Basking in the glow of unexpected victory

I have also been wondering what this team is doing differently in practice in regards to free-throws.  Specifically what has changed between Tubby to Gillispie - I have heard that they no longer make free-throws a part of the practice.  Can that really make this huge of a difference?

I was also amazed to see Gillispie crack a smile; that's something I can't even recall seeing during his tenure at A&M.

There is much more movement in the offensive sets and more direction on the offensive side of the ball. Tubby clearly had more plays installed BUT there is much less pounding of the ball outside the three point line.

On defense I like the straight in your face deny the pass man better than the ball line. It's more entertaining to see players get up in someone's jersey.

I think a lot of UK fans who whine about the tempo dont know squat about basketball. We all say that UK fans are among the most educated basketball fans but those who comlpain about tempo sure dont exhibit any knowledge. The game has changed since Pitino came to UK and people need to get with the times. Look at Pitino's own numbers at UofL. They tell a much different story. I sure havent seen the Phoenix Suns win a championship yet and until I do I'll take effciency and substance over running and jacking up three's any day of the week.

I think you're spot on (as usual) regarding why we've seen the improvement -- experience. At the risk of sounding like I'm piling on Tubby, I think a good number of us wanted to see more Stevenson and less Sheray Thomas last year. Yes, Thomas was more consistent, but Stevenson had more upside. Unfortunately, that upside could only be realized through playing time against quality opponents. Tubby would rather go with the known quantity in Thomas than weather the learning process with Stevenson.

Gillispie proved that he wasn't afraid of the growing pains (or perhaps he didn't have any choice but to live with them) and now he is reaping the benefits in the form of a possible low-post compliment to P-Pat. Remember when Stevenson got 5 fouls in 8 minutes against UNC and Gillispie called it his best game all year? There's no teacher like learning from your own mistakes.

Here's hoping this kind of player development proves to be one of Coach G's strengths. If he can recruit the best players and then make them better, we'll be back to our rightful position at the top of the college basketball world sooner rather than later.

Im not sure if he was ESPN's POG.

The Vanderbilt victory isn't even in the same ballpark as the UT win, in my opinion. Not only is UT much better than Vandy, but UK played a much more complete ballgame against UT.

Vandy was a great win because that game signalled the beginning of the "turnaround". We saw for the first time an emergence of an understanding of how to play Clyde's defense.

UT is a season changing win because of their ranking, and the fact that UK played, by far, their best game of the season. That's twice we have said that in the last 4 games. Another good sign.

Stevenson has been showing glimmers of excellence, but Tuesday night he put on his cape.
Although Patterson and Bradley had terrific ballgames, I thought Stevenson was the player of the game for UK. Confidence I think is the key component of his improved play. He is handling and passing the rock much better, Tru I feel hit the nail on the head about the high-low execution betwen Patterson and Stevenson.

All UK fans are aware and have witnessed great passing big men. That attribute can lead to a lot of W's. The new guys aren't Eric Daniels just yet, but a definite improvement has been noted.

I am in the minority on this, but I don't care what style Clyde, or any other coach plays, as long as it's a winning style.

I don't think one can overstate the fact that Bradley was an absolute beast. This is soooo good to see. We have nearly all year bemoaned the fact that Ramel wasn't a leader, couldn't be a leader, won't be a leader, etc, etc. Uhh, I think I am convinced now.

He has lead in a variety of different ways over the last 4-5 games. But mostly his is leading by his improved play. Defensively, ball-handling wise, decision making, he's scoring when UK needs him to, and he is hitting his game clinching free throws.

Locking down Lofton was impresive to watch. UT sets numerous screens for #5, but Bradley fought through, around, under and over most of the screens he was hit with. His energy level was incredible, especially considering he has played every minute of the last 4 games. (save 30 seconds Tuesday)

I like the way Tru articulated Bradley's revival: taking ownership. Bradley has seemingly taken ownership of this team. Tru used the word in describing Ramel's improved play at the lead guard, but I think it extends to all areas of his play and attitude. This is a real opportunity to erase all of the negative feelings people have about his 4 years.

With the amount of minutes some of the players are logging, is anyone other than me a little worrried about them hitting the "wall".

I think this team CAN win a majority of their remaining games. With the continued improvement of Meeks and Jaspers health, these guys will be dangerous, as long as they don't forget their lunch pails when they go to work.

I am happiest for Gillispie. He has seemed happy with the players effort all season, but now he's just glowing about their effort and execution. It must be very satisfying for him, considering all of the butcher jobs he has sat through this year.