Landon Slone
by kentuckygirl0724 on May 27, 2009 9:19 AM EDT
116 comments
Seems as though there were quite a few Kentucky fans that were really upset over the whole Landon Slone "situation" - specifically that Slone apparently wanted to meet with Cal and wasnt able to and Cal's "apology" tweet sent out in reference to that. I was just curious as to what people here thought about the whole deal.
I, personally, was not really bothered much by the whole situation and was kind of suprised at the number of people that were really upset and the level of the complaining over this. I wish Landon much luck and success in the future wherever he goes.
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Sloan is going to visit Morehead
And apparently, Arkansas has interest. Best of luck Landon.
If peeing your pants is cool, consider me Miles Davis.
by btcoop71 on May 27, 2009 9:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sloan deserves a place he can play
That place isn’t UK in the DDMO.
As a walk-on, you live at the whim of the coach. Just ask the kid Billy G kicked off the team last year. I like Landon and wish him the best, but I won’t get worked up over anything.
Cal is a busy man and can’t honestly be expected to juggle the 8 walk-ons from last year’s team.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on May 27, 2009 11:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I see the whole KY kid thing,
I really do. But we are talking about KY. Does everyone realize how many kids dream their whole lives of one day becoming a KY Wildcat? It would be the largest number, probably in history. Thousands from every KY county. I am glad that he was able to experience the dream he has always had. I sure he knows that dream is rarely fulfilled here in KY. I wish him the best and I know he loves to play basketball. He proved that to us…
:-)
Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!
by a2d2 on May 27, 2009 11:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
largest number in history?
The mathematician in me shudders at that, but it does remind me of one of my favorite jokes: 3 > 2 except for very large values of 2.
/nerd
There is no gravity - the earth just sucks.
by JLeverenz on May 27, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is there any state
where dreams are higher for the most kids wanting to play at the best of the best? I can’t imagine that. :-)
Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!
by a2d2 on May 27, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
the part that I found the most ridiculous about the whole thing was how upset people were over Cal’s misspelling of Slone’s name. (Apparently he had originally spelled it “Sloan” and then it was corrected in a later tweet.) I heard people suggest that he did that to “rub salt in the wounds” which I dont see at all. (I honestly dont think that he misspelled Forde’s name intentionally either though.)
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 May 27, 2009 11:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh crap, I misspelled it too
If peeing your pants is cool, consider me Miles Davis.
by btcoop71 on May 27, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Slone Hater!! ;)
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 May 27, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Be Careful
Coach Cal needs to be very careful of purging his team of servicable, homegrown players……………Just ask Tubby.
by russell c on May 27, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Can You Name One (KY-ian) That Tubby Purged?
Surely you don’t infer that Rondo, Crawford, or Bradley should have been purged to make room for Lofton???
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would guess
that russell is referring to the smattering of talk radio callers who thought Tubby didn’t have enough KY players on the team.
There is no gravity - the earth just sucks.
by JLeverenz on May 27, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Never Understood That
Pitino signed Ford, Harrison, Epps, Anderson, Mills, Padgett from KY – that’s 5 in 8 years.
Tubby signed Blevins, Tackett, Estill, Carrier, Chiles, Stockton, Moss, Carter from KY – or 8 in 10 years.
Tubby had > KY players than Pitino did.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I didn't claim it was rational, just that it happened ;-)
There is no gravity - the earth just sucks.
by JLeverenz on May 27, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always thought Tubby had TOO MANY home grown players
Blevins, Tackett, Carrier, Chiles, Moss, and Carter had no business playing for the cats.
The fact that Fishback went on to play well at Auburn and Lofton at UT made it seem like he didn’t have enough.
I think people in this state are delusional (shocking I know); we want to compete nationally but recruit locally. It doesn’t work that way anymore. To compete nationally, you have to recruit nationally.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on May 27, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That Makes More Sense
Only Estill and perhaps Moss (among KY players) were “successful” at UK.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Travis Ford and Scott Padgett would be surprised to hear that they were not successful at UK.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 27, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pelphrey, Feldhaus,Farmer, Anderson,Epps as well.
by russell c on May 27, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again None Signed By Tubby
Helps to pay attention.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's exactly the point -- Tubby's well-documented inability to locate and identify and target the local talent.
And I’m not sure what the reference to paying attention is all about, because your comment said nothing at all about Tubby’s Bluegrass recruits. You wrote: "Only Estill and perhaps Moss (among KY players) were "successful" at UK.’
Nothing in there says, “Among Tubby’s UK players.”
I hope Cal will not have Tubby’s trouble identifying the great local talent, or his hesitancy to recruit white players. It’s a Kentucky school, and it deserves our commonwealth’s best.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It REplied To a Message On That Topic
Pitino had even greater difficulty getting KY talent. Signed just 5 KY boys in 8 years.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nonsense. Pitino just knew whom to sign and whom to leave alone,
and how to develop them once they got here.
I would play Travis Ford, Anthony Epps, Richie Farmer, John Pelphrey, and Derek Anderson against any five Tubby wanted to select from his All Bluegrass roster. And Pitino did it while climbing out from under the spectre of leading a team under probation, coming off a losing record year. Tubby has no excuses.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not So
Pitino missed out on lots of KY talent.
To this day he has NEVER signed KY Mr Basketball.
Tubby needs no excuses for winning 76% of his games, 72% of his NCAA games, 1 NCAA title, 4 Elite 8, 6 Sweet 16, 5 SEC titles, and 5 SECT championships in 10 years.
Those who can’t admit that, have another agenda at work.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Neither Signed By Tubby
Gots to pay attention!
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who signed Sparks?
I would call him successful
by LyricSmith on May 28, 2009 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely
Forgot him.
Sparks picked UK over Louisville in 2003 as a transfer.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 6:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, it is you who should pay attention, as you said nothing in your comment limiting the reference to Tubby's recruit sonly.
And Tubby’s refusal to recruit Sparks, who was dying to come to UK, was one of the things that started Tubby on the slide out of here. Only after Sparks lit it up at Western and the administration and boosters started the heavy armtwisting did Tubby reluctantly offer Patrick a transfer.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
More Important Aspect
Considering all the obligatory items on Calipari’s agenda, that he couldn’t/didn’t find a place for meeting with a walk-on is not unexpected. Another aspect of the situation is one to which I alluded earlier: the days of players whose major attribute is their Kentucky indigenousness — Stockton, Carter, Blevins, Tackett, Carrier, et al — on the scholarship roster is gratefully and hopefully over. The most important aspect of the story however is the possibility of a scholarship for Slone had Gillispie remained. Substantiating commentary on Gillispie’s misunderstanding of the program and the astonishing change in UK BB environment.
"The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground." --Thomas Jefferson
by Wild Weasel on May 27, 2009 12:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, all these damned Rex Chapman, Richie Farmer, John Pelphrey types. Good riddance.
A coach who does not understand that a student athlete, walk-on or not, is worth five minutes of his time in forty days on the job is a coach who “doesn’t get it.” For the vast majority of the fans, love affairs with the walk-ons are a huge part of UK history, and common courtesy to every student athlete on the team should be demanded of every coach. This BS about not having time to meet is just that. He could have cancelled the media appearance he set up to watch the NCAA selection process with the girls’ softball team.
I hope this is not a sign of things to come.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 27, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
KY Players Of The 2000's Don't Come CLOSE To Any Of Those
Talent level in KY is generally WAY down.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Forty,
is it that KY talent is down, or is it that everyone else has just started coming out of the woodwork….foreign players….kids from areas not traditionally recruited…look at Harris….Alaska?
I honestly think we have technology to blame for all of this parity…..coaches see ALL players now….you dont have to go to the Great White North to see a kid from Canada….you get it on the net….Chinese players??…..its no longer just our backyard we play in….
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
by ALLBLUCAT on May 27, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Way Down
The state procuced All-Americans in 1950’s – 60’s – 70’s – 80’s – early 90’s.
The past 15 years, KY talent has been considerably down.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look No Farther Than IN For Comparison
Indiana still produces lots of basketball talent. Kentucky no longer does.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Forty would be correct on this one
The talent level in KY high school hoops has indeed been down.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
by davw83 on May 27, 2009 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Forty, that's hogwash! Recent Kentucky experience is as rich as ever. We've just missed out on a bunch.
If you take the great ones we got (like Rajon Rondo, Patrick Sparks, Darius Miller, and Jon Hood) and add the ones we blew (like Steffphon Pettigrew, Chris Lofton, Scotty Hopson, Shelvin Mack, and Ross Neltner) you’ll see as deep a bunch as we’ve typically had, if not deeper.
Steffphon Pettigrew hung 17 points and 12 rebounds on Louisville. Do you think we could have used those in our three-point loss? What if we threw in the 17 three-pointers Chris Lofton scored in a single game once? That would make me forget I ever heard of Jermaine Brown, or Tick Rogers, or Charles Thomas — the “big” Kentucky names of the 90’s.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not weighing in one way or the other, but
OJ Mayo was sort of a KY boy.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
by blbskue on May 28, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not Exactly
Born, raised, and lived mostly in Huntington WV.
Attended school in both KY and OH but ultimately in Huntington WV.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
B-A-L-O-N-E-Y
KY basketball is way down in the 2000’s.
Given your Anti-Tubby agenda, I expect you to say the opposite.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please post facts, not unsupported re-assertions of statements I have already eviscerated.
If you think the 90’s produced a better list than I just posted, show them. I don’t find “B-A-L-O-N-E-Y” very compelling as an argument.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed The 1990's Did Have A Much Better List Than The 2K's
It ain’t even close.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, we see the unsupported assertion without benefit of any facts to support it.
Because the facts do not support the assertion, of course.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed They Do
The 90’s had several pro players from KY.
The 2K’s have one. Rajon Rondo, and he played in VA as Hs senior,
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, so many NBA players you can't name anyone besides a guy who washed out in less than one season.
As far as the 2k’s, they aren’t even over yet, and the pro list is already better than the 90’s.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The "Big" KY Names???
Dwayne Morton and Jason Osborne.
Oh, you forgot? Sorry but your agenda is showing.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was very easy to forget both, as they collectively played one half of one season in the NBA.
I do not see Jason Osbourne and Dwayne Morton as anyone’s Dynamic Duo. Good players, yes, but in no way a cut above Rajon Rondo, Darius Miller, Chris Lofton, etc.
I don’t know what the “agenda” reference is about; my agenda here, as always, is the truth and the facts. If you can support your claims, do so. Ascribing “agendas” to those who demonstrate the apparent error of your sweeping statements won’t convince anybody.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Suggesting...
….you have an agenda is Forty’s typical stance and his defense when someone doesn’t agree with him or when someone might possibly have an opinion that differs from his own concerning one, Tubby Smith.
In addition to it being incredibly disrespectful, I find it tired, boring, maddening, annoying, exasperating, frustrating, irritating, and trying as hell. He really needs to get some new material.
Ok, I’m done. ; )
by BigSkyCat on May 28, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
B. I. N. G. O.
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
by vinceuk1 on May 28, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
State Facts
I’m fine with that.
Offer BS and I’m not.
It’s THAT simple.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You...
should realize that someone else’s opinion isn’t BS just because you don’t agree with it.
The Spork, I'm two things in one.
by the spork on May 28, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, FACTS
If you opined that Tubby had a very good 8 years but a subpar 2 years, I’M FINE WITH THAT. Because it’s FACTUAL.
How could ANYONE say or think that 1 NC, 4 Elite 8, 6 Sweet 16, 5 SEC titles, and 5 SECT championships in his first 8 years isn’t VERY GOOD???
Tubby Sucks is not factual. Therein lies the difference. It’s THAT simple.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It...
is clear who has the agenda here. Tubby was not even part of this conversation. It was about recruiting KY players and the ones that got away.
The Spork, I'm two things in one.
by the spork on May 28, 2009 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, It Wasn't
It was Tubby Sucks when it came to recruiting KY players.
When the FACTS show it was Pitino Sucks at that aspect.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Rick should never have recruited Travis Ford, or Anthony Epps, or Derek Anderson, or Scott Padgett.
What was he thinking? Go with Jared Carter!
Come on, Forty, now you’re looking silly.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pitino Signed 5 Players From KY
None was Mr. Basketball.
Tubby signed 8 players from KY.
No different now at Louisville. Pitino still disdains the KY players.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No true Kentuckian WANTS to play for Louisville.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
AMEN TO THAT
No True Kentuckian wants to play for UofL
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
by davw83 on May 29, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus the Kentucky talent was way down back then.
About the only guy besides VanHoose worth taking would have been Daymeon Fishback (wish Rick had snagged him, but it’s hard to argue with a recruiting scheme that put us in three consecutive national championship games).
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fishback Was 1997 (I Think)
Pitino was too busy signing non-UK caliber players like Anthony and Hogan then.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 29, 2009 7:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amen. I still wish Pitino had recruited JR VanHoose!
By the way, as of a year or two ago, VanHoose was still playing pro ball. I saw him listed as one of Sports Illustrated’s TOP 20 Minor League Pro Basketball players.
There was a Parade All American we let get away. I guess technically that blame would be shared between Rick and “Him-Whose-Name-May-Not-Be-Spoken-For-Fear-of-Setting-Forty-Off.”
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tubby Sucks
is just as “factual” as Gillispie is a bum, my friend.
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 May 29, 2009 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except
Tubby never treated his players like dirt.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
by davw83 on May 29, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and...
Tubby was a media friendly professional…
Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.
by vinceuk1 on May 29, 2009 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
it was the other way around.
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 May 29, 2009 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Neither Truth Nor Facts (By You)
I listed nothing but both.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where would those alleged "facts" be hiding?
All I see is my repeated invitation for you to supply some, followed by your unsupported assertions that your dad can beat mine up.
I don’t mind you having a different opinion, or even you being quite obviously dead wrong (as you consistently are about Tubby); but I would ask that you support your assertions when someone else presents strong evidence that you are mistaken or at least overblown when you say something like, “Kentucky isn’t producing much in the way of quality basketball players lately.”
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look At Parade And McDonalds HS All-Americans (From KY) In 90's And 2K's
Look at list of Mr. Basketballs from KY in those 2 decades.
Clearly 1990’s > 2000’s in terms of talent from KY.
Try here www.rscihoops.com for list of Top 100 HS players from 1998 on.
You won’t find many from KY.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 29, 2009 7:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong words.
O.K., purge was the wrong word to use. But if you think Tubby would not have traded five of Crawford or Bradley for Lofton, your lost.
by russell c on May 27, 2009 12:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
In 2004, He Would NOT Have Traded Them
Both were higher rated than Lofton by a country mile.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
would’t say a couontry mile between bradley and lofton.
by russell c on May 27, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In Their Rankings, Yes
Ability (then), maybe not.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right... it was more like a country marathon
Lofton was not highly regarded coming out of high school.
To be honest, I had seen him play and I was terrified that we would have another Josh Carrier on the team. i.e. The local kid who is supposed to be able to shoot the lights out, but never quite gets it.
I’m also convinced that playing for Pearl in his “shoot early, shoot often” offense was much better for Lofton than playing for Tubby’s much more structured system. I guarantee that he wouldn’t be the SEC leader in three point shots had he played in Blue instead of Orange.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on May 27, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agree with you chirop
he would not have lead Sec while in blue.
and agree with forty – out of HS, i would have taken crawford and bradley by a country mile over lofton…
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on May 28, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remember that you have
a clean cut, white, KY kid who plays guard and shoots. And yes I know it will not sit well with fans to hear that race enters into it, however, it is the truth. That type of kid will always be worshipped here.
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
by ALLBLUCAT on May 27, 2009 12:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
best thig Coach can do for ALL
of these kids is try to help them get scholarships elsewhere. That would be a nice gesture on his part, although I dont know if he would be able to do that without violating some stupid NCAA rule.
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
by ALLBLUCAT on May 27, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Come on now allblucat
Sad you had to play the race card.
by russell c on May 27, 2009 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I didnt say I liked it....I said it was true.
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
by ALLBLUCAT on May 27, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But it's not true
Any clean cut KY kid that can shoot a basketball well enough will be worshiped regardless of race. If he has a couple bad games the fans will rip him apart regardless of race as well. You will always have a small number of fans who try to pull the race card into it, but for the majority of fans, they just want to win.
by cthom on May 27, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There may be some of that sentiment.
Thankfully, less and less every year.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on May 28, 2009 6:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didnt say that a kid
who was black, red, green or yellow wouldnt ALSO be worshipped, I just said that a white KY kid that plays guard and shoots well will always be worshipped.
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
by ALLBLUCAT on May 27, 2009 3:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it's because they're white, but because they're Kentuckians.
Most of the folks I roll with see all Kentuckians as just shades of blue, and they want the best to play for US, whatever their color or race.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My whole point is that
having some of the better kids from the state on the roster is not a bad thing. It does not they have to play 40 min. a game or play at all. It means folks from different areas get a ton pride from seeing one of their own wearing that jersey, trust me I know. It’s just an opinion. How many future pros do we need to win a title? If memory serves me right, somewhere around 8 or 9 from Rick’s and Tubby’s teams. O yeah, I think there were 5 in state kids on those teams, Derek Anderson and Anthony Epps ring a bell?
by russell c on May 27, 2009 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I completely agree.
But what we are seeing is that there is more than one kind of UK fan out there, and some are more obsessed with just the wins and losses than others.
There are many things about a university program that can make one proud. Winning is only one of them.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 27, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For some reason,
people take more pride in seeing ‘Cats B-ball listed on Rivals or ESPN. As you know, if some yahoo talking head says a player is #1, then it’s golden. “Fans” LOVE to spew numbers, heights, weights and stats, it’s a zombie like state. There is no doubt at all you have to have great talent to win, and win big, any fan of the game knows this. But any TRUE Big Blue fan knows the tradition of Kentucky basketball is built around talent AND kids who have played their whole lives dreaming of wearing that jersey. Landon Slone may have never been a big time player at Rupp, but a couple of three’s or a nice assist in any given game would ignite the crowd at home for many games to come. Guys like FortyYearCanFan have no number to place on that.
by russell c on May 30, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1996 And 1998 Teams
1996 had 9 on the roster who made the NBA (some only briefly).
1998 had 6 such (NBA) players, not 8 or 9. The talent level in 1998 was considerably <<< than 1996.
The 1996 team had 4 from KY. The 1998 team had just 2 from KY.
Your memory was enhanced by Jon Scott’s website.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1996 And 1998 Teams
First of all, FortyYearCatFan, I have no idea who Jon Scott is, and my memory needs to be enhanced, as it is mostly foggy. I can see your mind works only in stats and ESPN type numbers. I’m talking tradition and pride, thats it. I’m sure you can rattle of numbers faster than Obama read read from his tele-promter, but I’m talking Big Blue Pride. By the way you made my point better for me, notice I said TEAMS in the 90’s. Give those year books a rest Big Guy.
by russell c on May 27, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jon Scott Website
Link http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/Statistics/statistics.html has every UK roster EVER.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Teams In The 1990's > KY Players And NBA Players
1990 = 6 from KY – 1 NBA player.
1991 = 7 KY – 2 NBA.
1992 = 5 KY – 1 NBA.
1993 = 2 KY – 4 NBA.
1994 = 3 KY – 5 NBA.
1995 = 4 KY – 7 NBA.
1996 = 3 KY – 9 NBA.
1997 = 4 KY – 6 NBA.
1998 = 2 KY – 6 NBA.
1999 = 3 KY – 5 NBA.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Don't "Win"
I just listed the facts, which support your point of view.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mr Basketball
I’m surprised nobody has mentioned that we are going to have the last two Mr Basketballs in KY on the roster next year in Hood and Miller.
by cthom on May 27, 2009 4:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
thanks for bringing a little sanity to an ugly day there cthom....
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
by ALLBLUCAT on May 27, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Had That In 2003-04-05 Also
Carrier and Stockton were both Mr Basketball in KY.
Those teams were 87-15 (85%) for #1 record in Div I basketball.
Good omen?
by FortyYearCatFan on May 27, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1986-87-88: Chapman, Pelphrey, Farmer
Three years in a row there. Those boys turned out alright. Didn’t Todd May and Winston Bennett go back to back as well?
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chapman Played In 1987 And 1988
Pelphrey played in 1989-90-91-92 as did Farmer.
UK was 88-49 in those 4 years. I’d prefer 87-15 myself.
Todd May left a few games into his freshman year.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What you'd prefer to do is to pretend that those weren't the troubled transition years,
mopping up after the Sutton years and Kentucky’s Shame.
And it is very, very few teams indeed that I would prefer to the Unforgettables.
As I said above, there are many things about a program of which may be proud. Winning is only one of them.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You May Prefer Whatever U Like
I prefer the much better record of the mid 2000’s.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, some prefer a sanitized examination of wins and losses, sans heart, sans provenance, and sans back story.
I freely admit that for me, it is often about more than wins and losses. Guilty as charged. (Maybe others should watch that movie about Marshall’s football team to understand the point.)
I’ll take the Untouchables.
Vive la Bluegrass!
(I will admit that it KILLED me to go 9-7 in the SEC for two consecutive years just before BCG was hired. I hated it.)
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some Prefer 40-27
Some hate Tubby (like you do).
by FortyYearCatFan on May 29, 2009 7:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, the comparison favors the Old Guard.
In the final year of the Carrier/Stockton era (‘05-’06), the team went 22-13 (62.8%), and suffered a first weekend exit from the NCAA.
In the final year of the Pelphrey/Farmer era the team went 27-7 (79.4%), and missed the Final Four in the Regional Finals by 2.2 seconds and the Christian Laettner miracle.
First weekend exit (one of FOUR such exits during the Smith Dark Times) versus Game of the Century overtime loss to Duke with FIVE Kentucky natives on the squad — hmmmmm.
Better Won/Lost per centage, better NCAA Tournament result = better team.
Across the entire Carrier/Stockton era, UK had a 66.7% winning per centage in the NCAA Tournament, while the Pelphrey/Farmer teams sat at 75%, and never missed playing in a a Regional Final (post-probation). Better NCAA Won/Lost per centage = better team.
The only way to make them look even remotely equal is to try to throw in the Sutton/Pitino transfer years to try to bring the numbers down. Very disingenuous.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Carrier Was Not On 2006 Team
Stockton was.
But OK – UK was 109-28 those 4 years compared to 88-49 for the other 4 years.
Most rational people prefer 109-28 to 88-49.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 28, 2009 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As I said, the Carrier/Stockton era.
And most rational people prefer a Regional Finals overtime loss to a first weekend exit from the NCAA tournament.
But to each his own.
God bless.
by Ken Pomeroy on May 28, 2009 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
109-28 Or 88-49
I prefer a 1st weekend exit from NCAA to sitting home and watching it in 1989, 90, or 91.
Others hate Tubby (like you do).
by FortyYearCatFan on May 29, 2009 7:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Hate" ...
… is such an ugly word, and I question that it is appropriate. Many people did not like Smith as coach, but few actually hated him.
You might want to rethink that.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on May 29, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he may also want to rethink
this “agenda” we all apparently have as well.
GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!
by UKWildCatFanatic on May 29, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just State Facts
Tubby had 8 very good years and 2 sub-par years.
UK won almost 80% of its games in those 8 seasons and 75% of its NCAA games. That’s evidence of Very Good years to most rational fans.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 30, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
regardless of the omen I sure hope Hood and Miller turn out better than Stockton and Carrier.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
by davw83 on May 27, 2009 9:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good thing...
this post wasn’t about Landon Slone being released from UK.Oh wait it was,and since Tubby ,Pitino,Rupp,or B.G. and whoever else coach here isn’t the one looking for a new home this week.And frankly who cares if 98 or 96 was better,we have the banners hanging in our house so it just proves that WE were better than everyone else.Back to the subject I think Landon could’ve played in this system off the bench he can shoot and shoot it well.I hate to see him go and if he does go to Arkansas I do believe you will hear his name again.Slone for 3!!!! Hope it doesn’t hurt when we do hear it,all I’m saying.
by yearofthecat on May 30, 2009 2:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
From 1998 Through 2009 (Per RSCI Stats) HS Players From KY
Link www.rscihoops.com here.
From 98 thru 09, KY has produced exactly (11) Top 100 rated HS players in 12 years. But IN has produced (37) Top 100 players.
KY produced (5) Top 50 players. IN produced (16) Top 50 players.
KY produced ZERO Top 10 players. IN produced (6) Top 10 players.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 30, 2009 8:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Demographics Tell The Story
Indiana has 1.5 times the population of Kentucky.
Indiana is considerably ( nearly 70%) more urban than Kentucky and basketball is primarily an urban sport.
Indiana’s ethnic demography is conducive to producing more basketball athletes.
"The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground." --Thomas Jefferson
by Wild Weasel on May 31, 2009 12:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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