For the first time in over a month John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats were able to have a week in between games for practice. They are coming off of their best performances of the season, shooting and otherwise, and are ready to face a Harvard Crimson team that may not be as tough as some thought they would be.
Whatever the case may be with the opponent, the Cats should be ready to rock. Guys are finally looking comfortable in their positions and the shots are falling. The ball sharing is becoming a thing of beauty and they have at leas one guy in Kevin Knox that they can count on every game for scoring.
I know it’s still early but this team is rounding into form. Today is just another step in the process.
Catch the action today at 3:30 PM on ESPN.
Tweet of the Day
Sources telling us that @ChancellorDav is getting ready to announce Reid Sigmon as your next AD. Vol Twitter has to stand up and say NO! Make your voice heard on Twitter and by calling UT officials. @UTPresidentJoe @BillHaslam #retweet #vols
— Tony Basilio (@TonyBasilio) December 1, 2017
Good Lord... This ended up not being the case as Phil Fulmer was hired but man what a dumpster fire the Vol Twitter mob has become.
Quickies
Cal keeps fans guessing about how good the team really is | Lexington Herald Leader- “So we’re not as bad as I have to project so you people won’t expect too much,” Calipari said, prompting a burst of merriment from Rotarians. “But we still have a lot of room to grow.” I think Calipari is holding things close to the vest.
Bol Bol discusses picking Oregon over UK | SEC Country- Bol Bol never got over the fact that he was cut from the U19 team that Calipari coached this summer. It’s a shame that the five star player didn’t understand that it wasn’t all Cal’s decision. Whatever. And good luck to him.
Related:
It was going to take a crazy effort to end @OregonMBB's nation-best 46 game home winning streak, and Boise State did just that tonight (at the buzzer): pic.twitter.com/HrV7auYQ3d
— Preston Hiefield (@PC_Hiefield) December 2, 2017
March Madness in December!
Calipari focused on the process | Coach Cal.com- The players talk recruiting and how the pitch is coming to a reality in their first season at Kentucky. Maybe losing to Kansas put things in perspective for the young team.
Keldon Johnson working on Zion Williamson | KSR- Future Wildcat Keldon Johnson took place in the Marshall County Hoopfest last night where he scored 16 points on 6-17 shooting. When asked about recruiting, Johnson said he plans on reaching out to Zion Williamson and five star big man Moses Brown to seal the deal for UK.
Wildcats vs. Hilltoppers for volleyball Sweet 16 | Lexington Herald Leader- In the first round of the NCAA tournament, the Wildcats knocked off ETSU and WKU knocked off Notre Dame. Now the two instate teams will have a showdown in Memorial Coliseum today for the right to go to the Sweet 16.
Mark Stoops listed as possible replacement for Jimbo Fisher at FSU | Sporting News- Although I would consider this a long-shot unless FSU runs out of their top options, Stoops has a history in Tallahassee and his success at Kentucky has put him on the short list of candidates to fill the coaching vacancy.
Mark Stoops, Kentucky
Stoops served as a defensive coordinator at Florida State under Fisher, and he has enjoyed moderate success at Kentucky over the past five seasons. This wouldn't be a splash hire, but Stoops is a solid recruiter.
Rick Pitino’s pictures removed from practice facility | WDRB- The University of Louisville has started the process of scrubbing the slime of Pitino from their premises. I noticed when I was at the Kentucky/Vermont basketball game, that Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall, Tubby Smith, and Cal had their moments during the pre-game hype video. Noticeably absent was Pitino. I don’t think his banner should be taken down from Rupp but then again I wouldn’t be too broken up about it if it was at some point.
Related:
Rick pitino was right on the money when he said Donovan Mitchell needed one more year at uofl. What a buffoon. https://t.co/AiWLpvRbms
— James Streble (@JStreble82) December 2, 2017
The one thing constant in Rick’s career was how much he looked out for himself above all others.
Jimbo Fisher reaches most lucrative deal in history | ESPN- The Texas A&M Aggies got their man in Fisher and boy did they break out the checkbook for it. He will be compensated $75 million over the next 10 years. Nick Saban is speaking to his agent right now.
Predicting college basketball conference champs | CBS Sports- Only Gary Parrish picks Kentucky to win the SEC while the rest of the staff over at CBS are split between Florida and Texas A&M, which is completely fair. The Aggies and the Gators have been extremely good so far. SEC play is going to be a grind.
Total toss up here, but we're giving the Gators the edge over Texas A&M and Florida ever so slightly. Mike White's guard-heavy team is the most fun in the SEC, and perhaps the best unit overall.
Tennessee owes former AD John Currie and former coaches $18 million | Sporting News- As soon as the Vols looked to be getting things together as Currie was about to hire Mike Leach, the administration pulled the rug out from under the deal and fired Currie in a bizarre turn of events. Now they owe a ton of money to terminated employees while they are still looking for a football coach. On Rocky Top!
How conference championships can shake up the playoffs | ESPN- The USC Trojans became the first conference title winner last night with a win over Stanford but the PAC 12 won’t factor into the playoffs. All eyes are on the SEC, the ACC, the Big 12, and the B1G in what could be a crazy day.