UK Basketball: Awaiting the "Kentucky Way"
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PrintGo here or scroll down for Glenn's always outstanding UK versus Alabama postmortem.
For as long as I can remember (which really isn't that long ago) I have heard commentators and coaches loudly espouse in a medley ways -- It's tough to win on the road in conference. Some variation of that phrase has been uttered millions of times over the life of modern day college basketball. Uttered so often, because it is as righteous as the sun set. So then, why is it so hard for some college basketball teams to grasp the concept?
Searching, scouring the earth for the answer to that question is what robs many coaches of a once healthy hairline, and contributes to the sky rocketing sales of Tums, Rolaids, and Jim Beam. And if one happens to coach a team sated with youth and road game inexperience, it can lead to embarrassing images broadcast worldwide of some coaches (rightfully, from where I sat) verbally blasting into a fine powder one of the star players on the team for failing to grasp the reality. The reality that, on the road, mistakes are amplified; on the road, lackadaisical "efforting" of 50/50 balls is unacceptable; on the road, the game-plan must be executed, or the executioner will draw a bead on the teams chances of winning the league; on the road, expect the opponent to play out of their minds. But aah, most importantly -- On the road, if the dark jersey announces "Kentucky" is in the house, the road warriors would be well served to remember the game is 40 minutes long, so pack a lunch, pack a punch, and prepare to battle.
That has been the "Kentucky Way" since the Baron of the Bluegrass was running his teams through drills in Alumni Gym 65 years ago (and folks, if the "Kentucky Way" were only a figment of my imagination, Kentucky would not be Kentucky). For UK, and all that those two consecutive letters implies, has been fighting the road battle, and more often than not, winning the road battle, because the players wearing the jersey understood that life on the road was the time to bow the back and prepare to fight. Yes, fight! Not play scared or timid, but play aggressively and with vigor for 40 minutes.
As Kentucky discovered Tuesday night in their 68-66 loss to Alabama, the road is not the place to "turn it on" after 25 minutes of sketchy offense, and indifferent defense. Fifteen minutes of outstanding effort and (mostly) excellent execution will get a team one thing: An "L," even when playing an opponent blessed with less God-given ability. And because of that, the mantra this Kentucky team needs to memorize goes thusly: When traveling, all opponents have more ability. When traveling, all opponents possess more than enough desire needed to win. When traveling, all opponents are propelled to play beyond their lot. When traveling, all opponents would rather take a beating than lose to UK.
Enter a road game knowing this, and losing suddenly becomes something that is much less likely to happen. Certainly much less than 100%, which is the percentage of times UK has lost on the road in the SEC so far this season.
Sure, we can talk about wide-open missed three-pointers (of which there were many Tuesday night), missed free throws (of which there were many), missed defensive assignments (of which there were many), selfishness (uh, JCal covered that one quite adequately), and defensive rebounding (which was pathetic in the first half), but the reality is, all of those ailments are merely symptoms of this team not matching the opponents intensity.
And that, my friends, is a function of youth, more pointedly, leaderless youth. Which leads me to believe; it is quite obvious this team has no on-the-floor leadership. For games like the Georgia loss, the Alabama loss; those are the games where leaders come clawing to the front of the line and impose their will on their teammates. Can anyone imagine Winston Bennett, or Kenny Walker, or Mike Casey, or Patrick Patterson allowing talented teammates to play with half-hearted effort and execution for 25 minutes of any game, much less in a game UK is being roundly and soundly defeated, as they were Tuesday night in Tuscaloosa.
This team needs someone to grab a jersey, someone to rally around, someone to man up and become the beast no one wants to look in the eye for fear their head might explode. Drastic? I suppose so, but this team simply has too much talent to allow (road) losses to pile one on top of another.
Simply put, this Kentucky squad desperately requires someone to educate them on the long-standing "Kentucky Way." Obviously, John Calipari relates to his charges the need for road focus and intensity, but sometimes it takes a fellow player, a teammate, to convince those with less pliable noggins about the ways and means of life on the road. A player hears the same thing, over and over from the head coach, and oftentimes the eyes glaze, and the head nods as if saying, "Alright coach, I hear you." When in reality, the player is thinking, "Will this cat ever shut up?" But, hear the same directives from a teammate, a respected teammate, and sometimes clarity is achieved. That my friends, is what this team lacks ... well that, and another 6-10 behemoth with mad skills.
Can a team so full of freshmen-based talented win on the big stage? That is the question which has been posed throughout the college basketball world since Calipari blew up the recruiting circuit in 2009-2010. And the justification for that question was in full living color on ESPN last night from Alabama. Last year, the team had an unusually mature freshman leader in John Wall, aided and abetted by the personality of junior Patrick Patterson to lean on for leadership. This season, as the freshman beat goes on, we await the leader of men.
And with three of the next four UK contests being on the road, the time is drawing near. The path to the "Kentucky Way" is out there, somewhere, waiting to be discovered.
Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!
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Nicely stated
Another soft effort until it was too late. Another bad day shooting. Another bad day at the line. Another day getting pushed around inside. Another disgusting loss to an inferior opponent. Unacceptable. Josh, as much as he has improved, can’t do it alone. Right now Vargas is looking like a wasted scholly. Shoulda stayed in JUCO.
The paly with 10 seconds
if there was a play. Why not spread the floor and allow Knight , if he was guarded by the reserve point for Bama, to go one on one? Passing the ball off in that time frame didn’t seem logical.
+1
I always like to have my best driver go to the hoop on my last posession and down 1 or 2. Put the heat on the defense.
by bigbill992001 on Jan 19, 2011 9:04 AM EST up reply actions
Nicely put but unstated
is that Miller and Liggins, the upperclassmen on this team, have comfortably settled in to role players, not leaders. They both seem happy to do the little things expected of them, but are unwilling to become the Pattersons, Walkers, and Bennetts for this team.
Not everyone can step up and become a leader
No matter if your a freshman or senior, it starts with the individuals personal makeup, its in his dna. Wall last year was that man more so then Patterson. Its ingrained within an individual for the leadership role to develop. We havn’t a person on this years team that comes close yet, except for Knight. Cal should give the guy more free reign to run the team and live through his mistakes. TJ IMO isn’t going to be “the guy” for that role.
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
by KansasUKCat on Jan 19, 2011 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
Myers-Briggs
I would love to see the results of the Myers-Briggs test for the guys on our roster. I think it would explain a lot.
If you don’t know, the Myers-Briggs test provides a great insight into a person’s personality. You end up with a four letter code like INTJ, which marks a person’s result on four different dichotomies. Check it out here for more info:
I’m guessing we need an ENTP, ENFJ, or ENTJ type: the kind of outspoken leader who pushes others to higher levels or demands better results from them.
But we’ve got a lot of I-types, more introverted and not the kind to call others out or push them.
by wildcatfaninexile on Jan 19, 2011 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
Link Fail
Tried to add a hyperlink, didn’t work. Here’s the website I meant to direct readers to:
http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/
by wildcatfaninexile on Jan 19, 2011 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
Wall may have been the offensive leader for the team...
but Patterson was the guy who calmed people down or gave them an earful when they weren’t playing up to expectations. That’s the kind of leader UK needs right now, and Liggins has the personality for it on the court, imo. He has the mental toughness required to go after every ball and play hard, especially on defense, at all times. He just needs to express that toughness at his teammates when they need to step it up or even to tell them “well done”.
I think you are both right
and I also think Liggins could be the kind of guy who has earned and demands respect for his hustle and his ability to shutdown folks. If he could just translate some of that to the others, we would sail much more smoothly.
EXACTLY...
this team seems to play to the level of the opponent… uconn, unc,ga and now al have all been unranked and seemingly inferior… hopefully, before it is too late, these guys will wakeup and see the name on the front of the jersey will bring an enormous response from the opposition… I think that comes from no bench… no one is playing for their job.. thestarting 5 all know they are the talented ones, although it seems to be helping TJ coming off the bench… they seem unwilling to “carry the load”… we do need abit of that upperclassmen leadership… Miller is a banker, Harrellson is a workhorse but do it all.. Liggins is the spark… C’MON DL BRING IT ON!!!
Freshman
I only watched the first half last night but I knew 8-9 mins in this team was going to lose. I could tell by their body language after Bama swatted a couple of shots away and losing out on a couple of rebound opportunities. You really can’t compare this team to last year’s because it’s unfair to do so with any team. But no question last years team never backed down from anybody and most opponents didn’t really want to do battle with Big Cuz and Patrick Patterson. And like what has already been said,John Wall was mature beyond his years. This team is completely different. They aren’t physical and no matter how hard Cal tries they never will be. It amuses me when announcers say T. Jones is a “beast”. Maybe he is as far as talent goes but he is far from a beast in the paint. Harrellson can be physical but he can’t do it alone and at times he reverts back to his old self and is unable to hang on to a ball. Miller is,well,Miller and I’m not sure what the problem is there. Liggins is a great defensive leader but not an overall leader of this team for whatever reason. I think the best hope for this team as far as being successful is turn them lose on the perimeter and let them fire up the 3’s. Maybe be a little more like the early Pitino teams. Of course if there are off nights shooting,like last night,then it’s trouble. And of course they are young and like I have said before it’s hard to win with a team loaded with freshman not matter how talented. Which brings me to another thing I have said before and that is unless Cal can bring in talent who are willing to stay 2 or more years this is what he will always be faced with. A new team always trying to find itself.
this team is still young
they will learn to play in hostile environment soon.
They better learn quick....
4 out of the next 6 games are on the road.
by maysvilleblue on Jan 19, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
I'm thinking the South Carolina game will be pivotal to this season
A must win, yes for the SEC standings, but more so as a gut check for this team.
One thing about last night and last year’s team. Cal gave Cousins a noogie. He called Jones a selfish mother ….. Nuff said.
Oh, and he likes this team. He repeats that mantra so much that I wonder if he is trying to convince the BBN or, Himself.
Myself, I am not convinced. What I initially thought as a more cerebral team, I am beginning to think as a bunch of 18 year old entitled’s. Especially Jones.
I am not into knee jerk — “the sky is falling.” But I worry about the selfishness. At this point shouldn’t they be getting it?
Here’s hoping every player throws up after today’s practice. And let’s see what they have in their gut on Saturday
No matter where you're at, there you are
I disagree
Jones came in as a power forward that played the perimeter. I remember hearing how good he was at the three pointer. Now he is here with little help on the inside, and even less when it comes to rebouding. I love his kid, he hustles everytime down the floor. Hes aggressive, sometimes a little too aggressive. You let him play a true four, with a decent center, and Jones would be the man night afer night. Just because Cal took out a little frustration on the kid, doesn`t mean we all have to pile on. We all need to remember these are still kids. Throwing them under the bus is what they like to do on some rivals sites.
I was frustrated last night too, but it was at the whole team. If anything, Jones played harder than anyone on the floor in my opinion.
Really?
“even less when it comes to [rebounding].” Really? Harrellson leads the SEC in rebounding. Frankly, last night, half of Harrellson’s defensive issues were on other players (Jones, for one) not guarding properly and blocking out for rebounds.
Jones may have played harder than others on the offensive end, but he sucked it up on the defensive side (as did a bunch of others) for most of the game. And playing harder does not equate to playing better. He made a number of mistakes last night that are directly attributable to him not playing solid basketball…like passing the ball. He had 4 turnovers – too much for a point guard that runs the offense, WAY too much for the 4 spot – and they are directly attributable to him not doing what Cal asks him to do.
Analyzing the play of one of the players and the reaction of the coaches isn’t “piling on” or “throwing them under the bus” and to accuse people like Cincy of it is absurd.
I wasn`t saying that he didn`t make mistakes,
I`m saying there were a lot of plays, and players that lost that game. These are teenage boys that we are talking about. If you need tobe able to call out one person, you need to watch pro ball. Those guys get paid to take the abuse. I love U of K basketball as much as the next guy, but it gets crazy aroud here when we start pointing fingers and calling out these KIDS by name.
As far as turnovers, the lack of anyone else in the middle allows teams to double and triple team him all night long. I love this team, they are young, and they will take a few bumps. I honestly think this team will peak at the right time and have a nice run. When the team wins, they all win, and when they lose, its all of their fault. Without TJ, this team would be in pretty bad shape. Be thankful we have him and the other guys here, and lets go CATS!!!
Piling on
I agree with what has been said about Jones. I have been watching UK basketball for over 40 years and while not an expert I can tell how hard a player is playing. And to me,Jones doesn’t appear to be playing hard at times. I guess what is frustrating to me is watching a player who is without question one of the most gifted players ever to put on a KY uniform not give 100%. While he has put up impressive numbers he is a player who should be averaging a double-double easily and really should be scoring 20 pts. plus every game. I don’t mean to be harsh about a 18 yr old kid but this is his dream and he will never have this opportunity again. I just want him to make the most out of it.
by maysvilleblue on Jan 20, 2011 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
I disagree with most of that.
It isn’t pointing fingers to discuss how one of the team isn’t performing expectations, and I wonder if you’re only upset because it’s TJ we’re talking about. Where were these complaints in the early season when Harrellson was looking less than serviceable? Where are the complaints when someone makes a joke about Vargas’ slow feet? I find the Vargas jokes much closer to unacceptable than repeating the coach about Jones’ play.
And frankly, TJ would be getting a double team on any college team right now. Every team knows that when he gets it, he doesn’t like to pass. He has Harrellson down there, who has proven (see Louisville) more than capable of handling a quick pass from TJ. Or…he could pass out to the open man on the perimeter. Plain and simple – if 2 people are on him, someone is wide open. If he passes the ball rather than putting up a hard shot, his attempts go down initially, but his percentage goes up, his teammates get easier shots, and the defense adjusts leaving him more open for shots later. Cal said as much before the Alabama game, so it’s no surprise to many of us when we see it play out in-game.
No one here is unhappy to have TJ on the team, and I think we’re thankful for all our Cats. Everyone here would acknowledge that TJ is a game-changer and the team certainly is much better with him on the team. But you’re trying to say we can’t criticize his play, and again, that’s just absurd.
Never said anything about not criticizing him
Because nobody criticizes him more than me. I think he deserves every bit of the criticism he is getting.
by maysvilleblue on Jan 20, 2011 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
I`m not saying you can`t criticize his play,
but some of the expectations are a little lofty. 25 and 10 every night? It would be great, but not likely. I`m not saying Jones is the best thing since ice cream either. I`ve watched this team in person, and no one on the floor plays harder consistently than Jones. Does he make mistakes? Of course. Is he a freshman playing on the biggest stage in the country? Yes he is. I just hate it when we begin to criticize one player instead of saying, we came out and got our butts beat. It wasn`t TJ`s fault alone, I believe he was accompanied by a few others on the floor.
I`m not trying to stir the pot. I`m a fan and obviousle you guys are too. Go CATS!!!
JCal apoligizes on facebook.....
John Calipari
I do want to apologize for my language at the end of the game. I got caught up in the emotion of the game, but that’s no excuse. Sometimes you don’t realize in the moment that what you’re saying is on national TV. The BBN deserves better and so do my players. I am sorry.
by BleedsBlue_N_TN on Jan 19, 2011 10:40 AM EST reply actions
Language
Salty lanquage doesn’t bother me at all coming from a coach. Maybe it’s bad for those sitting near the bench or if it’s heard on TV. To me it’s part of the game. Some coaches use it,some don’t. But if it’s part of their demeanor or personality I think it’s hard to ask them to stop. And with this team,at times,they sure deserve it.
by maysvilleblue on Jan 19, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Most coaches would not do that......they may mention it offhandedly
but they would not offer up apologies publicly like that. And I think this was an isolated incident for Cal to say what he did out loud like that.
I am and always shall be ABC, the Cat in the Hat!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Jan 19, 2011 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Some one else said this previously - Krzyzewski is as bad with the "F" words
And at times looks like he will have a heart attack on the sidelines, during time-outs.
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
by KansasUKCat on Jan 19, 2011 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
all that time spent with the general....lol
I am and always shall be ABC, the Cat in the Hat!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Jan 19, 2011 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
Well put Ken
I expect that there will be many who look at the Cats on the road (now 1-3 in true road games) and expect them to lose to SC. I think this will be one of those times where so many people expect event A to happen, that in fact event B will occur: i.e. the Cats will defeat the Gamecocks.
They won’t do it convincingly, they won’t do anything that makes fans think they’ve “turned it around” or whatever – but they’ll be just better enough than they were at Bama and at Georgia to pull out a win by 1-5 points.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
it wouldn't surprise me either.
They have done it before, against UL. But I don’t expect it to happen, and won’t until they’ve proven they can do it against an SEC opponent on the road.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
"Charmin" Cats
Is this a squeezingly soft team or what? Excuse my sarcasm but all things considered I believe it’s justified. Last time I saw Cats in action they were physically battered by Dawgs and I predicted UK was too young, too soft, too thin and leaderless to win in difficult environments and would struggle to win any SEC road games. Shortly thereafter I traveled to NYC for an evaluation of an ankle fracture which led to surgery and a week in hospital without internet and virtually no TV. So last night in a rehab/treatment facility I had the opportunity — misfortune as turns out — to see my beloved Blue in action again. Deja vu! Nearly a duplicate peformance with same trepidation, same wussiness. With the possible exception of Deandre Liggins not a single Cat shows any desire to do physical battle with opponents. One could call the desire to compete the Kentucky way but other teams regularly display the fearless response to challenges. Whatever Calipari called them and in whatever vernacular he chose he was totally justified — and as far as obscenities are concerned the young men hear considerably more in the hip hop music they pipe into their ears and brains. From what I’ve seen the UK men could take a lesson in toughness and competitiveness from the UK women. Another opportunity to view Saturday from Columbia, sadly I expect another similar performance where another opponent will enjoy squeezing the Charmin.
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
by Wild Weasel on Jan 19, 2011 11:39 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
WW
I think you are right. I gave you a Rec. There is nothing Cal can say or call them that will change them before Saturday. We will witness the same things over and over until they grow a “pair” They don’t like contact and the whole world knows it now!
Happy Days are here again! Wildcat's have #1 recruiting class again!
I know that no one is going to agree with this, and that's fine....I like myself enough to
handle criticism…..lol
But all the worrying about this team shooting and missing threes is unwarranted.
This team (not all teams, but this one) feeds off of it’s three point shooting. They use that much like some teams use the dunk, to motivate the crowd, pump up the players, and to take the other team out of it’s rhythm. Now, do not confuse taking threes with throwing up anything and everything, that is not my point. But this team can work the ball around, and get open looks almost everytime down the floor. I think Cal made a mistake last night when he called off the three point shooting. Until they lose a game shooting 1 or 2 for 20 from behind the arc, they need to use the weapons they have.
Harrellson is so much more effective when he is cleaning up the trash, and not forcing himself into the fray down low. And when we are hitting threes, no one can handle TJ down low. The only time that kid gets himself into trouble is when he forces things. And when others are not taking those threes, he gets himself into the mindset of scoring. And when he does that, it is usually to our chagrin.
We cannot continue to bang and beat ourselves up against bigger teams. We do not have to give up our inside game, we just have to let it develop over the course of the entire game. Shooting threes will help that. Of Course you do have to hit them, but that has not been a problem so far for Kentucky this year. We will have bad nights, and that is just a fact of life. But the key to this team is to let them shoot themselves out of trouble and play tough D. Neither of which they did last night. The defense was their fault, the threes go in Cal’s pocket.
I am and always shall be ABC, the Cat in the Hat!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Jan 19, 2011 11:41 AM EST reply actions
TJ down low
I agree he can’t be handled down low but only when he decides to do so. 17 points and 9 boards look good but he is a kid who should be getting at least 25 and 10 every single night. It’s all about effort or the lack thereof.
by maysvilleblue on Jan 19, 2011 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
not to criticize,
but please name me a player in the country that has 25 and 10 every night. Even guys like Cousins didn`t average those numbers. Get him some help and I would think his numbers would increase, but 25 a night is absurd to want.
Maybe not every night...
But I think he has the ability to average that. Yes Cousins didn’t average those numbers but he probably could have if the offense had been completely centered around him. But because of the talent around him there wasn’t need. And to me Jones is more of an overall talent than Cousins. He can shoot,dribble,pass and basically has all the tools. That is why I think he should be putting up those kind of numbers. And if this team has any chance at all of making a deep run in the NCAA it has to get those kind of numbers from him. No I can’t name players who are averaging 25 and 10 but I also can’t name many players who have the sheer ability of Jones. So on this we must agree to disagree.
by maysvilleblue on Jan 20, 2011 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
I agree with you, ABC.
Its a double-edged sword for a coach; if he doesn’t change his game plan, then he is accused of not making adjustments, but he shouldn’t have called off the three point shooting.
That kind of change can take the wind out of your teams’ sails.
We’re far enough along in the season, that our averages are going to hold.
If the shots don’t fall in the first half, then they proabably will in the second half.
Oh yeah, coaches will be hearing from guys like me until they die.....lol
I am and always shall be ABC, the Cat in the Hat!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Jan 19, 2011 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
I totally agree with you Greg - Its our major strength - maybe our only strength other than defense
We have no true post game even with TJ. He is not a banger, doesn’t have the physical strength or will actually to be a post player. TJ knows damn well that when he goes pro that will not be his game and has resisted playing that way.
We have to face our limitations with this team and focus on our strengths which is good shooting and using the three. Defensively we have to step up and play with full out intensity. Cal has to worry less about our post play and more on our defensive liabilities. We can play great “D”.
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
by KansasUKCat on Jan 19, 2011 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
I think maybe we got to listening to our own hype about Harrellson
I think he can get a double double every night, I just dont think he gets it the conventional way
I am and always shall be ABC, the Cat in the Hat!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Jan 19, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
He has proven excellent at what he does - good garbage baskets and good "D"
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
Greg, did I miss something?
I can’t find anything where Cal said he told them not to shoot 3’s.
Looked at the play-by-play and they took 3’s throughout the game; 10 in the 1st H, 11 in the 2nd, with no noticeable lapses in attempts.
Not saying it didn’t happen, but I would be shocked, SHOCKED, if Cal told them, as a team, to quit taking 3’s.
The play by play guys said that they heard Cal saying not to shoot threes with about 2 min to go in the first half
I dont know how long that lasted, but I do know they said it.
I am and always shall be ABC, the Cat in the Hat!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Jan 19, 2011 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
I think that was just through the end of the half
to try and force them to go for inside shots and maybe get a foul, get some momentum going into the half.
Ken, I have no knowledge what Cal told them
But from late in the first half until midway through the second, the team stopped taking 3s with the exception of Miller. Miller hit two 3s in the first part of the second half, but Lamb, Knight, and Jones were all looking to go inside on every possession. Once the Cats began the comback from 20 down, then the players began to take 3s again. I imagine most of the 11 3-point attempts can be traced to the last half of the second half.
Greg
I noted that also. Several open 3s were passed up during that stretch. No matter how much Cal wants it, or how mad he gets, he has to face the facts. We’re gonna get manhandled inside against physical teams. He didn’t recruit a true big nor guys that like to mix it up and this team is soft. Accept that we are a ‘finesse’ team and shoot the open 3 anytime.
by bigbill992001 on Jan 19, 2011 6:40 PM EST up reply actions
he did recruit a true big
he just wasnt allowed to play…..summin bout money !
by Bluehound on Jan 19, 2011 6:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Article is right on.
This article is right on the money. Well said. Better be ready to play on the road no room for mistakes and HAVE to play for 40 minutes if you expect to win.
Life on the Road in the SEC
I hear many commentators state the same thing: You have to be prepared to win on the road in the SEC. Sure all road games are tough, but life on the SEC road isn’t as tough as some of the other major conferenced. It’s tough for UK because we are The Big Blue. It would probably be worst for us at this moment if we were playing in the Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 or even the downtrodden ACC. We have the champs symbol attached to us and always will. I personally am glad that this years team is playing in the SEC…!
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
I think we were spoiled last season by
those freshman; they did not take losing as well as this groups seems to it was personal to last year’s team. Wall, Bledose, Cousins, PPat, and even Orton, Bless his heart hated to lose and fought to win but I don’t see it in this group, maybe they handle the ball better, shoot better, and run the dribble-drive better but they are not the same in a battle to win.
P.S.
Can the CATS get in the NCAA’s with an 8-8 regular season conference record or is it the NIT?
No Way
I don’t think any SEC team will make it in with a 8-8 record. The conference is considered to be too far down for that. But I don’t see UK going 8-8 anyway. I’m still thinking 11-5. I never bought 14-2 or 13-3 that many were predicting.
by maysvilleblue on Jan 19, 2011 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
6 UK "Caliber" Players On Roster
4 others who are not quite UK caliber (yet).
Hard to W with only 6 players who can really play at UK level.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 19, 2011 2:11 PM EST reply actions
I think they can win with 6...
in the SEC in a down year. And I still think they could make a run in the NCAA with 6 but they have to stay hot on the perimeter. Physical teams,as we have seen,will cause this team trouble. But the 3 pointer can be a big equalizer.
by maysvilleblue on Jan 19, 2011 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
That is our only hope - our outside shooting and good "D"
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
Win Some (Yes)
But not consistently and not on the road.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 19, 2011 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
no one likes to think about that Forty, but youre right....we have 4 guys who are not quite there yet
I am and always shall be ABC, the Cat in the Hat!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Jan 19, 2011 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
Only Count 4
Knight, Jones, Lamb and Liggins. Justification is lacking for Miller other than being a native of the Commonwealth; I don’t see him displaying UK caliber — whatever that is, subjective I admit — talent or attitude. Harrellson is what he always was: a project who can’t compete with the better post players.
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
Miller AND Harrellson
Both are capable UK players.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 19, 2011 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
Numbers (Evidence)
Miller averaging almost 10 ppg and shooting 48% FG (plus 44% 3-pt FG).
Harrellson averaging almost 7 ppg and nearly 10 rebs per game.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 19, 2011 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
Calipari: Harrellson (and Vargas) Can't Play ...
… in this game (Alabama). Fact is there are lots of upcoming games in which Harrellson can’t (shouldn’t) play and I guarantee that his numbers will diminish as the competition increases in talent. As for Miller, he starts out of necessity but as a third year player he shows little improvement in his game and minimum additions to his offensive repertoire, and his increased numbers are more a rellection of his minutes than his talent/attitude.
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
by Wild Weasel on Jan 20, 2011 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
Harrellson And Miller (Not Vargas)
I never said anything about Vargas. He’s not even SEC worthy much less UK level.
Harrellson is a solid post player. Not great but good. It’s that simple.
Miller HAS improved each year he’s played at UK.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 20, 2011 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
Jones has tweeted just now..
That everybody has parents who do something and then apologize for it. Also that he is happy and blessed to be playing for Cal, and don’t think otherwise.
Yeah, I know they couldn't shoot consistently from outside...
.
and crashed into things at break-neck speed a little too much… and Lord knows I read more than enough comments about how the PG had an assist/turnover ratio that “wasn’t as good as Kyle Macy’s”… and the other G actually had a negative ratio… and the big one kept getting into trouble with opposing fans…
… but every once in a while I think back to this:
… and I am reminded of why these guys are all making significant contributions up in the League this year:
…. they were fierce competitors. From the inside out.
Not to say that this year’s group isn’t. Maybe they just show it a different way.
-- Tim
Lexington
If this road team
keeps showing up we will not make the NCAA. The SEC is too weak to take a team that consistently loses on the road.
Happy Days are here again! Wildcat's have #1 recruiting class again!
Hi again Ken
Good job on this article. You are spot on with the problems. Happy sledding!
Happy Days are here again! Wildcat's have #1 recruiting class again!
Hey, oldcat
LOL! If my daughter keeps missings school days due to snow, she’ll be going to school in July.
Thanks for the kind words, and I agree with you completely. But, I have hope this team will at some point (very soon, hopefully), learn how to compete on the road against physical opponents, if not, it’s gonna be a long year.
Nice job, Ken.
40 minutes of hard effort, and UK could have easily won this game, and I think lacking a leader has a lot to do with that effort. I think Liggins has to step up for the role of getting in people’s faces on the court and holding them accountable for their roles. Cal can’t do it all from the sidelines -as was evidenced last night. Liggins has proven he has enough determination and tenacity on the court, so I hope we start seeing him use it to motivate his teammates as well. A few good screams at his teammates to do their jobs might get them playing harder.
Thanks dshnarw
I think you’re right about Ligs … I’d love for him to be the one to start kicking some tail (for all the reasons you state).
My opinion.
I believe that sometimes in life developing a trait can make you stronger. Last years team had that killer instinct, this years team is earning it. The hard way. Going thru difficulties generally only makes you stronger.
by phatcatfan on Jan 19, 2011 5:04 PM EST via mobile reply actions
We are gonna have to make do with 6 players
and get just a few minutes from anyone else. That means we get less than 24 fouls/game (assuming a nice even distribution) and all six will be putting in about 33 minutes a game. There just isn’t any room for anyone to take a possession off, much less a half off. You take a play off, your man gets free and a teammate picks up a foul covering him. We just don’t have anything to spare. These young men are going to have to get through their heads that they are on a short benched team and they must DIG and RUN and FIGHT every single trip up and down the floor, whether its home or away.
On a softer note, I hope they all hydrated well today and came to practice with a fire in their eyes. We probably have some real sore kids tonight.
Very true
I think the possible #2 seed is just about gone unless they run the table the rest of the way. But I don’t buy what some are saying about this team not making the NCAA at all. Last night was a bad loss without question but this team is much too talented to miss the tourney completely. Come on people. Get off the ledge.
by maysvilleblue on Jan 19, 2011 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
We're half way thru the season, folks
What you see it what you’re gonna get. I think the general feeling that this team doesn’t have that fire in their bellies is right on. This team doesn’t like to play 40 mins. Realistically, we should have ONE loss right now. Yeah, I’m counting the UNC game too. There IS no leader and there’s NOT gonna be one. Certainly not Ligs. And, his ‘lead by example’ style isn’t enough. If it was, we’d have seen some results by now. Someone mentioned that our upper classmen are all too happy as role players. I think that’s the crux of the matter. Let’s just hope that we can eke out a road win or two and make the NCAA. However, once in the NCAA, don’t expect much. And, to be honest, I’m worried about next yr. I see the same mentality coming in. Highly skilled players but no ‘bangers’, no ‘refuse to lose’ guys.
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