Big Blue Nation Linkapalooza: Post-Super Bowl Edition
by Glenn Logan on Feb 6, 2012 2:05 PM EST
in Kentucky Wildcats News
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PrintAnother Super Bowl has come and gone, and by my lights, it was a really good one. I don't watch pro football much, but I always enjoy the Super Bowl and all the things associated with it.
My opinion: A very mediocre year for the commercials, I only remember the one where the dog buried the cat and tried to bribe the owner with Doritos. Pretty funny.
Now, for the news:
Kentucky "absolutely" getting better and unselfish play is a big reason why // vaughtsviews
Larry Vaught gets it exactly right:
Jones deserves credit for UK’s recent surge, too. He’s become more physical and assertive. He had 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. It should be obvious now that his mid-December finger injury bothered him more than many, maybe including Calipari, wanted to believe.
But what is most impressive is his attitude. He has his smile back. His swagger is back. Yes, he will pose or flex for the TV cameras, but that’s part of him having fun. He’s not belittling an opponent as much as that is his way to enjoy the moment.
Report: Nerlens Noel to visit Kentucky // Jody Demling – Recruiting
No doubt he will visit here. I just hope he does more than visit.
Wildcats Thunder Blog: Kentucky vs Florida....A Preview
Calipari: 'It didn't matter who we played.'
"It didn’t matter who we played, someone was getting beat by 30 today," Calipari said. "It wasn’t South Carolina; it was us."
Absolutely right. Syracuse and Ohio St. would have suffered a similar fate. Only the margin would be in question.
Vols ahead of projections, behind predecessors // GoVolsXtra
Tennessee finds itself ahead of October projections at the midway point of the SEC men's basketball season, yet the Vols are far from where coach Cuonzo Martin would like them to be.
The Volunteers are still a dangerous team. I am kind of hoping we don't meet them in the SEC Tournament.
UK soccer signs highly ranked class // The Kentucky Kernel
Good to see. Louisville has been dominating the local soccer scene lately.
Brandon Knight is the New Rip Hamilton
Knight suffered a broken nose during the first quarter of Saturday's game against New Orleans. The nose was reset today and he is scheduled to be fitted for a mask on Monday.
Ouch. Broken nose.
Basketball Prospectus // The Power of Three
Congrats to Peter Bean for getting published in BP. Peter is the force behind SBNation's Burnt Orange Nation and a good friend.
By the way, you should read this.
LSU moves past Razorbacks, 71-65 // The Baxter Bulletin
"Boy, we needed that [victory over Arkansas]," Johnson said. "After our last game against Kentucky, we were pretty fragile. We fought through this week. We need contributions from everybody to win. This was a good win."
Duke falls again.
That poise gave Miami its first victory at Cameron Indoor Stadium and only its second against Duke since joining the ACC. The Hurricanes are on their first four-game winning streak since 2008 and have won three consecutive ACC road games for the first time.
Tom Leach's Wildcat Links for Sunday
Vaught’s note: Since this is Super Bowl Sunday, I thought there was no better time to share this "super" story about a remarkable young man, UK cheerleader Dylan Smith. His story is miraculous and heart-warming. It’s one that will make you smile and cry, often at the same time. Enjoy reading how this amazing young man not only survived a horrific fall, but came back to be part of UK’s national championship cheer squad last month. It was an incredible seven-month journey.
Kentucky Sports Radio // UNC Series May Be Put On Hold
Hopefully, this is only a one-year hiatus.
UK women's roll ends at LSU // Kentucky.com
Coach Matthew Mitchell said he isn't sure what team showed up at the Pete Maravich Center, but it's not the Kentucky team that had won 10 straight games.
Answers to the Gators season still ahead
If Florida can go 6-2 or better in the next eight games, you can be confident they will be one of the top eight seeds in the country. If they lose more than two of the remaining eight games and do not win the conference tournament, they would most likely end up seeded among the group of 16 to 24.
Panic Time In Durham? You probably missed this because it was right before Sunday’s Super Bowl proceeding, but you’ve seen this game a million times if you’ve seen it once. Duke gets outplayed on its home court for 75% of the game until they turn on the burners for a 12-0 run to get back into it and finish off the visitor. Except Sunday against Miami, even after Duke made its patented late-game run to take a 66-65 lead with 2:49 remaining, the Devils were not able to get the sufficient number of stops to salt the game away (losing in overtime, 78-74).
Is the college game lacking depth behind the premier teams? // cleveland.com
Nine of 16 Big East teams are .500 or lower in league play. Six teams already have double-digit losses and another four have at least eight losses with a third of the season still to play. Six teams are chasing Syracuse (23-1, 10-1), one of those six is South Florida (13-10, 6-4/RPI 78) which has lost three of nine games against teams with RPIs of 200 or higher.
How the mighty have fallen.
Oscar Robertson Watch List Released // ZagsBlog.com
Two Wildcats on the list. See if you can guess who.
Calipari, coaches on SEC teleconference // Kentucky Wildcats
"We've got a huge challenge ahead of us tomorrow on the road against Kentucky. A terrific team, well-balanced. I think a that can beat you in a lot of different ways. They're No. 1 in the country for a reason so great challenge for us tomorrow night."
Florida coach Billy Donovan on Kentucky.
Audio: Donovan and Calipari on SEC teleconference // John Clay's Sidelines
College Hoops Week in Review: Tray Woodall and Miami make noise // Beyond the Arc
- C: Anthony Davis, Kentucky: What is there to say about Davis that hasn’t already been said 100 times over? He’s a freak. He’s the most terrifying defensive force in the country. His presence around the rim makes the Wildcats one of the best defensive teams in the country, and that wouldn’t change even if I was playing the two. His offense is starting to come around now as well. This week, in wins over Tennessee and South Carolina, Davis averaged 20.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 7.5 bpg.
Nerlens Noel to visit UK Feb. 18, wants to hear from Duke // John Clay's Sidelines
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I'd love a Shabazz and Noel package deal..
because that package would, in my mind, deliver a 9th National Championship and the 2nd of Back-to-Back trophy seasons ;)
Bleed Blue
+1
"I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s the worst celebration of all time. I didn’t know what to do. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
by HansonManCrush on Feb 6, 2012 2:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
That idea flashed through my mind immediately, ...
when I heard Noel had switched into the 2012 class.
Essentially all recruiting analysts suggest it’s a race between Kentucky and Syracuse for Noel and between Kentucky, UNLV and UCLA for Muhammad, making Kentucky the only realistic opportunity for both to play on the same team. Until a recruit actually commits, the amount of uncertainty for fans watching from outside the process is obviously huge – but, having said that, because the decision of both Muhammad and Noel could easily be favorably impacted by the decision of the other, I think it is very likely that Cal lands both.
The opportunity to play on a team already loaded with 5-star players coached by Cal at Kentucky with fans like the BBN is already an enticement I can’t imagine how any one-n-done lottery pick can resist. Add the tremendous, one would think overwhelming, compulsion for the remaining prospect once either Noel or Muhammad should commit to UK, to play on that team instantly favored for the national championship in their only year in college, … it absolutely should happen.
Agree completely-
If you are a one and done type player, who dreams of an NBA future, and UK wants you…. The choice seems simple…
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
I can't see how a young kid in today's time could pick Stigma University over UK - Noel is smart enough to know that
Shabazz is just playing it close to the vest waiting for exactly what I don’t have a clue. No matter who comes back, if any do, he’ll have as many minutes as he could want on next years team.
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
That's a lotta links.....
Super Bowl game was awesome, commercials; blase, halftime show was sad….of course I didn’t like Madonna much when she was taking her clothes off when she sang…..lol
Duke looked weak against Miami. They were not aggressive, and they certainly did not play as a team. …..was actually a little disappointing for anyone who has seen them play in the past.
Cuonzo Martin may end up being the hire of the century for Tennessee. Give him a couple years worth of recruits who play his style of ball, and they are going to be even more of a handful than they are now. The Stokes pickup was a real coup…..I had heard some disparaging things about him, but he seems to be the real deal.
Nerlens Noel…..I really hope I have to get used to saying that name.
The UK Hoops squad has a week to find themselves again before they have to go to Knoxville. I think they will, but it is going to be a tough, tough game. And on national TV too.
I don’t know what to think of Florida, they are a good team. but if the Cats show up loaded for bear like last week, they will become another statistic. Do you use different bait for hunting Gators than hunting Gamecocks?
I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 6, 2012 2:23 PM EST reply actions
Back in the day - when Madonna did disrobe I thought it added a little something spicy and extra to the performance - that's just me
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
Greg, ...
Cuonzo Martin is not known for his recruiting – he’s always going to get good players but the only reason he landed Stokes was the lack of options given the timing of Jarnell’s decision. If Kentucky or any number of other top programs had had a scholarship to offer, it is very unlikely he would have wound up in Knoxville, imo.
agree on stokes
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Feb 7, 2012 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
I thought Madonna looked good and performed well.
Especially considering her age. I don’t particularly care for everything she has done in her life, but I like her work. Maybe not the recent stuff so much, but definitely the 80’s & 90’s. I remember when she first came out with ‘Borderline’ – I told my friends she had talent and might end up being a star. None of them believed me. Those were my younger and more impressionable years.
Kentucky Basketball - The Reason for Living
Younger, more impressionable and ...
apparently very perceptive years! ;-)
Yes, her musical talent was not the only thing I noticed back then.
I was very near hopeless.
Gosh – that was back when we had records. Actual records. I still have all of them in storage, though they are probably useless after all this time.
Kentucky Basketball - The Reason for Living
Interesting. Very Interesting.
1) At the Vaught link Ryan Harrow talks about how Coach wants them to use twitter to build their brand. What is Ryan 20 and he is talking about his and by inference the UK brand? Remarkable. Cal really gets it and makes sure the kids get it.
2) I loved the comment about Jones smiling. As I mentioned over the weekend, mother was very happy about that as well.
3) As I have mentioned before, the wife is a Buckeye. I try to avoid ever creating any friction about it ( after Knight made the winning shot last year I simply said what a good game and quickly walked out to the garage and did a happy dance). However, after the UT game I said dear, OSU is good, but with this defense UK would beat them pretty badly. After the SC game she said, I think you are right.
The team two years ago was bracing after so many dry years, but this team has a chance to be one of the greatest teams ever.
4) Last year’s team exceeded all expectations because it had a will to win that was a joy to watch and had to be scary to the opposition. It appears to me this team is developing the same thing.
5) Congratulations to Teague for getting it. Great dedication on his part. I think he can shoot it better and play faster while remaining under complete control. I think we will see that in the next month.
6) We will know his transformation is complete when he starts looking at Coach when they are having a 1v1 instead of looking away as he does now.
by darkandbloody@gmail.com on Feb 6, 2012 3:21 PM EST reply actions
#6 is spot on
Via TV you never can tell what is being said, but you can see body language and facial expressions. I’ve honestly come to the opinion when Teague looks away like that, he is registering and sorting what he is being told; that he just does that better without making eye contact, nodding etc. Earlier in the year, it sure looked like he was ignoring some of the coaches remarks.
It gets better when they are no longer in big time learning mode and the coach is reminding them rather than teaching them. Then the eye contact, body language etc, all seems to improve. We’re getting there. As has been said here before, we’re still growing, this could be a scary good team.
Go Big Blue!
The Super Bowl was super boring
The end was moderately exciting, but the rest of it was dull. Seeing Brady get flagged for intentional grounding on a ball thrown deep was fun though. SB Commercials have been mostly terrible for some time now and I don’t see that changing anytime soon – companies seem more interested in promoting the commercials in the week leading up to the game than they do in actually producing a slick, funny, clever one.
Anyone who thinks that Florida gets a 2 seed with a 6-2 record down the stretch clearly doesn’t understand the seeding process. The only way Florida gets a 2 seed is beating UK twice and that just isn’t going to happen. Syracuse, Ohio St, Kansas, Missouri, UNC, Baylor, and even Duke all have stronger cases than the Gators.
Statistics is the part of mathematics that God didn't invent. - Ethan Smith
I'm with you - I turned it off after the Alien movie ended on another channel - I flipped back and forth
With the Saints out I had no interest in the game at all.
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
Well Kansas Cat
You are ahead of me. I wouldn’t watch it if they played next door. An I don’t watch commercials.
Florida coming to Rupp always prompts me to watch this video
Highlights of the 2003 beatdown.
Notable comment from Dan Schulman: “You can tell this Kentucky team enjoys defense and enjoys passing as much as they enjoy scoring individually.” Now doesn’t that sound familiar this year?
Statistics is the part of mathematics that God didn't invent. - Ethan Smith
Thanks for the link-
This video will fire you up for a game against the hated Gators…
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
Troy Williams, a 2013 SF, says he's is committing somewhere soon
His “hint” was that he wants to get paid to play ball after college. From what I’ve seen, his final 2 is UK and UNC, so that’s not really much of a hint.
Here’s a link to his ESPN profile (they have him 6th overall in 2013):
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/102679/troy-williams
Saturday Was Calipari's 100th Game At UK
35-3, then 29-9, now 23-1. Overall 87-13. Not bad.
I think Rupp has a higher % in his first 100 at UK. Not 100% sure of that.
87% winning pct
I guess we’ll keep him ;-)
Statistics is the part of mathematics that God didn't invent. - Ethan Smith
The NCAA kinda screwed Cal on his winning percentage making Enes ineligible
He would have been worth a few extra wins last season.
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
anybody see this mess?
i’m sure it was Coach K giving the usual pre-game hype for the other team so I hope he doesn’t really believe what he said….
http://eye-on-college-basketball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/26283066/34726709
I have kleptomania,
but when it gets bad,
I take something for it.
Should Krzyzewski follow Calhoun into retirement?
“The only thing that might change it is what the NBA does,” Coach K said on SiriusXM’s Inside College Basketball on Monday afternoon. “We’re slaves to what the NBA does with the early-entry. If they ever put that in on a two-year basis, you’ll see more dominant teams.”
You know, it’s statements like this that make me wonder if his reputation for intelligence isn’t way overblown. Changing the NBA age limitation to 20 from 19, wouldn’t have much of an impact. Consider this – the response to the anticipated lockout has effectively created nearly the exact same NCAA basketball environment this season as if a two-n-done rule was in effect. The reality is Krzyzewski misses Kyrie Irving.
Duke lost Irving, a significant loss not doubt, and one which may have had some consequences for the Blue Devils, but point guard isn’t where Duke is hurting this year. Seth Curry is doing a credible if not inspired job, keeping Duke in the top-10. Duke is feeling the loss of their upper classmen Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler. The Dukies’ problems have come from the likes of the Plumlee Brothers, Andre Dawkins and Ryan Kelly who would have been playing major minutes – Kyrie Irving or no Kyrie Irving. No, Krzyzewski needed an excuse for his team’s failure to meet expectations and the NBA boogieman makes an excellent, if irrational, straw man.
They are still in the top ten
based on reputation and some sort of obscene worship of Coach K.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
UNC may be the most talented team.
I think that is a judgment call. I would personally disagree, but others whom I respect have made the same assessment, and I can show by Rivals’ ratings that UNC does have a more talented team than Kentucky, Syracuse or Ohio St.
With that said, I do disagree with Coach K.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
No, but they do measure talent.
I didn’t say they were the best team, only that the statement that they are the most talented is plenty defensible.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Duke just isn't physical enough and has no consistent low post threat - the Plumlee boys are good but not great players
Yesterday they blew six straight FT’s in the last few minutes of overtime – astonishing to see them do that on their home-court. Oh, by the way, I loved every minute of the game.
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
I actually turned it off when it went to OT.
I thought that Miami had blown their chance and Duke would run them over in the overtime. I was looking at some scores on a website and saw that it was still close so I turned it back on. Glad I did, I love the look on the dookie’s faces and Coach K when they lose.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
The Crazies were in shock and losing to a team that wasn't even considered a bubble team till this win
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
Well I guess for some
Duke’s being overrated is paying some dividends.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
This guy did new helmet designs for multiple conferences.
This is only perpetuating the stigma that Kentucky is a basketball only school.
you can find the rest here.
http://www.lostlettermen.com/2-5-2012-pac-12-sec-helmets-concepts/
By the way. Your bball team is awesome.
- FOW
Call me crazy, but I like it.....lol.....
Admittedly it is a slap in the face of the football team, but it does have some zip to it!
I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 7, 2012 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
well, there is that big basketball on there.....lol
I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 7, 2012 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
as an outsider, that's kinda how I see it.
But Kentucky had some pretty good Football teams in the 2000’s. So, hopefully you guys will be able to get things rolling again.
- FOW
by skandrewj62j on Feb 8, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
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