Kentucky Basketball: What Terrence Jones means to Kentucky
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 7:45 AM EDT
in Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
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PrintFirst of all, let me say that I had both hoped and expected Terrence Jones would stick to his original pick of the Washington Huskies. Lorenzo Romar is a fine basketball coach that any school would be proud to have and any player would be proud to play for, and I like to see kids make their choice and stick with it. But Jones decided Kentucky was a better choice for him, and who am I to gainsay his decision?
The good news is, Jones and players like him can hardly go wrong -- these young men have the opportunity for a first-class education no matter who they choose, and let's face it, the Huskies have a very good basketball team. But these are young men just out of high school, and we have to be understanding if they are a little flighty in their decision-making, particularly when it comes to such seemingly momentous things as a choice of college. Hopefully, he got it right after all this deliberation and mind-changing.
With that said, as a Wildcat fan it is hard not to be pleased to see the much-coveted Jones finally decide to play for John Calipari and the Wildcats. Even though the 'Cats had largely solved the gaping hole at power forward with the matriculation of Eloy Vargas, now Vargas finds himself competing for playing time with one of the best freshmen in that spot in America. Welcome to Kentucky, Mr. Jones, where the good players want to go. You will have a lot of quality company, and you will not believe the fan support you'll get.
Basketball fans of all stripes should be shocked and appalled at some of the remarks directed at Terrence Jones on Twitter last night. Matt May of The Cats Pause summed it up thus in a tweet early this AM:
It's a sad commentary on college sports & its fans how venomous the response has been toward @TerranceJones1 for switching commitment...
Certainly all fan bases have their bad apples, and when Jones famously picked the black UW hat about a month ago, there were nasty remarks directed at him from the UK fan base. Predictably, there were many Washington fans, as well as fans of other schools who will remain unmentioned here, tweeting vulgar invective at Terrence Jones last night.
If many of the UW fan comments to Jones on Twitter were reprehensible, at least they had the virtue of coming from fans with a vested interest in the Jones recruitment who were understandably disappointed in his decision. That doesn't excuse the classless comments that some made, but what is truly offensive is the fact that many of the most vitriolic comments directed at Terrence Jones have been fans of schools with little or no interest in this story. That's simply dreadful misbehavior, and as Matt said, a really unfortunate commentary on the state of college basketball fandom. But I digress.
With Jones now ostensibly coming to UK, this means that the 2010 recruiting class is not only #1 nationally, but also is arguably better than last years'. I know some won't agree because of the singular nature of John Wall's talent and the rapid development of DeMarcus Cousins, but this class has much better balance than last year in a lot of fundamental ways.
Unlike last year when most of Kentucky's talent was shared between three players -- Cousins, Patrick Patterson, and Wall, this year's class is more diverse and has the skill spread among more different players -- we have great post play, great rebounding, great athleticism, great decision-making and great shooting. At the very minimum, we lacked shooting, especially consistent shooting, last year.
The 2010-11 version of Kentucky will not contain a singular athlete of Wall's stature, nor a freakish rebounder in the mold of Cousins, but it will have major depth at every position and much more versatility in both the front and back court. Let's have a quick review of the team as it stands right now, and as I see it:
| Scholarship | Player | Brings to the table |
| 1 | Jon Hood | Athleticism, length, can shoot the ball from the wing and finish at the rim. Significant role player next year. |
| 2 | Darnell Dodson | Shooting, length, and the ability to score points in bunches. Role player next year. |
| 3 | DeAndre Liggins | Energy, length, ballhandling, perimeter shooting and defense. Starter or major reserve. |
| 4 | Darius Miller | Experience, toughness, maturity. Long, smooth athlete. Should be an improved shooter and good position rebounder. Starter next year. |
| 5 | Josh Harrellson | Front-court depth, can face and shoot, big body. Role player next year. |
| 6 | Brandon Knight | Shooting, decision-making, defense and passing. Starting point guard. |
| 7 | Stacey Poole | Shooting, rebounding and versatility. Role player next year. |
| 8 | Doron Lamb | Shooting, ballhandling, passing, good size for position. Versatile guard who will be a starter or major reserve next year. |
| 9 | Enes Kanter | Tenacious rebounder who can post, face, and defend. Starter next year. |
| 10 | Terrence Jones | Versatile athlete who can shoot, rebound and defend his position. Long and runs the floor well. Starter next year. |
| 11 | Eloy Vargas | Long forward who can face, shoot from the perimeter and run the floor well. Not a great athlete, but more skilled than many thihnk. Significant role player next year. |
| 12 | --Unfilled-- | |
| 13 | --Unfilled-- |
Of course, things may change between now and November, and there is no telling who will emerge in what position. We often see players for whom we see in a fairly limited role emerge as a contender for a starting spot, and make a major impact on the team. That could come from several places next year, but with four Rivals 5-star players, Kentucky is as loaded with young talent as any team in the nation.
The front court, which was looking very thin only two weeks ago, now is replete with size and skill. Vargas and Jones completely changed the front court picture for the Wildcats, and that will make a big difference in the expectations for next year's team.
So as we look forward to Big Blue Madness next fall, the Big Blue Nation can now relax just a bit in the knowledge that this team now resembles a complete team that should be able to compete at the highest level. Kentucky is probably a year away from competing for the national title, but the pieces for a great 2010 campaign are in place now, and ready for deployment. We should be seeing a lot more of the Dribble Drive Motion next year, although recent developments have made it possible for Kentucky to mix in traditional sets as well, which is a flexibility that looked somewhat doubtful only a couple of weeks ago.
The 'Cats are sitting pretty again for next year. This will be a long, anxious summer.
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Oh what a difference a day makes...
I’m honestly shocked. I never expected Jones to come to Kentucky. The level of invective is getting ready to hit the roof from other fanbases.
The roster which looked so thin just a week ago is all of a sudden very stout. I’m still wrapping my mind around it. All I can do is sit back and enjoy it.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Excellen analysis Tru! This class has a high standard set by last year's class to meet, but if they enjoy themselves and listen to the coach
this team could be just as good or better. Believe it or not while not getting the number 1 or number 2 players like he did last year, Cal has a lower, seemingly more talented, relative to other freshmen, class than last year. This year, 3 6, 13, 21 compared to last year’s 1, 2, 22, and 23.
This year because of his mobility and dribbling skills, I expect Jones to play some SF/wing. That would permit Vargas, and Kanter to play at the same time with Jones. I also expect either Liggins or Miller to sub at PG. Especially Miller because of his excellent free throw percentage and lack of turnovers. Liggins is just a fine athlete who like was ranked in the high 20’s, like Vargas, just missing a 5* rating.
Lamb can play the point as well ...
… but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Liggins do some time there in relief of Knight, especially early in the year.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I am among those who would agree that this class may well be better than the last.
But if we are seeing Liggins getting the time you forecast, we are in serious trouble. Your dedication and cheerleading about the boy has been a constant for three years, but I fear we will never see the payoff, especially with Strickland having to take a backseat post DUI. He made some pretty good progress with the boy in terms of his defense last year.
I will dare to say something that others may regard as heresy: our new guards may be better for us than our old crop. For all John Wall and Eric Bledsoe brought to the table, I desperately hope we see fewer turnovers out of the guard positions this year. Their inconsistent shooting and consistent turnovers were our major weakness this past year, and cost us the nc as much as anything. Wall’s shooting in particular got constantly worse as the year wore on. I’m hopeful Knight and Lamb can deliver as advertised.
What is it in Rupp that curses our alleged shooters once we get them in uniform? I bet Rotnei Clarke would have bad numbers if we had gotten him here.
I feel that only those who have done it, meaning played in Rupp, can understand what it is like.
Certainly last year proved that having a corp of mature 4* backup players can really help the wide-eyed 5* freshmen. No AAU prepares you for RUPP! If any of the 4* players have a great year., some of the 5* willl be looking for playing time. I see us trying to find one more back up point guard to finish up the team.. Maybe Rivers.
by Blueobsessed on May 20, 2010 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I may quit my job.......I cannot work when something like this is going on around me constantly
makes me very uncomfortable having to sit and try to concentrate when all I want to do is put on every piece of UK clothing I own and run up and down the street screaming and jumping for joy.
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
You mean your not doing that already?
Ummm…so maybe I should stop running up and down the street, in every piece of UK clothing I own, screaming at the top of my lungs??
actually I am doing it naked right now......figured I didnt want to risk embarrassing UK until I just absolutely had to.....!!!
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
Too........Much.........Information.......
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel
is just a freight train coming your way.
Hey, I made the cover of Marine Life Quarterly last month!!!!!
Dont be dissin’ the newest member of the Walrus Society!!!…..lol….
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
Let me know when it is safe for me to travel to your fair city ;-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
no one is noticing around here after the election fallout.....lol.....
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
ABC
I think it’s time to pony up and get a full body UK tatoo job so you can do two of the things you enjoy most at the same time – root for UK and run around naked. :-)
Now THAT might be too much.......LMAO!!!!!!
I wonder if I could get on GameDay like that???…..
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
Great read Tru, but I take exception with...
it being a long, anxious summer. I don’t think there is any reason to stress. There will be continued worry about Cal until all NBA coaching vacancies are filled. Heck, there will be people worried about him leaving even after the UK basketball season starts. LOL. Cal like Lebron, but not enough to give up what he has in place here.
I really didn't mean sweating Cal to the NBA.
I honestly am comfortable with his latest utterances on that, and I have no real concern that he will leave.
I will be anxious for the season to start, myself. I can’t wait to see what this Turbo Carrera of a team can do. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I think we are talking more along the lines of Lamborghini here Tru.....
Porsche’, while there is no substitute, is for the upper middle class…..Lamborghini and it’s ilk are more along the lines of the Billionaire jet set crowd……lol….
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
I get you now.
I think this year’s team is now set. No more recruiting. Cal will leave 2 open places for the committed players for 2011. I don’t see 8 open spots for that class do you?
We certainly HAD a lot of open spots this year
It looked really empty, to me. Not so much now…..
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
Tru, in addition the fact that Liggins, and Miller developed significantly and
received significant playing time with the 2009-2010 Coach Cal Cats provides the 2010-2011 team more balance and depth. Should be another exciting season :)
The Thursday morning Portland newspaper (OregonLive.com) reports...
Terrence Jones took a trip to University of Washington on Tuesday to help make a better decision. In addition the paper reports that TJ decided Kentucky was a better fit because UK plays a more competitive schedule and are UK is the better team.
"UK plays a more competitive schedule"
Yeah, that and the fact that he will get more national exposure/TV coverage with UK (or any school not on the East Coast) was probably a big thing too, I would imagine.
I don’t follow UW basketball, and I’m sure in the Northwest and on the West Coast people are interested in Pac-10 basketball, but for goodness sake I live in the Mountain Region and even I don’t stay up to watch their games. How can the majority of the country get to know you (the players) if they don’t see you play? Kids want exposure, that’s kinda hard for a Pac-10 school, isn’t it?
That Terrence Jones — what a smart kid. : )
Uh,
In the first sentence that should be (or any school not on the West Coast). I’m sure ya’ll knew what I meant.
Going to get coffee. Now. : )
I had never thought about that BSC
A very good point.
Coffee…..yum!
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
well, It is and it isnt.....in these days of video and the internet, anyone that wants
exposure is going to get it….but being in prime time and on ESPN constantly is definitely not going to hurt anyone who seeks out their attention….
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
Bitter-Sweet Surprise
I wish TJ would have picked us in the first place and stuck with his original commitment. But it is really difficult to not be giddy with excitement at this development! I challenge all our fans, team, and coaches to work hard at carrying ourselves with honor and dignity, because the poop will be flying at us from every conceivable direction now.
It would really seem out of the realm of possibility now for Cal to leave. There would be no way that TJ comes to UK without strong assurances from Cal that he will be here to coach him. Just sayin’.
by BluebloodinNaptown on May 20, 2010 8:52 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
My mouth is hanging open right now.
I head to bed early with a book last night and wake up to THIS? Jones to Kentucky?? You cannot be serious. I am so stunned and giddy and thrilled (and a little nervous, I admit, about how much everyone’s going to hate us) right now. See, this is what you get from reading too much, kids…you miss out on important basketball-related information. I thought I was safe stepping away from the computer for an evening, seeing how it is May and all, but no.
Hope it stayed relatively friendly around here last night!
by blue kentucky girl on May 20, 2010 9:03 AM EDT reply actions
::hangs head in shame::
I know, I know. I was so sure Jones was a lock to Washington, though! You know, since he already apparently chose them and stuff. All the signs seemed to be pointing that way. I guess I fell for another “done deal.”
I’ll do better in the future! No literary pursuits of any kind until any possibility of basketball news has passed. Priorities, people : )
by blue kentucky girl on May 20, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
you can count out Calipari when they throw the dirt in on top of him......not until.....lol...
shame on you there BKG…..lol
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
"...until any possibility of [Kentucky} basketball news has passed."
You know that’s coming when you see the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
I may be paranoid, but that doesn't mean they're not out to get me.
Excellent Analysis
That was excellent analysis Truzenzuzex, I’ve got chill bumps thinking about next season. The only thing I would add is that we are already on our way to the top recuiting class for 2011 as well.
The only thing I ask is that we keep Cal happy and don’t put too much pressure on him especially early in the season, we all know how impatient our fan base can be, but these are mostly just freshman again, so its going to take a little time. GO BIG BLUE, and sorry to the haters.
Cal will be fine.
He loves the pressure, and the exposure. UK feeds his ego and makes it easy for him to stay engaged. Calipari seems to me like one of those guys who gets bored easily. Not here.
Calipari will be here, in my opinion, as sure as the sun will rise. Next year is going to be fun, just like this year was.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
What is he going to do next???.....lol....it's like watching Evel Kneivel and wondering when he will
jump over the moon……
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
This recruiting reminds me of my granddaugther..
when she is around other children, she likes to take all the toys away from everybody.
"Cal loves the pressure".
yeah, and you know what they say about pressure, right?
Sometimes pressure breaks pipes, but, and in Cal’s case as of late, it also creates diamonds. He’s been turning that pressure into an awful lot of diamonds lately….. ; )
Great writing Tru
A nice break-down of our positions. As always, much appreciated.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
I am glad he changed his mind.
TJ made the right call by selecting UK. TJ’s goal is the NBA and he should go to the school that gives him the greatest probability of accomplishing that. Right now, UK is unarguably the better school to accomplish that.
I take an opposing view; I am glad to see kids willing to change their mind and make better choices. The NCAA has set up a system of, well slave labor for lack of a better term, and I am thrilled these young men are learning how to use the system to their advantage instead of being chained to NCCA rules.
by Shootmeibleedblue on May 20, 2010 9:31 AM EDT reply actions
I heard rumors of Roburt Sallie transferring
I doubt it, but it is out there.
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel
is just a freight train coming your way.
I thought he was going back to Cali to finish up his schooling???
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
I've heard that too
I know that Cal really wanted him to transfer to UK when he left, meaning he’d be eligible this year.
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel
is just a freight train coming your way.
Have to admit I'm suprised by this one.
Glad to have him for sure, but suprised none the less.
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 May 20, 2010 9:43 AM EDT reply actions
I am sensing a large vergence in the Force......as if a cosmic gathering was
happening somewhere nearby…..like all of the powers that be are coming together for some higher purpose……
Oh wait!! Cal must be having a team meeting today…..!!!
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
Hey Tru, I still think the NCAA will make a new Calipari rule.
Only two 5 star recruits in any given year. But it only applies to UK.
Heh.
Wouldn’t surprise me a bit. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
milk just came out my nose :-)
Changing how you think will change what you think.
by wilson452 on May 20, 2010 8:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I hope
that’s what you were drinking!
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Y'all do realize what this means dont you?????
we now have a team that can break down the 1-3-1 zone……or ANY zone for that matter…..we have pure shooters…..we have ankle-breaking one on one guys, and we have big men who can move the ball and themselves inside and out…..
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
Jones is 95% sure he will stick with Kentucky.
Lol – I just had to laugh when I read this. This poor kid has had to have been so stressed over this decision.
http://www.nationofblue.com/terrence-jones-95-sure-he-ll-attend-kentucky-1236/
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 May 20, 2010 9:51 AM EDT reply actions
Decision is made
I will now be spending my Thanksgiving in Maui. . .
I am withdrawing my name from the NBA Draft, and announcing my intention to accept a scholarship offer to play PF for UK.
At least I'll be certain that they'll actually be playing this time
/still looking to sell my 2010 Final Four tickets
I am withdrawing my name from the NBA Draft, and announcing my intention to accept a scholarship offer to play PF for UK.
I was making plans to go to Indy,
at least I didn’t have tickets before……well, you know.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
The game of which we will not speak?
Never happened.
I am withdrawing my name from the NBA Draft, and announcing my intention to accept a scholarship offer to play PF for UK.
hang on to them.......they might be worth something later.....
the last set of tickets to a Final Four that Kentucky didnt go to!!!
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
Does UK have to fill the 2 spots that are unfilled?
I mean, is that something we should try to get for the 4-year type players?
http://www.gamerclips.net
no, we can play with 11....Cal has said on more than one occasion that he is comfortable with
that number….but he also stated today that we might add one more…..so at this point, I still believe there may be some truth to the rumor I started about LeBron James coming back and playing college ball…..!!!!…..hehehe
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
well, he could easily play the 2....BUT.....he would have to improve his
defense if he wanted to play for Cal……hehehe
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
Knight and Kanter
A title is possible next year because of Knight and Kanter.
I believe Cal thinks he is on solid ground with Kanter, for the simple reason that Kanter COULD NOT be considered a pro. I don’t think he’s even 18 yet. Furthermore…his parents are quite well to do. To live in Switzerland you pretty much have to be. He got expense money from the pro teams he played with. There’s an NCAA rule in process that makes allowances for the different situation of “club teams” that suit up minors in Europe.
Assuming Kanter plays, I think EK and BK will be as Gary Parrish said one of the most intriguing duos in CBB next season. Kanter will function as a real passing post, which Demarcus did not do. He will receive the ball, turn and drive, turn and shoot, pass it out, pass it under…this is the non-street ball model favored by European big men.
Meanwhile, all honor to the memory of John Wall, who was supreme in transition, but as Cal said, he needed to be “running downhill” in order to thread a half-court defense.
No model is perfect. Wall had the extra length to beat everybody down court and finish. But I think Brandon will be better at crab-dribbling into the paint, into the heart of a defense, and then moving the ball around to keep from getting stripped. My hope is that Brandon and Marquis Teague will turn out to be the best finishers at the rim AND at passing out.
As for Doron Lamb, all he has to do, really, is what Darnell Dodson could not do, which is hit an open three.
Meanwhile, with Jones, DeAndre, Darius and Stacey Poole, you have four long, strong slashers who can rebound. Vargas and Jorts will spell Kanter for as long as necessary. I hope Jon Hood can improve enough to get time as well. There’s nothing wrong with being deep, you win games late in the year by being fresher and deeper. And players who look good in practice at UK, as we know, can get to the NBA.
thank you
I was not sure…I think I saw Cal on TV saying that legally Kanter could not lose his eligibility that way because he was a minor. Anyway, the NCAA doesn’t want to create problems with Europe because they see that as a market they can capitalize on. The scene now, with pro teams in most European countries and many American players going there to play, is considered healthy for everybody. The Europeans restrict the number of Americans on teams in some places but there’s not as much need for that as there once was.
Hey, are you from Montana?
creature
Your super loong post on the UW blog was took down!
Happy Days are here again The sky is all ways BLUE again Happy days are here again !
Oh man. I really want to know what it said…
by sixsevenfiftysix on May 21, 2010 4:25 AM EDT up reply actions
glad to oblige, but...
I received a rather impolite warning, which did not make any mention of the invitation I took myself to be responding to. I was told I should have known better, etc.
I don’t mind communicating my research to people but it’s difficult to observe all the primitive customs that are required by various hero cults.
When I publish my findings in regard to this incident, I will have to characterize my observations of behavior on this particular website as “from the outside”. When first contact with a particular group of indigenous tribespeople is mishandled, it’s often impossible to reestablish mutual respect.
Rest assured that European scholars are intensely interested, though, in the behavior patterns of Pacific Northwest animal totem cults.
not a problem
It will all end up in an academic journal.
Does anybody know how I can get rid of the Husky icon on my profile page?
This will balance out our line-up nicely
I was a little worried about the prospects for our inside game next year until Terrence Jones decided to come. The incoming class seems like it will be a good one. I think what we really need is to have Miller, Liggins, Dodson and Hood step up. Patrick Patterson was a rock last year and maybe those four guys with experience can replace him by committee.
I'm so happy to be wrong about the thin roster
This particular bunch looks like it will be more of a wide open , Loyola Marymount kinda team(in comparison to last year). Should be hard to stop.
"all the way"
For the first time
I’m very disappointed. Jarod Polson is being treated like an illegitimate child! And this kid is from Kentucky. That’s OK though; mabye he will get to pick up the sweaty uniforms and clean up the locker room!!!!! He has as much as been reduced to a ZERO. This kid is underated and I know why.
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 10:55 AM EDT reply actions
Well ...
… he’ll just have to prove his worth. What fans think is not important, and will change depending upon what happens.
Polson is a nice player, but he is going to have to be very competitive indeed to hang with the likes of these. That’s just reality.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Well..........
That’s your opinion and I must say I am very disappointed in it. Before TJ made up his mind everyone was raising hell about how “poor little” TJ was being treated. OK, so let’s just poor it on Polson and mabye he’ll leave. After all he’s not really human because he has no “WORTH”. I’m disgusted.
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Well....
I mispelled pour. Sorta pissed right now. With the values this country has it’s no wonder we’ve been delivered into the hands of the likes of Barak Obutthole.
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions
You know,
you can offend a lot of people in a lot of ways. What values do you follow that you do not respect the office of the president?
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
You know.......
If I have to explain that to you then you are the dinosaur!! Pick up a history book once in a while and put the wine bottle down.
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm no dinosaur.
And I am offended. Come on now, you know that’s out of line around here.
by blue kentucky girl on May 20, 2010 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Please be nice to other members Adolph
It makes this a much better community.
Wineman is one of the good guys, btw.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
Please don't disarage the president ...
… or any other politician. We are not a political blog.
Thanks.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Why are you disappointed?
Nobody gets anything handed to them, and just because he is from Kentucky doesn’t entitle him to a darn thing.
He is a walk on, and that means he is not considered to be good enough to earn a scholarship. But even walking on Calipari’s team says a lot about his skills. He’ll have a chance, if he earns it.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Cameron Mills
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Polson hasnt been slighted, he was extremely fortunate to be brough on to this team, and I bet
he knows it…..but I think he has tools to get minutes….just needs to make those open jumpers when he is in the game….
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
Polson......
My, my, isn’t he lucky. He gets to be in the same locker room with the “Kings of The Bluegrass”. Broooooooother. You folks are all heart. Things have sure changed since I was a boy. And no I’m not changing with them.
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions
That makes you a dinosaur. Things do
change and running from change is giving up.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
That..............
Who asked you dung breath? You don’t know a thing about me!! I’ve been through more changes than you have been to the toilet which is where your opinion belongs. You need to lay off the wine before you become a wino!!!!!
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions
wineman's opinion...
doesn’t belong in the toilet. It’s just as valid as yours or mine and he isn’t a wino. He is a wine connoisseur, there is a big difference. He is educated about it, it’s his business, but that hardly makes him a wino.
I don’t get all the vitriol towards us about Polson. Is it because he wasn’t mentioned in the article up top? I understood Tru’s piece to be a rundown of scholarship players, and well, Polson isn’t one, is he? No one disparaged him as far as I can tell and if you were expecting some sort of worldly praise for him I don’t really understand why. I’m sure he will play a role on next year’s team as I believe that a winning team is comprised of more than just superstars and that his role may indeed be very important, but he isn’t a scholarship player and no matter where he hails from, it shouldn’t make him any more or less important than the others and as I said above, no one here is saying he isn’t going to be important somehow, he just isn’t going to stuff the stat sheet, that’s all, but I’m sure he will make other contributions.
It’s sort of ironic that you talk about us having no heart for not mentioning a walk-on in a piece that was about scholarship players yet you felt the need to personally attack wineman. That’s not showing a lot of heart either, if you ask me and I thought it was kinda mean.
nice job BSC
just keeping things in perspective i see.
I have kleptomania,
but when it gets bad,
I take something for it.
that's an excellent point
Calling a fellow member dung breath and wino and saying his opinion belongs in the toilet, not to mention disparaging the President with a vulgar nickname—wow, that’s quite a display of that good old-fashioned heart you so value, you’re quite an example to us all : /
by blue kentucky girl on May 20, 2010 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks
to all of you for coming to my rescue. It makes my day knowing that you all have got my back.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
wineman's opinion.......
Neither you or any who wrote the following comments have any idea of where I’m coming from so you attack me. After that hypocrtical string of responses my suspicions have been confirmed. This isn’t a public post, it’s a rich man’s club. Remember the seventies song “Signs”? “Signs, signs, everywhere there’s signs. Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the signs. And the sign said you gotta have a membership card to get inside. Uuuun”!
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I seem to recall
last night you stated you were 69 years old. Act like it.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
kywinoman
Mabye you wouldn’t notice if you’d put the wine bottles down for a minute. You don’t impress me. You put your drawers on just like I do.
One leg at a time! And you probably think your poop don’t stink.
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Point proven.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Har! Har! Har!
Now that’s funny! Thank you for the laugh. As the old Mennon after shave comercial used to say “Man I needed that”. See people, I do have a sense of humor. I’ll cash in for the night. Mabye permanently, who knows. But it has been fun.
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
a2d2
There’s an old saying up in the eastern hills of Kentucky. “Don’t get involved in another man’s argument”. Never know what might happen.
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Then meet behind the woodshed
This is not the place for it !
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
a2d2
I didn’t mean real fisticuffs. Good Lord I’m too old for that. LOL
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
BigSkyCat
Thanks BSC. You just made my point for me. Because he is a walkon he’s not a part of the team. Just a jock strap collector.
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Huh?
I just made your point for you? I never said that Polson wasn’t a member of the team because he is a walk-on — let’s get that straight, please. That idea is coming from inside your own head as no one here today has said anything about Polson not being a part of the team or jock strap holder or anything like that. This walk-on topic obviously bothers you, but instead of all the angry posts, you could have simply stated why you feel that Polson isn’t getting a fair shake and we could have avoided this entire string of posts that included unnecessarily petty name calling and all the other ugliness.
Your opinion is just as valuable as anyone’s around here, this is not a rich man’s club or whatever it was you said, it’s just that you didn’t really give us your opinion or state your case regarding Polson. You want us to understand where you are coming from? Well, from now on, by all means, please tell us, otherwise we are left to guess. Deal? ; )
Don't do this again.
We don’t do namecalling here. Read the community guidelines, please.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Truzenzuzex
OK. One thing I learned in the military was never disobey an order. I salute sir.
You have my utmost respect.
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Good.
Thank you. I learned that in the military also. I appreciate it.
Now let’s all be UK fans and friends. Things are looking good.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
That was uncalled for, Wineman.
You may not agree, but you clearly provoked him.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Which time?
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
The dinosaur thing.
That was a little over the top.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry,
but that I’ll never change thing got to me.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Heh.
I understand. Never is a long time. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
OK sir.
We did some unnecessary sparring and I take responsibilty for my part
and apologize. It is fun though to go back to those immature days of yesteryear and act childish just for a little while. I provoked you also.
Sorry.
Never happen again, Tru.
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Same here,
just a little family feud. Back to the game.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
Why do players"walk on"?
Back when I was an athletic tutor at UK, in the ‘60s, I had a talk with a “walk on”. Must be my age, I can’t remember his name, but I remember his answer to why he did it. I mean he practiced and trained like all the “stars”. He dressed for the games, he missed the social time that all the players missed, and what did he get? If he was lucky he got into the final minutes of blow outs, or maybe to give the players in front of him a breather if the normal sub was in foul trouble. It was rare if he actually made the game statistics sheet.
His answer was simple. As long as he was alive he could say he played at UK, which had a definite value no matter what he did in Kentucky. And he wanted to go into coaching, and he learned more about the game and coaching the game by practising with the Cats than any course he could ever take. And some night he might get a chance to start.
I don’t know Jarod Polson and what his motivations are, but he must be getting something out of it, or he wouldn’t due the work. And don’t kid yourself it is work to due the training and practising that is required just to sit on the bench. Could there be a “Rudy” factor, sure there could be. The coaches always have a commitment to the scholarship students, a walk on has to really shine to push his way in front of a scholarship player.
Al (Cat fan in Canada)
P.S. “Adolph” you attacks on other posters shows you inability to answer the logic of their posts, perhaps that is just your mind going, since i understand that you are even older than me, but most of us try to hide, not advertise when we lose some of our mental sharpness.
Remember: “Even a fish wouldn’t get caught, if he kept his mouth shut.”
by blenheim bard on May 21, 2010 12:28 AM EDT up reply actions
bleinheim bard.............
Sir, I am just today reading your reply. I’m glad it wasn’t on the 21st. I was in no frame of mind to spar with you.
However sir you are “way, way” over the line with your comment about my mind. It’s a good thing you are in Canada because here in the US you have just laid yourself open to a lawsuit.
I do not feel disposed to elaborate on why; but trust me I know whereof I speak.
Your fish remark is a poor attempt to get on the bandwagon. And what I have done on that “other blog site” is, respectfully, none of your affair. I consider your intrusion to be nosy.
And lastly I have worked very hard to eliminate these faults that I have so people won’t think
me a clod. I temporarily forgot a wise saying by a preacher I once knew. “I would rather keep my mouth shut and have people think I’m a fool than to open it and remove all doubt”. LOL
"What to do with a mistake....recognize it, admit it, learn from it, forget it....that's
why they put erasers on pencils".- - - - Adolph Rupp
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 25, 2010 1:43 AM EDT up reply actions
UTEP's Arnett Moultrie will transfer!
Kentuckysportsnetwork.net:
Has a article that Arnett Moultrie UTEP’s starting center is transferring and will be elligible for 2011. His AAU coach gave an interview saying his top 2 schools were UK and Texas and also said he would like to be on campus in June or as soon as he gets his release from UTEP. Has anyone else heard any buzz about this recent development?
Couldn’t be more thrilled about TJ. Remember he is just a kid and making a decision to play 2000 miles away from home is a very BIG deal. As a parent I would want the best for my child, but knowing he would be playing so far away would be slightly traumatic. Not being able to see all his home games in person.
Nick
Lots of buzz.
Nothing to hang your hat on yet. Calipari may offer him, and if he does, I think he’ll come.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
2010 Has Been A REMARKABLE Year For UK Basketball
35 W season – tied for second highest W total ever at UK.
Likely 5 NBA 1st round draft picks next month.
3 McDonalds All-Americans, JucO All-American, and the top Foreign player signed for 2010-11 roster.
AND 2 more Top 5 recruits verbally committed for 2011-12 team.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 20, 2010 11:34 AM EDT reply actions
Late 1940's Was Last Time
Beard and Groza.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 20, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Naw man.
It was the 1892 squad.
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions
calipari
coach cal rumor started by two idiots on espn 1000 before delnegro got fired it was started like 2 guys talking in a bar some herd it and reported it as if it were factual chicago is college basketball stupid no teams no clue they dont understand uk bball or the game itself i have better college basketball discussions at weddins from women in there 60’s from north carolina
calpari........
And what you’re saying now is not a rumor?
by WildcatBlue1930Adolph on May 20, 2010 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah.
He’s trying to say it was just a rumor. He just ran his sentence on a bit. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Kanter, Knight, Lamb, Jones, Poole Vargas.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
You'll get it.
Bedtime for me. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Left to Right
Poole is the one second to last?? He looks big. I wasnt aware Poole was a big man.
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 May 21, 2010 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Arnett Moultrie Bio
Here is a link: http://www.nbadraft.net/players/arnett-moultrie
Moultrie being a Memphis native should have some influence on his coming here.
He seems to still have a lot of upside and is still developing his game.
Nick
Thanks for the link
Interestingly he is 6’10" 225 pounds and yet (according to the ratings graph) his 2 biggest weaknesses are Strength and Post Skills. You would think those would be 2 of his biggest strengths. Looks like a good prospect that would be around until graduation.
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
225 is very slight for a guy 6 ten
The military , example, would see him as underweight, and he would have to be tape tested to be in line with regs. IE: A 6’4" in guy in top shape about 205.
"all the way"
I thought
that Calipari wanted to leave two scholarships open for next year?
He Won't Need That Many
UK will likely have 3 more 1 & Done players – Kanter, Jones, and Knight.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 20, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think
Knight is going anywhere for two years. But you are probably right about Kanter and Jones. I will be shocked if they stay.
kanter
has already stated that he’s OAD. We could possibly have 3 next yr.
by bigbill992001 on May 20, 2010 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Its interesting
Maybe this is not the place to post this but -—
Watching Rondo (my favorite Cat) in the playoffs shows how long sometimes it can take an individual to develop. And he is still improving. When he gets his jump shot perfected he will be the dominate player in the league – IMO. NBA analysts are already saying that he is the best player out of the four teams left and they included Kobe. This entails total worth of what you put out on the floor – not just points. After draft night one of the ESPN guys made a statement that if you had to chose between Wall or Rondo as a staring point guard in the league, it would be no contest – Rondo. Of course 3-4 years down the road that could change. But I would agree with him at this present time.
Nick
Better Than Kobe?
Please. Not a chance.
Rajon is a dandy PG. But he’s NOT better than Kobe (or LeBron).
by FortyYearCatFan on May 20, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Plus Rondo is not going
to perfect that jump shot. I would not take Rondo over Dwight Howard either if I was starting a team from scratch.
Production per minute is an interesting stat.
Rondo has the edge over Kobe overall(per minute), but , Kobe is a great player; but, to quote Jeep Clark, “If you take 20 shots a game and you can’t exceed 20 points, those are wasted possessions”..IE, There is something of an Allen Iverson syndrome with Kobe where he is the featured guy, and takes all the shots. Therefore, we are talking apples and oranges.
"all the way"
Kobe and AI
No way IMO is there any correlation between the number of shots Kobe takes and AI’s play. Kobe’s game whether he takes two shots or twenty creates for his teammates. He registered 13 assists a couple nights ago. When his teammates have it going you wont see Kobe take as many shots. When they dont he takes over. AI simply played his way all the time with no regard to team play.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
Kobe IS the featured guy for the Lakers
And you can see that he is on the downside, evidenced by so many fade aways and turn around shots. But, in comparison to AI , he has shared the ball no doubt.That is why Kobe has the rings; and AI does not. I still am in shock over AI to Detroit, and Chauncey to Denver. Worst move in history. But the Kobe/Rondo comparo doesn’t work because they have different ROLES.
"all the way"
The NBA is evolving, also
Not as much posting up anymore. The age of Shaq is waning. Even the big men are developing a short jumper as emphasis is on the point guard and ball movement. That’s why Rondo is thriving.
I think Rondo would go crazy playing with a guy like Shaq. It’d be, “would you get out of the way, already.”
No matter where you're at, there you are
After too many years of wallowing in mediocrity..........
We’ll be so deep, Kentucky may be the first team to be ranked #1 and #2. lol
LOVE that line hoboat...
“so deep, Ky may be ranked #1 and #2”…i’m delirious with anticipation!!!…i know our recent kids that have moved on are givin’ all this a great, big smile!!!…they’re gonna be busy, but i bet they’re gonna be some of the biggest Cat fans ever!!!
"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as much as you please."...Mark Twain.
Reminds me of the line about the 1995-96 squad
“The best team in the country is Kentucky. The second-best team in the country is Kentucky’s back-ups.” The next two years proved it true.
Invitation for discussion on FanPost at UW Dawg Pound
I posted this over on the Washington blog on SBN and I’d love if some Kentucky fans could bring a rational perspective from their side on the issue.
by sixsevenfiftysix on May 20, 2010 2:03 PM EDT reply actions
Now I can't wait for BBall season!!!
I have always felt this way, but this off season is fun so far :).
http://www.gamerclips.net
Hey six... I would love to post but
I don’t want to have to join the dawg pound to do so.
But if you want to post my response then you are more than welcome.
I don’t mind what Isaiah is doing. He is just excersizing his swagger… just trash talkin’… it doesn’t bother me because I am secure in my “fanhood”. I can understand the frustration that UW fans and team members are feeling because of the emotional involvement of Jones’ decision. I would feel the same way if he had done UK the same way.
But what most fans, ours and yours, fail to realize that this was Terence Jones’ decision. It took a lot of guts to do what he did, knowing that he was going to upset a tremendous amount of people. And I personally applaud him for that.
Isaiah Thomas can say whatever he wants, that is his right. And I would rather enjoy a Dawg and Cat matchup in Hawaii. I think it the competition would benefit both of our schools.
Is this class better?
.
I don’t really know how to judge “better” short of throwing a basketball onto a court and letting all of the guys go at it, but….
I can’t imagine there will be very many classes- including this one and into the future- that I wouldn’t be willing to trade to get Wall and Cousins back.
That said, this is a very exciting group and I can’t wait to see how well they play together. I think Kanter will emerge the leader. It is going to be a great year!
-- Tim . http://HomeSalesLexington.com/barn
Which is way more fun to watch
than Hot Shots: Part Deux. :) By far Charlie Sheen’s worst movie.
hoboat, hopefully Coach Cal learned his lesson last year
about too many freshmen developing into legitimate First Round NBA Draft picks. He needs to figure out how to slow down on that a little bit. :-)
I wonder how long it will take before the criticism changes from “Calipari recruits too many one-and-done players” to “Calipari develops too many one-done-players”? My guess: 100 years.
-- Tim . http://HomeSalesLexington.com/barn
Try This Comparison
Wall or Knight – certainly Wall but Knight not far behind.
Cousins or Kanter – pretty close. I’d say even up.
Orton or Jones – I’d say Jones.
Lamb or Bledsoe – I’d say even up.
Poole or Hood – pretty close. Edge to Poole.
Vargas or Dodson – I’d say Vargas.
Tie-breaker? Polson, if needed.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 20, 2010 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Hi Forty,
It’s a good comparison. And a big part of the wonder of last year’s class was how well they bonded as kids and just made everything such a joy to watch. There is nothing to say this year’s class can’t do the same thing once they get on campus together!
My willingness to trade just about any class to get Wall and Cousins back centers mostly on how I feel about Wall. It is just a subjective opinion, but I think Wall was from another planet.
So I guess I would rank all players from both classes as:
1. Wall
[gap]
2. Cousins
3. Kanter
I give you credit for calling Cousins-Kanter as “even up”. Time will tell, but I think Kanter is going to be the man next year.
-- Tim . http://HomeSalesLexington.com/barn
Athleticism wise Wall deserves the awe
In terms of decision making and bad shots; he was no better than Saul Smith or Sean Sutton. Compared to Kyle Macy; his assist to turnover ratio is weak. With time passing, we will eventually see Wall for his real contribution as taking opposed threes outside the comtext of our offense, and wasting possessions (along with bledsoe), that led to our exit from the tournament.
"all the way"
Saul Smith Helped UK Win 1 NCAA, 3 SEC and 3 SECT Championships In 4 Years
Not a bad 4 years at all.
He was actually pretty decent PG in 2000 and especially in 2001 as senior.
His record (in terms of titles) is better than John Wall.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 20, 2010 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks
for standing up for Saul. He did his job very well. He did what his coach asked him to do.
While those things
did happen, you greatly understate Wall’s value to the team. He could get momentum going in our favor in a heartbeat, was very unselfish with the ball, perhaps too unselfish at times. You can’t focus on one under performance in one game at say that is his legacy.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
you are right
That is why I must point out that Wall’s bad decision making was a constant all season; and he had to bail himself out with late game heroics several times. The fact that he COULD do that is what makes him the presumptive no.1 overall pick.
"all the way"
Hi ro307805,
Compared to Kyle Macy; his assist to turnover ratio is weak.
Kyle Macy was my favorite player growing up. He is still one of my favorites to to this very day. Like most kids, I even tried to mimic him with sweatbands and wiping my hands on my socks before free throws. But I also remember that after a freshman season at Purdue (3.3 assists/game) and sitting out a year after transferring, Macy was a 20 year-old, third-year sophomore by the time he even played his first game at UK.
By the time Wall has that much experience he will already have served as the marketing face of a NBA franchise.
I am fairly confident that Wall will have improved on his assists/turnover ratio by then- and I am absolutely confident that unless he comes back and occasionally reads messages on ASoB, this is likely the last time he will ever find himself being compared to Kyle Macy.
I am very happy that Wall has taken the opportunity to move up into the NBA, and can’t wait to watch his progress.
I am also happy that some UK fans will now get many years of point guard play that is more to their liking.
-- Tim . http://HomeSalesLexington.com/barn
On so many levels you are EXACTLY right, ro307805
Macy was 3 times All-America and had a good career in the NBA. As a player he was absolutely legit, and as a person he gives every indication of being a fantastic guy. Why do you think he his still one of my all-time favorites?
I am only trying to point out that if you are going to call out a FRESHMAN college basketball player and say things like:
With time passing, we will eventually see Wall for his real contribution as taking opposed threes outside the comtext of our offense, and wasting possessions (along with bledsoe), that led to our exit from the tournament.
…. you might also want to recognize that it says a lot about Wall as a freshman in 2010 that you chose to reach all the way back to the 1970’s for the career stats of a player that started compiling those career stats as a third-year sophomore.
-- Tim . http://HomeSalesLexington.com/barn
wall
with all his obvious talent wasn’t a great shooter. Yeah, he won with last second shots, but stat-wize kinda average, especially from 3. His defense wasn’t great. Yeah, he had that big block against MSU, but then he played matador for a one-armed reserve guard againat WV. Just sayin.
by bigbill992001 on May 20, 2010 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
As was once said before . ... "They are simillar .... but different"
The “Wall” team had different strengths … specifically excellet big guys (Patterson, Cousins, Orton) and speed to burn in the back court …. To me, it created somewhat of an imbalance … quick gaurds who could get out and run mixed with big guys well suited for the half court game .
I see this new team as kind of the soluiton to an old Calculus “related rate” type problem …where you try to maximize all of the variables to come up with the best and most efficient solution …. so now you have guys to run the floor at every position and the flexibility to minimize foul trouble with excellent depth ….
Question I have is: whose team is this going to be? Who will step forward and lead this team? Last year we saw Wall be the leader of what should have been Pattersons team. I don’t see Darius Miller as the leader – Liggins maybe? Will Knight learn fast enough to be the leader? he’s the logical choice …. is Kanter or Jones a leader? …. can;t wait to see it unfold.
I like your assessment of last year
We had two flavors, high flying guards, shackled to a power inside game. When we got it together, it was tough. When we played defense, we dominated, when it became about guard play, we lost. This yr, I think the kinds of players we have now are more suited to an all out attack at the rim, and 94 feet of defense. We have more athletic, face up style big guys; which lends itself to running the floor well. The question is whether or not half court possessions in a grind it out game will be possible. Even so, I say we go somewhere in the neighborhood of 33-6.
"all the way"
Yes ... I think this team will have similar success as far as the record goes ...
Because of the freshmen that will have to play a major role for us, it will still be tough to win on the road … like at South Carolina … expect a few road losses … but when this team begins to gel at the end of the year, we should be able to go deeper than we did this year … at least that’s my hope.
P.S. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Knight shift over and play the shooting guard some as well …. I think Liggins will be able to run the team from the point if called on.
Glitz And Glamour
When I read the comment of Terrence Jones’ HS coach Pat Strickland:
“Glitz and glamour won out,”I thought, I wonder if he knows just how all encompassing that statement really is. It is most assuredly accurate and perhaps it was meant to be only a disparaging of UK’s place relative to UW in the hierarchy of college basketball. Nevertheless It is, on a grander scale, a commentary on 21st century competitive basketball from Biddy Basketball to the NBA; from traveling AAU teams as young as 3rd grade to Rivals and Scout rankings beginning as early as 9th grade; from nationally televised HS games to The Road To The Final Four; from one-and-done’s to NBA draft day — it’s all about attention and who can provide it best and most. And today there is little doubt that no one on the college level provides Glitz And Glamour as well as John Calipari. One need only canvass the airwaves, cablewaves, printed pages and Internet to see who dominates the conversation; and that media hegemony translates to exceptional talent for Calipari’s employer. Tru recently asked whether the nonpareil performance of the coach was worth it and the response was huge with the majority answering in the affirmative but many with some reservation. After a decade or more of near impertinence for the program it seems to me that Glitz and Glamour was, and is, the perfect prescription but the question looms: How long will media predominance and top-ranked recruiting classes be sufficient to offset lack of a championship in the mind of supporters (I would insert here that championships are more important to fans than recruits)? Stated in another fashion, is there another paradigm for UK BB: always in contention, always in the headlines, always with top recruits, always considered an elite — perhaps the elite — program, but without another banner? In the world of Glitz and Glamour it’s a possibility.
"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." --James Madison
KSR is hilarious (sometimes)!
There is a post about Washington fans that are sending pretty hateful and disgusting tweets to Terrence Jones to which the KSR writer closes with this:
In my opinion, Washington is completely oblivious to how the game works. Know your role, Huskies. You have officially become UK’s wingman. Accept it. You can flirt with the cream of the crop all you want, and they might even lead you on, but at the end of the night they’re coming home with us. That’s just how it works. But don’t worry, we’ll always leave you with one of their fat friends.
Immature, probably. But I cant help but laugh. That’s pretty good. I got a kick out of it anyways. :)
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 May 20, 2010 4:28 PM EDT reply actions
Hmmm.
While today’s UK program is certainly on top of the NCAA world, are their unbelievable recruiting classes due to UK or Calipari? Looking at the few years pre-Calipari, it’s not like UK was too far out of UW’s class. (I am purposely ignoring UK’s illustrious past beyond the last few years to help my argument.)
So, funny, but I think the writer has a bit of a short memory.
But I say this as a Portland native and UW student, so I’m still down about losing Jones.
#52
Yeah ...
… it isn’t all about the school. Nobody would dispute that. Even when Pitino was here, UK didn’t recruit this well.
Realistically though, UK is a much bigger name. UW has never had a sniff of a national title, even though I consider them an up-and-coming program.
Kentucky has not recently recruited well out west. This is the first big recruit we have had from the west coast since … Well, Chuck Hayes, I guess, or Tayshaun Prince.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Not EVER Recruited That Well From West Coast
1 from Alaska – Harris.
1 from Washington – Pope.
0 from Oregon.
A few from California – only Hayes and Prince recently (1990’s or 2000’s). Unless you count Rekalin Sims.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 20, 2010 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I Forgot
Porter and Jasper (from Calif) in 2006.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 20, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Are the unbelievable recruting classes due to UK or Calipari?
Yes.
Thus ends the lesson.
No matter where you're at, there you are
Florida must be on the other wing....
since UK beat them for Patterson, Bledsoe, Poole, Knight, and now Vargas. That could actually have been the UF starting lineup this coming season.
Parrish: No Sympathy For Jones
Whatever recent slings and arrows came Terrence Jones’ way were his doing.
"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." --James Madison
Parish is stupid.
If a kid asks for it, it’s still not okay for adults to deliver it.
Sorry, Gary, being tempted does not justify unethical behavior.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Top 10 Spring Happenings
Luke Winn SI lists top events this spring in college basketball (HINT: UK is prominent).
"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." --James Madison
i am going to listen to the gary parrish radio show on the way home...
memphis fans were so happy in the fall that they had the #1 class and Cal had not signed anyone (but poole) – in fact, they were happier that Cal had no one.
Cannot wait to hear their angst of seeing Cal’s second class leap over memphis to #1….
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on May 20, 2010 6:06 PM EDT reply actions
don't worry about Memphis
- ain’t all bad.
by bigbill992001 on May 20, 2010 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Polson On Kanter and Vargas
Impressions from pickup games from UK’s preferred walk-on.
"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." --James Madison
Hmm.
Linky bad. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Lockout
Seems a lockout in the NBA is inevitable in 2011
So that would mean no draft
Which means Kanter, Knight, and Jones would be back for 2011-12
Imagine the current team + next years recruits!!! GO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!
Great post Tru-
I checked ASOB this morning before work, and the news was welcome indeed. 12 hours later, it is great to read all the feedback from the Big Blue Nation. I really enjoyed the remark that with our depth, we might be ranked #1 and #2. I believe your last paragraph in your post says it all. We can relax now, knowing that all is well with UK hoops. John Calapari is an amazing talent, and the best fit ever for UK basketball…GO CATS!
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
I think we can.
A bit, anyway.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on May 20, 2010 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I enjoyed your right up too ... Mr. Tru ...
I felt the same way as you about T Jones …. I thought him going to UDUB was a done deal and I didn’t want to see him back out … but now that he’s in Blue. I’m really excited for the team. I commented before about us holding a scholarship open for next year …. do you think we will hold one of the remaining two open???
Pretty funny
A UK poster “Katin Texas” wrote this on a CBS Sports blog:
Well…..here we go. Jones was the final piece of the puzzle, and now Kentucky’s John Calipari has redefined NCAA recruiting success. When it comes to recruiting, Cal picks coaches like Self, Pitino, Coack K, Izzo, and Roy Williams out of his stool in the morning. It works something like this: (1) Cal decides who he really wants (2) Cal gets them……period. He “selects” more than he does “recruit” these days. UK is the hottest program in the world right now. We have assembled another ridiculously talented group of freshmen…..maybe better than this year’s crop that includes 4 first-rounders in the upcoming NBA draft. And as amazing as this upcoming class is, NEXT year’s class is already shaping up to be better. In fact, we have already signed the #1 (Gilchrist) and #2 (Teague) player in that class…..and we have a great shot at #3 (Miller)………damn !!
Come get some of this UNC, Kansas, and Duke !!!
Nick
A joke to say good night with ......
A lady takes her duck to the veternarian … “doc, can you help me with my duck?” the doctor takes one look at the duck and says “sorry maam, your duck’s dead”. The lady says “Please doc, see if there’s anything you can do.” The doctor relents … “okay maam sit over there and we’ll try”. The doctor brings in a cat …. the cat looks the duck over from head to toe and and nods his head left and right at the doctor. The cat leaves the room and a Labrador retreiver enters. The dog looks the duck over from head to toe and nods his head left to right at the doctor. The doctor tells the lady once again “sorry maam – your ducks dead and that will be $150”, The lady fires back = “$150 bucks … for what?” And the doctor says “why that’s for the cat scan and the lab work”
BA DUMP DUMP …
Kanter
will be a better rebounder than Cousins…will shoot FT’s much better as well…I will probably still love Boogie more though…but Enes will be challenging double/double records set by Big Cuz….count on it…in fact, I suspect this upcoming team will rebound better and shoot better (both from the field and at the stripe) than last years team…which should prove positive come March
Better rebounder?
Well, I’d like to see that, although I doubt it. But he’ll be a good one, no doubt.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
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