Evening Newspaper for Saturday, March 14th
by Glenn Logan on Mar 14, 2009 4:46 PM EDT
in Kentucky Wildcats News
Email
Print
Haven't had much time for the news lately, but I do today.
Kentucky may have fallen to LSU, but it apparently took all the Tigers had to get that job done as they fall to Mississippi State today in the quarter finals. As I write this, Tennessee and Auburn are in a big of a dogfight. I don't really know who to pull for, so I'll just wish all the teams left the best.
And now, the news.
Kentucky Basketball News
- Trent Johnson defends Billy Gillispie. These days, somebody needs to.
- Kenny Colston says the loss to LSU represents the apex of this season's disappointment. Or the bottom of the pit of despair, depending on your viewpoint.
- Comprehensive recap of yesterday's game.
- Well, you knew you'd be hearing a lot of this from the so-called sports media.
- They love us when we fill their coffers with money:
Tampa turnstiles. Attendance at the St. Pete Times Forum gradually improved for the first three sessions. The afternoon turnout was announced at 13,306, bringing the average to 12,176 before Friday’s evening session.
But with Kentucky eliminated and its droves of fans probably headed home, a dip seems inevitable.
- Patterson claws back a bit on his NBA prospects. I think he should very seriously consider the jump.
- This quote from Marc Maggard is one of the best I have seen with respect to Gillispie:
Coach Gillispie will have to get more comfortable with the media, or at least pretend to be. It's bad enough to be at UK with a very affable coach, it's even worse when that coach shows an open disdain for reporters (at best). Unless BCG wants the "Larry Vaught's" of the world to turn into "Jeff Goodman's", he needs to find a way to learn a second language. Coach-speak.
Too right. I can't speak to his claims about additional players, but it doesn't seem far fetched. I think changes in personnel are very likely. - This blogger has the right attitude. I wish more UK fans would jump on board.
- Like it ain't.
- Wow. Porter already has his degree? Who knew? [Via Aaron's blog]
- Ever wonder what happened to Internet sensation Hunter McClintock?
- Keith Taylor has thoughts about UK.
- You think we might be hearing more of this over the next few weeks? I'm thinking yes.
Other Kentucky Sports News
- UK Football: A look at the JUCOs.
NCAA Basketball News
- North Carolina bites the dust. How important is Ty Lawson?
- Michigan State goes down to OSU.
- Mississippi State defeats LSU.
Other NCAA Sports News
- More fun with Lane Kiffin.
- Alabama has a pretty good day at spring football practice. What basketball team?
59 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
How...
does that work for someone like Porter? If he already has his degree, would he be able to return next year and only play ball without taking classes?
He's eligible ...
… but I think he has to be a full-time student to play. He could walk on, no doubt, but he would still have to take full-time hours.
Somebody can correct me on that, but I believe I’m right.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
No, U R Right
Players must take and pass 12 hours per semester to remain eligible.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
In most cases players will take graduate courses
It’s not all that unusual for players to be enrolled in grad school. Just off the top of my head, UCLA’s Aboya is doing that right now.
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
Mississippi St
It should be noted by all who complain about game day practices that both ESPN and Raycom mentioned MSU’s Saturday morning shootaround that was described by both outlets as “intense.” Clearly it didn’t hurt their chances of beating LSU, even with playing their 3rd game in 3 days.
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
1:40
“Intense” and lasted for an hour and forty minutes. It’s not all that unusual.
everyone
has to remember that these kids are used to AAU games. Two to three games a day. A practice the day off is not going to hurt them
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
Shootaround On Game Days
Most don’t practice on game day but some do.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 7:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Ok I am confused here
Porter will graduate. Is he still eligible for a scholly next year for under graduate studies?
No matter, I love Porter for his grit and determination this season.
And congrats on his baby due this summer. Ah…that is sweet indeed!
Yes
Hagan, Ramsey, and Lou T were graduate students on scholarship back in 1954 at UK.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions
The...
way I take their answers above I believe so. I see no reason why they wouldn’t let him take more undergrad classes.
Alabama...
spring football practice article got me thinking. Anybody have a date on the blue/white game? Went to it last year for the first time and loved it, hopefully I’ll be back again this year.
Set to graduate.....
Who knew Porter was married/set to be a father??
Congrats to him!
Porter Was Married In Summer Of 2007
UK Athletics bio has mentioned it since then.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I saw it on
the Billy Gillispie show that comes on tv, you know how they do a segment of a player on each show? they mentioned that on there, that he was married. I think it was last season though, when i saw that
...and they say that Porter has a tough time finishing.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
Agree (In Part)
The 3 decisions will come quickly in March or early April.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm really surprised
by how possible he is making it seem that Gillispie could be gone! (though I realize Matt Jones is just another fan/blogger and not the end-all be-all of info) I have really thought all along that talk of him being pushed out after this season was pretty fringe stuff.
by blue kentucky girl on Mar 14, 2009 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Matt Jones Gets A Little Full Of Himself
I trust 2 sources on What Might Happen At UK. Tru knows who they are.
Neither thinks he is gone.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I am not going there
I promised myself last night that I would no longer go there until after the UK basketball season is done. I am done with Matt and all his posters and especially the commenters.
Sorry Fake…I love you…but no more.
...and Louisville wins the BE tournament
Of course they do. The shit sandwiches just don’t stop!!
by blue kentucky girl on Mar 14, 2009 11:17 PM EDT reply actions
Y That?
Louisville is a heckuva team. UK only L to them on a last second “freak” shot.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 14, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
C'mon, girl.
I’ll give you whatever condiment or bread-type that you’d like. I’ll even offer the appropriate wine if it will help it go down better.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
If you really cared, Hoze,
you’d just let me slap you like we talked about.
by blue kentucky girl on Mar 14, 2009 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Now y'all are just making me feel bad.
Okay, I don’t actually feel bad. But I just cannot be all “good for UL.” I just can’t. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s, like, IMPRESSIVE or something for a UK fan to feel happy for Louisville’s success. But that ain’t for me : ) For me, one of the very funnest parts of being a sports fan is the rivalry thing, the wanting-them-to-crash-and-burn-with-all-your-heart thing. I love it. LOVE it. I follow Louisville incessantly, second only to how much I follow UK—anyone would think I was actually a Louisville fan by how much I watch and read about them. I agree IN THEORY with you, memphis wildcat, about somehow vaguely wanting them to be good to prove our state’s position in college basketball. But in practice, I always root against them. Loudly. They’re my anti-UK. It’s a ying and yang thing. It’s not personal. I don’t, like, dislike Pitino personally, I wouldn’t taunt TWill on the street, I don’t think Sosa’s a bad person. I just want them to experience loss on the basketball court. One of my favorite sports books is by a UNC fan, and the book is pretty much all lovely, beautiful prose all about how much he hates Duke. It’s brilliant; the title is TO HATE LIKE THIS IS TO BE HAPPY FOREVER, and I thought it perfectly summed up the sheer happiness of pure sports loathing.
Am I just a bad person?? Wait, don’t answer that…
by blue kentucky girl on Mar 15, 2009 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I can't imagine that most people DON'T do that
I’ll watch a team I don’t like (i.e. Duke, UNC) hoping they’ll lose.
I think it’s pretty harmless to just want to see a basketball team lose. It’s not like you’d punch them in the face if you saw them out on the street. That probably wouldn’t be too smart an idea anyway.
No, you are a girl after my own heart.
With UK it is a love/jhate thing (although I may not be as far on the hate side as you may be…but that doesn’t make you a bad person). To me, a true sports fan is one who loves the sport and not just follows the team of their heart. As a kid, I loved to follow the Dodgers, because I loved the Reds. Part of my love for baseball was sacrificed when they went to 3 divisions and the Dodgers played in the National West. I missed and stil miss following the Dodgers like I did.
I love UofL, but I also love following the Cats. Sorry I just do.
Oh, in regards to UofL this year…..don’t lose hope. I am sure they will break my heart. Gawd, some people just love the NCAA tournament but for me it is torture every year the Cards make the tournament. The higher the seed the greater the torture.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
aw, thanks Hoze
See, you and me, we’re like UL and UK—it’s a love/hate thing ; )
I guess my thing with UL is, I just love to hate them. It’s fun for me.
I’m thinking the silver lining of UK sucking ass this year is that I actually WILL be able to watch the NCAA tourney without the sheer torture that it is to be worried about your own team breaking your heart. I KNEW there was a silver lining somewhere!
by blue kentucky girl on Mar 15, 2009 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Hoze
I hated UofL…….I am by no means a fan now but the hate is alot less and I will be rooting for them in the next three weeks. Living in Tennessee, the hate is a lot less :)
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
Good for you.
Good for ‘us’.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
i agree with you in THEORY as well
guess i have focused my dislike on Duke and Tennessee
Memphis posses the problem with me. i get sick of the CUSA thing – such a busch league. 55 straight league wins – give me a break. but they are fun to watch – dare i say it, they remind me of the late 90’s at UK…….
keep on doing what you are doing -
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2009 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions
i have always wanted UL to be good
get tired of hearing about tobacco road in NC being where all the good basketball is…
we should have the tobacco road challenge each year pitting UK/UL against PUKE/UNC (sic)
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2009 12:06 AM EDT reply actions
Honestly...
most UK fans root against UL anytime they play, but not me. If they are winning it only makes us look better. If they beat us and they are winning then we lost to a good team, if we beat them and they are winning it makes the win look that much better.
That said, I hope they get put out early in the tourney, sorry Hoze. I can’t listen to that crap if they were to win it all.
You'll come around.
I’ll make an admission on this comment that I haven’t made before:
I think I have been more into UK this year than ever….and it’s because I really think the team is comprised of kids that I really like (okay, maybe with the exception of Liggins). I cannot remember a UK team from a players standpoint that I have rooted for as much as this team. It’s just a solid group of kids. There are not better kids that Patterson, Meeks, Porter, Harris, Miller to name my top 5 favorite players. Admittedly, maybe I have become more soft hearted as I have grown older, but maybe not.
I hate seeing what they went through this year. I really don’t think it is ‘their’ problem. I don’t. I think the problem lies elsewhere. I may be wrong.
Lastly, in regards to UofL, I think the same ‘argument’ can be made for these kids as well. I know more than a few of my son’s friends who go to school there and without exception they speak highly of the team they live with on campus.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
As...
far as the players themselves, I would say that I dislike the name on the front of the jersey and not the one on the back, unless of course that name is Laettner or Noah(Joakim), then I’m sorry to say that I would have to use the word hate. ;) I can’t recall a player from UL that I’ve actually despised as much as those two, not even close.
i hate using the word hate
but have to agree with you on those two…strong dislike
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2009 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes strong dislike
I cannot go with Hate either…just not part of my vocabulary or feelings as a mature adult.
George Lapides is a legendary sports talk radio host in memphis
been doing sports talk for 35+ years – maybe the first
anyway, he said every since 9/11, he cannot use the word hate.
i have to agree – especially when it comes to sports..
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2009 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions
I have heard that position before
And though I certainly respect it, and believe that it comes from a genuine, honest place for people who believe this, I can’t agree for myself. I just don’t see what one (a terrorist attack) has to do with the other (a fan using the word “hate” in a sports context). I think it is clear to any rational person that when the word “hate” is used about a sports team (or celery, or Crocs shoes, or bad grammar, or any of the myriad other things I or anyone else goes around hating) it is meant in a jocular way. If it makes people feel better to use the “strongly dislike” thing, then hey, whatever works for them, but as far as meaning, it’s no different. Some people—ahem—are just more effusive in the way they express themselves : )
by blue kentucky girl on Mar 15, 2009 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I am always glad that a team from our state can represent basketball
No matter if it is UL, Western Ky, Morehead. I dont’ care who it is. Just represent the state of Ky basketball.
Cards My #2
Been following Cats since ‘51: Rupp, Hall, Sutton, Pitino, Smith and Gillispie, and though Rupp is unquestionably the best Pitino is my all time favorite. For that reason Cards will be my second favorite team in NCAA, why #2? Family reasons: wife and 2 sons are KU alums which pretty much settles that, plus Bill Self is in my top 5 favorite extant coaches. I’d be deliriously happy to see a UL-KU championship game.
The Numbers
Rupp 82% over 41 seasons, 63% in NCAA or NIT games (when all were Elite 8 or Sweet 16 games).
Pitino 81% over 8 seasons, 81% in NCAA games (all 64 team tourneys).
Tubby 76% over 10 seasons, 72% in NCAA games (64 team events).
Hall 75% over 13 seasons, 69% in NCAA games (mostly 32 team fields) and 80% in NIT games.
Sutton 69% over 4 seasons, 63% in NCAA games (64 team events).
Gillispie TBD.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 15, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Community Guidelines
[UPDATED 01/18/2012]
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
