Good morning, BBN. As you all know by now the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Texas Longhorns has been canceled due to COVID protocols affecting both teams. There’s no word yet about whether or not the Cats will play on Tuesday against the Missouri Tigers.
Until then, we can talk about former Wildcats, I suppose. Right now there isn’t a hotter rookie in the NBA other than Immanuel Quickley. Last night, the former Wildcat put up 25 points and went 5-8 from beyond the arch. He led the New Your Knicks to a win last night and his team improved to 9-11 on the season.
Quickley’s leap from bench guard, to SEC Player of the Year, to an NBA Rookie star is not something many of us saw coming during his freshman season at UK. His work ethic and drive continue to make good things happen for him. If there is one player that Calipari needs to talk to his current team, it’s Quickley.
They could learn from Quickley what it takes to be successful and he can tell them about the benefits of returning to Kentucky with the right kind of attitude.
Tweets of the Day
Immanuel Quickley's celebration pic.twitter.com/6C8amDjPhH
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) January 30, 2021
The kid’s having some fun.
Coach Chaney and I fought every game we competed – as everyone knows, sometimes literally – but in the end he was my friend. Throughout my career, we would talk about basketball and life. I will miss those talks and I will my friend. Rest in peace, Coach! pic.twitter.com/0JGcQ7JPOO
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) January 29, 2021
John Chaney was a giant in the eighties and nineties. His Temple teams were always tough as nails, just like their coach. RIP, John Chaney.
Quickies
Gavin Wimsatt sets his top nine | Cats Pause- Wimsatt is the top player in the state of Kentucky, the second ranked dual threat quarterback in the nation, and a top 40 recruit. His top nine includes Kentucky, Notre Dame, Louisville, and Ole Miss among others.
Did losing the Texas game slam the door on the tourney? | Your Sports Edge- The Cats lose out on a quality win against a ranked opponent. They don’t have many more chances to counter bad losses against Georgia, Auburn, Notre Dame, etc... Unless the Cats when the SEC tourney, they’re done.
What’s to blame for Kentucky’s and Duke’s struggles? | USA Today- Youth is the culprit here as two of the country’s top programs have been abysmal all season. Both teams need to adopt a model that includes cultivating players over an extended period of time rather than just getting the best young talent as the only way to win.
Nolan Hickman has a goal | Cats Pause- The fast rising guard is turning heads and the Kentucky commit wants to be Kentucky’s starting point guard next season. Unless Skyy Clark reclassifies, Hickman won’t have much competition for that honor.
Five thoughts on the SEC/Big 12 Challenge | Saturdays Down South- Since Kentucky isn’t going to be a part of this, maybe I’ll go back and watch the win at Texas Tech from last season.
Picks for the SEC/Big 12 Challenge | CBS- No surprise the folks at CBS likes the Big 12 as that conference has dominated the event over the years.
St. Louis scores in blockbuster trade | ESPN- I’m not into baseball whatsoever but I know this news will make our Reds fans’ blood boil.
Number 15 Kentucky to host Missouri | UK Athletics- The Women’s team continues to be ranked and will have a chance to add another win on Sunday.
Max Duffy and Drake Jackson ready for senior bowl | Cats Pause- The game is today at 2:30 PM on the NFL Network.