Kentucky Basketball: Goooood Morning NIT!
by Glenn Logan on Mar 16, 2009 8:14 AM EDT
in Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
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The morning after Selection Sunday finds us firmly ensconced as a four seed in the NIT, scheduled to play Lon Kruger's UNLV team on Tuesday at 9:30 PM on the Worldwide Leader.
Overall, I think UK has pretty much gotten exactly what it deserved this year. We will forever debate, I suppose (those of us who actually care to remember) what caused the collapse of this UK team from a 5-0 start in the SEC to a 4-13 4-9 (sorry, not enough fingers) finish to the season. Usually, Kentucky teams make their own luck, but this team was very often on the short end of a hot player or hot team this year, and never managed to figure out ways to deal with the adversity they ran into. As a result, we go to the venerable NIT to attempt to salvage something out of the season.
I know all Wildcat fans are bitter with disappointment this year, and that's just how it is. But for the nonce, it's time to put the bitter recriminations aside for a few weeks (hopefully) while Kentucky tries to do something it hasn't even attempted in 30 years -- win an NIT championship.
This year's NIT is stuffed full of SEC teams, with no less than four in the 32-team field two of them (South Carolina and Florida) top seeds. A casual glance at Kentucky's path to the NIT final four looks like a good test, with a possible matchup with Luke Harangody and Notre Dame down the line, should we get that far. That would be a game worth watching for sure. In fact, every one of our opponents is worthy -- UNLV did in Freedom Hall what we could not -- beat the Louisville Cardinals, as well as BYU twice, Utah, Arizona and Air Force. But losing six out of their last ten games was enough to banish them from the NCAA, just like UK.
One common theme that we see in all the major conference NIT participants is inconsistency at the end of the year. Finishing strong, it seems, is way more important than maybe any of us thought. Looking at UNLV's schedule, it certainly seems NCAA worthy in terms of road wins against quality teams and top 50 victories. But they finished with a whimper, and that doomed them. San Diego State simply owned the Runnin' Rebs this year, and that was enough for the NCAA Tournament committee to exclude them.
The only team that clearly escaped a lousy finish was Arizona, and I think the committee should be ashamed of that pick. Arizona had a very tough SOS, but they lost five of their last six, including a loss to a weak Washington State team. Their presence in the NCAA deserves some kind of an investigation, because they were 6-10 against the RPI top 50. There seems to be no justification whatsoever for their inclusion, especially if you look at the two bad losses in a row to teams outside the RPI top 150 in February. The NCAA committee almost always delivers head-scratchers, and this one might be the textbook definition of one.
But this post is not about the NCAA, it is about the NIT. The Rebels, our first round opponent, currently grade out at #66 in the RPI with the #86 SOS. Kentucky, by contrast, shows up at #64 in the RPI with the #61 SOS. On paper, this looks like a very close matchup, and you have to say just at first glance that the NIT committee did a pretty good job of seeding this one.
So here we are, ladies and gentlemen of the Big Blue Nation. Not where we wanted to be, but since this article fairly begs for a few cliches, we have to play the hand that we are dealt. There will be plenty of time to lament our fate later. Let's see if we can get us a banner, even a minor one.
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Where can I find a full NIT bracket?
Its not something I’m familiar with…
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Now that I've looked over it (and subsequently posted three times in a row in this thread)
I really want to see us against Creighton in the second round. I still have problems accepting mid-majors as legit national powers and I know that many people were clamoring for Creighton to be in the NCAA tourney and they spent at least part of the year ranked IIRC. With Kentucky being significantly down, I’d like to see just how strong Creighton really is. Can they handle a weak Kentucky program? Or are they just the paper tigers I always assume midmajors to be?
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Dana Altman Versus Billy G
Altman briefly accepted Ark job after Gillispie said No in 2007.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought of that angle as well
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
A View From the Stands
Good Morning All,
I ended up going to almost all of the SEC Tournament Games this past weekend, including UK’s game against LSU. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was inspired by the “sea of blue” I saw in the stands and throughout downtown Tampa during the entire tournament. In fact, even during yesterday’s final, Kentucky fans could be seen (and heard) throughout the arena.
Most of the fans I talked to were very anti-Gillispie, which surprised me somewhat. In fact, during the loss to LSU on Thursday, several very vocal UK fans could be heard screaming for Gillispie’s head throughout the contest. Whether these fans represented the majority view is unknown. However, the fact that Coach G has already alienated a large number of very loyal UK fans (who are still willing to follow their team all the way to Florida after a sub-par season) is not a good sign and is something he will need to rectify in the immediate future to save his job (at least according to the fans I spoke to).
Hopefully, despite the LSU loss, those of you who made it here to Tampa enjoyed the city (and the weather) as much as the City (and I ) enjoyed having you here. Keep the faith and Go Cats!
In my day to day interaction with random fans (mainly patients in my office)
I have found that I have yet to meet one that is a Gillispie “supporter.” I think the majority I talk to realize that next year will either be a return to greatness… or Gillispie’s last year in Lexington.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
I work with the public and it seems EVERYONE hates Gillispie
And it’s pointless to even say something half-ass in his defense, i.e. “He’s only been there 2 years……..He’s a young, relatively inexperienced coach………Let him get HIS recruits……..who would you recommend they get?”..etc.
And to rehash what Forty has said repeatedly, if cheating Eddie Sutton got 4 years, then BY DEFAULT Gillispie gets more time. Hell, take Sutton out of the equation, and i STILL think Gillispie should get more of a chance.
I certainly don’t see a spectacular coach yet, but HE NEEDS TIME.
However, I dont think Barnhart or anyone else for that matter can protect him if he has 3rd year results similar to those we’ve already seen.
Logic (if you will listen to it) says GIVE HIM MORE TIME. Not because he’s awesome or spectacular, etc., but he hasn’t had any enough time to DO anything awesome of spectacular yet.
It all boils down to the fact that he is a young, relatively inexperienced coach, who jumped in the ocean at UK with a bunch of sharks. IMO
Wow
I knew the end of the season was bad, but I had no idea we finished 4-13. . . :-)
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
People in Lexington, need your help
I’ve had two calls this moring from people who live down there that says there is a news report that Billy G is going to be fired today. I can’t believe this is true, could someone who lives there confirm?
My reaction too
I just don’t see it, and I haven’t seen it on any of the Lexington media’s websites.
We will hear ...
… rumors of this sort for the next two months.
Forget it, and ignore it. If it happens, we’ll talk about it then. We don’t want to start giving rumors credibility.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 16, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
From comments found here
it seems all the other UK blogs are irrationally aboil about BCG and there is constant clamoring for his removal and exile from the state. Having not really spent much time perusing other blogs I’ll have to accept these statements.
If this is true, I think it would be good if the “sanity” expressed at ASOB fan out to the other blogs and try to inject a little clear thinking into these sites. Silly? Maybe, but it wouldn’t hurt.
yep
that is why I stated last night……………that I was already hearing rumors on facebook……….but didn’t believe them. Something tells me that the first sight to go to on this will be LHL or UK athletics………not here, KSR, or any blog.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
This could be an interesting day
From John Clay’s blog: :o
http://johnclay.bloginky.com/2009/03/16/this-could-be-an-interesting-day
GBB!!!
And Hopefully It Will Go Down Like This
(In my best Mitch B voice)
Billy Gillispie is our coach. He will be our coach next year and for years to come. No one was happy with the results this year but everyone is hopeful of much better times next year.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
very well put, forty
I need a Sea of Blue because I am surrounded by Tennessee orange!
by sleepytimetea on Mar 17, 2009 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow...
Well, when mainstream media gets their hands on these sorts of things… it certainly starts to look interesting.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Notice ...
… it appeared on John’s blog. You probably won’t see anything this speculative under his byline in the HL.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 16, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
and
that is why he put on his facebook status……..which made me go right to his page………….then you read the note he put down about it and it wasn’t that big of deal……………just a byline to get you to read.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
Who cares
about the NIT? I’m so sick of hearing about UK basketball, I’m ready for it to be over. Sure there are a few decent teams but I really just don’t care. As always, I want them to win, and if I"m not whiskey bent and hell bound by 9:30 tomorrow, I’ll check out the game, but I really don’t care. It’s been a horrible year and I think the nastiness surrounding the program right now will only be subsided somewhat with the end of the season.
You are probably...
checking the wrong site this morning if you are sick of hearing about UK basketball. :)
Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi
First Post
I love reading the SoB and I know this is my first post and I am not trying to sound like a know it all, but just wanted to correct some info on the post. UK didn’t finish the season 4-13, the finished it 4-9. Also, Florida and AUBURN are the one seeds in the NIT, not South Carolina, they are a three seed. Thanks again for all you do
Right you are.
I forgot to subtract the wins. Math was never my strong point. :-)
Thanks for the correction, I appreciate it.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 16, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Tru, What do you think?
Does John Clay put up such a speculative blog post because he knows (or thinks he knows) something or does he just do it to attract hits? Is he firing at a target or firing for effect?
would love to hear Tru's take
but – as a fan of john clay who is quickly becoming a former fan of john clay – i believe he is moving rapidly to the “dark side” – the “far billy now” camp.
he was the one reasonably sane voice at the HL, but for some reason he seems to have taken it up a notch.
i did not think he was the type to do it to attract hits, but unless he knows something, it does seem like he is going for hits…..
to me, his post is more of what i expect from tipton………
by memphis wildcat on Mar 16, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Media bias against individuals stems from snubbed interviews, etc.
I see it all the time. Let one player or one coach snub a reporter, and that reporter has it out for them. Case in point: I’m a huge Reds fan, Brandon Phillips is one of their best players who by all accounts is a good guy. Beat writer at the now defunct Cincy Post (C. Trent Rosecrans) didn’t like getting snubbed by Phillips. So, he led a one man crusade against him on his blog, in his stories, etc.
I think he's reporting what he is hearing ...
… but right now, rumors are going to be everywhere. Even normally reliable people will be whispering unreliable stuff.
I doubt he is hearing this from any solid sources, or it would be breaking on the HL.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 16, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Deep background
Institutions and politicians about to make major controversial decisions often will have a deep background (this conversation never took place) session with a columnist or editorial writer. Under the rules the writer cannot attribute any information to either the source or the institution, but the writer can use the information as a basis for slanting commentary.
This helps the institution because the big decision is not as big a surprise. The fans/alumni have been softened up a little; it doesn’t shock as much. It also allows the newspaper to have exhaustive coverage ready at seemingly a moment’s notice when the decision finally comes.
I have no earthly idea what actually happened, but Barnhart and Clay could have had a tete a tete after Mitch said Billy needed more time to build and before Clay wrote the column about the 7 things UK/Gillispie needed to do. Then Barnhart made his “ambassador” statement.
If there was such a Clay/Barnhart discussion — if both parties stick to the rules — we’ll never know. Nothing shocking may happen, but it appears that groundwork is being laid. (Maybe I’m giving Barnhart too much credit.)
Feh.
I doubt it. You never know for sure, of course, but this feels like a simple rumor.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
yes -
he is infringing on tipton’s turf by no longer reporting the news :)
by memphis wildcat on Mar 17, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't think
That BCG gets run off. We have to give him at least one more year, maybe two, to see what he’s really got. Besides UK would have to pay him too much money anyway. I think J Clay is way off base.
Maybe I misread
But I didn’t see him say anything directly about Billy G getting fired, only that they were meeting and that if they were to make a move, now would be a good time. I think those are logical conclusions.
NIT
It’s an interesting bracket that UK finds themselves in. Creighton can definitely beat UK, especially since that game would be played in Creighton if it happens.
To me, the key for this team to win the NIT is not to approach it as a postseason tournament, but rather as an early pre-season tournament for 2009-2010. Treating it like a postseason tourney brings with it the disappointment of the season and failing to make the Big Dance. However, every significant player on this year’s team will be back next year (barring transfers and NBA of course) and thus – for UK – this NIT can be approached as if it were the Pre-Pre-Season NIT.
I think it would be much easier to get players to buy into playing these games using that approach. It also requires that BCG buy into it as well. Most significantly, I think it would require him to utilize players more in a early, non-conference schedule sort of way. That means trying different combinations, giving lots of players minutes to see what you’ve got, maybe trying out some new plays or sets, etc.
Basically, winning the NIT should be approached as the exciting kickoff to the 2009-10 season, not the disappointing end of the 2008-09 season.
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
I like that idea...
Can we play Orton, Hood, and Villarino too? ;-)
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
heh
I think the existing team needs to win the tournament to show these “new guys” what’s what! ;-)
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
The 4 Seasons In Kentucky (Now 5) Are Not Winter, Spring, Summer, And Fall
Preseason, regular season, postseason, and recruiting season.
Add Pre-preseason for 5th one.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Hopefully it'll be just the one time
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
not as much climate change in Florida
We only have 3 seasons here in Florida.
They are Hurricane season; Football season; and Tourist season.
by StillCatwoman on Mar 16, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
That Last One
Runs from January 1 through December 31 eh?
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
just about.
tourists don’t seem to like September. (too much threat of hurricanes, probably)
by StillCatwoman on Mar 16, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
hey
that is a good time to go to Disney then :). Went there spring break …………………BAD BAD BAD!!
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
yes! September
Parents have just enrolled their kids back in school and are not ready to take them out of school for a vacation and are afraid of hurricane threats. It is the very best time as far as the crowds go, but it is very hot and humid in September. For weather, September is just like July only by September you are really getting tired of it.
The other tourist slowdown is early January. Everyone that came for Christmas has gone home, and again their kids are just back in school. Things slow down for a couple of weeks around here. I have been at Disney then when you walked straight onto the rides with no wait.
by StillCatwoman on Mar 16, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh
how nice……..I used to live in Longwood. I remember going there in October(but I was 10) and it wasn’t bad either. I told my husband that the next time we go it will be probably in early January. But the bad part is, its too cold to swim.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
yes, mark of a tourist is swimming in January
you never see locals swimming then. We think it is frightfully cold usually. But, people who come from Canada and Michigan and places that are really cold seem to think it is a heat wave and get in the pool.
by StillCatwoman on Mar 16, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
That's funny!
My son is playing AAU ball this summer, (7th grade), maybe we can work him in. He knows how to attack a zone!
Got my tickets!!
I am headed to Memorial tomorrow night to support my Cats! My sister-in-law is going with me – girls night!!!
I believe in Billy G.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Mar 16, 2009 11:00 AM EDT reply actions
Good for you!
Enjoy.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 16, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
i am jealous
i think going to a game at memorial is the classic example of making lemonade out of lemons……
by memphis wildcat on Mar 16, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Female SOBers Represent!
I’m headed down the street to watch the game as well! Honestly, I would have probably saved my cash and watched the game on TV if it were at Rupp, but I can’t pass up a chance to see the Cats (especially PPat and Meeks) in Memorial Coliseum.
I’m tuning out all the negativity and rumormongering for a few days, though honestly at this point, most people’s anger towards this season/the coach has become laughable to me, like when a child throws a temper tantrum in a store and all you can do is stand back, chuckle, and wait for them to cry it out. To paraphrase Chris Rock – this is not what UK fans are accustomed to…but what is “accustomed to”? You go to a restaurant, you’re accustomed to eatin’. When you leave, you ain’t eatin’ no more. They don’t owe you a steak!
See you guys from MC tomorrow night!
I think it will be a very positive crowd
All the old rich folks with season tickets won’t be there to sit on their hands and many of the boo-birds will be staying home.
In my opinion, the only people at the game will be people who really want to be there.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Makes Me Wonder....
…how many UK fans are happy that Rick Pitino didn’t go with UNLV after he left Boston. After all, UNLV REALLY wanted him (as did Michigan)…
"I will never leave you nor forsake you."
--Jesus Christ
P Nearly Returned To UK In 2001 Also
Had the UK coach accepted South Carolina’s offer, Pitino was going to be back at UK.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I hope the Cats make it to the [NIT] final four
Then I can see them in MSG. I’m still pissed about the Garner-Webb loss ruining my tickets to see them in 2007.
the REAL fake Mr. Bob Dobalina
Formerly known as "senowen"
20 of the NIT's 32 teams could easily have been at-large NCAA teams.
All the top 5 seeds in the NIT this year could very easily be NCAA tournament teams this year. Perhaps that is the case most years. Honestly I’m going to have to plead ignorance on this one, because I usually don’t much care about the NIT tournament.
I was in Las Vegas this year at the Thomas and Mack center when UNLV completely destroyed Arizona and their 3 future NBA players. UNLV is very well coached, and they have solid guard play. They defend fairly well, and they rarely turn the ball over. They are really under-sized, but they make up for that by swarming little guys from the back side and forcing a decent amount of turnovers.
If we make past the difficult first round game, Creighton will be a very tough out at home. On that same trip to Vegas, I saw Creighton play twice at the Orleans arena against Fresno State and DePaul. Historically Creighton really defends home court well, and they have a couple of really talented players. This year, however, they have been little less consistent at home than they normally are. Booker Woodfox (besides having a hilarious name) lead the NCAA in 3 point percentage for the vast majority of the year, and P’Allen Stinnett is a likely future NBA player. Their big guy (Lawson Jr.) probably needs to bulk up a little bit, but he is a good shot maker.
On that note, I’ll leave you with a hilarious video of probably the only person that could get away with leading a pig sooie chant to Dana Altman’s face.
Cats lose in first round of NIT.
UNLV gets hot from three point land and season ends Tuesday night. :(
wishful thinking....?
…or just no confidence in our team and.or coach..?
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
fuzzy crystal ball told me. was cracked when i chucked it against the wall....
i wish i could watch them play every week year round. coach is fine.
The
season is still going…….personally I think that for the kids sake we need to give them our support.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
For the kid's sake?
Ha. I’m not going to send them hate mail or anything, but if you really feel sorry for these guys, you haven’t seen the treatment they get on campus. Sympathy isn’t really at the top of my list.
I
have seen the treatment they get on these boards from people like you. I have seen them get booed.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
Here you go with the
“From people like me” crap again. Yawn. You are predictable. If you get a scholarship, you should be able to do some basic things. That’s all I’m saying. I don’t feel sorry for you because you get criticized for not doing those basic things unless someone is being an idiot and threatening your life or something of the sort. Another correction, after the age of 18, you ain’t a kid. That’s another problem with the world anymore, we want to baby people until they’re 40.
the
problem is that you seem to STILL think these kids owe you something. Being the age that I am I reserve the right to call them kids. They do not deserve the venom that is spewed at them because the play sports! Many other kids that go to college get free rides to college or financial aid. Do they get this kind of treatment? No they don’t. Playing a sport does not make you a justifable target. Treating people with respect and dignity is not babying them. Its treating them like a fellow human being that is it.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
Once again do you know how to read?
Because the stuff you accuse me of isn’t in any of my posts. You’re darn right they don’t owe me anything, and I don’t owe them either, so if I want to call them out for not being able to hit a layup, I can do it, get over it. And you know what, when a kid goes to school on an academic scholarship and they suck, they lose it. Doesn’t happen in sports. So getting “venom spewed”(what the hell ever that means) on some blog they don’t read anyways is a small price to pay to still get a free ride and education for not being able to get a rebound.
you
state over and over again that their free ride means that they are allowed to hear anything that you have to say and I disagree with that. I am tired of these insults from you. I feel like insulting you after this stuff but hold back and try to obey the rules……
Tru, I would appreciate some back up on this
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
You start with me everytime
And I have never said athletes should have to hear everything a fan has to say, EVER. Check your facts. What I did say is the fanbase deserved an apology after that South Carolina embarrassment, just like Tim Tebow did after the Florida game. Without fans, these players would just be another college kid. They don’t owe fans one, meaning it’s part of their scholarship, but it was certainly deserved.
I wish some of you knew how much work d-1 athletes put in
It isn’t the cakewalk you think it is. They work their asses off.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I Know
My stepdaughter played 4 years of Volleyball (A-A all 4 years) and 4 years of Basketball (A-A 2 years) of which 3 were concurrent in 1991-92-93.
Div I athletes work VERY hard.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
My brother played in 3 NCAA tournaments for Creighton
And my dad played D-1 basketball as well. I suppose that is why the celebrity status excuse for trashing them kind of rubs me the wrong way.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
No one said it was a cakewalk
But life sure isn’t one either. You guys live in lala land sometimes. I saw the eight million tutors these athletes get. I sat in the classes at precious UK and watched, with my own eyes, the players cheat off their tutors for everyone to see. So I’m sorry if I don’t feel bad that they have to run a few laps in practice.
yea
some may cheat………….I went to an NAIA school and saw some of the basketball kids cheat. I also saw non baksetball kids cheat. They don’t need to lumped together. They have tutors because they miss alot of class and those are their teachers. Cheating is everywhere… It happends ,but my best friend dated a player who had no free time to do anything but basketball. I don’t feel sorry for them because they are doing what they are loved, but I will defend them
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
Next Door Neighbor In My Purdue Dorm Was Athlete
Once he missed a test so they gave him make-up exam.
1. Name 12 months of the year.
He got 10 right. 83% = B on that test.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Who???
doesnt get hot from three point land??? IF UK doesnt block out on the def. end and play smart..then its more of the same……doubt i’ll even watch.
" I believe in pipedreams"
Cats NIT and the future...
Love ASOB…only chance for those of us in Carolina Country to get decent UK insight…my 2 cents…after watching UNC live through it’s Dougherty downfall and Duke it’s Coach K (we’re going to lose 20 games this year, wow my back hurts), my opinion is that if this is the bottom, our floor was a heck of a lot higher than other traditional powers. Check out Bloomington for college basketball hell…or what Boston went through before returning to an NBA championship.
If BCG leaves or gets fired, I fully expect UK to fall to depths this program has never been before it recovers. There is not a decent coach in America that would want to put up with what the program offers. We can complain and wish our teams were more successful, but we can’t live in the Pitino years. Our program was on a steady decline since the 2005-2006 season and bottomed out this year. I believe our Athletics administration will not allow this to happen again and I believe there is no one in the Commonwealth that this has bothered more than BCG. We may not agree or understand, but at the end of the day, we have to support the Cats. It will make the success that much sweeter. Tru, I loved your post from yesterday and completely agree. The fans are not at fault, but certainly part of the problem. UK fans are the best of the best and the worst of the worst, but no different than any passionate fan base. It will take time, but in the immortal words of Ed Harris in Apollo 13, “Failure is not an option, gentlemen!”
This season was not a failure…just a disappointment and hopefully the bottom from which UK will build a foundation for championships.
I Have Only One "Must Do"For Coach G
He must sign the contract ASAP.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
yes
that would make today “Interesting”
by memphis wildcat on Mar 16, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I would say...
A shake up on his staff as well… What’s wrong with having someone with Kentucky ties on your staff..? Especially sense the coach has trouble communicating with the public and/or media, in an intelligent way…
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
The staff is all about recruiting
Recruiting has gone well since Gillispie has been here. Gillispie will replace his guys as fast as anyone, but there is no reason for us to fire assistants just for the hell of it.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Open To Debate
Harrellson and Galloway are not “great” recruits.
Liggins was highly rated recruit but disappointing frosh year.
Don’t understand Donald Williams (scholarship) at all.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
don't ya think...
Galloway and Harrellson were deparation grabs because BCG knew how weak the Cats were going to be this year…after Jasper’s departure, he knew he had nothing at the PG spot and took a flier on KG and same thing with Harrellson…simply had to hope they would make an impact no matter how unlikely…next year’s class if BCG’s first true class, IMO and it’s pretty darn good.
by bradylteague on Mar 16, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
They Were Late Signees
When UK missed out on a number of other possible recruits.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
You can find players like Harrellson, Galloway, and Williams on scholarship at every major school.
You have to understand recruiting is all about building relationships. It is very difficult to swoop in and land a player last minute like we did with Patterson and Liggins. Whithin basically Gillispie’s first year as UK head coach, he got commitments from:
1. Patterson
2. Legion
3. Liggins
4. Miller
5. Galloway
6. Harrelson
7. Williams
8. Orton
9. Hood
10. Vilarino
11. Pilgrim
12. Ferguson
13. Ross-Miller
14. Euton
15. Zollo
16. Avery
I’m not sure there has been a Kentucky coach in history to get more highly ranked players in such a short time.
So yes… Recruiting has been excellent. He might have over-estimated Liggins and Galloway’s ability to run the point in year one, and that lead to the severe turnover problem that ultimately destroyed this season. That also has a lot to do with the fact that there wasn’t much left in the form of a point guard when Gillispie got here.
Yeah, you can shout Jasper, but he struggles with the same things Liggins and Galloway struggle with, and he isn’t a point guard either.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Highly Ranked Players
Patterson, Legion in 2007.
Liggins, Miller in 2008.
Orton, Hood in 2009.
Ferguson in 2010.
All Top 50 or better rated players.
Prince, Camara in 1998.
Bogans, Stone in 1999.
Parker, Hawkins in 2000.
Carruth, Hayes in 2001.
All Top 50 or better rated players.
Recruiting has been good, NOT great.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Recruiting good....
yes…
but, evaluation..? Legion is gone, Liggins may follow…
I would say he is 50-50 in evaluation… hit and miss
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
Pilgrim and Galloway
Transfers and Juco kids don’t show up on recruiting rankings, but it is fairly obvious from what I’ve seen those two kids play at the level of a kid ranked somewhere between 25-75 in the country.
Also keep in mind those Tubby recruiting classes weren’t the problem. In fact Bogans, Hawkins, and Hayes lead to back to back number one overall seeds going into the tournament.
It was several of his later classes like the one featuring Adam Williams, Jared Carter, and Rakelin Sims that got people upset with coach Smith’s recruiting. Alleyne, Obrzut, Perry, and Thomas was a rough class. Then there was his final class where we were into Spring with Stewart and Williams only. Those are the classes that had me questioning his recruiting. You can’t just recruit good players every other year and expect to compete on a national level.
Our new coach has recruited at least 2 top 50 players every year he’s been here so far, and it doesn’t look as if it will stop in the near future.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Also one more thing
It is impossible to deny the level of the program when Tubby took over had something to do with his early recruiting success. Gillispie doesn’t have Kentucky as a “cool” name to work with like Tubby did in his first few years. Sure, you can explain the tradition to kids, but most people we are recruiting currently do not remember a really dominant Kentucky team in their lifetime.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Baloney
UK signed 2 straight NR (Not Rated In Top 25) classes in 1996 and 1997.
If the UK name was not “cool” how did UK sign 3 McDonalds A-A (first time since 1984) in 2004 then?
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Pitino passed on Rondo
We had a bunch of spring scholarships open. He will never repeat a class like that ever again.
Mark my words.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Baloney AGAIN
Pitino passed on Lofton, too.
Both were rejected in summer or fall of 2003.
The 2009 recruiting class at Minnesota is similar to his 2004 class.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
True.
Outside of one year, really, Lofton was a pretty average college player. I fear Meeks might be the next Lofton.
depends
on the help he gets……………..Tennessee had what his name(cannot think of him now) to give the ball to Lofton and create the plays…………Jodie has Jodie. Jodie’s only problem is he tries to put it on his own shoulders. Jodie is a fantastic guard.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
Anomaly
A great many impartial observers have commented on the notable miscarriage of potential of the UK ’04’s and IMO it’s because neither Morris, Crawford or Rondo truly wanted to be at UK or play for the coach. Crawford was a rebound recruit from Wolverines; Rondo — as pointed out — took UK’s bridesmaid offer after being jilted by Pitino; Morris was a cultural misfit whose subsequent actions demonstrated his dissatisfaction.
Regardless The 2004 Class Was #1 Rated
2 are in NBA and 3rd was drafted.
Give the man credit when due.
Sheesh!!!!!
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
As with almost all Tubby coached players
They were more successful relative to their ability after playing at UK than while they were here. Every one of Tubby’s players has exceeded expectations, and that is because they had very little freedom to showcase their talent here. That is one of the things that eventually lead to the collapse in recruiting.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
Why o’ why do we always have to have it out with the newbies?
the REAL fake Mr. Bob Dobalina
Formerly known as "senowen"
Not A Newbie
Just an Oldbie with a different screen name.
A way to divert attention from 2009 results.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I have never posted on this site with another name
I am not new to message boards, but I am relatively new to this place.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
No, Combination Of #1 And #2
Equals #3.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I suppose the word almost wasn't visible to you.
It certainly displays on my screen.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Correction
I suppose in the actual post, I left it out, but it is definitely there in the subject line.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, They Do
Every recruiting service tracks JuCo recruits. Most credit transfers as part of the class, too.
Later classes = #1 recruiting class in 2004 and Top 15 class in 2006. The 2003 class also included Sparks and was Top 20 rated about like UK’s 2008 class. Very similar – 2003 and 2008 classes.
Gillispie’s recruiting is good but NOT great.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
More
Jasper IS a very good PG. Just not on 1 good and 1 not-so-good leg.
UK did not swoop in and land Patterson at the last minute. He was ready to commit in March 2007.
Harrellson, Galloway, D Williams, Vilarino, Pilgrim are not “typical” UK recruits based on their relatively low ratings in HS or JuCo.
Euton has fallen in the ratings. Zollo and Avery are too young to be rated but neither figures to be Top 50 at this point.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Avery
I will be very surprised if he is not top 50. I have seen him play several times.
Jasper is not a great point guard. He is a talented point forward just like Liggins and Galloway, and he struggles bringing the ball up the floor for entire games under pressure.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Not When Jasper Returned
Crawford played 3 and Bradley 2 with Jasper at 1.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
For a short time
Then after Jasper kept getting ripped Bradley brought the ball up the floor 90% of the time. You just aren’t remembering correctly. I am 100% sure of this.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Go watch a game from about halfway through SEC on.
I am right and you are wrong. Bottom line.
Crawford even brought the ball up the floor more than Jasper.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Arrg
Jasper played more three than one and he couldn’t throw the ball in the ocean. Great ballhandler, weak offensive skill set. But definitely better than what we have now, he was a good decision maker.
He might have been better because of experience
But it wasn’t by a lot, and it wouldn’t have saved this year’s season.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
No Kidding
It’s amazing what some people say that they believe.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Jasper Is PG Indeed
He was MVP of 2 AAU tourneys in summer of 2005 playing PG.
Avery is a freshman in HS. No way WHATSOEVER to know his ultimate rating.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Liggins ran the point well in high school too.
High schools don’t play defense.
In fact Liggins is a much better raw ball handler than Jasper. His decision making isn’t as good, and he isn’t as smart as Jasper, but he is definitely better at handling the ball under pressure.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
THAT'S Inaccurate, Too
I live here in Chicago.
Liggins played WF here.
Jasper >>> Liggins as any kind of PG.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope he is.
If he starts shooting, he could be a very dangerous player for us. He’s already the best on the team when it comes to creating shots for himself and others. He’s just not a very good shot maker.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions
He Needs To STOP Shooting
That’s WHY he sat.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I meant start shooting WELL
I can see where that was confusing.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions
How many times did you see Jasper play in high school?
I agree with you about Liggins (although he did run the point a lot in AAU ball which is obviously the comparison I was making). My point is Jasper struggles with the same things. You are forgetting the bad and remembering the good because you are angry with our coach.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Not Angry With Any Coach
Jasper > Liggins (or Galloway) as PG.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Jasper didn't play PG here very much because he kept getting ripped.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Jasper And The Coach Weren't A Good Fit In 2008
So he moved on to UNLV, good for him.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
He wasn't a good fit with the old coach either
Liggins freshman stats: 4.4points, 3.0assists, 2.4turnovers, 17.5minutes
Jasper freshman stats: 3.9points, 2.9assists, 2.1turnovers, 20.3minutes
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Nope
The 2007 team had Crawford, Bradley, Meeks, and Jasper.
Jasper played the role of PG and helped those 3 players score.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Freshman
stats?! Are you serious? You cannot compare a guys freshman stats unless you are talking Carmelo Anthony type of players. Very few freshman make an impact on teams like that. Jasper was not that type of player neither is Liggins.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
That's all I have to work with
I gave anecdotal evidence and it was met with resistance.
Forty was arguing Jasper is a much better point guard than Liggins, but there is nothing I’ve seen that makes that even remotely accurate.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
And He IS That
Liggins is a good player, just not PG.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
we win 5 more games this year w/ Jasper IMO...
USC at home, LSU, at Florida, Ole Miss and Miss State…at least…not to mention Louisville…
by bradylteague on Mar 16, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh good grief.
The madness….
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
this is like a car wreck
i do not want to look, but i cannot help myself!!!
by memphis wildcat on Mar 17, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Assistants Do More Than Just Recruit (Or They SHOULD)
I’m not sure about UK staff. Minor problem, if a problem at all.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
They definitely do more things
But their primary function is to keep recruiting. Recruiting is the single most important aspect of college basketball. I’d put a team’s success rate at almost 75% recruiting.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Not Accurate, Sorry
IF that’s all they do, then I better understand 38-26 record (so far).
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
That is completely contradictory.
If we are talking about recruiting only, then I suppose Rigot, and Hanson are mostly to blame for that 38-26 record.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
You are fighting a losing battle
Forty will outlast you. Mark my words.
the REAL fake Mr. Bob Dobalina
Formerly known as "senowen"
No, I'm Just Not Willing To Read Baloney
It’s as simple as that.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Outlasting someone doesn't mean they are correct.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm fairly good with statistics as well
I’m confident they are on my side.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Uh, young lady (I'm four years older than you, remember?),
if you don’t know what that word means, don’t ask.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
I swear in all my 58 years
I have never heard that word. I actually thought it may be a new pill like Viagra. Should have googled it before my comment.
Now I know.
The Commercials (For Viagra, Et Al) All Use It
And they define it IN THE COMMERCIAL.
Can you imagine a youngster hearing those commercials?
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Okay Priapism
Hopefully there is a drug out there to help these guys. I sure would not want one of them for my hubby or bf. Geez, 3 or 4 times a week was enough for me.
3 or 4 times a WEEK?!!?
Wow… I wish my ex-wife had gotten advice from you!
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Syracuse - Connecticut
If you have overtimes leading to games of more than 4 hours, please call your conference commissioner immediately.
by Gobe Igbloo on Mar 17, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Hobbs, Rigot, Hanson
Coached UK to 131-40 (77%) record.
Better than 38-26 (59%) so far.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
That is irrelevant to the subject of recruiting
When comparing success as a result of recruiting alone, you have to delay things a couple of years to give that recruiting enough time to develop experience. That is fairly obvious to me.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Forty
a question………..what were Tubby’s stats on teams with the most All Amercians verus the least All Americans?
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
lol
it really isn’t a Tubby question………I would ask this of any coach. I just want to see if teams on a conistent basis play better with fewer All Americans in the last ten years.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
No
Not sure how you define All-Americans (HS or college).
Most teams with 2 players the caliber of Meeks and Patterson did better than 20-13.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
No More Tubby Discussion
I’d like to see Gillispie sign better recruits and/or develop his recruits better than the 2008 class.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
UK Recruiting = Top 10 Or Better
1966-68-71-74-76-78-79-80-82-83-84-86-88-92-94-95-98-99-2001-04.
The 2008 class was generally in Top 15 range. The 2009 class is similar. I’d like to see more Consensus Top 10 classes from Gillispie.
His recruiting has been GOOD but not great (yet).
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
ok
again………..NOT TUBBY!!!!!!!!!! If you have stats on Donovan give them to me. I am trying to see if my theory is right. What I mean about ALL American is McD’s. Does a coach either Tubby or Donovan or any other coaches fair better with mulitple all amercians or just a few?Sheesh. That is all I am asking. I am just asking because I know you know UKs stats
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
Anecdotal On Donovan
He signed better recruits in 1998-99-2000-01 but won his 2 NC with lesser rated recruits signed in 2003-04-05 classes.
Generally I prefer a good mix of HS All-Americans, All-Staters, and role players.
That’s generally what the 1978 and 1996 teams had. The 1998 team had fewer HS All-American than 78 or 96 did.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Most important to me
The number of future NBA players on a team. There hasn’t been a single NCAA national champion on the past decade without at least 2 future NBA players on its roster, and most of them have 4 or more.
High school rankings do a decent job trying to predict this, but you can’t always tell until after the fact.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
BTW His 2007 And 2007 Teams
Had just 1 HS All-American.
Maryland (2002 NC) had 0. Syracuse (2003) had 1.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Again though
Those teams both had multiple future NBA players, and that is why they were so successful.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
2005 UK Team
Rondo, Morris, Hayes, Azubuike, Crawford (eventually) are 5 NBA players.
2003 team had Bogans, Fitch, Daniels, Hayes, Azubuike = 5 more NBA players.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
see
that is what I am thinking and BTW thanks for the stats. I knew you would know. I think its easier to coach a “team” with less all stars. I think that is why Tubby, Donovan and others seems to have success with it. I think that while alot of us are preaching better recruits we need to be careful for what we wish for. Don’t want a handful of premadonnas.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
I Think You Need Talent
Just not necessarily HS All-Americans.
The 2002 UK team had more HS All-Americans than any other UK team of the past 20 years.
And yet, 22-10.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Eh...
North Carolina does pretty good with a roster chock full of AA’s.
I think it does require the right kind of coach to mix those egos.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Pretty Good
3 NC over the past 40 years with a gaggle of HS All-Americans most of that time.
No one one does less with more than Tar Heels.
Michael Jordan, James Worthy. Future HOFers and NBA Greatest 50 Ever players.
1 FF in 3 year at UNC.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
"No one one does less with more than Tar Heels."
Hahaha!
It’s funny, b/c it’s true.
cal at memphis
has recruited top ranked classes AND sent guys onto the NBA.
some joke that he “just rolls the ball out and lets them play”
in the case of memphis great recruiting has equaled great success…….
by memphis wildcat on Mar 17, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
completely agree...
supposedly it has to do w/ the morals clause, but who knows…my only concern over this situation is it’s kind of like a woman who has an engagement ring, but doesn’t set a wedding date…there generally seems like something is amiss…my wife and I were engaged for three months and we just jumped in and got married…and no, it wasn’t a shotgun wedding! ;)
by bradylteague on Mar 16, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
If I am Todd and Barnhart
I tell him after the season that you either choose to sign a contract, or you choose to coach elsewhere.
ok
tell me this everyone………..why is this contract so important if the MOU is so binding?
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
To me, it's important because it's a public commitment,
kinda like getting married. Oops, I hope not to offend the living together community.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Exactly
MOU = diamond ring.
Contract = wedding.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions
No offense there
I had a live-in guy for a year and I basically per his words “Drove him away” because I expected too much from a dang Yankee. I am glad he went back to Ma.
Fans vs Coach
There is an old saying….“if you want to change someone else..change yourself first”..this could apply to our fans and coaches….As fans we need to quit being so angry…we are like kids who grab their ball and go home because the game didn’t go their way….The media often sounds relentless and tacky…..We (fans) should not get caught up in the hysteria…Support the team and Coach…Look forward to growth and change…and know if we fire BCG …now..well…it will take much longer to get the program to new heights….
….Let’s look forward..and LET’S SUPPORT OUR DESERVING BOYS..
(surely we can all agree that the boys are deserving of our support) Massive negativity will get us nowhere
exactly...
plenty of people wanted change from the Bush years…look what that got us! :)
by bradylteague on Mar 16, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Move along. Nothing to see here folks.
whispering
None of that political talk here please
the REAL fake Mr. Bob Dobalina
Formerly known as "senowen"
I thought that what
this board was all about.
Don't worry
Now that my 4 years in Lexington are up, we’ve got to be better next year. God has been punishing me, or possibly my entire class, for some reason. I would not be surprised to see that after the worst 4 years of UK basketball in my lifetime (the ones in which I called the E-zone home) we turn around and have an elite 8 or final 4 run (assuming that the administration isn’t completely nuts and doesn’t get rid of BCG after this season, that happens and then we’ll see how far down we can fall).
At this point I just want to see us click and make a run in the NIT. It’d be better than an early exit.
I wanna hear
Some bold predictions. None of that Dicky V I’ll take the top four seeds in the final four crap. I’ll start it off, no ACC team makes the final four…top that.
I like Mizzu to make the final-4...
How’s that..! lol
Mike Anderson has a very quick and dangerous team this year and he knows how to coach in the dance…
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
I think that's an easy claim to make
I go Kansas, Memphis, Pitt, and Oklahoma for my Final 4.
Pitt over Memphis in the title game.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
To add to your no ACC prediction
I predict that the only ACC team to make it to the Sweet 16 will be Wake Forest. And I predict that no one at ESPN will mention how ridiculously overrated the conference proved to be this year.
the REAL fake Mr. Bob Dobalina
Formerly known as "senowen"
I have the same
Wake as the only Sweet 16 team from the ACC.
I have UNC losing to LSU and Duke losing to the Golden Tubbys.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Roy won't lose in the first two rounds with this team.
If he doesn’t get his point guard back, he will lose in the sweet 16 though.
What is the story with Lawson?
Is he scheduled to be back for the tournament? Will he be healthy? I don’t see UNC with a healthy Lawson losing to anyone, but that is a pretty large if.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
With Lawson they have to be one of the favorites
without him they didnt look the same in the ACC tourney
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
He's Won 80% Of His Game Over 20 Years
And close to 75% of his NCAA games.
Must know the difference between X and O somehow.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Totally disagree
Its hard to say that when he has gone to countless Final Fours.
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
Semantics
He has been to 6 Finals Fours in the last 18 years…1 out of every 3 years
that is pretty good in my book
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
And one championship
With all that talent. I could have done that. Sorry guys, stats don’t win championships.
Multiple championships are actually pretty rare
The stars have to line up just right.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Not really
You have the most talent, you should win. If you’re allowing the stars of weaker teams to align, you’re being outcoached.
UK Had That (Most Talent) In 1948-49-51-78-96
But not in 1958 or 1998.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
You beat me to the punch
I was about to provide 1998 as point-in-case. Duke clearly had more talent than UK, but Tubby outcoached Coach K, easily.
Coach K DESPERATELY needed a timeout there close to the end
I loved how Tubby didn’t call one when Duke so desperately needed one….. Although he did call one closer to the end, it was (sort of) too late for Duke.
LSU Beat Kenny Walker's Team in the NCAAs
The Wall Street Journal has a story today (subscription required) by one of their reporters who was a student at LSU at the time and how he and two of his buddies drove all night to get to Atlanta to see the LSU-UK game. UK had beaten LSU three times that season already. These three kids bought tickets on the street and ended up in the middle of a UK contingent. LSU did not lose 4 in a row.
A commenter posted this:
“One of the top moments in LSU basketball history — I was a junior at the time and remember running out the front door of the Phi Delt house as we won the game. People forget that Dale Brown took two LSU teams to the Final Four in the ’80’s with virtual nobodies. Later, he had Chris Jackson, Stanley Roberts and Shaquille all on the floor at the same time and couldn’t win a tournament game.”
I guess next your going to tell us Dean Smith wasnt good either
10 final fours and 2 championships from 1961-1997 with all that talent
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
11 FF
But one of a fe with Losing W-L Record in FF games.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
If I had
Jordan and Worthy on a team, I’m pretty sure I could find a way to at least get one. If you’re expecting me, as a UK fan, to say anything positive about North Carolina, please pass the gonga.
If we could get you a contract, daniel,
would YOU sign it?
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Young man, that's spelled g.a.n.j.a.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
I
think that we have some low seeds making the elite eight. I forsee possibly only 1 number 1 seed getting in. I don’t know,need to look further but I believe that the number 2 seeds will dominate this year.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
There's definitely
No clear cut favorite. I had purdue to win it all at the first of the year. Not sure I can really put money on that now.
To darken the clouds hanging over the Big Blue Nation
I feel I must warn you that Louisville will win it all. Them versus Pitt in championship game.
Other tidbits…..K and Calhoun get into a fistfight, Williams loses his hairpiece during stunning loss to Prairie View A&M and Vitale has a heart attack during game and is rushed to deep freeze until technology allows him to be thawed. Cinderella cuts her foot on damn broken slipper and Calipari pays PA system folks to play Dangerfield before Memphis takes court and after EVERY timeout.
Louisville
gets beat by morehead st. ..first #1 to lose to #16…heard it hear first :)
" I believe in pipedreams"
That's why I never used to want Kentucky as a #1 seed
Someday a 16 is going to beat a 1, and that team will live in infamy. I used to dread that it would be Kentucky.
(Sadly, we have a greater chance of being the 16 seed that upsets the 1 these days!!!!!)
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
A note to all who get in
Enjoy Memorial. Walk around and read the bronze stars dedicated to our world war 2 heros and take in everything. After all it is the “House that Rupp built”
Especially These
http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/Statistics/playermilitarykia.html Ghosts who never made it back home…
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I have heard you talking about far western KY
my parents are both from Carlisle County so I spent a lot of time in the Purchase when I was growing up. I remember places like Symsonia which must be pretty close to you.
by StillCatwoman on Mar 16, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Do I need to share my visceral hatred of all things that have to do with Marshall County again?
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Marshall
county BAD BAD BAD!!!! :). My girls team ran into them before…………….BAD BAD MARSHALL :)
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
Tenken
Better watch your p’s&Q’s when in Marshall. The Lady Marshal’s are TOUGH. Boys not bad. Won “Sweet Sixteen” in1959.
not with me
I don’t have any connections with Marshall County other than having been there a time or two. :)
by StillCatwoman on Mar 16, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I still give Marshall County the old "one finger salute" every time I pass the county line!
;-)
Got railroaded through their legal system for a speeding ticket about a decade ago when I actually wasn’t speeding. I still remember how rude the deputy was and I’ll never forget his name or the smirk on his face.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
HAHAHAHA
Chirop, you can’t escape Marshall County. We’re everywhere. We’re coming to get you.
Hey oldcat, I also live in the MC—actually, it sounds like we are in the same part county too.
by blue kentucky girl on Mar 16, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes,
Ilive about 10 miles frim Symsonia. Which by the way represented the first region in state tournament in 1960.
Poor choices+
Does anyone think that Wisconsin, Michigan or Minnesota are better then or more deserving then South Carolina. Having watched the big 10 it is weak and sub par. Seven choices to three for the SEC is unbelievable. We can all agree that UK doesn’t deserve a bid but the others were snubbed. We know non of the teams left out could win it, but it was still unfair.
I Can Only Answer For Minnesota
Gophers played 15 games against NCAA teams with 7-8 record.
Top 40 RPI. I think 5 W over Top 50 RPI teams.
Big W over #1 overall seed Louisville really helped earn their bid.
South Carolina has only itself to blame. Faded at the very end.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
That's true
I wouldn’t hang my hat on the Big Ten teams quite as much as I would argue the inclusion of Arizona. Last year I felt they justified including them just to keep “Lute’s” streak alive for when he came back this year… now that he’s officially gone, I don’t see how they justify a 19-13 team who was lost 4 of their last 5 games as an at large inclusion to the tournament.
If that’s the criteria… Georgetown wasn’t far from being a NCAA team!!!!!
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Did beat anyone
Neither S.Car nor any other of the non-NCAA SEC teams really beat anyone OOC and did not perform particularly well during conference play.
Michigan beat UCLA, Duke, Illinois and Purdue.
Minnesota beat UL, Ohio St. and Wisconsin (twice).
Wisconsin was a poor choice IMHO and did not deserve the nod over St. Mary’s (who beat San Diego St and Utah St.)
the REAL fake Mr. Bob Dobalina
Formerly known as "senowen"
Gophers Beat Illinois, Too
Not the greatest resume but #10 or #11 seed (last 5 in).
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly
The only SEC team with more than one quality OOC win that did not make the NCAA was UK (K St., WVa), who as we all know, shot themselves in the foot with the late season meltdown.
the REAL fake Mr. Bob Dobalina
Formerly known as "senowen"
Arkansas certainly did not deserve a bid
but they did have more than one quality OOC win:
- beat Oklahoma
- beat Texas
I watched Illinois play probably 15 times this year
They are absolutely terrible. They hang their entire success this year on an early win over Missouri, and 2 wins over Purdue when Hummel was hurt. Kramer was hurt in one of them too. They just aren’t a very good team, and I actually like Kentucky’s chances against them… especially if Frazier is still hurt.
Minnesota’s best win was over Louisville around Christmas when Louisville was playing terrible. Louisville also lost to WKU, and UNLV around that same time, and they almost lost to UK. Minnesota obviously had a very good gameplan going in and executed well, but I am pretty confident it would be a different story if they were to play again.
That UL win is definitely big for them, but I just think that is the only really good win they have.
Then again, their more conservative defense kept them from losing to bad teams like VMI and Georgia, so I suppose he’s doing something right there.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Illinois Had A Fine Year
- seed. Not even CLOSE to missing NCAA.
Minnesota had a good, not great year.
W over Louisville, Illinois, Ohio St, and twice over Wisconsin.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 16, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Those three and especially Arizona
however, I think Creighton, and St. Mary’s deserved to be in before the SEC teams.
by #3 on Mar 16, 2009 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Game 1
I will be in attendance, for my first game ever in Memorial. 8th row, foul line area. I am pretty pumped, regardless of the circumstances.
I am taking my dad, it is his birthday.
Ah, blue,
look around you. There is a lot of history there in Memorial Coliseum. Two national championships, the Runts, a huge handful of All-Americans, and despite what Coach Rupp liked to sarcastically say, a lot of sweat from a lot of guys who laid it all out there. I wish I could be there for the game. Probably wouldn’t see much though, for all the thoughts and memories running through my head.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Memorial Magic
I won’t be going to the game but I can’t wait to watch it. No,I’m not happy UK is in the NIT but for them to play a meaningfull game at Memorial is pretty special. Last week I was listening to one of the Lexington sports talk shows and the host was talking about a possible NIT game at Memorial. He had an idea that I thought was great. He said since the UK game at Freedom Hall wasn’t drawing that big of a crowd anymore,they should move the game to Memorial,make the tickets first come-first serve and make a real event out of it. I thought it was a great idea.
had been thinking that this might result in one game a year in Memorical Col
would be a great link to the tradition of UK.
maybe over the holidays when attendence at Rupp is down. although it would be nice to see MC filled with crazy, screaming fans
by memphis wildcat on Mar 17, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Awesome
That would be a really great idea!
I believe in Billy G.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Mar 17, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Last I heard
Memorial tickets sold out for UK but that more may be available from the UNLV allotment.
Now what does that tell you about UK fans.
i honestly just cant wait untill nexty yr. i think approaching the nit as a pre pre season tourney is a good idea. next year, man i just cant wait untill next year. we basically have jj reddick and shelden williams (jodie and ppat) like duke had a couple years back. all we’re missing are some role players and miller/galloway/liggins/ the new guys im hoping can step up next year.
New to site
Guys I am brand new to this site just signed up, Im liking it though… I am a LifeLong Kentucky fan and Im behind Gillispie but I just dont see why not try to talk to my all-time greatest Wildcat Travis Ford. He would love to coach the Wildcats Im sure and I personally would love to have him… Just my thoughts GO BLUE!!!!
We have a Coach
Travis maybe up the road. He coached here at Campbellsville University for a few years and then went on. Of course he married a C-ville gal. He needs more Div1 experience.
Memorial Venue
Last time I was in Memorial, it was a preseason blue white scrimmage with Pitino as Coach. What is the total amount of seats?
Do not have a NIT bracket. If the Cats win a few games, will they come out West? I traveled to Aniheim, Ca to see 1st round game in 2008
There is a NIT bracket on another main post here
Seats 9000, and sold out this morning with maybe a few left from the UNLV allotment.
Tonights Game
I am SO excited about going to the game tonight. I am getting a new shirt for the occasion. It simply says, “G The Coach” I have wanted it all season and I cant think of a better time for wearing it to show my support of our Coach! Go Cats!!
I believe in Billy G.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Mar 17, 2009 9:42 AM EDT reply actions
I have a shirt that says "In Billy We Trust"
I really hope he can turn it around next year so I don’t have to turn it into a rag.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
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