WHERE DEY IS NOW? Alumni report: Keith Bogans

by JL Blue on Oct 31, 2007 8:34 AM EDT in Basketball Comment 20 comments

Not that many people probably remember this now, or rather even know it existed, but this site actually grew out of a blogspot blog I started for my rantings and ravings.

The name of that blog was Bogans' Heroes, named for my favorite Tubby Smith recruited player, and a guy who may be the best all-around player in school history, though few give him much credit.

Keith Bogans' non-participation in a Final Four probably excludes him from the Rafters at Rupp (or new Rupp ... or Fifth Third Arena et al, ad nauseum), but that shouldn't diminish that he was the only player in UK history to score 1,700 points, amass 500+ rebounds and dish out 300+ dimes. He also added 150+ steals.

So it is with some pride and a little positive nod to former Coach Tubby Smith that I post a little NBA update on Mr. Bogans, who will open this season as the starting two-guard for the Orlando Magic.

From the article and from following my former fave Cat, it's clear Bogans took a lot from his college days, and it's paid off. While many of his McDonalds All-American peers were scoring at will in college and doing little else, Bogans was busting his hump learning aggressive man-to-man defense. And now, while he isn't exactly the star that he might have expected he be at age 18, Bogans is starting in the NBA, not for a rec league or some Turkish also-ran. Whither Joe Forte, hmm?

"Whether I'm starting or not I know I bring something to this team," he said. "I play defense first and I want to guard the best guy every night. Whether he gives me 40 points or I shut him down, I want that challenge of guarding the best guy."

Turns out, Bogans' transformation from a junior year flop to a senior year leader was more formative than we initially believed. And good for him.

As much as we UK fans have raked Smith over the coals for his perceived lack of player development -- and for turning the few high profile recruits' offensive skills into mush -- the defensive whiz's track record for churning out guys who get at it defensely is impressive. Tayshaun Prince, Rajon Rondo, Chuck Hayes, Bogans, Kelenna Azubuike and even new Knick Randolph Morris all are making the grade defensively and doing the little things coaches love. Sure, we could harp on how most of those guys didn't light it up offensively, but they're all in the league. And while some of those lottery picks finish out their guaranteed contracts and fade away, look who's starting in the NBA now? (Hint: all of those guys not named Morris).

So as you scan your box scores over breakfast, remember that while the familiar Wildcats names might not have impressive scoring numbers after their names, they are exceptional all-around talents, whose will and hard work make them invaluable to their teams.

Exactly as Tubby would have wanted. Bravo, gentlemen.

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Not enough

If Bogans was just a little bit healthier against Dwyane Wade, we would have squeaked by Marquette and gotten Bogans to the Final 4.

The Online Home of the Big Blue Nation...

by TheFakeGimelMartinez on Oct 30, 2007 9:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

About that ...

I do wonder. Keith was a great defender, but Wade that night, was ... ethereal, like a god or a superhero blessed with powers beyond the ken of mortal men.

I don't think a healthy Bogans would have been enough against such a player. It was his night, and it was his destiny.

He was only slightly better in his NBA championship than he was that night. Very slightly.

by Truzenzuzex on Oct 30, 2007 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

not just wade

obviously wade was absolutely amazing that night and had more to do that win than anyone, but diener and novak shot out of their minds too.

i think wade would still have had an awesome game, but bogans would have made him work harder for everything. plus he would have made all the marquette guards work harder on the defensive end.

but you could see, as soon as he left, the team was a bit deflated for a little while. bogans was the absolute leader of that team in every way.

GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

by UKWildCatFanatic on Oct 30, 2007 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bogans

It's not just the Marquette game. If Bogans had been healthy for Wisconsin, Estill would not have needed to play the entire game just to provide some offense. He was clearly worn down against Marquette and had he been fresher he would have been a bigger factor offensively and defensively.

As for Bogans, the question isn't whether he would have prevented Wade from getting a triple double. As mentioned elsewhere, Wade was outstanding that night and even a healthy Bogans might not have stopped him.

But he would have slowed Wade down. It would have been a bit harder for Wade to play well. Meanwhile, Bogans would have been an even bigger factor offensively, making it harder for Marquette to guard him.

You could see it on the very first play of the game: UK wins the tip and Bogans has a breakaway to the basket. A healthy Bogans dunks that ball and gets fouled. A hobbled Bogans puts up a meek layup that doesn't go in because he gets fouled.

There is no question in my mind that if Bogans had not been injured in the Wisconsin game, UK would have beaten Marquette in a close game.

Looking for a rock to wind a piece of string around.

by JLeverenz on Oct 31, 2007 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

"There is no question in my mind that if Bogans had not been injured in the Wisconsin game, UK would have beaten Marquette in a close game."

I agree.

by Clandestine on Oct 31, 2007 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Marquette

I hate Marquette!

by Ken Howlett on Oct 30, 2007 10:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bogan's Heros

I am proud to see where BH has come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I have alway's loved your rants JL!

by wilson452 on Oct 30, 2007 11:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ahh ...

so fitting that you should recall Bogan's Heroes to us, a site I loved. Yes, it was Blogger, but it was such fun.

Those were good old days. Not that SB Nation isn't better, mind you, but I'm old, and nostalgia comes easy to the minds of the elderly.

I still go there, now and then. To Bogan's Heroes, I mean. Sounds crazy, but I do. It's like visiting the house you grew up in.

Kudos to Keith, and kudos to you, JL, for reminding me of ... a lot of things.

Ah, nostalgia ...

by Truzenzuzex on Oct 30, 2007 11:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bogans

While they were playing in college, how many people would have taken Bogans over Gaines?

Bogans was one of the best leaders UK has had in many years, and there have been some really efective leaders for UK in the past 20 years.
As he bought into what the coaches were selling, the rest of the team followed suit. That act of faith was responsible for one of the most enjoyable regular seasons in the last 30 years.

He's had a solid career to this point. I hope he capitalizes on this opportunity he has to make a name for himself.

Excellent work JL.

by Ken Howlett on Oct 31, 2007 3:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Opprtunity

Stan Van Gundy has given Bogans more opportunity than the last Magic coach did. Its great to see him starting in front of JJ Reddick.

I believe Chuck has lost his starting job with the Rockets to Luis Scola from Argentina. He still gets at least 25 minutes a game though.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Oct 31, 2007 9:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hayes

I watched the Rockets last night, and Chuck was still starting over Scola. Scola looks like he's going to have trouble adjusting to the NBA's foul-calling, so Chuck's spot should be safe for now. On a team where 41-year-old Dikembe Mutombo is still getting significant minutes in the frontcourt, I think Hayes will have staying power, even if it ultimately ends up being off the bench.

by Acdixon on Oct 31, 2007 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Prince

I dressed up in a Pistons Prince Jersey for halloween at work.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Oct 31, 2007 9:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Prince

I've got him on my fantasy basketball team this year! LOL

by Acdixon on Oct 31, 2007 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

chuck

That rocks that Chuck started last night.

I didnt get to watch the first quarter but Scola was starting a lot of preseason games and even though it's the preseason I thought he might be starting last night as well.

I hope Chuck keeps his job. Scola is pretty good. The transition from international ball to the nba can be a little rocky as they are very different games. I expect Scola to take a few months to figure it out.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Oct 31, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

More on Hayes/Scola

I believe Doug Collins commented last night that he thought Scola could become Houston's Manu Ginobili. Manu is the energy sixth-man, and Scola could be that for the Rockets as well, which would leave Chuck in the starting role. Judging from last night, though, Mike James might have the role of energy sixth man locked up for the Rockets. Regardless, I think Scola and Hayes both fit Rick Adelman's system pretty well, and should continue to contribute significantly for the foreseeable future.

by Acdixon on Oct 31, 2007 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

bogans heroes

I checked out Bogan's Heroes on blogspot. Its just a bunch of indoor cricket team scores now.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Oct 31, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's because ...

you went to the wrong place.

Here is JL's old blog.

by Truzenzuzex on Oct 31, 2007 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

good stuff. thanks.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Oct 31, 2007 11:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agree

I think Chuck's going to pull down around 25 minutes a night whether he's starting or coming off the bench so it might not matter who starts.

Chuck and Scola give the Rockets something very different from the other so they each will be utilized.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Oct 31, 2007 12:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for noticing...

This is just one reason why this Blog is one of the best...guys like Bogans are commonly overlooked. Guys like Bogans and Hayes are the backbone of a team. I had totally forgotten that Tubby DID recruit Bogans and he really did develop well and to see him starting in the NBA is great. I have always gravitated to the guys who were true "team players" and maybe aren't a superstar, but are great at all the fundamentals and show good leadership and energy on the floor. Bogans exemplified those qualities and I hope Billy G. ensures he keeps "anchor" guys like that on his teams. There is a lot to be said about a guy who cana actually understand and PLAY the game!

by ukfansinga on Nov 1, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs