Kentucky Basketball: A Sea Change
by Glenn Logan on Apr 2, 2009 8:27 AM EDT
in Commentary
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PrintAs you would expect, events are moving very rapidly now as UK assimilates its most recent head coaching hire. There are reports that G.J. Vilarino will ask out of his LOI and that K.C. Ross-Miller will open his recruitment back up and is no longer committed to the University of Kentucky.
The latter is no real surprise, but Vilarino does surprise me a little based on his earlier comments. I suppose, though, having a coach tell you that you just don't fit into his system is all anyone needs to hear to see the handwriting on the wall -- players want to play, not get a free education and a great seat to watch others play. It goes without saying that with Vilarino's change of heart, the way is getting clear for the addition of at least one more player, and possibly as many as two. But we'll let events unfold instead of speculating wildly.
What I really want to discuss this morning is the sea change that has occurred in Kentucky basketball. It is pretty clear from all the Sturm und Drang we have seen in the Big Blue Nation over the last four years that the change will be very much for the better, but as with all changes, there will be adjustments, uncomfortable moments, downright disagreement and angst. The good news is, here is a chance for Kentucky to reinvent itself -- instead of going the way of smack-talking ignorance that we have seen so many times before, the Kentucky fan base has an opportunity to become much more than a distraction to the new Head Men's Basketball Coach -- we can become a driving force that will help him channel and focus his considerable ability on turning this program back into what it was up until about 2005, and perhaps make it even better.
Typically, though, we have seen what Alan Greenspan once referred to as "irrational exuberance" -- over the top commentary, suggestions of unethical and rude behavior, careless rumor-mongering and abuse of coaches past for perceived slights or disappointments. That frustrates me, because Kentucky now has an opportunity once again to show why our tradition makes us the most storied and one of the most revered college basketball brands in America. The very fact of Calipari's coming to the Bluegrass is powerful evidence of this.
What we must not do in the full glare of the latest media frenzy is fall into the trap of becoming what the media has tried to convince everyone that we collectively are -- a bunch of semi-literate hillbillies who have nothing better to do than run off qualified coaches and generally behave badly. Yes, I know that this rep is undeserved. Yes, I know that the only coach we ran off was Billy Gillispie. I know all these things, but reality isn't reality -- perception is reality. We have chance here to demonstrate by our actions the lie of that perception, and I hope we will embrace that opportunity just as thoroughly as we have "embraced the hate."
Another sea change that has been discussed a little but not nearly enough is the change in actual basketball we will be seeing around here. Much has been written about Calipari's "Memphis Attack Offense," also known as the Dribble-Drive Motion Offense. What Calipari's offense is, oversimplified to the extreme, is a series of clear-outs for players at various areas of the floor. We have seen this offense before at UK -- only not as an actual offense. Instead, it would be a play or strategy to take advantage of a mismatch, normally at the point guard position where you have a major quickness advantage. Think Wayne Turner vs. Steve Wojciechowski in the 1998 Regional Final game.
Calipari's offense (we'll talk about his defense later in another article) is essentially a four-out, one in offense where the inside player stations himself on the weak-side block. Everyone else spaces themselves far enough away to essentially create a one-on-one situation with the offense initiator. The initiator takes the ball on the dribble and attacks the basket, having three options on his drive -- A layup if he defeats his man off the dribble, a skip pass to an open shooter depending on where help comes from, or a dump down to the low post inside man. I note again that this is a simplified description of the offense that doesn't take into account Calipari's innovations (of which there are many).
The success of this offense, in its most basic form, is predicated on the following:
- Man-to-man defense -- a zone defense clogs the driving lanes, and makes it hard to run this offense.
- Good shooters -- the DDMO (known by its inventor, Vance Walberg, as "attack, attack, skip, attack, attack" or AASAA) is designed to produce one of three outcomes: A layup by the driver, a layup by the post player or an open three pointer. Medium-range jump shots in this offense are rare.
- Players who can beat their man off the dribble -- You don't necessarily need to be a great ball handler, because the idea is to open up enough space that help can't come without a penalty. What you have to be is a good decision-maker -- you need to know when to break off the drive and kick, or when to take it all the way to the hole. A high basketball IQ is very important, and so is a quick first step.
As I noted above, a zone defense is the antidote to this offense. Guarding areas allows the defense to help more easily and spread out less, clogging the passing lanes. But the zone is a percentage defense -- it tries to force you into low-percentage shots farther away from the basket. Good shooters make the zone unattractive, and attacking the zone in the DDMO is pretty much the same as attacking a zone in any other offense -- try to get the ball into vulnerable spots below the top of the key and force rotation, then quickly move the ball to the open jump shooter.
The reason Calipari's offense requires great players to be effective is because you need to have more than one offensive initiator. Ideally, you want to be able to initiate the drive that starts the offense from any spot on the perimeter, which makes it very hard for the defense to react. In reality, you will probably only get three players who can initiate the offense reliably, but that is usually enough. That's what Calipari means when he said at yesterday's press conference when he suggested that if you are slow footed or unable to defeat your man off the dribble, "... I can't hide you." This is an offense for an athletic team that can do two things very well -- penetrate and shoot.
Calipari must be able (and has been able) to recruit at the highest level to run this offense, and he has been because it is so attractive to players that succeed on the AAU scene, because it is so similar to what they wind up running in high school and on the AAU circuit. The offense is free-flowing, not based on set plays, and showcases the athletic skills of players, and is all about getting up and down the floor and to the rim as fast as possible. The DDMO is the basketball equivalent of the Spread Option Offense in football (as Ken so perceptively noted the other day) -- it is designed to isolate players in space and allow them to make plays.
The last great sea change we are going to have at Kentucky is a celebrity coach. Tubby Smith was gentlemanly and a pillar of the community, Billy Gillispie was harsh and insular, but John Calipari will be a media superstar in the mold of Rick Pitino. The state of Kentucky arguably has two of not only the best coaches in America, but the two most quotable and most approachable. That cannot be anything but good for the Commonwealth, and could well elevate the UK-Louisville rivalry above, or at least level with, the Duke-UNC rivalry. That game will become must-see TV for everyone in the country again, and will capture the imagination of both fan bases. The back story of the two coaches' long affiliation and familiarity (as well as competitive rivalry) will stoke the fires of the annual clash to levels unseen in the Commonwealth since the renewal of the dream game. I can barely hide my excitement at this prospect, as that game has lost a bit of its luster of late. No more.
In summary, with the hiring of John Calipari, Kentucky has changed many things, including how we play basketball, how we recruit, and how the Kentucky program will be perceived on a national level. This is an exciting time, but it is important for all us fans to seize this opportunity to show the country just what it means to be a UK fan -- the pride, the passion -- but also the class, collective quality and élan that makes us the greatest fans in the world.
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Heh.
Yeah. I started to make the connection even more obvious, but decided not to be gauche. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I don't think we should change a thing
Coaches come here in large part because of the crazy fans. Just like with the Yankees. Yep, you might get booed but if you succeed(jeter), you become an idol. Plus Rupp is boring, the fans aren’t that crazy there, but I know you’re talking in generalities. I say if you start accepting mediocrity, that’s exactly what you’ll get.
I'm not asking for mediocrity.
I’m asking for sanity. I don’t think that’s too much.
At least, I hope not.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I would say
Someone who expects a championship every year, regardless of talent, and puts for sale signs up in former coaches yards even when they’re still getting the team to the tourney. The ones who take the stuff so personally that they make silly attacks on people over a sport. Basically, Tru. :)
I would add ...
… fans that run around spamming other team’s sites telling them how great UK is or how much their team sucks. Stuff like that that reminds you of posing for the camera after a score, or making some other unsportsmanlike victory celebration.
We need to act like we’ve been there before. If we stick to that, we should be good.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Most of that sort of thing..
is kids. Or adults acting like kids, but mostly the under 17 crowd. They have the time on their hands to do that stuff…(says the guy who has gotten almost no work done this week because he has been following the drama)
Kind of like the definition of pornography ...
…“I know it when I see it.” :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I'm just glad we don't
have a speedo guy.
"Learned to love the Cats at a young age, via tape delay."
You do know, don't you,
that Speedo Guy is now a pastor? Supreme irony.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
I must admit....
at times this season i found the Rupp crowd a little docile. I’m not sure whether to equate this to an aging season ticket holder base or the downright stupefying decisions made by the last coach!
Have you ever been in Rupp? Historicly it Rocks!
Sounds like a personal problem:-)
I’ve been all over the place, and I’ve never had a second of difficulty staying awake or being into the game.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I expect it will be real rambunctious starting next year.
But I have to admit, I am not enamored of the Cameron Crazies model. I just think that’s undignified and unworthy of a program like ours. I would like to see a better section for the students, though — I think the ERUPPtion zone is a little to far off the beaten path.
But then again, we gotta put the $$$ in the good spots. How else can we afford this guy? :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Oh,
don’t be too hard on him. I think he actually has some “special” circumstances.
You are probably just jealous of his killer dancing ability, aren’t you? ; )
What?
That guys awesome. Lighten up a little, its a sporting event, not the governors ball, I’d rather our arena be as loud and responsive as possible. Dignity isnt a factor for me, I’d rather see our fans standing and cheering than the current massive block of old folks sitting and occasionally clapping.
Maybe its me, but I enjoy the game best when standing and yelling, emotionally attached to whats going on on the court.
Disagree
Maybe it’s an age thing but I love the Cameron Crazy model. I dont think the vast majority of people who actually get to sit in the lower arena truly appreciate what they have and think that the CC model is a big advantage over the opponent when playing home games. At the very least both endzones need to filled with students. I dont see it as “unworthy” that just seems kind of pretentious. I feel like our fans should enjoy the game by participating not just “taking it in”
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
I would go both end zones and the section behind the TV announcers...
That way, when you see a close up… it always looks crazy.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Thats called nacalepsy.....
I would vote for a rearanging of the seats to put more students in lower arena, but all in all the place literally ROCKS!
Bluehairs
The season ticket holders wont get off their butts and cheer on their team. It shouldnt take the team to get the fans excited. The only time Rupp cheers is when the CATS are doing something good. Fans in Rupp should be more vocal and supportive of their team and try and lift the CATS play not the other way around.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
Thank you, thank you ;)
Please send tickets to me at the following address….. lol.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Dont worry about that.
I dont do paint. Its itchy. :)
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
painting up
is far and away the best way to show your fan hood at a game.
by BleedinUKBlue on Apr 2, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah.
You make your parents real proud when you do it. To me it screams “hey look at me, I need attention!”
I disagree
While I have never and most likely would never paint myself blue I think it demonstrates passion and enthusiasm for your team.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
I'm with ya
Painting up is not an attention gimmick, its actually very humbling (cause you look like a lunatic walking downtown in February). Its about passion and getting into the game.
Annoying? I dont know why something like that would get to anyone. If anything I would think the commitment would make cat fans proud of the BBN.
Watch it.
I resemble that remark.
I still get excited, though. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
The Florida Game Was An Anomaly
I was lucky enough to get lower arena tickets for the Florida game this year and the crowd was amazing.
I was shocked though, when with 1:30 to go in the game I saw people in the lower level start to head for the exits. We were totally in the game and everyone could feel that it was going to be a nail-biter, but there were still season ticket holders that only cared about beating the traffic home.
That to me was embarrassing. I know that there are people like that at every place, but it still bothered me to no end.
Nice post Tru.
I have to admit, the changes of heart for Vilarino and Ross-Miller concern me a bit.
Regardless of who our coach is, this team is in desparate need of a solid point guard. Best case scenario, of course, is that John Wall walks through that door. Even if he does, however, he’s likely one-and-done, leaving us without an experienced PG for the 2010-2011 season. That means we would have to recruit another stud freshman—that’s just a lot of continuous pressure on the PG position.
Vilarino (rankings vary, but anywhere from high 80s to low 90s, and won lots of accolades in Texas this year) and Ross-Miller (ESPN grade 90) could both be solid, if not very good, point guards for UK, and would serve as go to guys in the event John Wall doesn’t come, or in the event John Wall-esqe PG’s don’t come often.
Of course, if any coach has the ability to remedy this, it’s Cal, but I was resting easy knowing that two serviceable PG would be with us in the coming years.
If John Wall does not come, and someone like Bledsoe doesn’t come (and now we’ve lost Vilarino and Tucker), where are we next season? Porter, Liggins, and Galloway, and each of those are maybes if they’ll even be with the team next season.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
Neither Vilarino or Ross-Miller
said they would not come. They just said they would reopen their recruitment. It is likely neither will ever play for UK, but should Wall and Bledsoe not come, they might change their minds.
Well, I agree somewhat about Ross-Miller, since he has more time, but Vilarino has asked out of his LOI and Kentucky
has granted the release. That tells me he won’t be coming.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
Vilarino more than "re-opened"
http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/2009/04/third-uk-recruit-gone.html
According to Vilarino’s dad, his son will not attend UK and is looking elsewhere. He said the family spoke with Coach Cal, and they decided it would not be a good fit.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
When 3 or 4 players are offensive initiators
is there a need for a traditional point guard?
Liggins & Galloway seem to fit this offense well (except for shooting the trey). Miller and Jodi should thrive. Harris might surprise us. It will be interesting to see how Patterson adjusts to facing the basket.
On Jodie
I hope Cal can improve his dribbling skills. Last season he drove into too many congested areas and lost his handle. Of course he probably felt that at times he had to score and forced many more shots than were necessary. Next season will be very interesting. Damn! Is it seven months away!
Jodie
Running this offense for a year should really improve his handle and decision making IMO. My only gripe about Jodie to date is that he doesnt often make plays for his teammates. I think the dirbble drive will help better his decision making off the dribble and lead to more assists from Meeks.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
There shouldn't be as many congested areas
if this offense is run correctly. Meeks, or any player, is asked to beat only their and then make a decision.
I checked out .....
the stats for Memphis this past season. Nine players played in 30+ games. Five were listed as guards, one as guard-forward, and three as forwards. The top two scorers averaged a combined 30 ppg with the other three also averaging almost 30 ppg. Four averaged in double figures and the fifth was at almost 9 ppg. This tells me there is plenty of room for at least 9 players to get quality playing time. The top 4 coming off the bench average 13-15 minutes per game. After the “one and done” talk it was worth noting that Coach Cal started one freshman, 2 juniors and 2 seniors. Just some interesting stats I thought.
Cal's last two teams have been built around one-and-done point guards
Rose and Evans. And of course talk for next season at UK is largely about Wall, who will almost certainly be one-and-done no matter where he goes. So I guess there’s the balance between not really “filling” your team with one-and-dones (one per year isn’t exactly a major trend), against the fact of making them the focal point during the one season they’re in college.
by WildcatFanInDC on Apr 2, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
If we start ot recruit the best players
in the country, we are going to get some ond and done types. Just a fact of life. It’s fine with me. :)
"Learned to love the Cats at a young age, via tape delay."
It certainly seems like Coach Cal...
thinks is is, considering he went hard after, and got, the best point guards in the last two classes (Derrick Roase and Tyreke Evans).
Without a top tier scoring point guard I don’t think this offense gets you very far. Apparently our new coach feels the same way.
The argument can be make that neither Villarino or Ross-Miller is a scoring point guard. I believe that both are more true point guards. But I also think that if Coach thought either would be a great fit or he couldn’t get someone (Wall, Bledsoe or Dennis) to come here, they would still be committed.
I don’t like this scenario, especially when it comes to Villarino. That kid was all in for Kentucky from the word “go”. But we knew changes were coming so we gotta suck it up. I hope both kids find a school that fits with them and they become All Americans.
Agree very much.
You put that very well. I do think that in Vilarino’s case, it was likely a “gee, we’d love to have you here, but I’m just not sure you’d work in the system or see the floor a lot.” Considering that Cal recruited Vilarino at one point, I’ll trust he knows what he’s doing.
You never know, he might feel like he can do a lot with Liggins and/or Galloway.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
A Teutonic Tone?
Sturm and Drang. I love it. Now all we need is some Wagner in the background for introductions next season and we have our own version of Flight of the Valkyries!!!
Love your writing. I honestly look forward to each new posting.
Where do we currently stand with UNC on the race to 2000 wins? Is it a possibility that we can get our 2000th win at home when they come to visit next year?
That would be amazing
Expect to reach 2,000 wins in early to mid January 2010.
All-Time wins at end of 2008-2009 season:
1. Kentucky 1988
2. North Carolina 1981 – 1983
3. Kansas 1970
————————————————————————-
When is UK likely to reach 2,000?
UK is 12 wins from 2,000 all time wins.
12 wins is probably not possible before playing North Carolina. They were our 2nd game last year, our 6th in ’07-08, our 7th in ’06-07, our 7th in ’05-06, and our 5th in ’04-05.
12 wins might be possible by the time we play Louisville.
They were our 15th game last year, our 13th in ’07-08, our 10th in ’06-07, our 10th in ’05-06, and our 8th in ’04-05.
If UK starts 12-0, we could have 2,000 by New Year’s.
In ’08-09, our 12th game was on 12/22 against Tennessee State.
In ’07-08, our 12th game was on 12/29 against San Diego.
In ’06-07, our 12th game was on 12/22 against UMass.
In ’05-06, our 12th game was on 12/30 against Ohio.
In ’04-05, our 12th game was on 1/9 against Kansas.
Perhaps 12-3 is reasonable expectation for next year.
In ’08-09, our 15th game was on 1/4 against Louisville.
In ’07-08, our 15th game was on 1/15 against Miss State.
In ’06-07, our 15th game was on 1/6 against Mississippi.
In ’05-06, our 15th game was on 1/10 against Vandy.
In ’04-05, our 15th game was on 1/19 against Mississippi.
In ’08-09, we started 12-4. Our 16th game was on 1/10 vs. Vandy.
In ’07-08, we started 12-9. Our 25th game was on 2/9 vs. Alabama.
In ’06-07, we started 12-3. Our 15th game was on 1/6 vs. Miss.
In ’05-06, we started 12-6. Our 21st game was on 1/21 vs. SC.
In ’04-05, we started 12-2. Our 14th game was on 1/15 vs. Georgia.
Most likely to occur in mid-January 2010.
————————————————————————-
When is Carolina likely to reach 2,000?
North Carolina will be 17-19 wins from 2,000 all time wins (depending on what happens in this year’s final four).
North Carolina’s 18th game was on…
In ’08-09, 1/17.
In ’07-08, 1/16.
In ’06-07, 1/17.
In ’05-06, 2/2.
In ’04-05, 1/22.
In ’08-09, NC started 18-2. Their 20th game was on 1/28.
In ’07-08, NC started 18-0. Their 18th game was on 1/16.
In ’06-07, NC started 18-2. Their 20th game was on 1/24.
In ’05-06, NC started 18-6. Their 24th game was on 2/22.
In ’04-05, NC started 18-2. Their 20th game was on 2/3.
Most likely to occur in late January 2010.
————————————————————————-
by CalipariCat on Apr 2, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
UK Started This Year At 1966
UNC started at 1950.
UK had 22 W. UNC has 33 W and counting (I think).
So UK 1988, UNC 1983 right now.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 2, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Whoa
That’s a LOT of research. I am simutaneously grateful for and disturbed by the amount of work that must have gone into that post. ;)
by WildcatFanInDC on Apr 2, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Correction
North Carolina currently has 1982. They will end the season somewhere between 1982 and1984. So they may need as few as 16 wins next year (if they win it all), possibly as many as 18 (if Villanova beats them).
Link To Jon Scott Website (Tally)
http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/ncaatrends.html As of start to 2009 season.
UK was 22-14. UNC is 32-4 and counting.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 2, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
We've lost 27
games in the past two years and not done very well in tournaments. We probably should’ve already had them or been within a few games. Sigh…..
"Learned to love the Cats at a young age, via tape delay."
Good research on this
Rec’d
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
Coach Cal visited Orton last night
27 Sportsfirst also spoke with Daniel Orton’s father Larry, who said the visit was great. Larry Orton went on to say that they will make a decision in the coming days on whether or not to re-open his sons recruitment.
Mr. Orton added he feels his son would fit well in Calipari’s dribble drive offense.
http://www.wkyt.com/sports/headlines/42306367.html?source=enews&c=y
GBB!!!
Liggins-Ross-Miller
Ross-Miller and Liggins could be brothers. They look a lot alike.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 9:14 AM EDT reply actions
Heh. I also think
Ronda and Vilarino could be brothers.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
6"
With the exception of height of course.
Return to Glory!
Good to see that UK fans have their swagger back! I had thought it might take a couple of actual wins for full restoration.
Best of luck for the coming seasons.
Um, thanks?
Gotta love those backhanded compliments.
by blue kentucky girl on Apr 2, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Dream Game
I’d like to learn more about the history of the Dream Game. Can anyone point me to a wiki page or something?
I remember my father telling me the story when I was a kid, sitting in a pickup truck at the top of a mountain in South Carolina trying to hear the UK game on a crackly AM radio.
I think Matt Jones made an argument on ESPN that it is a better game than UNC/Duke. Does anyone have that audio?
I live in Durham, NC and I’ll want to have my facts straight when the game comes around next year.
by from_left_to_right_on_your_radio_dial on Apr 2, 2009 9:30 AM EDT reply actions
Hello All!
Just wanted to introduce myself…my name is Dan and I have been reading this blog for over 2 years now and never had the initiative to actually sign up so I could post. Tru…your writing is fantastic. I am so happy to be able to say that for the first time in several years I am anxiously awaiting the season to start even though it is over 7 months away!
welcome aboard
if you have been reading for two years, then you know what a great blog this is and the quality of people that are around it.
i've been waiting for this moment all my life...but it's not quite right.
Thank.
Thank you for reading. Glad to have you with us.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Great post!
I am in total agreance that a portion of the BBN could use a serious attitude adjustment! This is a perfect time to try and generate this. We are the University of Kentucky Wildcats the winningest team in CBB, the most storied name in CBB! Lets act like it!
I’m getting warm and fuzzies thinking about this renewed UK/UofL rivalry!
Were back like the 90s!!!!!!!!!
On Jodie...
The DDMO will actually be beneficial to Jodie in terms of his ball handling. It spreads the floor and makes help defense much harder. Jodie always seemed to have problems in traffic but one on one, he does fine. Not Ty Lawson fine but he’s quick enough to beat many people off the dribble. Where his handle is suspect is in traffic and this offense will help, as will having teammates around him that can score as well.
Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi
That's ...
… kind of what I was trying to get at there. :-) Great point.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
More importantly ...
… expect TONS of wide-open looks from three. How many of those bombs this year did he have to chuck over a poor screener’s defender as well as his own? And he STILL made them.
Go watch Memphis play and see how many shots Mack and Anderson got with no one in their grills, or Sallie in the NCAAs this season.
And I agree on Jodie’s ball-handling. That is the biggest hurdle to a long NBA career.
The Heart & Mind of the Big Blue Nation ...
Ding! Ding!
Jodie must work on his ball-handling and decision making this offseason. I believe that if he doesn’t get a handle (yes! pun!) on this, he might start to lose minutes. That translates to lost $$$ in the NBA.
C’mon Jodie!!
When are we...
Going to start calling this thing “The Wildcat Attack”? I mean, we have stolen inherited almost everything else from Memphis…
How much does "perception = reality" in this case?
While acknowledging the unfortunate fact that more than a few people in the media do characterize UK fans as an ignorant mass of coach-running-off spoiled brats who expect national titles every single year, I’m not sure how much effect that’s had. It doesn’t seem to have prevented one of the elite coaches in the country from accepting the job and embracing it—ALL aspects of it—100% in his very first public appearance as the new head coach.
And I think the media perception has been different this time around than it was two years ago. The national talking heads who don’t specifically cover college basketball have more of a tendency to go for the easy conventional wisdom, but the college-hoops-specific media often has a different angle.
On ESPN, in particular, I think the reaction was different this time around because the coach-dominated ranks of their analysts, right, or wrong, genuinely felt that Tubby (an extremely accomplished and universally well-liked coach) had been mistreated by UK and its fanbase. But the far-less-accomplished BCG, who also had far less cachet with the major media, really has (I suspect) been seen as underachieving at UK, even by the coach-worshipping talking heads.
I don’t remember any of them putting it quite that bluntly, but just after BCG was let go, I heard A LOT of talk from ESPN college bball analysts about UK’s tradition and how the high expectations are commensurate with the program’s amazing record of success over the years. I strongly suspect that this was their way of saying “their coach really didn’t get it done as well as he could have,” which they don’t like saying directly for various professional and personal reasons.
CYA-ing to the hilt...
Kentucky will be a headliner for them starting next year. They see this move as a positive for their bottom line because interest in Kentucky is back to being national rather than regional. Some of these guys have completely changed their tunes about the program’s attributes in just two short years. Away from ESPN, several have said the job was even less attractive than it was two years ago.
Great post Tru!
The BBN has needed some mojo injected into it and Calipari should do that. I like the fact that top flight recruits will get to “know” the name Kentucky in the coming years. Whether he wins a championship or not the buzz will be good.
One quick question: with the “new” NCAA rule on players graduating, how does that affect a program when they recruit a one and done type player? For example, let’s say Wall shows up and then leaves next year won’t that count against our graduation rate? Can they finish out of school and not count against it? I know the rule says something aobut if x-amount of players don’t graduate then the team loses a scholarship or more until the rate comes up. Any ideas?
GO BIG BLUE!!!
The answer to this ...
One quick question: with the "new" NCAA rule on players graduating, how does that affect a program when they recruit a one and done type player?
In a word — negatively.
The biggest damage is done by what is called, “0-2’s”, which are players who leave early and not in good academic standing.
A player who leaves the program early in good academic standing does not hurt nearly as much, but the cumulative effect of those can be a problem.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
thanks for clearing that up
i wasn’t sure what the ramifications would be. so it’s cool to get the kids but only on a limited basis it seems.
Bottom line ...
… you need players to graduate. Same as always.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Great post TRU!
how bout UK’s new slogan…Envy our past…Fear our future!
GO BIG BLUE!! WE WILL BE BACK!!!
agree
we need to bring it…however i live in louisville and grow tired of UL fans comparing their tradition to ours so this slogan is a much more polite way of telling them to shut the hell up.
GO BIG BLUE!! WE WILL BE BACK!!!
Bah
we just need to beat them. I think we have a hell of a roster next year anyway, with or without John Wall. Wall doesn’t come, Cal will get a decent PG…maybe Liggins will wake up.
For the record, I’m in Houston TX, and I like sporting my UK stuff, but I’m about to get pretty obnoxious about it really soon.
Still, I won’t wear that slogan, it seems weak to me, like begging for attention or thumping my chest.
Just sit still and wait for the wind to drop.
Maybe...
Liggins will do better in a new offense perhaps?
The Smart Play
If ever there was an offense designed for an individual player it would seem to be the Wildcat Attack — I like the term — for DeAndre Liggins. Ah, but the inevitable caveat: as Tru noted, decision making is an attribute on par with physical ability in executing said offense. It will be engrossing to follow Liggins’ (providing he remains on the roster) development.
thats what sports are about
chest beating,of course we need to win,but we are UK there is nothing wrong with a little celebratory slogan announcing that we know our past is better than everybodys and our future looks great.i am a little surprised that some of you all think this is silly.
GO BIG BLUE!! WE WILL BE BACK!!!
Hey man
to each their own, I’m just a contrarion by nature and bringing up past and future events is like talking a lot of smack before a brawl…why not just sport your colors and brawl?
cool
but if you lived(assuming u do not) Louisville and had some of the ignorant Ul fans i have as friends you would like the slogan as much as me.but on the bright side i have not been so optimistic about UK’s future in ling time
GO BIG BLUE!! WE WILL BE BACK!!!
I hate it
just because I think it’s tacky. I am pro- smack-talking and trash-talking actually, but anti- how obvious this is. It’s in the same spirit as those bratty, desperate shirts in the “Your boyfriend wants me” vein. Ick. IMO, of course : )
by blue kentucky girl on Apr 2, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL!
I had one of those shirts a LONG time ago! ;)
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey
I said it was a LONG time ago, and I never said I was proud of it. ;)
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
You said that already.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Nope
That would have been my “I Love Billy G” shirt. ;)
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Did you want a man
With a slow hand? My brother lives in Texas and they’re all kind of mad at us due to our Billy G treatment. I was out there two weeks ago, told them to worry about spring practice and leave basketball to us(though I liked billy g a lot too)
Treatment
I am mad at us due to our Billy G treatment!
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Miss Tink
Are you the young lady that they interviewed ar Billys presser?
Happy Days are here again
The sky is all ways BLUE again
Happy days are here again
No
it was’t me, but she sure seemed like a very bright and intelligent young lady IMO. ;)
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
That's why I thought of you!
Happy Days are here again
The sky is all ways BLUE again
Happy days are here again
I used to have a
“Blondes have more fun” tee. Actually I probably still have it somewhere, but I just feel so obnoxious wearing it! Every time I wore it, I always walked around wanting to tell anyone who read my shirt “hey, I’m really not this full of myself!”
by blue kentucky girl on Apr 2, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Neighbor
are you at work?
Happy Days are here again
The sky is all ways BLUE again
Happy days are here again
yes
and clearly, I am working super-hard!! Y’all, don’t tell my boss I’m cruising a UK blog on work time ; )
by blue kentucky girl on Apr 2, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL
I used to have quite a few of those types of t-shirts and LOVED wearing them. Maybe I was a bit obnoxious and full of myself in my younger day ;)
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes - yesterday.
LOL! You are cracking me up! ;)
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Did you ever sport
One of those “No Fear” shirts? I might have to break one of mine back out for work tomorrow. I haven’t seen one since the last NASCAR race I attended.
Nope
Never had a “No Fear” shirt. I did have a few “Just Have To” shirts. Remember those? “Just Have To Play Softball,” etc. Lol.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I had a few of the "Co-Ed Naked..." Shirts
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
My favorite tacky shirts I ever saw
Were at Kentucky Kingdom back when I was in 7th grade…
There was a couple walking in front of me wearing shirts that said “I’m hers —→” and “I’m his <—-”.
I know, I know… not a big deal… until I tell you this next part… they were walking on the wrong sides of each other!
It ended up saying “I’m his <—-” and “I’m hers —→”
So the arrows were pointing at random people around them in the crowd. Good stuff.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
I bought my husband
an “I’m with stupid” shirt with the arrow that points to the person walking next to him (me). I’m sorry, but think that’s downright hilarious.
by blue kentucky girl on Apr 2, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
That's awesome
I picture Tinkerbell wandering around with a shirt lambasting other people’s boyfriends…
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Shirts
(Gasp!) Me?? LOL!
When we get our ASOB shirts, I want mine to say “Tink” on the back. (OK, Tru?)
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
no matter how you feel...
it’s not the University’s slogan—hands on or whoever is printing shirts made that up. so at least it’s not official position to be bratty and desperate.
that's true
If it were an official slogan, now THAT would be pretty bad.
by blue kentucky girl on Apr 2, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree agree
No needed hot sauce this next season. Let just get relevant again before we start touting success.
Can't be worse than the UofL shirts that say...
“Got Pitino?”
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
ehh
I’m ready to talk smack, but we need to earn it first.
Honestly, “envy our past” is pretty lame smack-talk.
“Fear our future” when you break it down, is kinda strange.
now that I think about it, it reminds me of
“America’s next great university” which always made me groan.
Did anyone see?
X. Henry and D. Cousins last night? They look really good. I hope they come to UK!
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
I thought Peyton Siva looked
sick-nasty. That kid is going to be fantastic. Filthy Cards. His 360-jump-avoid the defender-layup was one of the best moves I’ve seen all year, college or pro.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
New Coaches, Old Commitments
Tubby “honored” commitments from JP Blevins and Jaron Brown in 1997. He should not have IMO. Blevins was not UK caliber player and Brown took 2 years to qualify academically.
He learned his lession. He encouraged 2 underachieving Gophers to move along in 2007 and de-committed 2 recruits who were not the caliber of player he wanted to sign.
Calipari doesn’t need to learn such a lession.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 2, 2009 10:27 AM EDT reply actions
Brown?
I’ll admit, Forty, I am usually pretty up on my stats and players, but I have neither recollection nor proof of Jaron Brown.
Who the hey is that guy? He was a UK signee? Was he a football player playing basketball?
The Heart & Mind of the Big Blue Nation ...
Jaron Brown
graduated (with me) from Bryan Station High School in 1998. He had committed to Pitino and Tubby honored that committment. Didnt work out at UK – went to a prep/junior college for a while. He eventually ended up playing for Pittsburg.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Great Post
That was a very well written article. I am very excited about UK ball again. It’s been a while. I agree that it is great to be crazy passionate about the Cats, but as “the best college basketball fans in the world”, we need to temper our passion with a lot of class.
A true fan never "Boos" their own team...EVER. GO CATS!!!
OK Tru...so now
Vilarino and Ross-Miller are out, Cousins and Wall are looking like they will make the scene, where do we go from here?? You think Henry , Meeks, Patterson, Orton,Cousins, Wall,Miller can all co-exist?? Still looks awfully crowded in there, or is it possible that we could get guys to wait their turn in a system again like they used to??
Remember, were having fun now!!!
The first four off the Memphis bench...
all averaged between 13 and 15 minutes a game and all played in 30 + games. It seems Coach Cal had plenty of time for at least 9 players.
Just to clear this up..
I have seen on a few different sites now where people are complaining about us paying Coach Cal so much money during rough times.
Folks…UK basketball pays for itself. I saw an article about this but I don’t remember the link. Last year (after coaches salary and everything else was taken out) I think the athletic department made over 6 million. Our athletic department actually makes money and basketball and football pay for most of the other sports. UK so much to make sure Calipari came to UK was a good economic decision, because if we had gotten a bad coach, the fan base would have eventually dwindled and the athletic department wouldn’t be making money.
6.3 million profit this year without an NCAA tournament run
and thats with diminished funds from unhappy boosters….$$$ is never going to be a problem here, problem is going to be keeping all that cash accounted for properly so we do not have any bad hair days in the eyes of the press and the NCAA….Sandy will keep that straight, so I have moved to the other side of the fence on this one….economics no longer concern me….nor do the boosters and their large checkbooks
Remember, were having fun now!!!
Article
I read that article just yesterday and still cant remember where it was. Last year UK’s net revenue from basketball operations after all costs were paid was around six million and unlike many other institutions in the country UK athletics is self funded. Bottom line UK basketball is the face of the university.. CAL is worth the money. If he does the job we expect him to he will make UK more money than they will pay him.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
also
i think his salary is “only” $400k with the rest from media deals etc – (i think that is what i heard)
by memphis wildcat on Apr 2, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
What the people complaining seem to overlook
UK itself is paying Calipari $400,000 a year. The rest comes from TV/Radio contracts, sponsors, etc. That $400,000 is a drop in the bucket, coming out of ticket sales, consessions, etc.
Envy our past......Fear our future
I actually didn't know that was how it worked...
…until Mitch explained it at the press conference.
Actually, I think I did kind of know that but hadn’t made all the connections with where all the money was coming from.
by WildcatFanInDC on Apr 2, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Here is the article people that's been posted around
“How Kentucky Affords Calipari”
by WildcatFanInDC on Apr 2, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I can haz grammur?
Subject line was supposed to be something like “here’s the article people are trying to remember that’s been posted around.”
by WildcatFanInDC on Apr 2, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
During the presser
Cal said “it wasn’t about the money” and, more importantly, went on to say Memphis offered even more money for him to stay. I think we got a deal.
don't disagree we got a deal
but do not buy everything Cal says – not sure they offered more. maybe you could “interpret” it that way, maybe not.
that is just Cal -
by memphis wildcat on Apr 2, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
IIRC, he said he would have made more money next year, which I think might include some kind of incentive payment (loyalty/retention bonus) for being there until 2010.
The Fed-Ex guy...
offered to pony up $7 million, but I don’t know how many years he was talking about. And Coach Cal said he would have made more next year if he stayed at Memphis. He didn’t say anything about the years following next year.
fallout of cal leaving memphis
rumor around here (and i apologize for the rumor, but find it humorous) is that memphis boosters have offered Pearl $3 mill per for 7 years – which is more than the $2.5 mill he currently makes.
While i believe UT will match it, UT will be in a difficult position because i think that will make Pearl more highly paid than Summit or Kiffen – i cannot imagine they can allow that to happen so it seems if UT matches an offer for Pearl, they will have to dig deeper to raise the others. can you imagine a bball coach at UT making more than the football coach? can you imagine Kiff getting a raise before every coaching a game?
anyway – now that we got our coach, sort of fun watching everyone else sweat…..
by memphis wildcat on Apr 2, 2009 10:54 AM EDT reply actions
Men's B-Ball 3rd in line at UT
No way they give $3 million per year to Pearl.
And Kiffen is not going to be there long, he has probation written all over him.
Envy our past......Fear our future
I thought Kiffin was the
Second Coming down there for UT….you think they are going to let him get himself in hot water with NCAA
Remember, were having fun now!!!
hope they don't
it could be fun rooting for pearl at memphis…..
by memphis wildcat on Apr 2, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I noticed
Tru had a fanshot up and a link to Rocky Top Talk and they were discussing Pearl leaving. I kinda want Pearl to stay right where he is. I kinda like playing the ol’ boy twice a year and giving him the business, so to speak. That’s pretty bad, isn’t it? ; )
nah....Im like you and Tru
let him hang around and see if he has enough of that orange paint to help himself out
Remember, were having fun now!!!
Since all of the hype is slacking off and we got our coach,
what about the new arena…Pitino says that as soon as we play in his new sandbox, we will go get one of our own….he assumes it will be the showplace of all of college basketball….so are we preparing to build a “New Roman Coliseum”
Remember, were having fun now!!!
Gawd I hope so!
I just had a vision of post modern roman architecture with banners hanging from the out side….It was beautiful!
According to the LHL
UK is already looking in to building a new arena. IIRC, they are working on a ten year plan for a 30,000 seat arena. I wouldn’t be surprised if Pitino said that in order to make it look like UK is jealous of UL
I wish ..
… he would not have failed. A 30K arena on the site of the current Memorial, in the general design/ethos of Memorial with ALL our rafters would be a nearly unbeatable home-court advantage.
The concrete box that is Rupp is too “truck-pull” friendly to be effective except in the loudest of rivalry games.
The Heart & Mind of the Big Blue Nation ...
Talk of a new arena has been around since I was at UK
Graduated in 2002. Pitino and the Cards make no difference. When I was there, the talk was of building it next to Commenwealth Stadium.
Envy our past......Fear our future
or Commonwealth Stadium ;-)
GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!
by UKWildCatFanatic on Apr 2, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Holy Crap I can't type today
I guess I have teh DTs from no more Door….
Envy our past......Fear our future
Too much giddiness?
I understand ya. I’ve been on a high since hearing the announcement Tuesday night.
Calipari reminds me so much of Pitino it’s eery. If I had not known it was Cal, I would have sworn it was the other guy on the radio.
So you like the hire?
I know you and Tink (and myself included) were saddened by Gillispie’s departure.
FWIW, I love it too.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
Already in the works
A new arena to replace Rupp has been in the works for sometime. Currently the civics center corp along with the city and a private firm are doing a feasibility study to determine where it would go and if TIFF financing could pay for it like many of the other new projects in downtown lexington. Rupp will be easily converted into a smaller arena for concerts and conventions due to its spacial relationship with Heritage Hall. The new arena will most likely be located in the High street or Cox street lots.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
I would REALLY like to see them double or triple the # of season tickets available
would have purchased them years ago if I could have
Remember, were having fun now!!!
Yeah, I've heard the same. It's been discussed for awhile,
but I would imagine the Louisville Arena is spurring the efforts. While smaller, the new Louisville arena will be MUCH nicer than Rupp.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
hey....were UK...and were back....
we can have BOTH larger and nicer…..remember…Envy our Past…..Fear our Future!!!
Remember, were having fun now!!!
Well said.
Though I assume you meant “we’re UK” and “we’re back,” since we’re still UK and we’re still back (no past tense).
J/K.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
Outstanding article, Tru....
and thanks for the explanation on the Dribble Drive offense. Even I can understand it.
Boy-O-Boy!!! those UK-UL games are gonna be real marquee sporting events!!!
Coach Cal
Was just on ESPN saying he hoped everyone that signed with Memphis, stays with Memphis. But, he has to say that.
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
wall and cousins have not signed........
by memphis wildcat on Apr 2, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes
I know, but I was hoping to get Henry too. That D, Favors might want to change his mind, and come to UK too!!!
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
Henry put in his papers to get out of his LOI yesterday.
He has Kansas and UK on his short list and will be visiting UK.
You can keep hope alive.
by BBallSophist on Apr 2, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
This is probably...
…obvious to everyone but me, but when is the deadline for these HS kids to actually decide and sign on the dotted line?
I don't know-
But, ESPN just said that coach Cal, would be in Ky. next week, to meet with current players individually, and see who would be a good fit and who wouldn’t.
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
The spring signing period begins in the third week of April
I’m not sure when it ends. Sometime in May, I think.
Thanks, guys. : )
I like speculating on which players we will have for next season as much as the next person, but I just wondered when we might have actual, factual knowledge of which young men will make up our team dynamic for next season.
I guess I’ll have to settle for a deadline of "sometime in May" for the high school players, and I know that the NBA draft deadline is April 26, so we will know for sure about Jodie and Pat by then, if not before. I suppose the only players we will not know anything about by a certain deadline will be those who choose to transfer.
The waiting game sure sucks, especially since patience is not one of the virtues I possess. : )
Henry
I gotta think the only reason he wanted to be at Memphis was for Cal. The facilities couldn’t match KU.
Now he has the option of Cal and great facilities. I think we should be a serious threat to sign him.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Liggins
I full expect Liggins to thrive in this system. He was always the fast paced guard who pushed the ball, and this is perfect for that. With BCG he had to play motion on the top and then slowly feed the post with reverse passes, etc… In this situation the whol area will be open for him to rush in and make the quick pass to PPat for a jam or Meeks for a three. I love the idea of him in this offense.
Tru I reallly, really enjoyed your post
and i am so excited about the KY program, getting ahead, not necessarily back, IMO, to where is should have been all along. Bring on the Dream Game. Oh, I am so excited !!!
No trying to blow sunshine here...
I don’t understand how you are not writing for a paper or some major news outlet. I think every Kentucky fan should read this. Its a great set up for what is about to happen. Seriously, I haven’t read anything from the CJ or LHL that I would call “better” than this post. Really nice work.
Tru is a partisan...
who wouldn’t fit well at a news organization because he cheers for the wrong side. Kinda like a conservative working at the New York Times. And I think I read where he said he would have to take a pay cut.
Tru
I have been reading ASOB for at least two years now, and I must say, today you said it all in your post. Great job and GO BIG BLUE!
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
Thanks. As someone said, why would I want to give up my partisanship? :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Next years team??
I wonder how many of the current players will Coach Cal ask to transfer or just give up schollies, especially since it looks like Vilarino and Ross-Miller are not coming now? I wonder how many kids we have on the current team like:
Adam Delph
Mark Halsell
Mark Krebs
Dwight Perry
MIchael Porter
Matt Scherbenske
Landon Slone
Donald Williams
who might not fit into the scheme that Cal wants to implement. I know we cannot just release everyone, and am not sure if any of these kids are walkons or redshirted last year, but some of them NEVER played, and those that did were not effective (i.e. Slone and Porter)
Not trying to start anything, but just curious to opinions.
Porter has graduated, is married and a recent father is he not? I respect and thank him for his effort so far but don’t think that he fits into the DDMO or will make a living playing basketball so he might be prone to leaving. Some others might be willing to use the coaching change to transfer as well.
I don’t want to see anyone leave that doesn’t want too and definitly don’t want to see schollies pulled. Personally I can give Cal 3 years to build a team while still respecting previous commitments made by the school. There will be a new #1 recruit every year and a new best ‘insert position here’ for Cal to go after if he feels they are a good fit.
nah
Cal has to keep momentum. Expect a house cleaning. 3 years rebuilding would be deadly to his recruiting. He’s coming into a decently stacked roster, but some of the deadwood will have to go.
Yeah
That deadwood of which you speak are people. They should have the option of leaving, but not forced out.
I don't think
they will or should force anyone out. But, gentle pressure should and will be applied, for the good of the team. It’s like running a business. Deadwood on a basketball team doesn’t mean deadwood as a human being.
But it’s gonna be brutal, if you haven’t read the Mike Pratt quotes from his interview, you probably should.
bah
all im finding is the guy who talked about it on ksr.
"The way he said it was using words/phrases like "it will be done with class" (WHAT will, right?) "it will be ugly," and again with "no way around it, it will just be an ugly thing."
The moderator (fill in for Lach) used the word ugly first, then Pratt repeated it twice.
Kept talking about tough things that have to be done."
Right...
but isn’t it better to go where you can play and contribute? Look at Carter, would he have enjoyed his career more at a school where he could actually affect games? Even at a lower level, those kids enjoy playing in the games and take pride in winning championships.
He may have enjoyed it more
but I think that decision is up to the player. I think the coach can and should be honest with the returning players on everything from his style, their abilities, the new system, his habits, playing time, and the player’s potential role under him for the upcoming season and the rest of their career. What he should not do is to encourage a player to leave in order to free up a scholarship.
how long
did it take for him to build what he had in Memphis? Just curious. All I’m saying is I’m willing to wait a year or two for success to ensure it comes clean and is done the right way.
regardless of how
long it took in memphis, he’s coming into a decent team and some decent recruits. The team should be competetive next year no matter what. It will be an uphill battle, but I’d be really surprised if we didn’t go pretty deep in the tourney at least in the 2010-11 season, if not next year.
Next season could easily be better than 2010-11
If one assumes that Meeks and Patterson both come back this offseason, and that Wall follows Cal to UK, then we would have all three of them for the 2009-10 season.
But, probably none of them for the season after that. After the 2010 season, Meeks will have no more eligibility left, and Wall and Patterson would most likely leave early for the NBA.
by WildcatFanInDC on Apr 2, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Glad I work for Continental Air.....
..Houston is home base, so flights and lodging should be no problemo…..
Wow
I think that’s the first time I have seen Porter and “dribble drive” mentioned in the same sentence.
we should
give Porter a break, dude played his heart out and probably knows he shouldn’t be a starting PG. He still went out there on national television and did the best he could man, that’s pretty impressive.
Agreed
Being a starting PG on a D-1 team is pretty darn impressive. Plus, he’s seems like an all around nice kid.
That said, he is still not the type of player suitable for a dribble drive motion offense. No amount of heart or passion will change that.
I've seen him do both....
never at the same time though. Sorry couldn’t resist. Much more talented than I will ever be or ever have been , just not quite a UK standout or a pentrating ball handler that I envision leading UKs offense in the near future.
Already Rewarded
Let us not forget that Michael Porter has already caught a “break”: a practically free college degree worth about $450,000 in today’s dollars, and that doesn’t include the many ancillary benefits of wearing the Blue and White uniform.
Whoa there chief
I think you have one to many zeros in there. UK is a relatively affordable state school.
No, Correct
According to last study by Wharton School of Business a bachelor’s degree is over a lifetime of work worth $450,000 in current dollars; over a $1 million in non-adjusted for inflation dollars.
Assuming you live to be 85 (and get your bachelors at 22)
that’s only less than $8K/year. Yikes!
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
Precision
To be be accurate that’s over a “life of work” — assuming one retires at 65 (too young in today’s economy) — you’re speaking of 40+ years.
Porter deserves the respect of every true UK supporter
He wore the jersey, he gave his all.
ONLY
Porter and Williams are on scholarship. The rest are walk-ons. Williams was given his scholarship with the understanding that it was only for one year (yes, all are for one year, but he was told it likely would not be renewed when he accepted).
I have no problem if all the walk-ons want to stick around—we need practice players.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
Just my humble opinion
but I do not see anyone on that list staying…..MAYBE Slone….but doubtful….I may be wrong
Remember, were having fun now!!!
Dwight Perry will stay, if permitted (he's a walk-on).
See below, but he shows recruits around campus, and is clearly the biggest cheerleader out there. He’s very good for team morale, and probably is a serviceable practice guard.
I think Slone will likely stay, and maybe Scherbenske. Both had good things to say about Cal after the press conference.
Their all walk-ons, so unless Cal can wrangle up a bunch of very talented walk-ons, there’s no reason to ask them to leave. They’re very useful in practice, and are all good cheerleaders.
At this point, their options are to see some PT at a D2 or D3 school, OR have a front-row seat to every UK basketball game, get to travel, and practice with the best. Given the option, that would be my decision.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
Their = They're
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
Schnerbenske
Not so sure about Matt. As a basketball player I dont think he can hang against the likes of the recruits we are talking about in practice.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
Several of these are walk-ons....
and will not affect anything. I know Perry and Slone are, but I believe there are a couple more? anyone know?
Nobody should be asked to transfer
But each player deserves an honest evaluation and prognostication of his future role with the team. The choice to transfer should be totally up to the player and his family. Williams would be an exception if he was told that his scholarship was just for one year as has been speculated.
Agreed
It would be terrible for a kid to have to stay thinking he might get some P/T when in reality he never would. It would be doing them a great service to tell them if they are not going to play.
"Learned to love the Cats at a young age, via tape delay."
Porter
At one time talked about getting an MBA…I don’ t know how he feels with fatherhood on the horizon…..He took the PG job even though he did not really want it…He is a good youg man…..He always tried his hardest…
About the kids
I remember Cal said, “This program is about these kids.” so I don’t really see any drastic changes other than the current crop of recruiting changes we have seen.
If Porter wants to stay with the team
it should be allowed….good or bad…..we DO NOT want to get the rep of throwing away loyal and hard working kids…..assuming he knows he wont start, or offering to help him in his career choices would also be acceptable. If he has a child to support, maybe he would like help with a leg up on a career….surely theres a booster out there somewhere that needs a reliable qualified employee with Porter’s work ethic….no one has EVER questioned that with this kid. And maybe he wants to play overseas, who knows?
Remember, were having fun now!!!
If Porter wants to play, he has to be allowed to keep his scholarship and play. He's given 3 years to this program, and has worked
his ass off. Of course he’s unlikely to see much PT next season, but if wants to stick with it, he must be able to.
Perhaps Porter should land a grad-assistant coach job. . .that would certainly give him a leg up if he wants to get into coaching. He understands the game and seems smart enough to do it.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
thats not a bad idea
If he has the skills and desire to coach…..that would be a slam dunk as far as I am concerned….no better place to learn than from one of the best. Turn him into a recruiting machine and crank him up
Remember, were having fun now!!!
Yeah, he might make a good coach
Josh Pastner could help him with that. Pastner rode the pine for Arizona but even back then, he started making a name for himself as a “coach-in-waiting” type. He was basically Mike Bibby’s designated assistant, as I recall.
by WildcatFanInDC on Apr 2, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that might be Dwight Perry's goal as well right now
I’ve heard he’s the one that shows potential recruits around campus, acts as a team leader, and is the biggest cheerleader, even though he never sees the court.
He’s obviously a people person, could be a great recruiter some day.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
The KY Kernel
Had this article a while back on Dwight Perry
http://kykernel.com/2009/01/22/diary-of-a-walk-on-part-2/#more-10593
O well, scholarships are renewable year to year.....
…so this debate about Porter ‘deserving’ it, is kinda moot, jmo…move along, nothing else to see here
Not sure what you mean.
It isn’t as if it won’t be renewed if he wants to come back. It certainly would.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Great article. Dwight seems like a great guy to be around, and I think he adds a lot to the
“intangibles” part of a successful basketball team.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
I'm not concerned about getting a bad rep
Mostly because I don’t think you’ll see scholarships pulled from any of the soon-to-be seniors.
Look, Cal is a smart guy and he understands public perception and PR. Regardless of what he said at the press conference, he’s not going to pull scholarships from Stevenson, Harris, or Porter. To do so might give a short-term advantage, but would be such a colossal mistake PR-wise that the consequences could very well extend into multiple seasons. Cal is too smart to make that mistake.
Even putting the PR angle aside, Porter can be an asset to next year’s team. I keep seeing people discuss Porter as if he’s going to play PG next year, but as several others have pointed out multiple times during last season, Michael is a SG, not a PG and next year he’ll be back in that role. As a SG he has a lot of value to this team as a guy who can come off the bench and give 10-20 minutes per game and knock down some threes. Basically, he’s Cameron Mills.
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
Great article on Patterson and Meeks' reactions to Cal.
http://www.kentucky.com/1034/story/747180.html
Looks promising for their return.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
Good article. Does look promising.
I think it would benefit them both to stay and play under him. He will get them more prepared for the NBA as much as anyone out there. Improving your skills BEFORE you go to the NBA instead of WHILE you are there is much smarter and will make you much more $$ down the line. Thanks for the link!
Have you seen the video highlights of John Wall on YouTube?
If not, you have GOT to check them out. We need this kid even if we don’t get anyone else. Would be HUGE to have a Point Guard with his abilities. Check it out if you haven’t seen him. He can play!
Speaking of shooting,
anyone want to put a number on Jodie Meek’s record 54, being broken, by him or anyone else ??
Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!
before anyone jumps to conclusions,
I mean that Jodie breaks the record, or someone else…..
Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!
I could be vastly overrating our talent
but I think we have a fair number players that can initiate a dribble drive in this offense. Liggins, Galloway, Miller and Meeks all appear that they are quick enough. Even Stevenson showed he could put the ball on the floor and drive (when he didn’t start with a travel).
My only question about the offense is that it appears to underutilize quality big men, or at least all the stuff I’ve read doesn’t fully describe his role. How is the offense helped by having Patterson (or Orton) in the middle? What I’ve read describes it as a system for teams that lack an inside presence (another reason it is described as a modified Princeton offense). I can only assume having good inside players helps, but what makes it attractive for a big man to play in?
To compare the pro game....
I think it suits Gasol better than Shaq if you know what I mean. A big man that can get up the floor and make cuts to the basket will definitly contribute, but maybe not the best system for the bruiser in the middle to set up shop and throw his hand up for the ball? Personally I think Patterson has the athletic ability and talent to play, I never saw him as a true center anyway.
we haven't really seen
what Patterson can do in a 4 role, much less in running style where he can play facing the basket. I would think those reasons alone would make him want to stick around another year.
Patterson did help break presses this year
Plus, from what I have seen of Memphis, there is a role for a post up player. They tended to have a player on the low block, but on the weakside. So the post man does not receive the ball from a traditional pass from the wing, but can get plenty of easy shots when his man helps on a penetrator. Given how hard Patterson works and how well he is at footwork, posting up, and positioning, he will be great in that system. Think of how many times he had sealed a player expecting ball reversal and seeing a play happen two and three passes early leading to an easy basket and a helpless, frustrated defender. Though I think Patterson would be great in any system.
Don't want to bust any bubbles
but it could take some time for our existing players to adjust to the new offensive system.
Meeks has great speed but he is used to making hard cuts and working off screens. This type of one on one offense takes a different skill set.
Patterson also might have adjustment issues. He is one of the most fundamentally sound players that I have seen in terms of body positioning around the basket. In this new offense he may be moved a little further away from the basket which would negate that great positioning.
It definitely will.
Next year will be fun, but there will probably be some pretty bad basketball played at times. Calipari indicated as much in his press conference.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Patterson
We’ve been saying all year that he needs to show a face-up game that could translate to an NBA power forward role. This offense sounds perfect to showcase his NBA skills.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Think Elton Brand with Duke
That’s the perfect example of a big man in a DDMO
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
The dribble-drive ...
keeps one big man down low to take the pass if his man helps on the driver. Coach Cal’s top 9 players in minutes played, and the 4 off the bench averaged 13-15 each minutes per game, included 4 players 6-8 or better. I found this link to the offense including diagrams and video. I was surprised at the discipline and intricacies, it sure isn’t street ball.
http://www.coachlikeapro.com/memphis-motion-offense.html
Sturm and Drang ?
Good post Tru as usual.Sometimes You use a few words and or phrases that us older somewhat less educated are not familar with. I will try to find my Websters and keep up.
I guess I’m still in school!
Happy Days are here again
The sky is all ways BLUE again
Happy days are here again
Thanks.
Well, if I just used easy words and references, I expect I would be just like every other Kentucky blogger. :-)
I have to do something to separate myself from the pack. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Heh.
Yeah, compared to Tom Heiser, I write like a guy from Shelybyville. Oh, wait …
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I was on here late last night
Thought I was at wrong place. No regulars at all. Just a new bunch posting everthing they could find on facebook. I went to bed!
Happy Days are here again
The sky is all ways BLUE again
Happy days are here again
lol......me, too
spent about 10 minutes, didn’t recognize anyone, logged off then tried to remember what I’d been doing the past 5 days. Separately, I tried to remember what I was supposed to be doing the last 5 days.
Great post, sir
I agree about the heightened importance (media + fans) placed on the UL/UK rivalry…should be pretty fun the next few years.
by UL is my hot hot sex on Apr 2, 2009 2:34 PM EDT reply actions
I'm sure she's great,
but you must admit, kykat, if “ul is [your] hot hot sex,” then your sex life SUCKS.
by blue kentucky girl on Apr 2, 2009 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
HozeQueen...
…That Loserville loss & Cal hire, has gone to your head man…. lol
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
New Arena
I heard early on in the talks with the new coach that a new on campus arena would be a main selling point to get him to come since he is leaving a state-of -the -art NBA venue behind in Memphis. I was wondering if anyone had any information on this possibility or knows anything about it. I think it would be great to have a new arena by Commonwealth and have all of our athletic venues close together there on the south side of campus. I also think we should make it on par with the Georgia Dome or Ford Field so we could have 75,000 to 80,000 people at each home game…j/k
Not that it's a bad idea
because I think we could easily fill it :-)
The current plan is to build a new "Rupp Arena" right next to the old one...
And then demolish Rupp.
The current goal of the Downtown Lexington Authority is to keep the capacity about the same (24K ish) but add the possibility for lucrative luxury boxes. (Think the renovation of Diddle Arena if you are familiar with WKU’s arena.)
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
I think UK understands how important Rupp is to downtown
and likewise how much they need “on-campus” space for other endeavors. That understanding may not have always been the case, but appears to be now.
We could dome Commonwealth!!
Happy Days are here again
The sky is all ways BLUE again
Happy days are here again
Five things that ESPN learned @ the McDonalds All American game last night
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=4036268
Pretty amazing that they learned that Kentucky (hoping they fix the misspell in the article) could make a Final Four run next year when we didn’t even have a commit playing in the game!
Orton & Hood..?
Does anyone know if Cal recruited either one of them..?
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
Orton, Yes; Hood, No
Calipari did put some effort early in recruiting Daniel Orton but any attempts toward Hood were purely perfunctory.
perfunctory..?
You gonna’ have to break that one down for this ole’ boy… lol
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
Pro Forma
Hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough; “a casual (or cursory) inspection failed to reveal the house’s structural flaws”; “a passing glance”; “perfunctory courtesy”)
gag
Typical FOX news—full of bombast and faux-populist outrage.
Nice find, VInce! I’d say we’ve made a slash with this hire!
by blue kentucky girl on Apr 2, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Babe Reminder
Comparing Beshear to Calipari reminds me of the Babe Ruth comment comparing him to President Hoover:
What the hell has Hoover got to do with it? Besides, I had a better year than he did.
Or perhaps this is more relevant:
A man who knows he’s making money for other people ought to get some of the profits he brings in. Don’t make any difference if it’s baseball or a bank or a vaudeville show. Its business, I tell you. There ain’t no sentiment to it. Forget that stuff.
is that second quote
also from the Babe? Good stuff. I’ve got a new biography of him on my to-read list—he’s always very interesting and quotable.
by blue kentucky girl on Apr 2, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I clicked it and saw a super creepy pic of
Ward Churchill. Ew. But then I realized this was posted at 3:20 (2:20 my time). Ha, oh well.
This is a good recruiter.
Remember when people used to say Gillispie was a good recruiter? His recruits aren’t good enough for Calipari. The only ones Calipari wants are Tubby’s. Boy it’s nice to have a good coach and good recruiter in town. Happy days are here!
Not all true...
Cal very much wants to keep Orton, Liggins & Miller, all Billy G’s boys…
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
Impostor
You can’t fool me, crewcat. You’re ForryYearCatFan in disguise.
He's Not Me But He's Dead Bone Right
Gillispie was highly OVERRATED as a recruiter.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 2, 2009 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions
As much as I wanted to give Gillispie a chance
I think he really was overrated all around. I guess because the BBN had the bar WAY too high for him. People thought we had a new coach and a fresh start.
Mmmmm.
Why do you say I’m 40 year cat? Is a billy hater too/tubby supporter too?
Stick around... read a few comments...
You’ll get the reference.
;-)
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
do you know
my “bone cruncher” in Calvert City?
Happy Days are here again
The sky is all ways BLUE again
Happy days are here again
Just checked the chiro board's database
Don’t know any of ’em.
They all went to the wrong school. ;-)
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Brad and Lisa Tack
about your age. Older Charles Epstein trying to retire.
Happy Days are here again
The sky is all ways BLUE again
Happy days are here again
Coach A, Coach B
Coach A won 72% of his career games, 68% of his NCAA career games. 76% of his UK games, 72% of his UK NCAA games. NCAA title, multiple SEC titles and SECT championships. 75% vs SEC and 80% in SECT.
Coach B won 61% of his career games, 43% of his NCAA career games. 60% of his UK games, 0% of his UK NCAA games. 0 titles of any kind. 62% vs SEC and 33% in SECT.
Why would anyone think Coach B is better than Coach A?
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 2, 2009 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions
No, I State Facts On Both Of Those Coaches
Gillispie was overrated as a coach and recruiter.
Tubby had a much better run at Kentucky than Gillispie. Even in his 2 worst years.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 2, 2009 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Now I know
why they thought I was you disguised as me. Good word 40 and it should be painfully obvious to all the gillispie lovers
Bad Weather
coming your way. Tornado watch all western Ky.
Happy Days are here again
The sky is all ways BLUE again
Happy days are here again
Yep
It’s rockin’ and rollin’ in Madisonville. Hope I make it back to Muhlenberg County in one piece here in a bit.
Best song line about Muhlenberg County
“Mr. peabodys coal train done hauled it away”
Happy Days are here again
The sky is all ways BLUE again
Happy days are here again
"Down by the green river where paradise lay"
"Learned to love the Cats at a young age, via tape delay."
"And the coal company came with the world's largest shovel...
…and they wrote it all down as the progress of man."
by thefakebillyG on Apr 2, 2009 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
More info
Paradise was an actual town on the Green River in Muhlenberg County, and, as the song says, Mr. Peabody’s coal train (Peabody Coal Company) quite literally hauled it away. The only real sign of the town that is left is a coal furnace out in the weeds, and they’re talking about moving that out to a more accessible location where people can come see it. The TVA power plant located near the former site of Paradise is named the Paradise Fossil Plant.
The New City Manager In Rolling Meadows (IL) Is From Central City
But I’m told sh’s a LOUISVILLE fan.
Gotta fix that!
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 3, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Another Calipari Asset
Kyrie Irving 2010 PG, St. Patrick, NJ has offers from UNC, KU, IU and Memphis:
I just read that
as “another Calipari ARREST” and nearly had a heart attack : )
by blue kentucky girl on Apr 2, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions
anybody else salivating
at the prospect of meeks, xavier henry, hood, john wall, and miller on the same team? We could make 20 3’s a game with them!
Of course, lets not forget about patterson, orton, and cousins down low
This must be what it’s like to be a yankee’s fan
return of pitino’s bombino’s…just without pitino
It'd certainly be the biggest collection of nationally touted talent we've had since 1996
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
As a lifelong Yankee fan...
I have to advise you to tap the brakes a little. Even the best talent “on paper” doesn’t always pan out into championships. What remains to be seen is how Cal is able to blend that talent and create chemistry. Hoping beyond hope that he can put together that formula regardless of what the final roster looks like.
i walk around
WITH MY CHEST OUT AND MY UK HELMET ON WITH COWBOY BOOTS….IM PUMPED UP
by UKBBALLANDHOTBROWNS on Apr 2, 2009 5:39 PM EDT reply actions
Sports huddle just announced...
…that Cal and the Cats are practicing tonight…! Anyone have news on that..??
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
Dunno
What is the rule on practice?
Are teams allowed to practice on a normal season schedule until the Final Four is over?
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
I think it's still the 20 hour rule until the final game ends...
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
You'll see a couple more names in afternoon headlines tomorrow...
…and the team will be re-arranged even more.
In fact, I think it would be wise to keep an eye on PPat over the next couple of days.
I’m not convinced he and Jody are staying at UK. The next couple of days with be a roster roller coaster.
And the practices tonight (tomorrow, and over the weekend) will do a lot of “telling” to Coach Cal. If Liggins or Stewart are going to be on board next year, with a new attitude and hustle to go with it, we’ll all know it over the next few days.
I also expect that we’ll have a top-named prospect sign by Tuesday of next week, and that will set the stage and open the proverbial door for others to follow, or get out of the way.
We’ll also, IMO, get to know the real Coach Cal by mid-week and what we have to look forward to next season.
by thefakebillyG on Apr 2, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions
LINEUP NEXT YEAR
ANY IDEAS WHO ARE STARTING LINEUP IS NEXT YEAR?>
by UKBBALLANDHOTBROWNS on Apr 2, 2009 5:47 PM EDT reply actions
hey there's this really cool button on most keyboards
to the left of the a key and below tab…
I DON'T GET WHAT YOU ARE SAYING..
oh, there it is………….
by memphis wildcat on Apr 2, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Remember me stating I did not like to "embrace the hate".
On 10/8/08 I bloogged, “Do you hear that growl? It will soon be a roar. The CATS are back. Two very talented freshmen, the most talented set of walk-ons I ever remember, the rest of the team having at least one year of experience, a beast waiting in the wings and two great guards coming next year. Things look bright! Any potential recruits reading this blog, who want to be part of a team that goes deep into the tournament and may win the SEC, better sign up quick. The scholarships are going fast. "Deep" just doesn’t cover how talented this team is. GO CATS!!”
Well, I was wrong, then but I do still feel excited today. GO CATS!!!
Recruiting Update
WLEX is reporting that Vilarino (?), Ross-Miller, Konner Tucker and Michael Avery have all renounced their commitments and are going to look elsewhere.
That's 5
This thing may work out after all.
By the way, the folks in North Carolina are not very appreciative of the CoachCal hire:
http://www.tarheelfanblog.com/2009/04/the-calipari-hire/#more-4006
Its 5 over the next 5 years...
Its only one real decommit for next year. (I don’t count Tucker.)
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Right
Vilarino is the only one with a signed LOI for next year who’s already de-committed.
by WildcatFanInDC on Apr 2, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Other than Tucker and Vilarino, all of the other players are not necessarily going elsewhere
They are “re-opening” their recruitment. They are not ruling out Kentucky, and Kentucky is not ruling them out as of right now. It is possible that they could re-commit to UK after further evaluation on both ends. Just for clarification’s sake.
I'm sure they have doubts. That's only natural after a coaching change.
I’m just pointing out that re-opening their recruitment is not the same as ruling out UK.
The Invisible Hand
Just imagine if Adam Smith had written on basketball instead of economics, if so then we could better understand the decisions of Vilarino, Ross-Miller, Avery, Euton, Tucker, et al. Paraphrasing Mr. Smith:
… he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. Nor is it always the worse for the team that it was not part of it. By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the team more effectually than when he really intends to promote it.
Thus the invisible hand of self-interest benefits all.
Gillispie Has Been Invisible For A Week
That certainly benefits all.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 2, 2009 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I got hounded for saying this over the last weekend...
but it’s becoming obviously more clear…
BCG is in a world of hurt right now. KSR listed the vacancies and only 2 schools (UGA and Texas-Somewhere) are viable options with mid-major names, and UGA hasn’t expressed or leaked any interest that I’m aware.
BCG got fired for not being a “good fit.” But his W’s and L’s are in the toilet for an overall weak SEC (never mind losses to App State, VMI, etc, etc. etc.)
I personally feel sorry for him and wish there were something I could do to help.
Alas, he’s Mr. Invisible now. And I suspect he will be forever if he’s not employed by tomorrow.
by thefakebillyG on Apr 2, 2009 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions
He'll Take A Year Off
Then he’ll be back in the swing of Div I coaching.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 3, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Too bad others arent.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2009 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Just in case this one gets stiff ...
… there is a new post up.
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