Kentucky Sports Radio

Rick Bozich, my former co-hort at the Ticket, has this quote from an NBA Scout at last night’s UK-UL game. Simple question…..agree or disagree?

“Don’t they recruit at Kentucky any more?” he said. “They’ve got two NBA players (Patterson and Meeks) and seven guys they got from the intramural league.”

In so saying, the scout is not only lumping in the much-maligned Tubby recruits, but also Gillispie’s group he just brought in this year. Fair criticism or not?

(For the record, I have strong feelings on this, which I will get into later tonight in the News and Views….)

In the interest of taking our minds off yesterday’s heartbreaker, I thought I’d give you an update on how last year’s senior class is coming along in their new basketball homes.

Do somethin

Ramel “Smooth” Bradley is currently playing for Cedevita Zagrab, a team in the Croatian Basketball Federation, and playing very well. The former Cat is averaging around 20 ppg to go along with over 3.5 assists in 11 games this season, which include nine league games and two in what is probably some crazy European tournament. No word yet on the average number of times per game Smooth gives the crowd the diamond, but if he can get the blue hairs in Rupp to throw up the rock, getting the softies in the former Yugoslav Republic to get in on the act should be a piece of cake. Ramel seems to be playing well and his team looks to be in contention for the new box of 1985 audio tapes and windbreaker suits that they give to each of the players on the championship team.

Joe Crawford is playing domestic ball and also making us proud. He currently plays for the NBADL’s L.A. D-Fenders, who play tough enough defense they didn’t even let that other ‘e’ into the word. Suffocating, to say the least. Anyway, Joe is averaging 20.2 ppg, good for 10th in the league in scoring. (Our boy Erik Daniels is 5th with 21 ppg. No stats on how many baskets he’s made while in the process of falling down.) Joe adds 3 assists and 4.5 rebounds to go with his scoring output, as it looks like the Lakers’ last cut is making a case to find his way into the league sooner rather than later.

Now you can sleep easy knowing that your former Wildcats are safe, sound, and productive in their new dribbling domains. Back to your day, everyone. Also, screw you Edgar Sosa!

pic via here, found here. You don’t wanna see the set. Trust me.

I may be alone here, but does anyone else think that someone—Patterson, perhaps—should have lit-up the overzealous Lee Steiden (the street-clothed one) after Sosa’s three dropped with 2.Ican’tbelievethatgarbageshotfell remaining? In doing so, wouldn’t Steiden have been T’d up? Live and learn, I guess.

Obviously, I’m jesting (kind of…not really, though). Regardless, and I hate to revisit this so soon, but there were some definite positives evident by game’s end. First of all, Gillispie’s goal has been reached: This team is super tough. Apparently, I’m some sort of masochist, because I’ve watched and re-watched the highlights from yesterday’s game several times, and a team with lesser mental fortitude would’ve folded and gotten destroyed. If not after the 12-0 run following Gillispie’s technical, then definitely when it found itself down 7 with mere seconds remaining. And we damn near pulled off the Duke-over-Maryland-esque comeback, due mostly to our resolve, with an assist to their ineptitude. This team doesn’t quit, and, damn it, doesn’t that count for something?

After the, you know, ugliness, I stared at the floor for, like, 35 minutes. It gave me a chance to think, and hate, mostly hate, but it eventually led to an epiphany: these teams are headed in opposite directions. Louisville deserved to win yesterday, no doubt. They shot the ball better than they have all year, and T-Will and Sosa played great. They earned it. You can’t expect to go on the road and turn the ball over 20+ times and beat a good team. However, we almost did. If anything, that shows the amount of heart and determination embedded in this team.

It showed something else, too. Louisville’s not very good. Or smart, but we already knew that. They entered the season ranked in the top 5, armed with more talent than Pitino’s ever had at UL. They had a top-ranked recruit; a couple lottery picks; and a stable full of shooters that could keep them in any game. However, something happened. The season started. Now, at the season’s midpoint, Louisville has a center who can’t catch or play defense; a disinterested forward who refuses to play to his strengths; an overambitious slasher that is waaaay too in love with his jump shot; and a cadre of shooters and ball-handlers who just can’t cut it on the big stage. Worst of all, they’re hydroplaning into Big East play, with all their inadequacies in the open, and they can’t feel too great about how the game went yesterday. Pitino has a way of making his team’s play their best ball in March; however, I don’t see them competing with Pitt or UConn or Notre Dame or Georgetown on a consistent basis.

We, on the other hand, enter conference play pissed off. We could’ve won that game, but we didn’t. We fought all the way back, and fell short. As a team, we will be hungrier than ever. Furthermore, we’re only going to get better. Another scorer will emerge, whether it be Stevenson, Miller, or Liggins. Or, hell, Porter. No matter who picks up the scoring slack, we have a soft conference schedule and a team that looks ready to dismantle their weaker opponents. The turnover situation is alarming, but that may have had a lot to do with the atmosphere. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.

I guess this was just a long and convoluted way of saying that I think we’re coming together at the right time, while they are in disarray. This game had blowout tagged to it from the moment the UNLV game ended. You knew they couldn’t play that flat twice in a row on their home floor. Still, we battled, pushing them to the brink, and they won on an amazing shot that I would’ve been happy with them taking 1,000,000 times out of 1,000,000.

OK, 999,999 times.

But it looks like they’ve reloaded in a way only Vandy could. Some of the language in the music with the video is definitely crunk and possibly NSFW. Don’t worry. You can watch it on mute and still retain like 94.3% of the dork factor.

As we all continue our focus on basketball and the goings on in Louisville yesterday, lets not forget our football team and their great performance in Memphis on Friday. With the team finishing a third straight winning season, it is important to look to next year and the potential fate of the three Juniors considering the NFL Draft. I spoke yesterday with someone who is very close to the situation and what the young men will be thinking and this was his early indication as to the likely status of the three defensive Juniors:

Trevard Lindley: Most likely gone to the Draft. People forget that Lindley is older than most of his classmates as he greyshirted and then redshirted. He is projected currently around the second round and unless his injury is somehow more serious than expected, he is likely to enter the draft.

Micah Johnson: Most indications are that he would prefer to enter the draft if possible and if it were likely that he would be a first day pick. Right now however he is probably projected later (5th Round or so) and if that is the case, he likely returns. This will probably come to the end with Micah before a final decision is made.

Jeremy Jarmon: He did put his papers in, but the likely scenario now involves a return. If it were a no-brainer to leave (first or second round pick), Jarmon would likely go ahead and enter the draft, but plans now are for him to return.

That is where we are now from a person who is very close to the situation and the individuals. This of course can (and will) change, but it gives some notion of how the defense will look next season.

The win was bufugly on Friday, but a win is a win for the ‘08 ‘Cats. They’ll take it. Three straight bowl wins is a tremendous accomplishment for any program, much less Kentucky, a program that accomplishes something great every 60 years. Rich Brooks is an icon and UK administrators should start the process in renaming the field (sorry CM). The seniors that will depart, and perhaps the underclassman who join them, will leave behind a program that has much to boast about and much to be grateful for. From Ventrell Jenkins to Marcus McClinton to David Jones to Dicky Lyons, Jr., I think I speak for the entire UK nation in saying, thank you for taking a chance on our shambled football program, our fun loving old-timer of a coach and a fanbase full of negative nancys. You’ve turned a Yugo Koral 45 into a Ford Mustang, Coach Brooks into a dancing fool and a fanbase ticked off they aren’t competing for SEC Titles. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Cornerback; Kentucky will most likely lose its two-deep at both cornerback spots, as they are assured of losing senior Robbie McAtee, David Jones and Shomari Moore, with the NFL announcement of Trevard Lindley pending. They also lose senior Ahmad Grigsby as well, making four seniors definitely out for 2009. Lindley might be best suited to leave, as he enrolled as a grayshirt, so he’s already an older prospect. Outside of maybe wanting to add his name to more Kentucky or SEC record books, finding a reason why Lindley would come back is hard to find. Freshmen Randall Burden was impressive in the bowl victory over East Carolina in relief of senior David Jones, but let’s not forget the contributions and the battle wounds experienced by talented speedster Winston Guy, a true freshmen in his first year in the program. One move the staff did in pre-season that may help the bleeding is moving redshirt freshmen wide receiver Anthony Mosley to cornerback. Still the biggest need is for one of its more highly regarded recruits from 2008 to step up in Cartier Rice. Rice, a 5-10, 180 pounder out of Byrnes HS, has all the tools, just needs game experience after sitting out the year with a redshirt. The staff apparently had long discussions as to whether or not Rice should have even redshirted at all, which shows you the type of talent they believe they have. Also, as noted by a poster below, the Wildcats are still hopeful for Paul Warford’s return after sitting out this past year due to an academic suspension. Warford has more than enough battle scars from his two years at corner and is expected to take over as starter. With the incoming receivers in the upcoming recruiting class, it might not be farfetched to believe EJ Adams might get a look back at cornerback as well, something the staff did with David Jones.

Defensive Tackle; Yes, the Wildcats only lose Myron Pryor, but outside of an occasional appearence from sophomore Ricky Lumpkin, none are proven nor have played many critical snaps. Lumpkin has been prone to injuries, making it even more imperative to find a better mix of players. That leaves the Wildcats needing sophomore Shane McCord to start stepping up this off-season. Another name that might make a move is Josh Minton. Minton came to UK with much fanfare after turning down over 40 scholarship offers, but he’s been injury riddled since he enrolled. Kentucky needs Josh this upcoming year to step up and become a factor. Antwane Glenn could also play a role in the defensive tackle mix in 2009, as could others in his class that includes redshirt freshmen Greg Meisner and Charles Mustafaa. Last year’s incoming frosh Chandler Burden was a beast in high school and despite many who suggested he’d switch sides, he’s still sitting on the defensive line after his freshmen season.

Linebacker; Another defensive position that is gonna take some lumps with graduation and could possibly get hurt even worse with the loss of an early entree into the NFL. If UK returns Micah Johnson, he’ll remain at middle linebacker, but the staff has got to find a way to replace Braxton Kelley and Johnny Williams, two of the program’s most productive linebackers. Sam Maxwell should fit in nicely at strongside, but weakside has some question marks with Danny Trevathan, the clubhouse favorite, after putting together a nice true freshmen campaign. Still, after having watched some of the lumps experienced by other linebackers at UK, it might take more seasoning for Trevathan to be a reliable starter. Michael Schwindel is headed for his senior year and continues to get better at the position. One to watch for, I’ve been told, is William Johnson. Johnson’s got some serious speed and motor, so much speed, the staff might give him a look at safety. He just needs to get down his responsibilities, but I know Micah likes Johnson’s upside. Two redshirt freshmen who saw game action in Antonio Thomas and Ronnie Sneed could play a factor. Jacob Dufrene, Taylor Wyndham and Brandon Thurmond are all in the mix. Should be the most interesting competition in the spring.

Special Teams; I’ll throw this out there, just because I think it’d be silly to suggest that Lones Seiber is not going to have his job competed for in the upcoming off-season. No offense to Lones, but he’s not been the same kicker since the Tennessee debacle in Commonwealth a year ago. It’s gotten so bad, I have almost forgotten the clutch kicks he made against LSU in the upset victory in 2007. Seiber is around 50% in successful tries heading into his senior season. Wow. There are rumors of a LaGrange (Ga.) HS kicker enrolling in the fall and others already in the program that they expect will push Seiber. I think it’d be a mistake to put the kicking responsibilities on Tydlacka with the anticipation he’ll take over the punting duties occupied by departing senior Tim Masthay. This could get ugly if Seiber doesn’t improve during the spring.

Running Back; With the offensive line only losing two players, adding four quality reserves off of redshirts and senior Christian Johnson’s expected return, it’s hard to see the loss of Garry Williams and James Alexander being that severe for the UK offense. Honestly, outside of losing senior WR Dicky Lyons and Demoreo Ford, the playmakers on offense all return. Even with that said, there is a level of uncertainty at running back. Tony Dixon departs after a tremendous career at Kentucky, Derrick Locke might not be healthy in time for fall practice in 2009 and Moncell Allen is suddenly an academic question mark. From the crew that defeated East Carolina, Kentucky returns one in Alfonso Smith. With the injuries that this position has experienced during the Brooks tenure, the Wildcats have to find another running back in its recruiting class coming in that can play as a true freshmen.

Many folks have wondered and asked me, just who is this Kige Ramsey fella and what is his story? Well a tribute video has been made to him that summarizes his work better than I ever could. Enjoy…..

***WARNING: This came from a message board***

According to Gary Ferman of CaneSport.com, the “buzz” is that Miami head coach Randy Shannon is interested in talking with UK quarterbacks coach Randy Sanders about the Canes’ offensive coordinator position. Besides being impressed with his first name and the way he wears the color orange, Shannon must be mesmerized by the fact that Sanders was able to add “bowl-winning” in front of “QB Mike Hartline”. 

In all seriousness, though, Sanders appears to have no real connection to the school or Shannon (at least none I’m aware of), but a move to a coordinator position at a traditional power would be a promotion to say the least and probably a hard job to pass up.  We’ve outlined a number of times the importance of Sanders to the past few seasons of UK football improvement and losing him would be a blow to both recruiting and the development of the quarterback position.

Ferman also reported that the Canes could be interested in talking with New York Jets offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone, who has served as an offensive coordinator for Ole Miss (1995-98), Auburn (1999-00), Oregon State (2002) and NC State (2003-05).

Of all the storylines that came from the game last night (Billy Clyde’s technical, hating Edgar Sosa, Patrick Patterson’s brilliance), none is more fascinating to me than the fact that Michael Porter played 33 minutes and had zero turnovers. Porter has received more criticism early this season than any player since Saul Smith, yet he has persevered, been knocked down and like Chumbawamba, rose up again. And then yesterday in 33 minutes he had zero turnovers, while the player many have cried for to replace him had 3 turnovers in 8 minutes. Ask yourself this question. When the game began, would you have ever imagined that Porter could face Louisville’s pressure for that amount of time and have that degree of success? I know that I didnt and when Michael took that big three at the end, I could not have been happier for him when it went in.

As we stated last night, when it comes to Porter and Harris, there is no doubt that there are better players on the roster, sitting the bench. But when will these young men play with the heart and determination to get on the floor? The answer to that question may determine the upside of this team.

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Thoughts on the game:

(1) I was sitting courtside on the UK end of the court, and the ref who called the technical on Gillispie was right in front of me.  And I heard NOTHING coming from Coach after the Patterson basket, so I don’t know how the ref heard anything coherent enough to call a tech.  Gillispie is constantly screaming at officials, so he must have said something VICIOUS to force the ref to call that T.  But, what I do know is it changed the momentum of the game drastically.  At that moment, UK had just taken it’s first lead and then immediately lost it right back.  Again, I don’t know what/if Gillispie said, but I do know that neither Patterson nor Porter were fouled hard enough on that play to say something that deserves a tech.  You have to show some restraint there.  12-0 Cards run was a huge difference in the game.

(2) I know the talk among the media during and after the game was can UK be succesful with only 2 offensive threats.  After watching the game, I think they can, especially in the SEC.  If Porter, Stevenson, Harris, Harrelson, and Liggins can at least knock down open shots, then you don’t need them to be serious threats, you just need the other team to know they can do it. 

(3) What does everyone have to say about Michael Porter now?  There were a TON of careless turnovers by the Cats yesterday, and I can only remember one by Porter.  He seems much more confident bringing the ball up the floor and getting the offense rolling.  And he knocked down the open shots.  And that’s all he needs to do.  On the other hand, Deandre Liggins was TERRIBLE.  If pressured, he threw a couple of the worst passes in the history of basketball.  Right now, I would split the minutes 27-13 Porter. 

(4) Poor Ramon Harris.  He just isn’t the same out there anymore.  He’s almost invisible and when he does something, it’s usually negative.  He didn’t really have an effect on the game, but the Cats need him to.  I feel bad because the injury still bothers him, and it must put him at about 50%.

(5) I don’t care who hates it, give the Cards some credit.  They finally hit some shots, albeit open shots, and overall played pretty well.  Give Sosa credit for hitting the shot, nothing the Cats could do.  Porter played off of him thinking he would drive and hoping he would shoot.  The Cats got what they wanted and Sosa just hit the shot.  It’s that simple.  Nobody to blame, just credit the guy.  Other teams should take note that if you press them hard, Earl Clark will throw the ball around like it has ebola virus rubbed on it.  If they shoot like that, they are a Top 10 team, and that should tell you that UK can compete with really good teams.  Now they just need to win some of these games.

(6) Patterson was the best player on the floor.  And the Cats are really finding good spots to get him the ball.  He scores the most quiet 20+ points you ever see.  I don’t know if you agree, but I think he should be option #1 on offense, not Meeks.  The reason being he can pass really well out of a double team, hopefully to Meeks for a 3. 

Overall, it was one of the more entertaining games I have ever attended.  I thought both teams played fairly good, and I have come to accept the Cats will turn the ball over a bunch.  I see a 12 or 13 win SEC season coming, and the team is improving alot.  I like the lineup of Porter-Meeks-Stevenson-Patterson-???????.  I guess you put Harris there, maybe Galloway.  I wish Harrleson would get his act together defensively because he could be an offensive weapon.  Don’t get down Cats fans, this could be a bright season yet.  Now on to some links:

1. Let’s run through all the local articles about the game:
Eric Crawford (Early turnovers hurt Cats)
Rick Bozich (Sosa endures tough road before shot)
John Clay (Great rivalry delivers great game)
Mark Story (UK needs 3rd offensive threat)
Gary Moyers (Smith able to stop Meeks at key times)
Larry Vaught (No reason for Cats fans to feel down)

2. Just a real quick football recruiting update.  Scout.com ranks UK as the 29th best class for 2009, which is still only good for 11th in the SEC.  They have 1 5-star (Newton) and 2 4-stars (Mossakowski, Rumph).  For note, UL ranks 76th with no 5 or 4-stars.  Take that Edgar Sosa.

3. NBA Recap:
Bogans struggles again, Magic lose
Rondo has likely worst game of season, Celts lose again
Prince scores 20 points in Pistons win

photo by Mark Cornelison

Sunday hurt. It wasnt because I thought the Cats deserved to win (they probably didnt) or that they have more talent than the Cards (they probably dont) or that they were somehow robbed by fate (although they may have been). It is that after 40 minutes in Freedom Hall, the Cats lost a game in which they put it all on the table. Kentucky made mistakes in execution in their 74-71 loss. They had some plays that made the buzzer go off on the “Low Basketball IQ” alarm. And the talent on the floor in crucial moments probably wasnt enough to get a victory. BUT, they played inspired basketball and as Pitino noted after the game, the five main contributors all knew their role and executed it to the best of their abilities. In my view that is all you can ask and when you see that for 40 minutes, especially with a comeback like we saw…..Damn you want them to get that victory. Some thoughts….

(1) The Last Shot Was Just One of Those Things:

If I had told you prior to the game that the key player on UL’s team for their victory would be Edgar Sosa and that for them to win in regulation, he would have to hit a 28 footer at the end of the game, you probably would have taken it. I know I would have. Edgar Sosa did what Edgar Sosa does….he took a silly shot and sometimes it goes in and more often it does not. This time it did. Michael Porter didnt do anything wrong….yeah he could have possibly been a little closer on him, but he had to worry about the better percentage play, the dribble drive to the basket, and so he gave him the rainbow shot. It went in. But Kentucky gave them the low percentage play….and in sports, that is often the best you can do. When Sosa plays like that and hits shots like that, you shake his hand and say, “see you next time.”

(2) Patrick Patterson is Amazing:

When I spoke with Greg Anthony of CBS a few weeks ago, he said to me after the interview, “I hope folks realize how good Patrick Patterson is down there. He is special.” No truer words have been spoken. Forget for a second that he leads the NATION in Field Goal percentage. Instead watch the video of the middle ten minutes of the second half. With Meeks cold and the rest of UK’s offense stagnant, Patterson was a man-child. Getting position on every play, scoring or getting to the line every time he touched the ball. He is the best post big man at UK since Bowie/Turpin and I often think people dont fully internalize it. Patterson is one of those guys that your grandfather loves for his hustle and you love for his dominant attitude and style. Tonight was a tour-de-force performance. Savor it.

(3) Jodie Meeks Can Make You Shake Your Head:

Jodie is like Cactus Jack, he scores “Bang, Bang, Bang.” Eight points in a minute in the first half and seven in 25 seconds in the second half. People love Stephon Curry for his ability to make shots that shake your head. Well Jodie just needs the attention, because he isnt far behind. He still has things to work on his game and six turnovers, five of which were uncontested, is way too many. But offensively he is special and that comeback at the end had me jumping out of my seat.

(4) For my money, this was Billy Gillispie’s Best Coached Game:

Yes the technical was mistimed and was a momentum killer. Clyde would say the same thing I am sure. But otherwise, he had a spotless game. He started with his trademark pressure and UK predictably got beat badly in the first four minutes, giving up 15 points. But then he adjusted. He played to UL’s weaknesses, dialing down the pressure and playing to his teams’ strenghts. He inserted Ramon Harris, which dialed down T-Will’s effectiveness. He gave Earl Clark free reign to shoot and he responded by throwing up brick after brick. He went with the five guys who knew how to handle the moment better than any and watched as they led the team to the precipice of an unbelievable victory. Tennessee on the road last year was my previous pick for his best coached game….now this one passes it. And the next time, I bet such a game ends in a win.

(5) Rick Pitino is Still Absurd:

His postgame blabbering about how he told Edgar Sosa to transfer to test his toughness prior to the game and then he responded with a victory was vomit-inducing. And I still think that with the amount of talent on this team, Pitino’s coaching has jumped the shark a bit. But, here are his thoughts on UK’s team and he was very complimentary,

“Very rarely do you see that at the college game, because of egos that people understand their role. The Kentucky kids know exactly where their bread is buttered. (Michael) Porter knows what to do and exactly how to get people the ball. They go high-low and they know they to get (Patrick) Patterson the ball. They take incredibly high percentage shots. We wanted to get in our press and we thought our press could work against them. We had to shoot a good percentage. That was the key. We did shoot a good percentage. I think Kentucky knows their roles. You won’t find two better players than (Jodie) Meeks and Patterson. If the other players don’t understand their role, then they are not able to be as good as they are. The players are great on defense and they rebound the ball really well. They are extremely well coached. I think they are a hell of a basketball team and I would really be shocked if they are not in the thick of the SEC race.”

(6) Michael Porter is One Mentally Tough Guy:

Not since the days of Saul Smith has a player faced what Michael Porter faced earlier this year….constant criticism and nearly universal scorn from the UK fanbase. But the last few games have seen him overcome and excel and tonight was another great performance from the young man. If I had told you that Porter has ZERO turnovers against UL’s press (the only starter to do so), would you have believed me. Well he did, and he managed the game so well that I was openly cheering for him to be reinserted in the game when he left. He hit two crucial three pointers and important moments in the game and he knew his role throughout. He isnt great and he never will be. But he can be inspiring and my admiration for the kid continues to grow.

(7) Great Night for Perry Stevenson:

Foul trouble early, then an offensive spark late. Mix in great defense throughout and it was another solid performance from the lanky big man. UK HAS to find a third scorer to beat great teams. I dont know who that will be, but Stevenson would be the best choice. A good jumper from 15 feet out, and he even can nail a three every now and then. More than probably any other player, Stevenson is forgotten when debating the team and its rotation. He shouldnt be….he may be the key to the team hitting the next level.

(8) I Sure Would Like to See More Kevin Galloway:

I have learned that for better or worse, questioning Gillispie on minutes simply is fruitless. He will play who he is going to play and there isnt anything anyone can do about it. But I just dont get the Galloway situation. His length, passing ability and defensive potential make him a player that this team could certainly use. Yet he plays four minutes and is used in ways I dont understand. I like Landon Slone and the last two games were great stories. But if Gillispie knew he wouldnt use him in this game (and he had to have), then why not give Galloway more run to get him ready for UL. Ultimately minutes are the coach’s call and I do defer. But the way Galloway is used does mystify me.

(9) The New Guys Continue to Struggle:

I think most of us thought that by this time of the season, the crunch time lineup would be different. But at this point, Darius Miller, DeAndre Liggins, Kevin Galloway and Josh Harrellson (who had a poor game) simply havent forced themselves into the serious playing time discussion. All of these guys, with the possible exception of Galloway have really shown little to no improvement since the season began. That is a bit disheartening. While Jorts has shown the ability to make plays against lesser teams and Liggins has flashes of brilliance, the mistakes of the group are too numerous for them to be consistent contributors. For this team to become potentially very good, they HAVE to get more from these guys. It remains to be seen if it will happen.

(10) KUDOS to the Core 5 From Tonight:

This is the reality from tonight’s game. Five guys made it happen for UK. The lineup of Patterson, Meeks, Stevenson, Harris and Porter were the core members of what was a very good performance for the Cats. Patterson and Meeks provided the points, Stevenson hit key shots, Porter was solid on ball-handling and Harris provided the closest thing to a lock-down defender UK has on the team. While Patterson and Meeks are stars, the other three guys get criticism for not being talented enough for UK or not playing as well as some would hope. But there is a reason that Coach Clyde sticks with this group and these three young men, playing each 25 minutes or more. They know the system, they work hard and they give 100% effort on EVERY play. They make mistakes….Porter gets beat on defense, Stevenson doesnt always block out, Harris cant dribble….but they do little things people dont appreciate. Porter is always in the right spot, Stevenson makes up for other’s defensive mistakes with great rotation and Harris can nearly take one player off the court defensively (today T-Will and Jerry Smith at times). Fans dont always see that, Gillispie does. These three guys get crap from the fans on a day in and day out basis and hear calls for players who play behind them on the bench. But tonight, in a huge game that UK nearly pulled out for a win for the ages, it was these five that provided nearly all of the important moments. There is no doubt that there are more talented players on the roster than some of these five. But to take their spot, the other players must do the things they do as an afterthought….learn the offense and defense, be in the right spot, give 100% effort and play with a modicum of basketball IQ. No matter what happens, these guys give it their all and that is why they are the core unit of a basketball team that played very well this evening.

There is actually a lot of news out there, so check back Monday afternoon for some notes. For now, just hate the Cards and give a kudos to the Cats.

This one is going to hurt for a bit. Valiant comeback for the Cats who were outmanned for most of the game, but certainly had the heart. We will have more later, but for now I must say this. I was very proud of ALL the players on the team and I think Coach Gillispie called and coached a very impressive game. If you asked me what shot I would like Louisville to take at the end, an Edgar Sosa 30 footer would have been pretty high on the list. Gillispie set them up for a fluke shot, unfortunately the fluke went in. There will be time to breakdown things later, but for now….lets all just collectively hate Edgar Sosa and say Go Big Blue!

Does this look familiar? Except two years ago, it didn’t go in.

Use this thread to post your reason on why Kentucky lost. I’m sure a post-game post from Matt will be coming later tonight.

It’s finally here.  It’s time to take on our little brothers from the glorified Junior College down I-64.  They enter the game with the same number of losses and three fewer wins, but they’re heavy on the hype.  They’re bringing a bunch of guys with old man names with them (Edgar, Jerry, Terrence, Earl), but they have the game of a couple of guys playing down at the park.  It should be a good one at Freedhom Hall today.

Use this space to predict and discuss. 

Go Cats.