Morning Newspaper for April 29th, 2009

by Glenn Logan on Apr 29, 2009 8:26 AM EDT in Kentucky Wildcats News

The big question mark -- does Patterson stay in, or does he come back to lead the Wildcats to the promised land? An interesting problem, to be sure, and one that is not likely to be resolved for a while yet. We have heard stories about Patterson leaning one way or another, but as of now, I don't think even he knows what will happen.

Patterson's (and to a slightly lesser extent, Jodie Meeks') decision will have a profound impact on the University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball team next year, at least in the eyes of the pundits. Andy Katz has revised his 2010 Top 25 under the assumption that UK will not have Meeks, Patterson or Wall next year. If any of those players do wind up on the team, it will require an upward revision. If two or more are there, it would require a substantial upward revision, possibly even to the top ten.

Mike Miller of MSNBC's Beyond the Arc looks at ten players who have tough calls to make about whether they stay at school or stay in the NBA draft, and Patrick Patterson is one of them. As I have said in the remarks, there are some very good reasons for Patterson to stay in the draft:

The draft this year will almost surely be weaker than next, and his position is likely to be higher.
The possibility of injury is always a factor on a return to college.
Patterson might thrive in Calipari's Dribble Drive Motion Offense. Or he might not.
Patterson might suffer by comparison to Daniel Orton and DeMarcus Cousins, two players who are closer to the "prototypical" NBA power forward.

Of course, there are good reasons for Patterson to return, too, which is why this is not a slam-dunk decision. So for now, the Big Blue Nation is on pins and needles awaiting decisions from three potential players who will have a big impact on how far Kentucky can go in its first season under John Calipari.

Now, for the rest of the news.

UK Basketball News

Chad Ford of ESPN takes a look at the NBA draft and who is likely to go elsewhere. He has interesting comments on Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson. Via True Blue Kentucky.
UK fans let Jodie Meeks know they want him back. I think that unless Jodie projects into the first round, he'll be back. I think if Patterson is a first-rounder, he should probably stay in.
Danny Jett wonders if Patterson and Meeks returning might influence John Wall to come. I have no idea, myself. Maybe. Maybe not.
Chris Fisher at Kentucky Ink has some interesting stuff on both UK football and basketball, including a text exchange with Alcoa (TN) High recruit Tyler Robinson.
Miami thinks they have a legit shot at John Wall. You never know, they just might.
Joe B. Hall tells Larry Vaught that Calipari can be "special" at UK.
Bledsoe to visit Memphis.
Bruce Pearl thanks John Calipari for getting him and his staff a "nice raise." I wonder how he'll feel when UK drubs his team next year? Well, hopefully, anyway.
Meeks still undecided. My money is on him coming back next year.
Look for John Wall to cut his list by Friday, according to this News & Observer article. UNC has apparently decided to look elsewhere.

UK Football News

Marcus McClinton is ready to prove his value. I think McClinton has a chance to make it. I hope he does.
Trevard Lindley -- future first-round NFL draft pick.
Linebacker coach Chuck Smith tells Larry Vaught that the linebacking corps is ready for a breakout season. Of course, it helps to have Micah Johnson on board.
Heh. The Knoxville News sees hypocrisy in UK allowing Rich Brooks' deal with Makers Mark whiskey after discontinuing passing the Beer Barrel in the Tennessee game due to concerns about alcohol abuse following a tragic DUI incident involving a UK football player. I think they are right.

That just goes to show you where political correctness often leads -- to contradictions.

Other UK Sports News

Louisville thumps the Bat Cats.

NCAA Sports News

A look at how the NBA draft could affect the SEC next year.
Team Speed Kills looks at the top ten SEC-Big 10 games of the last decade. Today is #9
Now that G.J. Vilarino has selected Gonzaga, The Slipper Still Fits discusses how Gonzaga is dealing with a scholarship situation similar to Kentucky.
Swine Flu at Notre Dame?
Jarvis Varnado declares for the NBA draft, does not hire an agent.
Mike Krzyzewski is taking heat from Duke fans for missing out on a recent meeting with John Wall (via Duke Basketball Report). How much heat will he get if Wall comes to Kentucky?
Tracy Webster talks to an Illinois newspaper about recruiting. Some UK names are present in this one.

Other News of Interest

Paul Pierce leads the Celtics to a 3-2 lead in their playoff series against the Bulls, 106-104 in overtime. Needless to say, Rajon Rondo was a major factor in the win. For the Bulls point of view, check Blog-A-Bull.
Chuck Hayes struggles as the Rockets lose to the Blazers. The Blazer's take on the game can be found at the Blazer's Edge.
The Kentucky Derby post position draw is today.
Remembering Eight Belles.
17 3-pointers and 61 total points? Really? Wow.
This is cool!
Go ahead and hate Noah. Okay, I will.
News of the weird, the odd, and Todd McShay.

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Comments

Pearl

We drubbed his team twice last season and he doesnt seem to remember it.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Apr 29, 2009 9:12 AM EDT reply actions

Anyone else think

Bruce Pearl would have answered differently than “out of respect for Tennessee”, if Memphis had actually asked him to coach?

Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Apr 29, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions

I thought the same exact thing

My opinion is he would have went in a heartbeat if the job was offered. Maybe it wasn’t offered because Memphis knows this guy is a clown who is overrated as a coach. But with him at UT,it will be fun watching UK clobber UT on a consistent basis again. And it was a pleasure watching the Cats clobber them last year. The Vols where probably the most underachieving team in college basketball last year and it was clearly Pearl’s fault.

by maysvilleblue on Apr 30, 2009 7:05 AM EDT up reply actions

Derby

I have got my eye on Friesan Fire for the Kentucky Derby. Of course, by Saturday that will change 3 or 4 times.

Slower Traffic Keep Right!

by SevenRings on Apr 29, 2009 9:28 AM EDT reply actions

I Want Revenge should win for fun

I was at his Wood Memorial, and that was one of the best performances I have ever seen (he reared at the gate, leaving him 6 lengths behind at the start, and still won going away).

His connections are quite distasteful, however – IEAH and Jeff Mullins – so I’m not sure who I’m actually “rooting” for.

The King is dead! Long live the King!

by NYCCats on Apr 29, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions

I say the horse you need to watch is...

Hold Me Back.. He had a stellar performance at the big stakes race at Turfway Park in March, then in the Bluegrass at Keeneland I think the only reason he didn’t win over General Quarters (who ran a very good race in his own right) is because he made his move a little too late. I too, however, marveled in the performance of I Want Revenge in the Wood. He was unbelievable and showed that he can have a bad start, get in a jam and still move around horses and draw away…if any horse were to break the “favored horse jinx” at the derby it will be this one.

by danno928 on Apr 29, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Perhaps

The main question is whether Hold Me Back will handle the dirt. His only start on the dirt was the Remsen, where he finished out of the money (5th, if I recall correctly). He’s been great on the polycrap, and Mott seems to think he will handle the dirt fine. If so, he could be a nice value.

My long shot special: Regal Ransom. Godolphin is going to win the Derby one of these days, and Ransom is flat out FAST. Can he get the lead and steal it? Probably not – but I thought the same of War Emblem.

The King is dead! Long live the King!

by NYCCats on Apr 29, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Post Positions

5 – Hold Me Back
6 – Friesan Fire
13 – I Want Revenge

Slower Traffic Keep Right!

by SevenRings on Apr 29, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I have

Hold Me Back closing late to take the derby away from Friesan Fire… and that’s my stone cold exacta…. 5-6…!

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

by vinceuk1 on Apr 29, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I really like Dunkirk and Desert Party

I like Dunkirk because even though he was sucking wind at the end of the Florida Derby he almost caught a pretty amazing Quality Road who unfortunately will not be participating. If his Beyer speed scores keep improving he’s on pace for a 118-125 race. I know there were three track records set at Gulfstream that day and the track ran very fast, but this horse is for real. His genes are impeccable and he is only going to improve…. drastically. I also like Desert Party. He was boxed in in the U.A.E. Derby and made a spectacular move only to fall short to Regal Ransom whom he’d beaten twice earlier. Just my opinions.

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

by sleepytimetea on Apr 29, 2009 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions

And that...

Would be a very nice payoff for an exacta…15-1 and 5-1 over the heavy favorite who will more than likely be 2-1 or even less come post time.

by danno928 on Apr 30, 2009 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Noah,

Good post with accurate descriptions on how annoying this guy can be.

by blue oregon on Apr 29, 2009 9:32 AM EDT reply actions

Just a little thought on PPat and Jodie...

We all have had to sometimes make tough decisions regarding our future. Haven’t we? But I can say, thankfully, not anything that involved a university competing for a national title (via Andy Katz). At least it seems they are there for each other. Someone to agonize with. Someone in the same situation. This is more than to leave college or go pro… This involves being a KY Wildcat, and helping the team. And a new coach, and a great one at that. Which thrown into the mix adds the question of improving their game or not? In all probabilities it could only, but we don’t know…

I am glad these guys are roommates and have each other for support. Can anyone imagine the sleepless nights these two are having? Though it could only be talking possibles and what if’s….. Jodie, I think will be back, and PPat will know what is right for him. From listening to his interviews since he has been here, I think he has a good head on his shoulders. Things will be fine, we’ll see… :-)

Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Apr 29, 2009 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

so now Tyus is staying at Florida

Until he changes his mind again I suppose.

Personally, I’m glad. I want Florida to be as good as possible when we crush them next year.

I like important stuff just as much as the next guy, but please, for a little while, deliver us from meaning, baseball. That's your greatest glory, and we thank you for it very, very much. -- Craig Calcaterra

by JLeverenz on Apr 29, 2009 10:36 AM EDT reply actions

Hey JL.....

With that link, CBS wanted to give me $500 to………..only take a survey…..I didn’t…lol…..But if I had won, would I have had to split with you? :-)

Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Apr 29, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Nah

I’ve seen those kind of surveys on a bunch of sites, I don’t think anybody actually wins any money – it’s just a tease ;-)

by JLeverenz on Apr 29, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I didn't take it.....

I know it is silly. Just wondered if a link turns into $ what then….HA HA

Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Apr 29, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Indiana was losing the twitter fan battle, so

Tom Crean added this little Tweet earlier today, and wanted IU fans to expect it. Well, I say not so fast there….

# I dont know if we can beat Coach Cal in the twitter battle but we expect to get the win in December in ASSEMBLY HALL!about 3 hours ago from txt

Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Apr 29, 2009 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

Not a chance

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Apr 29, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Ooooh.....

Now that phrase needs to be up on a wall in a locker room somewhere…..!

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on Apr 29, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions

That's pretty good actually

If Calipari posted something like this about, say, North Carolina or Louisville next season – we would be LOVING it.

by JLeverenz on Apr 29, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions

good objective view JL

I think we would LOVE it

Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Apr 29, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Joakim

As much as I hate to say it, I met the guy and he’s really nice off the court. I think he has the ability to turn on the annoyance factor when he’s between the lines, and forget about it when he’s done. Of course seeing him live on a few occasions, he was heckled nonstop by just about everyone’s fans. That would probably make you want to be annoying too.

by daniel81 on Apr 29, 2009 11:54 AM EDT reply actions

No! Stop! Quiet you!

I want to hold on to my illusion that Noah is every bit as annoying all the time and not just when playing basketball.

by JLeverenz on Apr 29, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions

haha

Whatever floats your boat

by daniel81 on Apr 29, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions

You know Tru

that article on Wall wanting to see if Patterson and Meeks come back may have teeth. Think about it……2 more top-flight players to feed the ball to….a starting lineup of Wall, Meeks, Patterson, Cousins, Orton…..I know I keep belaboring this, but that HAS to be a top 5 team lineup next season…..would make Wall look that much better a year from now….

Otherwise, he would be looking at Dodson,Miller,Cousins, Orton….still a great lineup….but as good as above?….I don’t know about that one

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on Apr 29, 2009 12:53 PM EDT reply actions

the thing that worries me about meeks and ppat leaving

is that without both of them, we could very realistically start 3 freshmen (orton, cousins, wall/bledsoe) and a sophomore (miller). A young team like that will not be a final 4 team. Look at wake forest if you have any questions about that.

by idigl7220 on Apr 29, 2009 1:18 PM EDT reply actions

oh sure

But I don’t think anybody really believes UK is a FF team without Meeks and/or Patterson, even with Wall.

I get the FF talk – Cal has added a lot of talent – both on and off the court – and there is a lot of excitement about the team’s possibilities next year, but thinking about the FF is still premature to my mind and that will hold true even after we know what’s up with Patterson, Meeks, and Wall.

by JLeverenz on Apr 29, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

we dont' need to be a FF team

to have a successful season, with or without PPat, Meeks, et al. Just competing for the SEC regular season, SEC Tourney, going a couple games into the NCAA and winning the “shoulda” games would make me ecstatic for the coming year.

While FF is possible, I hope the fans are not already setting the bar that high to deem next season a success. It just makes things ugly for the coach and team when excessive expectations are not met and we have a fandom meltdown.

by hoboat33 on Apr 29, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions

agree

setting the FF as the goal might be enough to bring out “The Miserables”

only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team

by memphis wildcat on Apr 29, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions

you guys heard Calipari.....

“They only hang banners in here for National Championships”…..don’t think for a minute that under all that reserved approach to coaching at UK , he isn’t trying everything he can to figure out how to hang another one right now…..A team like this one has the potential to be doesn’t come along every year….the pieces are almost all in place…I would bet you that if he gets all of the guys he wants for next year, he will be unhappy with anything SHORT of the Final Four…I may be a lunatic, but I don’t see this guy settling for 2nd best

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on Apr 29, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

totally agree

Coach Cal is going to be expecting FF or championship every year and if the players (and stars) line up, it’s very possible next year. There is just a big difference between a coach expecting a championship and a fanbase expecting a championship. When a team falls short of that goal the coach works harder the following year, but the fanbase sits around bitching about it.

As to “A team like this one has the potential to be doesn’t come along every year”. I expect this recruiting class and next year’s team makeup will pale in comparison to what will be coming in the next 5 – 10 years.

by hoboat33 on Apr 29, 2009 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions