A Sea Of Blue - Kentucky beats Monmouth: Everything to knowOnline Home of the Big Blue Nation: Kentucky Wildcats Sports for the Discerning Fanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46621/aseaof-fav.png2018-11-29T13:45:11-05:00http://www.aseaofblue.com/rss/stream/178813612018-11-29T13:45:11-05:002018-11-29T13:45:11-05:00John Calipari opens up about Nick Richards’ poor play and fall in the rotation
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<figcaption>Aaron Gershon - A Sea of Blue</figcaption>
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<p>Sophomore Nick Richards is having the same issues as last year, and it’s proving to be costly. </p> <p id="umd2js"><span>Nick Richards</span> did not see the court until 15 minutes after the opening tip.</p>
<p id="UmuCLL">Despite playing better in his short amount of time in the floor of Kentucky’s win over Monmouth last night, Head Coach John Calipari said to expect Richards to see fewer minutes as he is now the fourth big man behind P.J. Washington, <span>Reid Travis</span> and the man who jumped him <span>EJ Montgomery</span>. </p>
<p id="9faLZ4">“You do understand I only played three big guys,” Calipari said when asked about why Richards did not see much time on the floor. “Only three big guys played. I didn’t play four.”</p>
<p id="VRvojq">“So now who is the fourth big? Whoever chooses not to play with energy. Whoever goes to practice and if you’re not practicing, then you’re the fourth big, you’re out for a minute. Now you’ll get a chance to play, but you better play well because you’re that odd man out right now. So if you looked at our practice, you would say the fourth big on your team is Nick.”</p>
<aside id="GTDrAw"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Social media reactions to UK beating Monmouth & Louisville losing Jeff Brohm","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18117072/uk-basketball-social-media-twitter-kentucky-monmouth-louisville-jeff-brohm"},{"title":"Memphis East coach denies death threats being made by UK fans to James Wiseman","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/29/18117821/uk-recruiting-memphis-east-coach-james-wiseman-ncaa-basketball"}]}'></div></aside><p id="tr5pg7">This quote says a lot about the frustration level towards Richards poor play.</p>
<p id="XOfZpw">After a big performance in the Bahamas and then a solid night in Kentucky’s first regular season game at Rupp that saw Richards grab 19 rebounds against Southern Illinois, it seemed the sophomore might have turned the page on a rough freshman season.</p>
<p id="x1Pfqj">Unfortunately for the big man, that hasn’t been the case. The 6-11 center’s numbers have decreased from a year ago, as he is only averaging 4.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. </p>
<p id="MMtl9o">Richards also hasn’t played great on defense overall, and his effort has been questioned as Calipari stated. </p>
<p id="oJPhmk">For Richards to see the floor more often, he’s going to have to work harder than anyone in practice and make the most of his limited minutes. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/iamnickrichards?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamnickrichards</a> has been working on the post game for a good 15 minutes here pre game. Will he put it together tonight? <a href="https://twitter.com/ASeaOfBlue?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASeaOfBlue</a> <a href="https://t.co/pTElM9boGZ">pic.twitter.com/pTElM9boGZ</a></p>— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) <a href="https://twitter.com/agershon99/status/1067931190064222208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/29/18118041/college-basketball-uk-john-calipari-nick-richards-ej-montgomeryAaron Gershon2018-11-29T07:15:07-05:002018-11-29T07:15:07-05:00John Calipari and Wildcats talk big win over Monmouth
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<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Cal has a new defensive goal that he hopes brings more intensity from his team. </p> <p id="aX9leo">The No. 10 <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> improved to 6-1 after blowing out Monmouth by a final score of 90-44.</p>
<p id="f2y59q">It’s hard to argue that this wasn’t Kentucky’s best performance of the young 2018 season.</p>
<p id="dZaxGE">Kentucky’s defense finally came to play as they did allow Monmouth to hit a three-pointer until almost halfway through the second half. They held the Hawks off the board for five minutes to end the first half. </p>
<p id="MIxsUf">It was a big night for freshman <span>Tyler Herro</span>. He dominated on both sides of the ball leading the Cats in nearly every category with 16 points, five steals and eight rebounds.</p>
<p id="loErLe"><span>Quade Green</span> had a big night with a career-high four three-pointers, helping him to a 14-point night.</p>
<aside id="VwUN57"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Social media reactions to UK beating Monmouth & Louisville losing Jeff Brohm","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18117072/uk-basketball-social-media-twitter-kentucky-monmouth-louisville-jeff-brohm"},{"title":"Highlights, Box Score and Game MVP from Kentucky destroying Monmouth","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18117123/kentucky-wildcats-highlights-box-score-game-mvp-uk-monmouth-ncaa-basketball"}]}'></div></aside><p id="XhwGBz">Lastly, <span>Keldon Johnson</span> was good for double digits yet again dropping 15. </p>
<p id="HcHAda">This win for Kentucky has shown the fan base and nation what the team is capable of. </p>
<p id="wyjnRW">John Calipari and his players were more than happy to discuss the excellent effort post game.</p>
<p id="HlwPgC">Here’s what they had to say via UK Athletics: </p>
<h2 id="Ar7auZ">John Calipari</h2>
<p id="cqevlC"><strong>Q. How close was today?</strong></p>
<p id="Q13my1">JOHN CALIPARI: I have to watch the tape but it was, the energy was unbelievable and we just rode the guys that had energy. I said late in the game, we had a guy get beat two or three times straight line drives late. Seven minutes to go, you’re out. Ashton [Hagans] went in and settled it down. Which may look like Ashton should maybe be in the game the last part of the game. Let him be in there guarding and keeping people in front and mixing it up. Tyler [Herro] played well. I thought Keldon [Johnson] really did some really good stuff. And they’re figuring out to sub themselves. I left Reid [Travis] in there too long at the beginning of the game. He should have been in four, five minutes and -- the beginning of the game there’s anxiety and it’s not just playing the game, there’s all the stuff that goes with the beginning of the game. And then after that they settle down and played. A few turnovers we didn’t need to have but you know what, we passed the ball to each other, we were trying and again trying to get five, six seven guys in double figures, you know, it was good.</p>
<p id="twnm0b"></p>
<p id="duWBaP"><strong>Q. Yesterday you emphasized defense. How well do you think your guys did it deep into the shot clock tonight?</strong></p>
<p id="RLOo7i">JOHN CALIPARI: Better. Better. Look and I told them after, my whole career if my team’s not doing something, I look back at what I’m doing and what I’m teaching and saying, how do we do this. Because in most cases the teams I coach will do what I ask them to do. So am I not doing the right things, do we need to focus on other stuff? We are zeroed in right now defensively on what we have to do. Now we made some mistakes but effort and energy we scrambled, we didn’t stop as much. There were times where they left the -- they held them under four points and I went to sub and the guys in the game said, what? They don’t have six yet, leave us in. And they stayed in the game. And so they’re taking pride. We also added something, three stops in a row equals a kill. Now we had two stops in a row probably eight times, seven, eight times, nine. But we had five kills. That’s how you stretch games out. And you could say what you want, these guys are a little bit snake bit now because the game I watched they were up 12 the last game they played at home and they, the guy makes a three at the buzzer and beats them and so King [Rice], he’s going to get this thing right, they got a young team they’re inexperienced, but to be honest, they’re probably better than a couple teams we played already. And we didn’t do this to those teams. I told them, this is the best we played. And it’s because of what we did defensively. And as they guard, do you see them building their own confidence on offense? When you guard and you build confidence in yourself you’re going to be aggressive on offense too. Well, no, you take me out when I make a mistake. No, you got scored on four straight times, that’s why you didn’t have confidence. Don’t put that back to here. And so again, you play with that energy, you play with that, it’s easier. I told them I’m going to be tougher in the practices and lighten up in the games and accept where they are. We are who we are. I’m not going to try to force it along, we’re not skipping steps. This was a good first step for us.</p>
<p id="lWkNFp"></p>
<p id="eujjt2"><strong>Q. It hasn’t shown all the time but I think in right before the season started you said Tyler was a better defender than you realize. He’s now had two five steal games, when he’s locked in and engaged is that what he can do?</strong></p>
<p id="XT1Wx2">JOHN CALIPARI: And he anticipates, which we’re trying to do. I put on the board, to have defensive confidence, first of all you got to talk, so if everyone’s talking and they’re chattering you’re more confident. If you anticipate, you’re going to be more confident defensively. That’s what he does. The third part of it is, you have to trust that you’re teammates have your back if you try to do something. That’s help the helper. You’re going to get beat some. But if you’re aggressive and you know and you trust your team, you’ll go and do the stuff Tyler’s doing, you’ll run through, you’ll go for a steal that’s thrown over your head and your teammate steals it. We got to go from day one and just keep building. We did it this game, we have two days to prepare for this next game and this next team, Greensboro is really good, by the way, had LSU on the ropes at LSU. I mean they’re, this will be a hard game for us. And so we need it going into this stretch of games that we have coming up, which are all going to be hard games. So we needed this to say, here’s who is playing, if you’re not playing with energy, you’re not playing. I’m just not going to put you in. Or I’ll put you in with two minutes you choose not to play with energy, you’re out. No matter who it is. Because we have to get to that point to see what kind of team we are. But again, I’m telling you, it’s the best three-point shooting team I’ve had. Come on, Immanuel [Quickley], you can’t shoot 19 percent from the three. No. No. Not when you’re making 60 some shots in practice. Not when you -- no, you’re not, you have to, you add him to what we’re doing and he starts making threes, with Quade [Green], with Tyler, with Keldon and our bigs? Because our bigs can shoot. So now you have PJ [Washington] and you have Reid who can shoot threes. Now that’s what I’m saying, this team, we also did a little more random offense which helps Ashton. So we’re trying to -- I’m tweaking everything just trying to figure it out and again, this, a game, we needed a game like this. And it also, I thought E.J. [Montgomery] again just played with unbelievable energy. Had two steals and a block. Nick [Richards] went in and had three blocks in his time in there.</p>
<p id="GQbUgQ"></p>
<p id="R8qdxQ"><strong>Q. What should we make of Nick going from starting the last two games to not playing the first 16 minutes tonight?</strong></p>
<p id="YPjoio">JOHN CALIPARI: Because he’s behind those other three. Like in the Bahamas, you do understand I only played three big guys -- because everybody wants to talk about the Bahamas. Only three big guys played. I didn’t play four. So now who is the fourth big? Whoever chooses not to play with energy. Whoever goes to practice and if you’re not practicing then you’re the fourth big, you’re out for a minute. Now you’ll get a chance to play, but you better play well because you’re that odd man out right now. So if you looked at our practice you would say the fourth big on your team is Nick. At halftime you saw what I did. What did I do? Did you watch the game? Who did I? I started E.J. because he played with more energy than anybody else. I’m just going with the guys that are going to go with energy. We don’t need cool, I don’t care what it looks like, we got to get going. And holding them responsible for it and but when for me when I don’t have to coach that, I’m happy. Like today was a fun game for me to coach. I got on them a little bit like why would you do that, you’re doing what you’re choosing to do not what we’re asking to you do. So there were a couple of those. A couple crack downs that we didn’t get to to rebound balls. But the reality of it is we just played harder. Are you watching any games? I can’t stand watching games to know TV compared to how we were playing before. We’re not playing as hard as some of these other teams and I’m not used to that. Then I get frustrated, then I get mad, and then I’m not happy coaching. I am going to be happy coaching. You may not be happy because I’m not playing you much, but I’m going to be happy coaching. I’m just coaching guys that are going to go crazy and play hard and talk and fly around and we’ll play a little more random so you can play, but we got to get better.</p>
<p id="hNWILV"></p>
<p id="BO6Maw"><strong>Q. Was that trust you’re looking for on defense markedly improved today?</strong></p>
<p id="62eGyZ">JOHN CALIPARI: Yeah. Did you see us scramble and get to things and we, <a href="https://ukathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1929">Tony Barbee</a> said, we got to put in a transition defensive drill because that’s where our issues start. And we did it for two days and we did it today. It was great move. And again that’s why you have a staff of experienced coaches, so they can come up and have ideas too. And we did it for three days and all of a sudden our transition defense looked a little bit different today. Look, here’s what these guys need, they need reps with everything. We can’t practice for six hours. It doesn’t matter what it is, they need reps. We’re young, inexperienced, we need reps. So when I went to the random basketball stuff, we didn’t really do much man offense we didn’t do much zone offense just don’t have enough time with the reps these guys need. Defensive reps, playing the ball, transition defense, scrambling and helping, I mean we just need reps after rep and you know what, we’re not going to be good at everything, so let’s figure out what we need to do.</p>
<p id="7EuVBa"></p>
<p id="Jp6i07"><strong>Q. Is there any update on Jemarl [Baker]’s status right now?</strong></p>
<p id="dL2rbV">JOHN CALIPARI: It’s every day I look at the sheet it says he’s out, so he’s telling me his knee’s feeling better and so at some point when I look at that sheet it’s going to say full. Right now it says out. So, he’s out.</p>
<p id="c7Od8J"></p>
<p id="EEKCBS"><strong>Q. You guys attempted the most threes you’ve taken all season was that an emphasis going into today’s game to get more three-point shots up?</strong></p>
<p id="WddZLr">JOHN CALIPARI: I’ll say it again, this is the best three-point shooting team I’ve had since I’ve been here. We need to take between 18 and 24 threes. I don’t -- any time my teams historically have shot 30 threes, we don’t ever win. We just don’t. I don’t know why, the way I coach, the way the system is, the way we do this. But when you have a team like this they should shoot 18 to 24 threes. They really should. The second one is, any time my teams scored 84 points, we never lost in 30 years. We did this year. You score 84 points and you lose? How about you lose by 30, no, no, 40, could have been 50? So again, what our teams usually are, we’re getting closer, but now we got to play better competition he every time we play. This next game is tougher, the game after that is tougher on the road, the next game at home is tough, the next game is really tough. And the next game is going to be ridiculously hard. And then guess what? We start in our league that’s my guess right now if there’s a stronger league in the country we’re one or two when you talk top to bottom our league.</p>
<p id="yyV9K6"></p>
<p id="wZcAR4"><strong>Q. Can you talk about your relationship with King and playing Monmouth.</strong></p>
<p id="YvEMCJ">JOHN CALIPARI: Yeah, King and I go way back to where when he was at North Carolina as a player and I followed his career and I’ve watched him and been around him and I just have so much respect for him, not only as a coach but as a person and what he stand for. We had an opportunity to play in New York and it was like, hey, you got a pretty good team, I mean it was like a game that he appreciated the fact that we would play them because he can’t get games, it’s hard for them -- no one wants to play them. And they had won 28 or 27 and so, but I have no problem playing and being a part of a series with guys like him. Great coach. And again, like I watched the tapes, they were down five to West Virginia at half. They were down five. It was a 10 point game with a few minutes to go. One game they got beat pretty good. Every other game it has been anybody’s game. And he’s got young guys. So defensively and rebounding and they can’t afford foul trouble, but he’s a terrific guy, terrific coach, and now they just got to win a game because I think when they win a game they will go on a run of wins, I don’t know who they got coming up, they just got to win one.</p>
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<h2 id="shv3lw"><span>Ashton Hagans</span></h2>
<p id="8UYBAX"><em>On the origin of the energy they played with tonight…</em></p>
<p id="uS8XsS"> ”Practice has been way different. Before every drill, we’re running. We’re getting our conditioning in. We changed up the defensive strategy. We’re doing what we need to do on the defensive end. We’ll do some lunges, then we get right back to running. He [Calipari] is just trying to get us up and down the court to defend on transitions and half-court play.”</p>
<p id="ETiTda"> </p>
<p id="Xr7Cku"><em>On getting back to the basics…</em></p>
<p id="pfgMKt"> ”Like he [Calipari] said before, he tried to go too far in the beginning. We thought we were ready, but now it’s just going back to the small steps we need to work on now. Now, we’re just getting back to the defensive end, the offense is going to come. We’re just worried about defense.”</p>
<p id="0W8F8K"> </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/H23Ash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@H23Ash</a> just might be the defensive stopper the Cats need as he’s learned to be more vocal on the defensive end. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ASeaOfBlue?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASeaOfBlue</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ws3lKsHfTU">pic.twitter.com/Ws3lKsHfTU</a></p>— Greg Goins (@BBN_CoachG) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBN_CoachG/status/1068000662120800257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="okD70Z"><em>On having the greenlight from deep... </em></p>
<p id="iZvKuj"><em>”</em>Not really. I’m focused on attacking and getting my teammates the ball. We have some shooters – Quade (Green) and Tyler (Herro)… Keldon (Johnson) can knock down the 3 too. He’s better at driving though. If he’s open at the three-point line though, he’ll hit the shot. That’s what we expect though.</p>
<p id="So0rsx"> </p>
<h2 id="sI4gKe">Quade Green</h2>
<p id="GMSjNR"><em>On overall thoughts of the game…</em></p>
<p id="LmwDRs">”I felt good. Thanks to my teammates, they found me when I was open. Thanks to them, I was able to hit the shot.”</p>
<p id="aT8mdG"> </p>
<p id="nxAfY0"><em>On if he thinks this is the best 3-point shooting team at UK…</em></p>
<p id="J3pbW1">”I don’t know. I’ve never looked at it like that. I’m going to do some research and find out and I’ll get back with you all.”</p>
<p id="R0uXwn"> </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Q_Green1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Q_Green1</a> says a new defensive drill to stop transition is starting to pay off in a big way. The Cats held Monmouth to just 2-of-16 from behind the three-point line tonight. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ASeaOfBlue?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASeaOfBlue</a> <a href="https://t.co/1i5xBFNK9w">pic.twitter.com/1i5xBFNK9w</a></p>— Greg Goins (@BBN_CoachG) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBN_CoachG/status/1068001940410380288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="twjXez"><em>On Calipari saying this was the best game the team has played all season…</em></p>
<p id="U6gbZr">”Best defensive game we’ve played so far. We had no straight line-drives… nobody got easy straight lines to the runway with lay-ups and stuff.”</p>
<p id="A8wHY8"> </p>
<p id="o9KBgv"><em>On working on transition defense the last few days …</em></p>
<p id="TPXCtZ">”Yeah, I think that helped us. That influence helped us focus on stopping the ball the majority of the time, so that’s what really helped us. It doesn’t really matter what stops the ball, just that the ball stops.”</p>
<p id="lZc3z9"> </p>
<p id="osF6tz"><em>On the thinking behind offensive rhythm …</em></p>
<p id="H0jUc4">”Just trying to make baskets. That’s what it really is, offensive confidence. It starts with defensive confidence first.”</p>
<p id="lRpUhl"> </p>
<h2 id="865G37">Tyler Herro</h2>
<p id="z8PzMN"><em>On what the team has improved on…</em></p>
<p id="tPpwMS">”I think we played much better defensively. I think just communicating and talking, we did a lot better. Staying in front of our command and not giving up 3’s, we did really well on tonight.”</p>
<p id="kou7jn"> </p>
<p id="oUCymd"><em>On what the team has been focusing on in practice…</em></p>
<p id="RWxM4f">”I think we started it two days ago. The first day, from both sides we all struggled. It kind of showed that we were lacking in transition defense in there and yesterday. It got much better and then, today, it was better again during shootaround this morning. So I think just continuing to do that every day, same with the other kinds of drills that we’ve been doing and continuing like coach has been preaching. It’s going to be a process but I think we’ll be fine.”</p>
<p id="3XfyCb"> </p>
<p id="jAYWtm"><em>On his shooting…</em></p>
<p id="g8InMh">”I’m just trying to make the right play every time I’m on the court. Quade’s just as good or even a better shooter than me so whenever he gets the opportunity he can let it go.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/raf_tyler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@raf_tyler</a> says it’s fun to play on a team that is unselfish and shares the ball. Herro led the Cats with 16 points tonight in a 90-44 win over Monmouth. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ASeaOfBlue?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASeaOfBlue</a> <a href="https://t.co/wElslGXuT7">pic.twitter.com/wElslGXuT7</a></p>— Greg Goins (@BBN_CoachG) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBN_CoachG/status/1067999907695521792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/29/18117085/john-calipari-uk-wildcats-monmouth-hawks-ncaa-basketballAaron Gershon2018-11-29T06:45:04-05:002018-11-29T06:45:04-05:00Thursday Quickies: Good Vibes Edition
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<p>UK crushes Monmouth. UofL loses Jeff Brohm. UNC gets crushed by Charles Matthews. Good times. </p> <p id="IcV9hD">Sure, it was 0-8 Monmouth, but last night was the kind of game we all expected from the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a>, as they thoroughly dominated the Hawks on both sides of the court. </p>
<p id="eUBiC4">It came just hours after the <a href="https://www.cardchronicle.com/">Louisville Cardinals</a> missed on what appeared to be a home-run hire in Jeff Brohm, who will remain at Purdue instead.</p>
<p id="2LoL8d">To cap off the night, <span>Charles Matthews</span> and the <a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com/">Michigan Wolverines</a> put an absolute beatdown on the <a href="https://www.tarheelblog.com/">North Carolina Tar Heels</a>.</p>
<p id="kuMURi">That’s a good day right there. </p>
<p id="OtW2gG"><strong>Tweet of the Day:</strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kentucky basketball couldn’t even beat 0-7, 30% shooting Monmouth by more points than Kentucky Football beat Louisville by. That’s how bad UK whipped Louisville’s ass Saturday</p>— B3KG (@B3KeithG) <a href="https://twitter.com/B3KeithG/status/1067985681757208576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="ITDH6F">Word.</p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/KoYUliZheI">pic.twitter.com/KoYUliZheI</a></p>— Kentucky Never Punted (@MinardiCeiling) <a href="https://twitter.com/MinardiCeiling/status/1067983479680499712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="ZSKpsq">Swoon. </p>
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<h2 id="I71ABw">Your Quickies</h2>
<p id="Nolzrn"><a href="https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-basketball-men/article222246470.html">Kentucky defends, makes three-pointers in one-sided victory | Lexington Herald Leader</a><br>Winless Monmouth was the tonic Kentucky needed. UK answered Coach John Calipari’s call for better defense. The Cats also made a season-high 10 three-pointers in an easy victory. Monmouth had only one basket in the final 9:34 of the first half. In that time, Kentucky outscored the Hawks 22-4 to greatly expand what had been a 22-18 lead.</p>
<p id="EHhh2Q"><a href="https://ukathletics.com/news/2018/11/28/football-josh-allen-named-walter-camp-player-of-the-year-finalist.aspx">Josh Allen Named Walter Camp Player of the Year Finalist - UK</a><br>Allen has been a terror on defense the entire season as he leads the Southeastern Conference and ranks third nationally in sacks (14.0) and leads the league and ranks 11th nationally in tackles for loss (18.5). He also is tied for the NCAA lead in most forced fumbles (five).</p>
<p id="iLYheu"><a href="https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/john-clay/article222270645.html">Kentucky’s Mark Stoops should be SEC’s Coach of the Year | Lexington Herald Leader</a><br>Kentucky football’s Mark Stoops should be the top candidate for SEC Coach of the Year honors. Other contenders are likely to be Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Alabama’s Nick Saban, Florida’s Dan Mullen and LSU’s Ed Orgeron.</p>
<p id="tlYssI"><a href="http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/lebron-james-hints-he-wants-his-son-to-play-for-coach-k/">LeBron James hints he wants his son to play for Coach K | Kentucky Sports Radio</a><br>It seems like only yesterday LeBron James Jr. was trying on John Calipari’s championship rings at the Joe Craft Center, but his father suggested he has a different coach in mind for when “Bronny” goes to college in 2023.</p>
<p id="UHPmaR"><a href="https://ukathletics.com/news/2018/11/28/womens-basketball-morris-leads-no-25-kentucky-past-morehead-state.aspx">Morris Leads No. 25 Kentucky Past Morehead State - UK</a><br>Morris, the senior from Bell County (Ky.) High School hit 12 of her 20 shots from the field, including four of eight from behind the arc, while adding three-of-four from the free throw line. The 31 points are the second-most Morris has ever scored in a UK uniform.</p>
<p id="czWTJR"><a href="https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/Article/Kentucky-football-true-freshmen-report-125504147/">Tracking Kentucky’s True Freshmen - CatsPause</a><br>The Wildcats’ coaching staff took advantage of the new NCAA redshirt rule allowing players to play in up to four games and still save a year of eligibility. Several freshmen added depth and contributed to the team this season. The freshman class will be the main focus of this story, but it’s worth noting that other players will redshirt this season.</p>
<p id="DBVVeq"><a href="https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/news/bossi-s-best-zion-williamson-tops-initial-freshman-tracker">BasketballRecruiting.Rivals.com - Bossi’s fest freshman tracker</a><br><span>Keldon Johnson</span> makes the list of Rivals’ top freshman thus far in the 2018-19 college basketball season.</p>
<p id="MD46dK"><a href="http://ukrecruiting.bloginky.com/2018/11/28/latest-on-2019-basketball-recruit-anthony-edwards/">Latest on 2019 basketball recruit Anthony Edwards » UK recruiting news</a><br>Since the reclassification announcement, Rivals.com has inserted Edwards at No. 3 overall in its 2019 rankings. ESPN now ranks him as the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2019 class. He’s currently listed as the No. 4 overall player in the 247Sports composite rankings.</p>
<p id="eUGEEd"><a href="https://www.hammerandrails.com/2018/11/28/18116160/jeff-brohm-stays-purdue-turns-down-louisville">Jeff Brohm is Staying at Purdue - Hammer and Rails</a><br>Jeff Brohm’s Louisville homecoming is all for not. Brohm has turned down an opportunity to become the new football coach at his alma mater and hometown school, choosing instead to stay with Purdue.</p>
<p id="whTbpb"><a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/cfp-rankings-analysis-order-confirms-001319622.html">CFP Rankings Analysis: New Order Confirms It’s an SEC World Out There - Yahoo</a><br>This conference’s dominance is far from being news at this point, but with Missouri sliding in at No. 24 this week, the SEC boasts eight teams in the rankings. The conferences that come closest are the Big Ten and Big 12, each with four teams in the CFP top 25.</p>
<p id="cfZ7mh"><a href="http://www.espn.com/espnw/sports/article/25394513/no-1-recruit-haley-jones-signs-stanford?addata=espn:frontpage">No. 1 recruit Haley Jones signs with Stanford - ESPN</a><br>Tara VanDerveer scored the ultimate prize from the 2019 class after Haley Jones traveled thousands of miles before deciding her new home was right up the road.</p>
<p id="BWL2RF"><a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2808131-report-lamar-jackson-to-start-at-qb-for-ravens-in-week-13-vs-falcons">Report: Lamar Jackson to Start at QB for Ravens in Week 13 vs. Falcons</a><br>Baltimore Ravens rookie quarterback <span>Lamar Jackson</span> will get his third consecutive start under center on Sunday in a road matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network (h/t Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk).</p>
<p id="tLRfjw"><a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2808088-cowboys-demarcus-lawrence-on-game-plan-vs-saints-choke-they-ass-out">Cowboys’ Demarcus Lawrence on Game Plan vs. Saints: ‘Choke They Ass Out’</a><br>Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence didn’t need to break down the X’s and O’s regarding his team’s defensive game plan for Thursday’s contest against the New Orleans Saints.</p>
<p id="CSid1E"><a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2808048-nasa-engineers-mimic-49ers-fornite-td-celebration-after-insight-lands-on-mars">NASA Engineers Mimic 49ers Fortnite TD Celebration After InSight Lands on Mars</a><br>On Monday, the InSight lander touched down on Mars, and two NASA engineers busted out a celebration inspired by the popular video game (skip to 1:16 of the video):</p>
<p id="tiqdAk"><a href="https://www.kentucky.com/sports/high-school/prep-football/article222225895.html">Kentucky will have two Mr. Football award winners in 2018 | Lexington Herald Leader</a><br>The Kentucky Associated Press and the Kentucky Football Coaches Association will each name a Mr. Football in 2018. The Kentucky Associated Press sometime in late December or early January will name its own Mr. Football recipient, as it has done since 1986 when Newport Central Catholic’s Frank Jacobs claimed the inaugural honor.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/29/18117222/thursday-good-vibes-uk-basketball-ul-cardinals-jeff-brohm-unc-tar-heelsJason Marcum2018-11-28T23:20:25-05:002018-11-28T23:20:25-05:00Social media reactions to UK beating Monmouth & Louisville losing Jeff Brohm
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<p>A special dual reactions post on this Wednesday night.</p> <p id="5DQdNH">On a special edition of social media reactions, we had a double-whammy of Kentucky vs Monmouth and the Louisville fanbase having their collective hearts broken by not getting Purdue head coach and former UofL player and Louisville native, Jeff Brohm. </p>
<p id="PoJNW4">First up, Kentucky vs Monmouth: The Wildcats played their best game of the season defensively, allowing only 44 points to Monmouth. Granted, Monmouth came in with an 0-7 record, but Kentucky showed tremendous effort on the defensive side of the ball. </p>
<aside id="xVA9uB"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Kentucky pounds Monmouth for 6th-straight win: 4 takeaways and postgame banter","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18117218/kentucky-basketball-monmouth-hawks-2018-4-takeaways-postgame-uk-wildcats"},{"title":"Highlights, Box Score and Game MVP from Kentucky destroying Monmouth","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18117123/kentucky-wildcats-highlights-box-score-game-mvp-uk-monmouth-ncaa-basketball"}]}'></div></aside><p id="0R32IE"><span>Tyler Herro</span> led the Wildcats with 16 points and showed his ability to hit the three ball and also showed off his defensive prowess as well with five steals on the night. </p>
<p id="dpbnxu">Kentucky will need more defensive nights like this for the rest of the season and that starts with a very good and very talented UNC-Greensboro team coming to Lexington on Saturday. </p>
<p id="y7Vpxx">Here’s what social media had to say about the Wildcats finally dominating a game and looking good while doing it: </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Better defense ➡ Better offense ➡ More fun️️ <a href="https://t.co/iVJsRXmN04">pic.twitter.com/iVJsRXmN04</a></p>— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyMBB/status/1067983054025752577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kentucky basketball beat Monmouth by the same amount of points Kentucky football beat Louisville</p>— Ian Teasley (@ianteasley) <a href="https://twitter.com/ianteasley/status/1067983229590929408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Monmouth is bad, but this is what Kentucky needed. Make some perimeter jump shots and had some good things happen on defense. They handled an inferior opponent for only the second time this season. This should be a good confidence boost with the schedule starting to strengthen.</p>— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettBOS) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamLuckettBOS/status/1067981095730380801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kentucky's opponent on Saturday will be far different from Monmouth. 7-1 UNC-Greensboro's only loss came to LSU 97-91. The Cats will he tested.</p>— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigBlueDrew33/status/1067977628915810310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Monmouth coach King Rice thanks Calipari for playing his team the last two years. "Kentucky is a SUPER talented team." Watched tape, thought there were spots they could have success against the Cats "and then they close those spots very quickly."</p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_ATH/status/1067987591570567169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Two players (besides Tyler Herro) in the Calipari era have had at least 16 points, eight boards and five steals in a game: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Willie Cauley-Stein.</p>— Chase Campbell (@Chase_KYK) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chase_KYK/status/1067985807259156480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Monmouth coach King Rice: “Kentucky will be a tough out in March.”</p>— Shane Shackleford (@shack_daddy_1) <a href="https://twitter.com/shack_daddy_1/status/1067988250072104960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tyler Herro <br>16 pts (6-10 FG) (2-5 3pt FG)<br>8 rebs <br>1 ast <br>5 STEALS <a href="https://t.co/vqTa0KkyRB">pic.twitter.com/vqTa0KkyRB</a></p>— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Charlton/status/1067984329761071104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kentucky basketball couldn’t even beat 0-7, 30% shooting Monmouth by more points than Kentucky Football beat Louisville by. That’s how bad UK whipped Louisville’s ass Saturday</p>— B3KG (@B3KeithG) <a href="https://twitter.com/B3KeithG/status/1067985681757208576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="3ribzA">And now to drink the tears of the Louisville fan-base: </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">More from <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffBrohm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeffBrohm</a> "I believe that remaining at Purdue is the right thing to do, and I am excited for the challenges ahead. I want to thank the University of Louisville and Vince Tyra for reaching out and expressing their interest in me."</p>— rickbozich (@rickbozich) <a href="https://twitter.com/rickbozich/status/1067924879884849152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">His statement conclude with "As a former Cardinal player and coach, I want nothing but the best for the University of Louisville. Under the leadership of President Bendapudi and Vince Tyra, the future is in great hands. I also want (thank) all Cardinal fans for their support"</p>— rickbozich (@rickbozich) <a href="https://twitter.com/rickbozich/status/1067925373135085568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a>
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<p id="CWBTiW">Now for the fun stuff: </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I was just sent this video from a UofL Fan: <a href="https://t.co/DM7FXdHQEy">pic.twitter.com/DM7FXdHQEy</a></p>— Mark Blankenbaker (@UofLSheriff50) <a href="https://twitter.com/UofLSheriff50/status/1067933919792848897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well I guess we can all agree that Jeff Brohm is a coward and didn’t think he could lead his hometown team back to success and we didn’t want him anyway happy we all agree.</p>— Chug (@Chuggernaut6) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chuggernaut6/status/1067931542138355718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Louisville head coach Marvin Lewis.</p>— Jason Marcum (@marcum89) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcum89/status/1067939196625661952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A football program’s brand image takes a huge hit from getting publically spurned. Look at what happened @ Tennessee last year. Jeff Brohm’s decision, albeit unintentional, has embarrassed Louisville. We just got dumped for a 6/10. Vince is about to earn that paycheck. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/goodluck?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#goodluck</a></p>— LiveFeedLouisville™ (@LiveFeedLville) <a href="https://twitter.com/LiveFeedLville/status/1067937617881255936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="Yp2TwC">*this one is my favorite because they call Brohm a 6/10 even though they desperately wanted him* </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Naw, he made his decision and stayed when we needed him most. That should be his last offer to coach the Cards. Purdue? Wow! Please remove all Brohm mentions in all Cardinal facilities</p>— Troy O'keefe (@troy101781) <a href="https://twitter.com/troy101781/status/1067932749284196352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">When Jeff Brohm stays at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Purdue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Purdue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoilerUp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoilerUp</a> <a href="https://t.co/07FbKvMJfq">pic.twitter.com/07FbKvMJfq</a></p>— Tyler Trent (@theTylerTrent) <a href="https://twitter.com/theTylerTrent/status/1067936151737196544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jeff Brohm is gonna regret his decision. After Rondale leaves, what does he have??? Still a huge fan of him though.</p>— Jack Farmer (@jcfarmer6) <a href="https://twitter.com/jcfarmer6/status/1067936144845885440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brohm should have said no 4 weeks ago. This was a sucker punch, and he didn’t have to do this to himself or the city of Louisville. He is the villain forever because he strung this out and said no. If he didn’t want to come, I was fine with that, but he played us and that hurts</p>— Jordan Erk (@SportsJerk03) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsJerk03/status/1067934713212559361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jeff Brohm will crawl back on his hands and knees for the Louisville job. Wait! What?</p>— LL Cool Jon (@sensiblejon) <a href="https://twitter.com/sensiblejon/status/1067934895555649536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I am not stating this, but simply asking the question: Could Jeff Brohm have been deterred from the Louisville job because he was intimidated by the pressure of living up to the hype of being a "hero"?</p>— Lance McGarvey (@clm250) <a href="https://twitter.com/clm250/status/1067934887544532992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="6LsMI5">*No, the Louisville job is a dumpster fire right now*</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Louisville now drops to 2-11 on the year</p>— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brett_McMurphy/status/1067924628209848321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Service is bad here and I can't load Twitter. What time is the Brohm press conference at Louisville? I assume he took the job?</p>— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrewFranklinKSR/status/1067929426841747456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s time to bring him back home, Louisville. <a href="https://t.co/ZQQxOhwkBp">pic.twitter.com/ZQQxOhwkBp</a></p>— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomFornelli/status/1067937981720334336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Do they realize those are Brian's jerseys? <a href="https://t.co/HVXYrVO1fe">https://t.co/HVXYrVO1fe</a></p>— Kent Spencer (@WHAS11Kent) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHAS11Kent/status/1067935464475250689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Louisville could still end up with a very good coach, but boy, this is a crushing swing and miss. The Cards’ perfect coach said no to home. <a href="https://t.co/U19mO3JGS6">https://t.co/U19mO3JGS6</a></p>— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_ATH/status/1067937831589429248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Soooo that team meeting that people were talking about.. Never before seen footage <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoilerUp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoilerUp</a> <a href="https://t.co/OfRTMk7cLa">pic.twitter.com/OfRTMk7cLa</a></p>— Eron Hodges (@EronHodges) <a href="https://twitter.com/EronHodges/status/1067925812006068225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’re nearing the “didn’t want him anyway”... “he really isn’t that good anyway” stage of the linebeard grief process</p>— B3KG (@B3KeithG) <a href="https://twitter.com/B3KeithG/status/1067945713588494337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A) Kentucky isn't playing right now.<br>B) Yes, I'm obsessed with your misery. I want to crush up your heartbreak and snort it.<br>C) Good luck with that coaching search. <a href="https://t.co/OuCagNuN3b">https://t.co/OuCagNuN3b</a></p>— Drew Franklin (@DrewFranklinKSR) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrewFranklinKSR/status/1067945865740984320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I can’t get enough salty Louisville fan tweets! You guys fired Jeff Brohm! Literally fired him from Louisville as the OC and somehow you feel betrayed!?!? Laughable.</p>— John Purdue (@NotPurdueSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotPurdueSports/status/1067931802805960704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Unless Vince Tyra nets ole St Nick Saban, no one will be as good as Jeff Brohm for UofL to the fan base. Absolutely no one. Honestly I feel bad for whomever that coach will eventually be.</p>— Vote LJ 4 Ravens QB '19 (@Kingamongpawns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kingamongpawns/status/1067930021954768896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">With Jeff Brohm rejecting Louisville, UofL officials now focus their efforts on their new top target to fill the coaching vacancy: Robby Teprino. <a href="https://t.co/iB4sgeyLCh">pic.twitter.com/iB4sgeyLCh</a></p>— Not Jerry Tipton (@NotJerryTipton) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotJerryTipton/status/1067927753842937856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I’ll destroy my own property, that’ll show his ass”</p>— KY Clips (@KY_Clips) <a href="https://twitter.com/KY_Clips/status/1067937264087588864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anybody ready for some Ron Cooper 2.0? John L. Smith is still around, right?</p>— Bryan the Intern (@BryantheIntern) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryantheIntern/status/1067947377011683333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I hope every UofL fan takes a mental note today. When UofL was 2-10 and in need of a coaching change they reached out to Jeff Brohm, the “first family of UofL” to come back and take over and lead his home town and alma mater back to winning traditions. And he turned his back.</p>— kyle (@Rip_Rope) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rip_Rope/status/1067931310063329280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">AD's arent judged like coaches but I feel like Tyra losing Brohm to Purdue is at least on par with Johnny Jones taking Ben Simmons to the NIT.</p>— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) <a href="https://twitter.com/RowlandRIVALS/status/1067926244812120072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Four days after suffering the worst home loss in the history of Cardinal Stadium, Louisville takes another L. <a href="https://t.co/rAd4ZjpID4">https://t.co/rAd4ZjpID4</a></p>— Not Jerry Tipton (@NotJerryTipton) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotJerryTipton/status/1067925971737739265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Coach: What’s so funny?<br><br>Me: <a href="https://twitter.com/dandakich?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dandakich</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsPlayFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsPlayFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/I35jysfJaV">pic.twitter.com/I35jysfJaV</a></p>— David Blough (@david_blough10) <a href="https://twitter.com/david_blough10/status/1067931705594531841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="MBWRvx">I hope you all have enjoyed laughing at Louisville and their misery with me. </p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18117072/uk-basketball-social-media-twitter-kentucky-monmouth-louisville-jeff-brohmIanteasley2018-11-28T22:57:21-05:002018-11-28T22:57:21-05:00Highlights, Box Score and Game MVP from Kentucky destroying Monmouth
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<p>The Wildcats dominated in every way imaginable en route to win No. 6. </p> <p id="1mXJNs">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> destroyed the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/monmouth-hawks">Monmouth Hawks</a> Wednesday night, 90-44.</p>
<p id="0ySI4k">It was the first time this season UK has looked deserving of their preseason ranking. Despite all the hype, the Cats have been slow out of the gate. But they turned it on tonight against the Hawks.</p>
<p id="vj8vfG">Kentucky got off to a hot start with a 14-0 run to take a 20-6 lead early. However, it looked like the same thing all over again as the Cats let the Hawks right back into the game as the lead shrunk to just 22-18.</p>
<p id="bo5nqW">Then, UK finally stepped on the gas and never looked back. They doubled up Monmouth in the first half 44-22 thanks to great three-point shooting and even better defense.</p>
<p id="encpMS">And they didn’t slow down in the second half. The only thing UK did differently was get more baskets inside the three-point line when they went cold from three. And the defense was lights out.</p>
<aside id="8SG1xg"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Social media reactions to UK beating Monmouth & Louisville losing Jeff Brohm","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18117072/uk-basketball-social-media-twitter-kentucky-monmouth-louisville-jeff-brohm"},{"title":"Kentucky pounds Monmouth for 6th-straight win: 4 takeaways and postgame banter","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18117218/kentucky-basketball-monmouth-hawks-2018-4-takeaways-postgame-uk-wildcats"}]}'></div></aside><p id="26P3d0">It was by far the best the Cats have looked all year on the defensive side. Monmouth is 0-7 and they are a poor offensive team, but it doesn’t matter. Kentucky’s defense had been embarrassed by Transy and IUP, so it was nice to finally see them put together a full 40 minutes on that end of the floor.</p>
<p id="yVL3Ql">Offensively, Kentucky played well. It isn’t necessarily an area of concern, but UK did shoot the three ball a lot better tonight. And it was even better to see them attack the basket when the shots stopped falling from outside.</p>
<p id="aB4vAc"><span>Tyler Herro</span> was excellent. And not just on the offensive end, but more on that below. <span>Quade Green</span> finally found his stroke as he knocked down a career-high 4 three-pointers.</p>
<p id="t8bf3E"><span>Reid Travis</span> was his usual bully-self. He has slowed down a bit since the beginning of the year, but he’s still providing quality minutes and crashing the glass.</p>
<p id="BJRNhW">Lastly, <span>Keldon Johnson</span> and <span>PJ Washington</span> looked a bit off at the start of the game, but by the end of it they both put up solid numbers. </p>
<p id="01yrah">All in all, it was a great performance by the Cats. It’s about time as fans have been begging to see them get hot and put a team away. The improved defense was definitely the key to this one.</p>
<p id="d5xhPB">Hopefully, we see more games like this one. Saturday won’t be as easy as UNC-Greensboro is a solid team, but if the Cats play like they did tonight they won’t have any problems.</p>
<h3 id="5RVVAH"><strong>Box Score</strong></h3>
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<h3 id="CBCty9"><strong>Game MVP</strong></h3>
<p id="6XcR9f">Tyler Herro was awesome tonight. And he did it in all facets of the game. He was far from the defensive liability he was labeled as going into the season. And he did a lot more than just shoot the lights out.</p>
<p id="xzcwK3">Herro got going early by knocking down a three, but he didn’t stop there. He jumped the passing lane and stole the ball for a breakaway basket and then hit another three in transition. This was part of that early run and boy was it fun to watch.</p>
<p id="Anepvn">Herro finished with 16 points on 6-10 shooting, but his most impressive stats came on the other end of the floor. He totaled eight rebounds and five steals showing he’s more than just a shooter.</p>
<p id="BqoUvN">This wasn’t the first game Herro’s been extremely active on defense and it’s been great to see. He plays hard all 40 minutes and you just can’t take him off the floor when he plays like this.</p>
<p id="Ho9zxo">Herro seems to have been a spark for this team on both ends of the floor. Now, it’s time for them to continue to trend up. Go Cats!</p>
<h3 id="5FCOMz"><strong>Highlights</strong></h3>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18117123/kentucky-wildcats-highlights-box-score-game-mvp-uk-monmouth-ncaa-basketballNick Wheatley2018-11-28T22:26:02-05:002018-11-28T22:26:02-05:00Kentucky pounds Monmouth for 6th-straight win: 4 takeaways and postgame banter
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<p>Kentucky finally gets the feel-good win it needed. </p> <p id="FExAbV">Kentucky’s sixth straight win of the 2018-2019 season came as expected on Wednesday night, as the Wildcats defeated the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/monmouth-hawks">Monmouth Hawks</a> 90-44. </p>
<p id="XDepJk">Entering the game as 27-point favorites by tip time, head coach John Calipari and his team showed promise in the blowout win. With multiple improvements from last week’s stretch of games, there were four specific aspects that stood out.</p>
<h2 id="Nh557Z"><strong>D-D-D-Defense</strong></h2>
<p id="U051Md">Right from tip-off, Kentucky’s defense looked better than it had all season long. Following three games in less than a week, the Wildcats’ had five days of preparation for their matchup with the Hawks.</p>
<p id="9Gm62e">On-ball defense, awareness, rebounding, rim-protection and communication all vastly improved. Guys like <span>Tyler Herro</span> (5 steals) did a great job of pressuring Monmouth guards and causing havoc all night. </p>
<p id="yTVOsk">Monmouth finished the game shooting 16/58 from the field and 2/16 from three-point range. Kentucky played lights out at every level and made sure the Hawks worked for everything they got, something we haven’t said much of the defense so far this season. </p>
<p id="ZzbHuK">On Monday, Calipari stressed the significance of his team’s improvement on the defensive end. Though their efforts came against a winless team, flipping the switch was a turn in the right direction.</p>
<aside id="4Yxlsy"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Social media reactions to UK beating Monmouth & Louisville losing Jeff Brohm","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18117072/uk-basketball-social-media-twitter-kentucky-monmouth-louisville-jeff-brohm"},{"title":"Jeff Brohm spurns Louisville to stay with Purdue: What it means for UK","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18111295/purdue-boilermakers-jeff-brohm-louisville-cardinals-football-uk-wildcats"},{"title":"Highlights, Box Score and Game MVP from Kentucky destroying Monmouth","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18117123/kentucky-wildcats-highlights-box-score-game-mvp-uk-monmouth-ncaa-basketball"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="ln4YDS"><strong>The Tyler Herro Show</strong></h2>
<p id="Es7Enb">As arguably the biggest fan-favorite since <span>Devin Booker</span>, Herro has played consistently well after a slow start to the year.</p>
<p id="jkVIq2">However, Herro’s production exceeds past the three-point line. A handful of free throw attempts, rebounds and steals added to multiple three-point shots for an exceptional all-around performance. </p>
<p id="yV73fX">Herro also recorded his second five-steal game, a mark you’ll rarely see any player reach at any level of basketball. That goes back to Calipari saying in the summer that Herro was challenging Keldon Johnson for the title of Kentucky’s best defender. </p>
<p id="ml9obx">Playing at Kentucky, specifically under Calipari, requires much more than the ability to shoot the basketball. As the games go by, Herro is showing his critics that he’s capable of much more than just a long range jump shot.</p>
<h2 id="R458Qz"><strong>Easy Offense Continues</strong></h2>
<p id="KBKFab">Kentucky has scored more than 70 points in all seven of their games this season. Attacking the paint has led to high-percentage shots as well as opened up three-point shooting. When they aren’t shooting field goals, Kentucky is consistently visiting the FT line and making a much improved percentage compared to years’ past.</p>
<p id="tQPrBJ">With athleticism, depth and height the three highest qualities of Calipari’s Cats, expect this trend to continue. While the argument can be made that Kentucky has simply beat up on smaller teams, that debate will have to wait until the Wildcats’ face a roster that matches up against their height.</p>
<p id="T11lRo">And as the defense improves, more transition chances will come and make this already-dangerous offense even more devastating by the time March rolls around. </p>
<h2 id="zIVniW"><strong>Keldon Johnson Remains Consistent</strong></h2>
<p id="FPUoXe">Johnson, while quite possibly being the team’s best player, is also one of the more under-appreciated players to suit up each night. His effortless ability to score in double digits, as well as contribute on the defensive end is a coach’s dream.</p>
<p id="lyHD67">The freshman forward mans Kentucky’s thinnest position, too, calling for his contributions that much more often. </p>
<p id="Ppxcx0">Scoring more than 10 points in six of Kentucky’s seven games, he should remain at the top of Calipari’s go-to options. His offense may not be the prettiest, but it’s been the most effective thus far, as he remains Kentucky’s most complete player. </p>
<p id="DlwrR9">The Wildcats return to action on Saturday at Rupp Arena, hosting the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/unc-greensboro-spartans">UNC Greensboro Spartans</a> at 1 P.M. EDT.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18117218/kentucky-basketball-monmouth-hawks-2018-4-takeaways-postgame-uk-wildcatsJohn Morgan Francis2018-11-28T19:03:25-05:002018-11-28T19:03:25-05:00Kentucky vs. Monmouth Game Thread
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<figcaption>Jason Marcum - Sea of Blue</figcaption>
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<p>The Kentucky Wildcats look to extend their win streak to six when they face the Monmouth Hawks.</p> <p id="N1W9Ou">The #10 <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> are hoping to continue their winning ways tonight in Rupp Arena against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/monmouth-hawks">Monmouth Hawks</a>. The game tips off tonight at 8:30 PM.</p>
<p id="9QHceC">The game will be televised on SEC Network. You can also stream the game through <a href="http://www.espn.com/watch/_/id/3434991/monmouth-vs-10-kentucky-m-basketball">Watch ESPN</a> or the <a href="http://www.espn.com/watchespn/apps">Watch ESPN app</a>. Or, if you’re on the road, you can listen to the game via radio on 840 AM in Louisville, 630 AM or 98.1 FM in Lexington, or online via <a href="https://ukathletics.com/watch/?Live=4332&type=Archive">UK Athletics</a>.</p>
<p id="hRG532">Tonight’s game will be the second meeting between the Wildcats and the Hawks. Kentucky won the first matchup 93-76 last season in the Citi Hoops Classic in New York, NY.</p>
<p id="Mzoyaw">The Cats (5-1) won their last game almost a week ago 77-62 against Tennessee State. Kentucky started slow offensively in that game, but held the lead at halftime. Good defense and improving offense helped lead the way to the 15-point victory. <span>Keldon Johnson</span> posted a career high 27 points to go with 7 boards and <span>Reid Travis</span> just missed a double-double with 13 points and 9 rebounds.</p>
<p id="22Nkm1">The Monmouth Hawks are still looking for their first win of the season, currently sitting at 0-7, their most recent game was a 60-57 loss to Princeton.</p>
<h2 id="Gpw6iV"><strong>Pregame Reading:</strong></h2>
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<li id="JdJfAh"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/26/18111588/kentucky-basketball-monmouth-hawks-game-time-tv-channel-online-stream-odds">Kentucky Basketball vs. Monmouth: Game time, TV Channel, online stream, odds, prediction</a></li>
<li id="4NMBPx"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/27/18114660/uk-wildcats-john-calipari-monmouth-hawks-ncaa-basketball">Calipari & players discuss defensive woes and Monmouth</a></li>
<li id="Jgo4YG"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18081062/kentucky-basketball-recruiting-jaden-mcdaniels-texas-longhorns-uw-huskies">Jaden McDaniels secures offer from Kentucky</a></li>
<li id="yVEM39"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/27/18107916/uk-basketball-recruiting-anthony-edwards-kentucky-duke-blue-devils-ku-unc">Anthony Edwards cuts list and Kentucky still in the mix</a></li>
<li id="TYru2l"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/27/18114496/nba-mock-draft-2019-espn-projection-60-picks-suns-cavs-hawks-bulls-knicks">Where Kentucky players sit in new ESPN mock draft</a></li>
<li id="KHeaVv"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18111295/purdue-boilermakers-jeff-brohm-louisville-cardinals-football-uk-wildcats">Jeff Brohm spurns Louisville to stay with Purdue: What it means for UK</a></li>
<li id="wBisbv"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18108991/kentucky-wildcats-pj-washington-uk-basketball">PJ Washington becoming the star Kentucky needs</a></li>
<li id="mSWftN"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18115470/uk-wildcats-basketball-best-8-man-rotation-moving-forward">The best 8-man rotation going forward</a></li>
<li id="KFHJYv"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/27/18113751/nba-rumors-demarcus-cousins-gsw-warriors-injury">DeMarcus Cousins could return sooner than expected</a></li>
<li id="vzOnbN"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/27/18114916/uk-basketball-john-calipari-hitting-reset-button-on-2018-19-wildcats">John Calipari hitting reset button on 2018-19 Wildcats</a></li>
<li id="fNcdZ8"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18112628/uk-recruiting-kentucky-jaemyn-brakefield-reclassify-ncaa-basketball">Kentucky still in contact with Jaemyn Brakefield, who could reclassify</a></li>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18116869/how-to-stream-uk-basketball-monmouth-hawks-2018-live-blog-game-updatesGraham Duncan2018-11-28T10:50:42-05:002018-11-28T10:50:42-05:00PJ Washington becoming the star Kentucky needs
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<figcaption>Jason Marcum - Sea of Blue</figcaption>
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<p>PJ Washington looked like a whole new man during the Bahamas trip, and after a sluggish start, he’s on his way back to being that big-time player for Kentucky again.</p> <p id="VfyMYV">In the first two games of the season, Kentucky forward <span>PJ Washington</span> scored just 11 points on nine total shot attempts from the floor with eight rebounds, five turnovers (all in the Southern Illinois win) and no steals or blocks.</p>
<p id="Nk5O52">In the following four games after the 1-1 start, Washington has been en fuego for the ‘Cats, averaging 17.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game in the four-game span.</p>
<p id="th4dfq">(And because you totally care about his free-throw percentage after what happened in March against Kansas State, in the six games so far this season, Washington has made 21-of-33 freebies, which is good enough for 63.6 percent. That’s not bad for the big fella coming off the finger issues late last season.)</p>
<aside id="d4OoJQ"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Kentucky still in contact with Jaemyn Brakefield, who could reclassify","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18112628/uk-recruiting-kentucky-jaemyn-brakefield-reclassify-ncaa-basketball"},{"title":"Calipari & players discuss defensive woes and Monmouth ","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/27/18114660/uk-wildcats-john-calipari-monmouth-hawks-ncaa-basketball"}]}'></div></aside><p id="GAO6dK">What’s made the difference for Washington since the early couple games? </p>
<p id="Cvsobi">Well, other than his confidence and swagger being back like it was during the Bahamas trip, he’s showing the full arsenal of his game.</p>
<h2 id="cZBB1k">Showin’ some range</h2>
<p id="0NUwqB">The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/north-dakota-fighting-sioux">North Dakota</a> game may have been an outlier for Washington when he hit four of his five 3-point attempts back on Nov. 14, but Washington has made five of his nine total attempts from long range so far this season.</p>
<p id="jj8XaA"><em>(Note: Washington made that many triples (5) all last season in 21 total attempts from 3.)</em></p>
<p id="ngn6dk">Obviously, bigs aren’t really allowed to shoot from deep in John Calipari’s system. There’s exceptions like <span>Wenyen Gabriel</span>, but Calipari will usually expect Washington’s production to come inside the painted area.</p>
<p id="pP1AFM">Still, it’s good for Kentucky if the big fella can show some form and range like this.</p>
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<figcaption>Washington trails the play and then steps into an above-the-break 3, which he makes.</figcaption>
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<p id="90FB93">And, like this one out of a broken HORNS set.</p>
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<figcaption>The ‘Cats go to a HORNS look with Washington and he pops out of the set from a Quade Green drive to can a right corner 3.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="qOVECX">Giving that PJ-like effort down low</h2>
<p id="NcgGdX">Washington’s always been a strong dude and with his summer workouts, he’s much lighter and quicker on his feet this season.</p>
<p id="lXEJg3">I loved this play from that same North Dakota performance that displayed all of that with an and-one off a Washington miss. Washington not only goes to the post-up, but he faces up, moves quick and gets into the lane, plus he follows up an ugly miss with an offensive rebound (his only one of the game) and a bucket.</p>
<p id="GrtIoW"><em>(Note: 14 of Washington’s 51 total rebounds this season have come on the offensive end.)</em></p>
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<figcaption>Washington doesn’t score off the post-up, but that extra effort off the miss makes all the difference.</figcaption>
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<p id="y8UToG">You hear it a lot of Kentucky’s offense in the Calipari era and you’ve seen it at times, but the best offense for the ‘Cats is a missed shot. Why? Because they’re <em>that </em>much more athletic, bigger and stronger than most teams on their schedule, especially in the early portion of the season before the big non-conference games and the SEC slate.</p>
<p id="qfq5DD">This play from Washington in the VMI win sums that up quite well.</p>
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<figcaption>Johnson miss. Montgomery misses. Washington doesn’t.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="I8dZsM"><span>Keldon Johnson</span> made a good effort to get in the lane and get off a layup attempt at the rim. <span>EJ Montgomery</span> did well to rebound Johnson’s miss, but it was Washington’s efforts that made this possession memorable.</p>
<p id="xKaZNz">He not only gathers Montgomery’s miss (one of his seven offensive rebounds in the game), but shows enough patience in tight headquarters to slam one home for the bucket. Small team that could really shoot or not, plays like this are what Kentucky needs from their emotional leader.</p>
<h2 id="rkt6k6">Kentucky has plenty of talent to win, but they <em>need </em>Washington</h2>
<p id="uWfI6h">“If he chooses to come out and play with that kind of intensity, he’s a difference-maker,” Calipari said after the North Dakota win, <a href="https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2018/11/15/kentucky-basketball-pj-washington-energy-intensity-key-john-calipari-says/1975442002/">via Jon Hale of the<em> Louisville Courier Journal</em></a>. “He’s a separator. But the other guy is standing straight up and down, balls going between your legs, can’t get a rebound, fumbling the ball, that guy ain’t a separator.”</p>
<p id="l3A9CD">Kentucky has plenty of issues right now through six games, many of which stem from the defensive end in terms of effort and staying in front of guys. </p>
<p id="Agbsb9">Sure, they’re 5-1, but the expectations from the Big Blue Nation don’t involve losing by 34 points on a neutral floor to one of their rival blue bloods and giving up 19 3-pointers to a military institute.</p>
<p id="j8D0EX">Calipari is right. For Kentucky to become the team many expected them to be off the impressive performances in the Bahamas and that starts with PJ Washington.</p>
<p id="Al2JC3"><span>Reid Travis</span> is the leader-by-example for the ‘Cats, but the emotional leader of this team is Washington. When he’s engaged, mean muggin’ anyone in his path, the ‘Cats are a different (and dangerous) team.</p>
<p id="viSkE8">“I hate it when someone says, ‘Well, more motor, he needs more motor,’” Calipari said in that same presser. </p>
<p id="pIe9bg">“That’s basically saying you’re not playing hard enough. I don’t want to hear that about any of my players. When he competes and goes after it, he’s physically tough, he’s mentally tough, he’s skilled. He’s just got to do it. That’s who he’s got to be every moment he’s on the court.”</p>
<p id="uucBQf">That last sentence is important because Calipari realizes how important Washington is to this bunch with his performance. If he’s good, this team is really good. When he struggles, this team struggles mightily.</p>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/11/28/18108991/kentucky-wildcats-pj-washington-uk-basketballMike Whitlow