UK Basketball: Reflection and What’s Next?

by BigSkyCat on Mar 30, 2010 8:24 PM EDT

This post was originally meant as a reply to oldcat'69, but since it got a little lengthy and I didn't really want to clutter Tru's excellent piece entitled "They Little Knew of Brotherhood", I decided to make a fanpost out of it. Hat tip to you, oldcat'69 for such a great comment in that feature post and for stirring up the following thoughts in me.

The ‘09/'10 dreamlike season is now behind us and as far as sports, college basketball in particular, as that is my main sports hobby, my main passion, I'm left with a feeling of what's next, what do I do now? There are no Tuesday or Saturday games to prepare for and plan life around, there are no players to try to get to know and read endlessly about, there are no teams to try to scout out to see how good they might be and what we have to do to win the games, nope, there is none of that to concentrate on. The avid baseball enthusiasts among us can look forward to that pastime in order to get their sports fix, but I'm not an avid baseball fan and I'm really not a faithful NBA fan until the playoffs roll around, so as far as sports hobbies go, neither of those sports are a viable option in order to occupy the mind of this fan for the immediate future.

I do however love, love, love spring, and I know that the majority of you are already immersed in the glory of all that Spring has to offer, but I'm a bit behind in that regard due to my current geographical location. I'm dying to be out in the yard everyday working and playing, I'm ready to paint my toenails, I'm ready to wear sandals everyday to go with those painted toenails, I'm ready to go shopping for and wear fun spring clothes, but while I love to do all of the aforementioned things, in a way, it's bittersweet because while I can hardly wait to do all those things, the fact that I'm able to do them means that our basketball season is over, and that makes me a bit cheerless as I write this.

I know that our season was going to come to an end eventually as realistically it couldn't go on forever, but for me it seemed to come to an abrupt and sudden halt and I was totally unprepared. The sudden stop has left me with a pretty nasty basketball hangover and it doesn't really feel that great. I haven't thrown up and my head doesn't really hurt per se, but nonetheless the hangover is still there. Although I don't feel all that jovial and cheery at present, I have to say that what I had to do to achieve such a hangover was well worth it and I wouldn't take back one single drink, nope, I'll take all 38 drinks/games again with no complaints whatsoever. What a marvelous season it was, huh?

There were the early heroics of John Wall, the amazing growth and extreme maturation of our freshman both on-the-court and personally, the evolution of Patrick Patterson's game to include amazing range, the little noogie given by Coach Cal to a frustrated-at-the-time DeMarcus Cousins, the spectacular on-the-court chemistry that was created by our remarkable band of brothers (thanks, Tru, I really like that one), the John Wall dance, the countless interviews given by coach and players, alike, and the list goes on and on to reflect what great things were witnessed by all members of the BBN this season.

The above is but a small minutiae of what actually transpired over the course of this past season as there are plenty more memories to be mentioned, the above are just a few that stuck out in my mind as I'm writing this and I'm hoping that ya'll can share some of your favorite basketball memories of this past season, as well. We can make this post our intentional time capsule of ‘09/'10 memories, if you will? Share some things that really stood out in your mind, because after all, the memories are what we have and although the record books won't have our name in as the National Champion for 2010, we will have our memories, no one can take them from us and they have been great.

Well, now that the majority of the sappy stuff is out of the way (sorry, sometimes I get carried away, you'll have to forgive me), the question of "What's Next", still remains? We will more than likely keep an eye on the HS recruits that are of interest to us and I suppose a good portion of our time could be spent speculating on who might make the jump to the NBA and what our team will look like for next year, what our strengths and weaknesses might be, and so on and so on.

I know that many more memories will be made next year, and the year after that, and all who don the blue-and-white are going to be special in one way or another and each team has that distinctive something about them, but now as we fans all go on our merry way and enjoy a lovely spring and then a summer, enjoy our families, other sports we follow, or other random hobbies that we love, I just want to give a tip of my cowgirl hat to the ‘09/'10 ‘Cats who are responsible for delivering us out of the past few years of wreckage or doldrums, if you will, for giving us countless wonderful memories to pull from for years to come and gracing us with their unique and incredibly awesome personalities. I'm sure it's partly due to living in the moment, and not to get too sentimental here, but at present I just can't imagine that we will have a group like this one again soon, and gosh, darn it, I'm sure going to miss them. Thanks for the memories, fellas.

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Good one .. BSC ...(have to say BSC...already know someone with a 17lb house cat that I like to call "big cat"

My first memory of this season was when we were trying to figure out which coach would lead our revitalization. I really didn’t think of Calipari, but when I heard his name tossed about – I knew it would be a winner with Big Blue Nation … I was really excited when he was named our coach and I don’t think there is any one of us who could say that this man did not exceed all of our expectataions. Next big memory for me was the commit of Demarcus and the Saga of John Wall …. I’m so happy to say that these two phenominal players played for the team I love. I was also able to see two road games this year (At Auburn and at USC) … although I was 1-1, I was really grateful to get the opportunity to see these guys play.
Now, I’m kinda like you … what’s next? For now it’s DTWS – can’t believe that Kate Gosselin got to come back next week – she really stunk up the place … In another week the azeleas will bloom here and The Masters (Tiger and all) will invade our town. Then that will give way to recruiting and before you know it we will have come full circle and it will be back to basketaball …. YAY!!!

by ukcris on Mar 30, 2010 9:24 PM EDT reply actions

wow.

that is a big cat. 17 pounds? Yikes. What does it eat? Other cats? Or perhaps, Cardinals? ha ha ha.. ; )

I didn’t realize you lived in Augusta. My sister-in-law used to live there (she’s still holding onto a house down there as a matter of fact. You don’t want to buy a house, do you? : )) and she would talk about how different and remarkable things were in town during that one long weekend in April. She actually went to the Master’s a couple of years and we got to see some pretty amazing pictures. Fun time of year for you, no doubt.

Your memories of this past season are great ones, thanks for sharing them. Even though a season was incredibly memorable, sometimes it’s hard to remember every little detail all at once, so it helps to have other people chime in. ; )

by BigSkyCat on Mar 30, 2010 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions

cris, I'm gonna be in your town

next Tuesday, specifically at the practice round at Augusta National. Have never been before, but figlured that having my PGA membership card (and its free admission to the Masters) in my pocket and “see Augusta National” on my bucket list, I’d better get it done while my health permits.

I’m currently reading two books in parallel about the development of the tournament just to get my mind right before I go there. Unfortunately, it’ll be just one day and drive back to VA on Wednesday, but I’m looking forward to it like a pre-schooler does Christmas.

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena . . .who spends himself for a worthy cause . . ."

by oldcat'69 on Mar 31, 2010 6:26 AM EDT up reply actions

You're in for a real treat oldcat .....

A few things … without a doubt bring that camera and lots of film. The putting green up by the clubhouse is a great place to get photos and autographs. Be prepared to do alot of walking – soft spikes work the best. The weather has been gorgeous the last several days – lows in the upper 40’s / low 50’s then warming up quickly to mid/upper 70’s. There are several markers around amen corner you’ll definitely want pictures of. If you get out after the round, some of the golfers hang out at T-bones just south of I-20 on Washington road … and they serve that Ernie Els wine by the glass. Otherwise you could head a little further up the street to Hooters and the John Daly show … maybe John has some of those flashy pants he’s been wearing lately – you know, the ones that make Jesper Parnvik gasp! :) j/k
Rumor has it that Tiger will be staying at the course … he usually stays in a gated community … but that’s just a rumor.

by ukcris on Mar 31, 2010 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Alas, I'll be staying in Columbia. Relatives there.

Thanks for the advice, though. When my invitation to play comes through next year, I’ll remember where to go. ;-}

Wife’s #2 digital camera is ready with two blank storage cards and a huge supply of batteries. Will probably burn them all if I can get my eyes and mouth closed enough to focus on taking pictures. The long-range forecast is great. Just hope the TSTMS possible for Wednesday don’t accelerate to Tuesday.

Thanks again for the words.

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena . . .who spends himself for a worthy cause . . ."

by oldcat'69 on Apr 1, 2010 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions

You're quite welcome....

I have never played the course … but they do have a day set aside after the tournament is over for the volunteers to play the course. We had some tornados last week … I hope the weather stays good for you … The National is one thing all Augustans can be very proud of. They really reach out and help the community .. and they always ask “what can we do to make it better for the patrons?” …. the other Majors move from place to place and are largely about making money … here we get “56 minutes of golf” with no commercials. I’ve been to the tournament on Sunday …but, I’d rather watch it at home. Hope your experience is a great one …. btw … for traffic updates am580, country 99.5, and espn am1380

by ukcris on Apr 1, 2010 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Lizards Thicket

Meat and three. Good ol’ country cooking.

Anywhere in Columbia SC area.

by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 1, 2010 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Gosh darn it

I am really gonna miss these guys. And the games too. Maybe BSC, your fanpost is a good place for me to say how I am feeling. Most of you know I was smacked with a sudden tragic loss over 2 years ago. I was totally devastated. I didn’t think I was going to be able to cope. But guess what? Somehow, (I am certain because of faith) I learned to pick up the pieces and go on. (I really hope I didn’t drag anyone down).

I said that solely trying to make this point. I am not devastated and depressed with this season being over. Believe me, I have been trying to figure out why I am not. I am a little sad, but mostly for the guys. Maybe I learned more than I originally thought. You see, in life we have to take the good with the bad. I know this is a little different, but I feel when something we can’t seem to get enough of ends, we have the choice to remember the good times, the fun and the laughs. That is how I am seeing it. I am not left with without, I started this season having fun watching a live stream of a door that did nothing at all, and ended with enjoying more fun and excitement than I could have possibly imagined. :-)

What’s next? We are the BBN and we will hope and dream for next year (and the year after that and so on) and be very knowledgeable when it arrives.

Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on Mar 30, 2010 10:24 PM EDT reply actions

your feelings.

I think this was the perfect place for you to say how you are feeling. : ) I can honestly say that I don’t recall exactly what your loss was, but I don’t think hearing about it should drag anyone down. No, not at all, and in fact, I think it helps to put the season’s end into proper perspective. It’s not the end of the world as sports are just a hobby, after all, and life goes on.

I’m not devastated or depressed about this stupendous season being over either. There are so many genuinely fun moments to look back on, there is so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to, as well. I just wish basketball season started a little earlier than October, you know? But, I’m sure that between chasing my daughters around, lounging by the pool all summer long, and all the other fun stuff that one does in between the seasons will help to keep me occupied. I suppose. : )

by BigSkyCat on Mar 30, 2010 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions

4 Seasons In Kentucky

Preseason, regular season, post season, and recruiting season.

35 W seasons are hard to come by. But they did occur back-2-back in 1997 and 1998.

Why not?

40-0, here we go.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 31, 2010 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

40-0, here we go?

Yeah, Forty, that totally works for me, I like it. : )

Speaking about recruiting really quickly, I’ve never really been too interested in recruiting and don’t really follow it all that closely until recruits sign on the dotted line and don a UK hat.

I could probably give you the names of 7-8 players that UK is interested in, but I’m embarrassed to admit that I probably couldn’t tell you what exact position they play. I know that’s terrible, but it just seems to me that it’s sort of a crap shoot and hanging on the every move of 18 year old kids seems kind of counterproductive as they can be a bit flighty at the age of 18, and really, in the end, we will just get who we get and I will embrace and warmly welcome them into the fold no matter who they end up being. But, I applaud those of you who do intently follow recruiting as the knowledge does come in handy at times. For example, I’m curious as to the signing date for HS recruits. When is their last day to decide on a school?

by BigSkyCat on Mar 31, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

No Such Thing As Last Day To Decide

NLOI signing runs from April 14 through May 19 but scholarship papers (without binding NLOI) can be signed all summer.

Jason Parker signed (in 2000) a few days before school started.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 31, 2010 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I think next year is going to be fun

and pretty busy. Especially with a small handful of new “favorite NBA team”s to follow.

It is going to be a job keeping track of all of our guys in the league. What is the highest number of NBA starters UK has ever had at one time? I guess that is not really a stat that anyone would have kept, but whatever it was, I think we are going to be breaking it in the years to come under Coach Cal.

-- Tim . http://HomeSalesLexington.com/barn

by HSLex on Mar 31, 2010 1:12 AM EDT reply actions

This Year!!!!! and NOW!!!!!!!!

WOW WOW WOW What a trip!!!! I have said it before and here it is again “THANK FOR THE MEMORIES” This team gave it all and I enjoyed it all!! (each and everyone of them—down to the last man on the bench. YES++YES I’ll miss seeing them play and the fun they had doing it, but I feel so so so sorry for this team at the same time. They were a family and they will miss that feeling most of all. But these young kids have to know even families go in different directions——BUT THERE ARE FAMILY REUNIONS and the door is always open the handshakes, hugs and even kisses. We are all a part of the BIG BLUE NATION family and our doors and hearts are open anytime a family member needs us.
The best part is we have another shot to add to our family and it will only take a few months instead of the normal 9 months. Man your computers this spring and summer———we are in for another ride of our lives. C A T S—-C A T S——C A T S

by kentuckystrong on Mar 31, 2010 9:04 AM EDT reply actions

This offseason is gonna be so much longer than the last one.....

possibly as many as 9 new faces???…..wooooo…..Hope JC has his dancing shoes on, cause he is gonna have to song and dance his way into a lot of hearts this summer, just to keep up.

I really would like to see Cal pull off one more small miracle……have an open house at either Rupp or Memorial and have all of the alumni back for a session for the fans to meet and greet players. I would pay for the privelege of attending that one, and pay well.

I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on Mar 31, 2010 10:11 AM EDT reply actions

this totally explained my feelings..... but this will pass.... GREAT SEASON!!

The sudden stop has left me with a pretty nasty basketball hangover and it doesn’t really feel that great. I haven’t thrown up and my head doesn’t really hurt per se, but nonetheless the hangover is still there.

by BlueVille on Mar 31, 2010 11:37 PM EDT reply actions