A Great Night in the career of Josh Harrellson
by JLeverenz on Oct 12, 2011 4:40 PM EDT
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PrintMidnight Madness approaches swiftly and with it comes one of the most anticipated seasons of Kentucky Basketball in a while (since 2009-10? 1995-96?). The next 6 months will bring us plenty of shots, defensive stands, games, and Calipari zingers to talk about, but before we kick off the next season I would like to take this time to reflect back on one of the most impressive and beloved individuals to ever suit up for the Cats - Josh Harrellson.
In particular, let's go back to the fateful night of March 25 when Harrellson stood mano a mano with Jared Sullinger. Harrellson played a brilliant game that night: 17 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, 7-9 from the field, 3-3 from the line and anyone watching that game could see that he gave Sullinger everything he could handle on both ends of the floor.
Actually, saying Josh gave Jared everything he could handle is understating things. Dramatically. In fact, Josh dominated Sullinger in every facet of the game, owning him so thoroughly that Sullinger should be paying rent.
Defense? Harrellson had that in spades. Here's how Sullinger performed when guarded by Josh and when he was guarded by everyone else:
| Defending Sullinger | FGM | FGA | FTM | FTA | Blocks | TO | Steals | Points | Wilsons |
| Harrellson | 3 | 8.5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1.5 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| Everyone Else | 4 | 5.5 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 2.5 | 1 | 14 |
Against Harrellson, Sullinger shot a pathetic 35.3% - a figure that looks even worse when you consider how close to the basket all his shots were. Josh also blocked a shot and forced Sullinger into 1.5 turnovers. And of course, there was this:
Josh Harrellson plays dodge ball with Jared Sullinger (via AWReezy)
Harrellson got the better of the matchup on the offensive end as well. Here's how Josh performed when he was guarded by Sullinger as well as how the other UK players performed against him:
| Sullinger on Defense | FG | FGA | FT | FTA | Blocks | TO | Steals | Points | Wilsons |
| Harrellson | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| Everyone Else | 0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0.5 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Josh was perfect from the field, perfect from the stripe, and only committed a single turnover. To be fair, Sullinger did do an effective job against other UK players.
The great game that Josh played that night looks even more impressive to my eyes when broken down like this. Throw in the fact that Sullinger might very well have been the #1 overall pick in the draft had he declared and it looks even better.
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whenever I'm feeling blue, it brightens my day ;-)
1/x doesn't die, it just fades away.
Awesome post.
That doesn’t show up watching the game, because it’s hard not to watch the ball. Nice work on that.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Thanks Glenn
I knew from watching the game that Josh had a great night, but when I went back through and kept track of what happened when he and Sullinger were matched up I was surprised at how thoroughly Josh came out ahead.
1/x doesn't die, it just fades away.
crazy to think...
…what the season would have been like if Josh hadn’t stepped up his senior year. Kentucky got back to the Final Four, largely on his shoulders. What makes it even greater is that nobody gave him a chance – even me! I remember I was screaming for him to be benched after the performance of those first games.
And then the Louisville game happened. And everything just seemed…brighter.
On top of that, if you haven’t read all the stories about how big of a heart the guy has, it just makes you feel even better that such a great man had such a great season.
We’ll miss you Josh, and best of luck to your future!
Agreed on all fronts
Harrellson is just the latest example of why I believe that every player is capable of contributing something given the correct circumstances – no matter how deep on the bench they are or how many stars they had next to their name.
As for the big heart – I believe Josh is a real life super hero. Let’s consider the facts:
Alias? Check: Jorts
Superhero outfit? Check: he’s a basketball player, duh!
Superpower? Check: hurling orange Orbs of Justice
Deeds of Daring Do? Check: he leaps onto moving vehicles to save children!
1/x doesn't die, it just fades away.
by JLeverenz on Oct 12, 2011 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So true about players contributing.
You see it all the time. Someone gets hurt and a guy subs in and just blows it up because he was given the right opportunity. Good examples close to home: Our boy Jorts, and Kyle Kuric getting time against ‘Cuse last season. I’m not advocating putting in benchwarmers just for kicks to see if you can catch lightning in a bottle, but sometimes that turns out the best!
by Clint Phelps on Oct 12, 2011 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I have this clip saved in bookmarks-
And watch it every so often… One of the best moments in KY basketball history…
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
It's my second favorite highlight from that game
Behind a certain Brandon Knight shot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNMWuNZHjVc).
I recommend the NCAA Vault for those of you who really want to spend some time reminiscing. You can watch the entire game for free (among other UK Tournament classics). I won’t pretend that the NCAA didn’t consume at least 10 hours of my summer.
before I even read the article,
which was superb, btw, my mouth just made the biggest effin smile at the shear sight of that picture. Such a happy story, that of Josh Harrellson and, of course, the picture is basketball related and a subtle reminder that hoops season is just around the corner. Delightful.
Thanks JLev
The perspective you gave through detailed stats confirms what I thought during that game. Harrelson played his way last season into the hearts of UK fans and became a part of the Big Blue lore.
Well said, Jdog!
JL, spot on analysis, Thanks! (Rec’d)
Great Post
What a performance. Heaping more praise on Jorts I will add, if Jorts doesn’t pick up that second foul on that attempt to take the charge in the semi final, UK wins going away. My impression was the game was slipping away from UCONN at that point. The team was much better when Jorts was on the floor.
So here is the question that no one dare asks: Would you prefer to have seen UK win its 8th Championship with Kanter or reach the semis with Jorts?
I know in the real world it isn’t that clear cut, but if you could pick, what would you pick?
by darkandbloody@gmail.com on Oct 12, 2011 8:33 PM EDT reply actions
Gotta go for #8
but we sure got a nice consolation prize.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
On another note ...
… can we look forward to keeping the “Wilsons” stat from now on? :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I don't know
I think it should be officially retired after that game!
1/x doesn't die, it just fades away.
Any post
with the Jorts-Sully video automatically gets a rec from me! Great stats and writing, too, though!
JORTS!
I’m convinced this was the game that got him drafted by the Knicks. Not saying one game was all it took, but this was really the tipping point that proved he could survive and thrive against NBA talent. Harrellson won’t ever be the most talented player, but with the right attitude, hustle, and requisite practice hours, I think he could have a nice little career in the NBA. My guess is he starts in NBDL or overseas, but makes it to the Association eventually. Hopefully, he exceeds my expectations and makes it on the Knicks right away!
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