. Light in 2003.

To name a few examples from UK history.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting that 68-70 was a definite 'light' period.

It coincided with the Issel/Casey/Pratt trio coming in with the ’67 recruiting class. Maybe, with a year shifted for freshman eligibility, the next few years could be the Orton/Hood/Vilarino light period. Of course, I may be viewing the world through the every-optimistic blue-colored glasses.

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

by oldcat'69 on Mar 14, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To Be Blunt, They HAVE To Be Light Years

2010-11-12 had better be Light years.

The talent should be there. The 2009 recruits are good. The 2010 commitments are good.

It’s time to W again at UK.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

From a Florida fan

I take no joy in watching UK struggle. We judge our program based on yours. I don’t know if things are as bad as some UK fans think, but I had to be talked off the ledge during the Zook era, so I understand.
I also want to thank all the UK fans for coming to my city and spending money and being good fans. I was in Downtown Tampa, Ybor City (historic/entertainment district) and SoHo (South Howard Ave. friendly drankin’ establishments) and saw UK fans each time. Not to mention, it seemed like UK fans were the only ones who attended each session. I think there were more UK fans than Gators, and Tampa is a huge Gator town.

mlmintampa
UF C/O 06

by mlmintampa on Mar 14, 2009 11:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, man.

Appreciate the comment. I’m glad to hear we are doing our school proud even in the face of a tough season.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice

good to know FL and UK fans can feel each other’s pain this season.

Glad our fans showed some class while they were down in Gator country =)

by uk1982 on Mar 14, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

Let’s raise a little of that hell you spoke of in your blog in the NIT.

UL Football Fan/UK Basketball Fan ~ FOB Kalsu, Iraq

by The White Mandingo on Mar 14, 2009 11:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That ...

… would be tonic for the soul, indeed, if weak and somewhat bitter. But I’ll take anything I can get.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

God knows

we all need something to be happy about right now!

by UKFaninTN on Mar 14, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

tru

who do think we’ll play in the first round any idea?

by massaccatfan on Mar 14, 2009 12:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I've Read Davidson May Be Opponent

Not announced until Sunday night.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not surprised

if it is Davidson. Curry v. Meeks makes a good story line for the tourney. we all know the alternative possibility, if the Gophers aren’t dancing.

by blupride on Mar 14, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt we would see Minnesota before the semifinals

Due to the geographic nature of the two schools and the desire of the NCAA to lessen the travel burden as much as possible, Minnesota would be in a “West” type bracket whereas UK would be in a “South” type bracket.

That said, I think Minnesota will be dancing so it won’t be an issue.

by JLeverenz on Mar 14, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

NIT Seeds 1 Thru 8 In 4 Regions

Gophers would be 1 or 2 seed if NIT. So would Kentucky.

They wouldn’t play until the 3rd game at the earliest.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To the UF fan's comments

I heard UK was the only SEC school that actually sold its’ ticket allotment. Good to hear that still keeps happening.

by blupride on Mar 14, 2009 1:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

As usual, great post

Being born and raised in Lexington, I’ve been surrounded by UK my whole life. I was in high school during the 96-98 domination, combine that with being a gal more into rebelling than cheering and you get the crazy amalgamation of a UK fan that types before you today.

I became a die-hard in 2004, so I don’t share in the inane expectations of many fans who believe that UK should be contending for FFs and NCs every year, but I believe I understand the ignorance behind these views that continue the cycle. When a person intrinsically links their self-worth to something completely out of their control, the results are the kind of knee jerk reactions we’ve all seen recently.

I love college basketball, most of all UK. My top 5 favorite activities of all time would include Saturday afternoons with beers, friends and armchair coaching. But even if we win or lose, my fairly content life keeps chugging along. I involve myself in many activities that help foster my self-worth apart from UK b-ball, and therefore while a loss is always a huge letdown, I can accept it and compartmentalize the negative feelings.

What’s been happening in terms of attitudes surrounding the temporary demise of our b-ball program highlights the (to me) infinitely more terrifying consequences of all these lives being led with nothing to achieve or strive for personally. Our great tradition should be inspirations to our people, not some flimsy vanity mirror that we gaze into to make ourselves feel better, and especially not one that is so easily broken by a few years of the hard life.

I look forward to the NITs only because it means I’ll get to see our team play more games, because watching games is what I enjoy most about UK basketball. It’s a shame so many have strayed so far from the original intention of the sport.

by searen on Mar 14, 2009 1:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well said...

can’t say I’m always able to watch UK games w/o being bit by the "crazy " fan bug, but I like the way you take it all in stride.

by wldcatsfreak on Mar 14, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Welcome to the blog.

You’re off to a great start.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Most excellent, Lady.

That’s the real problem and the motivation behind many of our confrontational strings of posts. It’s the ego, of course. It’s the somewhat anonymous display of one’s own intelligence (or lack thereof, which is pretty evident in some of these strings). “I’m right, you’re wrong. I win.”

And accept my welcome on top of Tru’s. You’re gonna be fun.

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

by oldcat'69 on Mar 14, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for a great post

Frankly, I was dreading logging onto my computer today, and reading all the articles, commentaries, etc. about the Wildcats. And then I remembered about A Sea of Blue. While acknowledging the weaknesses of the team, you always manage to put the events in perspective. I don’t necessarily feel better about the way the season went, but at least I’ve stepped back from the ledge. :-)

by sprink on Mar 14, 2009 1:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You can always count ...

… on a welcoming place here. Even in the toughest of times, we man up and stay true to the Blue and White.

Welcome.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

we man up..?

ummm, ok… lol

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Mar 14, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok ...

… boy up? Boi up? Babe up?

I give up. :-)

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lol

by kykat51 on Mar 14, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought we zoned up?

Did I not get the memo?

by JLeverenz on Mar 14, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Naw, man, we don't do the zone thang.

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

by oldcat'69 on Mar 14, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dark days now

but we had some positives this past season.Meeks 54 points all-time record.Meeks and Patterson First Team SEC.Winning the Las Vegas preseason Tournament.Signed 5* Orton.Our starting lineup will be very good next season.

by -Zoso- on Mar 14, 2009 1:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Finally an adult prespective of the season. Yes we were down but I am sure we will I rise again to the top.

by mijrwyn97 on Mar 14, 2009 1:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Great commentary as usual

Tru, somehow no matter how many times I have been down with this season, I can always come here after a night’s sleep and know that everything is not lost. I appreciate your keeping this site mutiny free.

by kykat51 on Mar 14, 2009 2:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Something brewing over at KSR

Dana Oneal who did the ESPN behind the scenes had spoke to MB about the poor treatment she had recieved from BG.Good grief : (

by -Zoso- on Mar 14, 2009 3:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Heard that rumor before.

Not good behavior if true, but under the pressure Gillispie is under, it’s hard not to be a little understanding. Bad timing, really, but it is what it is.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am wanting to be positive

but they way BG handles the media is not very professional.Apparently a you tube video has emerged with him being “billy” with yet another female reporter.I am starting to feel like an enabler with dismissng his interactions with female sports reporters.

by -Zoso- on Mar 14, 2009 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Link?

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If that is true...

..Then that is what will lead to his dismissible from Kentucky, and rightly so…

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Mar 14, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nonsense.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

what's nonesense..?

The fact that he did it..?
or that it will lead to his dismissible if it continues..?

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Mar 14, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Both.

See below.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was at work and missed the entire game yesterday...

Could someone tell me what the body language of the upper upperclassman was..?

Very disappointing in the season of course, however, the way things stand right now…
It looks like both Meeks & Patterson are coming back, so next year could be a memorable year… I would like to see Billy shake up his coaching staff, (he really needs someone with UK ties), but his stubbornness will probably trump that… I would like for a more balanced play calling; we ran about a 5:1 ratio for Patterson as apposed to Meeks (maybe next year that will balance out)…

Also, I’d like for former UK players, (Mike Casey, Kenny Walker), to shut up already..! They might not like the coach, hell I don’t, but when the current players hear former players bashing their coach, it may cause them to loose what little respect they might have had…

Here’s hoping that UK vs Fla in the NIT championship game…!

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Mar 14, 2009 3:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Where did you hear that?

Are you just making an optimistic guess about Patterson and Meeks or is there a substance to the assumption.

by ukfan6060 on Mar 14, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They both have stated publicly

that they are returning…

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Mar 14, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, but ...

… Patterson has backtracked a bit on that.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

link.?

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Mar 14, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I chose to think you are not being a smartass.

Here is the quote, and the link:

“I don’t know if I’m going to come back or go (to the NBA),” Patterson said, a day after saying that his mind-set was to return for his junior season but that he would reevaluate that stance after the season.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you...

Why the hell would you even think I was being a smartass..?
I’m just having dialog here Tru, don’t take every little word personal…

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Mar 14, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK.

No problem.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell, and my bullshit filter is turned way, way down right now. This is a very tough time to run a UK blog, especially when you are trying to keep it on an even keel.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

understatement...

This is an “extremely tough” time…

hell, ironically, I will probably be waiting outside Rupp ticket office March 28th…
Waiting to buy tickets to UK’s final 4..???? nope, waiting to buy Jonas Brothers tickets for my daughters…

“extremely tough” sigh

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Mar 14, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heh.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whoops sorry

the you tube video was when he was at Texas A&M.

by -Zoso- on Mar 14, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

wow, even more cause for concern...

Two points…

1. he has always been smug
2. we knew this and still hired the man

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Mar 14, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes.

We did. It isn’t a big problem. It’s that simple.

Lots of coaches are prickly with the media. Stop making a mountain out of a molehill.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stop making a mountain out of a molehill...??

Billy G is the one that is doing this my friend, not me… lol

I greatly and truly respect females…

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Mar 14, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great.

But the fact is, he has been prickly with the media, men and women, for years.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was that the you tube video where he talked about his sister’s high school basketball team going to the state championship game?

Instead of something negative, I saw that as a positive reflection of BCG’s passion for the game. He teared up talking about how special it was to go to the championship games in Texas.

I think his comments about Rachel, the female reporter, possibly not having the right score/team was just to lighten up an emotional moment.

People who know him say that if he thinks he has joked too far with a person, he will apologize very quickly. Fans just don’t know him well enough to know his personality style

by Jana98 on Mar 14, 2009 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess the dirt is coming out

and alot of people like to kick UK when they are down.

by -Zoso- on Mar 14, 2009 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's true, but it isn't just UK.

Any major program suffering a down time gets this kind of thing. Let’s not get too paranoid.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank God

people still want to kick UK when they are down. That just means we are still relevant. Let them get their kicks in, because they know we will be back.

by RonM on Mar 14, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not paranoid

but hey,that is a classic Black Sabbath album.Will have to listen later on : )

by -Zoso- on Mar 14, 2009 3:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes.

A good album, that. :-)

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The future

I wish I could be as optimistic as some on here. But I am still concerned about several issues concerning this program. For one,I’m not so sure Meeks and Patterson will return next year. They are saaying the right things now but they wouldn’t say they were leaving now anyway,so their comments about staying can’t really be taken seriously yet. I think Meeks will be back because he wouldn’t be drafted that high. Another year will help and he won’t transfer either. Patterson,I’m not so sure about especially when his family is so concerned about his future here and the programs future. Others may transfer but hopefully t hey will stay but it will be big trouble next year if there is a mass exodus. The incoming class is good,not great and there are some health issues with the class. The big problem I have with BG is his attitude. He was quoted in the Lex Herald yesterday saying working with the media and the fans “wasn’t in the job discription”. Thats bigtime BS. He has to get that attitude changed bigtime. I agree he needs time but I think he will only dig his hole deeper.

by maysvilleblue on Mar 14, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

UNC GOT BEAT!

Ha! Highlight of the day. FL State won 73-70

by uk1982 on Mar 14, 2009 3:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah,

that costs them potentially two games in the “race to 2000”.

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

by oldcat'69 on Mar 14, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh my!

Guess that’s why it called March Madness. Thanks for the news.

by kykat51 on Mar 14, 2009 4:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I watched the last 2 mins

flipping through the channels and saw that it was on.

Two teams I LOVE to see get beat: UNC and Duke. Duke’s on now.

by uk1982 on Mar 14, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To hire or to fire

I do not want to see Billy G leave or get fired. There is no way that we can be worse off next year with him. Whether Jodie and Pat stay or not, if we lose our 09-10 recruits, our program is destroyed for the foreseeable future. If I’m the UK admin, I’m imploring him to stay next year and see it through. Especially after Patterson’s endorsement of him.

by juicelegoose on Mar 14, 2009 4:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That is the opinion of many here

Thanks for yours and enjoy the site.

by kykat51 on Mar 14, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just a few thougths

Good post Tru. I thought I would offer some thoughts. This may sound weird to you guys, but I am a Nebraska Football fan (don’t disown me). I live in Kanas and my dad grew up watching NU play and loved them, so he raised be to be a NU fan, I had not choice it was in grained in me. I became a UK fan in 1992 or 1993. I was 12-13 years old and played point guard. I watched a UK game on TV and developed a “man crush” on Travis Ford. I started reseraching UK basketball, memorizing stats and my love for the big blue has grown over the years. I cried when we lost to North Carolina in the tourny in 1994 (I think that was the year) and cheered when we dominated in the mid 90’s. It was funny, NU was dominating at the same time. Both my teams were on top and winning championships. It was easy to be a fan then.

Fast forward, to the 2002 year. NU fans decided that 8 and 9 wins a season were not enough and in 2003 we got a new coach. We gave him 4 years and he fell flat on his face and we got the coahc we all wanted last year.

I have point to this, and here it is. I was easy to be an NU fan when we won and as we struggled every team “started gunning for us” and I heard all kinds of crap from all the fans. But I stayed true to my team, as I am a “real” fan and support my teams win or lose.

I will do the same as a UK fan. I support our players and coach. These players are just kids with “the weight of the world” on their shoulders. A true fan will not bash them, but back them. Our coach has only been here 2 years. He won 20 games and many want him fired, does not make sense. NU fans ran a good coach away and then wasted 4 years on a bad coach. If UK runds BG away, these 2 years are a waste, and the next 4 years will be too.

We must be patient and support this team. Watch their NIT games on TV or in person. Wear you UK blue and be proud to be a fan of the Greatst Basketball program ever. Stay true, things will get better. BG deserves at least 1 more year.

Sorry it took me so long to get to my point, but I have been through this recently with my football team and thought I would share my thougths. A “knee-jerk” reaction is not the right move.

Also, not be mad at me for being a NU football fan, it has been in my blood since the day I was born, and now I have the same love for UK b-ball. By the way, great site Tru, thanks for letting me be a part of it.

Lane

by Laird on Mar 14, 2009 5:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

my 10 year son cried after we lost to UF

because he know our ncaa dance streak was probably over.

but the next day, he wore his uk basketball shirt to school.

living in the heart of sec country is not always easy, but he made me proud and demonstrated exactly what you are saying.

staying on the bandwagon will make it all the more fun when we hang another banner. afraid i sort of jumped off with our regional loss in 92 – but i kept one eye on the program and enjoyed the late 90’s run..

by memphis wildcat on Mar 14, 2009 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually 1994 L Was To Marquette

L to UNC was in 1995.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 5:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

I thought I might be off on the years. My goal in that long-winded post was to say that things will get better and true fans suppport their team no-matter what. If UK was sitting at 16-16 or worse, I could understand the panic, but to panic so much with a 20 win season, in this period of college b-ball, is not rational. To have concern makes since, but not panic.

I will have to say, Forty you are a wealth of UK knowledge. I have learned a lot about UK’s past from your posts.

Lane

by Laird on Mar 14, 2009 5:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Just Researched And Studied UK History Like U Have

Maybe a bit more application of stats than some due to my IE education and Insurance work.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question

What is your opinion on this Konner Tucker guy. I had not heard of him until yesturday. His he any good. Does he have a solid B-ball IQ and can he run a team?

Lane

by Laird on Mar 14, 2009 5:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I have no idea.

He isn’t highly though of by recruiting services, but he does have some skills. I’m not really qualified to offer an opinion now because I haven’t seen him play.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Konner Tucker

He is a junior college player at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Tx. Gillispie was at the Region 14 JC basketball tournament in Tyler, TX on Sunday night to watch him play. I think that’s so cool because I live in Tyler.

Traditionally, Lon Morris has a very strong basketball program that goes to the national championship tournament.

by Jana98 on Mar 14, 2009 5:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It's blown out of proportion

Last year, everyone was in love with BCG when he donated money to the women so she could go to her dad’s funeral. They loved how he went to Dance Blue and supported the children. People loved how he cried when talking about the players. The day he was hired, people thought it was a breath of fresh air that he was just a country boy dedicated to winning basketball games.

This year, he has done the public appearances, shown the inside of his house, did Women’s Basketball 101, open practice with the media, did press conferences in the off season, had the All-Access TV program at the beginning of the season.

If the team was winning, the scrutiny on his every word and smile wouldn’t be occuring now.

by Jana98 on Mar 14, 2009 6:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nothing wrong ...

… that a 28 win season won’t cure. :-)

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

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 14, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is so true Jana

Patterson who is so mature for his age has said he loves Coach and that he is human just like everyone. I think we have seen the human side of Coach G in the past two years.
He may not be the perfect guy for the all the media questions. He is basically an introvert in his lifestyle and I can relate to that. I was an introvert for many years until I met my extremely extrovert hubby. It took me some years even after being married to him to come out of my space.

Thank you for your comments.

by kykat51 on Mar 14, 2009 7:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

you are right about patterson

we could all learn something from this young man and his parents.

sometimes i don’t think uk fans deserve him, but i have to remember that it is a very vocal minority that give the rest of us a bad name……….

i was going to say i hope he realizes that, but if he is the mature young man we believe him to be, he already knows to ignore the riff raff………..

by memphis wildcat on Mar 14, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Patterson has said that many times

by kykat51 on Mar 14, 2009 7:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You know I wish that many of the UK fans

Would listen to what Patterson has said. He has been with Coach for 2 years. Should that not tell the BBN naysayers to be quiet?

And further what Joe Crawford and Ramel had to say at the end of season last year?

by kykat51 on Mar 14, 2009 7:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I am aghast

To hear with your medical degree that you would even debase yourself with the language you laid on me and Forty. It is simply not acceptable even in a modern day setting.

HAHA, I have figured it out…you are the modern day version of Dr. House!

by kykat51 on Mar 14, 2009 11:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs