Kentucky 67, Notre Dame 77: Postmortem
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:20 PM EDT
in Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
Email
Print
Well, it came sooner than we hoped, but it probably came when it should have. Notre Dame was simply the fresher and better-shooting team out there tonight, and the dismissed the Wildcats from post-season play by making the shot that has haunted Kentucky all year -- the long ball.
Congratulations to the Fighting Irish on an outstanding victory. They showed great determination and grit in the face of a serious UK charge at the end that just fell short. The Irish shot the ball lights-out from the perimeter, and managed to manufacture enough open looks from three to get Kentucky in a 17-point hole halfway through the second half. That was just more than UK was capable of coming back from. Good luck to Notre Dame for the rest of their NIT run, and kudos for a great game.
As for Kentucky, well, they played hard but they did not look like they were fully recovered from the last game. Sometimes, turn-arounds are tough, and this was one of those times. Billy Gillispie and his charges have almost always played hard this season, but too often, miscues have been the difference between success and failure. Today, it was players simply taking plays off on defense, and allowing the open Irish shooters way to many good, clean looks. When a team makes 12 threes on you, your ods of winning go way, way down.
I didn't expect UK to hold down Harangody, he is just too good a player and Patterson is too valuable to risk the number of fouls it would have taken to play him the way you have to to keep him under 20 points. What I did not expect was for both Ayers and McAlarney to have 14 aind 15 points respectively, and Meeks to have only three points to show for his efforts deep in the second half. Jodie eventually got it going, but it was just too little, too late.
Further observations:
- Gillispie's demeanor as coach has markedly changed. He now pulls players aside and spends time with them when they mess up instead of just getting in that crouch and shouting a sarcastic comment at them. Interesting.
- Perry Stevenson was once again back to hesitating. He has to stop that.
- I thought Porter played pretty well, but he struggled fighting through screens and with Jackson's quickness.
- I took Kevin Galloway's name in vain several times tonight. Sometimes, that kid is capable of the most boneheaded things.
- Darius Miller is still a freshman. That showed up again tonight. One rebound in 21 minutes?
- You look at Patterson's line and you see 18 points, but then you see seven rebounds. Against Notre Dame, one of the worst rebounding teams in the tournament. Kevin Galloway had as many rebounds as Patterson did.
- Speaking of rebounds, want a stat that hurts? 37% OR's for Notre Dame, a team that averages 31%
- AJ Stewart sure isn't shy about shooting the basketball.
- Jodie Meeks went 12 minutes and 12 seconds between shots in the first half. What the hell?
- Ball game boys and girls #1 -- Points off turnovers: Kentucky -- 2. Notre Dame -- 17
- Ball game boys and girls #2 -- 2nd chance points: Kentucky -- 6. Notre Dame -- 13
- Ball game boys and girls #3 -- Scorers in double digits: UK -- 2, ND -- 4.
- Ramon Harris did not play much in this game. That really hurt us. Word is, he has a slight concussion, and it looked like it when I saw a shot of his eyes right after he sat on the bench. With Harris out there, I say Ayers never reaches double-digits, and Harris has been doing great things. He had two assists and 3 rebounds in only 10 minutes.
Well, the moment is finally here. Our long journey through the Seventh Circle of Hell that has been the second half of this basketball season is over, for at least a few hours. Depending on the outcome of the great "evaluation" meeting, we could spend another 4-6 weeks vacationing there, tearing each other to ribbons with recriminations and angry invective. After that, our prize will be to move out to the regular Hell that Notre Dame Football has been in for over a decade, and that Alabama football only recently left after ten long years. Something to look forward to, I guess.
I'm not totally sure, but I think the Devil knows we're here.
119 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Never thought we'd get around that Fourth level
All those dudes pushing rocks? Man, you couldn’t walk anywhere!
by TheFakeGimelMartinez on Mar 25, 2009 11:24 PM EDT reply actions
Heh. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I really don't know who I want to be the next coach if Billy G. is let go...
At this point, I’m just numb by it all…
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
I feel ...
… kinda the same way. Only I haven’t had a drop tonight. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Patterson
had 6 rebounds in the 1st half.
I couldn’t believe he had only 1 afterwards!
Such a sad, sad state.
I feel no anger or resentment but just a deep sorrow for the players, the fans and what increasingly appears to be, the ex-coach.
"Yeah, the guy wearing the $4,000 suit is holding the elevator for the guy who doesn't make that in four months. COME ON! "--GOB
by Thomas Hunt Morgan on Mar 25, 2009 11:29 PM EDT reply actions
On the bright side ...
… we have crushed all previous traffic records on A Sea of Blue into a fine powder, rolled them up and smoked them. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
way to
not have the site go down. KSR has crashed like 3 or 4 times tonight.
Heh.
We have SBN Blogs that get more hits in one week than KSR and ASoB get in a month, combined. We have serious horsepower behind this site.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Post Game Presser
Patrick Patterson’s words about staying at UK and getting better were a comfort for next year (with or without BCG). I realize he is just a 20 year old and could change his mind but…. I do not think he will be a 1st round draft pick.
Hopefully, Todd & Barnhart will make the intelligent business decision to help BCG make the adjustments they want (including signing a contract) and let him bring the recruting class for next year with both JM & PP.
Just watched the Liggins interview,
he is not so sure if he’ll be back…
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
Vince
I live in Oregon. Liggins on Lexington channel or ESPN?
by blue oregon on Mar 25, 2009 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions
A lot of you seem Dejected
This is Kentucky basketball!
we’ve been in worse situations before and we always get back into the national picture. Have faith in our program. It may not happen immediately but the Big Blue always rises to the top.
Oh, no doubt.
And it could still happen next year. Or not. It depends.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Vince
Billy does not always let every player speak to media. Do you know if the the media has access to all players?
Some thoughts
I have been quiet as of late regarding the Coach. I think he deserves 1 more year to show progress, and if progress is shown, he needs to stay. Patterson and Meeks should retrun. Daniel Orton is a man-child. Hood is solid and Miller is developing nicely late in the season. I think GJ will be better at point guard and will push for playing time early. If BG returns the starting line-up will be:
Point Guard: Don’t know this one
Shooting Guard: Meeks
Small Foward: Miller/Harris – with Hood and Stevenson as solid back-ups
Power Foward: Patterson – Harrelson and Stevenson back-ups
Center – Orton – Harrelson back-up
This team will have more depth and talent. With this line-up (as long as a point guard emerges) could be Top 10.
If BG leaves, I fear Meeks and Patterson take off for the NBA (even thought they would benefit from staying). The current class will then be up-in arms and may ask for releases from their LOI. It is too late to recruit for the 2009 class (for a new coach).
The only way a new coach works is if it is a cocah currently still coaching (meaning his team is in the Final Four) and this coach already has recruits who will come with him, but this is unlikely.
If we fire BG, It could potentially be a 2-3 year set back. Next year the team will have 4-5 seniors, and Patterson will likely leave. So why not give BG one more year, if it doesn’t work then let him go, as there will be plenty of room to fill on the roaster, but give him more year!!!!!
Just my thoughts,
Lane Laird
No way Orton comes if Gillispie goes.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
I fear that's true.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
unless
we find a coach who is “impressive” on paper and who is an especially good recruiter, or a coach with strong NBA ties.
Phil Jackson just announced
that he is tired of the NBA rigamarole and will be coaching UK next year……
Haha!
The Zen master. Maybe he can figure out a way to make Porter play like John Paxon. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Add Pilgrim Somewhere
Hood gets 10-15 mins behind Meeks at SG.
Meeks needs a back-up. He can’t play 35 mins per game. He wears out as the season goes on.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 25, 2009 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes
Well I think Hood will be able to play multiple positions and back up Meeks some (like you said). Porter would fit better as a back up to Meeks. Let him run off screen and knock down some open threes. Miller can play the 2 position some too. Also, Konner Tucker can play the 2 as well.
Lane
I Don't Much Care WHO But Meeks Needs 5 Mins Rest Per Half
25-30 mins per game keeps him fresh for games in March.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 25, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes.
I believe that is so.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions
welcome back. How was the Joyce Center?
by Gobe Igbloo on Mar 25, 2009 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
It's Not My Favorite Arena
Been there only twice. I prefer Mackey Arena 100 miles southwest.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 26, 2009 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
LL
Rational thoughts! Nice change from the Billy haters.
by blue oregon on Mar 25, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Harangody
Still mad at him for choosing ND over Purdue. We (Boilers) would be #1 seed in NCAA with him at C.
He leads the nation in 20+ pts, 10+ rebs games, more than POY Blake Griffin. Heard that on postgame ND radio show on WLS driving back to Chicago.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 25, 2009 11:44 PM EDT reply actions
He's a great college player.
That’s for sure.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Tru
What’s your thoughts on Meeks ‘shutting down’ for nearly 15 minutes tonight?
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
I have none.
I don’t know if he was tired, or just trying to let the game come to him, or whatever. I doubt it was a conscious decision, because he was working very hard to get open.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe I see someone on the grassy knoll.
But something looked out of the ordinary to me. I can’t say I ‘saw’ enough to even make a guess. I was just perplexed.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
You see that ...
… from time to time. Maybe fatigue, maybe just thinking too much about not taking a bad shot. I don’t sense anything nefarious, just not one of his better games.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Yea, most likely.
But defensively Notre Dame doesn’t get any more weak at the guard position. It’s not like they have a lock down defender out there.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
Well ...
… all I can say is that Kyle McAlarney was really in his face all game. Maybe they just didn’t know they had one until tonight. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
He Was Limping In The 1st Half
Not sure why but he didn’t have his juices flowing.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 25, 2009 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe he was just sick with the bug that I had the last week. Heck who knows.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
When I shut my eyes I can still see Harangody abusing the Cards.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
My memory of him abusing Kentucky ...
… is still right before my waking eyes. But, that’s what great players do.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
doubts about Barnhart and Todd
If Barnhart and Todd think that it is OK to hire a person…then not offer any support after he has only been here 2 years..I truly question their ability to understand an athletic program….After the way Tubby was treated….and now this…. Also Liggins sounded like he might now be back..however, I think there may have been some academic issues.. I honestly think that Todd and Barnhart have hung the guy out to dry…….In front of the whole nation..that is a shame…..
Tubby Was Treated Just Fine By Most, Including Those 2
A few fans, maybe not.
He CHOSE to leave for another job. He’s happy there.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 25, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Forty
I am relaying the perception, not necessarily what really happened to Tubby. The perception is that Kentucky i hard on it’s coaches.
by blue oregon on Mar 25, 2009 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd Fight That Perception
Not hard on Rupp, Hall, Sutton, Pitino, or Tubby.
The first 2 retired. The 3rd got what he deserved. The last 2 took different jobs.
Gillispie is still the UK coach.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 26, 2009 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm Glad He Did
10 years was enough. He’s happy.
Mitch may or may not have hired the right guy. 2 years isn’t enough time to know.
But Tubby-2-Minnesota was the right move for him.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 26, 2009 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I
am glad he is happy and my statement was tongue in cheek. He deserves Minnesota. I am happy for them. I hope he does well there. I just wish for this whole mess to be a nightmare
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
Pitino was wrong...
losing Tubby didn’t set us back 10 years it set us back 19 years. But the good news is that Kentucky still has the studs to get to the NCAA, with or without Patterson. All we need is the right coach and SEC championship can happen in the next two years. We just need a guy who can turn a program around and we’re back on top in just a few years.
Well ...
… we still have to wait for the official word.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions
FFL
I can tell you living in another state. Folks think Kentucky basketball is brutal on it’s Coaches.
Well ...
… that perception has certainly been validated this season, no matter what happens with Gillispie.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions
blue oregon
nope..right here in lex/////I see Dr. Todd all the time…I still feel situation is not right this is a mess and they have not helped….It has been hard on the players..they should not have to put up with this….
I have said this also. And still do.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Mar 25, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
all
the griping that we do about not knowing………..I really feel for them. You are totally right about this
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
10Ken
Not knowing just doesn’t make sound business sense whether you want BCG or another Coach.
Stable sports programs and honest, reliable recruting the best players possible is the live blood of College sports. Not to mention cut throat and extremely fragile on the best days!!
by blue oregon on Mar 26, 2009 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Neither Divine Or Comedic
Another ASoB literary lesson — a near regular feature thanks to Tru. In reviewing my Dante it would seem that personally - and perhaps applicable to all UK fans - this season was more of the 2nd level of Hell: a place for those of us who, forsaking all else, lust after victories; and for our transgressions we are continually battered by the winds of unfulfilled desires; and because we have abandoned reason in our relentless search for pleasure we are condemned to the unforgiving storms of insidious mediocrity.
What we need is a savior/redeemer and heaven help Barnhart and Todd if they don’t find one.
The Players
I feel sorry for the players. These are just kids having to put up with this. BG gets paid a lot to put up with this, but the players are just kids who want to play b-ball. I know they get a free education, but they don’t deserve this.
Lane
P.S. Good night all, hope the rumors end soon and we know what if BG will be back or not – Officially
FWIW
NIT attendance 2009
South Bend, IN
capacity—————11418
ND vs UAB -———-2039
ND vs New Mexico-3013
ND vs Kentucky——7636
Meeks and Patterson
It is my humble opinion that Meeks should not try for the NBA next year…He will get eaten alive in the pros at this point..he does not want to be like Crawford….in never never land Patterson would really benefit with one more year in college…Lucky for us……Neither family need their kids to go to the NBA Lets hope for a good outcome….
It is always worth
going through the motions this year whether or not he actually goes. If he can get good feedback f, he can improve those areas of his game accordingly.
My quick
thoughts are as follows……..I feel that BG needs one more year. If he is let go then it will set this program back in so many ways I cannot count them. I felt last week that he might be mistreating the players and I feel now that I was wrong…….very wrong. I know this might seem small but who was out there when Ramon was hurt? Billy. That shows alot of care and concern about a player and not someone who just cares about himself. I think that Billy really cares about his players and cares about teaching them the game. I feel that he needs one more year to sink or swim. I am so proud of what these players tried to accomplish this past week. Its not easy to be in the NIT being Kentucky I would imagine. I have seen so many teams in the past years feel dejected after being left out and not put their hearts out and get knoced out first round in the NIT. That didn’t happen. Notre Dame got hot tonight and we lost. He deserves another year. Nothing bad will happen if he stays for one more year but if he left now, then I can see so many negative things happening for our Wildcats. I hope that the right decision is made.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
I agree
and that is why i believe Mitch will only get rid of bcg if he has a big time name that makes us all say “billy clyde who?” – i just do not see that he has had time to make sure he can line that person up so how can he get rid of him.
maybe i am underestimating the ad – its going to be along 48 hours or so…..
by memphis wildcat on Mar 26, 2009 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions
well
I just read on KSR that Todd confirmed the meeting between he and BG last Friday…….you know the one that all of us were wondering about. No announcement will be made before Friday. That tells me one thing(and I am not claiming any for certains here) but BG is gone. If he was staying then it would have already been announced. That also means that when BG kept saying the other night that he was concentrating on the present not the future that he knew he was no longer going to coach at UK. I am very upset with the University of Kentucky right now. Very disappointed in them. I feel that they are waiting for a yes on someone and that is why the annoucement will come Friday and I am afraid it will be Donavan or Pelphrey. Its not a coach in the sweet sixteen. Just my gut talking which has been wrong before
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
If he was leaving
and if the decision is already 100% made, then he would have been fired by now – and they would not wait until Friday for a meeting with a lame-duck coach.
there is a good chance that they have mostly made up their minds – or perhaps have a long list of conditions that they would ask BCG to agree to before they will allow him to come back…
That is the only rational explanation I can think of for this protracted situation.
I disagree
with you but you may be right…if he was staying it stands to reason that Todd would not have said “no comment” when asked about the situation tonight…….per ESPN radio he is gone though.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
I think
also that Vaught is right…….this decision came before last week. I think that they have been working on a coaching search. Shoot, I could be totally off on this but they aren’t going to get caught with their pants down again.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
coach
Pelfrey is not ready……Donovan….does he bring his Dad with him..?…We will think BCG treated the team like Kings..compared to Donovan…and when he gets mad,,,I have a very close relative with 25 years at Florida in a job that works with the Athletic Department…..I think with Todd and Barnhart it is the “single life” that they object to..
They both share very very similiar religious views….
wow...I don't have an account there so I can't read the details...but wow
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
I think
I heard at the tail end on ESPN radio that Billy has been fired.
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
I heard it again
and its “sources” so take it for what its worth……ESPN
I don't care who is coach as long as Kentucky is Kentucky!
Harris...
can the man take more than a nudge without getting a concussion. He needs to man up or go back to Alaska. Even the head on collision with Porter was BS, Porter got the worst of it and he was back out there within 5 minutes with stitches. So sick of him and his little “boo boo’s”.
As far as BG being fired, I will be ashamed to be a Cat if that is the case.
I'll be ashamed to be a Cat...
… the day I criticize one of the players because he got a concussion. Unbelievable.
Give me...
a break. They couldn’t find anything wrong with him after running tests for days in the Porter collision. As soon as he gets to the hospital during the Alabama game he pukes and says hes fine. He saw someone else hurt last night, just like he did with Porter and didn’t want to be upstaged. Drama queen.
Anger of This Coaching "Controversy"
Todd & Barnhart could not be doing a worse job of handling this matter. If they indeed let BCG go, I think the honorable thing to do is for Barnhart to follow him out the gym. I say this out of this simple fact. If BCG is not the right coach for this team then Barnhart made an absolute pathetic decision to hire him. See, Coach G is now who he was when he was hired. He is no more single than he was 2 years ago. He is no different when talking to the press. He did not employ a zone defense at his last job. He in no way misrepresented himself.
Furthermore, if BCG if fired and there is not a Grade A coach at the news conference being announced as the new head coach, then Todd needs to go as well for allowing Barnhart to make such a mess of UK basketball. These two have the fate of the storied program in their hands. As fans we are powerless to do anything about it. Good fans sit back and have faith that the custodians of our beloved team will use due diligence to make the right choices for the program. Clearly if BCG is gone, Todd and Barnhart will be admitting that they failed in that endeavor. They are failing us even now with their silence.
I supported Pitino & Tubby when they were coach and was upset at them for leaving. But I understood. When BCG was announced as the new head coach I had faith that the right person was chosen and that a new era of Kentucky basketball had begun. When my fellow fans started criticizing I was upset but understood. Now, it is almost like I am hearing an oopse, my bad coming from the second least person, next to their surgeon, a UK fan would ever want to hear that from.
Where is CM Newton when you need him? These two could actually be doing more damage to the program than probation. Enough already. Find a coach, stand behind a coach and lets play ball!
100% agree...
the program went down after Newton left
Notice What Ultimately Happened After IU Fired Bobby Knight
Disclaimer – RMK deserved to be fired.
BUT ultimately the IU AD and President moved on.
I think Mitch and Todd may deserve the same fate.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 26, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
The BOT Does
Brand wasn’t fired but “nudged” over to work for NCAA directly.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 26, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Have come 180 degrees
I have been a fierce critic of BCG for most of this season, however, I recently have become, if not a fan, at least a supporter of our coach. I have noticed small differences in his coaching style over the last few games. He is making more moves, he is talking to the players more, he is complimentary in his post game remarks. All this under the most intense pressure of a “death watch” over his tenure at UK. I have come to admire the guy, don’t get me wrong, there are still many things he could do better, but in my opinion he is trying. Of course it could be too late, but I really hope not.
Billy deserves one more year, at the least, to get his players on the floor. Firing him now, would be the greatest mistake that Todd & Barnhart have ever made since they came to KY. The reasons have been well enumerated by many posters to this site. Count me as a convert and one more (in the minority it seems) voice for keeping coach and let him sink or swim based on next year’s product.
You are not the only one Bluegilla
I think there are a lot of UK fans, who after watching last night’s game, and seeing the emotional pain in BCG’s face as the final seconds ticked away, are beginning to change their minds concerning BCG. My brother, who during the midst of the Cats losing 9 out of 13 SEC games wanted BCG’s head on a platter, has also come around and now believes that a coaching might be devasting to the UK program. My bro has also seen the same changes in BCG that you speak of above.
I have been a BCG supporter since he was hired. I am firm believer in his system. Like him, I hate zone defense. I love the way the Duke’s, Pitt’s and UCLA’s play suffocating man to man defense the entire game. Last I heard those schools were doing pretty good without playing zone defense. Are there things BCG needs to work on? Absolutely. Be he is a relatively young coach who needs to be able to adjust to the “fishbowl” that is being the head coach at UK. 2 years is not long enough for him to fully adjust in my opinion. I have been in the “camp” that UK’s struggles this year have been due in large part to the players, not the coaches. There was eveidence in last night’s game. Galloway lolly gagging after his man on defense while his man hustles to get a 3 point shot. Porter making a pass to Stevenson, who wasn’t even looking at him. Galloway turning the ball over 5 times. BCG did not make these mistakes, the players did. If BCG had more to work with in the way of more talented or experienced role players, no way this team misses the tournament.
BCG does deserve one more year at least. If he doesn’t get it, then Barnhart/Todd better have a “slam dunk” hire lined up. Otherwise this mess could last many more years. Like most UK fans, I’m not sure I can take many more years like the last 4.
I am the same way...
Watching him on the side line, after games, in interviews… i can’t help but feel sorry for the guy…
I think he tried to conform, (a little at least), in the NIT… I wish he would get another year, at least…
We are all jumping to conclusions that it’s a done deal, (me included), but we may just get a shock… Billy was trying to conform, maybe they will give him one more year, who knows…
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
I would like to believe that...
But when Larry Vaught, yesterday while being interviewed by a South Bend radio station, states that BCG was informed last week by Todd/Barnhart that it would be best if he and UK parted ways, leads me to believe a change will be made. I think that is why you could see the pain on BCG’s face at the end of last night’s game. He knew it was his last game as UK coach. I think tomorrow UK makes the announcement that BCG/UK are parting ways. I hope not, but I believe that’s what might happen.
A "Slam Dunk" Hire
Last night one of the commentators for the game said this,“if KY fires Gillispie after only 2 years then perhaps the athletic director didn’t go deep enough into the hiring process.” It just looks ridiculous to hire someone with all the hoopla attached, nationwide, and after only 2 years decide that, uhhhhhhhhh, maybe we made a bad choice!!!!! COME ON!!!!!!!!! We’ll be the buttboys of the college athletic world once again. Man I hate this crap!
The great Mike Casey.
He was a great player in high school.Louisville teams were dominating the State Tournament when he was in high school.His team beat 2 Louisville powerhouses on the same day to win the State Championship. At that time it was considered impossible to do.I watched both games and it was and is still one of my favorite times because most of the state had grown weary of the Louisville teams winning every years. THANKS MIKE. The whole state mourned when you broke your leg. I missed a lot of your career in college because I was drafted into the Army and was in Viet Nam. I did get to see you play Notre Dame one year. Your performance as the middle man on the fast break that night was Super. Only Larry Conley ever filled the middle lane as well as you did. it doesnt seem to exist anymore. All we get today is the old dull Tubby type put you to sleep offense. I hope you recover and live 20 more years.
The Second Last Sentence Is BS
That particular coach won 76% of his UK games (and 72% of his career games) with that particular style.
Did the 2003-04-05 UK teams put you to sleep?
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 26, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
When we had tubby
I was confident that he would win a matchup with any coach if he had identical players as the other team. However, he wasn’t a perfect coach.
Some people liked his style of play and others didn’t. I personally love a tough defensive team, and I thought the ball-line philosophy was great.
However, the offensive philosophy was much more stagnant – especially in the halfcourt than a lot of teams we had in the past.
For a program that popularized the fast-break, I can see how some might have considered it “putting me to sleep” offense – even when we were winning (my father for one)
UK And Fast Break
Yes in 1960’s and 70’s.
No in 1980’s.
Yes in 1990’s.
No in 2000’s.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 26, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
You might want to take a look at 1964 and 1965
Breckinridge County – a small school was runner up in 1964 and won it all in 1965.
What's your point?
I saw them in every game in both State Tournaments. Were you referring to “filling the middle”?
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
No
The other poster said Louisville (HS) Teams Won Every Year.
They didn’t win in 1965.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 26, 2009 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
UK and NOTRE DAME
Your comparison about UK and Notre Dame football is correct. Billy G. is our version of fat Charley Weiss. If you don’t like me calling him fat take a look at him.They owe Charlie so much money they can’t fire him. UK has done the same thing. Gave an unproven coach a fortune to take over one of the greatest programs in history who had never proven anything. UK still owes Billy G.more money then any of us will ever make.Tell the controllers of the program to sell a few race horses and hire a real coach this time. It is sad to say this as many have already noticed.Billy G. does act a lot like Bobby Knight.As he has indicated many times he only answers to him self.
Also NOT True
I ride the commuter train here in Chicago with Big Time $$$ ND booster. (He gave me his seats for last night)
Weis is being retained because his recruiting has restored the talent to ND levels. But he has been given a specific Must Do target for 2009 season.
He MUST get ND into BCS bowl or he’s gone.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 26, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Regardless He Knows He's Gone If No BCS Bowl In 2009
The talent is there. ND has clearly told Weis what he must do.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 26, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Community Guidelines
[UPDATED 01/18/2012]
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
