Tarheels astern, Hoosier's dead ahead. Damn the torpedoes ...

by Truzenzuzex on Dec 2, 2007 1:49 PM EST in Commentary Comment 42 comments

The day after North Carolina, I am not happy.

It isn't that Kentucky did not compete hard -- they did. Billy Gillispie said so, and if they played hard enough to please him, what can I offer? In fact, I agree with him that Kentucky played very hard. Unfortunately, they didn't play well.

My mind is in conflict. I hate losing to North Carolina. I hate it a lot, and losing four times in a row to them makes it impossible for me to actually enjoy any progress Coach Gillispie may see in the team. I'm sorry, coach, but I hate losing to the Tarheels, and we haven't known victory over them in four long years. The part of my mind that hates to lose to the Chapel Hill elitists makes me angry and frustrated. Yes, it seemed inevitable, but since when does proud Kentucky bow willingly to a bitter foe? Not in my lifetime. Fortunately for my sanity, we didn't bow willingly this time, either. But bow we did.

But then, reason takes over and I have to look at what is now behind us. We have lots of excuses for losing that game -- injuries, a talent deficit, starting walk-ons, new coach, new system, etc. I hate excuses. I hate them even worse when you can't actually ignore or reject them as facile and unsportsmanlike. I am as guilty as the next guy or gal of leaning on them a bit too much.

Let's face it, folks, we compete with the team we have, not with the team we want. Nobody wants to have to start Mark Coury and Michael Porter. Coury is a walk-on with tremendous heart and work ethic, but certainly does not possess the athletic or basketball skills to take Kentucky to the promised land. Maybe he can develop some of them, but likely not enough to be a starter on a team that could compete at the highest level. I never say never, but I must say rarely. Michael Porter is a different story -- he was recruited to be a back-up point guard for his toughness, shooting ability, and savvy. But he is not yet ready, and may never be ready, to log starter's minutes on a team that will actually compete at the highest level. Ty Lawson left him in the dust several times yesterday, and Mark Coury was unable to deliver anything other than a big body underneath.

So what is the truth about this Kentucky team? Did they really show us enough yesterday to hope they may actually be competitive with the top 25 teams in the land this year?

I say no. I am an optimist, but we have to look at what we have seen. North Carolina is more talented, but that will be the case for them against almost every team they play this year. BYU is no more talented overall than Kentucky, but they did much more against North Carolina on a neutral floor than Kentucky was able to do against them in Rupp Arena. Gillispie may be pleased, but I look at the team and wonder what will have to happen to make us into a BYU, let alone a North Carolina.

How many years will it take for Crawford and Bradley to figure out that you can't take the game into your own hands whenever you feel like it? How many years will it take them to learn to value possessions? How many years will it take for them to learn how to be part of a team effort, and not cogs that seem to be running in their own little machine? This is not a knock on their ability, it's a knock on their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the team. Bradley will do so one game, then revert back to form. His missing of a team meeting is an example of a larger problem, the idea that he places himself not only above the team, but above anything else. This is not what Kentucky fans expect from their players. This is not what a leader does.

Crawford? It's his world, and we're just living in it. It shows every time he plays. He will show you signs, like yesterday, where he actually passed the ball off a dribble drive to an open shooter. He did it twice, at least, and I have to say I have never ever seen him do that before. But when you look at the game as a whole, it was just more of the same from Joe -- missed defensive assignments, taking plays off, trying to make offensive moves from a position of weakness resulting in turnovers. In other words, you can put lipstick on a pig, but that doesn't turn it into a supermodel. Who wound up getting floorburns yesterday? Not Joe. It never is. How many charges did Crawford take? I'm not hating on Joe, I love that he is trying -- but can he get there from here? That's what I'm asking. Forget the apology that "these are just kids" for a second and look at them in a team context -- can he get there from here?

Patrick Patterson is the only player I have seen so far this year who is actually delivering for the team, and I am not talking about skills or numbers. I am talking about attitude and mental toughness. He never takes a play off. He shares the ball. He demands it at the right time. He does the dirty work. He defends every ... single ... possession. He hates to lose, and shows that loathing in an unmistakable mask of anger and frustration. When was the last time Crawford or Bradley showed us, even a little bit, how much they hate to lose, and how proud they are to wear the Kentucky uniform? Remember Chuck Hayes? When the team lost, brothers and sisters, you always knew Chuck was not happy. Crawford and Bradley? Not so much. One attitude shows leadership, the other does not. I don't think I need to tell you which is which. Making triangles with your hands is not leadership.

This team is soft. It is selfish -- not in a ball-hog kind of way, but in a sacrifice kind of way. Too few of our best players are willing to sacrifice anything for team success, apparently even to the extent of being on time for a team meeting or staying awake during a film session. Yes, we have seen this before, but never on our better teams, and it isn't as if this team can get by on talent.

Was this game an improvement? Maybe a little. Do I suddenly feel like we will be fine this year? No, buddy -- not even. Kentucky has not found either the cohesion or the consistency of effort to succeed this year. These guys still look like puzzle pieces that don't belong in the same puzzle, and as long as this is true, success will be difficult and fleeting. I have seen many articles today expressing optimism, but this isn't one, at least not the kind of optimism I have seen elsewhere. My Big Blue shades have to come off for awhile, lest I be trapped forever in an unreality that we Kentucky fans really shouldn't be living in. I'm not saying I'm going all negative on the Cats -- far from it. But honesty demands that we face what we see, not what we wish. What we see now is a team that is not ready to be even a good team, let alone compete at the highest level. I know they will get better, but to get where they need to be, there has to be a fundamental change, 95% of it mental, that has yet to occur.

So I'm calling for a change of leadership. It's time for Ramel Bradley to become the Executive Officer, and Patrick Patterson to take over as Captain of the USS Wildcat. I know I am asking a lot, and Patterson may not be willing to take the reigns of leadership of the winningest program in history at such a tender age, and Bradley may not be willing to surrender his authority. Maybe Gillispie is unwilling to demote a senior and elevate a freshman. Nevertheless, that is what must happen if Kentucky is to maximize its potential this year. Ramel Bradley cannot get us there. He has proven it more than often enough for me.

It's time, freshman. Take the mantle you have earned by deeds in your short tenure, rather than inherited by longevity. Join Gillispie on the bridge, and take your rightful place as the leader of this team. It will be hard, and you will face opposition from within and without. But just as the cream always rises to the top in a bottle of fresh milk, you must face the reality of nature. You are ready for leadership, Patrick -- take the conn.

0 recs | Comment 42 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Season ahead

This was a hurtful, negative truthful and totally necessary analysis of the team we love. All BB glasses need to come off. It is hard to freely examine our team because of love and habit but Tru has made a good analysis of the team and the players on the floor for the NC game. I hate NC also. This is a loss streak that is unacceptable. I could never root for Michael Jordan....admired his talent that was vast but never a fan because he is NC...so losing to that school is on my list of hard loses. The effort of our team was great at times on Saturday but the outcome was unsatisfactory. Some played. Some tried too hard in the wrong ways. Some still do not get it. I have no real solutions but two strong impressions. Bradley and Crawford cannot get the team there....where ever there may be. Bradley and Crawford did not play any better for Mr. Smith than they will for Mr. Gillispie. They both play like many star high schoolers who never get the other game...the team one. Bradley has stayed because he has no easy path to the big stage....and he does not respect the stage he has. Crawford. He is a mystery to me. He has moments but the next game he just has other moments not connected with last game's moments thus not enough progress is made to change his total game. These two may be seniors but they are not leaders.

The new players....they have a variety of skills and certain lack of many more. PPatterson is the one given. He does not take any time off. A leader comes from play not class standing. Patterson may be a freshman but he is the floor general and if he sees this as his role we will have a good....not a great season....but good one that will give fans many minutes of joy. If we watch BCG attempt to teach Bradley and Crawford his game I am sure it will be a long season beginning in January.

by CAWebb on Dec 2, 2007 3:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Great article

I agree that some of this optimism is misplaced. Did they look like they would lose to Garner-Webb, no. Did they look like they could compete against the likes of SC and Auburn, yes. This is good news since the team that showed up against Stony Brook would have lost against any team in the SEC. Did the team look like they could compete for an SEC title, No. Let's be honest with ourselves, this team has exactly one game under its belt during which it looked like it had any shot at a tourney bid. Forget about a top 25 ranking. I'm not trying to bash on the Cats, I'm trying to make some sort of optimistic but realistic expectations. Let's lay it all out on the table, put politics aside, and finally make some rational evaluation of this team.

Although the cupboard certainly isn't "bare," such a claim is asinine and belongs in the same class as "worst team ever," the fact of the matter is that this team (in its likely configuration for the year) is lacking in upper echelon talent. I'm sick of people pointing out how many 4 and 5 star recruits we have on the team. All those stars mean is that someone thought the high school player had the talent to compete at the top of the college ranks. Sometimes that means something sometimes it doesn't. While Bradley and Crawford certainly have the athletic ability to play on a championship team, it has become painfully clear that they lack the mental ability to do so. That is, they may simply not be smart enough to understand how to play at the top level or they may lack the mental maturity or toughness required to lead their team. There are no juniors to step up and become leaders and the only sophomores that could really do so are injured. While I'm with Tru in thinking that PP should take on the leadership role, I'm not really sure if he's mature enough to do so yet. The problem is not just lack of leadership talent, but a simple lack of talented players at crucial positions. We lack a true point guard that can compete at this level, we lack any true center. We have exactly one power forward who has the ability to play on a top 25 team. As for our swingmen/small forwards, while Stewart, Stevenson and Harris are improving, none of them would see significant playing time at UNC, UCLA or even Duke. So let's stop kidding ourselves that this team really has the talent to be a top 25 team. Because, despite the number of 4 and 5 star players, the talent level is not really there. And the team lacks the leadership to overachieve.

So what should we do, resign ourselves to a crappy year? Yes and no. Will the team achieve as much as most of the teams have in the last 16 years or so? Probably not. But it is unreasonable to expect this team to match the teams in the immediate past. I think it is reasonable to expect this team to have a winning record. I think it is reasonable to expect this team to at least compete in the middle of the pack in the SEC. I think it is reasonable to expect this team to at least be a bubble team for the NCAA. I don't think it is reasonable to expect anything else. I don't think it is reasonable to expect this team to beat UL, IU, UF or UT. While I hope and wish this team can beat those teams and end up with 25 wins and a 4 seed, I'm not going to get all bent out of shape if those hopes and wishes don't come true.

by senowen on Dec 2, 2007 3:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Tru

I think I saw a different game or at least I have to disagree with some of your post but certainly not all.

I think your right that Patterson needs to step up and become the leader of this team. G has said the same himself but has also said the pat is deferring to the seniors. That certainly has to stop.

As far as Joe and Ramel I agree that they will never be great leaders BUT I do think their play was not as bad as you make it out to be yesterday. Crawford hit the deck at least once ans so did Ramel. They may not be exactly what we want BUT they are trying and I think Bill G would be really put out by your assertion. I have a feeling UK will be very competitive in the SEC this season even and will make the NCAA's and be out in the first or second round. Maybe it's just me but I felt like your post was a bit of a departure from your usual reasonable self.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Dec 2, 2007 4:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

I think Tru's article was right on. Far from being unreasonable, I think it was one of the first realistic evaluations I have seen of the team this year. I also think you may have missed something in the article. I don't think Tru meant that Bradley and Crawford didn't TRY hard. They certainly did try hard. But they failed to LEAD the team. They failed to play within the system. They tried hard, but they tried to go it alone. That's not going to get the team to where it needs to be. I think the will to be leaders is there, but the leadership ability is lacking in these two. That's the number 1 reason why this team will struggle all year.

by senowen on Dec 2, 2007 5:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Tru Article

Guys, it certainly is reasonable to expect Kentucky to defeat Indiana or Louisville this season.

Georgia Tech came close in Blomington and GT is younger than UK.

Louisville is missing injured players at critical spots.

Buck up! All is not lost. Pull for the team to play hard and play unselfishly. That should deliver at least one marquee victory.

by Ford Prefect on Dec 2, 2007 5:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Ford ...

and congratulations to the Tarheels for a well-earned victory.

But we do know how to root for our team, and while we appreciate well-intentioned advice from other team supporters, it isn't necessary in this case, especially on this blog.

Sometimes, supporting your team takes a bit more than rah-rah. Sometimes, you have to look at reality, even when it isn't what you want to see.

We will have our victories, marquee and otherwise, but not if we play like we did yesterday. We must have more, and even though the team played hard, they didn't play well.

We have no fears about the destination, but it serves no purpose to ignore the process of getting there. The process right now is not creating the kind of improvement most of us want to see. The very definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result.

That's why I would like to see a leadership change. Ramel Bradley has tried to lead, but he is coming up short. It is as plain as the nose on Cyrano De Bergrac's proverbial face. He has had four years to develop into a leader, and in my judgment, he has not done so.

Sometimes, you need more than just a desire to lead -- you need a certain capacity, which I have concluded that Ramel lacks. He hustles, he plays hard, he has skill, but he isn't a good leader for this team. It's time for him to face that fact.

I have confidence in our coach and in our team. But I also have to face the truth, and tell it the way I see it. That is what our members expect from A Sea of Blue, and we intend to deliver.

by Truzenzuzex on Dec 2, 2007 6:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Article is Off Base

First of all, we need to basically blow off this season and look at this season only from a team development standpoint. There has been measurable improvement from the first game of the year and that is all we need to know. Two starters hurt, 2 seniors that are not leaders, and the rest Freshman and Sophomores. Tubby left us bare and we have to build it back up. The future is bright.....we just have to walk there instead of run there. You guys will be either jumping off buildings or asking for BCG's head by New Years.....both of which are very unfortunate. We will lose a few more games and probably to teams that we don't like (note: I saw some of the U of L game yesterday and they have work to do). Let's just watch the players develop. My only concern....ONLY concern this year is why Legion is not playing as much. I think that a starting lineup of Bradley, Crawford, Legion, Patterson and Stewart can hang with a few good teams and if Jasper and Meeks come back this year, we can be a pretty good team that could match last year's effort. But we must look to the future and not over-analyze every single step this team makes.....you will drive yourself crazy....

by Chuck Alexinis on Dec 2, 2007 5:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I appreciate ...

what you are saying. But in my opinion, you are concerned about the wrong things.

Legion will get playing time when he earns it. That is what Coach has said, and I believe him. I am unconcerned about who starts the game, and I don't know why so many are. What matters is who gets the job done. This is supposed to be a basketball team, not a popularity contest, and concern about starters is a popularity contest.

What we need is to see a little determination, a little unselfishness, and less concern about who is starting the game. Paraphrasing Rick Pitino, "it isn't who starts, it's who finishes". You can say many things about Traitor Rick, but he knows his basketball, and about that, he is right.

by Truzenzuzex on Dec 2, 2007 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

Tru's comments did knock at least Crawfords effort

"But when you look at the game as a whole, it was just more of the same from Joe -- missed defensive assignments, taking plays off, trying to make offensive moves from a position of weakness resulting in turnovers"

and while there were a couple of ill advised drives by Crawford I though both players played more within the system than they have all season. Not great by any means but I certainly saw much progress. I didnt really see either one of them not value possessions yesterday. Crawford got called for a couple of crappy palming calls and Bradley had as many turnovers as Porter who got much praise from Tru. Yes I know Bradley only had two assists BUT his point production totally outweighs porters assist contribution. Bradley is never going to be the pure point that we all want him to be but I think with progress he could be a Chauncey Billups type point.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Dec 2, 2007 6:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I took umbrage ...

with what I saw from him. Crawford wants to play offense, and he apparently believes that that is his only role on this team.

All you have to do is watch him closely on defense. He doesn't take charges. He misses assignments. He doesn't dive on the floor. He takes possessions off. He rarely makes great passes. He doesn't do the little things that great players do. He doesn't want to do those things, he wants to shoot the basketball.

These are facts of his game since has been to Kentucky, and for close observers, they are undisputed. Can he change? Yes, absolutely. But will he?

I don't know. But in my humble opinion, these are the reasons Gillispie has been on him all year. Jodie Meeks does the little things. He takes charges, plays defense, gets on the floor. Why can't Joe?

by Truzenzuzex on Dec 2, 2007 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Joe

I really think Joe has played differently some this year. I think he has made more effort on defense. I've seen him do many things so far that I haven't seen last year. I know he's hit the floor a couple times, going for steals. He's a world ahead of Legion and Stewart defensively, and I think he will continue to improve. He's potentially the best player on the floor, but he does lapse back into bad habits dribbling too much. I think part of that is maybe a lack of trust in his teammates. I don't know.

Watching UNC run their fast breaks with passes and the ball hardly hitting the floor, I found myself wondering why we can't do that. The outlet passes all go to Bradley or Joe or Porter and they just dribble all over the place. That's a lot easier for the opponents defense to adjust to.

Although teams like UNC absolutely have stronger talent, I feel that IF Crawford and Bradley are out there trying to do what Coach G wants(that is the big IF) I think we can matchup well with most teams and make a decent tourney run. A lot can happen between now and then. I'm still excited for this team and look forward to each game. Beat IU!

by cthom on Dec 2, 2007 8:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Their true intentions are

to get to the NBA. zzzzz!zzzzzzzzzz!zz That's what I see when I watch Ramel & Joe with the ball. Those exclamations were the highlights. You don't get a quick trip to the NBA with that kind of effort. Look at Chuck Hayes. This guy wasn't known for his scoring prowess or as heavily recruited but he consistently gets it done on the court. Just about EVERY NBA guru, scout, analyst, commentator, etc were echoing the theme that Tay would never start in the NBA and HE CONSISTENTLY GETS IT DONE ON THE COURT! Joe and Ramel CAN consistently get it done on the court but are having troubles doing it at the COLLEGE LEVEL in their SENIOR SEASON. Their dream of going to the NBA is being pissed down the drain as well as a banner season in the WILDCAT HOMESTEAD.

So in all it is one of the true reasons that Wildcat fans are disappointed with Joe and Ramel. We are saddened for their dream to not come to fruition because it doesn't help our dream either. Look who's being selfish now I guess. :)

Here's to Joe and Ramel having their dream come true and we fans get to rejoice their continued dominence at the next level (maybe replacing Billips?) while watching them take it out RIGHT NOW at this level.

by bluecrip on Dec 3, 2007 3:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

G and Joe

I get what your saying about Joe and I agree with what you are saying about Ramel but G seems more pleased with Joe's play of late. It hasn't been stellar and I completely agree that hustle and defense aren't Joe's natural proclivity but he has been doing quite a bit more for Joe (if not for jodie) than he used to. I dont think it was yesterday but he did take a charge and a recent game and I know he ended up on the court diving after the ball yesterday. He also had a number of timely rebounds in traffic. I agree with you about Joe and Ramel's leadership I just think they are making more strides than you are willing to credit them because we have to have something to complain about because we lost. We lost becuase UNC was a better team but I certainly saw some progress out there that you didnt yesterday and judging from G's comments he did too.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Dec 2, 2007 8:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

You aren't looking at reality.

Sorry, but this wasn't optimistically nor realistically written; it was a well-worded rant, inspired by a low-down feeling from losing to the same team four years running now.

Saying that if we play like we did yesterday, we'll fall against top 25 talent is ludicrous. You based our performance against UNC based on the performance of a BYU team that didn't see Lawson, nor as well of a UNC team as we did. UNC is good--better than us--but that doesn't mean we will lose to Indiana, or Louisville, or whatever other ranked teams we face.

Crawford and Bradley are working, and they are improving, however slow a process that might be--you have to remember, above all else...

...this was the teams first [b]ranked[/b] opponent. Of course we aren't going to look like we were playing Texas Southern or even Stony Brook. That doesn't mean we need to cast eye on some psuedo-realistic assumption that the team will not succeed? No.

Last year, we didn't beat a single ranked opponent, and we still went to the 2nd round of the NCAA.

| ride | the | lightning |

by paralyzer on Dec 2, 2007 8:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I am optimistic ...

and I believe I am looking at reality. We will get better, because quite frankly, we could hardly get much worse.

Who could we have beaten playing like we did? I don't think we could have handled BYU. Or USC, or for that matter, Davidson. I won't even discuss the teams further up the food chain.

Sorry, Paralyzer, but we will just have to agree to disagree about this. UNC didn't even bring their B game, and they handled us easily. Let me say it again for emphasis -- easily. Effortlessly. As in, barely broke a sweat. The North Carolina fans barely noticed the game. That's how one-sided this was. They took their foot off the gas, or we would have been embarrassed. We hung tough in the first half, and then they squashed us. That is what happened.

I would love to put lipstick on that pig, but it can't be done by a rational person, and I refuse to say "but the Cats played our asses off!" That's what the Cats are supposed to do, and I don't pat people on the back for doing their job to minimum competency. Yes, we saw some increased toughness, and that is certainly something. As Gillispie said, there appears to be a "heartbeat", but the patient is still in critical condition, and it is touch and go right now.

You are mistaking determined, hard effort with good basketball. The two are different, and the reason our determined effort was not rewarded is because players spent too much time doing the right thing at the wrong time. We kept trying to feed the post from 25 feet. Not a good idea. Bradley had 2 whole assists, and two turnovers. Crawford had five turnovers, including two palming calls. Did we ever score on a run out? I don't think so. Did we give up run outs? Oh, yeah.

Crawford and Bradley are working hard, but they are not doing the things they should be doing, and Crawford still takes possessions off and misses assignments. He is a senior -- he is supposed to be setting a good example on defense, not an average one. We are doing a lousy job of blocking out, and we are getting pounded on the glass by nearly everyone, even much smaller teams. We aren't that friggin' small, hell, UNC is no taller on the front line than we are in the starting five.

Improvement for Crawford and Bradley should not be incremental. These guys are seniors -- they should be able to do this before anyone else -- first, not last. They should be the ones hitting the floor first, not Porter and Patterson and Stewart.

This isn't a negative rant. When I offer one of those, you won't mistake it for anything else. This is simply what I consider talking to our team like a Dutch uncle -- I'm not pulling punches and I'm not picking on anyone -- heck, tomorrow I'll be going back to rah-rah. If our players are proud of the effort the put forth, fine, they should be. But if they are proud of how they played basketball, they have more to learn than I thought.

If this team can't get mentally tougher, we are in for a very long season. That's why I say that Patterson should take over the reigns on the court. He has enough mental toughness for everyone, and he will have those guys hostile and mobile if he is willing. Joe and Ramel and the rest need to be led, that's all. A little leadership and their maturity and skill will take over. But in my opinion, neither one of those guys is up to the job of leading this team, regardless of their class.

by Truzenzuzex on Dec 2, 2007 11:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Tru, you and I are like oil and water..

hard to believe we wathced the same game. UK did play good. If UK played poorly they would have been beaten by 30+.

UNC is better. Much better. For now. BG will recruit and the talent depth at UK we be restored from the depths of OVCness left by Tubby.

I saw a tough UK team that was physical and had an attitude. I saw Joe Crawford drive the lane and score, knock down the three and even pass the ball. I saw Porter scared to death and play like a guy who would be challenging for time at EKU.

I also believe Patterson is the leader of this team. Hands down. Next year (hate those two words) with Meeks and Jasper back and the talented athletic freshman we will have, UK will be back on top the SEC and threaten for a Final Four.. Patterson is just that good.

by BeatUL on Dec 2, 2007 8:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Oh, C'mon now ...

we're like salt and pepper -- two great tastes that go great together. :-)

As I said above, North Carolina barely broke a sweat. They took their foot off the gas. I don't know whether it would have made me madder; to be embarrassed or to know that the other team let up. I guess it really doesn't matter.

I agree that we did show some physical toughness that has been missing, and that is most definitely a positive. And I'm not willing to give up on this year, next year may never come. To quote Sugarland, "Armageddon may be knockin' at the door -- but I ain't gonna answer, that's for shore."

I'm not waiting for next year. I want my good UK ball, and I want it right soon. I'm tired of hearing about talent and injuries, lets just play good ball with what we have. We have done a lot more with a lot less than this. We are Kentucky, and by God, that's worth something. I want to see some Kentucky basketball, and I'm not willing to wait till next year for it.

by Truzenzuzex on Dec 2, 2007 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I am not sure

we have had less since probation

by BeatUL on Dec 3, 2007 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Off subject...

...but the Cats are returning to the Music City Bowl. They will be playing against Florida State.

| ride | the | lightning |

by paralyzer on Dec 2, 2007 9:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Sweet ...

if we can take down FSU.

Very sweet. Kentucky loves Nashville, it's becoming Catlanta North.

by Truzenzuzex on Dec 2, 2007 11:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you

to Tru first and Senowen second. I hit the comments link after reading Tru's article to say thank you and a lot more. Naturally I read the other comments and Senowen expressed my thoughts (and more) succinctly. CHEERS!!!

It hurts not to be able to boast to my fellow sports enthusiasts that my Cats are favored to win the SEC !AGAIN! and barring freak accidents a deep tourney run was inevitable. It really hurts to know that Vandy is pretty good this year again and that win streak is liable to get extended some more. (VANDY!?!?! whuh?) What I want to know is who slapped the college basketball universe out of kilter and stuck us in the fringe?

What helps is being able to discuss it with others. I enjoy the rah rah stuff after a loss but as a basketball junkie, the reality is easier to digest for upcoming games. I don't think I could have stomached the Gardner Webb loss had Coach G not been real with us, the fans, in his UCA post game press conference. Okay, I still haven't stomached it but my point is that these losses we will experience this season will be easier to digest if we look at it realistically.

I personally don't think Tru has given up on our team one iota. I know I haven't! As a blogger you must have content & good content can come from your True feelings! Just as our boys must get a few floorburns in their fight for victory so must the good blogger in their fight for good discussion. Keep up the good work ASOB!!!!!

by bluecrip on Dec 2, 2007 9:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Not so sure

I am not going to make excuses, those have already been rattled off and are too numerous to mention. However, I will say this....Kentucky can and will be a good TEAM! Do you have a bad habit? Biting your nails, picking your nose (Patterson), or smoking? Those are hard to change, but they can be changed with time. The same can be said for selfish play. I believe that eventually everything will fall into place when it needs to. WE will be competitive in the SEC. It is just 6 games into a LONG season. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will this team be. There is talent, according to those close to the team it is a close group, and those two things will help us get things on track!! Have faith Big Blue Nation. GO CATS!!!

by coachshaffer on Dec 2, 2007 10:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Tru

Who said anything about Tru giving up on the team?

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Dec 2, 2007 10:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Truly.

I will never give up. That's why wrote this -- I want to see this team play to it's potential, it it's potential is considerable.

But we are Kentucky fans, and we can be honest with each other about the team we love. We don't have to be negative, but we can't call something good basketball that just isn't. Good hustle, sure, good effort, absolutely. But what we have seen so far isn't good basketball, and we need some around here.

by Truzenzuzex on Dec 2, 2007 11:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Post

an excellent post to be sure.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Dec 2, 2007 10:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

This year

Who knows how this season will turn out. It's a very real possibility that we will miss the tournament this year, and boy will that hurt Big Blue Nation. But you know what? The attitude going into this season by most people was that it was going to be a very turbulent ride, and I'm just going to enjoy watching this team grow without very high expectations. It hurts losing to UNC, but I step back and look at Texas A&M this year and realize that we will be better than that in the future.

by GregJ on Dec 3, 2007 12:03 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Very Good Point

I have been keeping an eye on A&M also.

They are a team full of athletes, who can absolutely ball. Jordan is a big time big man.

If Gillispie can bring that type of talent to UK, he's going to enjoy his stay in Lexington. He's off to an awfully good start. But, it is reassuring to see the excellent team he left behind in College Station.

TRU'S TAKE

You know, I understand where Tru's coming from with his thoughts. He has simply grown weary of waiting on Bradley and Crawford to play fundamentally sound basketball. They have yet to accomplish this feat in 3+ years. He was hoping leadership would come from one of those two. It has not. Now the 'Cats have to look to a freshman for some sort of example of what it takes to win games. A freshman seems to be the only player on the team to produce consistent results, consistent defense, consistent rebounding, and consistent hard play.

A team, with two seniors who have played a lot of college minutes, should look for guidance and leadership from those two experienced players. But alas, it is not to be. This, is what upsets Tru so much.

Prior to the season I was forecasting Meeks as the team leader. The reason for this is because of what is going on now. No leadership from Bradley or Crawford. Unfortunatley, Meeks' injury renders him unable to truly lead.

I think we all, as UK fans, have at one time or another felt the way Tru does now. Complete, and total frustration. Whether it be a game, or a season, or whatever, we have all considered punching a hole in the drywall because of something involving UK basketball. (I broke a mirror at my parents house when UK lost to LSU in the Elite 8 in 1986. Ooops!)

I'm a glass half-full guy. I see definite progress. My point of view is a bit different though. I was not expecting either Crawford or Bradley to display any tangible leadership qualities. Neither can be mistaken for Chuck Hayes. So I have no disappointment related to those two.

Actually they have played about as I expected. Bradley, playing out of position, has been unsteady under pressure, as he was last year. But he is shooting less, and looking to at least attempt to get everyone involved. Although, he had only 2 dimes yesterday. His 19 points were needed in a big way Saturday. Until someone other than Patterson, Crawford, or Bradley displays some confidence in their shot, Ramel will be called upon for more point production. With Meeks out I don't see anyone else stepping up. Perhaps if Legion starts practicing better, he will earn more primetime minutes. He certainly has the talent to contibute this year.

One good thing: North Carolina is the best team on UK's schedule. Kentucky will not play anyone with that much talent the rest of the year.

My wager is that by early January this team will be performing much better. They have shown flashes of understanding.

I don't care to think about the alternative.

by Ken Howlett on Dec 3, 2007 12:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Patterson

I think towards the end of the season we'll see Patterson become more and more of a leader on the floor. He WILL be center of our team and the guy everybody looks to for leadership. I do know that when (not if) he leaves early, it's gonna hurt me more than any player in recent memory. Until then, I won't take him for granted.

by GregJ on Dec 3, 2007 1:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

To tell you the truth ...

I'm not really upset. And I agree that there has been some progress.

My observation is that the progress we have seen is not the progress we should expect. That is where I fault our seniors, and it is a bitter pill to finally conclude (some would say belatedly) that we won't have the type of senior leadership Kentucky is accustomed to. That's not the end of the world, though, and I completely agree that this team will perform better, maybe even spectacularly so.

But some things have to truly change for it to reach it's potential. I understand Bradley's scoring is important to the team, we can't succeed without both him and Crawford playing good basketball. I'm not calling for them to be benched or thrown off the team or anything, they just need to have roles they can handle. With all due respect to both these fine young men, leading this team just isn't something they are suited for.

But I also can't look at the game against North Carolina and call that good basketball. There were some good moments, there always are. They were just too few and far between. North Carolina is a talented team, but last year's Florida team would beat them soundly anytime, and if they had played the game they just played against us, they would have been embarrassed against Horford, Noah and Co. by worse than they beat us.

Just like most everyone, I was pleased with effort and the physicality we saw. But other than that, there was very little to point to and say, "That's progress!"

by Truzenzuzex on Dec 3, 2007 6:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Tru

I agree with most everything you wrote.

I would add one caveat: From Gardner-Webb to Norht Carolina, I feel the progress has been significant. Now granted, the progression starting line is about a low as one team go, but they are playing much better, regardless of the seniors lack of leadership. Am I happy with their performance? No. They did not win, so how can I be satisfied? But, given the circumstances, improvement from week to week until they reach full capacity is what I expect. I may be alone, but that's how I feel.

You are 100% right about UNC taking their boot off of UK's neck. Whether intentional or not, it happened. In the interest of the collective confidence of the team, I am glad it happened.

by Ken Howlett on Dec 3, 2007 4:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

UK basketball will be back

I agree with Tru... time to start expecting better production, and soon. Not next year, soon. I saw your Cats display physical toughness against UNC. Defensively, they were very disruptive to what the Tarheels wanted them to do -- Carolina's FG % was horrible.

I'm not sure beating UNC is in the cards this year. They're bigger, tougher, more athletic and more gifted. They are coached by one of the best. They have lofty aspirations in 2008.

I do think the score could have been a little bit closer. It also could have been a lot worse. It sure seemed like UNC started to coast late in the game.

Patrick Patterson is obviously the best player on this current incarnation of the team. When Jodie Meeks returns, maybe that'll change, but for now, this is the guy you want to represent Kentucky attitude. Dude doesn't like to lose.

Ramel Bradley's been given countless opportunities to step up. He just doesn't have "it". Crawford's been streaky his entire career. These seniors need to be relegated to "worker bee" status and let the young talent take over.

Overall I think Gillispie is on the right track. This team is offensively challenged and only a combination of experience for some and fresh talent to replace others will change that.

Orange & Blue Hue http://www.orangeandbluehue.com

by Gatorpilot on Dec 3, 2007 8:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Moral victory?

Since when did the Cats team, coaches, or fans accept a 9 point loss at home a moral victory. And to a hated rival? High expectations will bring superior effort and I think this team will improve through the year IF we get our injured players back.

Stinky Blue

by Stinky Blue on Dec 3, 2007 10:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Moral Victory?

No one said anything about a moral victory. We all hate to lose.

Tru,

Welcome to the revelation that Bradley and Crawford won't ever be great leaders. I think Im not that upset about them becuase I never expected much out of them in the first place. You can't play three years the way both did and them magically turn into a great college basketball player and leader of the team.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Dec 3, 2007 10:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Knowing I'll Be Burned

I will still continue with my thoughts and as "asinine" as it may be I stand firmly in the group shouting that in fact the cupboard is bare! Is it bare of talent? Maybe not. Is it bare of leadership? As much has been admitted.

As I will undoubtedly be burned let us continue with other buzz words that inflame BBN. Petino!! Let us remember that during Petino's first year at Kentucky saw the birth of "The Unforgettables". If memory serves me correctly that team was 14 and 14 including a 50 point loss at Kansas. It was a team that gives me as much pride as any national championship team and was the beginnings of a memorable run.

When I contend the cupboard is bare lets compare that team and the current edition. BCG's first team has more talent.....no doubt. They can never compare to the heart of The Unforgettables. Therein is the difference.

From the movie "Invincable". A team with more character will beat a team with better talent. While looking for character.......the cupboard is bare.

by modcpa on Dec 3, 2007 10:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

all part of being Big Blue Nation

In the most recent post, Tru takes UK fans to task for being "negative" (worst team ever).

In this article, Tru turns negative himself.

Funny

In both cases, people spin off the original words - correctly and incorrectly - and create their own positive and negative spins.

I don't have a problem with Tru being negative or postive - all writers are just processing what they saw. I welcome all comments (except the sophmoric foolish and that guy we ran off earlier in the fall for being a constant pain)

It's all part of the intensity that comes with the territory.

I would, however, encourage Billy Clyde to ignore it all and focus on basketball.

by run and gun on Dec 3, 2007 11:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don't think ...

this was a negative article at all.

What it was intended to be was a rejection of the idea that everything is OK and on schedule.

It isn't.

It's a rejection of the idea that the UNC game was a good game where we just fell a little short.

It wasn't.

It's a rejection of the idea that we can't honestly examine our team's weaknesses, strengths and problems without being "negative".

Is it tough? Is it fair? Yes, I think so, but you can be tough and fair at the same time.

by Truzenzuzex on Dec 3, 2007 12:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

negative

I didn't find your article negative either....but obviously some did.....and I could see how it could be taken in a negative light

Maybe the guy saying that this is the worst KY team ever didn't mean to be negative.....pretty strong statement and certainly not what I would choose to talk about with Pat if given the opportunity....but understandable given a home loss to Gardner Webb, and a front line that includes a true freshman, a walk-on and guy so skinny that I could push him out of bounds

Now, my last line...was it positive, negative, real, fair or mean-spirited?.........it's all in the mood and mind of the beholder...and thus, my point

One thing I do enjoy about your writing.....fair and balanced - not too rosy or negative.....very real

by run and gun on Dec 3, 2007 1:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Der Sekretary

Surprised to see you channeling our beloved former Sec. of Defense, as he was mocked for his similar statement.

But I digress ...

I think you've taken the short view here, and that's entirely your prerogative. I have felt this tinge of anger myself, just that feeling like perhaps we'll never reach lofty levels again.

But I think we need more patience. Gardner-Webb losses aside, we just hung with the No. 2 team in the land despite lacking two starters and fielding a team that included a walk-on and a random still recovering Alaskan dude who won't shoot the ball.

I'm not into moral victories, but did you really expect more? If you did, that's your issue, not this team's.

There's a lot of blame being tossed around, and that's the nature of sports, I guess. I just don't see how one can decide one night that the end is nigh and the next that things are looking up.

Then again, wouldn't that pretty much define Big Blue Nation?

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Dec 3, 2007 2:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe my memory is lacking

but I seem to remember you prognosticating that this team would do very well this year. That was pre-Meeks of course, but my feeling at the time was that you thought that Bradley and Crawford would lead this team to achieve more than last year. Was that incorrect?

Nevertheless, being the originator of this site and also the person that I know you are, I KNOW that you have an opinion about what this team can achieve. So, in short, what do you think is a reasonable expectation for the results of this season? What kind of result would make this a successful year considering the personnel likely to see playing time this year?

by senowen on Dec 3, 2007 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You ARE correct ...

... count me as one who felt this season had a lot more promise before I saw the result of having no depth.

In short, I was quickly brought back to earth by reality.

The injuries to Jasper and Meeks hold all the keys. If those two are not capable of being even close to 100%, this season is all about getting to the NCAAs.

With them back, mostly healthy, and integrated into the rotation, you're looking at a totally different team.

But, yes, I suffered from "premature elation."

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Dec 3, 2007 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

expectations

I think anyone that considered this team (with a frontline of Patrick Patterson and no one) as Top 20 material was suffering from premature elation....even before the injuries.

That's not negative....just a fact that you don't compete against great teams without a frontline. I'm thrilled with BCG, the rebuilding, this team and the future - but facts are facts

by run and gun on Dec 3, 2007 7:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

When the truth is not positive...

...it does not mean it is negative. Didn't President Bill W Bushlinton say that?

Seriously, this is a good group of great kids. Some are gifted athletically and some not as much. Some are natural leaders and other more cheerleaders. To say this is not the best team, talent or cupboard UK has ever had is not being "negative" it is being true. Also, to lament the loss of Meeks, Jasper and Carter's confidence is not making excuses. It too is reality and it is not positive. To say it is the WORST EVER, well, that is just nuts and negative.

There are a group of politicians that refused to acknowledge any reality/negativity for an idea they wanted to try as they introduced it to the public and then as they enacted the plan. Ask them how that went and how it could have been better to face the non-positive prior to commitment. (Note, fill in any of the many ill-advised war plans throughout history)

As far as details, I would rather loose more this year and give the lion share of time to Legion and Stewart and play for tomorrow if RB and JC can't dig deep and lead us. Am I giving up? Not a chance in Hell. Paterson is worth the hours of watching and money for tickets. Paterson is the new Mashburn. Lead us youngster! Lead us!

by wilson452 on Dec 3, 2007 3:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs