Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
As the Ryder Cup glow fades into the sunset, it is time to set our sights on the beginning of basketball practice in three weeks. We havent seen many of these basketball players since the last shot went astray against Marquette, and thus now is a good time to update the buzz around the UK basketball team. What follows is a look at how the players have been playing this summer and fall and what improvement (or lack thereof) has been seen. This represents an accumulation of a variety of different sources, each of which have some insight into the team and its preparations. As with all such information, its relevance to what will happen on the court in the season is debateable, but it is interesting fall fodder nonetheless.
Patrick Patterson — The most important person on the team and the most popular man on campus (as seen by the “Hey, I have psychology with Patrick!!!!” emails I get), Patterson has had a tough summer. His injury rehabilitation has been the majority of his summer work, but all indications are that he will be 100% by the time the season begins and that his progress has exceeded all expectations. His actual on-court activity has been limited and he has just recently been playing pickup games with the team. But when healthy, we know what Patrick can do…..and it looks as if he will be healthy.
Jodie Meeks — While Patrick is the heart and soul of this team, I expect a HUGE year from Jodie Meeks and believe he will likely be the team’s leading scorer. He too has rehabbed fully from injury, but more importantly, he has found the offensive aggressiveness that we saw in such huge doses his Freshman year. He is the leader in scoring in nearly every game involving the team and is considered by one long-time observer of UK sports to be “one of the best 5 shooters we have had in here in the last 20 years.” Not bad at all.
Jared Carter — We all root for Jared Carter….really we do. And the summer started out well for Jared. His tour of Africa went well and he played with some aggression on tour, scoring in double digits on multiple occasions. However after returning to the states, we have seen some more of the same. On two occasions when I have watched games with the team for over an hour, I have yet to see him score more than 1 basket. He is consistently outrebounded by smaller players and still has difficulty being a defensive force. I feel bad for Jared as those I trust tell me that his injury a couple of years ago derailed a promising career. Lets hope he gets something positive this year.
Perry Stevenson — No player on the team provides more mixed reports than Perry. You talk to one person, and they tell you that Perry is continuing to improve and will be an offensive force this year. The next person focuses on his lack of body development and still thinks he is nothing but a substitute in SEC play. From what I have seen of Perry, I expect more of the same. Some good nights of offense, a force at shot blocking, but a guy whose basketball IQ still is not where it needs to be. Will likely start on opening night, but may or may not by the end of the year.
Ramon Harris — No one who is around this guy has anything but praise to say for the Razor’s summer. Harris was one of the leaders of the African tour and since returning has become potentially the vocal leader of this team. A coach told me this Spring that Harris was one of “three guaranteed starters” (presumably incluidng Patterson and Meeks) and was “by far the best defensive player on the team.” His shooting ability is still lacking, but his ability to take the ball to the basket gets better every day. I sense another improving year and Harris becoming a rock on this team.
AJ Stewart — Probably the player with the least amount of buzz, positive or negative, on the team has been Stewart. Often overlooked in overviews of the team, Stewart has been a guy who most agree has matured off the court, but few have much opinion of one way or the other on the court. He still is a high energy guy and seems to be able to find his nose around the basketball. His biggest weakness was basketball IQ and it is hard to judge that in the offseason. This is a big year for AJ and it will be interesting to see how the next few weeks play out for him.
Michael Porter — Another guy that it is hard to get a read on is Porter. Many wrote him off after last year, which is a bit unfair. His physical stature is amazing and the first “Wow” moment of the year will be when people see his biceps at Midnight Madness. BUT, while many praise his workout ritual and his role on the team, I have heard little improvement on the actual court. One person told me his shot had improved, but his shot wasnt bad last year…..it was just getting open and not turning the ball over. The coaches would still like to use him at the point….we shall see if his ball-handling has improved enough to make that possible.
DeAndre Liggins — The most pleasant surprise of the summer for me has been Liggins. I always knew he was talented and I also believed he was a great fit for Billy Clyde’s system. But I did have questions about whether he could run a top-level team as a point guard his Freshman year. What I have seen this summer suggests to me that not only he can, but he will, be the starter on opening night at the position. Liggins can pass, take it to the basket and play defense. His shot isnt great, but is better than what I have seen in the past in AAU. I like Liggins a lot and think he will be the breakout performer of the new guys.
Kevin Galloway — Kevin is likely the most intriguing player for me coming into this year. I have no idea what will happen with Galloway and think it could be anything between great and a disappointment. There is no doubt that he is physically impressive. He is long, plays great defense and gets in passing lanes as well as anyone. He might be the best on the team at getting the ball to the basket, especially for his height, but he isnt the best finisher. More importantly however, his passing isnt good and it isnt clear what type of outside shot he may have for a team that struggles in that area. The beginning of the season will be huge for Galloway….have early success, his confidence rises and he could push for a spot in the starting lineup. If the opposite happens, we could have an Antwain Barbour situation. Galloway will be fascinating to watch.
Darius Miller — Most people I speak with are a bit surprised about the summer and fall for Darius. I expected him to be the breakout star of the Freshman class, but he hasnt really done that up to this point. He has really blended a bit into the woodwork on the team and hasnt yet been assertive. Physically he is still very impressive and his offensive scoring ability isnt questioned. I still see Darius as a four-year guy who plays every season, gets better every year and is a great asset to your program. It may just be a bit slower than some fans initially expect.
Josh Harrellson — The goofiest guy on the team, and thus our favorite, is none other than Mr. Harrellson. Josh has had a great summer in terms of getting in shape, losing around 30 pounds since stepping on campus. He is now physically ready for Division I play and still may be the third best three point shooter on the team (behind Meeks and Krebs). But, he is still a step slow and not a great defender. He can overcome the first, but he needs to improve the second in order to win playing time at the other big man slot opposite Patterson.
Donald Williams — The mysterious new addition to the team remains a bit of a mystery. I have seen him play only once and he did little during the game. Those who have seen a bit more than I have say that they see little distinguishable about his game at this point. BUT the one person that I trust more than anyone on player capabilities still tells me that Williams has been impressive behind closed doors and will be an asset. We likely will know very little about Donald until the season begins, if then.
Mark Krebs — I add Mark Krebs at the end, only because I firmly believe he will see some time this year. He is still shooting the ball tremendously and is a “scorer in every game the guys play.” He has improved his defense and his matchups with Jodie Meeks are apparently very good. He will be a spot player, likely finding time depending on the matchup. But he will get PT this year and I think fans will know the young man well by the end of the season.
So there you go….the mid-September rundown. Expect more all day, including the SEC slant and a couple of other tidbits. Thanks to all the “Who Wants to be a Blogger” entries….we had over 100 and now are narrowing them down to the ten finalists. More later….
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September 23rd, 2008 at 12:39 am
Basketball…..drool
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:39 am
Thank you Sir!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:45 am
excellent write up. thanks a bunch.
ps….Matt, i assume you’ve seen/heard of the Flight of the Conchords. If not, youtube their standup(music), you won’t be disappointed.
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:48 am
Patterson + beer cans = x
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:54 am
Matt I have heard the opposite about Galloways passing abilities. One person said that you better be looking for the ball when its in his hands or you will get hit in the face with it. I have heard that the ball doesn’t ever stick in his hands. Kind of like Jasper. Of course I read all of this over at truebluekentucky.com so who really knows. I hope Galloway can be an asset. I saw him after the MTSU game and he looked very impressive physically. This team not only needs shooting(which I think they will get from Meeks, Porter, Krebs and Ramon Harris at times) they need a guy who can get to the bucket often and at will. Not only to score but to dish to PPat, Purry, and Stevenson. Physically Galloway looks like he should be able to dunk in peoples faces any time he is around the rim. Hopefully he can improve his fininshing ability and be a force in the lane. I really look forward to this year and think we will surprise some people. GO CATS!!!!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:54 am
http://www.amnews.com/public_html/?module=displaystory&story_id=44087& format=html
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:55 am
mm natti light… somebody was high rollin’! guess he spent all his frats money on their matching polo shirts…
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:09 am
#6 I guess Galloway’s JC Coach is calling Matt a liar.
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:15 am
#8 I don’t think Gallway’s JC coach knows MJ.
MJ must not follow UK as much as most UK fans.
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:16 am
I’ve been to many “parties/gatherings” that PP has attended and at none of those was he drinking alcohol, he is a smart guy with his priorities straight…on the other hand, I was at Goodfellas pizza (late night pizza joint downtown) and I saw our favorite Dicky Lyons who apparently had a pretty fun night last Thursday…He was in no way out of control or acting a fool, but he was extremely funny to talk to for about 10 minutes and is quite the charecter, not that anybody didn’t know that
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:39 am
I have been appointed to ask you if you could extend the deadline for the “blogger” to midnight on Thursday. The reasons given were, 1.) They were watching the Ryder Cup 2.) They were watching America’s Team (the Big D) 3.) Favre was playing on Monday Night 4.) Tuesday is needed to sleep things off after a long weekend 5.)Obviously, Wednesday is Hump Day so nothing gets done. 6.) Thursday is best day to break stories for the upcoming weekend and easier to come up with new ideas and topics.
I explained that I would ask but that if these were the excuses for not putting together one simple example of a blog, Matt would not hire them to “right” (had to put at least one mispelled word in honor of BTI) for the site a few days a week.
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:40 am
#9 That was a joke obviously. Reffering to the link in your post. Galloways coach basically said the opposite of MJ.
Dave Kersey over on TBK spoke with Donald Williams high school coach recently. His coach said that Williams is a pure shooter. He actually reffered to him as a “zone buster” who can shoot with anybody in the country. He also said that Williams has trouble getting his own shot but said that if used in the right way he could contribute from down town immediately. If Williams really is a pure shooter then BCG got a steal late in the recruiting process. There is nothing this team needs more than another downtown threat. Williams coach also said that he gets after it on the defensive end. I hope what we have seen in recent scrimmages can be chalked up to just arriving on campus. Hopefully Williams will get comfortable and really gel with the team. I think his playing time will depend on work ethic in practice and ability to guard people. If Williams can contribute we will be thirteen player deep. Not all 13 will be fantastic but it will give us some flexibility and the ability to adapt to in game situation. GO CATS, BABY
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:42 am
11. You were appointed, huh.lol.
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:29 am
“Basketball is coming”
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:00 am
So i guess williams isn’t redshirting?
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:08 am
#15 Williams only has a scholarship offer for this year. After this season is over he will no longer be on scholarship unless he is impressive and another scholarship is opened. Not sure how it will work out. He might be a walk on or he might transfer no one knows yet. This is another reason why Williams is such a steal for BCG. He will be able to help us this year without taking a scholarship for next. All I know for sure is that Williams only has a scholarship offer for this year.
September 23rd, 2008 at 5:15 am
All I have heard and read say that Williams can shoot. Plus I went to 2 of the open-pratices, plus everything I have heard and read about summer/fall pickup games is that Liggins is a pretty good shooter, not great like Meeks but not bad.
September 23rd, 2008 at 5:31 am
Speaking of Jeff Snedegar…
VICE PRESIDENT OF SUPPLY
Robert J. Snedegar
Jeff Snedegar has been heavily involved in the petroleum recovery business, following closely in the family tradition. As Vice President of Supply, he oversees operations of the Company’s Zanesville, Kentucky and West Virginia offices. Jeff runs all collections on the supply side and also is responsible for fabrication of all facilities and trucks.
Jeff attended the University of Kentucky, playing football for the Wildcats as a starting linebacker and team co-captain. His football honors include being named to the All-SEC team and several All-American teams. After studying Agricultural Business at Kentucky, Jeff started up business in oil recovery. His companies eventually became part of Heartland Petroleum. In addition to his dedication to the oil business, Jeff is heavily involved in the cutting horse business and farming. What little free time he has he spends hunting and fishing.
http://www.heartland-petroleum.com/management_team.htm
September 23rd, 2008 at 6:27 am
On Jared Carter…. His injury has/had nothing to do with him improving.
He just really has never been high D1 talent regardless of what some will say about him being recruited by so-and-so team.
I watched him for years in high school. He was never the dominant player on the court even playing against 6′4″ kids. He was recruited by several Mid-South Conference schools and I thought C-ville had a shot at him since they had a one time several of his teammates.
It’s too bad he didn’t play a lower level. He may have had a chance but I doubt it….
September 23rd, 2008 at 6:47 am
18, well done. We need more Snedegar.
September 23rd, 2008 at 7:34 am
Dangit. I’ve been so tied up in everything else, I forgot about the blogger contest.
Good meeting you on Friday, Matt.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:01 am
Thanks for the hoops report. How can Purry turn into an SEC sub, I think you mean stud. This is Stevenson’s year! Go Purry.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:12 am
sorry but matt is either wrong or confused on galloway. i’ve read nothing from various sources that says galloway is anything less than a TERRIFIC passer. maybe not scorer but his passing is NOT questioned one iota.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:14 am
that dude in the blue polo is a huge tool. he lived in my dorm last year, his fraternity is basically just a bunch of huge tools who think their gods.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:43 am
I am in Northern KY and didnt receive power until Saturday night.
Unfortunately, I wasnt able to submit an entry by the deadline.
I like the idea of extending the deadline, and hope Matt will do so????? I understand if not.
I would LOVE to submit an entry, and feel I have a good shot to win.
I learned of the Blogger contest last week while at work, but wasnt able to submit an entry
here at work or home bc of having no power. Matt, if you happen to view this post…
will you please let us no the verdict on this matter?
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:53 am
Basketball can wait, football is in season now fellas.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:59 am
24- I think that’s pretty obvious.
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:04 am
Galloway led all JUCO players last year with 8.5 assists per game in a little over 20 minutes, and he isn’t a good passer? His passing and his defense are the two aspects of his game that I’ve heard nothing but good things about…
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:06 am
patterson kinda looks like hes made of wax
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 am
Great info but anything that discusses basketball is great to me. Could Krebs be the Cameron Mills of this years team? Remember Mills saw very little time in 98 but he had the highest point total for any one game during the season(scoring 31) and we all know he came up huge in the tourney. I know nothing about Krebs but if he can come in every once in awhile and hit a few threes he will be a tremendous asset. Without players like him and Meeks it will be very tough on Patterson as I see most teams simply crowding the middle and daring us to shoot outside.
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:28 am
29, blasphemy! Everyone knows Patrick Patterson is made out of 3 parts basketball gods, 1 part Chuck Norris.
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:39 am
24- So I’m guessing they wouldn’t let you join?
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 am
Krebs played for a rival of mine in high school so I played him many times in my career. I was a year older than him but as a JR when we played him he could absolutely nail the three. He was pretty thin in HS but he is starting to fill out now…I talked to him the other day and he is very excited about his possible chances of seeing the floor this year. The kid has been a baller since he was young, and he saw a couple minutes last year that hopefull will knock the nervousness out of him…He seems very confindent everytime I talk to him about basketball
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:05 am
24-Isn’t that all frats?
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:35 am
funniest thing in the world= watching a frat boy try to change a flat tire. Like a monkey fornicating with a football.
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:51 am
haha frat boys.. their fake tans and highlights. That is all..
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
36.
You forgot terrible taste in beer, popped collars, and douchebaggery.
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
douchebaggery lol
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
http://newsok.com/ku-kentucky-top-ortons-list/article/3301427/?tm=1222 149305
Orton put KU as leader with UK
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Naw I didnt rush them, had no intentions.
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
all this knocking on fraternities is showing some of your alls ages. First, nobody uses the word “frat,” and if you do then you are a tool, which I guess the guy in the picture is. Second, at least from everybody I know in my fraternity, and about 5 or 6 others, if you pop your collar then your not getting in, and if you do if after you get in, then you’re probably going to get your ass kicked. If you wanna have a changing tire race, give me a date and time and I’ll beat you, garunteed. I haven’t seen highlights since spring break 2000, in which I was a freshman in high school, and without fraternities, the student section would almost not be, as they are the ones who party the hardest before and during games…stereotyping gets you guys no where
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Matt, this is very interesting information on Galloway. To this point, everything I’ve read and observed of Galloway suggested that not only is he an excellent passer, but that he can totally finish at the rim. Very interesting.