Kentucky Wildcats 89, Florida Gators 77: Postmortem
by Glenn Logan on Jan 12, 2010 11:51 PM EST
in Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
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PrintThe big news of the day may be Lane Kiffin to the USC Trojans, but to Kentucky Wildcat fans, all we want to talk about was the Florida Gators in the O'Connell Center in Gainesville.
A hearty "Great effort!" to the Gators, who played well a lot tonight. They made threes (particularly in the second half), they made big plays on defense and offense and the had the young Wildcats flustered late in the second half. But the double-digit hole they were in midway through the second half, as it usually is, was just too much to finish off. The Gators got it back to even, but just couldn't get to the mountaintop.
For the Wildcats, it was a wild but satisfying game. John Wall is still struggling on defense, although he did come up with a huge block late in the second half that really helped seal the deal for Kentucky. Frankly, a lot of the 'Cats did not do well defensively in the second half, an inconsistency that continues to be a weakness for this team. For much of the first half, the Kentucky defense suffocated Florida, forcing them into some very bad shots that enabled UK to come back from an early seven point hole and take the lead into the locker room.
More after the jump.
But Billy Donovan made some adjustments in the second half, and managed to make Kentucky look like a suspect team on defense, scoring almost at will from the middle of the second half on. But Florida's defense was even worse than Kentucky's and the Gators could not handle Eric Bledsoe or Patrick Patterson, and that, as they say, was that.
Here are a few observations:
- Kudos to Darius Miller. He played with better passion, better fire, and had better results. He made two enormous shots in the second half to preserve Kentucky's lead.
- John Wall had an okay game. For most people, it would have been a career game, but for him, it was just okay. He really needs to work on his lateral movement, as he got beat over and over again off the dribble.
- Daniel Orton is Riddick the Rejector with muscles and a touch. Three blocks in one possession? I can't remember the last time I saw that.
- Patrick Patterson played well, but he continues to defer. He needs a little more aggression. But he played quite well overall.
- Darnell Dodson may be a terrible defender, but that guy can shoot the basketball. And he did.
- What can you say about Eric Bledsoe? It was like he and John Wall switched bodies or something. Erving Walker couldn't even slow Bledsoe down.
- DeMarcus Cousins may not have made a huge impact scoring the ball, but he sure did make an impact on the glass.
- Very little Liggins. No Stevenson. No Harris. Interesting.
- Erving Walker can shoot the ball a little. A couple of those threes he shot were at least 24 feet.
- Alex Tyus is really getting better. He gave Patterson all he wanted and then some.
- The Gators just don't have enough beef in the paint, and it really showed tonight.
Next victim opponent -- the Auburn Tigers.
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Go Cats...
This must be the best UK team since the 1996-97 team prior to the Anderson injury. I am now convinced that with some focus, we can sweep the SEC, and do real damage in the NCAA tournament.
"Ignorance, I can fix, stupidity, well that's another matter!"-82nd Airborne NCO
I'm thinking ...
… you’re right.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Jan 12, 2010 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
Don't Agree
The 2003 Cats were better than 1997 or 1998 teams.
26 W in a row, 19-0 versus SEC opponents.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 12, 2010 11:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah,
they were so great they didn’t make it to the final four.
No love
I agree. That team was really good, and sometimes great teams fall short. Bogan’s injury killed UK that game. That and Wade’s game of a lifetime (up to that moment but repeated many times since).
by JackBluto on Jan 13, 2010 12:34 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
'03
My favorite non-championship team, over the ‘97, ’92, ’86, and ’84 teams. They played defense like their parent’s lives depended on it. I don’t know if they would have went on and beaten Kansas, if they had first beat Marquette, but that team deserved a trip to the FF. High ankle sprains are the devil incarnate.
The combination of defense and passing on the 2003 team
will probably never be seen again. If Bogan’s doesn’t get hurt, Wade doesn’t do the type damage he did that game.
Bogans
was having his best year, and I think his ankle was a hole defensively, but D-Wade is a basketballer man. I’m not sure Bogans would have shut him down… Marquis Estill, Bogans, Fitch et al deserve all the credit in the world that year…but I’m not sure they would have been in the Championship, not through Marquette
Oh no he would not have shut Wade down, but he would
have slowed him down. The injury made a great defensive team just ordinary.
by Grasslands1 on Jan 13, 2010 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
When Tyus took his first 3 pt shot,
I thought what the heck. When he made it I crapped and said no way, this had better not be a bad omen.
by Grasslands1 on Jan 13, 2010 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
With a healthy Bogans, UK beats Marquette - no question. None.
You could see the difference on the first play of the game: KY wins the tip and Bogans takes it toward the goal. On a healthy ankle he dunks it and gets fouled. In reality, he had to settle for a layup which he didn’t make because he was fouled and then only hits 1 of 2 free throws. On offense Bogans was reduced to a jump shooter which was not his strength – he wasn’t bad but since he couldn’t drive the ball it changed how Marquette was able to defend him.
Everyone also always forget to consider the cumulative affect of Bogans not being available for the second half of the Wisconsin game. With a healthy Bogans, Estill wouldn’t have had to carry the load offensively and UK wins that game a little easier than it did and everyone is in better shape for Marquette.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
Where's 40?
When we comment that Larry Conley’s illness probably kept us from winning against Texas Western, suddenly we are embarrassing the University with racist implications. This is what fans do, play the what if game. Perfectly normal.
I Don't Use Bogans Excuse
I said that 2003 Cats are the best UK team since 1996.
UK lost to Marquette becuase it failed to defend Wade, jackson, and Novak. NOT because Bogans was hurt.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 13, 2010 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
Forty, are you saying Bogan's injury did not
matter against Marquette? I remember watching the game and thinking we might be better without him playing because he had no speed at all and that was a critical part of his game. He couldn’t go to the hoop and he couldn’t defend.
No, Just That It's An Excuse
Teams have 5 players on the court and another 7 or 8 on the bench.
Someone else could have stepped up.
Bogans wasn’t guarding Wade, Jackson, AND Novak. All 3 ripped UK defense to shreds.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 13, 2010 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
I Don't Recall Tubby Playing In That Game
UK p-l-a-y-e-r-s did not guard those 3 Marquette scorers.
Bogans’ ankle injury is an excuse like Larry Conley’s flu in 1966.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 13, 2010 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
BUT...
That would mean that it was Pitino’s fault that UK lost to #5 seed, 9 L Arizona team in 1997.
I don’t think that’s right either.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 13, 2010 7:48 PM EST up reply actions
Actually It Was ...
Perhaps not entirely Pitino’s answerability but his obstinacy in continuing to press Simon and Bibby was a principal factor.
"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius
Disagree
Players play and usually determine W or L.
Coaches PREPARE them, MOTIVATE them, but often have minimal impact on game day.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 13, 2010 8:29 PM EST up reply actions
Pitino had more than minimal impact against
Duke when he decide to just let the ball be thown into a guy that hadn’t missed a shot all game.
by Grasslands1 on Jan 14, 2010 12:04 AM EST up reply actions
Same Thing
Lots of plays turned that game one way or the other.
The last play was the final one but not the only one.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 14, 2010 1:06 AM EST up reply actions
Absolutely Pitino's fault!
He refused to play Derek Anderson who WAS ready, in order for his ego to be storked by “if I win without the best player, then the coaching will get credit”, hence throwing away a chance for back to back titles in favor of pride.
"Ignorance, I can fix, stupidity, well that's another matter!"-82nd Airborne NCO
Disagree
Anderson probably could’ve played, but it would have been a quick turnaround for that kind of surgery. I remember being perfectly happy with Pitino’s decision not to play DA. If he gets hurt in that game, you potentially cost a guy an NBA career. No way I’d want that on my conscience. I wish DA could have played, and I think there’s a good chance we’d have won with him, but I think Rick made the right call.
gotta disagree
i think it’s pretty well known (because it’s been written about in numerous places) that Pitino didn’t play DA because he didn’t want to take a chance on ruining his pro career.
DA may have been ready, but one game (championship or not) isn’t as important as a player’s future.
GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!
by UKWildCatFanatic on Jan 15, 2010 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
Also disagree
I believe him in this instance when he says he had DA’s career on the line.
That said… if DA could have come in and played, even if only for the overtime, we win that game and his draft stock goes even higher and he gets more money. That’s what was on the other side of the risk/reward scale. Rick just decided to play it safe.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
How about a reason instead
of an excuse?
by Grasslands1 on Jan 14, 2010 12:05 AM EST up reply actions
OK I Guess
Marquette beat Kentucky.
UK didn’t lose to Marquette.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 14, 2010 1:07 AM EST up reply actions
I have to agree here
It is the players out there on the court. sure the coach can make some questionable decisions but the players are the one on the court
I have kleptomania,
but when it gets bad,
I take something for it.
Here's A Tidbit
Texas Western beat #1 Kentucky, #4 Kansas, #7 Cincinnati, #13 Utah, and #14 Oklahoma City to win NCAA title in 1966.
Kentucky beat #2 Duke, #9 Michigan, and #20 Dayton in 1966 NCAA tourney.
It seems to me that the Miners earned that 1966 title.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 13, 2010 5:27 PM EST up reply actions
No one says
they didn’t, just that we think if Conley had been 100% we would have won.
I Don't Think So
TWU was the just the best team that year. They were undefeated most of the season just like UK. They were ranked #3 in the final AP poll. And they beat FIVE Top 15 teams in the NCAA tourney.
If Verga had been 100% who’s to say Duke wouldn’t have W over UK?
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 14, 2010 1:09 AM EST up reply actions
Heck yes they did,
we were talking about 2003 and the best player on UK was hurt and hurt bad where he was about 50 to 60% of his normal self. It is not an excuse, it is a reason. It takes 5 players to play defense and offense, not 4 1/2. Just one, and I mean just one player can not do his part and the whole system can crumble. That is what happened from what I remember. I thought Bogans was doing us harm by playing. There have been lots of losses because of injuries, doesn’t make them excuses. The Rodny Dent injury might have been a reason for not winning one, but it wasn’t an excuse.
by Grasslands1 on Jan 14, 2010 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
50% to 60% Is A Guess
And I doubt he would have played as much as he did if those % are correct.
UK had Azubuike and Barbour to step in for Bogans.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 14, 2010 1:11 AM EST up reply actions
I agree completely..
Bogan’s ankle just would not let him stay with Wade, and no one else was getting it done either. That team was on the ragged edge of being great, just as they were also on the ragged edge of being average.The 96-97 team was clearly superior to the rest of the country(prior to Anderson’s injury). The 2003 team was however, the best defensive team I have seen in a long time though, so the breakdown against Marquette was not unexpected, with Bogans hurt.
"Ignorance, I can fix, stupidity, well that's another matter!"-82nd Airborne NCO
I think we would have beaten Marquette despite the Bogans injury
If not for an absolutely inexcusable charging call against Antwain Barbour in the 2nd half when we were mounting a big comeback. At least, that’s the way I’ve been remembering it these past several years!
Perhaps
But there were a couple of iffy calls against Illinois in March 1984 game that propelled UK to Final 4 and sent Illini home.
Rarely does a game outcome hinge on 1 call or injury.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 13, 2010 5:13 PM EST up reply actions
It does when he is your best player.
The team is not as good when you don’t have your best player. This is non sense and I usually agree with you, but you are wrong if you don’t think losing your best player isn’t a reason for losing.
by Grasslands1 on Jan 14, 2010 12:15 AM EST up reply actions
UK Didn't Lose Bogans
He played and score 15 points.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 14, 2010 1:10 AM EST up reply actions
I can think of one.
How about the no-call when Christian Laettner stomped Aminu Timberlake’s chest?
"Ignorance, I can fix, stupidity, well that's another matter!"-82nd Airborne NCO
Technical foul
That wasn’t a no-call. The evil one received a technical foul on the play. I still think you could make a case for ejecting him, but he did at least get a tech.
Regardless
2003 Cats are the best UK team since 1996.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 13, 2010 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
Only time will tell...
the 03 team was awesome, but this team is the first since the 96-97 team that I have yet to get the oh no we are going down tonight vibe. When and if we lose in the SEC it will be a war of wills that will leave me proud of our effort, but my instinct, honed from many years of gut twisting fandom tells me we are the real deal and you better bring it all if you want to take us down. No breaking news here for every one on this site,but the passion with which these kids play make this the best, most enjoyable basketball I have seen in a decade.
2003 Cats
The 2003 Cats were simply the best defensive team I’ve ever seen. Until Bogans was hobbled, I never worried about winning (after the first of the year when they discovered their team identity). Even if UK was having an off shooting night, the other team couldn’t take advantage because they couldn’t score. The 1997 or 1998 teams might have been better offensively, but I just can’t believe any team was better defensively.
That said, Bogans getting hurt had a huge impact, because we were essentially playing 4.5 players on 5 on both offense and defense.
I feel like the little boy says on the Walt Disney World commercial
“I’m too excited to sleep”. :-)
I love this team. Like I said in the game thread, with this talent we never know who will get the game ball.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
I
recommend the Katz article that Vince put up in the game thread…….I like it. This was a good game. When someone isn’t havng a good game………a new hero(Bledsoe) shows up.
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
Andy also said he was in KY's locker room before the game....
and he said this about John Wall
I saw him in the hallway prior to tipoff and he said he had nine bananas Tuesday to avoid dehydration.
Somebody get Chiquita on the phone….lol
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
This is what me and somebody else was talkin' about -- Feed that young man some bananas!
But nine? … now that’s a lot of bananas.
To quote, Tru,
“17-0. I’m headed for sweet dreams of an undefeated regular season. It ain’t that likely, but it is one game more likely today than it was yesterday”.
That’s so sweet, Tru. ‘Cause you sure can’t go 40-0 if you don’t go 17-0 first, right? Ha ha ha. Good times to be a Big Blue lover, eh? : )
by BigSkyCat on Jan 13, 2010 12:07 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
It's simple math...
As long as we are one point up on our opponent, we win…Don’t get me wrong, I’d LOVE to win every game by 50 but that ain’t gonna happen. Go Big, Go Blue, Go all the way!
Big Blue Stu
I don't care if we're down by 5 with 2:30 left in the 2nd
I never get the, “it’s over” feeling. These guys don’t know how to lose. They keep rising to the occasion and a new hero always comes forward. I think that is the most comforting feeling. Eric Bledsoe was the new John Wall tonight, but we have about 5-6 players that on any given night could grace the cover of SI and I am truly grateful for that! We may not be the most solid defensive team, but we are the most demoralizing defensive team. Between lighting steals from our guards leading to Patterson dunks and D. Orton assaulting student sections with blocked shots, I am left speechless at times!
I left TN and now I am back in the Bluegrass... just in time for Football and Keeneland! Life is great!
These guys win
They do what it takes. It’s not one. It’s not Wall. It’s ALL. I think Florida focused on Wall. So Bledsoe shines. Miller stepped up. Wall did his thing in flashes. Patterson was fearsome on 2-3 hustle dunks. Cuz got after the ball and got it. Orton blocks three shots in a 10 second span and Florida wilts. WE kicked Gator ass. Cal’s damn good.
I completely agree...
This team has so many weapons…they are such a pleasure to watch and, I’m sure, such a pain to defend against. We almost had five players reach double figures last night. I’m no stats expert, but I’m willing to bet that Billy G’s teams never had five players reach double figures in the same game. Forty…help me out on this one.
I refuse to make predictions about undefeated seasons and national championships. However, I wil say this…this year’s team has exceeded all of my expectations—already—and given me more enjoyment, and entertainment, than any Kentucky team in recent history. Hats off to Coach Cal and his band of young guns, who seem to possess no fear when the game is on the line. I love this team, and love saying “how good is that” to my kids about ten times (or more) every time I watch them play.
Orton and Bledsoe
What a great game defensively for Orton. He had some monster blocks. Now he needs to learn to make layups.
How about my man Bledsoe! He was awesome. He really took over the game. He has a ways to go, but how much more maturity did he show than he has shown previously.
I really really really enjoyed that game. Great effort by Florida, they made a great comeback without the aid of the refs with some excellent NBA range 3 point shooting and made it very exciting. This is the most I’ve enjoyed watching a UK game in recent memory. Really fun stuff.
This is going to be a great SEC season, guys.
best UK team since the 1996-97 team prior to the Anderson injury
The caveat was “prior to the Anderson injury”. Very explosive team (“thunder and lightning”). After the injury to Anderson, very good, but not the same, as Anderson pre-injury was the best player in the country.
"Ignorance, I can fix, stupidity, well that's another matter!"-82nd Airborne NCO
Orton really needs to work on his offense.
He looks very tight when shooting. I would also like to see him block the ball and keep it in play. The reason he got 3 blocks on one possession was because he kept spiking the ball into the 12th row. But I’m nitpicking. Orton will be a 6’ 11" Chuck Hayes when he is done with his career here.
the reason he got three blocks on one possession is because Calipari
got after him and told him to step up and quit worrying about what happens…..when he relaxed he got to work….
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
I have a question
Is this why Rick Pitino sent his son to Gainesville? To watch the head coach play directly into an opponent’s hand? When Donovan went to the pressure, in the first half, I couldn’t believe it. UK was snake-bit, couldn’t make a layup, or a putback, and Alex Tyus is hitting the first two threes of his career … I’m thinking, “we can’t make a layup, and Florida is hitting shots they’ve never taken before … bad omen.”
Then Billy decides to change defenses, and increase back court pressure, and BAM, UK’s goes up. Unbelievable, Jerry Tipton even wrote about it in his postgame article.
What about Cousins’ spin move off the dribble? You never see big guys in college making that move.
Wall did his best Tay Tay impersonation with that come from behind block. Wow, hops and speed … some guys can just do it all.
I chreish beating those guys … I hate Florida, and I can’t wait until their visit to Rupp!!
Their trip to Rupp
will be very demoralizing. This UK team adjusts well to teams after the half. Gonna be nice to see how they demolish them when they come to our house!!!
Must say yet again though a hungry team played us to the end. Seems we still have the put-em away bug. Flashy is nice 15-20 up. Before that it seems to just get us in trouble. Letting teams back in the game. Also said today by Dickie V, “every team is going to look to beat UK”… we are the only jewel in SEC play. Win against us you might go to the dance.
We can count Tenn in that for now…but they had an emotional game….see how they do on the road.
Blood.... Blood... Blood makes the grass grow....and mine is BLUE!!!!
Cousins got away with one
Cousins’ spin move was awesome so I had to go back and watch it in slow motion and I think he got away with a walk. His left foot was down when he picked up the dribble then he planted the right to spin and then the left again to jump.
When Tyus hit his first 3,
I said this better not be a bad omen.
by Grasslands1 on Jan 13, 2010 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
richard pitino
a friend of mine who is a U of L fan swears that Richard Pitino was sent to Florida because Billy Donovan will be the next head coach of Louisville when Rick eventually steps down.
Funny
The story I heard said he was having a homosexual affair with Karen Sypher’s husband… And the guy who told me that said it with a straight face! LOL.
That said, I just kind of assumed Ralph Willard had the inside track when he got hired on this summer.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Pitino Recommended Willard To UK In 1997
Makes sense he’d recommend him to Louisville.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 13, 2010 5:13 PM EST up reply actions
Might be, but why would BD
take the UL job and not the UK job. Billy, I would think does not want to be second fiddle to any one again if he changes jobs. And over the course of time, UL will always be second fiddle to UK. Plus the wife doesn’t want to leave Florida. BD will never have a chance at the UK job again IMO. He should have kept the Magic job. Plus why would Pitino’s son have any thing to do with BD ever getting the UL job?
by Grasslands1 on Jan 14, 2010 12:21 AM EST up reply actions
So frusturating going from greatness
to mediocracy…You guys had a little taste of it when we had that run so u probly know more then we do since Basketball is the face of UK… but were looking better I suppose. Damn that Wall guy is awesome, not this game persay but just in general.
"I meant to misspell that word, just observing who would correct me."
We know what you mean.
After dwelling in the desert of mediocrity for four years, it feels really good to be back to good.
The Gators played pretty well, they just need more post presence. I’m just glad Boynton didn’t play like he did against Vanderbilt, or the outcome could have been different.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Boynton couldnt play any better.....every time he turned around someone was in his
personal space….
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
I was at the O-dome tonight
and I must say two things: 1.) It was sooo awesome to see so many Cats fans in the crowd. There was one point where you could legitimately hear a “Go Big Blue” chant in the arena. I hate Florida more than any other school, so I can’t describe how good that felt. 2.) the O-dome “loud”? pleeeease. They ain’t got shit on Rupp, and I am flying up for the UF game in Rupp and will personally make sure they understand what it’s like to play in a real arena, haha.
Tonight was awesome. It’s been too long since we’ve gotten a W over the Gators and tonight felt good- real good. GO BIG BLUE! Let’s keep this up!
Go Cats and Go Canes!
To be honest
I’ve seen a couple of games from Rupp and it hasn’t seemed to have that intimidating intensity of years past. It seems more like a social meeting with the occasional cheer thrown in if someone from UK does something well.
I even got a comment not long ago from a coworker who has been doing the radio broadcasts for the Razorbacks for over 30 years and he even said that Rupp is TAME now compared to years past. Now it’s like a bunch of rich blue hairs that don’t have the energy to exhort their team on to victory for a full two hours.
No disrespect KYCane, just my (TV) observation and one from someone who goes to Rupp every other season.
I noticed they have been trying to move the more agile and energetic fans (students) closer to the court. Really, they ought to just put them around the entire lower arena, put chair lifts on the handrails on the upper deck and put the snoozers up top. Then put electrical charges in every seat so that people get a charge so they get outta their seat and scream. That will make Rupp the loudest place ever!
I have kleptomania,
but when it gets bad,
I take something for it.
shoulds been there for the UofL game this year
or the Vandy and UT games two years ago… no doubt, Rupp can be quiet, but it sure isn’t this year.
Go Cats and Go Canes!
by KentuckyCane on Jan 13, 2010 5:19 PM EST up reply actions
Fun Game
Aside from the many missed lay ups on the 1st half, this was a really fun game to watch, Competitive without being a total brawl. I think the refs called a good game and let the players determine the outcome. Both teams played hard. Worth staying up for!
Oh yeah, and we won!!!!!
UK makes a leap last night...
Great teams have different players step up as needed. Last night it was Bledsoe and others who made key plays when the game was in doubt.
And of course, the three shooting stars (as in: they shoot, they’re stars, and they will be gone very soon) score in double figures.
No matter where you're at, there you are
17-5 run
to finish the game. Sound familiar? This team locks down opponents in the last 5 minutes of most games. That’s what is winning the close games. Where did PPat’s FT touch go?
That is the $64,000 question.
I think Patterson’s lack of consistent FT this season is a factor in why he does not get more touches.
I don’t know what happened, but I hope it gets fixed soon.
From what I heard, at the big man camp, he strengthened up his muscles a lot, then shot a lot of 3s. He apparently kept his same free throw form and routine, and needs an adjustment period to get back to his former proficiency
this argument carried more water at the beginning of the season – i’m not sure why he hasnt adjusted by now. Especially with his new and improved mid-range game.
It's not his form at all,
he is just a slight bit strong with the shot.
by Grasslands1 on Jan 14, 2010 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
An extremely good overall effort. No big mistakes.....and Florida knew from the 16 min
mark in the first half they could not run away from us…….mistake on Billy’s part, but I think he was playing with the cards he was dealt. Florida isnt a bad team, but if they dont hit their 3’s last night this is a 25 pt win….maybe more……living and dying in 3 time so to speak……its not what wins big games…..makes for great comebacks….but not what gets you wins in championship college basketball
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Blech
God, J Williams is a worthless d-bag of an analyst.
Pregame
Random dude: What does Florida need to do to win?
JWill: “They need to speed the game up and force turnovers.”
Halftime
Random dude: What did Florida do wrong to fall behind after that great start?
JWill: “They’re trying to run with Kentucky and they don’t have the horses to do that.”
/sigh
This is the best talent ESPN can dig up for their college basketball analysis. Maybe Dick Vitale isn’t so bad after all…
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
lol.....just makes you want to run right out and buy that Dickie V bobblehead dont it???
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
I heard that pregame exchange too
And went “huh”? Didn’t see the halftime report, I was watching an Office rerun on TBS
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
I noticed the same thing
And commented on it to my wife: “Wait, that’s the exact opposite of what he said to start the game! He is right now and was wrong then! Where do they get these guys!”
After I laughed my arse off after Williams' pregame comment,
at half I was not in front of the TV, and my wife yelled to me that he said the polar opposite.
He may have misspoke in his pregame comments, but would it surprise anyone if he didn’t?
not to defend the Dookie
but I saw the whole exchange as well. After the pre-game words came out of his mouth, he seemed a bit uncomfortable. Kind of like he just realized what he said and didn’t want to look stupid in correcting himself. Meanwhile, the other commentator was simply stating we would be too much for Florida any way you dice it. I thought, “Surely this guy didnt suggest Florida run against us, did he?” I think half time was his attempt to try and slide the correct answer in, but you can’t fool UK fans, we are a bit too attentive, especially when it comes to idiotic comments about our team.
I left TN and now I am back in the Bluegrass... just in time for Football and Keeneland! Life is great!
by sleepytimetea on Jan 13, 2010 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
In all fairness
Like a true Pitino disciple, “Speed it up and force turnovers” is the typical Billy Donovan gameplan. However, any analyst with one eye and half a brain who has been paying any attention to college basketball this season would have known that Donovan wouldn’t be trying it in this game.
It was just evidence to me that Williams hadn’t been paying a lick of attention.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
jay williams
random dude: “hey jay, I just signed a multimillion dollar contract with a professional sports franchise, key to which will be my physical health. should i purchase and ride a motorcycle with the proceeds? and, if so, should I allow myself to be filmed by ESPN on this motorcycle?”
jay: “i don’t see why not!”
Also, during halftime of the Purdue game, after Robbie Hummel had his impressive 29 point first half, one of the other announcers asked Jay if he had ever seen anything like it. Jay replied something along the lines of, “No. We saw a bit of this with Jodie Meeks last season, but Hummel’s performance is more impressive.” Analyst FAIL—Hummel ended with 35 points, while Meeks had 54, and Purdue ended up LOSING, while Meeks’ performance helped us to whip UT last year.
So very, very true
For the first part see also Roethlisberger, Ben. With slightly less lasting results.
I just think its sad that with all their resources, ESPN has to relegate college basketball to the red-headed stepchild of the network.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
I've decided I don't like the atmosphere of games at Florida
With the pumped in music and overly annoying PA announcer, it had more of the artificial feel of an NBA game instead of a college game. To get away from comparing it with Rupp Arena, consider Tennessee and Kansas over the weekend. The band pumping out Rocky Top every other minute and the feel was just entirely different.
Thank God I’m a Wildcat fan!
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
I agree chirop
The pageantry of a college atmosphere, with the cheerleaders and band and school songs and team flags, is just so, so much more authentic and exciting than the generic, sterile pro atmospheres with their piped-in pop/rock/rap and gyrating dancers. I have been to one NBA game, in Seattle, and I could have been anywhere else in the league that night. There was nothing that made it “the Sonics.” Whereas I’ve been to the homes of maybe 6 or 7 college basketball teams, and each was a completely unique experience. Of course, this is coming from a die-hard, lifetime college basketball girl, so I readily admit my bias. But we are clearly right ; )
by blue kentucky girl on Jan 13, 2010 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
I have been to a few UK games at the
O’Connell center and I can tell you with the Rowdy Reptile section going across the length of the floor it is loud and has plenty of atmosphere and that is why it tends to be a hard place to play.
by Grasslands1 on Jan 13, 2010 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
Just seemed artificial to me I guess
I hate college games that pump in a lot of music at every opportunity.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
This is why I loved going to Basketball games at FSU,
because even if the crowd isn’t huge we bring half of our 450-man band, and it just sounds great. College atmosphere is so refreshing…
It's frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
by floundringaround on Jan 13, 2010 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
Listened to the ESPN pregame analysis
Not sure who the talking head was who said something akin to “Florida wants to make this a fast paced game..” I about choked on my Captain and Coke. That is the ONE THING opponent sof our CATS don’t want, to get into a trank meet with UK. Are these guys required to at least watch or read about a team a couple of times before talking about them…or was this just a slip of the tongue.
It's funny trying to fill out
the GOG questions each game and trying to pick who’s going to score the most points or rebounds or whatever. This is truely a TEAM in every sense of the word and no ONE player is going to make or break us in any one game.
Opposing coaches must be pulling their hair out trying to figure out how to stop this team since shutting down one player just isn’t going to work. A zone is what the last 3 teams have tried and we seem to be improving our half court zone offense each game and the results speak for themselves.
This team is truely going to be special in UK b-ball history. They might not win a championship but they’ve brought the fun back to UK basketball and given every Cat fan a reason to smile……what more could you ask for?
You can't fix "stupid"!
All is right again
Alabama on top of the football landscape and Kentucky astride the basketball world. Congrats to the ’Cats.
"So I want everybody to think here for a second, how much does this game mean to you? 'Cause if it means something to you, you can't stand still. You understand? You play fast! You play strong! You go out there and dominate the man you're playing against, and you make his ass quit! That's our trademark! That's our M.O.... as a team! That's what people know us as!" - Coach Nick Saban before the 2008 LSU game.
by 12NationalChampionships on Jan 13, 2010 9:37 AM EST reply actions
hehehe......that Vol fan post on your front page was UUUUUUGGLY.....lol
that man is not happy!!!
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
ah yes
Thank you! I don’t really follow football, but I was rooting hard for Alabama last Thursday for that very reason. Alabama just NEEDS to be on top of football, like Kentucky does in basketball. Our respective fans simply want it more, it means more to us, it is right we should be on top! I think of Bama as our fb counterpart, so them winning feels like a good omen to me.
by blue kentucky girl on Jan 13, 2010 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
And the
Yankees in baseball assures the Universe is in proper alignment.
by kywineman on Jan 13, 2010 9:54 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
ew
I hate the Yankees but I will take them on top if it means Kentucky can be too!
by blue kentucky girl on Jan 13, 2010 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
Every year Kentucky has won a championship
The Yankees have won too. Of course… the Yankees won 25 championships from 1900-2000, so it doesn’t say much that they also won during our paltry 7 championship years, they probably have the same thing for a lot of teams!
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
yeah but our statistics back it up better. 7 out of 7 looks better than 1of 1 or 2of2
It's frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
by floundringaround on Jan 13, 2010 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
The larger the sample
size, the more valid the stats.
my wife NEVER believes that when I tell it to her......I have NO IDEA why......lol
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
+1
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 Jan 13, 2010 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
New York State Born and Raised
And there is no franchise on earth I detest more than the Yankees in any sport.
Give Calipari His Due
Haven’t reviewed the game so can’t be specific about players and moments but in an overview I think it’s time to laud John Calipari for his coaching ability. Hold on, hold on! It’s not that anyone here has been negative about the Cats’ head man but it seems that most of the positive commentary has addressed his inimitable PR ability, salesmanship — to recruits and their parents, fans and administrators — and gamesmanship. But when it comes to the actual coaching of the players we’ve been short in encomia. You know the drill: great recruiter, wins primarily on talent, questionable bench decisions, lacking stratagem, 30-wins are easy in Conference USA, etc. Why even the now famous and mimicked DDMO is still considered gimmickry by many. To me last night’s game was confirmation that Calipari does a great job of preparing his team, motivating individuals, ascertaining who’s likely to perform best in particular circumstances, adjusting to time-and-score and, perhaps most surprising (probably shouldn’t be), making modifications in tactics. Conclusion: John Calipari is a much more accomplished coach — in all connotations of the term — than I or others give him credit.
"Learn(ing) without thinking begets ignorance. Think(ing) without learning is dangerous."
-Confucius
+1, I was thinking just this same thing as I was scrolling down the comments here
Coach Cal really got the better of Billy D last night, I thought.
I agree
I’ve noticed in a few places that several mid-season awards have Cal listed as Coach of the Year so far.
Considering the turnaround job and the ability to navigate a somewhat challenging non-conference slate unscathed, I think he’s certainly deserving.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Good Column for L-H geniuses
Great post. Calipari’s coaching talent is definitely overlooked. Our illustrious Lex/Herald writers should plagiarize this post.
On The Road to Auburn...
Heading to my first UK game since UK vs. Alabama in 1996 (great game BTW)… I’m not sure how much has changed since then… does anyone know if players sign autographs, or anything like this??? In the ‘96 game, I got Scott Padgett’s autograph right before Pitino started cussing, saying “Get on the #$@$ bus!!!!”
Eric Bledsoe
Glad his ankle is better, it shows in his cutting moves. Is it just me, or does he show absolutely no fear at crunch time? You know he is going to make his foul shots before he even sets up on the line just looking at him. I’m probably more impressed with his development than any of the freshman.
Big media noticing
You know we got something special when even an ESPN analyst other than Vitale says we are separating ourselves from the pack (as in the Kansas, Texas pack). We have won games now every way you can win them: not deserving to, winning up front, winning last second, luck, on the road, etc. Further, I embrace the unbeaten pressure… it is our destiny I think. Link to Andy Katz’s article on espn.com:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=4821331
Still, got to improve defensive pressure consistently. And, Wall can have an average night (relative term for him), and we still can be sucessful. GO CATS!
I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.
Dicky will say the same things
about Texas and Kansas when he is doing their games. He doesn’t think for one minute we are separating ourselves from those two and we are not. To much cool aid KYguy.
by Grasslands1 on Jan 14, 2010 12:28 AM EST up reply actions
Not separating from Kansas and Texas
But I think there is a very clear drop off from number 3 to the Syracuses, Dukes, and Purdues of the world. Its why Kansas only dropped to three in the latest poll instead of further.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
I'll disagree just to say
We were taken to the limit at home by an unranked team; although the outcome never seemed in doubt. There are a lot of teams between unranked Georgia and #4 that can give #1 – #3 a run for their money as teams now stand.
Kansas can get somewhat better with teamwork, Texas doesn’t have as much upside as Kansas but Kentucky has enormous upside due to their youth.
I am well aware of Vitale's fickle nature
and I didn’t say that he said we were separating ourselves. In fact it was Andy Katz who did, (as in the link I posted) who I think is much less prone to those kinds of proclamations than Dickie V.
And, I don’t drink Kool Aid… only Woodford Reserve my friend.
I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.
the best team since "the fab five" or maybe better!!!!
this is the best ky team in a long long time.
yes, the 2003 team was a great one, they should have gone to the final four but this team, man, a bunch of freshman and we have beat UNC, Uconn, the dreaded Florida, and 17-0.
man, this is great!!!!!
i love to watch the beloved cats now and what a ride it is going to be!!!!!
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