Kentucky Basketball: Where We Are
by Glenn Logan on Nov 21, 2010 12:17 AM EST
in Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
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PrintIt's risky to draw many conclusions from just a couple of exhibition games and two regular season games. But risk is what we are all about here at A Sea of Blue, so I am going to go out on a limb.
First, I'm going to reject the notion that Kentucky is "less talented" this year than last. Yes, we do have less prime-time, NBA-ready talent that is more a function of obscene athleticism or unusual size than last year. This Kentucky team does not have NBA size at most positions like it did last year, and John Wall made last year's team more athletic all by himself.
But Kentucky has some badly-missed pieces that it did not have in 2009-10, namely consistent shooters from the perimeter, and good ball handlers. Last year, the perimeter was where Kentucky possessions went to die. This year, you throw a zone at Kentucky and you might get blown out by 50. The zone defenses this team has faced so far have been nothing but an invitation to extend the lead.
What the 2010-11 Wildcats do lack is size and power on the inside both defensively and offensively, and until UK is tested by a big, talented team, we really won't know exactly how well they can compensate for their lack of it. An improved Josh Harrellson will help, but he is going to have trouble staying out of foul trouble against some of the more skilled big men in the country. So Kentucky will have to find some other way to handle size rather than man-to-man.
There is word that Calipari has invented (or more likely innovated) a new zone defense. I have no idea what that could be like, although it has been described as a "hybrid" zone or a combination of more than one zone setup. Whether that works out or not, you can be sure that Calipari is thinking zone more and more for this team and forcing opponents to beat the Wildcats from the perimeter.
The thing that's so great about this team is how far they are ahead of last year, execution-wise. This year's Wildcats are chock full of great passers, and the result is the kind of ball movement we didn't see out of last year's team until near the end of the SEC season. I really love the combination of good ball handling with the constant threat of dribble penetration from anywhere. It puts a ton of pressure on the man-to-man defense, and the solid midrange game these new guys bring make playing a matchup zone a dicey proposition against them. Last year, Kentucky had one, but never both.
Conventional wisdom says that this Kentucky team will have trouble against big, athletic teams like Michigan State or Washington. That will likely be tested in Maui, but unlike many, I think bigger teams are going to have a lot of trouble handling Kentucky on the perimeter -- not so much outside the arc, but two or three steps inside it, where this team's real strength lies. It isn't that the Wildcats need to shoot the three so much as have the threat of the three right there at all times, which allows them to penetrate and kick.
You might think that the zone is the way to play Kentucky, but they handle the ball too well for a match-up zone to be effective, they shoot the ball too well from 15 feet to play a lot of 2-3, the 1-3-1 leaves the short corners and top of the key vulnerable, and the man-to-man invites the DDM.
Shooting compensates for a ton of ills, as does good ballhandling. Right now, Kentucky is averaging just over 15% turnovers. Last year, at this same point, the Wildcats averaged over 28% turnovers. Last year, around this time, Kentucky averaged around 55% effective FG%. This year it's 60.1%. Against better competition, both at home and on the road. Offensive rebound % is down, though, just as you would expect. But the combination of fewer turnovers, better shooting, and better execution has them well ahead of last year's effort, and as a result, offensive efficiency is 17+ points better than last year. Here it is, measured, courtesy of Statsheet.com:
| 2009-10 | ||||||||||||||
| Pos | PPP | Eff | Flr% | eFG% | TS% | FTR | OR% | DR% | AS% | ST% | B% | TO% | A/T | |
| MSU | 72 | 1.04 | 104.2 | 53.9 | 53.8 | 57.4 | 53.8 | 55.6 | 70 | 46.2 | 4.2 | 12.3 | 33.3 | 0.5 |
| MIA | 62 | 1.16 | 116.1 | 64.7 | 54.7 | 55.9 | 45.3 | 50 | 73.1 | 42.3 | 12.9 | 14.6 | 24.2 | 0.73 |
| AVG: | 67 | 1.1 | 110.15 | 59.3 | 54.25 | 56.65 | 49.55 | 52.8 | 71.55 | 44.25 | 8.55 | 13.45 | 28.75 | 0.62 |
| 2010-11 | ||||||||||||||
| Pos | PPP | Eff | Flr% | eFG% | TS% | FTR | OR% | DR% | AS% | ST% | B% | TO% | A/T | |
| ETSU | 71 | 1.24 | 123.9 | 66.7 | 58.1 | 55.7 | 33.8 | 42.2 | 82.1 | 54.5 | 5.6 | 11.5 | 14.1 | 1.8 |
| @Port | 60 | 1.32 | 131.7 | 62.9 | 62.7 | 65.3 | 39.2 | 40.7 | 65 | 39.3 | 10 | 15.3 | 18.3 | 1 |
| AVG: | 65.5 | 1.27 | 127.5 | 65 | 60.1 | 59.9 | 36.1 | 41.7 | 73.4 | 47.5 | 7.6 | 13.3 | 16 | 1.38 |
| Delta | -1.5 | 0.17 | 17.35 | 5.7 | 5.85 | 3.25 | -13.45 | -11.1 | 1.85 | 3.25 | -0.95 | -0.15 | -12.75 | 0.77 |
| Change | Better | Better | Better | Better | Better | Worse | Worse | Better | Better | Worse | Worse | Better | Better | |
Where the 2010-11 version of the Wildcats have been weak this year is getting to the free throw line. It may seem strange, but Kentucky is not getting nearly enough free throw attempts per FGA. Last year, that number was almost 44%. This year, it is a very average 35%, and that needs to change a bit, although the better overall shooting makes that stat slightly less valuable.
In conclusion, I am stoked about this team's potential after seeing them dispatch two fairly dangerous foes with such aplomb, and these two teams were senior-dominated, significantly better than the first two teams Kentucky faced last year, and one of the games took place 3000 miles away from home. We still do not know, though, how they will handle a physically superior opponent, and that may turn my optimism more doubtful.
But right now, I am really liking what I see.
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I'm with you, Glenn
Cautiously optimistic. We seem to be ahead of last yr. at this point. But, it remains to be seen if we can shoot like this all yr. I think we’ll have a pretty good line on this yr. after we come back from Maui.
yep
some basketball fans think we shouldn’t even be ranked…lol.. i let you guess which ones.. lets just say they got a big win for their arena but tot back to reality when jackson got within 4 in the 2nd… uk will be a top 15 team and a sec contender
Optimistic as well.
Definitely ahead of last year’s squad at this point in the season. Hopefully the “Cal-zone” can shore up our interior defense or someone large and in charge is going to have a career game against us down there. Still, my favorite part of this team is the no nonsense, laser like focus on winning games. Last year’s team won games but didn’t really seem to focus until they had to. This team seems to want to crush you from the tip. They are young and make mistakes but I really like to see that attitude and focus.
Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi
Very Excited
I have never understood why so many folks were saying this years edition wasn’t as talented as last years. I was very excited before the season started and I haven’t been disappointed. Taking care of the ball and the ability to shoot it are huge. This team is so much better at both than last years. And like last years team,this team is FUN to watch! Also,I have to say we as fans are going to have to get used to changing styles because of players leaving early and super talented recruits replacing them. Every year will bring differences.
Yes, yes, yes, maysville.
“Taking care of the ball and the ability to shoot it are huge.” I have never accepted as gospel that fast-breaking, penetrating, athletic teams (UK ‘10??) have to have a high number of turnovers. I didn’t like that we had 15+ in a lot of games last year. You can’t score if you turn it over before you shoot, and you can’t score if you can’t put the ball in the hole (see my profile!).
This team is exciting and seems to have the killer instinct that Coach Rupp used to talk about. We’ll lose a (some) game (s) if we don’t shoot well and if the other team has a dominant big man, but opponents will never feel safe with the shooters we’ve got.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena . . .who spends himself for a worthy cause . . ."
Great passing + good to great midrange jump shooting = Fewer FT opportunities
Would seem to me an explanation of why we aren’t at the line as much yet
One error Glenn
(Tongue in cheek) Portland is only 2,379 miles from Lexington per Google maps.
Seriously, I like the article. Offensive rebounds will tend to be down if the team continues to shoot with the high percentage from the field it has shown.
I’m also sure I continue to fear a big inside presence from other teams. It will take both the inside and outside to beat the good ball handling, passing, and shooting this team has shown. Few teams have both. I’m also not sure Mich. St. has the overall size you reference; they do have bulk and the Big 10 rough style of play. That is why Cal’s admonition to toughen up is so important for this team to learn. Our length will be big enough if we develop the toughness. We may have to use all 5 fouls from Harrelson and Vargas and steal a few from someone else if we face a couple of talented inside guys on a team, but most teams are not going to have more than one talented big.
I also think this team is more skilled (not necessarily athletic) than last year’s team, especially in shooting, ballhandling, and passing.
10 Man Roster
Injuries will take their toll over the season.
A key injury to B Knight or T Jones would be especially difficult to overcome.
Cats get 25 W and maybe 30 if good fortune prevails. With Kanter, more than that.
by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 21, 2010 8:49 AM EST reply actions
Hope not above all hope not
That would not be good. I don’t even want to think about that.
We are a bit short in reserve positions. “A key injury to B Knight or T Jones would be especially difficult to overcome”.
I guess we have always been taught if you have room to add to your cellar, you should put everything someone gives you in it for the winter. UK fans have a lot of adjusting to do.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
a2d2
I agree. That’s what we must do. I simply can’t think about injuries. It is too sad to deal with. For instance, just one example, when Dan Issel was a senior, the Cats had to go to Florida near the end of the season.
He played on an injured ankle as much as he could. We lost and it broke my heart because if Dan had been 100% we would have won. He hurt throughout the game as Cawood kept remarking about how hard Issel was trying.
Same with Keith Bogens when the Cats lost to Marquette in the Regional under Tubby. Bogens tried so hard to play but had to leave the game early never to return. With Keith, we win. Broke my heart. I’m sure it broke Tubby’s heart too.
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
My big fear
That’s what I’m worried about most this season. Any injury to our team and we are hosed. We’ve been relatively fortunate the last few years with injuries; let’s hope that luck holds out this year.
by wildcatfaninexile on Nov 21, 2010 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
Yikes .... please dont say injuries ..
I think Jones stepped on a camera mans foot in the Portland game and slightly rolled his left (i think)ankle … Injuries could be a real disaster
EVERY Team Has Injuries
Sprained ankles, etc.
No way around it.
by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 21, 2010 6:44 PM EST up reply actions
Hope they are at least few and far between ....
Although Hood and Poole have given some quality minutes
Injuries due to media?
Yesterday a football game was played using one end zone because of potential injuries because of a wall near the end zone. Now look at the basketball court at most buildings, and you see media with cameras almost under the basket. This isn’t a potential injury situation? Ask T. Jones about a TV cameraman giving him an ankle sprain. I hope UK has no injuries because of this situation. Afraid it will happen to some players somewhere this year before the season ends.
UK1972
My son watched that game. On one play which resulted in a TD, the player who scored was grabbed by his own teammate to stop him from crashing into that wall at full speed. They were playing at Wrigley Field in Chicago. A baseball field for Pete’s sake. I don’t know sometimes.
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
maybe the best part is...
Cal even using the word zone. Don’t get me wrong, I am a traditionalist and believe you have to play man to man to win it all but I also believe you have to have a zone in your arsenal. I cannot remember cal ever playing zone at memphis so maybe cal is expanding his horizon.
I have always thought this year’s team as talented but it is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. We have traded some rebounds for fewer tos. We have traded inside power for outside shooting.
I caught myself thinking we would not have more than 1 or 2 first round picks this year and getting excited about all the additions for next year. However, I realized that at this point last year I was only thinking about us having 2 first round picks……
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Nov 21, 2010 8:56 AM EST via mobile reply actions
memphis....
Didn’t he play a zone 1-3-1 @Indiana last year…
GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And shall we call it
A “funky” zone, or maybe the Cal-zone? :-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
a2d2
If we beat the other team using it, we could call it the “End-Zone”. Just joking. LOL
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
You're standing out on a limb and sawing it off next to the trunk
Tru, I hope you’re right, but I was born in Missouri and this team is going to have to “show me”. This year’s team has better decision makers and better shooters, but our rotation is too short both literally and figuratively. It was like the Illinois team a few years ago that got into the championship game with great guards, but no inside game. North Carolina’s frontcourt chewed them up and spit them out. I’m afraid this team will struggle against size and strength.
Maui anticipation
If we win it all we are a top five team for sure. If we get to the championship game and lose by a close margin we are still top ten IMO. And I think we can and will win it no matter who the opposing team may be.
I’m simply amazed by the rapid maturity and polished look of this years team in all phases of the game and the no fear attitude shown by all the guys.
This may not sit well with some of you on here, but this team reminds me of one of Dukes teams that have few if any NBA prospects but great college players that shoot lights-out.
Nick
You knew better
Didn’t you!?
Never, never, never compare a Wildcat team to a dUKe team! ;-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
KansasUKCat
I agree with this much. “I’m simply amazed by the rapid maturity and polished look of this years team in all phases of the game and the no fear attitude shown by all the guys.” And you are correct about Duke. To Hades with them. LOL
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
KansasUKCat
You’re welcome man. I just can’t bring myself to like the “University of Duck” BB team. Before a certain incident in 1992 I could tolerate them. That went away though.
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
Thanks for the stats
Gotta admit, I was pretty worried about this team given it’s lack of size and depth, but the stats have helped allay my fears somewhat, at least about the size.
Being able to remove the visual and just focus on the performance, like these stats allow us to do, shows me that this team isn’t in as much trouble (so far) as I anticipated. I do, like many others, feel like a big deep team will give us fits, but if we keep up this level of defense, ball handling and shooting, we’ll be in every game with a chance to win. That’s all you can really ask for.
by wildcatfaninexile on Nov 21, 2010 10:22 AM EST reply actions
All this talk about depth and short bench
I think we forget that in most of the games last year, save a blowout, Cal played primarily 6-7 men for most of the minutes. When there was foul trouble (often for DeMarcus), he sometimes played 8 men.
This year we’ve got a roster (without Kanter) of 10 men. Cal has said he’d like to play 6-7 most of the minutes. Those guys are capable as we’ve seen. I don’t think of this team as having a short bench at all.
Injuries
I think that’s the main concern with a short bench. Yes, Cal normally plays 7-8 guys, but if we lose a starter… I think that leaves Polson?
by wildcatfaninexile on Nov 21, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Short Bench = PRACTICE Difficulties
If you’ve never played bigtime sports (I haven’t) you sometimes overlook how important PRACTICE is to the success of a team.
A sprained ankle here, a sore knee there, soon it’s down to 7 or 8 for PRACTICE. Not enough.
by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 21, 2010 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
Forty
I’m not sure, Forty. When I think of what Pitino did in his first year when he had only 8 players and had to use 2 assitants
just to scrimmage, I think we may be ok. Of course I have doubts like others do because if we had 3 more really good players it would be a much better situation.
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
ukcris
You said it man. I’ve been watching some of that UK vs. Notre Dame game. They look impressive.
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
Pitino's First Team Was 14-14
I don’t recommend a repeat of that.
Really need 12 or 13 on the roster.
by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 21, 2010 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
Forty
This is true. I don’t the mind of Cal of course, but he’s not trying to get any walk-ons and didn’t try, as far as I know,
to recruit anyone else. But then again he now has 3 more available scholarships. I do know this, IMHO, that he knows what he’s doing. I really, really love this coach.
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
No Question About That
He intended to have 12 on the roster this year – Kanter and Dodson are missing.
by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 21, 2010 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
Forty
That’s right. I know about Kanter but completely forgot about Dodson. Boy he would have really helped. And so would Enes. But Enes is helping in practice. Harellson and Vargas have said he is helping them. I think that showed in Friday’s game. Both looked much, much better.
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
if you'll excuse me, I'll hold off on saying Kentucky has "consistent shooters from the perimeter"
Until they show that they can have sustained success again good teams. I recall seeing something on this place last year examining 3-point percentage against good teams vs the bad teams, and the difference was staggering — which has been a theme for Cal teams, too, over the years for whatever reason (primarily back when he was at Memphis, but the same was certainly true for last year’s Kentucky team).
______________________________________________
That's (333333jorkland)^2 and $$$$$immons to you, chump.
Heh, I wrote that piece
I don’t think I would classify the difference in shooting last year as “massive”, it was rather large though. I think there is a legitimate case to be made even this early that the Cats are a better shooting team than last year from distance. For one thing, neither Wall nor Bledsoe came into the season with the shooting reputation that Lamb and Knight have. Miller is a year older and a year better (we think/hope). Another is that I think the 3PA’s will be a bit more concentrated in the better shooters this year. Last year Wall attempted over 100 3’s despite it not being a strength – I don’t think you’ll see that kind of volume from an average shooter this year.
Having said that, I too am reluctant to make any judgments on this team until they finish their games in Maui. With a likely game against Washington and hopefully Michigan State we’ll be in a much better position to judge the strengths and weaknesses of this squad.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
JLeverenz
Very good take, JL. +1
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
bobthevol
Oh Bobo. Whatever are we going to do with you?
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
hilarious.
This just came from Brett Dawson’s twitter account and is regarding what coaches are saying at the Maui Press conference.
Calhoun on Calipari: "He’s got more talent than the Celtics."
I loathe the Celtics so I found this particularly amusing.
And, speaking specifically about the feature post — while I personally think that yes, we have plenty of talent this year, I’m not going to say we have equal to the talent that we had last year at this early juncture. No way.
And, further, that is not to say that I don’t think we have a higher ceiling this year than last, as you just never know, obviously, but those are my thoughts on talent alone having watched only a few games so far.
BSC
You “what” the Celtics? Greatest NBA program ever. Somehow I have got to make you a Boston proselyte. Just close your eyes and visualize Shamrocks. Just keep repeating Green, Green, Green, over and over. Bet it will work. Just something about Celtic charisma. Don’t you think?
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
hmmm,
well, I actually do have just a tad bit of Irish in me (from my mother’s side) but my dad is an avid basketball fan, so he won out on what sports teams I revere and well, he raised me on the Lakers as far as the NBA goes. And, since I came up in the 80’s I’m very familiar with the Lakers/Celtics rivalry and yes, I loathe the Celtics. And, I won’t go into my thoughts on the greatest NBA program ever as this isn’t the place, but maybe we can discuss that some other time, in some other place. ; )
Also, after reading my initial post above, I see that I totally butchered that last little paragraph.
What I was trying to say, and failed miserably at my first attempt, was that while we may not have as much talent this year at last (and IMO, we don’t), but that certainly doesn’t mean that our ceiling can’t be higher than last year.
And, I will admit, that I’m just looking forward to watching Monday’s game right now. Monday is about as far as I’ve gotten into really looking at our future. : )
BSC
Can’t disagree with what Pop taught. A Lakers fan? Well honestly that is a very good choice and I sort of like them also.
Our ceiling is to be the best. I know that this is your take as well. The sky is the limit for this edition of Wildcats.
I’m really excited about this team. Part of it is just watching them get better with each game and shocking their next opponent. Gooooooooooooo! Cats.
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
Shamrocks???...
Just visualize Rajon Rondo! That is one terrific point guard! Wall and Bledsoe could do significantly worse than aspire to emulate Rondo’s success.
Optimism is never misplaced and any straw we can grasp in justification is a staunch support.
That said, I’m surprised at the near giddy perspective we’ve all adopted however tempered. I was nearly over the moon when I saw the two wins against ETSU and Portland had changed Ken Pomeroy’s season prognosis from 7 losses to 5 – we are now expected to win against Louisville and in Knoxville. Just goes to show fandom is not rational.
AB you said it all about the best team
Celtics and Rondo forever…!
They’ll whip those Lakers and that sorry ass Jackson this next time – we have the big dog now Shaq.
Nick
by KansasUKCat on Nov 21, 2010 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
GO BIG GREEN!
Sorry…. Had to get that out of my system. Lol.
!!FREE ENES!!
by phatcatfan on Nov 21, 2010 8:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
KansasUKCat
I hope they do but the “Big Dog” didn’t help against the Thunder the other night. Do you think mabye he"s wearing out? He’s had such a great career I would like to see him go out on top.
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
Lady Cats Up 41-35 At Half
Mitchell’s Minxes (no disrespect inferred) winning game at FT line and on boards over ranked Colleens.
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
UK-ND
Heckuva game, Lady Cats up 4 with 4 remaining. Watch on ESPN3.
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
I don't what sport it is
It’s always good to beat Notre Dame
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
Amen, brutha.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena . . .who spends himself for a worthy cause . . ."
Cats Win! Cats Win!
Victoria Dunlap’s double-double (24-14) and Keyla Snowden’s 5 3’s led UK to 81-76 win over ND. Last couple of minutes took forever as a FT shooting contest took over. Irish averaging 91 ppg so defense was difference.
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
Stevie Gets Loose!
Steve Johnson has 3 TD catches for Bills as Bengals collapse.
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
Defense
One thing that last year’s team was a lot better at than I expect this year’s team to be is DEFENSE. The quickness and savvy of Wall got us lots of steals, and his height and athleticism got us some blocks, especially at important times. And let’s face it, some teams just couldn’t score in the paint at all with the trio of Cousins, Patterson, and Orton patrolling it. That is going to change drastically this year if Kanter doesn’t win his appeal.
I don’t mind the stat of not getting to the free throw line enough. If you have an open shot, you don’t get to the free throw line.
I do agree with Glenn about the missing piece – 3 point shooting – being so huge. That is spot on. And I’m sure we all remember that going 0-20 from 3 is what cost us the championship last year.
Fun game
Here’s a fun game. Swap Eric Bledsoe for Doron Lamb on last years team. Do we win it all? Nothing against Bledsoe, but he was a point guard playing the 2. So I say yes.
No question the interior D is going to be far weaker
But I think the perimeter D is going to be far better.
No doubt that Wall could cause fits to opponents with his long-armed athleticism, but he and Bledsoe got caught out of position frequently- they were gamblers who excelled at on-the-ball pressure, but didn’t always know where they were supposed to be when off the ball. That’s why UK went through periods last year when it got torched from 3 pt range.
This year, the trio of Knight, Liggins, and Lamb is longer, stronger, and more fundamentally sound. There won’t be nearly as many steals and run-outs, but there’s also far less likely to be some guy from Sam Houston going insane from 3, or a Joe Mazulla penetrating at will because he’s being overplayed.
Hopefully, that can make up for some of the interior D deficiencies, because there’s no comparison between last year’s collection of intimidatingly big bodies, and the trio of Harrellson, Vargas, and Jones (or even foursome, if Kanter gets to play, because Kanter is really not much of a defender at this point. He would, however, almost single-handedly solve any rebounding issues).
Good news bad news ....
Good news North Carolina is losing in Peurto Rico …. bad news they are losing to Vanderbilt who is looking pretty good – even if they don;t hold on for the win
Vandy wins.
I would rather have a stronger Vandy team to contend with than a better UNC to face at their home.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Good for the Commodores ..... but, I 've said this here before and I'll say it again ....
I hate playing at that thing Vanderbilt calls a basketball gym …. putting the benches on the ends of the court is about as smart as putting screen doors on a submarine …. :)
its going to be doubly tough to win in Nashville this year …..
ukcris
About as smart as a bag of rocks. LOL
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
kywineman
Good point. Anyway I would rather see Vandy win than UNC because they are SEC family. We here in the SEC like to keep our quarrels among ourselves. Hee.Hee. Also Vandy’s win puts another game between UK and UNC on the all time win list. Oh yeah, Go Big Blue Cats.
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
not worried about
louisville, unc,florida ,vandy, and tenn.. was after hearing kanter verdict but after seeing them play and uk.. none scare me .. uk might lose to some of them..but uk should be able to win
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I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
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A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Times New Roman
Font style changed last week — not nearly as easily read.
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
thank you!
I mentioned that the font on the front page was different last week after the Portland Pilots preview went up (I thought it was due to the new format of Glenn’s table for that post or whatever) and it only changed back after that post scrolled off the front page.
Now, and although it didn’t affect all the posts on the front page like last time, but now this one is the same. Super tiny font, Times New Roman and super hard to read.
I was beginning to think I was the only one that was having this issue, and didn’t want to sound like a broken record and mention it again, but yeah, it’s really hard to read and btw, and as I have said before, ASoB is the only blog on SBNation I’m having this issue with. All the others I peruse are just fine and normal.
curious
I’m still in Ariel, or whatever sans-serif font it is that it has always been. I actually wish it would be in Times New Roman for me, because I like that font so much better.
by blue kentucky girl on Nov 22, 2010 9:04 AM EST up reply actions
Having the same font problem
I really don’t like this tiny serif font for reading online. The argument for serif fonts works more or less for print, but now that we have all spent a decade or so reading san serif on line, it’s time to pack those serif fonts away and save them for wedding invitations.
by StillCatwoman on Nov 22, 2010 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
I think I found the problem.
It was a style tag that somehow got inserted last week.
Let me know via email or Twitter if you are still seeing a small, Roman font.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Nov 22, 2010 10:10 PM EST up reply actions
Go to Tools-Internet Options-Fonts-Scroll down until Times New Roman comes up, click on it and then click OK.
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
No Problem Mon!
No change here! Everything is OK!
Happy Days are here again! Wildcat's have #1 recruiting class again!
My thoughts:
1. Jones is better than I expected. He still seems soft on the boards.
2. We will have trouble with good big men.
3. Miller is going to have a better, more assertive year, but he still seems content to hide at times. He needs to come out of that for the entire year, not just a game or two.
4. We seems to be better shots this year. Lamb is better than I expected. Knight is about what I expected.
5. Liggins is the same as last year, though he may be a better shot. He has been reluctant to pull the trigger on the J and seems intent on driving, at times forcing it. This is hopefully just adjusting to the starting role.
6. We are going to have trouble with good big men unless Jones toughens up and Miller acts like his size. Man does he look built these days.
Go Cats!
I love how we took their best player totally out of the game.
Reminded me of some of UK’s best jobs shutting down the one star in the Pitino era (just e.g., Wake Forrest and Tim Duncan in the elite 8 – let that be a lesson to those who want to pass on the cash and come back for a championship – it is never worth it unless you play for UK :)
Duncan In That Game
Had 14 points and 16 rebounds. Certainly not his worst game ever. Not his best either.
by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 22, 2010 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
Forty
The outstanding thing about that game to me was UK held Duncan to 1 point in the 1st half and the team to just 20. They were a MUCH better team than that, but not against the Cats.
I love the Cats,
The Cats love me,
And both of us love,
The S....E....C.
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