Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Again, a great effort in Knoxville that should leave all Cat fans immensely proud of their team. The team played with such heart and determination, even though they were outmanned and put in a large hole early. In the second half, I found myself in a position that I am rarely in except during the postseason….standing in front of my television, rocking back and forth, clapping, acting as if I was playing in the game. When I go to games in Rupp or the SEC Tournament, I have to remain objective while on press row. But at home I can scream and by the time Joe’s three pointer rattled in and out, I felt like I had played in the game. Some notes….
— Billy Gillispie was immensely proud after the game and said that while he will always be disappointed in a loss, he was as proud of his players as he could be in a losing effort. He then got choked up and talked about how this team had rallied together since losing Patrick Patterson and said that “tonight you guys got to see what I see every day” in terms of determination and effort. He said that of all the teams he has ever been part of, this one is one of the most special because of that effort and desire. He said that at the beginning of the year, it took the guys some time “to get me”, but now he thinks this is a family unlike any other. Great comments from the coach today.
— There are so many great performances to go around, but a special shout to Perry Stevenson. Yes he scored 14 points, but he also got a number of rebounds (double-double) and played the best position defense I have seen him play at Kentucky. Stevenson’s length makes the team so much more dangerous down low and he is finally finishing around the basket. Add to that the fact that he is now MONEY from the free throw line, and Perry’s improvement has been the best development we have seen this year.
— The best performance of the year tonight for Razor Ramon. He has always played good defense, but tonight he scored in double digits, hit the glass and looked AGGRESSIVE offensively, which was awesome to see. When he can take the ball to the basket, his length causes separation, and tonight he finished on 3 of his 4 drives. Add to that a three pointer, a number of defensive deflections and a big steal, and it was a red-letter day for Ramon.
— And we cant go far without mentioning Derrick Jasper. 10 points 8 rebounds 8 assists….nearly a triple double. The kid has made as big a difference as one could possibly imagine for this team and he has stepped his game up immensely by being able to hit the open three pointer. With Jasper on the court, the team plays smarter, more efficient and more precise….all traits that it often severely lacks without him. Best game of the year for Derrick, whose best days are still ahead.
— When we look back on this game, we should not only remember that Kentucky played well without Patterson, but also had to be without Joe Crawford due to foul trouble….which brings me to Ramel Bradley. Ramel had a very good night, and was an amazing leader on the floor. I love Ramel as a player and I especially love his determination. Bruce Pearl praised Ramel after the game and is reported to have said (according to TCP) that Bradley showed today why “Kentucky wanted him over Lofton.” Not a slap at all to Chris (who is amazing), but a huge praise to Smooth.
— Stevenson needs to start at the beginning of games….love you Mark, but its time.
— Another 15 second performance by Jared Carter who was slow on the rotation and picked up a foul and a three point play. Wonder if he was the recipient of the Gillispie comment that everyone played well in the game “except one person.” The Turkey Hunter wrote at one point and said that for those 15 seconds, he would rather have a “ladder check into the game with a black cat underneath it.”
— Bad calls on both halves of the floor by possibly the worst SEC season of officiating I have seen. The foul on Ramel at the end of the first half and Joe’s 3rd and 4th fouls were absurd. However the referees also missed a number of traveling calls on Kentucky, one by Ramel and two by Perry. Still, the officiating is awful and inconsistent and seriously needs to be looked at after the season.
— Huge kudos to Billy Clyde for his gameplan. He controlled the tempo throughout and forced Tennessee to play his game. Working the ball until the end of the shot clock dictated the pace, and the daggers throw in by UK hurt morale. Expert coaching job by the Dr. Pepper fan.
— I love a Bill Rafftery called game any day of the week….”onions”….”send it in”….”man-to-man”….”big fella”…..great stuff
— Huge credit to Joe C on that last shot….got his body straight and it nearly went down….I wanted this so bad for those guys, but if the Cats make the tournament, this is one to remember. Maybe the most inspiring regular season loss I can remember in some time.
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March 2nd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Matt, nice post. I think you are finally starting to get BCG too. The difference is amazing between the prior regime’s ability to get full effort and BCG’s. I have no doubt that we win 4 in a row and make it to the sec finals
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Very proud of this team. Go CATS !!!!
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Excellent post….kudos…..Having a coach choke up on the network post game show….classic moment….
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:07 pm
There’s a movement on CatsPause for everybody to show up to the Wildcat Lodge to welcome the team home. ~6:00. BE THERE.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
We will probably need one more year and then look out….but with Stevenson, Jasper and Harris playing the way they did….maybe it will be quicker than expected. Go Cats!
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I chose to read that instead of posting 1st. God I love Gillispie.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Is there anywhere yet where we can watch the postgame video?
Does anyone have a link to it? Thanks
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:14 pm
OVER-ACHIEVERS
Would you have ever used that adjective to describe this team at the beginning of the season? I remember the coach at the beginning of the season on his call-in show saying that he wants his team to over-achieve. He has them there. Don’t count them out, even without Patterson. And to those who say we will be terrible next year… Not so fast. I will be surprised if the Cats lose more than 7-8 games next year. Toughness and heart will keep them in every game.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I would have to say that Coach G has really developed all the players. They are all playing above what they did last year.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I think this loss might help our chances of making the tournament. The NCAA committee had to watch this game.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:24 pm
9 - Absolutely right. Player development has been lacking in recent years… especially considering the project players on the roster recently. So far, I have been impressed with coach BCG’s player development. Let’s just hope he develops some more offense.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
we have a great chance to make the tournament. i think we will surprise alot of critics in the SEC tournament. we need to show up strong at the georgia dome.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
This could go down as one of the greatest LOSSES ever. Now we just have to finish it out and WIN.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
It’ll be fun to see what BG does when he gets a Jr-Sr team.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Excellent post Matt. The offensive putbacks by UT were the deciding factor. They got most of their second half field goals on putbacks and the rest of their points at the foul line. If we block out we win this game. Great effort and another building block in the foundation of a program on the rise. Great job by the players and coaches.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I know we lost but for those out there that question if Kentucky hired the right coach, and that he is not the man for the Kentucky head coaching position, This is for you.
SHUT UP SHUT UP AND SHUT UP…. I cannot wait until Coach G gets his players in his system…
GO Cats
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Wildcat Lodge at 5:30 BE THERE Wildcat Lodge at 5:30 BE THERE Wildcat Lodge at 5:30 BE THERE Wildcat Lodge at 5:30 BE THERE Wildcat Lodge at 5:30 BE THERE Wildcat Lodge at 5:30 BE THERE Wildcat Lodge at 5:30 BE THERE Wildcat Lodge at 5:30 BE THERE Wildcat Lodge at 5:30 BE THERE Wildcat Lodge at 5:30 BE THERE
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I live several hours away and can’t make it to the Wildcat Lodge in time. I really wish I could be there. I hope there is a huge crowd cheering as they get off the bus. If anyone can record the players reaction as they exit the bus and post it, I would really appreciate it. Anyone within 45 min. of the Wildcat Lodge, get there and support your team!!!!! Anyone with an account on TCP, Kentucky Ink, … should talk this up.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Do we really need a big man if Perry continues to improve?
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I said it earlier but I love the fact that the big players in this game(Razor,stevenson, jasper) are all back next year. Throw in Patterson, Meeks, Stewart, Liggins, Miller… We look good for next year. One more go to guy and we look fantastic.
Gillispie is making our future look bright. GO CATS.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:54 pm
WILDCAT LODGE 5:30 PEP RALLY
WLEX is going to be there
Supposed to be announced over 98.1
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Hell of a post Matt. I love your passion for Kentucky basketball. It’s like how I feel inside for the CATS except put in a better than I ever could. I’m not so worried about next year now days. This team plays with so much heart and desire that I think you plug any level of talent in there and they always have a chance to win. Ramon Harris, Stevenson, Meeks and Jasper sound pretty good to me along with two top 40 recruits who really know how to play the game and the best low post player in the SEC. All we need for the rest of the year is for Meeks to possibly get healthy but I am not rushing it and Stewart to develop a little. I think you can pretty much county Carter and Coury out. Although Coury does try his heart out and I appreciate that. I agree witht the fact that GIllispie had the perfect game plan. Slow down the tempo and you can always play with a Bruce Pearl coached team. I hope in the future we add some guys that can really finish around the rim. I know Miller can, but UT has 7 or 8 guys that can really finish. I am so excited for the future of UK ball. I really can see a championship in the future and believe it whole heartedly. GO CATS, BABY.
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Anybody else see where Sundiata Gaines got kicked out of the Georgia/LSU game for punching an LSU player?
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
apparently 2 tv crews are showing up at Wildcat Lodge. WLEX and I assume WKYT.
5:30 @ WILDCAT LODGE
PEP RALLY
BE THERE
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:11 pm
(23) yeah, that was pretty bad.
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:14 pm
#24 anyone streaming at the Lodge? Im in Dayton ohio.
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:15 pm
I think some players both UK
and UT are recruiting were at
the game. If so, they had to
come away more impressed with
the Cats and Gillispie.
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:15 pm
no idea. we just need to get people there!
i’m sure there’ll be write-ups about it if there’s a good turnout.
our guys need this pick-up after that game.
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
#2y Hi Shelton
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
^#27
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
i think i remember hearing that scotty hopson was supposed to be at this game. i would like to know how he feels about the game
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:36 pm
(31) hopefully he realized with about 2:00 left that he was hoping KY won.
and then he realized where he *really* wanted to go
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:39 pm
I hope none of you post over at the UK Rivals site. It’s nothing but hateful drivel!
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:47 pm
(33) the catspause or this site is hateful drivel?
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I hate to sound mean about Carter, but we would have been better off with two 3 & a half foot players in for 15 seconds today….
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Volfan - thank you for the advice. I think we can choose to post and read whatever we wish. Every one of the rival sites has “hateful drivel”. The key is having the intelligence to sort out what is right and what is BS, and not to be told by Volfan what to read. I suppose the Tennessee rivals site is all roses and puppies right now? you might want to take a look.
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:54 pm
macon_volfan… your a rare breed indeed. We really do hate anything orange. There is a lot of bad blood between our school and fans that goes back years. You seem like your lost (being this is a UK site). But then again this might be the place for you… a UK site run by a Duke alumn.
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:54 pm
UK RPI up to 53
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
please dear lord, keep Derrick Jasper healthy for the rest of his career.
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:08 pm
any word on the turn out @ the lodge to greet the team??
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:09 pm
he’s actually a Transylvania alum #37, a school in Lexington, KY. Perhaps you’re aware of it?
I was actually giving this site a compliment with the Catspause criticism. There it’s all, ‘Pearl sucks,’ ‘UT sucks,’ ‘the refs suck,’ blah, blah, blah. Here it seems more up beat, more constructive and discussion based, and less, well, hateful….that is until some of the posts concerning mine.
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:10 pm
RPI was 51 about 2 hours ago #38……
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Man, why don’t you all quit dogging volfan. He don’t post junk and smack on here. Act like you got a little class. Dude seems like a level guy. Don’t put yourselves on the same level as the punk asaes on the fox and espn blogs from Puke and the like. Cat fans are above that.
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
(37) Splat Jones:
WTF are you linked to Krzyzewski’s site? Are you that retarded?
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Awesome game to watch. UK executed the game plan to perfection (almost).
Few shots a different way and UK had it.
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:18 pm
This may have been used already, but I think I have a name for this team….The Unbreakables. What do you guys think? Can’t be more honored and proud to be a University of Kentucky basketball fan today. The belief the team had in each other was almost palpable. Awesome.
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Here is some audio from the post game if anyone is interested.
http://www.heraldleaderphoto.com/2008/03/02/cats-come-up-short-at-tenn essee/
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:24 pm
41 Drivel or not, the first half was the most lop-sidedly called half I have seen this year. I swear the white guy with the slicked back hair must owe Pearl some money. Geez…
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Macon Volfan : ‘Pearl sucks,’ ‘UT sucks,’ ‘the refs suck,’ blah, blah, blah. Good lord, do you have 18 monitors and a trust fund. How many non-UT sites are you tracking by the second? What’s the word on Maine?
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:28 pm
My friend Sarah who is on UK’s cheerleading squad is at Bruce Pearl’s right now. She said she went with an old friend who recruits for Tennessee and said Hopson was at the game as well as a recent UT signee, dont know name for sure.
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:30 pm
a college cheerleader at Pearl’s? NO WAY!
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Great effort by the kids today. Got down big because of Coaches decision to start Coury and to go without any timeouts to stop runs.
They stuck with their game plan after being down big allowed kids to relax and play ball with a nothing to lose attitude.
Negatives today: Coury started & Carter played. Team still refuses to draw charges as UT could drive the lane with no fear of a UK player drawing a charge. We had a dead tired team and Coach took home 2 timeouts in his pocket. Free throws 12-19 not good.Bradley still struggles finishing around rim.
Positives today: Harris & Stevenson picking up confidence. Jasper had a solid all around game despite 5 turnovers.Porter played minutes with out hurting team.
Big shots & plays from everyone. Shows rest of nation how to play UT. Team is gaining confidence.
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:04 pm
#52 I think the players were afraid to try to draw the charge because they knew it would be called a foul and then we would have had to put Coury back in or Cater.
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:22 pm
wow i was so proud today i didnt even care about the loss, jasper, stevenson, and razor had the best games of their careers in my opinion
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:23 pm
“unioncowrestling” congrats on the state championship!
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Update…about 40 people showed up at Wildcat Lodge.
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
GREAT coaching, great hustle, tons of heart, some poor officiating, a misfortunate outcome…. mostly, proof that this team STILL has it, despite all the adversity and bad karma I would take on ANYbody… I love this team!
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I work at O’charleys and I pissed in Carter’s honey mustard tonight!!
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:46 pm
#49….The Black Bears of Maine are upbeat over a good weekend in hockey, but still a little down after a tough loss to Vermont.
edit—I totally made this stuff up, then went to Maine’s page and found out that they did indeed lose to Vermont today. Wow. I have March Madness bad.
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Does anybody know where we could see and/or listen to the post game comments in it’s entirity?
Thanks….
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Try http://www.heraldleaderphoto.com/2008/03/02/cats-come-up-short-at-tenn essee/
March 2nd, 2008 at 8:07 pm
As I began to watch the game at first i thought that we were out of it. No energy, no determination, no hustle, no anythng that has made us win games in the SEC. But then it all changed. When… I am not sure but it changed. I think we figured… “Hey we can play with these guys without Pat!” And oh did we play with them! I found myself believing we could win this game whereas when we were down 20-5 i thought we were out of it. Anyway… great game by the Cats Perry, Razor, Jasper, Ramel all played amazing! throught all our wins we consistantly hit the big shots! all we did late in the second half was hold the ball until the shot clock went under 10 seconds and then hit the big shot! It was amazing! I thought Joe’s 3 was in… But it was a great game and shows we can play without Pat and what an amazing team this is! GO CATS!
March 2nd, 2008 at 8:13 pm
“JJayHawk9″ thanks! I got my ring last year, go to UK now but my boys pulled through again this year.
March 2nd, 2008 at 8:22 pm
macon_volfan > i wish you guys luck in the NCAA, representing the SEC. I hope you win all your games, unless you run into us. Pearl is a fun coach who is good for the game and the SEC. Some of these ol’ cats hold grudges, but for me that’s ancient history.
March 2nd, 2008 at 8:26 pm
So how did we lose again… We shot better, made more threes, outrebounded them, had more assists. They made 4 more free throws and we had 5 more TO’s. We only lost by 3. Had patterson been there we would have. Had Joe played more than 20 something minutes we would have won. I am not balmming anything on the refs but all I would ask for is consistency. If your gonna let them play then let them play. If your gonna call it tight then call it tight. It seemed like the calls changed throughout the game. The SEC refeering needs to be addressed.
March 2nd, 2008 at 8:29 pm
thanks #64.
March 2nd, 2008 at 8:29 pm
anyone know what went down at the lodge? what was the players reactions?
March 2nd, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Amazing minutes - Bradley 40 - Harris 40 - Jasper 40 - Stevenson 37 (Coury got his first three) and AJ and Carter split 30 seconds. If Crawford had not gotten in foul trouble, no doubt he gets 40 too. Gameplan was to play 5 players. Amazing!!
March 2nd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
64. I always want the SEC to represent; however, if you don’t “hold a grudge” against other SEC teams DURING SEC PLAY you have ZERO appreciation for UK. I wonder if Gillispie “holds a grudge” against other SEC teams???. I’m not saying it should be mean spirited, but come on…..
March 2nd, 2008 at 8:52 pm
About 30 people showed up to wait for the team. As they were getting off the bus, we cheered for them and got some smiles and looks, but they basically just walked into the building. Gillispie was appreciative and thanked everyone who was there. Most of us then waited for them to come out of the Craft Center and across to Wildcat Lodge. Basically got some half smiles from the guys. My impression was they were thinking “why are you here? We just lost” which is understandable as they hadn’t been back to hear the positive response from the fanbase. Stevenson, Jasper, Crawford, and Bradley all looked appreciative but understandably gassed.
March 2nd, 2008 at 9:00 pm
69: i kind of agree with what you are saying, but theres no reason to hate anyone or be rude or mean to anyone…wanting to win and being a dickhead is different
March 2nd, 2008 at 9:01 pm
and thanks 70…wish i could have made it
March 2nd, 2008 at 9:17 pm
71. What part of “I’m not saying it should be mean spirited” don’t you understand. My comments to volfan were a cut and paste from his post - I kind of like volfan, just wanted to point out that all fans websites make negative comments.
March 2nd, 2008 at 9:25 pm
71, wanted to add that you really took the high road by calling me a dickhead
March 2nd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
74: nono i wasnt calling you a dickhead, i was just saying that way too often sports fans take these “rivalries” way too far. That being said, i dont like florida, louisville, tennesee, or pittsburgh (im also a WVU fan) and generally speaking their fans all tend to annoy me. However, i dont think that people should get so serious…i wasnt saying anything in particular about u, just an observation…i think macon is a good poster and dont really kow why people bust on him all the time just because he roots for tenn
March 2nd, 2008 at 9:53 pm
#75 people bust on me for exactly what you were saying in your post. I’m a UT fan. Many people take sports too far. I sure did in youth. I’d mope around for days after a UT loss in football or bball (lots of moping in the early 1990’s). But as I got older, I realized that it didn’t matter at all. I hate UK with a passion (just like you hate UT, et al), but not the fans. Just the team. Yet I also respect the program and I love the game of college basketball. UK is fantastic at basketball. I like talking bball, and this site, created by my friends, is a great place to do it. But I still hate UK….came from my 4 years in Lexington. I’m sure a UK fan in Knoxville would feel the same though.
March 2nd, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Can anyone give update on Meeks? I heard nothing abut him today, yet he was another key player unavailable.
March 2nd, 2008 at 10:00 pm
75 Gotcha, sorry about the misunderstanding. Beat SC! I like WVU also mainly because I was at UC (M.S) during Kmart and Huggins.
March 2nd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
77, nothing official, but he looked much better walking tonight after the team got off the bus at Wildcat Lodge, so hopefully that’s a positive sign
March 2nd, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Incredible game plan - exposed tenn’s half court offense. Me thinks that tenn will see some of that triangle and 2 again.
I thought perry played ok, but I don’t think we should talking about not recruiting a big guy. Perry scored on a number of wide open dunks where someone else created the play for him. So let’s slow down.
This is definitely a what might have been game: if we just get a couple of def rebounds late…. If we make a couple of those layups…. If we just hit a few more fts…..if carter doesn’t play…oh what might have been.
Gutty effort, and I just hope they can sustain it. Go cats!
March 2nd, 2008 at 10:44 pm
I have to say I was pretty scared there at the end. That game just clinched a tourney bid for the Cats. The committee now has absolutely no reason to dink them because they will be without Patterson. They took the “#1″ team to the wire on the road without him and proved beyond any doubt that they belong in the tourney.
March 2nd, 2008 at 10:57 pm
81 I agree. It seems that most of the national media is out to get us and that worries me. Stevenson played like a man today.
How many players have turned around their perception in a year like Joe and Ramel. I will hate to see those guys go.
March 2nd, 2008 at 11:18 pm
We could have won this game if it werent for turnovers. I’m not sure how many we had, but with a team like UT you cant afford them. But they played really well and players really stepped up. Even Stewart had that block at the end that gave us another chance. They played way better than I expected and it is good to see players stepping up.
March 2nd, 2008 at 11:31 pm
81 I think your right but with 2 more wins and a good run in the SEC tourny there is no dout in my mind. I live in Cartersville Ga. and I am trying to get tickets to the first game to see Gillispie’s gimps grit it out.. If your going see you there .
Go Cats…..
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:05 am
[...] Tennessee Post Game Notes [...]
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:03 am
I was just in amazement watching this game and I was the most proud I have ever been for a single Kentucky team! Anyone who plays with that much heart deserves great things! GO CATS!
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:38 am
Another close road game comes down to making a couple of close plays or getting a “fair”
whistle on a couple of calls. I am not only proud of the players but I need to have
what Gillispie is taking that allows him to just smile at the refs when he knows he’s
getting screwed. I am not complaining as much about what we get called for, as much as
what they don’t get called for. We lost 4 points on great passes yesterday when our passer
got called for a charge (flop) after he passed the ball for a layup - both called by Doug Shows.
The charge call has got to be looked at. It is called wrong 75% of the time and is not only a
foul but a turnover. I still believe with an even whistle, we have one, at the most two, SEC
losses. In three of the losses (Miss St, Fla, Tenn), we were outshot from the free throw line
99 to 49, were called for 68 fouls to their 47. All of the other stats were basically even, as
were how the games were played (Reb 103/106, TO 42/37, A 38/44, Shooting % 42%/45%, 3pt % 33%/36%).
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:26 am
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