The Kentucky Wildcats: Destiny's Child?
by Ken Howlett on Mar 15, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
in Commentary
150 comments
"... you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?'"
Watching the 2010 version of the University of Kentucky basketball team invokes many differing, sometimes contradictory emotions: A team so youthful, yet a team so mature; A team so immature, yet a team so clutch; A team so defying of all the odds, yet a team with such lofty expectations; A team so talented, yet a team so very lucky ... or, is it luck?
The "it" I refer to is the seemingly "mission impossible" this UK squad has time after time successfully completed. Regardless of time or score, John Calipari's team of achievers have brought themselves, as well as an entire angst ridden Big Blue Nation, back from the brink of defeat nearly without fail. It is an almost indefinable quality not often found in any team, in any sport, but a quality Kentucky basketball fans have luckily become accustomed to over the last five months.
Basic Instinct
Whether it be the incomparable John Wall's game-winning shot with :03 remaining to win the Miami, OH game back in November, or, the DeAndre Liggins three-pointer to bring UK within four points against Mississippi State in Starkville, or, Wall's spectacular defensive play, first blocking Vanderbilt's John Jenkins' shot, then stealing the ball from Jenkins to preserve UK's 58-56 victory in Nashville, or, the inconceivable path the 'Cats took to victory over Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament championship game on Sunday. Regardless of time and score, these 'Cats maneuver their way to victory lane, and savor the sweet taste of Wildcat champagne more often than they should.
Throughout the season, fans, pundits, and coaches alike bemoaned this groups lack of killer instinct when it came to putting opponents on the early bus with an "L." But what we all know now is that the killer instinct this team possesses is the cruelest, most unforgiving of all instincts: It is that which lures the foe into a premature sense of victory, then, without warning, the killer 'Cats intuitively move in for the win. And suddenly, where there was defeat, there is now victory. It's not taught, it's not learned, it's not even practiced. It just is.
Some people call it a refusal to lose, some call it the winning instinct, some call it winners, winning games, and still others call it luck. I, though, call it pure, unadulterated talent. And it is UK's best chance since 1998 of hanging banner number eight in the lofty heights of Rupp Arena.
Unfortunately, if the Big Blue talent were older, only by a year or so, it would simply be no contest. Kansas, Duke, Syracuse, West Virginia ... they could all mail their RSVP's to the Big Dance with their regrets, because afterall, why show up? But the fact that this UK team is so painfully young, gives the others reason to believe, which is exactly what this team wants -- Give the opponent a reason to believe they can win, then snatch away their faith in the micro-second it takes the 'Cats to turn lemons into lemonade. It ain't water into wine, but it makes UK fans drunk with delirium.
Designs on Destiny
Regardless of time and score ... it almost seems comical. Not in a Richard Pryor sort of way, but in a disbelieving, head-shaking sort of way, as if to say, "Did I just see what I think I saw?" Unforeseen turn of athletic events happen on all the various fields and courts of competition, but rarely is one team the source of such bemusement. And rarely does such youth consistently win in the way these 'Cats have won. But talent, and in UK's case, extreme talent, has a way of manifesting the confidence needed to win that which was lost. Sunday's showdown with the Mississippi State Bulldogs is Exhibit A: A John Wall steal and resulting layup inside the final minute; followed by an intentional free throw miss kept alive and tapped to the corner by Patrick Patterson; and finally, a DeMarcus Cousins tying put-back with a "mili-second" remaining on the clock. If just one of those improbable plays would have happened to secure victory (or at least overtime) for UK, it would have been considered by many to be a miraculous turn of events. But to have all three plays fall the 'Cats' way is ... well, indescribable, unfathomable, and perhaps ...
Destiny: The seemingly inevitable (certain to happen) succession of events.
Am I believer in destiny? I must confess, I'm not sure. But I do know I've seen, over the years, teams that are special, and teams whose specialty is winning games they have no business winning. But, when one team, in one season, continues to leave arenas of competition with a smile "tatted" across their face, when a loss would have been a more appropriate outcome, one has to wonder. Wonder if this team, because of their overly creative ways and means of coming out on the winning side, is destined to be remembered ... Wonder if this team, because of the decisive manner in which they respond to challenges, is destined to be revered ... Wonder if this team, because of their unusually high level of accomplishment, in spite of their youth, is destined to be flattered by emulation ... Wonder if this team, because of all of this, is destined for greatness, destined to be beloved?
Destination Indianapolis?
Whether it be luck, destiny, talent, or simply refusing to lose, this Kentucky basketball team is without peer in the recent annals of college basketball. One has to venture back nearly 20 years to find a team so young, yet so talented. The Michigan Wolverines, aka, The Fab Five, is the last team ('91-'92) with such a kiddie corp roster to boast enough talent to challenge the college basketball world for supremacy. But even Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwuan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson never rose higher than 11th in the AP Poll in their freshman year, were a "6" seed going into the NCAA Tournament, and lost seven games along the way to the Final Four. Talented? By gawd yes. Destined for greatness? Lord no. But do we judge this Kentucky team by how far they travel in the NCAA Tournament?
In my eyes, this UK squad has already achieved that which I hoped it would -- They have brought back to Lexington, as well as the rest of the Bluegrass, the feeling of anticipation, in place of dread, hope, in place of heartache, and admiration, in place of sympathy. Collectively they have reconstructed the UK brand with gusto. And for that we should all be grateful.
But the simple fact is, this team has proved overwhelmingly, that size does matter, but age doesn't. And when it comes to winning games, they've mastered the art of finishing. And because of that, my expectation is for the 'Cats to travel in a northerly direction for the final weekend of fun. Yes, along the way, the road will be filled with all manner of distraction, possibly including Longhorns, Owls, and Mountaineers. A surly bunch, indeed, but the boys in blue have me believin'.
So call it destiny, luck, or whatever you like, I'll believe, until I have reason to doubt.
Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!
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This
team is special that is for sure and you capture my emotions so well. I DON"T KNOW WHAT TO THINK!!!! I am stil so guarded……I was almost in tears when I thought they were going to lose yesterday. I wanted them to win it so badly. NCAA tourney ………well I don’t think I am going to make it yall I just don’t. This is a team that can win it all and I believe that now. Will they? I just don’t know. I have doubted them all season in tight game situations and they have proved me wrong everytime. I started getting the Tru Zen syndome even with Tennessee. I kinda lost it on Friday in the tourney though and again they proved me wrong. I for sure lost it the last minute of the game but again they proved me as unbelieving………I DON"T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!!!
Ken. Once again you repaint the picture quite nicely. The brand is back. My middle schoolers...
came into class this morning all jacked about Cousins shot at the end of regulation. These are children who live thousands of miles away from Big Blue Country. I am just thrilled and loving this historic season and am happy to introduce these kids to UK Basketball.
Thanks for doing what you do to highlight this wonderful group of young men.
I think it's great that you have converted
those in the Great Northwest into Big Blue believers!
Enthusiasm is indeed contagious.
I appreciate your kind words, as always.
Several of mine......
came in all excited, of course I was wearing a UK shirt. We have had a running joke about their “homework” after every game. Not a single Gator buddy even commented on their team’s selection, probably didn’t know about it.
I have been told there is a special place in heaven for us middle school teachers...
not sure I believe that…however, there might be a special place at the funny farm for those of us that put too many years in teaching at middle school :)
Hey I am
in a masters program right now so I can teach middle school! People say I am crazy but they are my favorite kids to around. They have good discussions and they don’t think they are too cool for school yet. I love them so much!!!! I start getting nervous of the 8th grade girls though……..fifth through seventh grade is the best :)
Masters Program To Teach Middle School
Me too! I am set to do my student teaching next spring!
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 Mar 17, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
blue
My daughter and son in law both middle/elementary teachers in Southeast Missouri. Many years,both nearing retirement. Bad thing, no grand kids. Both said they had enough kids at work!
Happy Days are here again The sky is all ways BLUE again Happy days are here again !
"Go ahead, make my day" !!
Sorry, I couldn’t help myself…LOL (I love Clint).
But you know, if they want to make my day, I will never complain. This team wants “it”, so really, it would make their day and who wouldn’t want that. A great read Ken. Here’s to hoping what we have seen has only been the trailer. :-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
And destiny?
I’m not sure about it either, but my son was born on Clint’s birthday. Just sayin’ :-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
"In the struggle that is life and death"
“there is iron in your words of life. And death, for all to see. Life it is.” My favorite movie besides Star Wars, how applicable, kinda like “a buzzard has to eat soon as a worm”
"all the way"
and of course...
“Dying ain’t much of a living, boy.”
All I know.........
is when Cuz hit the most last second of all last second shots to go to OT, I was jumping around my living room screaming like a school girl. I can’t remember the last time I had that kind of feeling watching the Cats play. This team has a will that is undeniable. After the way they handle the SEC tourney and pulling out 3 games in three days, I truly believe they will run deep in the NCAA tourney. Only time will tell but I’ve got faith in these Cats!!!
same here...with an added bonus
I have a torn ligament in my knee and I was hopping on the good leg with the braced bad leg stretched out like I was a 18 year old cheerleader trying to make the “K” in Kentucky..scared the neighbors, and they live 60 yards away
well done sir
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Mar 15, 2010 12:43 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
The term "Ignorance Is Bliss" keeps coming back to me in regards to this team
They dont know that they arent supposed to win……..here is to keeping them in the dark for 6 more games……
What is it that is said about something being wasted on youth? I look at these kids and for just a sceond everytime they do something unbelievable, I remember back to when I thought I could do anything, I was invincible, could do no wrong, and knew more than anyone……oh how I miss those days……lol…..only difference between them and me is that they havent been told they cant yet. They are too young to be jaded, too young to become out of sorts with all that is wonderful and new in the world.
I hope they never learn what they “cannot do”…….
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
don't we all wish for the return of our youth!!!
i’m feeling “it” for these kids!!!…the glory days they can remember for the rest of their days!!!…no “what ifs”, no regrets!!!…those days are long gone for most of us, but those days are here and now for the CATS!!!…how fortunate for us to be able to get a sense of “how it’s supposed to be” once again in our waning years…DESTINY and REWARDS, hand in hand for the beautiful youth of our Cats!!!…i for one will be fully living the gift they bring to the game, and urging them to live it to the limits of all their desires!!!…Beautiful Youth!!!…Beautiful Talent!!!…i bet they could even understand and accept the rantings of their faithful fans…these are really special days they are giving us, and themselves!!!…GO BIG BLUE!!!
"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as much as you please."...Mark Twain.
At least Geoff Calkins is honest
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/mar/15/2010-ncaa-tournament-cal-amitous/
I haven’t seen this much bitterness in a fan base since Pitino took the UL job.
"The IQ of a mob is the IQ of its most stupid member divided by the number of mobsters." --Terry Pratchett
What a jagoff. Heh.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
by blbskue on Mar 15, 2010 1:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
to quote blue kentucky girl
that guy is a “jackhole”……..lol
Think about it......
if it had happened to us, we’d feel the same way. No hard feelings towards Memphis.
by bigbill992001 on Mar 15, 2010 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions
but the point is, it would not happen at kentucky..
our coaches do not leave for other schools. tubby is the only exception and i think we can all agree both parties are happier.
i will have to say there were some fans on local sports radio that did not feel the same way. the “average” opinion was that they would cheer for Cal one day, but not yet. i can respect that.
the only thing i get sick of is the “uk is playing with OUR players.” they forget that one of the top recruits they have coming in probably was going to uk next year….
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
he didnt leave for another school
he left for the NBA there is a big difference imo
"Come test me every day if you want," says Pujols, "Everything I ever made in this game I would give back to the Cardinals if I got caught."
that was my point...
big difference….when pitino left, we did not like it but still liked him
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 17, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Excellent piece Ken....
I have never bought into the statement that this team lacks a killer instinct. They want to win every game and win big but I think youth, decision making and spotty perimeter shooting are the main reason this team doesn’t always put away opponents the way they would like. When this team hits 3’s and keeps the turnovers down they usually win convincingly.
This season has been so much fun. These kids are so excitable and they run like the wind. This is the kind of basketball UK fans have been clamoring for for a very long time. What I find funny is that this is the type of team UK fans would loathe if they were in a different uniform. Now UK is the team that wears head bands, dances, celebrates like crazy, intimidates opponents and just gets under other teams’ skin. I LOVE it!!!
Go Cats….see ya in Indy!
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
Thanks, Seven
During the course of the season I thought what you wrote about this team being one that would be despised if they didn’t have “Kentucky” written across their chest. But, they sure are fun, frun to watch, and talented like no other UK team in recent memory.
recent memory?
By that I guess you mean since ‘96-’97-‘98?………….LOL……….I for one will never forget that group. No, they didnt have 3 lottery picks, but put a ton of guys in the NBA. Shoulda had 3 in a row. I’ll never forgive Pitino for not playing Derek Anderson.
by bigbill992001 on Mar 15, 2010 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
3 lottery picks?
How many in the lottery?
Walker and Mercer were top 10 picks. Not sure where McCarty, Delk, Anderson, Scott P. fell.
lottery picks
Maybe you’re right, maybe they didnt have the lottery back then. Im not sure how many lottery picks there are but most analysts agree that if Wall, Cuz and erick come out that they will be picks. My point was that these 3 guys are considered good enough to go the same yr. Throw in P Pat and you could have 4. Now, THAT’S talent.
by bigbill992001 on Mar 16, 2010 4:31 AM EDT up reply actions
they did have the lottery...
the main reason pitino left was that boston had the worst record and therefore the best odds of getting tim duncan. when boston lost the first pick, pitino’s fate as a pro coach was sealed…
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 17, 2010 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Doug Gottlieb is an idiot
I saw this dumbass whine about John Wall’s alleged lane violation at the end of regulation against MS. He waxes philosophical about MS would win that game and be in the tourney if it had been called. He must be an expert, right?
Then, watching him fill out his brackets this morning on ESPN, for all of his attitude of expertise, he goes chalk all the way once he’s past the sweet 16. Anyone can sound intelligent while predicting the majority point of view. He should be teaching Junior College somewhere.
We're all just a banana peel away from eternity.
ICQ: 591535544
Yahoo IM: jacksbrain
I normally like Gottlieb, but
I agree 100% with your assessment of him (at the moment, anyway). If I’m not incorrect, two MSU players were in the lane long before the UK player, which renders his “point” moot.
the lane violation has me confused
I am trying to find the NCAA rulebook but right now my order for a pdf download has somehow not gone through, may check on it at home later, but it has been stated that since Wall was in the back court he couldn’t cross the three point line by some rules, Tru said that he thinks NCAA it was that he couldn’t enter the lane until the ball hit the rim and even others have said it is only the shooter that can’t enter until it hits the rim. I haven’t watched the replay but it seems wall was in the lane while the ball was in the air so depending on the rule it could be a violation
"Come test me every day if you want," says Pujols, "Everything I ever made in this game I would give back to the Cardinals if I got caught."
Just watched the play again
I must amend my statement from above — It wasn’t just a couple of MSU players in the lane AS SOON as the ball left Bled’s hands, it was everybody from both teams that were in the lane prior to the ball reaching the rim.
MSU, though, got robbed. They were definitely worthy of a bid, and I feel really bad for Stansbury and those kids, especially the seniors Stewart and Varnado.
I can’t help but think a very lackluster effort versus WKU back in Dec. might have cost them a trip the the BIg Dance. If they would have played with half the effort and intensity they played with yesterday against WKU, they would have won by 30.
Just another reason to play every game likes its your last.
Yep, it would have been a double violation and a re-shoot
If I am correct. Gottleib, after stealing everyone’s wallets, what just pissed that UK won.
Some say a comet will fall from the sky. Followed by meteor showers and tidal waves.
Followed by faultlines that cannot sit still. Followed by millions of dumbfounded dips**ts.
MSU robbed
I know that has been a topic of discussion — I have no idea what their RPI or SOS is, but right now, that team is playing like a Sweet 16 team, and when Minnesota gets in (I’m happy for Tubby) … well I don’t know what to say.
But we do this every year, I’m not losing any sleep over it :)
I Tivo'd the game and went back to watch that play
for the sheer, wild joy of it and because of what Gottlieb said.
What an idiot! To say something so ridiculous that is so easily checked by anyone who taped the game.
Wall wasn’t nearly the first one into the lane. He wasn’t even standing on the line as Bledsoe put the shot up. Wall was the guy who stayed back off the line and to the left of the goal, while the ball went right. Wall was one of the last guys to get into the lane.
How he got that ball, I’ll never understand. Everybody was close to the ball than he was, when the shot went up.
And then when Wall missed, I don’t know how Cuz, that giant, beautiful boy, got the rebound, because he was on the wrong side of the goal, too, and in back of Patterson.
Patterson either thought the ball was going to miss left of the goal or got out of the way, thinking Cuz would have a better shot at getting the ball. Or maybe Patterson thought he’d go left and Cuz would go right.
Whatever… Patterson went left and Cuz jumped in behind and then around Patterson to get the ball. Cuz said somewhere that he knew the minute Wall put up the shot that it was an airball, and he knew where it was going and got it.
As for Gottleib…. Idiot! At least Tivo the games if you’re going to try to spout off crap like that. You could make up more believable lies that way.
Haven't read the rule lately,
but I think the rule states that players on the lane during the FT can gain position as soon as the ball leaves the shooter’s hand, but the shooter can’t enter the lane until the ball touches the rim. Players not lining the lane can’t break the imaginary plane that extends from the FT line to the sidelines until the ball leaves the shooters hand.
That’s all from memory.
Okay, if that's the rule, I can't go back and check because
I have now deleted the game from my Tivo, to make room for new games during the tournament.
But I will say, I’ve never seen anyone who wasn’t on the line to get a rebound or the shooter called for a lane violation. Ever. And Wall was the last guy there, because he was coming from farthest away.
If you hadn’t seen it, you’d have a hard time believing he could have gotten that ball. He was to the left and well behind the shooter, and as we all know, the ball went right after Patterson tipped it.
The kid is an athletic wonder.
I went
nuts when I heard Doug G say that…..his issue was Wall leaving his position……I don’t think he was correct but he was saying MSU lost because the refs screwed up……….PLEASE! Now if we had won on that possesion and it was true that there was a lane violation THEN I could see his point but MSU did not lose on that ball……..it was tied. They had a whole overtime to prove that they could win it. They didn’t and that is that. MSU was not robbed either……..they played under their capacity all season. You must play all season and not wait for tourney play.
I googled up the rule
and it states that as soon as the ball leaves the shooter’s hands everyone but the shooter can enter the lane. The shooter must wait until it draws iron. I replayed the shot over and over, pausing it to study who entered the lane and when. Everyone along the lane entered when the ball was released and Wall came from behind Bledsoe a split second later. Bledsoe held his ground until the ball hit the rim. The refs got it right and did not call a violation. Gotlieb is like so many in the media, untalented, uninformed and loud mouthed. Daddy knew somebody or he wouldn’t have gotten that job.
need to check that again....
Everyone lined up on the lane can move in as soon as the shot leaves the hand. The other players are more restricted.
I can’t find a copy of the NCAA rulebook, but for international ball, the other players must stay behind the 3-point line until the ball hits the rim.
For NCAA, I suspect that they can cross the 3-point line, but are not allowed to enter the free throw lane until the ball hits the rim.
That would be
a senseless rule (which doesn’t rule it out since it is the NCAA) and I have never seen it enforced.
I fail to see how it is senseless
The players lined up along the lane are supposed to be the rebounders. If the free throw shooter is frozen, then it makes sense that the players who start behind the free throw line are also prohibited from moving in until after the ball hits rim.
Here it is....
Rule 9-1, Art. 2. After the ball is placed at the disposal of a free-thrower:
g. Players not in a legal marked lane space shall remain behind the free- throw line extended and behind the three-point field-goal line until the ball strikes the ring, flange or backboard, or until the free throw ends.
he did commit a violation – am not at home but bledsoe might have as well. question becomes did other MSU players behind arc cross over as well.
HOWEVER, this was just one call – if gotlieb wants to start down the “what-if” road, i am sure we could find plenty of non calls that went msu’s way
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
actually, three players committed a violation
Bledsoe, Wall, and the MS State player all crossed the 3-point line immediately. If you look at a replay, they jumped across.
In that case, with mulitple violations (none committed by the free throw shooter) it should be a jump ball situation. Which way was the possession arrow pointed???
would it be jump ball or reshoot?
will check replay tomorrow to see who had the arrow…
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
guess that slipped gotlieb's mind....
so guess we can say “nothing to see here, move along”
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I would like
to point out to those who say you should’ve played like that all season that teams don’t start out playing their best ball of the year with few exceptions. And in all those cases it ends up badly. Teams improve with experience and practice based upon exposed weaknesses. The every game counts equally concept runs contrary to having a regular season. Let’s just start with one big tourney and be done with it. I think the NCAA selection committee has made a mistake by not looking closely at the second half of the season where all of the effort should be starting to pay off. I’m not justifying dogging it early on, just saying that it is March now and November is such ancient history.
They
did not play consistent until the last couple of weeks……This isn’t just November stuff…..Plus the NCAA does not take in the last ten games but the tourney. MSU in my humble opionion did not deserve a bid.
My comment was not
about MSU in particular. Does anyone in here truly believe that we are not playing better overall as team than in November?
Bledsoe can see the future
Bledsoe said he practices intentional misses on his own and continues to put up high-arcing misses over the objections of the UK coaches.
“They get mad at me,” he said. “They want me to shoot it regular.”
In this case, Bledsoe knew best.
That is why you practice….you never know when it will come in handy.
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
and that was from tipton
why can’t he write like that more often….
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
OT
I have to share this so bare with me————my 5yr old grand-daughter———-just after the win, (with neck of her t-shirt pulled over her head to her shoulders on the back of her neck) struted I could hope for. Not only their talent, but their character, their LOVE of the game, their TEAM work and their DESIRE to Win!!!!! What ever happens now is gravy——bottom line I LOVE THEM and will remember their greatness for the rest of my life!!!!!!!!! In advance, thanks for the memories!!!!!!!!!!!!! ‘GO BIG BLUE’ We’ve got your back—-L
A Question
Since the game wasn’t officially over when Cousins hit the shot to send it into overtime, could the refs have called a technical for excessive celebration or leaving the bench? Would they have even dared? How would in reality play out? Just curious.
Regulation was over. The red light
came on and the horn sounded. The team quickly returned to the bench.
This May Sound Silly, But...
I just LOVE the hospitality that Coach Cal and Ellen show to these boys… you can tell by their body language that the Calipari’s home is THEIR home. It means a lot to me, as a mom and someone who teaches high schoolers, to see those big ol’ kids draped over all their furniture. It really does my heart good. I also am so thankful for the love these kids have for each other. It’s a very special year, this year.
Yes, it is a very special year
We are going to remember this team for a very, very long time.
Great write up, Ken
During one of the game threads someone (sorry, forget who) was comparing Kentucky to their pet cat and how it toyed with mice. I guess Middle Tennessee State is the next mouse, but I’d sure like to put them away quickly. If not, I’ll just start watching games in the hospital emergency rooms to be closer to the defibrillators.
That said, I want to put a word or two in for Coach Cal. Other than his dissing of the SEC Tourney he has been perfect. We wax and wane about this group of supremely gifted players while mentioning his superb direction; however, the job he has done is the reason we’re living on this cloud of euphoria.
Mind you, I’ve not had the satisfaction of seeing a game in person; however, I’ve always paid particular attention any time Coach was on the screen. Throughout this season I have NEVER seen him lose composure. Hell. I lost composure 20 times just on Sunday. His control of his team is a study in psychology in the way he mixes reward and punishment, love and anger, support and rejection both during the game and away from the game. During the games is grasp of the moment is immediate and purposeful. While we’re peeing in our pants, screaming and generally acting the fool his heart rate never waivers.
Just watching his demeanor at the end of the games when “lives are on the line” brings a calming effect to these neophytes that I don’t believe any other coach could provide. Oh yes, this team is young, very young. But it seems Coach Cal knows each of the players as sons, knows their idiosyncrasies and can immediately focus their energy and talent to the task at hand.
Ken, you speak of destiny and Coach Cal is the critical cog in that time machine. Is there another coach in the land that could not only step in to recruit, glad hand and promote the UK tradition but have the ability to take a group of young, extremely talented athletes, mesh their egos and aspirations with each other along with the inherited team; then calmly and happily take them on an historical march through the perils and pressures of collegiant basketball greatness?
I think not.
It’s a team AND coach of destiny no matter how it turns out.
Coach's demphasis
of the SEC championship might be part of his psychology for this group. They bought into playing for the seeding but then went on past that and let it be known that they wanted it all. And they got it.
I agree with you about Cal
He is obviously a major player in how this team is performing. His handling of the (young) egos … getting them to buy-in to the team first mantra is admirable.
I think Cal’s great recruiting sometimes overshadows his coaching, whether it be his x’s and o’s, or his management of the team.
not
only managing the kids but us fans………always knows what to say and how to say it. I really think he is the perfect fit for this job. I don’t think we have had a better fit for this job in my generation. Pitino was great but he thought he was better then Kentucky and Cal doesn’t or if he does he keeps it in check :)
Deeds Not Destiny
I’ve never believed in destiny, but then I don’t believe in astrology, tarot cards, poultry entrails, tea leaves or palms and I’m not alone:
"Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice: It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."
So stated America’s possibly greatest populist, William Jennings Bryan.
Rather than depend on destiny I’d prefer to see better rebounding: In last 6 games Cats outrebounded 226-205 and even more concerning, offensive boards Cats lag 93-76; better FT shooting would help as well, in those games UK 87/133 65.4%; and we all know about 3-point scoring — 27-112 24.1%. Perhaps it’s too late to improve shooting but there is no excuse for a team with UK’s size and athleticism to lag in rebounding.
Been following Cats for nearly 60 years and this is one of the most enjoyable of seasons I’ve experienced but if UK is to achieve its goals it can’t wait for destiny.
"Perhaps the fact that we have seen millions voting themselves into complete dependence on a tyrant has made our generation understand that to choose one's government is not necessarily to secure freedom" - Hayek
You are so right
there is no excuse for these laggards to keep holding back perfection from us. I guess every silver lining has it’s cloud. (ISS)
Do You Actually Believe
That UK can advance to The Final Four with the rebounding numbers of the last 6 games? Can you justify being outrebounded by smaller, less athletic teams? I’m relatively sure Calipari and his staff recognize those deficiencies and are working on mitigating them. Finally, no one is speaking of perfection just realizing potential. However, considering perfection I remember the line from Jonathan Livingston Seagull:
"There is such a thing as perfection…and our purpose for living is to find that perfection and show it forth….Each of us is in truth an unlimited idea of freedom. Everything that limits us we have to put aside."
"Perhaps the fact that we have seen millions voting themselves into complete dependence on a tyrant has made our generation understand that to choose one's government is not necessarily to secure freedom" - Hayek
Yes
it is possible although not as likely. My comments were about the “No excuse” in your post. Sitting on your couch, with your beer in hand makes it easy to criticize. If your enjoyment and entertainment depends upon perfection, you will be disappointed much more often than not.
Indefatigable
That’s the word that came to me while watching the Cats literally wear down their opponents this past weekend. Also, great piece Ken…very well done.
So, who’’s heading to the Big Easy this weekend?
Ken, ya done us proud!
You’ve managed to put into words the feelings many of us have yet find difficult to express. Thank you.
GO BIG BLUE!!!
I have kleptomania,
but when it gets bad,
I take something for it.
The real question here is
Can we get by a talented and experienced Texas team that was ranked no. 1 at one time?
"all the way"
absolutely.
Besides, Texas doesn’t really care about the silly business of winning national championships and such — they are all about getting their players into the NBA. Isn’t that what their coach Rick Barnes had to say a while back? : )
Yes, I think we can beat Texas. Not sure what happened to them, I thought they were pretty good at one time, but now they seem to be, probably more mentally than anything else, a shell of their former selves.
Question...
Since the tournament expanded to 64 teams, has any team won a National Championship after missing the tourney the year before? If so, who?
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
Syracuse 2003
"Perhaps the fact that we have seen millions voting themselves into complete dependence on a tyrant has made our generation understand that to choose one's government is not necessarily to secure freedom" - Hayek
lead by a one and done freshman?
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Money saving tip
All you out there expecting to scoop up tickets to games…especially to see our Blue Boys…just save your money. Doug Gottelib just revealed his overall boldest prediction-Kentucky will not be in the final four. They are in the group of death and have no three shots and/or they have too many worthy teams that can beat them in the East division…so just don’e expect too much after “maybe” the first game.
Lucky for me I did the East division first and immediately last night…so I got to do my thing. I am pumped. This is so much fun. I have seen several projections that have Ky/Kansas in the final and two that chose Ky as the winner.
Shades of the NIT! As I watched the heart attack game yesterday I could not help but think of last year. I was struck on Saturday and Sunday with the blue crowd…I just saw this one small section…maybe 2/3 full of orange folks…and even less for MS yesterday. Maroon does not stand out…but it seemed even less than the game before. I think I was blinded by the lovely blue all around-on the street…walking to dinner…was a blast of the past. I am sorry that I will not be in NOLA so those of you who are …yell a few times for the rest of us.
Just heard some interesting news...
I live in TN and my sister just called me from KY, she says they are saying on the news up there that John Wall has told coach Cal that he’s going to stay another year at UK.. is there any truth to this…???
by BleedsBlue_N_TN on Mar 15, 2010 7:48 PM EDT reply actions
Cal said on the Dan Patrick show that Wall wants to stay....but its highly doubtful he will
Calipari had some interesting comments on John Wall. “He wants to stay,” Calipari said. “We’ll have to talk about it afterward.”
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
I have
mixed feelings on this. Nothing could be finer than another year of watching the magic of John Wall wearing the blue and white. Every time he goes down hard I hold my breath until I see him get up. With that said, I think it should be Wall’s decision to make. I did not like Pitino’s push them out of the nest NBA policy and I am only tolerating it now because we have so recently came out of the desert of the last few years.
coming
from a momma standpoint………my boy will not be ready to be a millionaire at 19 or 20. I am one that believes that you should be at least 21 before you can turn pro at any sport and if you do then it should be required not advised that you take a money course. NBA, NFL, MLB is a business and they can dictate anything they want. I mean what 19 or 20 year old can be a millionaire in any other job?
if cal tore up duane wagner's scholarship after one year....
he will tear up wall’s….
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
HOPE HOPE
Cal has said Wall is carrying the highest GPA on the team.
Get another year of college life before taking life seriously (NBA), the attention, his team, King of campus – why leave when you can get an insurance policy covering the unthinkable? Cal will try to talk him out of it but I hope he can’t. He could set a precedent.
I sure didn’t have a gazillion dollars waiting for me to get out of school but I sure would have loved to stay another year at UK, memories (somewhat hazy) of a lifetime.
insurance policy...
does not come close to covering what he will make in first year of endorsements….
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Right after
the game Sunday I posted “do we dare use the D word?” I believe there are two roads to destiny, one by choice and one by chance. Sometimes opportunity (the sibling of destiny) falls in your lap. You can choose to ignore it or you can take it and run. No amount of preparation can make the loose ball end up where John Wall grabbed it. It could have been batted left and he would have been on the wrong side of the court. Destiny delivered opportunity. Did John Wall and UK get lucky? I got a fortune cookie once that read “Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” Destiny delivered opportunity and UK was prepared for it. This seems to be a team that finds its way to victory by paths we cannot predict. Our destiny is not yet written. Let the dance begin.
On The Other Hand
Had the ball bounced differently MSU would have won and been in the tournament. Was that their destiny as well? Like everything else in the universe it’s a matter of mathematical probabilities.
"Perhaps the fact that we have seen millions voting themselves into complete dependence on a tyrant has made our generation understand that to choose one's government is not necessarily to secure freedom" - Hayek
Destiny,
like fate, is truly a matter of human perspective. I don’t reserve destiny as something solely belonging to UK. As much as it pains me to go there, the Duke team of ’92 could be called a team of destiny. They escaped defeat improbably more than once and won it all. I am convinced that if we had denied &%^$#@$ (I consider his name a profanity and will not type it here) the ball then Hurley would have thrown it in from midcourt. This team shows some of that survivability.
East Tennessee State
Anything Tennessee State has dire memories for me. March 11, 1982, most of my employees were KU alums and when Middle Tennessee State defeated UK 50-44 (Joe B’s comment to the effect “we just didn’t have our legs today” sticks in my mind still as the lamest of excuses) and for quite a long while I endured Little Tennessee State barbs and jabs. Let’s not do that again.
"Perhaps the fact that we have seen millions voting themselves into complete dependence on a tyrant has made our generation understand that to choose one's government is not necessarily to secure freedom" - Hayek
well,
“since everything in the universe is a matter of mathematical probabilities” it shouldn’t be a problem, right? I mean, the “mathematical probabilities” are definitely in our favor against East Tennessee State, no? How can we lose? : )
In UK's Favor, Yes ...
But not a certainty, that’s why the quants in Vegas will give the odds.
"Perhaps the fact that we have seen millions voting themselves into complete dependence on a tyrant has made our generation understand that to choose one's government is not necessarily to secure freedom" - Hayek
Exactly.
You just made my point for me. I was attempting to debunk your earlier assertion of — “Do you actually believe that UK can advance to The Final Four with the rebounding numbers of the last 6 games? Can you justify being out-rebounded by smaller, less athletic teams?” and “Like everything else in the universe it’s a matter of mathematical probabilities.”
I thought you, Weasel, would have picked up on it, but guess I did a really poor job and should have been clearer. : )
It’s not a certainty that we will win on Thursday against East Tennessee State, just like it’s not a certainty that we WON’T cut down the nets in Indy. In the case of us meeting up with East Tennessee State the numbers tell us that we are the clear cut favorites, but my point is that anything is possible and you can’t always rely on the numbers, they are but a tool. Just because the "mathematical probabilities" say we shouldn’t lose to East Tennessee State, or on the flip side say we shouldn’t win the National Championship, it doesn’t make it so.
How can we lose?
See wild weasel above. Can anyone say UAB? Lets not take ANY team for granted. Lets take care of business. #8 is ours for the taking if we take care of business.
by bigbill992001 on Mar 15, 2010 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I hear ya WW-
I worked in Nashville at the time of this game, and told everyone how we were going to get Louisville in the second round. Just like our team I overlooked MTSU. My co-workers really gave it to me after that loss…
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
Great job as usual Ken-
I loved reading everyone’s comments. My daughter and I were at the UK-Miss. State game, and we couldn’t believe what we just saw! It was electric and unbelieveable! This team will be our all-time favorite at my house no matter what happens next. I really believe we are a team of destiny. Miss. State played their hearts out, but our team would not be denied. Nobody in that arena gave one thought of any type of lane violation. It is absurd for Gottleib to mention it. After the game, we watched the trophy presentation, and lots of us were chanting “One More Year”, “ONE MORE YEAR”, but John and Demarcus have to do what’s best for them, and their families. What a ride it has been! GO CATS!
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
Thanks iam4
And a big congrats on scoring tix to the game. It must have been a wonderful experience.
by Ken Howlett on Mar 15, 2010 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions
anyone watching espnU?
panel of 8 “experts” have picked every game. the elite 8 is the 4 “1’s” and the 4 “2’s”
by there own admission, it won’t happen, but interesting that they voted on everygame and it came out that way
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:26 PM EDT reply actions
they just picked all the "1's" for the final 4
won’t argue with that but cuse center better be healthy and duke better keep playing well
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions
based on the prior discussion...
i will be they pick KU over UK in the final (which means KU over cuse and UK over puke the the first round of the final four).
not sure i can watch another 20 minutes of this so will have to update later…..
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions
thank you, thank you, thank you....
did not want to watch anymore!!!
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I saw that show too
Who was that guy on the far right? Young-ish black guy. Anyway he was being such a jerk about Wall, mockingly doing the Wall Dance and everything. I think he might have been a Ohio State guy cause he was all about Evan Turner.
Jimmy Dykes and someone else (Elmore??) picked UK to win the whole thing, but I’m thinking all but 2 or 3 picked them for the FF.
by blue kentucky girl on Mar 15, 2010 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually this looks like a different show than last night....
Ellis is there in place of Elmore who was there last night. I know that Dykes and Branch picked UK last night
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
Gary Parrish of cbssports.com is also picking the 'Cats.
by Ken Howlett on Mar 15, 2010 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions
if i recall...
gary parrish when at memphis paper had a love/hate relationship with cal…he has been behind uk since day one and i find that surprising given the history…
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions
That's probably Laphonso Ellis (Notre Dame grad)
He’s probably still upset about the butt-whippings he took from UK back in the day.
by Ken Howlett on Mar 15, 2010 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions
might Ellis have been on the far right last night though?
This guy definitely looked/sounded/seemed like a former player as opposed to a “real” journalist (let’s face it Fran Fraschilla and Greg Anthony do not look like they took the same route to the broadcast booth). He didn’t have crazy braids though…is Ellis the one with the braids?
Okay, I may have watched too much b.s. basketball talking head chatter when I am this concerned about who a particular dude was : )
by blue kentucky girl on Mar 16, 2010 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes....Ellis is the one with the braids and he was not on the panel last night
I cant remember the guys name on the far right…I am not actually watching it right now
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
Considering it was consensus voting
they’re essentially duplicating the NCAA selection process. I’d be interested in seeing some of their indivdual brackets. Some of them had some good insights on the more obscure teams.
dykes comment is mine...
this KU team is not better than the KU that won it… Most importantly, this UK team is better than the memphis team that lost to KU – see my post in the fall….the experts as a whole go chalk…..
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:56 PM EDT reply actions
espnu going to lexington from midnight to 3 am
was that last night as well?
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Mar 15, 2010 11:59 PM EDT reply actions
no, I think they said last night
that it would be tonight
by blue kentucky girl on Mar 16, 2010 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Good Morning Ken
I’m adding my congrats a little late. May be one of your best yet! Talk to you later
Happy Days are here again The sky is all ways BLUE again Happy days are here again !
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