UK Basketball: Four Critical Questions for the 2009-2010 Season
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PrintWith Jodie Meeks finally discovering his draft fate (41st to the Bucks), the question UK fans are now attempting to answer is: What will constitute a successful 2009-2010 Kentucky Wildcat basketball campaign? After talking with fellow 'Cat fans, and reading via the Internet the thoughts of the hard core UK faithful, I've come to the conclusion that there are wide-ranging expectations for this group of players: Some fans consider Meeks' departure a death knell to the talk of UK hanging banner No. 8, while others consider Meeks' early entry to be merely a hiccup on an otherwise positively pleasant outlook.
With UK coach John Calipari telling anyone in possession of a microphone (or UK gear) that this team has many obstacles to overcome before success can be tasted, Wildcat fans are left to ponder the possibility that their head honcho is either an accomplished spin doctor, or a man making valid points. I suspect the truth lies somewhere in between.
Me, I see both sides of the truth, and I do know this: In order for Kentucky to maximize its chance of bringing back The Boss and his Glory Days, UK must, through the course of the upcoming season, see the evolution of four question marks morph into four exclamation points.
For your summer perusal, and in no particular order, here are UK's four most riveting questions regarding the '09-'10 basketball season:
How can I have Patterson listed as a question? Well, it's certainly not because I question his talent, but, we have yet to see if the big fella can take and make, with consistency, the 15-foot jumper. With Patterson and Calipari both stating the focus of Patterson's offensive repertoire being on improving his outside game, I'm left wondering if he can be as successful scoring points from beyond the paint, as he is from inside 10 feet. I realize Patterson displaying the ability to score from a variety of spots on the floor increases his NBA value, and this may seem callous and uncaring, but in the end ...
... I couldn't care less. I, and most UK fans want optimum offensive and defensive production from each player as long as they're wearing "Kentucky" across their chests.
A second concern: Patterson has demonstrated an ability to make the mid-range jumper ... from time to time, but now he must make the shot while being guarded. Before, he made the shot out of the high-low offense, often-times while he was wide open. In the upcoming season, that will not be the case; he will be guarded one-on-one, either out of a match-up zone, or man-to-man defense.
Of course, I feel confident if Patterson is struggling with his shooting percentage from beyond 10 feet, Calipari will make the appropriate ADJUSTMENT. Calipari knows PPat's offensive production will be a determining factor in the success of the 2009-2010 season, a fact that is only magnified with the loss of Jodie Meeks. With so many youngsters playing major minutes, this team will need an experienced "go-to-guy" when the possession is a must-score.
And I like my "go-to-guys" shooting from within their range.
The Newcomers
I don't care how heralded ... I don't care how highly sought after ... I don't care how much of a "sure thing" an incoming freshman is, we don't know what we have until we see them perform under the bright lights, and with Ashley in the house. And that fact is just a tad bit disconcerting to me.
The range of adjustments UK's youngsters face as they enter college is astounding: From the upgrade in academic requirements, to meshing with teammates, to becoming acclimated with a new coach, to dealing with student-body adulation, to adjusting to the increased speed of the game. All this done under the spotlight of an attendant media, and a curious fan base. Indeed, a tall and mighty task.
John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, Jon Hood, Daniel Orton, DeMarcus Cousins and Darnell Dodson are all considered great prospects, but all six of the listed players are going to be counted on to provide meaningful minutes, and right quick. Minutes at the point guard spot, minutes at the "2" guard, and minutes in the low post aiding and abetting Patrick Patterson. Will they perform as advertised? If not, UK fans will be in for a monumentally disappointing season.
End of story.
The "2" Guard [s]
With Jodie Meeks leaving the Bluegrass for the green pastures of the NBA, UK is left with what has become the question of the summer: Who will replace his scoring, experience, and leadership at the shooting guard position?
The answer: No one.
The absolute best John Calipari and UK fans can hope for out of the shooting guard spot in '09-'10 is competent play. With the return of Darius Miller, plus the addition of JUCO Darnell Dodson, and freshman Jon Hood (all capable of playing the "2") Calipari should be able to field a player [s] who can competently shoot the three-pointer, and take his man off the dribble. Which should be enough to keep the defense from collapsing down to the block, rendering Patterson and his cohorts in no better position than the big men have been in over the last two seasons (i.e. double and triple teamed).
There has been talk of freshman Eric Bledsoe playing at the shooting guard spot, but I only recommend that move if Cal enjoys attempting to shoot opponents out of a zone, while absent three-point threats. Well, Bledsoe can take his man off the dribble, you say? He may be able to do as much, but where is he going to venture? The entire defense will be in the paint, awaiting his arrival.
Simply put, the loss of Meeks adds undo pressure on to the players left to replace him. They may not feel the pressure just yet, but ask Michael Porter how receptive Rupp Arena is to unsure, unseasoned play.
I'm counting on Calipari to coach-up his group of young guns, and game-plan effectively, which will hopefully offset the youth and inexperience of his shooting guards. Because make no mistake, UK's Final Four fortunes rest with the productivity of the "2" guards. So much of UK's offense will rely on keeping the opponent's defenses honest, and without at least the threat of a three-pointer, there will be no honesty to be had.
John Calipari
Adolph Rupp created IT, Joe B. Hall managed IT, Eddie Sutton was corrupted by IT, Rick Pitino thrived on IT, Tubby Smith, in the end, decided he didn't want IT, and Billy Gillispie had no idea how to deal with IT.
"IT" is the incumbent pressure to win. More pointedly, the pressure to win that comes with being the head basketball coach at Kentucky. It's not even July and Calipari has already said, more than once, that the fanatical nature of UK fans is much more acute than he ever imagined. As Eddie Sutton so astutely put it, when talking about the passion Kentucky fans have for the program, and the resulting pressure, "You think you know, but you have no idea." Words that have since been echoed by Cal.
Since taking over the program in April, Calipari has done as good a job as any of his predecessors (some say better) in glad-handing the boosters, and being as fan-friendly as possible. In that area of his coaching responsibilities, his behavior has obviously been finely calculated. But, after Gillispie clearly showed no interest in that aspect of the job, Cal was left with no choice.
Calipari's off-court demeanor and activities are not the source of my questioning his ability to do the job, though. My question lies in his ability to make the right decisions during games. Pressure can cause coaches to make erratic, erroneous, and mind-numbingly idiotic decisions ... often, at the worst possible time.
Will Cal succumb? I think not, but he's never coached at UK before. So the proof will come as his first season progresses.
Editor's Disclaimer: This post is meant to be a CRITICAL look at the questions the Kentucky basketball team faces this upcoming season. If you are unhappy with my stance, please refer all emails to our fearless leader, Tru :) KH
Happy Birthday
Happy sixth birthday to my oldest daughter, Alex! Trivial pursuits such as UK basketball pale in comparison to the meaning you bring to my life!
Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!
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It does look like Patterson is the only proven scorer
even though Miller was starting to blossom at the end of last season. A lot of my optimism about last year was based around two proven upperclassmen scorers leading a team loaded with potential. Now we only have one. Realistically, if Miller is able to pull of a double-digit ppg average and just two of the newcomers can manage an 8 ppg average, we’re still better than last year and could compete with any SEC team. We may still see the final four this year, but I’m not as convinced as I was when I pictured Meeks returning. Even if he had come back, he would have had to play under three different coaching systems in four years. He would have been able to sit back and shoot threes instead of running the team, though.
At least we won’t be a two-dimensional team anymore.
Whether our new coach and our new recruits live up to the hype or not, the hype works to our advantage by making all of our opponents think we’re good. By making major headlines in recruiting and coaching, it gets into everyone we play’s heads. We just have to be careful not to let it get into our heads in the same way and start unrealistic expectations.
First of all
Great job Ken, you are like fine wine,always getting better. I would like to wish Alex a Happy Birthday also.
Happy Days are here again The sky is all ways BLUE again Happy days are here again !
Perception is reality.
I will be mildly surprised if Miller doesn’t average double-digits, and I’ll be wildly surprised if a total of at least four players don’t do the same.
by Ken Howlett on Jun 28, 2009 12:51 AM EDT up reply actions
30+ W And Final 4
UK talent is as good or better than 1986 or 1998 teams.
Both of those had first year coaches. 32 W in 86 and 35 W in 98.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2009 6:32 AM EDT reply actions
I tend to agree with you about forecasting success. This is going to be a solid team.
Feel free to argue (I know you will), but this is one area where I think your stats are irrelevant as predictors of team success. This is a totally different game than it was in 1998, and especially 1986.
No, I have no statistics…but it’s just common sense.
by mrmondaynite on Jun 26, 2009 7:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Not Different That Much
No major differences anyway.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
You've become so predicatable.
You win.
by mrmondaynite on Jun 26, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
The 1986 Team Won 32 Games Without 3-Pt Shot
The 1998 team won 35 games with it.
Presumably the 1986 team may have won more games WITH the 3-pt shot.
The 2010 team can win 30+ games with it.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Which has nothing to do with the point you're failing to defend.
The game is different, and these teams are different.
by mrmondaynite on Jun 26, 2009 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Baloney
The 2010 team has plenty of talent to win 30+ games and make Final 4.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope you are right...
but I respectfully disagree. Unlike those prior years, this year’s team will have to rely greatly on freshmen, and history teaches us that—with a few notable exceptions—freshmen are rarely able to carry a team to the final four in their first season.
The 1998 team had guys like Shephard, Padget, Turner, Evans, and—if memory serves me—Mohamed and Magliore. These guys might not have all been starters in the previous season, but they all had played quality minutes, and none of this “core” group of players was a freshman who had never played a minute of college basketball against D-1 competition.
We all need to be patient as the season unfolds and the team learns to play together under Cal’s system. That’s all I’m saying… .
1998
Sheppard coming off redshirt year. Started 2 years earlier as sophomore.
Padgett part-time starter (with Prickett) as junior. Turner back-up PG to Epps. Evans played 0 games in 1997 as redshirt (transfer). Nazr and Magloire shared C but neither was great in 1997.
It’s amazing how people think that players who had little or no role in 1996 or 1997 somehow played major roles those 2 seasons.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
No more amazing...
than people who think a group of freshmen—who played NO roles, and no minutes, last year—are going to lead this year’s team to the final four.
A Group Of Similarly Talented Freshmen Did Pretty Well In 1992 And 1993
Michigan’s Fab Five had nowhere near the returning talent of the 2010 UK team.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
You're saying then
that all teams of talented freshman should be F4 material? Bullshit. Show me a list of teams that are predominantly freshman BESIDES the UM team that made any real noise come Tournament time.
by mrmondaynite on Jun 26, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions
All Teams Of Freshman Talent Like Fab Five Or UK Class Of 2009 (Best Ever at UK)
They should get to 30+ W and make Final 4, yes.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2009 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Dear Tru, this Ken guy can write.
In response to “IT” Coach Cal has suggested that several players move on and therefore the 2009 team is essentially a brand new very young group of players. I don’t know if this team can play together, time will tell. However, IMO, the individual skill sets are as strong as they have been at each position except the SG position for a long long time. To be successful, this group of young men must become a team and in order to help the team, each person may have to develop new skills or do things that they currently are not yet doing.
For example, last year I wondered why Jodie had never been put at the lead/point guard position, since he when he was recruited Rivals called him a “combo” guard. With Miller at the two guard next to him, Miller would have shielded some of Jodie’s deficiencies. I still think that move would have helped Jodie and helped last year’s team. Sometimes to get the best players on the floor at the same time, someone has to play our of position.
This year presents new challenges/opportunities. To me, the biggest blessing we have is the freshmen class and some experienced seniors. So what are my feelings about this team if they truly become a team. Here they are:
*IMO the turnovers will remain the same as last year, but the assists will increase drastically.
I do not feel this team will have a fear of shooting. If Cal can get both Patterson, Orton and Cousins on the floor at the same time, then our offensive rebounding should be excellent. One of the best ways to relieve shooter anxiety is for the team to know “rebound is ours”. This is why Miss. State has become so successful.
John Wall will become the “go to” man. This is not because he will always be the one who hits the winning shot, but because with the ball in his hands there will be the possibility someone else will.
* For this team to be successful, they will need to run and use everyone, with some playing out of their tradition positions. The “interchangeable parts” I never saw happen last year should be seen this year. The experience Ramon and Perry have should be used from time to time as we rest our stars.
* Finally the skill sets of the current players must improve. IF Patterson can become comfortable hitting the outside shot and even a three, IF the two guard question is resolved to a satisfactory level and IF Patterson, Cousins and Orton can all play at the same time, I see great success coming our way. I think with luck a FF, but there is a lot of work to do until then.
Thanks Blueobsessed
Coming together as a team — That’s exactly what needs to happen in order for UK to maximize its chances for success.
Great piece Ken...
“Adolph Rupp created IT, Joe B. Hall managed IT, Eddie Sutton was corrupted by IT, Rick Pitino thrived on IT, Tubby Smith, in the end, decided he didn’t want IT, and Billy Gillispie had no idea how to deal with IT”.
This has to be one of the best things I have ever seen in writing on this site…and Tru does an excellent job, but this so simply and so accurately describes Kentucky Basketball!
Amen, Brother
It’s good writing and that one sentence truly does describe UK B-Ball. KH, you’d make a good preacher. If that’s not your cup of tea, try for a Pulitzer.
By the way, Tru — you do a fantastic job. I just recently joined the site. I almost wish we could have another “scandal” like the SAT/Memphis fiasco. I could read more of your keen analysis on asob! lots of laughs!!!
RD
Thanks.
Ken does an awesome job, and I have been struggling to keep my head above water lately. Ultimately, I’ll get more productive, but right now it is really tough.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Re: cincyblue
LOL! My father and brother are both ministers.
I appreciate your considerate comments!
The positives far outweigh the question marks,
but they do exist. Patterson spending his summer out west will prove to be the difference maker I believe. Patrick will be guarded, it just wont be by 4 people this year. Not seeing the defense sagging around him every time he touches the ball will be a welcome change for him. Fact remains that this year we will have 5 shooters on the court at all times. If you look up and down this lineup, there is NO ONE who cant shoot the ball.
Rebounding and pressure are Calipari’s trademarks, so I have to believe that these things will be improved as well. The biggest single factor though that has not yet been brought to light is the fact that these kids will be playing as a TEAM this year, under a coach that knows how to keep them focused and enjoying what they do.
No one can overlook the fact that in order for these kids to put in the kind of work ethic and effort it is going to take this season, they have to be enjoying the game. This isnt 1951 anymore. Kids are not going to continue to put themselves out there on a limb unless they feel like their coach believes in them. Berating these kids into the ground doesnt work anymore. All of the players who played for coach Rupp will tell you he was the meanest SOB out there when they were here. They will ALSO tell you that he cared about his “boys” like no one else did. Thats what makes a kid take a charge in double overtime when he has 4 fouls. That is what gives these kids the extra they need when they have to dig deep down. You combine that with all of the positives we have working for us that were question marks last year, and we have ourselves the makings of a historical season. My best wishes to Jodie for his NBA career, and I pray he gets everything he wants, because he truly deserves it, but he is going to miss out on something very special, make no bones about it.
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
I agree
There are many, many positives with this team, but this piece was meant to look at the question marks, at least as I see them.
Worth Remembering
Louisville had two lottery picks this year, and one bad game at the wrong time kept them out of the Final Four. So all the analyzing, predicting, and scrutinizing can come a-cropper under the bright lights of March.
Or, Pitino just sucks.
The King is dead! Long live the King!
Making it to the FF is hard
Every year there are really talented teams that fail to get that far. This team has legitimate FF ability, but that ability doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s too simplistic to argue “This team has as much talent as that team that made the FF, therefore this one will too” as it ignores many important factors such as health and the strength of potential opponents.
I think this team is an Elite 8 squad (with as much certainty as is possible) with a trip to the FF depending on the draw in the tournament.
There is no gravity - the earth just sucks.
Agreed
I think the Elite 8 is as far as talent can take you. To make the Final Four, you also have to have luck.
Plenty of Kentucky teams have had the talent to reach a Final Four… winning that one extra game is something else entirely. In my time following the Cats closely, 1992, 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2005 all had teams with enough talent to reach the Final Four, but ended up one game short.
Personally, I will be satisfied by this team if they bring me an enjoyable style of basketball to watch and reach the Sweet 16.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Luck/Coaching
The UK coach in 1975 had the good luck of a Scott May injury on the IU Hoosiers to get to FF.
He also had the good luck of playing 2 games in Rupp Arena to get to FF in 1984.
The UK coach in 2003 had the bad luck of an injury to his best player and lost to Marquette (who went to FF). He also had the bad luck of playing Wisconsin and Marquette in their backyard (Minneapolis) that year.
The UK coach in 2005 had the bad luck of a “swallowed” referee’s whistle (no foul called on Sparks’ defender on the last shot).
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Luck
and let’s look at Laittner’s shot. It was a 3 to 1 shot at best. The guy was not that good. He barely existed in the NBA. and let’s not talk about Laittner’s not called foul on Timberlake that should have gotten his ass thrown out of the game. Luck? Destiny? Phooey , I named my first kid Atheist. lol… side note, she’s been having trouble in school. (just kidding)
Luck Is Part Of It
Coach K was lucky.
Pitino has lucky that Woods hit that prayer of a shot to go ahead prior to the Laettner shot.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
THIS SHOULD BE A BUMPER STICKER OR T-SHIRT
“Adolph Rupp created IT, Joe B. Hall managed IT, Eddie Sutton was corrupted by IT, Rick Pitino thrived on IT, Tubby Smith, in the end, decided he didn’t want IT, and Billy Gillispie had no idea how to deal with IT.” – Sea of Blue
Definitely a shirt.......
Bumper Sticker would have to be 6 ft long!!!!…..
I am going to go to the local T-shirt place and have that put on a blue shirt in white lettering, anyone know what the official font is for UK???……Ken Howlett……your name goes below the quote!!!….
I will see if I can get a pic to post.
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
That would be awesome
And I would definately want to buy one.
shirt
Great idea…but would it need an ending phrase-
Coach Cal gets IT.
Coach Cal knows IT
Coach Cal has IT
Coach Cal lives IT
etc….anyone?
Put all that on there. . .
. . . and you’ll need a muu-muu, not a shirt.
The King is dead! Long live the King!
Good one!
I like that!!
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 Jun 26, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
See what everyone thinks of this....a couple modifications....KH gets the final say
Adolph Rupp created IT
Joe B. Hall managed IT
Eddie Sutton corrupted IT
Rick Pitino thrived on IT
Tubby Smith, didn’t want IT
Billy Gillispie couldn’t deal with IT
And Coach Calipari loves IT.
Kentucky Basketball-
Any Questions ?
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Looks good
Just a suggestion for the last line…
Do YOU get IT?
WE GET IT!
Yours looks great though…I am in to buy three. Will pay including shipping.
That might work better than the Any Questions? line....let me see
Adolph Rupp- created IT
Joe B. Hall managed IT corrupted IT
Eddie Sutton
Rick Pitino-thrived on IT
Tubby Smith- didn’t want IT
Billy Gillispie couldn’t deal with IT loves IT.
And Coach Calipari
The University of Kentucky -
Where IT is….
How bout that, any better?
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Nope
Didnt want to do 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 Jun 26, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Didnt want to
deal with the pressure of the fans want to win – be an embassador, all that stuff. I’m sure he wanted to win – didnt mean to make it sound that way.
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 Jun 26, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
ok....I have created a new blog on the subject
everyone put their 2 cents worth in…..
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
LOL!
You guys are full of great ideas. There may be some copyright concerns, though:)
Mr. Sutton might not appreciate being characterized as corrupted, regardless of how true.
Yeah, those kinda crept up on us in the other blog....but I am considering trying to reword
it so it could fly, without names…..with your permission of course….and you would still get final approval….
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Something like this
A Legend created IT
His Right Hand managed IT
An Unworthy man corrupted IT
An Icon thrived on IT
His Successor didn’t want IT
A Commoner wouldn’t deal with IT
The New Guy can’t get enough of IT
University of Kentucky Basketball
Come and Get IT!!
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Point guard play
That I think will be the big difference for us this year. We have two of the premier point guards in the country and we all know the point guard play can absolutely make or break a team. That coupled with some serious rebounding bodies inside should alleviate the outside shooting a bit. Although who knows what some of these guys might do from the outside. Only time will tell……….
Ken
great piece, very well written.
I did feel like it was overly critical but your points are not without merit. Im not as worried about the 2 guard situation as you are. In this offense there is no two guard. There are four wing players and one low block guy. One of those wings happens to also bring the ball up the court. Ive heard Rod Strickland say you can label them whatever you what but there are no “positions” in this offense. That of course still doesnt make up for the loss of Jodie but I think people are overly worried about it.
As far as Patrick being on the wing instead of on the block. Cal has stated that “if the game is on the line Pat will be in the post”. Cal has demonstrated to me his willingess to change what he runs to suit who his players are.
Im not at all worried about his ability to thrive under pressure or make the right call in crunch time. The man’s been to two national championships and coached in the NCAA or NBA for 17 years. I think he can handle it.
Awesome “IT” line by the way. You need to trademark that sucker.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
Ken is the man
Ken, I know that you meant for that list of newcomers to make us hold off our praise until we actually see them perform, but putting their names side by side like that just made me giggle with anticipation again.
Nice bit of writing there, I always look forward to your critiques.
Ken, Excellent piece
What about that extra scholarship now that Jodie is drafted??
Happy Birthday to Alex … my “little” girl (pretty soon I think she’ll be wearing MY shoes) … is 11. They grow up so fast … Hope she enjoys her day.
Thanks ukcris
I think Cal saves the schollie for next year.
And yes, it seems like only yesterday I held her for the first time.
Elite Eight -- Good possibility
I know the team is young; but, freshman are different than they were 20, maybe 10 years ago. Those guys seemed to be scared to death of Rupp Arena, etc. Because of the recruiting spotlight (?), today’s youngsters seem to be more mature basketball players than their predecessors (I’m not speaking to personal maturity :) ) With Calipari’s leadership, I think they will be ready for a long run into the dance, come next March. And an SEC championship before that.
I can’t wait. It’s been a good summer — minus the storms we had in Cincinnati last night, but can’t we just skip to November? :) That way, I don’t have to clean up all the branches in my yard.
Crystal ball
I have one and the image is simply the room upside down. Apt I think for forcasting the upcoming season. I have difficulties with lacking real information about the DDMO, the new players, the mix, PP2 with a new coach and Coach Cal during game situations. I felt that BCG often lost the game beforehand and then just as often during the game with his inability to manage real time play with the other team. He was seemingly stubborn or rigid. Both did not work in games or in his coaching role. Coach Cal seems both grounded and flexible. I am wishing on that change alone to improve the outcome in games. I think predicting game play for a freshman or transfer is like my crystal ball…no valid image comes forth when you look into the future. Three or four games into the season will give more invormation. Additional experience with heavy weight teams will add more and all that pales when the SEC starts. The makeup of the other teams is the last variable and we need to remember as we laud our own players, the SEC has many competative teams out there in this season.
My last factor….through the years I have always been astounded at how hard teams play against Kentucky. Afterall our reputation preceeds us. My psyche has many scars from “easy games”…just think Georgia last year. Realistic expectations should keep us humble. We should be elated with the look ahead for this upcoming season and we should enjoy every game. I think we can get turned either upside down or at least sideways if we just focus on March 2010. I am so excited for the season. I think I shall return to an old high school habit before technology put the season on the screen- put up the schedule tand write my scores in, savoring what I think will be a long list of wins.
In my opinion, overly critical means an imbalanced analysis that fails to address the full possibilities or offers unbalanced focus on building points. This was just a good analysis Mr. Howlett . Very well written.
I aprreciate that CA.
Great, great point about how teams focus more on the UK game. UK always gets the opponents best effort, even though sometimes they are outclassed (which hasn’t been the case lately, resulting in UK’s four straight “over par” years).
Memphis...
Didn’t exactly have any ‘great’ 3-point shooters. They literally pushed the ball before the zone could set (which will be really easy for us considering the freakish speed and talent we now have, and depth, at the PG position), and rebounded them out of it. We’ll have great height and body advantages that will create many second shots. Zone’s, matchup zones, the like were able to work against us because we had very little talent, and no depth at the guard spot. Lets be real, we relied on two guys last year, and it’s not hard to plan around two guys. I think everyone is about to find out how a zone gets broken down with dribble penetration. It may be hard to hit contested three’s, but uncontested 3’s and 10-15 footers are much easier, and we’ll see a lot of them.
I wish Jodie the best of luck, and we ceratinly would have been better with him, but I’m not overly concerned about our outlook next year.
Patience UK Fans
As a memphis fan I would urge that you guys be patient. Here is what to expect based on my experience with watching Memphis…
Expect that your team will struggle coming out of the gate…the system that Cal will incorporate is complicated and will take at least half a season to learn…
Expect a lot of turnovers early on…Because of the complexities of the system, you can expect that the learning curve will be hard to watch the first few games….
Don’t expect a team of freshmen to win the Championship this year…while you guys have the best class I have seen in a while, understand that your freshman class is going to have to go up against veteran teams that are going to be more cohesive (although not as deep) and have more discipline…If you guys get to the sweet 16, I would consider that a success…Two years from now?…yeah, expect it…
Don’t expect Cal to out coach another coach…As great as he is in grabbing recruits, Cal’s biggest weakness is bench coaching. He is terrible. He will do things that will leave you scratching your head. He wins because of the talent he surrounds himself with..not with sheer coaching brilliance….
Expect NOT to win 30+ games the first season….Your first season will probably be better than last year but not as good as Memphis’ last 3 seasons. The reason?
1)You are in the SEC facing much tougher competition..
2)I can’t reiterate it enough but his system will likely make early games look ugly…
This isn’t a slam on Cal. I just worry that what will happen is that Cal won’t last long enough at UK to get to the point where you guys think he should be. He will get there. But the big question is do you have the patience to wait?
He has done enough right now to keep me happy for 2-3 years
and he hasnt won a game yet…..
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Patience
I don’t want to lose to Gardner Webb or last place Georgia. I want to play competatively with NC and Louisville…I want to really-really compete in the SEC run and I want to be in the tournament. That does not seem too overdone for being satisfied. I think we all like to win more than lose. I think among the rabid voices here and other places are many of us patient fans who have realistic expectations. So when I look at the upcoming season, I am pleased because I can see all these pieces as possible. As in any effort, the real season cannot be tallied in advance, only in March.
A real 3 shooter is needed. Turnover rates have to improve. I do not think Coach Cal is terrible at bench coaching. We just did that terrible.
Well Stated
I agree 100%. I also recall a certain poster (no names, but rhymes with “Shorty”), predicting equal degrees of suceess before last season. Look how wrong he/she proved to be.
This team is going to take some time to develop, and is likley to look pretty disjointed and Liggins-esque at times trying to perfect Cal’s system. In the end, however, I am hopeful that we will enjoy many years of success under our new coach.
agree with leo d
having watched Cal up close, i think he nails it.
the joke used to be that Cal coaches by just rolling the ball out onto the court and lettin’ ’em play….
i believe that overstates it, but his best coaching is done in May – during signing week.
his next best coaching is done (was done) the summer he spent putting in the DDMO….
last season, i was impressed with his defense – the first time in 9 years…..
am happy he is at uk, but hope he gets the time to put all the pieces in place…
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Jun 26, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions
DeAndre
I’m also VERY curious to see what Calipari does with Liggins. That kid does have tons of potential, and Calipari might make a scorer out of him.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
Happy Birthday, Alex!
Great article, Ken. I’ll just take the credit for recognizing talent when I see it, and knowing what to do with it. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Coaching Talent
Skillfully constructed and presented info, Ken, perhaps a tad too bearish but, considering the BBN’s tendency toward extremes, quite understandable. There is a point, a bullish point, to consider: Calipari’s proven facilitation of talent. That sounds as if it was a given for any experienced coach but very recent UK history proves otherwise. It seems to me that Calipari has learned the delicate balance between structure and freedom that allows highly talented individuals to reach their potential and do it within the confines — relaxed though they may be — of the team concept. One cannot overstate the part that confidence plays in allowing a coach to attempt to maximize the risk-reward principle. Had not Calipari been free from doubt he would not have instituted the DDMO. Had not Calipari been trusting of talent Derrick Rose would not have risen to such heights and an even better example is Tyreke Evans. After being selected 4th by the Kings Evans was interviewed and told about Calipari telling him that he was to play the point in the next game and that he (Evans) had no idea what to do. Such confidence and actual courage by a coach is extraordinary and was rewarded. The point is Calipari is uniquely qualified to coach the exceptionally talented roster UK will present and that presents some justification for Blue euphoria. I have in my mind the scene of the first day of practice and Calipari can gather the players and factually state: Gentlemen, look around, you’ll not be surrounded by any more basketball talent this side of the NBA.
"The prosperity of commerce is now perceived and acknowledged by all enlightened statesmen to be the most useful as well as the most productive source of national wealth, and has accordingly become a primary object of its political cares."
--Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 12, 27 November 1787
Thanks WW.
“Bearish” — Oh, maybe just a tad :)
Seeing the intricasies of the DDMO, and the freedom the offense allows, will be tremendous fodder for all of us.
Ken,
Don’t you have some kin folk in E-Town? I think I cut your brother-in-laws hair the other day? Good article. Enjoy reading ya my friend. Very well written.
Food for thought: The virgin birth has much more to do with the absense of a natural earthly father then the use of a virgin mother. Now, chew.....Because, it's called a "corrupt seed", not a "corrupt egg"!
by blubloodcatfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions
My brother-in-law Travis told me he ran into an ASoB fan at the barber shop. But,
I think you probably cut his sons hair, Travis is as bald as Telly Savalas :)
I appreciate the nice things he said, that you said.
Most of my immediate family are in E-Town, with the exception of one of my brothers who lives in Lex with his family. Most of my extended family are in Louisville.
Thanks again for the kind words!
by Ken Howlett on Jun 26, 2009 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey! That's been more then a week ago!
I can’t be expected to remember details that far back. I remember now, I think? What did you say? Cut who’s hair? I’ve always had a terrible memory, no kiddin. I tell my wife all the time that she won’t have to worry about me getting alzhiemers (?) when I get old. She won’t be able to tell the difference!
Keep up the good work.
Food for thought: The virgin birth has much more to do with the absense of a natural earthly father then the use of a virgin mother. Now, chew.....Because, it's called a "corrupt seed", not a "corrupt egg"!
by blubloodcatfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
It's my moms fault
I was born this way. All my life I been this way. I blame a woman.
Food for thought: The virgin birth has much more to do with the absense of a natural earthly father then the use of a virgin mother. Now, chew.....Because, it's called a "corrupt seed", not a "corrupt egg"!
by blubloodcatfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
2010 > 2005 Team
Better talent. That (2005) team had 28 W and was an eyelash from Final 4 appearance.
The 2010 team has more talent, comparable experience, and (some say) a better coach.
Why not 30+ W and Final 4 for 2010 Cats?
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2009 7:43 PM EDT reply actions
Here's what I'm looking forward to:
A TEAM that will push the ball into the frontcourt before the defense has time to set up,
and the ball-handlers to get that done almost every time.
A TEAM that will take advantage of every mismatch,
and the ball-handlers to score off that advantage.
A TEAM composed of players willing and able to shoot the ball,
and the ball-handlers to get the ball to the open man.
A TEAM that doesn’t care who scores if the TEAM wins,
and a coach that can and will build that kind of spirit.
The discussions above about talent and luck above leave out an all-important factor: chemistry (or call it synergy, if you like). All great teams play well TOGETHER. Look back at your favorite UK team (mine’s the Runts, of course). I’ll bet they had people who weren’t afraid to take one for the team. That doesn’t come from talent or luck. It comes from wanting to be there and to be part of something bigger than oneself. The following quote, although long, comes from the Col. Lawrence Chamberlain, the commander of the regiment that saved the day at Gettysburg:
“the inspiration of a noble cause . . . enables men to do things they did not dream themselves capable of before, and which they were not capable of alone. The consciousness of belonging, vitally, to something beyond individuality . . .greatens the heart to the limits of the soul’s ideals.”
It remains to be seen whether the players and coach we have coming in will get this part of the IT. To preserve the sanity of all of us, I hope they do, and quickly. If they do, we will see a throw-back to the UK teams of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s—teams that will move the ball quickly and well; hit the open man; shoot the eyes out of the basket, and instantly forget missed shots.
Go Cats!!
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
The best way for people to notice your skills is to enhance someone elses. This is the why team sports are so interesting.
Old cat you are so right, when teamwork show in all aspects of the game you will get the individual stats. In order for an assist to be an assist there has to be a score.
by Blueobsessed on Jun 27, 2009 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions
one way to win....
there are many ways that our season can be a big success but if bledsoe and wall were to develop and outside shot – no one could touch us….
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Jun 26, 2009 9:26 PM EDT reply actions
forgetting some things
Tru I agree that the loss of Jodie is huge, but a couple of factors could lessen the blow and others could help lead to disaster.
1. The Big’s ablility to hit the three
Last year (with the exception of Harrellson trailing the break) none of the big men came out to the weak side to the perimeter. Both Orton and Cousins can give us this option as the 5 plays weakside in the DDMO. Last year we never had the bigs rotate to the sides they always went to the top of the key with the Perry /Patrick high low game.This could open the lanes for Wall or Bledsoe.While dragging the sagging defenders away from the center. Spacing will be critical.
2. No way that COUSINS, ORTON, OR PATTERSON see the floor together at the same time, as Cal has made it clear he wants 4 players on the perimeter that can beat their man of the dribble with the 5 playing weakside to open driving lanes. Watch the Gonzaga/Memphis game thats being shown on ESPNU on late night.
This leaves a line up of:
wall/bledsoe
bledsoe/dodson/hood
miller/dodson/hood
patterson/cousins/stevenson
cousins/patterson/orton
The key to this season rests in Dodson’s hands, Can Miller can be the consistant 3 shooter we need?, New Zealand can tell us alot, if his confidence is poor we are in for a long season. Bledsoe or Wall can play the two if the 3 spot can shoot from the perimeter.
3.What if Patterson sucks at the 4 and can’t be as effective at facing the basket, nor hit his midrange jumper? His draft status will stumble,but we could put Cousins at the 4 which he definitely can play the perimeter, and he can definitely hit the 3. This could be the answer if pat cant make the transition.
4. Where will the points come from?
What happens to Liggins? Can Harrelson, Ramon, or Perry flourish? Any help here could be good but all lend to sagging of defenses towards the basket. Any 3’s from Harrelson would be great, but I dont expect much from this group offensively. Maybe 8 to 10 points with Perry getting mosy
Wall 12 points
Bledsoe 8 points
Miller 10 points
Dodson 8 points
Hood 5 points
Cousins 12 points
Patterson 20 points
Orton 8 points
These averages look reasonable and put this team at 91points, Some will get more and some will get less, but do we really need Jodie when you look at it this way?
5. Transition baskets will be key to this offensive ability, the speed of Wall and Bledsoe will be key, if we get stuck in a half court game we could suck until this team gels later in the year. Run into Michigan State and its over.
6. Our Outlook, Sweet 16, maybe Elite 8? I would love to see it but we dont know. Can we beat Kansas, definitely on the front court, not on the perimeter. Can we beat South Carolina? Who knows, they might be the team to beat.
Re: bones7517
You make some good points, but this piece was meant to be a look at the potential obstacles facing the team.
We still have plenty of time to break down the offense, defense, etc.
I agree, S. Carolina is going to be very good.
by Ken Howlett on Jun 26, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
This team
coming up in 2010 may well be one for the ages. By the end of the year. Come tourney time, we will be the team NO ONE wants to play. Early season may be rough, by certain standards, which means we will have alot of dissapointing 20 pt. wins! How many games last year did we have only 1, or 2, or 3 players hit a three? We are seeing everyone fret about who’s going to be our 3-pt. threat? I say we’ll have 4 or 5 different players hit a three – per game. Confidence goes along way in this game, and when players believe – in themselves, in the system, in the coach and his staff – you usually see dramatic improvement. Motivation comes next, then hunger. There are some intangibles that you cultivate that don’t involve a basketball in your hands. This is what excites me most about C-Cal.
Food for thought: The virgin birth has much more to do with the absense of a natural earthly father then the use of a virgin mother. Now, chew.....Because, it's called a "corrupt seed", not a "corrupt egg"!
by blubloodcatfan on Jun 26, 2009 11:18 PM EDT reply actions
One scholarship left, Miller, Liggins Hood, Wall, Dodson and Harris could be the answer to the wing needs this year.
Obviously we have a potential probem if we can’t get scoring out of the SG/Wing position. I still believe that having two very strong, five star 250 pound freshmen will either force Patrick to become fiercer in the blocks or better at driving and perimeter shooting in order to get playing time. With Pilgrim leaving IMO, Coach Cal is saying that both Cousins and Orton will get a lot of PT. If that occurs and Patterson could play the three, it solves some of our problems at the 2 position.
Number one the two does not have the pressure to score as much and may be used as another PG and/or defender. This solution would cut down on the turnovers. Remember Jodie had almost 100 turnovers himself last season. Lets look at possible solutions at the SG and leave the Patterson suggestion for another day.
Miller: brought the ball up some last year, okay three, great finger tip roll
Liggins: potential, still had more assists than turnovers last year, good three, attitude was poor, but now we see he may have had a reason
Hood: scorer, very young and physically weaker than his competion for the position, great work ethic
Wall: All everything, better at PG, but could play SG/double point, will drive for the basket and finish
Dodson: Good size, supposed to be one of the best JUCOs this year, should be a maturing influence
Harris: don’t ever forget this hard nosed defender. If the team gets enough scoring elsewhere, Harris’ only job may to shut down the opponents leading scorer. He is also a leader.
Unknown factor: use the remaining scholarship for someone who is better than we have. I don’t think that will happen. I see us trying to develop from within.
Either way, to have very good year, Coach Cal will have to solve the SG/Wing situation.
2 And 3
I think Wall gets some “2” PT with Bledsoe at PG.
Dodson is perhaps the sleeper and very well could get 20 minutes PT at “2” or “3” spots.
Liggins has skills that were not in evidence last season. Calipari will utilize those skills in DDMO.
I think Hood will be much better as junior and senior than freshman at UK.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 27, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Turnovers, team speed, and rebounding.
While the 2009 version of the UK team begins to gel, I think we will still see turnovers abound. However, this year I believe those TOs will happen mainly with the big men trying to catch lightening fast passes ala Wall and Bledsoe. As the year progresses, the biggies will be ready and be able to catch those passes. If turnovers occur in the back court , we will lose a chance to score. If they occur on the defensive side of the court the other team may have the numbers. If the TOs occur on our offensive side of the court, we miss the chance for an easy score. Turnovers are a lose/lose proposition and in the end they are what did last year’s team in. They have to be reduced.
I believe that we have so muc h more team speed than we did last year, that it will be readily apparent. Wall and Bledsoe now give us an answer for Beal and the Downing. Our overall defense should be better because of the level of athleticism we now have, Look for more steals at the guard level.
Finally, this year it will not necessariy the ability to shoot as much as the willingness to shoot and when the shot is taken. The reason I say this is that I believe we should be able to contend for every rebound, especially offensive rebounds and not be moved aside by bigger bodies, if the shot is take when our men are in position.
Here's a question: Who was fastest at getting the ball down the floor
on last year’s team? In my opinion, it was Liggins. As a matter of fact, I didn’t see anyone IN THE COUNTRY get the ball down the court as fast as he did. If my memory serves correctly, and it may not, at my age, most of his problems came trying to pass the ball the length of the court against better transition defense than he had seen in high school and making bad passes after he got his team into a numerical advantage situation. I seem to remember him dribbling the ball pretty well, but few others were "runnin’ " with him.
Now, I sure didn’t like a lot I saw out of him—forced shots, bad choices on passes, etc—but his athletic skills were unquestionable. And his A/TO ratio was a lot better than Meeks (OK, OK, Jodie wasn’t a point guard, but he did turn the ball over a lot.)
My point is that Liggins may thrive in the DDMO, when others are looking to push the ball and get open while someone else is doing the same. Time will tell.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Exactly
Liggins will GREATLY improve in DDMO.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 27, 2009 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Great points about Liggins.
I’m not exactly sure how it happened and I’m a bit surprised (yet happy) that he made the "cut", so to speak, but I do have a soft spot for the kid, and I’m actually expecting big things out of him this coming season. I’m not to the point of betting on him, mind you, but there’s a little voice inside my head that’s telling me he might just turn out pretty damn good for us. : )
i hate to base too much on a pickup game
and i do not want to bash porter, but….i saw both harrelson and cousins bring it up the court faster than porter did last year.
seriously, bledsoe is quick and wall is faster.
liggins better get it straight to the hole when he is in cause my gut is that wall or bledsoe (or both) will ALWAYS be on the court…..
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Jun 27, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Porter
He played faster pace in HS (and did well at it) than he did at UK.
He’s a darn good athlete. Just not a PG.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 27, 2009 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
It'll never happen, but
Porter could probably play in Cal’s system, strictly as a zone buster. He was a very streaky shooter under G, but perhaps the coaching change would alleviate some of that.
He would still have the same limitations, but he could contribute.
by Ken Howlett on Jun 28, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Liggins
I thought Liggins’ biggest problem last year was over-penetration. He is very quick with the ball in his hands, but couldn’t overcome his youth and inexperience, which effected his decision-making.
I wrote a piece a while back regarding UK’s guard situation if Cal didn’t sign Wall or Bledsoe, and in that post I wrote that I thought Liggins would excel under Cal and in the DDMO.
I really, really, really, thought he would transfer when Wall signed, but thus far I’ve been proved wrong. I think it speaks to the young mans maturity to stick around when there is a likelihood that he won’t see much playing time, although I think he may be able to contribute at the “3” spot (or what is traditionally considered the “3”). Of course there is still time for him to transfer, but I hope he sticks around.
by Ken Howlett on Jun 28, 2009 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions
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