University of Kentucky Men's Basketball - 6th edition

[TheBigLebowski]

Sorry - hit "reply" before I was done posting. A premature postulation.

If we beat Alabama at home on Tuesday, we win the SEC reg season title...I would be ecstatic about that, considering this team lost early season games to juggernauts like UCF and Jacksonville....you never know what you're gonna get with this bunch....lots of nice wins over quality opponents but some inexplicable losses as well. We lost to South Carolina on our home floor but then turned around and blew them out on theirs. And SC is not that good. Almost got clipped by the worst team in the SEC, LSU, because we went to sleep in the 2nd half.

Obviously the outcome of the SEC Tourney will weigh heavily on the seeding, but right now, I'm thinking UF gets a 3 or a 4 seed and UK is probably looking at a 4 or a 5 - likely a 4. UK wins the SEC-T and it could move all the way up to a 2. UF's peripherals are good enough to get a boost up to a #2 with an SEC-T victory as well.

Disappointed in the outcome yesterday but I really did not expect a win at Rupp. One can never "expect" a win there. Excited about Tuesday....but if we manage to lose to that Bama team at home, a Bama team that has feasted on that weak SEC Western division, it has to be considered nothing more than an epic fail. Our only remaining game is on the road in that weird ass Vandy gym, a place were few teams play well.

Congrats on the big victory.

[Joseph]

Thanks TBL. Congrats to you crazy Gator fans on a really good season by Billy and the boys.

[Revering4Blue]

Who else believes that the Wildcat's road woes are overrated?

The convincing win over Notre Dame on a neutral floor should be evidence to the contrary.

They've also beaten Washington--no slouch--on a neutral floor.

[WVRed]

Who else believes that the Wildcat's road woes are overrated?

The convincing win over Notre Dame on a neutral floor should be evidence to the contrary.

They've also beaten Washington--no slouch--on a neutral floor.

Notre Dame was not on a neutral floor. That was in Louisville, which gets painted blue anytime the Cardinals are not playing. Freedom Hall has even got a UK makeover right before the game.

Maui on the other hand is a testament to what I've been saying about UK for awhile. UK fans travel well, and the crowd helped in Maui. Once UK hits Atlanta for the SEC tournament and the NCAA, every game will pretty much become a home game.

What does scare me on the road is that UK doesn't play through the environment. There isn't a player on this years team who can step it up and take control of the game when it is on the road.

[WVRed]

Obviously the outcome of the SEC Tourney will weigh heavily on the seeding, but right now, I'm thinking UF gets a 3 or a 4 seed and UK is probably looking at a 4 or a 5 - likely a 4. UK wins the SEC-T and it could move all the way up to a 2. UF's peripherals are good enough to get a boost up to a #2 with an SEC-T victory as well.
Congrats on the big victory.

I can't see any scenario where UK gets a no 2 seed. No 3 is possible (would have to win against Vandy, Tennessee, and win the SEC tournament convincingly for that to happen), but my guess is a 4 or 5 seed.

This years team could be one and done or make it to the Sweet Sixteen (or even Elite Eight) depending on the draw.

[WMR]

Notre Dame was not on a neutral floor. That was in Louisville, which gets painted blue anytime the Cardinals are not playing. Freedom Hall has even got a UK makeover right before the game.

Maui on the other hand is a testament to what I've been saying about UK for awhile. UK fans travel well, and the crowd helped in Maui. Once UK hits Atlanta for the SEC tournament and the NCAA, every game will pretty much become a home game.

What does scare me on the road is that UK doesn't play through the environment. There isn't a player on this years team who can step it up and take control of the game when it is on the road.

Uhh, you know UL doesn't play in FH anymore, right? :eek:

That blue UK floor is the permanent floor for FH now.

[WMR]

I can't see any scenario where UK gets a no 2 seed. No 3 is possible (would have to win against Vandy, Tennessee, and win the SEC tournament convincingly for that to happen), but my guess is a 4 or 5 seed.

This years team could be one and done or make it to the Sweet Sixteen (or even Elite Eight) depending on the draw.

I don't think the draw matters that much for this year's team, quite honestly. I mean, there's one seeds that I would prefer over other one seeds etc., but this team's success or failure is going to be reliant on their execution. When they are playing at their absolute best and firing on all cylinders, there isn't a team they can't beat on a neutral/home court. Like Cal said yesterday, last year's team would just maul you, this year's team must execute flawlessly.

[cincy jacket]

Who else believes that the Wildcat's road woes are overrated?

The convincing win over Notre Dame on a neutral floor should be evidence to the contrary.

They've also beaten Washington--no slouch--on a neutral floor.

http://kenpom.com/blog/index.php/weblog/why_i_wont_give_up_on_washington_or_kentucky/

Interesting article on teams having trouble on the road. I cannot figure out this year's team for the life of me. It wouldn't shock me to see a Friday exit in the SEC tournament followed by a first weekend NCAA tournament exit, and it wouldn't surprise me to see them win the SEC Tournament and make a run to the Final Four (not likely but certain plausible this season with the right draw).

I know it's been beaten to death already, but I can't help but imagine this team with Kanter. Having never seen him play outside of an exhibition game I can't help but imagine him being worth more than 1-2 points a game that we seem to lose every road game by. It's a shame.

[TheBigLebowski]

Thanks TBL. Congrats to you crazy Gator fans on a really good season by Billy and the boys.

Hah, thank you. We're not all crazy.

[WVRed]

Uhh, you know UL doesn't play in FH anymore, right? :eek:

That blue UK floor is the permanent floor for FH now.

I know that, I was referring to the Notre Dame game being on a neutral floor. It might not have been Rupp, but it was still in the state of Kentucky and UK had a decided advantage.


I don't think the draw matters that much for this year's team, quite honestly. I mean, there's one seeds that I would prefer over other one seeds etc., but this team's success or failure is going to be reliant on their execution. When they are playing at their absolute best and firing on all cylinders, there isn't a team they can't beat on a neutral/home court. Like Cal said yesterday, last year's team would just maul you, this year's team must execute flawlessly.

The two one seeds that I don't want to face in a possible sweet sixteen game is Ohio State and Duke. Duke because it becomes 10 on 5 (players, zebras, and announcers), and Ohio State because they are top to bottom the most balanced team in college basketball.

I think we could hang with Pitt, Texas, Kansas, or even BYU if they somehow become a no 1 seed. BYU reminds me of Miami OH when Wally Sczerbiak was there. Shut down everybody else, let Jimmer Fredette get his points, and win the game convincingly.

[Scrap Irony]

Right now, the only teams Kentucky should be hesitant to face are Ohio State, Purdue, UNC, KU, and any team with a top-flight big man. Everyone else is about even, depending on draw, officiating, and venue.

I'd love to see a Duke/ UK match-up in the Sweet 16. It would be fun to watch, as the teams are remarkably similar in terms of how they play the game. (Outside-in, with questionable team basketball IQ, but talent across the starting five plus one.)

That said, I think Kentucky will be lucky to go past the round of 32. Youth showed this year, as it typically does.

If Kentucky goes West in the BYU (1)/San Diego State (2) Arizona/ UCLA (3) bracket, they might make a serious run. None of those guys has faced the pressure cooker that is March Madness as favorites. Kentucky faces that issue virtually every game and should be used to it.

[KYExtemper]

If past brackets are any indication, we'll be in the one with Duke. I'm not really concerned about the bracket, though. I figure we'll play where we play, although like other posters I readily admit that getting into BYU's bracket (or potentially Notre Dame's if they win the Big East Tourney) and we're the #4 or #5 wouldn't be bad at all.

[WVRed]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology

I would pay to see UK in this bracket. St Johns does scare me somewhat, but BYU is the weakest link by far.

[WMR]

Right now, the only teams Kentucky should be hesitant to face are Ohio State, Purdue, UNC, KU, and any team with a top-flight big man. Everyone else is about even, depending on draw, officiating, and venue.

I'd love to see a Duke/ UK match-up in the Sweet 16. It would be fun to watch, as the teams are remarkably similar in terms of how they play the game. (Outside-in, with questionable team basketball IQ, but talent across the starting five plus one.)

That said, I think Kentucky will be lucky to go past the round of 32. Youth showed this year, as it typically does.

If Kentucky goes West in the BYU (1)/San Diego State (2) Arizona/ UCLA (3) bracket, they might make a serious run. None of those guys has faced the pressure cooker that is March Madness as favorites. Kentucky faces that issue virtually every game and should be used to it.

I understand what you're saying there, because I think they make us fans and Cal want to pull our hair out at certain points... however, give credit where credit is due: UK is led by a freshman point guard and is first in the SEC in TOs per game and is TWENTIETH on that list nationwide.

You don't get those kinds of numbers with dumb/low IQ players playing pivotal roles on your team.

Now let's just get BK and DL to hang around for year number two...

[KYExtemper]

St. John's is a very scary team that I wouldn't want in my bracket. Steve Lavin is a solid coach and he's bringing respectability back to that program. I'm not convinced that BYU would survive a second round matchup with K-State in our half of the bracket either. However, if that's the bracket we drew that'd be the best thing that could happen to us.

[Scrap Irony]

I understand what you're saying there, because I think they make us fans and Cal want to pull our hair out at certain points... however, give credit where credit is due: UK is led by a freshman point guard and is first in the SEC in TOs per game and is TWENTIETH on that list nationwide.

You don't get those kinds of numbers with dumb/low IQ players playing pivotal roles on your team.

Now let's just get BK and DL to hang around for year number two...

How about vapor-locking in crucial situations?

Kentucky's been in every game they've lost. Their talent level is higher than any team they've faced, with the exception of UNC (and that's debatable). They've lost virtually all their close games because of at least one or two stupid decisions by members of the team.

And it's all of them.

In one game, Brandon Knight throws the ball to no one in particular. In another, Darius Miller passes up a wide open shot with the clock winding down. In another, Terrence Jones tries to do his best John Wall impersonation with three guys around him. Liggins gets a technical foul called on him for reacting like a two-year-old, then look on, agog the official actually called him for it.

And so on.

It's a combination of youth and poor basketball IQs. And most of that is fixable. Another year in college around good coaching and good players who understand what it takes to win will fix much of that.

Though I wonder how many of them are going to stay. I'm betting Jones has one foot out the door already, as does Knight (though he may stay another year).

If the lockout in the NBA becomes a reality, that team should be stacked. No one will want to play them.

[KYExtemper]

I think it's pretty certain the NBA is headed for a lockout, which probably bodes well for us next year. The NBA owners want to crush the players union, so a work stoppage will happen.

[WMR]

How about vapor-locking in crucial situations?

Kentucky's been in every game they've lost. Their talent level is higher than any team they've faced, with the exception of UNC (and that's debatable). They've lost virtually all their close games because of at least one or two stupid decisions by members of the team.

And it's all of them.

In one game, Brandon Knight throws the ball to no one in particular. In another, Darius Miller passes up a wide open shot with the clock winding down. In another, Terrence Jones tries to do his best John Wall impersonation with three guys around him. Liggins gets a technical foul called on him for reacting like a two-year-old, then look on, agog the official actually called him for it.

And so on.

It's a combination of youth and poor basketball IQs. And most of that is fixable. Another year in college around good coaching and good players who understand what it takes to win will fix much of that.

Though I wonder how many of them are going to stay. I'm betting Jones has one foot out the door already, as does Knight (though he may stay another year).

If the lockout in the NBA becomes a reality, that team should be stacked. No one will want to play them.

Youth, yes. I agree with that 100%. I guess I draw a bit more of a differentiation b/t what I consider "low basketball IQ" compared to you... IMO, 'low basketball IQ' is something that isn't really fixable. If you've got a low basketball IQ, chances are good that you always will. It's an innate talent that is very difficult if not impossible to teach or coach into a kid.

IMO, nearly all of UK's struggles are attributable to youth rather than low basketball IQ. The only player whose basketball IQ I really question is Liggins.

Knight, Jones, and Lamb? All very smart players, IMO, but also very, very young and inexperienced. (Just look at how much Jones has improved passing out of the double team since the season began, for instance.)

[TheBigLebowski]

Sorry....sorry.....but I gotta do it...


HOW BOUT DEM GATORS!!!!!! whoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[WMR]

Sorry....sorry.....but I gotta do it...


HOW BOUT DEM GATORS!!!!!! whoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

It must suck being the only Gator basketball fan on planet Earth...

you know this is a UK thread right? :lol:

I would, however, love to see UK get the chance to spank UF a second time in Catlanta. :D

[WMR]

Nice first half for the Cats... pretty awesome Senior night for Josh so far. What a great kid, so happy for his success this season.

I do believe he will be playing somewhere for pay next season, no question.

Very nice first half defensive effort.

[WMR]

First half = Good Freshmen

Second half = Bad Freshmen

Sort of a microcosm of this entire season. T. Jones will probably get drafted in the lottery based on his potential but he is far from ready for the NBA.

Vandy is tough, Very, very tough. I'm much more impressed with them than I am Florida.

[WVRed]

First half = Good Freshmen

Second half = Bad Freshmen

Sort of a microcosm of this entire season. T. Jones will probably get drafted in the lottery based on his potential but he is far from ready for the NBA.

Vandy is tough, Very, very tough. I'm much more impressed with them than I am Florida.

I'm starting to think its entirely possible that all three stay. Cal has said that unless you are a bonafide top 3 pick in the draft, you might as well return to college next year. Jones might be the only one to go pro but even then I have my doubts.

Of course, I want to see what those three look like with next years class coming in. :D

[TheBigLebowski]

First half = Good Freshmen

Second half = Bad Freshmen

Sort of a microcosm of this entire season. T. Jones will probably get drafted in the lottery based on his potential but he is far from ready for the NBA.

Vandy is tough, Very, very tough. I'm much more impressed with them than I am Florida.

Going to respond to two posts here at the same time....a UF education gives one the ability to multi-task....;)

AFA me being the only Gator Hoops fan around....riiiight....I have previously admitted that Cat fans have a much bigger passion for the game....Cat fans might be the best in the country. But it does not mean UF does not have good college basketball fans. We do. Last night's environment in the O'Connell Center was awesome by anyone's standards. It may not be Rupp, but it was still a pretty tough place to play. And we DO have an awesome student section....the alumni side...well, let's just say they need a shot of adrenaline sometimes.

I do know this is a Kentucky Basketball thread....but considering UF is an SEC rival, in your same division, I thought some UF discussion would be considered relevant. Besides, on a Cincinnati Reds forum, would a Florida Gator thread get much attention? I love college basketball...I am and have been respectful....not talking any trash....that post last night was not meant to be any shot at UK or any of its fans...winning SEC titles may be old hat to you folks but it's a pretty big deal to Gator fans....and something many UK fans may not know, Billy Donovan put in Adam Allen to close out the final seconds of the game....Adam Allen is a 6'8" wing....very highly recruited....hurt his knees as a freshman and went through 3 surgeries....finally announced on Monday that he was just going to have to give up basketball instead of trying for a medical hardship....he was fully dressed out and got to dribble out the clock....said he thought about taking a shot but it would be running up the score if he did....great kid and a very heart-warming moment.

----------------------

As far as this post goes, well, I won't deny Vandy is a darned good team and that John Jenkins can ball. We have to go up there in a couple of days on their Senior Night and close out our regular season. I give us about a 30-40% chance of winning that game....if we lose, just gotta hope Georgia beats Alabama, which I think they will do, so we can have the SEC title outright. As far as you being "much" more impressed with them than UF...well, it's an opinion, and you certainly have a right to feel that way....but we've already beaten them once and we are, at worst, co-SEC champs...ranked higher, etc.....no offense taken, just think you might be wrong there.

The SEC has not gotten a lot of respect this year but I think we have a lot of good basketball teams. UF, UK, Vandy and Georgia all have the potential to make deep runs in the tourney. Tennessee and Alabama should also get in and I would not be shocked to see either make the Sweet 16. (BTW - don't believe all this talk about Alabama being a "bubble team." A record like theirs in a power conference, especially if they end up sharing the SEC title with us, gets you in every time.) The West was waaay down this year, without a doubt. But here's hoping we prove ourselves as a conference in March. I assure you all I will be rooting for Kentucky, as I always do, unless our paths happen to cross. Hope you guys will return the favor.

Congrats on a big win last night. See you in "Cat-lanta." :thumbup:

[WVRed]

Going to respond to two posts here at the same time....a UF education gives one the ability to multi-task....;)

AFA me being the only Gator Hoops fan around....riiiight....I have previously admitted that Cat fans have a much bigger passion for the game....Cat fans might be the best in the country. But it does not mean UF does not have good college basketball fans. We do. Last night's environment in the O'Connell Center was awesome by anyone's standards. It may not be Rupp, but it was still a pretty tough place to play. And we DO have an awesome student section....the alumni side...well, let's just say they need a shot of adrenaline sometimes.

I do know this is a Kentucky Basketball thread....but considering UF is an SEC rival, in your same division, I thought some UF discussion would be considered relevant. Besides, on a Cincinnati Reds forum, would a Florida Gator thread get much attention? I love college basketball...I am and have been respectful....not talking any trash....that post last night was not meant to be any shot at UK or any of its fans...winning SEC titles may be old hat to you folks but it's a pretty big deal to Gator fans....and something many UK fans may not know, Billy Donovan put in Adam Allen to close out the final seconds of the game....Adam Allen is a 6'8" wing....very highly recruited....hurt his knees as a freshman and went through 3 surgeries....finally announced on Monday that he was just going to have to give up basketball instead of trying for a medical hardship....he was fully dressed out and got to dribble out the clock....said he thought about taking a shot but it would be running up the score if he did....great kid and a very heart-warming moment.

----------------------

As far as this post goes, well, I won't deny Vandy is a darned good team and that John Jenkins can ball. We have to go up there in a couple of days on their Senior Night and close out our regular season. I give us about a 30-40% chance of winning that game....if we lose, just gotta hope Georgia beats Alabama, which I think they will do, so we can have the SEC title outright. As far as you being "much" more impressed with them than UF...well, it's an opinion, and you certainly have a right to feel that way....but we've already beaten them once and we are, at worst, co-SEC champs...ranked higher, etc.....no offense taken, just think you might be wrong there.

The SEC has not gotten a lot of respect this year but I think we have a lot of good basketball teams. UF, UK, Vandy and Georgia all have the potential to make deep runs in the tourney. Tennessee and Alabama should also get in and I would not be shocked to see either make the Sweet 16. (BTW - don't believe all this talk about Alabama being a "bubble team." A record like theirs in a power conference, especially if they end up sharing the SEC title with us, gets you in every time.) The West was waaay down this year, without a doubt. But here's hoping we prove ourselves as a conference in March. I assure you all I will be rooting for Kentucky, as I always do, unless our paths happen to cross. Hope you guys will return the favor.

Congrats on a big win last night. See you in "Cat-lanta." :thumbup:

UF is in the same boat Ohio State is in, even if you do have somewhat decent fan support, its still a football first school. Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, and Indiana are probably the only basketball crazy states out there.

I'll be the first to admit, playing in the O-Dome isn't the easiest thing in the world. The Rowdy Reptiles do give Florida a home court advantage. As for the alumni, it comes with the territory. At least Florida fans aren't hung on "tradition" to where the older fans complain over a player having dreadlocks or wearing headbands. I'm probably one of the few UK fans who actually liked the black uniforms we wore a couple of seasons ago.

I'm a UK fan first and SEC second. If a SEC team is playing in the tournament, I will pull for them, so I will pull for Florida and even Tennessee if it makes the SEC look good. Florida has always had players though who have always found a way to get under the skin of UK fans (Teddy Dupay, Matt Walsh, Joakim Noah, Nick Calathes).

It just seems like Donovan hasn't been able to duplicate the success of the back to back titles. I don't think the NBA flirtation has hurt him that much because he pretty much kept the recruiting classes after he left. Outside of Kenny Boynton, he has lost two top recruits to other schools (Knight to UK and Rivers to Duke), so it kinda leads to wonder what is going on.

Will be pulling for Florida to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, as long as they dont meet up with UK. :)

[TheBigLebowski]

UF is in the same boat Ohio State is in, even if you do have somewhat decent fan support, its still a football first school. Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, and Indiana are probably the only basketball crazy states out there.

I'll be the first to admit, playing in the O-Dome isn't the easiest thing in the world. The Rowdy Reptiles do give Florida a home court advantage. As for the alumni, it comes with the territory. At least Florida fans aren't hung on "tradition" to where the older fans complain over a player having dreadlocks or wearing headbands. I'm probably one of the few UK fans who actually liked the black uniforms we wore a couple of seasons ago.

I'm a UK fan first and SEC second. If a SEC team is playing in the tournament, I will pull for them, so I will pull for Florida and even Tennessee if it makes the SEC look good. Florida has always had players though who have always found a way to get under the skin of UK fans (Teddy Dupay, Matt Walsh, Joakim Noah, Nick Calathes).

It just seems like Donovan hasn't been able to duplicate the success of the back to back titles. I don't think the NBA flirtation has hurt him that much because he pretty much kept the recruiting classes after he left. Outside of Kenny Boynton, he has lost two top recruits to other schools (Knight to UK and Rivers to Duke), so it kinda leads to wonder what is going on.

Will be pulling for Florida to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, as long as they dont meet up with UK. :)

No question football will always be first for those schools you mentioned - UF definitely favors football. Just the way it is and always will be. But I am proud that we have been able to have sustained success in both sports. Personally, I am more of a hoops fan than a football fan, having played hoops my whole life.

You really have alumni fans that complain about dreadlocks and headbands??? Wow...that would get on my nerves too...but at least your folks make noise. I am finishing grad school now so I still get to sit in the student section....we consistently have to yell at the older folks on the other side of the floor to make noise. And it rarely works.

AFA the players who get under the skin of UK fans....Dupay and Noah I certainly understand....I loved them but I understand why other fans might hate them. But the Matt Walsh hate I never understood. Must have been the long hair. And Calathes? I didn't know UK fans hated him....personally, I am not a huge fan.....he bailed on the program for a contract in freaking Greece....and he is doing nothing over there....

AFA Rivers and Knight...I grant you we "lost" Rivers...he was committed to us for over a year then broke the commitment for Duke...and Doc had a lot to do with that. But Knight we never lost...as much as we may have wanted him to, he never committed to Florida....I always thought we would end up with him but it just didn't happen. But obviously it's never a bad choice for a kid who is good at basketball to play at UK. And a lot of people think he is a one-and-done, but I disagree. He's very intelligent and I think school matters to him more than people realize. Now, that's not to say he stays 4 years or anything....but I'd bet you a doughnut he stays at least 2.

[Sea Ray]

even Tennessee if it makes the SEC look good.

:thumbup:

[WVRed]

Found this on KSR:

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/tennesseefacebook.jpg

[WMR]

:lol:

omg that is so great... all the UT nonsense in one huge send-up.

[TheBigLebowski]

:beerme:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[WMR]

Wonder if that's the last time I'll get the pleasure of seeing Pearl and his ugly orange blazer coach against my Cats?

Really nice road win with a simply amazing performance by Brandon Knight. What a player.

[TheBigLebowski]

Congrats on the win...and I like your SEC draw much better than ours.

[Sea Ray]

Wonder if that's the last time I'll get the pleasure of seeing Pearl and his ugly orange blazer coach against my Cats?


I'm sure you hope so.

[WMR]

I'm sure you hope so.

If Pearl wasn't such a liar/cheater/scumbag I'd be happy to have him in the SEC.

I like to see good coaches in the SEC. Donovan, Stallings (who I dislike but still respect), Grant at Bama... The more good coaches in the SEC, the better it is for our league.

Pearl, on the other hand, needs to be kept far, far away from college kids. He deserves the same show-cause penalty assessed to Kelvin Sampson.

I hope that they fire the UT AD the same day they fire Pearl. I'm still amazed you can be the presiding AD while your men's basketball AND football programs commit major rules violations (with probation in both all but guaranteed) and keep your job... If this deal happened at UK the press would have seen Barnhardt and Calipari run out on a rail (and deservedly so).

[Sea Ray]

You think the UT AD is responsible for Pearl lying about a barbecue? You think he's responsible for keeping Lane Kiffin within the rules? I think the investigation will show that the AD tried to police these guys but they went off the rail all by themselves

As for UK Calipari is no choir boy either. Don't think it couldn't happen to you

[Revering4Blue]

Not directly UK related, but UK/SEC fans may find the latest Tubby Smith rumor interesting:

Tubby moves on to Georgia Tech following a buy-out of Paul Hewitt's contract.

Also, John Pelphrey is on the hot seat at Arkansas. If he gets the boot, expect the Razerbacks to make a full-court-press to hire Mizzou's Mike Anderson.

[Razor Shines]

That fake Facebook page is darn near the funniest thing I've ever seen.

"No you're not. Lol." :laugh:

[WMR]

You think the UT AD is responsible for Pearl lying about a barbecue? You think he's responsible for keeping Lane Kiffin within the rules? I think the investigation will show that the AD tried to police these guys but they went off the rail all by themselves

As for UK Calipari is no choir boy either. Don't think it couldn't happen to you

Sea Ray, I swear to God, if Cal did what Pearl did, and blatantly lied and worst of all instructed RECRUITS to lie, I would WANT him fired.

Believe it or not, I have some friends who are UT fans and I honestly feel bad for what they have had to go through. That AD needs to go, way too much bad stuff has happened under his watch.

[Puffy]

You think the UT AD is responsible for Pearl lying about a barbecue? You think he's responsible for keeping Lane Kiffin within the rules? I think the investigation will show that the AD tried to police these guys but they went off the rail all by themselves

As for UK Calipari is no choir boy either. Don't think it couldn't happen to you

Well, Hamilton hired Kiffin and I am pretty sure he hired Pearl as well, so wouldn't you agree that even if he tried to police them that he deserves the blame for hiring two men to run two big time programs and both of them are, to be kind, less than ethical?

I do agree with you though that they went off rails on their own (from what I've read) but hiring both of them in first place seemes to me to indicate a desire for winning over ethics.

[WVRed]

Well, Hamilton hired Kiffin and I am pretty sure he hired Pearl as well, so wouldn't you agree that even if he tried to police them that he deserves the blame for hiring two men to run two big time programs and both of them are, to be kind, less than ethical?

I do agree with you though that they went off rails on their own (from what I've read) but hiring both of them in first place seemes to me to indicate a desire for winning over ethics.

In addition, Hamilton ran off a football legend in Phil Fulmer. Add that to what is going on with the basketball program and the one year of Kiffin and Hamilton needs shown the door.

Tennessee after Fulmer left reminded me a lot of Kentucky with Tubby. A guy who the game has passed by that a fraction of the fanbase still loved, but the other half wanted to see win at all costs. Once both were gone, both Kentucky and Tennessee made the worst hires possible (Gillispie from a PR standpoint, Kiffin from just about everything). Both programs made the right choices though the second time around.

My prediction on what I think will happen: Hamilton is fired and replaced by Pat Summitt. Mickie DeMoss takes over the womens team and Josh Pastner is hired from Memphis to replace Bruce Pearl. I think it is all entirely possible.

[WVRed]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology

Pass. WVU rematch with Pitt looming in the sweet sixteen. I think we could beat Pitt but this isn't the year for payback against WVU.

[Revering4Blue]

My prediction on what I think will happen: Hamilton is fired and replaced by Pat Summitt. Mickie DeMoss takes over the womens team and Josh Pastner is hired from Memphis to replace Bruce Pearl. I think it is all entirely possible.

Your guess is as good as mine, but when you consider that Tennessee is arguably the second best SEC job, one would think that they'll be able to land a coach who at least has proven he can at least advance in NCAA play.

Pastner may well be a diamond-in-the-rough, but it seems too risky. Tennessee can ill afford another Buzz Peterson/Wade Houston-like hire. I remember all too well when Don DeVoe was foolishly canned. It wasn't pretty.

[Scrap Irony]

Pastner would be a great hire, IMO. He can recruit as well as anyone in the country and would keep UT in the national picture. Donnie Tyndall might be a name you'll hear if Pearl is canned (or the NCAA cans him for the folks in Knoxville). They, too, might go after Missouri's Anderson (though that seems a bit sideways).

[WVRed]

Your guess is as good as mine, but when you consider that Tennessee is arguably the second best SEC job, one would think that they'll be able to land a coach who at least has proven he can at least advance in NCAA play.

Pastner may well be a diamond-in-the-rough, but it seems too risky. Tennessee can ill afford another Buzz Peterson/Wade Houston-like hire. I remember all too well when Don DeVoe was foolishly canned. It wasn't pretty.

Pastner has great recruiting ties and is doing the opposite of Calipari in Memphis in that he is keeping the local kids in-state. He landed Will Barton when Barton was all but a lock for UK and has assembled a pipeline of talent that will compete in C-USA. Tennessee needs someone who can bring in-state talent to Knoxville and Pastner fits the bill.


Pastner would be a great hire, IMO. He can recruit as well as anyone in the country and would keep UT in the national picture. Donnie Tyndall might be a name you'll hear if Pearl is canned (or the NCAA cans him for the folks in Knoxville). They, too, might go after Missouri's Anderson (though that seems a bit sideways).

Tyndall is a reach, although I think he is gone. Rumor has it Bradley is looking at him. If Tyndall does leave Morehead St I would love to see Kelly Wells get the job. He's done pretty good at Pikeville.

The only job I see Mike Anderson leaving Missouri for is Arkansas if it comes open.

[TheBigLebowski]

Tennessee the 2nd best SEC job? Sorry, gotta disagree there.

If we're speaking in terms of fan support, that would be Arkansas. Monetarily, it would be Florida.

[dabvu2498]

Pastner would be a risky hire for UT. The man has been a head coach 2 seasons. 2 NIT appearances likely. And his Memphis recruiting connections? Let's not forget that Memphis is 400 miles away from Knoxville.

And I'd agree that UT is probably the 2nd best job in the SEC, overall.

[cumberlandreds]

Tennessee the 2nd best SEC job? Sorry, gotta disagree there.

If we're speaking in terms of fan support, that would be Arkansas. Monetarily, it would be Florida.

I will agree with you. I still think Florida and Arkansas are better jobs than Tennessee.

[cumberlandreds]

Not directly UK related, but UK/SEC fans may find the latest Tubby Smith rumor interesting:

Tubby moves on to Georgia Tech following a buy-out of Paul Hewitt's contract.

Also, John Pelphrey is on the hot seat at Arkansas. If he gets the boot, expect the Razerbacks to make a full-court-press to hire Mizzou's Mike Anderson.

I can't believe Ga Tech would even consider Tubby. At best it would be a lateral move. Tubby hasn't exactly burned it up in Minnesota.

[cumberlandreds]

You think the UT AD is responsible for Pearl lying about a barbecue? You think he's responsible for keeping Lane Kiffin within the rules? I think the investigation will show that the AD tried to police these guys but they went off the rail all by themselves

As for UK Calipari is no choir boy either. Don't think it couldn't happen to you


There comes a point in time the AD has to accountable for things that go on within the athlectic program even its out of his control. That time has probably come for Hamilton. I just find it hard to believe he didn't fire Pearl when it became known he blantantly lied to the NCAA about the BBQ and other things. To me that was irresponsiblity by him.

[Sea Ray]

Sea Ray, I swear to God, if Cal did what Pearl did, and blatantly lied and worst of all instructed RECRUITS to lie, I would WANT him fired.

Believe it or not, I have some friends who are UT fans and I honestly feel bad for what they have had to go through. That AD needs to go, way too much bad stuff has happened under his watch.

I don't know any UT fans who care much about the BB program. If they can be relevant in the SEC and upset Kentucky every now and then that's great. Now football's another story. If the football program suffered through a major sanction that'd be a drag but from the sound of it, the NCAA is not going to punish the new coach. Kiffin may have his own sanctions even though he's moved onto a new school

[Sea Ray]

Well, Hamilton hired Kiffin and I am pretty sure he hired Pearl as well, so wouldn't you agree that even if he tried to police them that he deserves the blame for hiring two men to run two big time programs and both of them are, to be kind, less than ethical?

I do agree with you though that they went off rails on their own (from what I've read) but hiring both of them in first place seemes to me to indicate a desire for winning over ethics.

Your point is well taken and because of that if Hamilton goes down with this mess I won't shed a tear

[New York Red]

Outstanding article about Coach Cal coming in next week's Sports Illustrated. Here's the online version. Warning: it's very long. But definitely worth the time.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1182972/1/index.htm

[Revering4Blue]

I will agree with you. I still think Florida and Arkansas are better jobs than Tennessee.
I stated that Tennessee is arguably the 2nd best job behind Kentucky. You have to factor facilities into the argument, too. When you are comparing $$$ between Florida and Tennessee, you are splitting hairs.

[Revering4Blue]

I can't believe Ga Tech would even consider Tubby. At best it would be a lateral move. Tubby hasn't exactly burned it up in Minnesota.
Shhh.. don't tell ACC fans that.

They believe--at least the ones that I dealt with in my previous 19 years on Tobacco Road--that any ACC job is better than any Big Ten or SEC job. Thankfully, I've seen no evidence at all of that on this board, which contains many ACC backers.

That said, while a move to GT seems a lateral move, the Minnesota job has proven to be a coaching dead-end.

[Hoosier Red]

Outstanding article about Coach Cal coming in next week's Sports Illustrated. Here's the online version. Warning: it's very long. But definitely worth the time.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1182972/1/index.htm

That's an interesting read. I've never trusted Calipari, but I never trusted Pitino either, both come across as too slick to be believed, and what's more they seem to know this and keep on selling. In some ways that makes them each more genuine.
I will say, I've not always been impressed by Cal's tactics on court, but it's hard to argue that he gets guys to play hard. With the talent he brings in, getting them to play hard on a regular basis is enough.

[Scrap Irony]

That's an interesting read.

It's by far the best article I've read on Calipari and captures both his good side and his flaws.

He's almost completely unique among coaches. He doesn't care what people think about him, he's honest to a fault, but he's also extremely sensitive and almost impossible to trust.

I also love the fact that Pitino comes out looking like a putz and a liar and that every claim against Cal is investigated (again) and he is found completely innocent. The Carneseca cancer thing is mind-blowing, as is the UMass story (which I heard Pitino tell in person when he was at UK).

Of course, this won't keep the ignorant "fans" from chiming in about cheating, but it should.

[WVRed]

Nice win against Ole Miss. Hopefully we can exact some revenge on some teams before the final game Sunday.

Looks like there was a scuffle in the tunnel after the game. Liggins and Buckner for Ole Miss got into it and Buckner had to be held back.

I could see Kentucky playing its way into a three or possibly even a two seed depending on how the chips fall this weekend.

[TheBigLebowski]

Nice win against Ole Miss. Hopefully we can exact some revenge on some teams before the final game Sunday.

Looks like there was a scuffle in the tunnel after the game. Liggins and Buckner for Ole Miss got into it and Buckner had to be held back.

I could see Kentucky playing its way into a three or possibly even a two seed depending on how the chips fall this weekend.

I agree. I said a few days ago I thought UK could play its way up to a 2 with an SEC-T victory.

Florida all but clinched at least a 3 last night. Awesome to beat Tennessee 3 times in one year....now gotta try to do the same thing with Vandy. If we win this tourney, no one can say we didn't earn it - we'll have gone through Tenn, Vandy, and likely UK....not an easy draw for the number one seed, to be sure.

[Scrap Irony]

Florida looks to be a solid 3, perhaps a 2. But the clunkers Pitt and Notre Dame laid may hurt the Gators' seed, in that both proved to be less than the number one they could have been had they won their tournament.

[TheBigLebowski]

Florida looks to be a solid 3, perhaps a 2. But the clunkers Pitt and Notre Dame laid may hurt the Gators' seed, in that both proved to be less than the number one they could have been had they won their tournament.

Ultimately, I just want the Gators to end up in Tampa, be that as a low 2 or a high 3. Much rather be in Tampa as a 3 than out west as a 2.

[TheBigLebowski]

And what's the general consensus as to the 4 #1's? I think Ohio State, Kansas and Duke have 3 of the 4 clinched....but I have no idea who gets that last one.

[joshnky]

And what's the general consensus as to the 4 #1's? I think Ohio State, Kansas and Duke have 3 of the 4 clinched....but I have no idea who gets that last one.

Pitt has to be a lock at this point and will probably be in front of Duke unless Duke wins the ACC. Their last two losses are to the two teams in the Big East championship game, both of which are likely 3 seeds. It's hard to hold those against them. They're resume says they're deserving but the biggest reason is there is no one else.

[Scrap Irony]

UNC is, IMO, the fourth.

[Joseph]

OSU, Kansas, Notre Dame, Pitt as number 1's

Duke, UNC, Uof L, Florida as the number 2's

[TheBigLebowski]

Wow....I have to respectfully disagree with you guys....I don't see any way Duke is not a #1. If a gun was placed to my head and I was told I had to make a prediction, I would say Pitt gets the last #1....but I would not be confident about it. And Joseph, UF has a little work to do to get that last #2....but again, I would rather be a high 3 in Tampa than a low 2 elsewhere.

We beat Vandy again today and I think the committee will treat us well.

[TheBigLebowski]

As of this very minute, I say Duke, Kansas, Ohio State and Pitt are the #1's, with OSU getting the nod as the top overall seed.

The #2's are Notre Dame, SDSU, Florida/Kentucky and North Carolina. I think the committee is going to view the SEC-T as a tie-breaker for Florida and Kentucky. Whichever team is more impressive gets the more favorable draw.

[TheBigLebowski]

Well, ladies, we have a date tomorrow...

Soooo proud of my team....they really have come together and they're playing their best ball at the right time. But I know tomorrow will be a daunting task for them....they've gotten into this habit of sleepwalking through the first half and then turning it on in the 2nd....won't work tomorrow....no way....will take a complete effort from start to finish.

At stake? Well, the obvious....the SEC Tourney crown...the automatic bid matters little to either squad. I think the winner of tomorrow's tilt is almost promised a 2....but I think both teams have earned 3 seeds at this point.

Here's interesting discussion....Tennessee....in or out? Alabama....in or out? Georgia....in or out?

[Scrap Irony]

Don't think Kentucky gets a "2" no matter what. They might move up to a "3"-- if the beat the Gators.

[TheBigLebowski]

Don't think Kentucky gets a "2" no matter what. They might move up to a "3"-- if the beat the Gators.

FWIW.....I think

Tennessee = in

Georgia = in

Alabama = despite their nice conference record, I think they're out, unfortunately. Had they earned a share of the SEC title, I can't imagine them getting left out.....but they have a low RPI, not many good wins and a few bad losses.

And I was thinking about it a bit...I am pretty sure today's winner gets that #2 seed....We have, at this point, quite a few teams fighting for those top 8 seeds - Kansas, Ohio State, Duke, Notre Dame, Pitt, North Carolina, BYU, SDSU, UK and Florida. BYU probably lost any chance with yesterday's defeat. That leaves us with 9 teams battling for those 8 top seeds....to me, it just makes sense that the winner of today's game gets the "lowest" 2 and the loser probably gets the "highest" 3. We'll see....fun to talk about, if nothing else...the committee makes decisions every year that really surprise me, so I could be way off.

Good luck today....should be a fun game to watch.

[TheBigLebowski]

Ok....I am going to post this stat....infer from it what you will.

In the first half of this game, Kentucky went to the free throw line 14 times. Fourteen. Florida? Zero (0).

[TheBigLebowski]

Oh, sorry...don't want to be misleading...we got one free throw attempt.

[Scrap Irony]

My picks:

Ones
OSU
Kansas
Duke
Pitt/ UNC

Twos
Pitt/ UNC
Notre Dame
SD State
Florida/ Texas

Threes
Kentucky/ Texas
Louisville
UConn
Purdue

Fours
Arizona/ Washington
Kentucky/ Texas/ Florida
Wisconsin
St. Johns

Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama are all out. (Though Bama and UGA should be in, at least.)

[Scrap Irony]

Oh, sorry...don't want to be misleading...we got one free throw attempt.

Florida needs to attack the basket more. Settling for jumpers too much.

[TheBigLebowski]

My picks:

Ones
OSU
Kansas
Duke
Pitt/ UNC

Twos
Pitt/ UNC
Notre Dame
SD State
Florida/ Texas

Threes
Kentucky/ Texas
Louisville
UConn
Purdue

Fours
Arizona/ Washington
Kentucky/ Texas/ Florida
Wisconsin
St. Johns

Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama are all out. (Though Bama and UGA should be in, at least.)

Well, if all 3 of Bama, Georgia and Tennessee are out, no way eithr Florida or UK have a prayer for a 2, regardless of the outcome of this game, because it would therefore be clear that the committee had no respect for the conference. If that's the case, UF can hope for no better than a 3 and UK likely a 4.

[TheBigLebowski]

You never hear Billy Donovan complaining about the officiating, but he did at halftime...and it's just gotten worse in the 2nd half...that blocking foul on Vernon Macklin was a complete joke....and that call, just now on Scottie Wilbekin was just unbelievable....

Kentucky is good enough to win games without the sides being 5-8.....looks like you're going to "win" this game....just a shame we'll never know if UK would have in an evenly officiated game. This is criminal.

[TheBigLebowski]

3 free throws with less than 4 minutes left....and then that over-turned call which was clearly correct...and then they hit Boynton with a tec....hahaha....Kentucky played well today, we did not...I acknowledge that...but if you can't see how one-sided this officiating has been, you are just watching with biased eyes. Sorry. Don't mean to bring all these sour grapes to the party, but biased officiating really chaps my hide.

[Joseph]

I didn't get to watch, the Blackhawks were on, but I saw the final score which was not at all as close as I expected. You still have had a terrific season thus far and I don't expect it to end quickly in the tourney.

Go Cats.

[TheBigLebowski]

Ballgame. Kentucky played better and deserved to win but there is no doubt this game was called in a one-sided fashion. None whatsoever. I have a feeling Donovan is going to end up earning a fine in some of his post-game comments. I haven't seen him that fired up in quite some time.

Well, congrats......would not be surprised in the least if you earned a 2 today. I see no way we are anything but a 3....hopefully in Tampa.

[TheBigLebowski]

Here's to the SEC getting its teams in today, getting favorable seeds and several making nice, deep runs.

[WMR]

Can the whiny gator go back to the swamp now? :laugh:

Did the officials make the Gators turn the ball over 14 times? Did they allow UK to score 20 points off those turnovers?

Seriously, quit with the whining crap. Florida is soft as pampers, just like they always are, and settled for 3s and long jumpers instead of playing through contact and attacking the rim. Munster's whining did get them a few phantom calls though, so credit to him there I guess. UK attacked the rim with a passion and it was a joy to watch.

Parsons SEC POY? :lol:

27 SEC Tournament Championships ... Damn proud of this team especially Harrellson, Liggins, and Miller. Way to step up upperclassmen!!

BTW: I feel sorry for all 200 Gator fans in attendance today. :D

[WMR]

DARIUS MILLER SEC MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER (of the tournament)

So happy for Darius, what a player he has become... what we all saw and hoped for.

[WMR]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/9d/fullj.64473d79c5e202a4b89a28bead26a0d3/64473d79c5e202a4b89a28bead26a0d3-getty-106791263ch024_kentucky_v_f.jpg

[TheBigLebowski]

Can the whiny gator go back to the swamp now? :laugh:

Did the officials make the Gators turn the ball over 14 times? Did they allow UK to score 20 points off those turnovers?

Seriously, quit with the whining crap. Florida is soft as pampers, just like they always are, and settled for 3s and long jumpers instead of playing through contact and attacking the rim. Munster's whining did get them a few phantom calls though, so credit to him there I guess. UK attacked the rim with a passion and it was a joy to watch.

Parsons SEC POY? :lol:

27 SEC Tournament Championships ... Damn proud of this team especially Harrellson, Liggins, and Miller. Way to step up upperclassmen!!

BTW: I feel sorry for all 200 Gator fans in attendance today. :D

I am not going to have an in-depth argument with you....please read what I posted...I did say KY deserved to win. Just think the game was called in a very one-sided fashion. UK would have won that game either way today.

AFA as the "can the whiny Gator go back to The Swamp now?" comment, come on, dude...is the mere presence of a Gator fan on a UK Basketball thread really that much of an irritant to you? And there were MORE than 200 Gator fans there today. I counted at least 240.

[WMR]

I am not going to have an in-depth argument with you....please read what I posted...I did say KY deserved to win. Just think the game was called in a very one-sided fashion. UK would have won that game either way today.

AFA as the "can the whiny Gator go back to The Swamp now?" comment, come on, dude...is the mere presence of a Gator fan on a UK Basketball thread really that much of an irritant to you? And there were MORE than 200 Gator fans there today. I counted at least 240.

Sorry man, after all the undeserved woofing you've done in this thread, I actually went easy on you today.

The game wasn't called in a one-sided fashion at all. UF got to the free throw line when they took it inside but guess what??? THEY ALMOST NEVER DID IT THE ENTIRE GAME.

They settled for 3s and jumpers time and again and that, along with turning the ball over at a prodigious rate, is why they got their soft little butts spanked today by UK.

I told you I wanted to see UF get spanked a second time by UK in Catlanta and that's exactly what happened.

[WMR]

JOSH HARRELLSON ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

WOW. What an accomplishment for Josh. Hard work really does pay off, Josh has got to be one of the greatest overachievers in UK history.

[TheBigLebowski]

Sorry man, after all the undeserved woofing you've done in this thread, I actually went easy on you today.

The game wasn't called in a one-sided fashion at all. UF got to the free throw line when they took it inside but guess what??? THEY ALMOST NEVER DID IT THE ENTIRE GAME.

They settled for 3s and jumpers time and again and that, along with turning the ball over at a prodigious rate, is why they got their soft little butts spanked today by UK.

I told you I wanted to see UF get spanked a second time by UK in Catlanta and that's exactly what happened.

Um, "woofing???" Huh? Really? If you call ANYTHING I have done in this thread woofing, you seriously have thin skin. I have NOT woofed, not talked trash, not bragged...nothing that could be considered objectionable other than my complaints about the officiating today. And I do understand why that may rub you the wrong way, I do....but don't accuse me of woofing and causing a ruckus when I have done anything but.

AFA the officiating and how we attacked the basket....I'm just going to leave that alone for fear of being accused of "woofing" again....we are going to have to agree to disagree on that subject.

And you wanted to see UF get beaten by UK....um.....you're a Kentucky fan. Why would that NOT be self-evident?

[WMR]

Um, "woofing???" Huh? Really? If you call ANYTHING I have done in this thread woofing, you seriously have thin skin. I have NOT woofed, not talked trash, not bragged...nothing that could be considered objectionable other than my complaints about the officiating today. And I do understand why that may rub you the wrong way, I do....but don't accuse me of woofing and causing a ruckus when I have done anything but.

AFA the officiating and how we attacked the basket....I'm just going to leave that alone for fear of being accused of "woofing" again....we are going to have to agree to disagree on that subject.

And you wanted to see UF get beaten by UK....um.....you're a Kentucky fan. Why would that NOT be self-evident?

Coming in here and high fiving yourself whenever UF does something good = woofing. I can quote the posts if you like.

Disagree with me all you want. We got #27 and that's all that matters.

[WMR]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/43/fullj.e23f11dfd5b643fa119d479118ed9a77/e23f11dfd5b643fa119d479118ed9a77-getty-106791263ch025_kentucky_v_f.jpg

[TheBigLebowski]

Hah. Unbelievable. Ok, have it your way. I'll leave you guys alone in here.

[Razor Shines]

Hah. Unbelievable. Ok, have it your way. I'll leave you guys alone in here.

LOL. I thought you were pretty respectful throughout the thread. WMR gets kinda irrational during tournament time, I wouldn't make too big a deal out of it.

[WMR]

Sorry....sorry.....but I gotta do it...


HOW BOUT DEM GATORS!!!!!! whoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Figures a Dookie/Hoosier wouldn't view this as woofing.

[Razor Shines]

Figures a Dookie/Hoosier wouldn't view this as woofing.

One post, after that he also congratulated you guys after every win. If he would have not posted anything after that I would agree with you but he added some very balanced conversation in many posts after that post.

[WMR]

One post, after that he also congratulated you guys after every win. If he would have not posted anything after that I would agree with you but he added some very balanced conversation in many posts after that post.

Meh, he woofed and got some woofing back today.

[WMR]

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/sec-tournament-champs2.jpg

[WMR]

Dicky V's Final Four picks..............................

Ohio State
Pitt
Duke














and................





KENTUCKY! :D

IDK if UK will get that far but they will be a tough out next week.

[Razor Shines]

Meh, he woofed and got some woofing back today.

Yeah, ok. This is why I try to avoid getting into arguments with you during this time of the year. You will never be swayed from your original position.

God help us if the Cats make a Final Four run. :D

[WMR]

Yeah, ok. This is why I try to avoid getting into arguments with you during this time of the year. You will never be swayed from your original position.

God help us if the Cats make a Final Four run. :D
:D

I honestly don't see them going to the FF... it would tickle me but they must continue to execute flawlessly...

That being typed, I'll be picking them to win it all in all my brackets, of course. :D

[Razor Shines]

:D

I honestly don't see them going to the FF... it would tickle me but they must continue to execute flawlessly...

That being typed, I'll be picking them to win it all in all my brackets, of course. :D

I could see it if they get a nice draw. I'm guessing that Dickey V thinks they'll get the 2 seed in Kansas' bracket. And I think they do match up well with Kansas.

[WMR]

How many times can the NCAA screw UK in one season?

[dabvu2498]

How many times can the NCAA screw UK in one season?

Speaking of whining. :)

[WMR]

Speaking of whining. :)

Still blaming the refs today, Vandy fan? Oh wait, you guys weren't playing were you.

[dabvu2498]

Still blaming the refs today, Vandy fan? Oh wait, you guys weren't playing were you.

I don't blame refs. Not a sore loser. :D

[WMR]

I don't blame refs. Not a sore loser. :D

Oh you just troll that's right.

[joshnky]

How many times can the NCAA screw UK in one season?

This is the problem with Sunday championship games. Clearly, the committee locked in UK and Florida on Saturday and Sunday's outcome had little impact. I'm glad UK got a four seed and the worst possible elite eight match-up but I'll agree that both UK and Florida should have been three seeds based on today's game.

I figured UofL would get a four seed but sending them out to Denver is a little harsh. When you consider that they were 5-2 against the four Big East teams seeded above them that is a little tough to handle.

[WMR]

This is the problem with Sunday championship games. Clearly, the committee locked in UK and Florida on Saturday and Sunday's outcome had little impact. I'm glad UK got a four seed and the worst possible elite eight match-up but I'll agree that both UK and Florida should have been three seeds based on today's game.

I figured UofL would get a four seed but sending them out to Denver is a little harsh. When you consider that they were 5-2 against the four Big East teams seeded above them that is a little tough to handle.

Thank you for your reasonable take. A UL fan should be very happy with UK's draw. BTW: I don't care much for Pitino, but he does deserve credit for the coaching job he has done this season. He is still an elite coach.

[joshnky]

Thank you for your reasonable take. A UL fan should be very happy with UK's draw. BTW: I don't care much for Pitino, but he does deserve credit for the coaching job he has done this season. He is still an elite coach.

What do you think about the West Virginia match up. Will payback be an incentive for UK or will WVU's physical play give them fits? Kevin Jones should be a very frustrating match-up for Terrence Jones.

Louisville is one of the more "finesse" teams in the Big East and West Virginia always gives us trouble with their defense.

[WMR]

What do you think about the West Virginia match up. Will payback be an incentive for UK or will WVU's physical play give them fits? Kevin Jones should be a very frustrating match-up for Terrence Jones.

It's a fascinating match-up. Personally I like our chances better with this year's Cats versus this year's WVU squad. This team has the shooters to punish any zone you throw at them...

[joshnky]

It's a fascinating match-up. Personally I like our chances better with this year's Cats versus this year's WVU squad. This team has the shooters to punish any zone you throw at them...

I might be wrong but I don't think West Virginia has played much zone this year. At least, against UofL, they played Huggins' trademark man-to-man.

[WMR]

I might be wrong but I don't think West Virginia has played much zone this year. At least, against UofL, they played Huggins' trademark man-to-man.

Oh cool then I expect that's what we'll see versus UK. You don't want to zone us if you can avoid it... Jones v. Jones will be a tough match-up for the freshman. Hopefully Harrellson, Miller, and Liggins continue to come up big.

[dabvu2498]

Oh you just troll that's right.

Just holding you accountable. That's a full-time job with UK fans. ;)

[WMR]

Just holding you accountable. That's a full-time job with UK fans. ;)

Believe me, I read Cats Pause sometimes and literally shake my head... I think even the UK haters have been able to admit that UK got the pooch job in this bracket. No shame in hating on the NCAA, you can still hate UK too LOL.

[Cedric]

I have no idea how Kentucky is a #4 seed. How can anyone argue that Florida is a #2 and Texas/UK is a #4?

But Kentucky is just getting karma returned from all the years of Newton giving them cake walk tournament matchups :)

[WMR]

Here's Coach Cal's latest Lexy where he talks about winning the SEC tournament and UK's seed in the NCAAT. 3 minute clip.
http://lexy.com/show/1497
"We just won the SEC! I'm not going to let this draw ruin my day, don't let it ruin yours."

He's obviously annoyed and perplexed but you can tell why the guy is such a great coach/motivator/recruiter. Only positivity from Cal and I know the players feed off that.

[WVRed]

What do you think about the West Virginia match up. Will payback be an incentive for UK or will WVU's physical play give them fits? Kevin Jones should be a very frustrating match-up for Terrence Jones.

Louisville is one of the more "finesse" teams in the Big East and West Virginia always gives us trouble with their defense.

In all honesty, I want to say that I am worried about this game, but a lot of WVU fans, including my fiancee, seem to think WVU isn't going to go very far.

I was at the WVU-Louisville game in Morgantown and I agree with the finesse comment. I do think one difference that Kentucky has over Louisville though is a size advantage on the wings, specifically Miller and Liggins. WVU smothered Louisville's shooters and I look for them to do the same with Kentucky, but there is a height advantage to consider.

This is a completely different team than last year though. Last years team WVU played a 1-3-1 zone and forced Kentucky to beat them from three, which wasn't Kentucky's strength. Play the same zone against UK this year and you are asking to get beat. I expect more man to man and WVU to contest every three that UK puts up. They have done very well in guarding the three this year.

This years team is also much smarter than last years. Last years was more talented, but this years has limited turnovers and makes much better decisions. Joe Mazzulla did an excellent job defending John Wall last year and is the type of PG who could give Brandon Knight fits. Terrence Jones isn't a good matchup for Terrence Jones, but I would shade Harrellson on KJ as well.

If I am Cal, I would force Kevin Jones to beat me. Let KJ get his points inside and lock down everybody else. Liggins/Miller on Flowers, Lamb on Truck, and Knight on Mazulla. If KJ gets 25+ points while the rest are kept below 10 or more, I would bet on Kentucky. If any of John Flowers, Casey Mitchell, or Truck Bryant get hot, Kentucky is in trouble.

Just remember, Huggs has Cal's number. I expect a slugfest. Also wouldn't be shocked if Liggins and Flowers get engaged in some serious trash talking.

[Sea Ray]

My picks:

Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama are all out. (Though Bama and UGA should be in, at least.)

Tennessee made it easily...although I expect them to bow out quick and start working on that NCAA hearing...

[WVRed]

Tennessee made it easily...although I expect them to bow out quick and start working on that NCAA hearing and finding a new coach.

Fixed it for you. :)

[cumberlandreds]

If UK had beaten three teams during the season they should have beaten,Alabama,Ole Miss and Arkansas,then they would have been a two seed in Florida's spot. You have to beat these poor to medicore teams to leave no doubt about your seeding. It's a tough road for them but crazy things happen in this tournament and the teams you expect to be playing aren't always there. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see WVU lose to the UAB/Clemson winner.

[Scrap Irony]

Every team loses to teams they shouldn't.

Kentucky got jobbed by the NCAA.

They were the SEC Tournament champ. SOS was very good (8th in the country). RPI? 7th. Tons of close games lost in the last possession or two, but improving to winning those close games late. 8-2 in the last 10, including two wins over Florida, a road win over UT, and a win over Vandy. (Not to mention avenging losses to Ole Miss and Bama on the way to the tourney title.)

This decision-- though trumped as a story by the inexcusable decision to once again keep Greenberg's team out, not to mention Colorado-- is the worst seeding call by the NCAA of the past five years. It's indefensible, really. It hurts Kentucky, but it also hurts OSU.

The Buckeyes are the best team in the dance. But, if seeds hold, their road to the Final Four is much, much more difficult than either Pitt or Duke. Duke's road is a joke, but, hey, that's the way the NCAA rolls every year. Why be surprised?

No, the problem is that OSU will have to go through UK, UNC, Duke then Kansas to win it all.

Duke? An untested SD State or a UConn team that played five games in five days last week. A fading Texas squad.

Pitt? Wisconsin, Florida, or BYU. (The matchups are a joke, too. Wisconsin isn't big or athletic enough, Florida's too wispy and tiny in the backcourt, and BYU would lose by 20+.)

Yawn.

This happens every year with Duke. (Or at least the past decade or so.) It's part of the reason that squad gets so much vitriol aimed at it from rival fans.

IMO, that hate is misplaced in this instance. It should be squarely directed at the NCAA. After all, it's not Duke that makes the pairings.

And I realize you still have to win.

But, if you're a Duke fan (or claim bias on my part), ask yourself this: would you rather face UK in the Sweet 16 or Texas? UNC or San Diego State in the Elite 8?

Who was the number one seed again?

[WMR]

I quoted you in the other thread, some people might miss it here and it is exactly correct.

[Hoosier Red]

I'm not as concerned when a team gets a favorable draw due to "matchups"
(Scrap mentioned Wisconsin being easy pickings for a Pitt team because they wouldn't match up well.) Wisconsin deserved its 4 seed, if that happened to match up with a team they could give problems I wouldn't complain so it's the same going the other direction.

But what gets me in this is if the comittee truly used an S curve, with Ohio State ranked 1, Kansas Ranked 2, Pitt 3, and Duke 4 as they said, then their rankings were pretty much;

------>
1. tOSU
2. Kansas
3. Pitt
4. Duke
<-------
5. San Diego State
6. Florida
7. Notre Dame
8. North Carolina
-------->
9. Syracuse
10. Purdue
11. BYU
12. UConn
<----------
13. Texas
14. Louisville
15. Wisconsin
16. Kentucky

[BuckeyeRed27]

I'm not as concerned when a team gets a favorable draw due to "matchups"
(Scrap mentioned Wisconsin being easy pickings for a Pitt team because they wouldn't match up well.) Wisconsin deserved its 4 seed, if that happened to match up with a team they could give problems I wouldn't complain so it's the same going the other direction.

But what gets me in this is if the comittee truly used an S curve, with Ohio State ranked 1, Kansas Ranked 2, Pitt 3, and Duke 4 as they said, then their rankings were pretty much;

------>
1. tOSU
2. Kansas
3. Pitt
4. Duke
<-------
5. San Diego State
6. Florida
7. Notre Dame
8. North Carolina
-------->
9. Syracuse
10. Purdue
11. BYU
12. UConn
<----------
13. Texas
14. Louisville
15. Wisconsin
16. Kentucky

They don't do it like this though. They start with something like it and then will move teams around for matchup and regional purposes. I'm guessing something happened like that with both Florida and Kentucky.

[WVRed]

I just posted this over on TBK and thought I would post it here as well. There is a good chance this doesn't happen if Clemson somehow beats WVU on Thursday or if we lay an egg against Princeton, but I would bet to say it happens again.


I realize this is really jumping the gun, but with a lot of misconceptions i've seen in other threads, I thought it probably wouldn't be too early to visit the rematch.

I posted a similar thread to this last year that a lot of people on here found informative on WVU. I grew up in northeastern Kentucky and bleed Kentucky blue, but moved in 2003 to Parkersburg, West Virginia, so I have had blue and gold shoved down my throat (even worse when WVU won) ever since. Since my fiancee and her family are WVU fans, and her sister is currently attending there, I was able to go to the WVU-Louisville game a couple of weeks ago. I see some similarities between UK and Louisville and how they play, and will try to draw some comparisons.

Anyways, here goes:

1. First and foremost, while WVU returned most of their starters, this is a team that is considerably weaker. They lost Devin Ebanks and DaSean Butler, but Butler is the most noticeable. Ebanks was a raw talent who did a lot of garbage work underneath and made up for the lack of a true center, but Butler was the leading scorer and WVU has not been able to replace that consistently. I thought early in the season Casey Mitchell would be that player as he played really well in an early season tournament, but he has been in and out of the doghouse with Huggins all season.

2. The players WVU does return we are all familiar with. Kevin Jones (KJ) has been the most consistent scoring presence for WVU so far this season and will provide matchup problems for Terrence Jones. The key to stopping KJ is limiting his jumpers and if he misses, keeping WVU off the offensive glass. TJ has somewhat disappeared during the latter part of SEC play and his presence is going to be needed against KJ.

3. Another matchup that worries me is Joe Mazzulla against Brandon Knight. Mazzulla isn't an offensive player but he is one of the best defensive PG's in the Big East (evidenced by shutting down John Wall last year). If Mazulla is able to get into Knight's head and disrupt our offense, WVU will be able to do what they want in slowing the game to a crawl. It's the only way they will have a chance.

4. I'm bolding this for emphasis: WVU is not going to run a 1-3-1 zone again. . If they do, Bob Huggins will be essentially giftwrapping the game for us and UK will win by 15+. The whole point of a 1-3-1 is to shut off the interior players and stop penetration. Our offense last season consisted of a blazing fast PG who could penetrate the lane (Wall) and an interior player who was unstoppable around the rim (Cousins). A 1-3-1 is ineffective when playing against a team who has players who can bury you from three. We have three of those in Knight, Lamb, and Miller. Last year we didn't have a Jodie Meeks or even a Xavier Henry who could have been that "zone buster". Asking this years team to beat you with the three is asking to get beat. Mark it down. Expect to see Bob Huggins go to his bread and butter, man to man defense. Unlike last season, every three will be contested.

5. UK has some defensive players that will pose matchup problems for WVU. Assuming Doron Lamb is healthy, Truck Bryant (who we did not get the privilege to play against last season) is a turnover machine and Lamb's defense will cause problems. Knight will likely be guarding Mazzulla, and I doubt you will see Mazzulla go off again. Lightning rarely strikes in the same place twice. The matchup I am looking forward to seeing is DeAndre Liggins vs John Flowers. If the Ole Miss tunnel altercation tells you anything, Liggins has been playing lately with a chip on his shoulder. Flowers is a similar player and I wouldn't be surprised if the two started jawing at each other (Flowers did the John Wall dance while celebrating last year after WVU beat us).

6. I'd say the revenge factor is going to be there, mainly for the upperclassmen (Liggins, Miller, and Harrellson). I thought UK overlooked WVU last year looking ahead to Duke and I don't think anybody is looking forward to playing Ohio State the following week. Consider Duke as living proof of this. In 2008, many of the same Dookies were younger players and were upset by WVU in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Most WVU fans thought they would steamroll Duke last year because they did it two years ago, but Duke was a more seasoned team and it showed considerably.

7. Overall, the big difference is that this years team is a smarter team than last years and is much better at shooting the three, which was our downfall last year. Brandon Knight doesn't have the athletic ability that John Wall did last year, but he is a much better shooter and UK as a whole has limited turnovers. We didn't utilize the dribble drive last year because we had Cousins, so WVU is going to get a different look with that. That being said, the 1-3-1 isn't going to be there, and WVU man to man has done a great job in shutting down the three.

8. 8-1. I think that pretty much speaks for itself. Huggins has owned Calipari and if it comes down to a chess match with a minute left, I would be hard pressed to bet on Kentucky. One thing I do believe that will help Kentucky though in facing WVU is that we played a similar team with a Huggins assistant (Ole Miss and Andy Kennedy) in the SEC tournament about a week prior to this game.

9. As I mentioned earlier, I was at the WVU-Louisville game and saw some similarities between Louisville and Kentucky. Peyton Siva played most of the game with four fouls and I would expect WVU to try to do the same to Knight. Louisville is one of the most "finesse" teams in the Big East and WVU's size and physical play gave Louisville's shooters problems. Also would like to point out that Deniz Kilicli is the most unintelligent player I have ever seen play. For all the hype he received (being called the Turkish Kevin Love), he hasn't done anything close to it.

10. For WVU to beat Kentucky, the Mountaineers will have to keep the score at 65 or lower. WVU is a defensive minded team and Bob Huggins will want to grind it down to a halt. For Kentucky to win, 70 or higher. It's going to come down to three point shooting for Kentucky and for WVU to have somebody outside of KJ step up. I'm going with Kentucky by single digits.

[Hoosier Red]

They don't do it like this though. They start with something like it and then will move teams around for matchup and regional purposes. I'm guessing something happened like that with both Florida and Kentucky.

I don't believe they change things around for matchups or regional purposes. The pod system took care of that. If you're a top 4 seed, you play in the closest available pod. They may move teams around to avoid having the teams from the same conference meet before the Sweet 16(where possible) but that wouldn't affect Kentucky or Florida.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I don't believe they change things around for matchups or regional purposes. The pod system took care of that. If you're a top 4 seed, you play in the closest available pod. They may move teams around to avoid having the teams from the same conference meet before the Sweet 16(where possible) but that wouldn't affect Kentucky or Florida.

SI.com ran an article a few weeks ago about a mock selection committee. They indicated in that article that once they get the S curve made they will move teams around a line or so when they go to put them in the bracket.

[WMR]

Sweet 16!!

So proud of these guys.

And how are we just now meeting Jorts Senior? Clearly an awesome dad. :D

[Homer Bailey]

Popping by to say congrats on the win. Harrelson was really impressive, and man Brandon Knight is a stud. Only homer-whining I'll do is say that it is physically impossible that Harrellson was not called for an over the back or a 3 seconds in that game, but I have no doubt that the better team won. It stings to have lost that 8 point half time lead, and play such a bad second half, but UK's defense in the 2nd half was noticeably better and more determined. I'll be rooting for UK over OSU. Good luck.

[WVRed]

Congrats to Billy Gillispie on getting the Texas Tech job. I'll be pulling for him to succeed, as long as he doesn't meet up with UK again.

http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2011-03-20/texas-tech-hires-billy-gillispies-mens-basketball-coach

[Reds4Life]

I have a general dislike for UK basketball (mostly the fans), but if you play THE Ohio State University, please kick their ass.

I am a UC fan, and I get really tired of THE O$U fans talking crap. I think a 10+ point beatdown is in order please. It will make your friends in Cincinnati quite happy. :D

[WVRed]

Popping by to say congrats on the win. Harrelson was really impressive, and man Brandon Knight is a stud. Only homer-whining I'll do is say that it is physically impossible that Harrellson was not called for an over the back or a 3 seconds in that game, but I have no doubt that the better team won. It stings to have lost that 8 point half time lead, and play such a bad second half, but UK's defense in the 2nd half was noticeably better and more determined. I'll be rooting for UK over OSU. Good luck.

The officiating was bad, but it was on both sides. I'll be honest and say I thought the game was over at halftime. The end to the half and the BS call on the floor scramble I was expecting a similar meltdown from last years team, waiting on a bailout that never came.

I'm just glad we don't have to face Joe Mazzulla again. Seems like he always has his best games against UK, kinda like Devan Downey for South Carolina.

I do know after yesterday we picked up 2 million + fans for the Ohio State game. :)

[TeamSelig]

I just got back from a long training environment w/o any outside contact, so I've missed everything. How has the season went? Is our freshmen all going pro again?

[cumberlandreds]

I just got back from a long training environment w/o any outside contact, so I've missed everything. How has the season went? Is our freshmen all going pro again?

They lost 6 of 8 on the road in the SEC. Typical up and down season with freshman. Harrelson has turned into a fine inside player that has shocked most UK fans. His development has probably been the key to the late season surge. As for the freshman, Lamb may be back and should come back. I think Jones is gone because he is a projected lotter pick. I think with Knight's late season surge he will leave too. Post season play has turned this into a fun season. They have played well in the post season except for the scare against Princeton.

[WVRed]

They lost 6 of 8 on the road in the SEC. Typical up and down season with freshman. Harrelson has turned into a fine inside player that has shocked most UK fans. His development has probably been the key to the late season surge. As for the freshman, Lamb may be back and should come back. I think Jones is gone because he is a projected lotter pick. I think with Knight's late season surge he will leave too. Post season play has turned this into a fun season. They have played well in the post season except for the scare against Princeton.

I wouldn't be shocked to see both Knight and Lamb return. Cal has been telling the players that unless they are a top 3 pick in the draft and can get a shoe deal to stay in school due to the impending lockout. This isn't like last years class where you had three players who were absolutely ready to go pro and two who could have used another season. All three have things that they could work on to further improve their draft stock.

That being said, I think Jones is for sure gone. With the way he's played lately, it could be said that he has had one foot out the door. If Knight and Lamb come back next season, it could be the start of something special.

[reds1869]

I have a general dislike for UK basketball (mostly the fans), but if you play THE Ohio State University, please kick their ass.

I am a UC fan, and I get really tired of THE O$U fans talking crap. I think a 10+ point beatdown is in order please. It will make your friends in Cincinnati quite happy. :D

As I Xavier fan I second your motion. When I lived in Columbus I got incredibly tired of Buckeye fans and there yapping.

[bucksfan2]

The officiating was bad, but it was on both sides. I'll be honest and say I thought the game was over at halftime. The end to the half and the BS call on the floor scramble I was expecting a similar meltdown from last years team, waiting on a bailout that never came.

I'm just glad we don't have to face Joe Mazzulla again. Seems like he always has his best games against UK, kinda like Devan Downey for South Carolina.

I do know after yesterday we picked up 2 million + fans for the Ohio State game. :)

The officiating was bad in that game. I thought early on UK got the bulk of the foul calls. I didn't mind the call at the end of the half. You can't allow a guy to barrel roll into other players. IMO it is a very dangerous foul call.

It was a good game to watch. UK was much more talented but Huggins coached is rear off. UK just made more plays down the stretch than WVU.

That said UK better up their game for OSU. I don't know if they have anyone who can guard Sullinger.

[cumberlandreds]

The officiating was bad in that game. I thought early on UK got the bulk of the foul calls. I didn't mind the call at the end of the half. You can't allow a guy to barrel roll into other players. IMO it is a very dangerous foul call.

It was a good game to watch. UK was much more talented but Huggins coached is rear off. UK just made more plays down the stretch than WVU.

That said UK better up their game for OSU. I don't know if they have anyone who can guard Sullinger.

I'm more concerned abut guarding the 3 ball rather than Sullinger. They have 4 guys who are very good outside. It's going to be hard to contain all 4 of them. If OSU is hot outside then its lights out for UK. But if they shoot average or below UK has a real shot at them. I think Cal will really pressure the three's and try to turn them over as much as possible and take his chances with Sullinger. This isn't a great example but UK did this against Vandy. They pressured the three shooters and let Ezili go one on one inside. But Vandy is no OSU and have much better all around players so that may not work.

[WMR]

I would give just about anything to have Knight come back more than any other player.

He would be UNSTOPPABLE paired with Teague.

Throw in Lamb as well? :eek:

Who knows though... if he's a solid first rounder it will be hard to stay. The labor uncertainty helps our chances a bit.

[bucksfan2]

I'm more concerned abut guarding the 3 ball rather than Sullinger. They have 4 guys who are very good outside. It's going to be hard to contain all 4 of them. If OSU is hot outside then its lights out for UK. But if they shoot average or below UK has a real shot at them. I think Cal will really pressure the three's and try to turn them over as much as possible and take his chances with Sullinger. This isn't a great example but UK did this against Vandy. They pressured the three shooters and let Ezili go one on one inside. But Vandy is no OSU and have much better all around players so that may not work.

OSU isn't Vandy, thats for sure. The issue I see with that is Sullinger is the best post player I have seen in years. He would dominate Harrellson in the low block. But lets assume that Sullinger can be contained by one UK defender. The next issue is that both Lighty and Bufford are very good drivers. Lighty is one heck of a slasher and Bufford has a great mid range game. Heck Lighty isn't really the threat the other two are from 3. If they play to prevent the 3 both Lighty and Bufford can beat defenders off the bounce.

It a testament to how good OSU is that Lighty was the player that went off from 3 against George Mason. It really shows their versatility and depth that basically their 3rd option from deep went off. If Lighty is connecting from 3 then he is a dangerous dangerous player. You can't overplay the 3 because he will drive right by you. If you play off he has the ability to hit the shot. I would actually make him beat you from the outside. The moment he gets by you and into the lane he becomes a great slasher and passer.

The only way I have seen teams keep it close is by playing a ball control offense. Northwestern played them tough twice by playing a Princeton style of offense and Wisconsin beat them by playing their brand of basketball. I don't know how successful UK could be in playing that style. We all saw how Princeton almost did them in by playing that style of ball. You can hope from the Purdue style win, playing a great game at home and having your all american type wing man go off for 30+. I wouldn't count on that.

[Scrap Irony]

1. Knight and Jones have been rumored to go pro from the day they stepped on campus. That's part of the appeal of playing for Kentucky (and Calipari). If they stay, it will be a shock.

2. With the way Jones has played over the past ten games or so, he should re-visit his plans. He only has one move (drive left, lift a left-handed baby hook or running jumper over a smaller opponent) and erratic range. I'm guessing he'll still get drafted, but much lower in the round-- perhaps as high as 20 on talent alone.

3. Lamb's relatively poor NCAA tournament won't help him get drafted either. He's a shooter that hasn't. His good play in the SEC tournament may help him get into the lower part of the first round, but he has some questions about his game as well. The emergence of Eric Bledsoe in LA may have helped Lamb's draft status, though, enough to consider the jump.

4. If Kentucky were to beat OSU, it'd be a huge upset. (Arizona in '97 is the only good comp I could come up with that actually won one of these.) The Buckeyes are the best team in America. They undoubtedly have the most talent, the best shooters, and the best big man. Kentucky has talent, but it's simply not on par with Ohio State. Lighty could kill a team like Kentucky, as he has length, ability, smarts, and range. Sullinger, whose elite passing skills and cerebral approach are ignored by almost every commentator in favor of discussing his imposing physical skills, will destroy either Jones or Harrellson on smarts alone. UK counters with a limited big man and a point guard who can shoot. Sometimes.

If I were a betting man, I'd take OSU with the over set at 14.

5. If Lamb and either Jones or Knight return, Kentucky is a top pick next season. Realistically, it is anyway. Losing Harrellson hurts that team, but the additions of Witjer (who I think is really underrated as a power forward/ center that can stretch defenses past the three point line and play good enough defensively underneath) and Davis (the most talented recruit in the country) balance that out nicely. Add in Gilchrist and Teague, not to mention Miller and Liggins, and the Cats should be among the handful of teams with both enough talent and experience to win it all in 2012. If Lamb stays, that's a rotation with eight players. Add in Knight and/ or Jones and you're suddenly 10 deep and pressing from whistle to whistle, horn to horn. (The athletes are certainly there for it, and Calipari has played a style similar when he's had the horses.)

But that's 2012.

[Brutus]

1. Knight and Jones have been rumored to go pro from the day they stepped on campus. That's part of the appeal of playing for Kentucky (and Calipari). If they stay, it will be a shock.

2. With the way Jones has played over the past ten games or so, he should re-visit his plans. He only has one move (drive left, lift a left-handed baby hook or running jumper over a smaller opponent) and erratic range. I'm guessing he'll still get drafted, but much lower in the round-- perhaps as high as 20 on talent alone.

3. Lamb's relatively poor NCAA tournament won't help him get drafted either. He's a shooter that hasn't. His good play in the SEC tournament may help him get into the lower part of the first round, but he has some questions about his game as well. The emergence of Eric Bledsoe in LA may have helped Lamb's draft status, though, enough to consider the jump.

4. If Kentucky were to beat OSU, it'd be a huge upset. (Arizona in '97 is the only good comp I could come up with that actually won one of these.) The Buckeyes are the best team in America. They undoubtedly have the most talent, the best shooters, and the best big man. Kentucky has talent, but it's simply not on par with Ohio State. Lighty could kill a team like Kentucky, as he has length, ability, smarts, and range. Sullinger, whose elite passing skills and cerebral approach are ignored by almost every commentator in favor of discussing his imposing physical skills, will destroy either Jones or Harrellson on smarts alone. UK counters with a limited big man and a point guard who can shoot. Sometimes.

If I were a betting man, I'd take OSU with the over set at 14.

5. If Lamb and either Jones or Knight return, Kentucky is a top pick next season. Realistically, it is anyway. Losing Harrellson hurts that team, but the additions of Witjer (who I think is really underrated as a power forward/ center that can stretch defenses past the three point line and play good enough defensively underneath) and Davis (the most talented recruit in the country) balance that out nicely. Add in Gilchrist and Teague, not to mention Miller and Liggins, and the Cats should be among the handful of teams with both enough talent and experience to win it all in 2012. If Lamb stays, that's a rotation with eight players. Add in Knight and/ or Jones and you're suddenly 10 deep and pressing from whistle to whistle, horn to horn. (The athletes are certainly there for it, and Calipari has played a style similar when he's had the horses.)

But that's 2012.

Scrap, I don't disagree with your points about Ohio State, but I actually think Kentucky, position for position, is the toughest match-up Ohio State has faced thus far this season.

On the wing, Lamb, Miller and Liggins share so much in common with Buford, Diebler and Lighty. They are similar height, similar build, similar length, shooting ability, skillset and range. I think it's going to be impressive to see those six interact against one another because of the similarities and versatility.

Where I think Ohio State does take the advantage is at PG and (obviously) inside.

Brandon Knight is clearly more talented than Aaron Craft. He's a little bigger, longer and more athletic. But where Knight is streaky and is prone to poor decisions, the cerebral nature of Craft might be the difference in the two. That said, if Knight is having a good day, while his work will be cut out for him shaking Craft, it's yet another match-up that Kentucky can stack up.

Where I don't see Kentucky staying afloat is inside. I think Harrellson is terribly underrated offensively as a post player nationally, but defense is not his forte and I think Sullinger is going to give him problems. Kentucky will need to rotate Harrellson and Vargas all game to distribute fouls, and they're going to have to get help coming from somewhere to stop him inside. The question is where? I've seen it come from weak baseline, I've seen it come from Craft out top, I've seen diagonal help... but Ohio State just seems to find the hot shooter and it usually doesn't matter where you help off.

In this case though, if Kentucky can keep everything in front, they have the length to challenge shots. Ohio State will have a very difficult time with Terrence Jones when Dallas Lauderdale is on the floor, because frankly he does not like to guard the perimeter. But when Lauderdale is subbed out and OSU goes small, Ohio State becomes extremely difficult.

There's no doubt Kentucky will need to bring its best game and hope Ohio State doesn't bring its own best.

But position by position, I'm fascinated by this match-up because I think Kentucky has the individuals to go at Ohio State. The sum of the parts, though, is where Ohio State makes life miserable on other teams.

[RiverRat13]

Scrap, I don't disagree with your points about Ohio State, but I actually think Kentucky, position for position, is the toughest match-up Ohio State has faced thus far this season.

On the wing, Lamb, Miller and Liggins share so much in common with Buford, Diebler and Lighty. They are similar height, similar build, similar length, shooting ability, skillset and range. I think it's going to be impressive to see those six interact against one another because of the similarities and versatility.

Where I think Ohio State does take the advantage is at PG and (obviously) inside.

Brandon Knight is clearly more talented than Aaron Craft. He's a little bigger, longer and more athletic. But where Knight is streaky and is prone to poor decisions, the cerebral nature of Craft might be the difference in the two. That said, if Knight is having a good day, while his work will be cut out for him shaking Craft, it's yet another match-up that Kentucky can stack up.

Where I don't see Kentucky staying afloat is inside. I think Harrellson is terribly underrated offensively as a post player nationally, but defense is not his forte and I think Sullinger is going to give him problems. Kentucky will need to rotate Harrellson and Vargas all game to distribute fouls, and they're going to have to get help coming from somewhere to stop him inside. The question is where? I've seen it come from weak baseline, I've seen it come from Craft out top, I've seen diagonal help... but Ohio State just seems to find the hot shooter and it usually doesn't matter where you help off.

In this case though, if Kentucky can keep everything in front, they have the length to challenge shots. Ohio State will have a very difficult time with Terrence Jones when Dallas Lauderdale is on the floor, because frankly he does not like to guard the perimeter. But when Lauderdale is subbed out and OSU goes small, Ohio State becomes extremely difficult.

There's no doubt Kentucky will need to bring its best game and hope Ohio State doesn't bring its own best.

But position by position, I'm fascinated by this match-up because I think Kentucky has the individuals to go at Ohio State. The sum of the parts, though, is where Ohio State makes life miserable on other teams.

Excellent analysis.

[WMR]

So who is getting nervous for tonight?

I am just really hoping for a good game, I hope our guys come ready to play from the tip.

I hope we let Sullinger get his and really defend the 3... no matter the outcome, heck of a season and a great coaching job by Cal. UK basketball is very exciting and fun again.

[Scrap Irony]

Could Kentucky crowd the three point shooters, play virtually no help defense, and hope Harrellson can D up well enough to keep Sullinger honest?

IMO, that's Cal's game plan and probably the best choice, at this point, of beating this Buckeye team.

I think it'll take the best game of Kentucky's season AND a poor game by OSU for UK to advance. But OSU is due a poor game, and Kentucky is peaking.

I just hope it's good basketball.

[WVRed]

Could Kentucky crowd the three point shooters, play virtually no help defense, and hope Harrellson can D up well enough to keep Sullinger honest?

IMO, that's Cal's game plan and probably the best choice, at this point, of beating this Buckeye team.

I think it'll take the best game of Kentucky's season AND a poor game by OSU for UK to advance. But OSU is due a poor game, and Kentucky is peaking.

I just hope it's good basketball.

I'd rather let Sullinger get 20 or 30 and 10 and limit second chance opportunities than let Buford/Diebler/Lighty get hot from three.

Ohio State is a better version of Vanderbilt. Vandy had the shooters, but Kentucky clamped down on them and forced Vandy out of their game plan and into an inside game with Ezeli.

Two things worry me going into this game. 1. Ohio State is 5-0 all time in the NCAA tournament against Kentucky and 2. The last time Cal faced Thad Matta and Ohio State was in the Elite Eight against Oden and Company, and Memphis lost by 16. This is a better Ohio State team IMO and this is a younger Kentucky team compared to Cal's team at Memphis.

[Brutus]

I'd rather let Sullinger get 20 or 30 and 10 and limit second chance opportunities than let Buford/Diebler/Lighty get hot from three.

Ohio State is a better version of Vanderbilt. Vandy had the shooters, but Kentucky clamped down on them and forced Vandy out of their game plan and into an inside game with Ezeli.

Two things worry me going into this game. 1. Ohio State is 5-0 all time in the NCAA tournament against Kentucky and 2. The last time Cal faced Thad Matta and Ohio State was in the Elite Eight against Oden and Company, and Memphis lost by 16. This is a better Ohio State team IMO and this is a younger Kentucky team compared to Cal's team at Memphis.

I think the big difference is Vandy is reliant on the 3-pointer. That Ohio State team can and will penetrate if the 3-pointers aren't there or aren't falling. When they're going in, they know they're contagious and shoot because they're falling. But when they're not, they know when to take what's given to them instead of creating a self-induced panic.

[WVRed]

I think the big difference is Vandy is reliant on the 3-pointer. That Ohio State team can and will penetrate if the 3-pointers aren't there or aren't falling. When they're going in, they know they're contagious and shoot because they're falling. But when they're not, they know when to take what's given to them instead of creating a self-induced panic.

True, but I would rather Ohio State beat us inside than out. If its inside and Kentucky can keep it close, it will be their best chance. If Ohio State gets hot from three and the shots start falling, Kentucky is going to be hard pressed to keep up.

[WMR]

c-a-t-s CATS CATS CATS

[LoganBuck]

What a fun game. Great shot by Knight to win it. What a furious finish to end that.

[WMR]

Great game Buckeyes. holy crap that was awesome... bring on unc

[TeamSelig]

What a game!

Okay, so I've missed basically the entire season.... but what is up with Harrelson? He was practically worthless last season. One of the biggest improvements from year to year that I've ever seen.

I think the main difference between this freshman year and last is that we actually have some leadership now. Liggins played well... loved his tenacity. Gives our defense that "attitude" that it takes to make stops.

UNC is gonna be a tough team to beat, no doubt. I'm liking this underdog stuff though. Haven't had this much fun watching UK play since the "come back Cats" season

[WMR]

Josh got in trouble for some silly twitter comments he made, Cal made him run sprints for 2 weeks, Josh kept running even after it was over w/ Coach Payne and totally remade his body and boy does it show. What a job he did on Sullinger.... he's gonna make a nice living playing basketball for somebody.

Liggins is just NAILS. In ALL aspects of the game.

[WVRed]

All I can say is WOW!!!

Hats off to Ohio State for a great game. I'm glad UNC won too because I think the emotion of this game would have caught up with them playing Marquette. Looking forward to payback against UNC and hopefully UConn.

[George Foster]

All I can say is WOW!!!

Hats off to Ohio State for a great game. I'm glad UNC won too because I think the emotion of this game would have caught up with them playing Marquette. Looking forward to payback against UNC and hopefully UConn.

Best coaching job of coach Cal career....best UK game since the 98 Duke game.
Yet another SEC win over a big 10 team! Yawn....

[WMR]

Think we can get Josh a try-out with the Reds? Quite a fastball...

http://gif.mocksession.com/2011/03/rocketarm/

http://gif.mocksession.com/2011/03/rocketarm/

[Razor Shines]

Think we can get Josh a try-out with the Reds? Quite a fastball...

http://gif.mocksession.com/2011/03/rocketarm/

http://gif.mocksession.com/2011/03/rocketarm/

Who cares about his fastball? If he's just gonna shoot 78% from the field for the rest of his life then he should stick to basketball.

[WMR]

Who cares about his fastball? If he's just gonna shoot 78% from the field for the rest of his life then he should stick to basketball.

We might have the next Bo Jackson on our hands...

Jorts Jackson

[traderumor]

I was surprised and waiting for this thread to pop up all week, and it never did. I think the most surprised people that UK won are its fans ;)

[WMR]

I was surprised and waiting for this thread to pop up all week, and it never did. I think the most surprised people that UK won are its fans ;)

Not sure what you mean, this thread was bumped yesterday before the game and the day before that and the day before that etc. etc. ....

UK fans aren't as surprised as Clark Kellogg who couldn't manage a SINGLE word for the final 3 minutes of the broadcast after Knight's dagger last night... :)

[WMR]

OSU isn't Vandy, thats for sure. The issue I see with that is Sullinger is the best post player I have seen in years. He would dominate Harrellson in the low block. But lets assume that Sullinger can be contained by one UK defender. The next issue is that both Lighty and Bufford are very good drivers. Lighty is one heck of a slasher and Bufford has a great mid range game. Heck Lighty isn't really the threat the other two are from 3. If they play to prevent the 3 both Lighty and Bufford can beat defenders off the bounce.

It a testament to how good OSU is that Lighty was the player that went off from 3 against George Mason. It really shows their versatility and depth that basically their 3rd option from deep went off. If Lighty is connecting from 3 then he is a dangerous dangerous player. You can't overplay the 3 because he will drive right by you. If you play off he has the ability to hit the shot. I would actually make him beat you from the outside. The moment he gets by you and into the lane he becomes a great slasher and passer.

The only way I have seen teams keep it close is by playing a ball control offense. Northwestern played them tough twice by playing a Princeton style of offense and Wisconsin beat them by playing their brand of basketball. I don't know how successful UK could be in playing that style. We all saw how Princeton almost did them in by playing that style of ball. You can hope from the Purdue style win, playing a great game at home and having your all american type wing man go off for 30+. I wouldn't count on that.

I think Jorts and Buford both missed the memo. :D

[Jack Burton]

Nice lucky win last night, OSU would win 9 out of 10 times but this happened to be the one that counts. Ugly shot by Knight as he flailed it up at the end there, surprised that fell... I guess luck was on your side, the bball gods felt bad considering anything won under Cal's reign will be retracted in the future. Good luck vs. UNC, I hate the Tar Heels as well but I think I'll be a fan on Sunday. :beerme:

[TeamSelig]

I'll admit this was the first OSU game that I watched, so I'm probably way off base here... but it seemed like they lacked toughness. I could tell they had alot of talented players on their team... just seemed like UK wanted it more and were willing to continue to be 'pesky' and get in their faces. It's amazing that UK was able to keep this up the whole game considering they pretty much just played 6 players lol

Also, I felt like Harrison knew he was probably out matched but refused to give anything less than 100%.... looking at the box score, I guess he didn't handle Sullinger at all, but watching the game, it seemed like Harrelson was really giving him a tough time.

[Razor Shines]

Nice lucky win last night, OSU would win 9 out of 10 times but this happened to be the one that counts. Ugly shot by Knight as he flailed it up at the end there, surprised that fell... I guess luck was on your side, the bball gods felt bad considering anything won under Cal's reign will be retracted in the future. Good luck vs. UNC, I hate the Tar Heels as well but I think I'll be a fan on Sunday. :beerme:

Classy.

[Cedric]

Not sure what you mean, this thread was bumped yesterday before the game and the day before that and the day before that etc. etc. ....

UK fans aren't as surprised as Clark Kellogg who couldn't manage a SINGLE word for the final 3 minutes of the broadcast after Knight's dagger last night... :)

Always gotta play the victim card right? Clark Kellog couldn't have been any more objective than he was last night.

I praise you for at least attempting to act classy since last night. It's a first from you.

[WMR]

Always gotta play the victim card right? Clark Kellog couldn't have been any more objective than he was last night.

I praise you for at least attempting to act classy since last night. It's a first from you.

Thanks for the backhanded compliment I suppose.

I'm sure you'll get there too someday, Cedric. :)

Credit to Matta and the Bucks esp. Diebler, classy squad.

[Joseph]

Nice lucky win last night, OSU would win 9 out of 10 times but this happened to be the one that counts. Ugly shot by Knight as he flailed it up at the end there, surprised that fell... I guess luck was on your side, the bball gods felt bad considering anything won under Cal's reign will be retracted in the future. Good luck vs. UNC, I hate the Tar Heels as well but I think I'll be a fan on Sunday. :beerme:

And they say UK fans are obnoxious? OSU had a great season, enjoy it. Don't come slam the team that beat you or make excuses for the loss.

[Puffy]

Nice lucky win last night, OSU would win 9 out of 10 times but this happened to be the one that counts. Ugly shot by Knight as he flailed it up at the end there, surprised that fell... I guess luck was on your side, the bball gods felt bad considering anything won under Cal's reign will be retracted in the future. Good luck vs. UNC, I hate the Tar Heels as well but I think I'll be a fan on Sunday. :beerme:

As a North Carolina fan I hope you are saying you'll be a fan for Kentucky this Sunday. Cause we don't want you rooting for UNC.

Although I doubt Kentucky fans want you rooting for them either......

[traderumor]

Not sure what you mean, this thread was bumped yesterday before the game and the day before that and the day before that etc. etc. ....

UK fans aren't as surprised as Clark Kellogg who couldn't manage a SINGLE word for the final 3 minutes of the broadcast after Knight's dagger last night... :)I was out here each of those days, maybe it doesn't show up on my computer. I was just curious how UK was feeling about their team and no one was saying anything.

Kellogg is about as non-homer as an alumni announcer can get. That is just a silly comment.

[WVRed]

I was out here each of those days, maybe it doesn't show up on my computer. I was just curious how UK was feeling about their team and no one was saying anything.

Kellogg is about as non-homer as an alumni announcer can get. That is just a silly comment.

The UK thread is kinda hit or miss. Unless Razor/WMR are bantering back and forth or something of interest pops up, its not as busy a thread as it used to be.

I was impressed with how Ohio State handled themselves before, during, and after the game. For those who might have missed it, a reporter in New Jersey asked the players "How could Ohio State let a team who was led primarily by freshmen beat them?" Diebler started to answer and Matta stopped him and said "I'm sorry, what the hell are you talking about? That was a stupid question. Kentucky is a very good team and won their conference tournament."

I feel bad for Ohio State after this weekend, with everything going on with Tressel in football and losing with IMO a team that was better than the Oden team. Hopefully you guys rebound next year. :thumbup:

[WVRed]

Nice lucky win last night, OSU would win 9 out of 10 times but this happened to be the one that counts. Ugly shot by Knight as he flailed it up at the end there, surprised that fell... I guess luck was on your side, the bball gods felt bad considering anything won under Cal's reign will be retracted in the future. Good luck vs. UNC, I hate the Tar Heels as well but I think I'll be a fan on Sunday. :beerme:

I don't disagree on the 9 times out of 10. I said the same thing about WVU last season.

Don't know what you are talking about with Knight's shot. It was rushed, but at the speed the game was going, there was a difference. I could tell as soon as it left that it had a shot at going in. If Knight's shot was ugly, Buford's was atrocious.

As for Cal, I've said the same thing about Thad Matta in the past. Given what is going on with Tressel right now and Jim O'Brien before Matta, I wouldn't be throwing rocks if I lived in a glass house. Ohio State isn't exactly an example of NCAA compliance.

As for the Tar Heels comment, I think Puffy summed it up.

[cincrazy]

Great game UK fans. One of the worst losses of my fan life, but a hell of a game. OSU didn't lose that game, they simply lost to a very, very good team that was able to match up with them extremely well all over the court.

[cincrazy]

Nice lucky win last night, OSU would win 9 out of 10 times but this happened to be the one that counts. Ugly shot by Knight as he flailed it up at the end there, surprised that fell... I guess luck was on your side, the bball gods felt bad considering anything won under Cal's reign will be retracted in the future. Good luck vs. UNC, I hate the Tar Heels as well but I think I'll be a fan on Sunday. :beerme:

As a fellow OSU fan, and an alumnus, let's show a little bit of class, huh? There was no luck associated with that game. UK outplayed us, plain and simple. No reason to show up around here taunting them when I haven't seen one UK fan start any nonsense regarding their win.

[Topcat]

Congrats to the Wildcats and yes that truly was painful for me to say. Elite 8 even if it ends now is a spectacular year for them.

[WMR]

The longest Final 4 drought in UK history is OVER. !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Razor Shines]

Final Four, eh? Not bad, that coach you have might be a keeper.

[WVRed]

Final Four. :)

It's been way too long and I never expected this team to go this far. It is a great time to be a Kentucky fan right now.

[WVRed]

<mod removal>

Dude, seriously, the trolling is getting old. I thought Ohio State fans were supposed to have class, but wow.

BTW, an Ohio State fan accusing Kentucky of cheating when its own football program is having problems and the basketball program has had its own share of infractions is kinda like the pot calling the kettle black.

[Cedric]

The longest Final 4 drought in UK history is OVER. !!!!!!!!!!!!!



Kentucky played great today and Friday though. Awesome game plan and they made shots. I think they are the most talented team in the nation and it's coming together nicely for them.

[WMR]

Here's 39 pics from Rivals of both post-game celebration/ceremony and some game shots as well...

http://kentucky.rivals.com/photofeature.asp?SID=888&fid=36372

[The Operator]

I have to say, UK's run is pretty cool to watch. As of last Wednesday, I'm tentatively a Wildcat since I got accepted into their graduate school.

I'm sort of a Johnny Come Lately (been an OSU fan all my life, so Friday's game was odd - my new school vs. my life-long team), but I'm definitely hoping for UK to go all the way.

I'll have to start getting learned up on my UK sports history so I can fit in at the games next year. :thumbup:

[klw]

Anybody think the Princeton scare helped Kentucky in the tournament?

[cumberlandreds]

It's unbelievable what this team has accomplished. They have come so far in such little time. It was only Feb 23 when thet lost to Arkansas and looked to be no better than 6 or 7 seed in the tourney. No more than one win in the tournament. But something clicked. I think finally winning a close road game in Knoxville was the turning point. That gave them the confidence they needed to execute in these close late games. They built on that from there. Whatever happens from here is gravy. They have become one of the legendary teams in UK history no matter what happens this weekend.

[durl]

It's unbelievable what this team has accomplished. They have come so far in such little time. It was only Feb 23 when thet lost to Arkansas and looked to be no better than 6 or 7 seed in the tourney. No more than one win in the tournament. But something clicked. I think finally winning a close road game in Knoxville was the turning point. That gave them the confidence they needed to execute in these close late games. They built on that from there. Whatever happens from here is gravy. They have become one of the legendary teams in UK history no matter what happens this weekend.

+1

This team has shown more maturity in this tournament than they have all year. They're far more composed and play much smarter than before. (Granted, they've made some BAAAADDD passes in the NCAA tourney.)

So many players have stepped up but I can't help but point out Josh Harrelson. This kid is playing his heart out and has been solid as a rock down the stretch. He's not fancy, he's not intimidating, but he's playing sound, aggressive basketball and the team is winning, in a large part, because of it.

[Razor Shines]

+1


So many players have stepped up but I can't help but point out Josh Harrelson. This kid is playing his heart out and has been solid as a rock down the stretch. He's not fancy, he's not intimidating, but he's playing sound, aggressive basketball and the team is winning, in a large part, because of it.

Dude's averaging almost 15pts per in the tourney while shooting 76% from the field. Bill Walton thinks that's a good shooting percentage.

[WMR]

Sounds like Wiltjer is turning some heads at the Mickey D's.....

EvanDanielscout: "Kyle Wiltjer was very good today. Most skilled post player here. Dropped in hooks and jump shots."

DraftExpress: "Kyle Wiljter showing a very high skill-level. Making 3's, putting ball down, scoring in post a bit. Calipari's going love him in half-court."

DaveTelep: "This man shot the basketball better than anyone today at McDonalds." http://twitpic.com/4ec0f1 (picture of Wiltjer)

[WMR]

Cumulative all time statistics (aka: "The List")

All Time Wins: 2052 (NCAA rank #1)

All Time Winning Percentage: .761 (NCAA rank #1)

NCAA Championships: 7 (NCAA rank #2)

NCAA Championship Game Appearances: 10 (NCAA rank #2)

NCAA Final Four Appearances: 14 (NCAA rank #4)

NCAA Final Four Wins: 17 (NCAA rank #2)

NCAA Elite-8 Appearances: 33 (NCAA rank #1)

NCAA Sweet-16 Appearances: 42 (NCAA rank #1)

NCAA Tournament Appearances: 51 (NCAA rank #1)

NCAA Tournament Wins: 105 (NCAA rank #1)

NCAA Tournament Games Played: 151 (NCAA rank #1)

NCAA Tournament Winning Percentage: .700 (NCAA rank #5)

Total Postseason Tournament Appearances (NCAA and NIT): 58 (NCAA rank #1)

NBA Draft Picks: 96 (NCAA rank #1)

All Americans: 52 (NCAA rank #1)

All American Total Selections: 82 (NCAA rank #1)

First Team Consensus All Americans: 16 (NCAA rank #2)

First Team Consensus All American Total Selections: 21 (NCAA rank #2)

Final AP Poll Top-25 Finishes: 47 (NCAA rank #1)

Final AP Poll Top-20 Finishes: 47 (NCAA rank #1)

Final AP Poll Top-15 Finishes: 42 (NCAA rank #1)

Final AP Poll Top-10 Finishes: 39 (NCAA rank #1)

Final AP Poll Top-5 Finishes: 27 (NCAA rank #1)

Final AP Poll #1 Finishes: 8 (NCAA rank #1)

Final UPI/Coaches Poll Top-25 Finishes: 44 (NCAA rank #1)

Final UPI/Coaches Poll Top-20 Finishes: 43 (NCAA rank #1)

Final UPI/Coaches Poll Top-15 Finishes: 40 (NCAA rank #1)

Final UPI/Coaches Poll Top-10 Finishes: 36 (NCAA rank #1)

Final UPI/Coaches Poll Top-5 Finishes: 27 (NCAA rank #1)

Final UPI/Coaches Poll #1 Finishes: 7 (NCAA rank #1)

20-Win Seasons: 55 (NCAA rank #1)

25-Win Seasons: 30 (NCAA rank #2)

30-Win Seasons: 12 (NCAA rank #1)

35-Win Seasons: 4 (NCAA rank #1)

Total Winning Seasons: 91 (NCAA rank #2)

Total Non-Losing Seasons (.500 or better): 94 (NCAA rank #2)

Total Decades With a Final Four Appearance: 7 (NCAA rank #1)

Total Coaches With a NCAA Championship: 4 (NCAA rank #1)

Total Decades With a NCAA Championship: 4 (NCAA rank #1)

Conference Regular Season Championships: 46 (NCAA rank #2)

Conference Tournament Championships: 28 (NCAA rank #1)


In addition, Kentucky also has 2 NIT Titles (1946, 1976), 2 Helms Titles (1933, 1954), 2 undefeated seasons (1912, 1954), 5 Sugar Bowl Tournament Championships, 6 Naismith Hall-of-Fame Members, 4 National Players-of-the-Year, 10 #1 seeds all time in the NCAA Tournament, 40 McDonald's All-Americans, 57 1000-point scorers, and 10 Olympic Gold Medal Winners.

Furthermore, Kentucky holds the NCAA record for Consecutive Non-Losing Seasons (60), and for Consecutive Home Court Victories (129). Kentucky also has 23 National Attendance Titles (an NCAA record), has made a 3-point basket in 787 consecutive games, and was the first school to reach both the 1000-win and 2000-win victory plateaus.

(All statistics listed above are continuously updated by the original compiler.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentucky_Wildcats_men%27s_basketball#Cumulative_al l_time_statistics_.28aka:_.22The_List.22.29

[WMR]

AWESOME highlight reel of UNC v. UK ... this guy's videos are the best.

YouTube - #4 Kentucky vs #2 North Carolina (2011 NCAA Elite 8) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql0cVPfcSeQ&feature=player_embedded#at=106)

[WMR]

He also did one for the Ohio State game that is excellent...

YouTube - #4 Kentucky vs #1 Ohio State (2011 NCAA Sweet 16) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JDjkTm9V6A&feature=player_embedded)

Matta is freaking awesome at the end.

[WVRed]

Sounds like Wiltjer is turning some heads at the Mickey D's.....

EvanDanielscout: "Kyle Wiltjer was very good today. Most skilled post player here. Dropped in hooks and jump shots."

DraftExpress: "Kyle Wiljter showing a very high skill-level. Making 3's, putting ball down, scoring in post a bit. Calipari's going love him in half-court."

DaveTelep: "This man shot the basketball better than anyone today at McDonalds." http://twitpic.com/4ec0f1 (picture of Wiltjer)

Wiltjer just won the 3 pt contest tonight.

In other words, next years center just won the three point shooting contest against the rest of his class.

[Topcat]

Wiltjer just won the 3 pt contest tonight.

In other words, next years center just won the three point shooting contest against the rest of his class.


Designated Canadian dammit :censored: now I have to cheer for a Wildcat against everyone except the Cardinals. Oh btw Texas Longhorns had serious Canuck influence this season also.

[cumberlandreds]

He also did one for the Ohio State game that is excellent...

YouTube - #4 Kentucky vs #1 Ohio State (2011 NCAA Sweet 16) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JDjkTm9V6A&feature=player_embedded)

Matta is freaking awesome at the end.

Thanks! I hadn't seen his Ohio State game video. He does a great job with these.
Sullinger had a frustrated look on his face after one play that to me said "When does this goofy white kid go away?" :p:

[WMR]

Congrats to Co-MVP of the 2011 McDonald's All-American Game, UK signee Michael Gilchrist

I think Rivers got the Showboat/Ball-Hog Award as well. :eek:

[Razor Shines]

Congrats to Co-MVP of the 2011 McDonald's All-American Game, UK signee Michael Gilchrist

I think Rivers got the Showboat/Ball-Hog Award as well. :eek:

Shocker. In a game full of showboating you call out the Duke kid. :)

[Razor Shines]

The kid I really wasn't impressed with much at all was Texas' Kabongo.

[Topcat]

This game in reality and yes I mean the MCdee's game. Shows jack squat when it matters in CBB and how the players develop.

[WVRed]

This game in reality and yes I mean the MCdee's game. Shows jack squat when it matters in CBB and how the players develop.

Agree somewhat. It does give a glimpse of the raw potential of future recruits though, just have to take into consideration it is pretty much an overglorified AAU game with no defense being played.

It's like seeing the caterpillar before it turns into a butterfly.

[Scrap Irony]

You also see how athleticism stacks up against athleticism. For example, I thought the kid from Bowling Green looked a little less athletic than he did in the high school season. Blacshear, OTOH, looked like he could be a monster (even with the separated shoulder).

To my mind, Davis' athletic ability is off the charts. So, too, is Gilchrist's. Rivers looks okay, but should be a great scorer, as his release is very quick. He's not a PG, however, at this point.

[WMR]

Not sure how much I'll be able to sleep tonight...

[cumberlandreds]

If UK plays defense like they did against OSU and the first hald against UNC they will win it all. This team, I believe, has matured now that they know they have to play great defense to beat anyone in the tournament. They will win it all.

[WVRed]

If UK plays defense like they did against OSU and the first hald against UNC they will win it all. This team, I believe, has matured now that they know they have to play great defense to beat anyone in the tournament. They will win it all.

I tend to agree. I think the revenge factor will win out against Uconn. I'm just hoping they don't fall asleep against either VCU or Butler or UK will be hung out to dry. I can already see a Shelvin Mack storyline leading up to the championship game (Lexington kid passed over by UK)

[cumberlandreds]

In the end free throws beat UK. When you only hit 4 of 12 from the foul line that will kill you every time in close NCAA tournament game. If they had matched UConn's 9-11 shooting I think the outcome would have been a win.
Anyway a great tourney run for the Cats. They far exceeded my expectations in March and made for a memorable Final Four run. Maybe next year they can take it one step further.

[Carolina_Redleg]

Glad I found this thread. I'm a freshman at UK right now, and cannot wait for next year. It's a great time to be a UK fan, and there are some rumblings that Jones will return next year.

[Joseph]

We can sure hope so Carolina. Enjoy your time at UK.

[Carolina_Redleg]

Thanks, Joseph. Freshman year has been an absolute blast, albeit a little bit harder than I expected. Love being here in Lexington though. It's great because I'm only an hour from GABP if I want to catch a Reds game.

[WMR]

All in all, an amazing season. We ended our Final Four drought and these kids are responsible for hanging another banner in Rupp. The end was still bittersweet, of course, but a Final Four is just awesome and more than any of us forecasted after the curve balls thrown at us along the way this year.

The future looks bright. We will be in the Final Four again soon.

[LexRedsFan]

All in all, an amazing season. We ended our Final Four drought and these kids are responsible for hanging another banner in Rupp. The end was still bittersweet, of course, but a Final Four is just awesome and more than any of us forecasted after the curve balls thrown at us along the way this year.

The future looks bright. We will be in the Final Four again soon.

I think we'll be back next year as well. I'm already making travel plans for New Orleans in the end of March.

First weekend - Louisville
S16/E8 - Atlanta
F4/NC - New Orleans

Gonna be an epic March.

(You just can't pass up $20 student tickets to the final four)

[WVRed]

I didn't get to watch the Burger Boys game, but I did stay up on Saturday night and watch part of the Nike Hoops Summit. I am really excited about what UK has coming in next season.

Anthony Davis is a flat out stud. I had seen AAU videos but with his growth spurt he is a PG playing PF. His passing ability is off the charts. The only flaw I see to his game is strength, but if he can bulk up he will be the number one pick when he comes out.

I'm not too worried about losing Liggins, because if he goes, we have a similar player coming in with Gilchrist. He has the motor and is definitely a slasher to the rim. I can definitely see the Scottie Pippen comparisons.

Marquis Teague is more of a complete floor general, which is what this team missed when Wall and even Bledsoe left. I've always said that John Wall was more comparable to Derrick Rose (creating PG) while Brandon Knight was more of an OJ Mayo (shooting PG). Marquis Teague falls more into the Wall/Rose mold, maybe not as good as those two, but he will be up there.

Wiltjer kinda struggled from the field, but when he did hit from three, he has probably the best 3 pt shooting ability. He is 6'9 and rugged enough to be an inside force this season, but he did get pushed around quite a bit.

What is scary about next season is that if enough players from this years team return, there are so many different ways that they can beat you. The only thing that scares me though is that we aren't going to have a reliable post presence. Unless Eloy Vargas has a Josh Harrellson type season next year, we are going to be weak in that area.

[Jack Burton]

Looks like Kentucky's luck finally ran out in that game vs UConn, BKnight was terrible. What sucks about the tournament is that the best two teams rarely get to meet for the title. Ohio State wins this tournament 9 out of 10 times, just had some bad luck in that Kentucky game.

[WMR]

I didn't get to watch the Burger Boys game, but I did stay up on Saturday night and watch part of the Nike Hoops Summit. I am really excited about what UK has coming in next season.

Anthony Davis is a flat out stud. I had seen AAU videos but with his growth spurt he is a PG playing PF. His passing ability is off the charts. The only flaw I see to his game is strength, but if he can bulk up he will be the number one pick when he comes out.

I'm not too worried about losing Liggins, because if he goes, we have a similar player coming in with Gilchrist. He has the motor and is definitely a slasher to the rim. I can definitely see the Scottie Pippen comparisons.

Marquis Teague is more of a complete floor general, which is what this team missed when Wall and even Bledsoe left. I've always said that John Wall was more comparable to Derrick Rose (creating PG) while Brandon Knight was more of an OJ Mayo (shooting PG). Marquis Teague falls more into the Wall/Rose mold, maybe not as good as those two, but he will be up there.

Wiltjer kinda struggled from the field, but when he did hit from three, he has probably the best 3 pt shooting ability. He is 6'9 and rugged enough to be an inside force this season, but he did get pushed around quite a bit.

What is scary about next season is that if enough players from this years team return, there are so many different ways that they can beat you. The only thing that scares me though is that we aren't going to have a reliable post presence. Unless Eloy Vargas has a Josh Harrellson type season next year, we are going to be weak in that area.

Next year's team will be the most DDMO-centric squad Cal has had so far at Kentucky. You don't need a dominating post to run the DDMO, and we will see that next season. You need long, athletic types who can crash the glass relentlessly with great mobility/athleticism (Robert Dozier types).

I'm fascinated to see how Wiltjer is utilized because his game is 'old school' in so many ways... it's a contrast and should allow Cal to keep opposing teams/coaches off-balanced throughout a game.

[WVRed]

Looks like Kentucky's luck finally ran out in that game vs UConn, BKnight was terrible. What sucks about the tournament is that the best two teams rarely get to meet for the title. Ohio State wins this tournament 9 out of 10 times, just had some bad luck in that Kentucky game.

Ohio State by far and away got the worst draw in the tournament. I had Syracuse winning the East region because had they made it to Newark they would have had a crowd advantage. Add in Kentucky who was peaking at the right time and UNC who was a pretty strong 2 seed and it was a recipe for disaster. If anything, we know how you feel because we drew a 2 seed who should have been a 1 last year in WVU.

As for the game, Kentucky played their best defensive performance, holding a UConn team that had been scoring 80 points a game to 56. The problem is, they turned in their worst offensive performance and fatigue had a major factor in it. UConn subbed at will and Napier is a lockdown defender at PG. Knight was fatigued pretty much the entire second half and it showed when his shots kept coming up short.


Next year's team will be the most DDMO-centric squad Cal has had so far at Kentucky. You don't need a dominating post to run the DDMO, and we will see that next season. You need long, athletic types who can crash the glass relentlessly with great mobility/athleticism (Robert Dozier types).

I'm fascinated to see how Wiltjer is utilized because his game is 'old school' in so many ways... it's a contrast and should allow Cal to keep opposing teams/coaches off-balanced throughout a game.

I don't know, Cal has always had some skilled bigs. Joey Dorsey was a rebounding machine at Memphis. Patrick Patterson and Terrence Jones have played the Dozier role, next year will be Davis who will be better than both of them.

I see Wiltjer not being used that often. He has a lot of potential, but somebody who is probably going to contribute more by his sophomore season.

What is going to be even better is if the NBA passes the two and done rule that is being discussed. If that happens, it would take effect after this draft and Davis, Teague, and Gilchrist would all be back for a sophomore season.

[Joseph]

Looks like Kentucky's luck finally ran out in that game vs UConn, BKnight was terrible. What sucks about the tournament is that the best two teams rarely get to meet for the title. Ohio State wins this tournament 9 out of 10 times, just had some bad luck in that Kentucky game.

No team wins a tournament 9 out of 10 times. Take off the OSU colored glasses and quit being a troll. You love OSU, you don't like UK. We get it, move on.

[Jack Burton]

Quick serious question;

What do you enjoy more, Kentucky basketball or Cincinnati Reds baseball? Difficult question, I know, but one has to edge the other.

[Carolina_Redleg]

It's hard for me to say, especially now that I go to UK. I'd probably just say both are equal, although a loss in Kentucky basketball kills me because there are less games and I HATE losing because it's almost always an upset when it comes to UK basketball, and all my friends give me hell whenever we lose, because it's usually to a lesser team.

[Carolina_Redleg]

That being said, there is something magical about baseball season and I enjoy them both equally.

[Joseph]

Reds about 1000 to 1. Thats no disrespect to UK at all.

[WVRed]

Quick serious question;

What do you enjoy more, Kentucky basketball or Cincinnati Reds baseball? Difficult question, I know, but one has to edge the other.

It's a loaded question, especially since the timing of it (baseball is April-October while college BB is November-April) but I would say about equal depending on expectations for the other.

Most of the time during the past decade it depended on how Kentucky was doing in the NCAA tournament. This past year, I would have been higher on UK given the run in the tournament. If it was the latter part of the Billy Gillispie tenure, I would have been looking more toward ending the season to get to Reds baseball.

It's a similar question for Ohio State in football. If the Reds are doing well, you follow the Reds. If not, you have football season to look forward to.

[LexRedsFan]

Quick serious question;

What do you enjoy more, Kentucky basketball or Cincinnati Reds baseball? Difficult question, I know, but one has to edge the other.

UK and it's not really even that close for me. I'm from Southern KY, and UK basketball has been a way of life for me. My dad and I have gone to all kinds of Reds games before, but nothing compares to UK games..especially this year's SECT and F4 we went to together. Just awesome experiences all around. Not to mention, I'm a student at UK. The connection to the Cats is just infinitely greater than to the Reds.

[WVRed]

Does anybody else think Bob Knight is becoming more senile?

http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/2011/4/18/2119073/bobby-knight-kentucky-basketball-john-calipari


Kentucky, year before last, started five players in the NCAA tournament games that had not been to class that semester. That's that one-and-done philosophy.

What a maroon. I guess it's John Calipari's fault that the game passed Bob Knight by as well.

[WMR]

Does anybody else think Bob Knight is becoming more senile?

http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/2011/4/18/2119073/bobby-knight-kentucky-basketball-john-calipari



What a maroon. I guess it's John Calipari's fault that the game passed Bob Knight by as well.

What a sad, pathetic, old man. Still hasn't gotten over 1975, all these years later...

the saddest to me is the crowd... Not a single free-thinker in the entire building. They're all so eaten up with Kentucky, it's like starved pigs at a trough. :lol:

[LexRedsFan]

Does anybody else think Bob Knight is becoming more senile?

http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/2011/4/18/2119073/bobby-knight-kentucky-basketball-john-calipari



What a maroon. I guess it's John Calipari's fault that the game passed Bob Knight by as well.

Bob Knight is an idiot.

Besides the obvious that you all know (they all went to class except Orton), I had a class with Bledsoe and Cousins last year, and they went more than me. My roommate had the same teacher as John Wall and she once said that he "cared more than any of the rest of the kids in that class".

Haters. Gonna. Hate.

[cumberlandreds]

What a sad, pathetic, old man. Still hasn't gotten over 1975, all these years later...

the saddest to me is the crowd... Not a single free-thinker in the entire building. They're all so eaten up with Kentucky, it's like starved pigs at a trough. :lol:

Knight is also 15-18 against UK. That may be the only team he has a losing record against that he has played more than two or three times. I'm sure our Indiana brethern could let us know for sure.
Joe Hall still tells the story that he and Knight used to be fishing buddies. But when Hall started beating Knight fairly regularly that stopped. Basically if you beat Knight at anything your a sworn enemy for life. He's just bitter,bitter man for no good reason.

[WMR]

Doron Lamb officially returning to UK for his sophomore season per UK Athletics on Twitter. Congrats Doron.

Makes you wonder if this means Knight and Jones are gone... hard not to speculate.

[Hoosier Red]

Knight is also 15-18 against UK. That may be the only team he has a losing record against that he has played more than two or three times. I'm sure our Indiana brethern could let us know for sure.
Joe Hall still tells the story that he and Knight used to be fishing buddies. But when Hall started beating Knight fairly regularly that stopped. Basically if you beat Knight at anything your a sworn enemy for life. He's just bitter,bitter man for no good reason.

Actually I think he had a losing record agains Purdue as well. (I know Keady had a winning record against him.)

There's a lot of things I'd change about college basketball, but I don't think I'd want Bob Knight leading the charge for any of them.

Sad and senile is right, and the room is equally sad and senile.

[WMR]

I wish I had been there. It's always been a dream of mine to get into a televised shouting match with Bob Knight. :laugh:

[dabvu2498]

WMR -- I saw an ad that Knight is doing a show at one of the Lawrenceburg area casinos. Perhaps you should get a ticket. I also wonder if he'll change his tune any since there will be quite a few UK supporters in proximity.

[Scrap Irony]

WMR -- I saw an ad that Knight is doing a show at one of the Lawrenceburg area casinos. Perhaps you should get a ticket. I also wonder if he'll change his tune any since there will be quite a few UK supporters in proximity.

Doubtful. In the extreme. Bobby Knight is who he is, like him or hate him. To bastardize an expression from O Brother, Where Art Thou, he won't change for no man.

[WMR]

WMR -- I saw an ad that Knight is doing a show at one of the Lawrenceburg area casinos. Perhaps you should get a ticket. I also wonder if he'll change his tune any since there will be quite a few UK supporters in proximity.

Wow, sounds like a perfect opportunity for some UK fan to go down in Kentucky Youtube Lore. :lol:

Gotta think in that situation the crowd will have your back? IDK, there will also undoubtedly be in attendance many of those who still worship at the altar of RMK.

[Razor Shines]

Does anybody else think Bob Knight is becoming more senile?

http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketb...-john-calipari



What a maroon. I guess it's John Calipari's fault that the game passed Bob Knight by as well.

Eh, he was an angry old man before he was old. He was a great coach, I don't know if he stopped being a great coach before or after he got to Texas Tech though. I guess he might still be a a great coach, but at some point he stopped worrying about recruiting.




Knight is also 15-18 against UK. That may be the only team he has a losing record against that he has played more than two or three times. I'm sure our Indiana brethern could let us know for sure.
Joe Hall still tells the story that he and Knight used to be fishing buddies. But when Hall started beating Knight fairly regularly that stopped. Basically if you beat Knight at anything your a sworn enemy for life. He's just bitter,bitter man for no good reason.

Holding a grudge is probably one of the things that helped him win so many games. Hell, it worked for Michael Jordan.

[TeamSelig]

Glad to see Lamb coming back. I think he is going to tear it up next season.

[WVRed]

Glad to see Lamb coming back. I think he is going to tear it up next season.

Agreed. I thought Lamb was the most likely to come back, and IMO the most difficult to replace. We don't have a lot of shooters to keep teams honest with the recruiting class coming in so keeping one of Knight/Jones was a necessity. Lamb is that "zone buster" that we didn't have the past two years against UConn and West Virginia.

Knight coming back would be a plus although it would probably push Lamb to the bench. If Liggins goes we have Gilchrist coming in who is the same type of player with a much higher ceiling. Jones is the interesting one because if he comes back, he's a mismatch anywhere he is used and teaming him with Davis could make us that much more deadly.

[TeamSelig]

So whats up with Liggins? I've read some things about him leaving, but he will be a senior next year, correct? He is not an nba prospect IMO... no reason to leave. He's having some sort of financial problems or just had a kid or something right?

[WVRed]

So whats up with Liggins? I've read some things about him leaving, but he will be a senior next year, correct? He is not an nba prospect IMO... no reason to leave. He's having some sort of financial problems or just had a kid or something right?

He just had a kid. Cal is encouraging him to try out at one of the draft camps in New Jersey IIRC to see if he could play his way into the draft. He would likely have to play overseas for awhile but he could make it in the NBA as a lockdown defender.

[TeamSelig]

Just had a kid? Finishing the degree would be a good idea then IMO

[Jack Burton]

I applaud Bobby Knight for speaking out about the sad state of academia when it comes to NCAAB. If Kentucky falls into that category, so be it. Don't shoot the messenger.

[Javy Pornstache]

I applaud Bobby Knight for speaking out about the sad state of academia when it comes to NCAAB. If Kentucky falls into that category, so be it. Don't shoot the messenger.

LOL @ defending his blatant, outright, purposeful LIE. You must still be hurting from the Sweet 16 :)

[WVRed]

per UK athletics:

Knight, Liggins, and Jones all declare for the draft, will not sign with an agent.

[WVRed]

I applaud Bobby Knight for speaking out about the sad state of academia when it comes to NCAAB. If Kentucky falls into that category, so be it. Don't shoot the messenger.

I don't disagree with some of what Knight said, such as following MLB's guidelines for the draft. The problem is that what Knight said about Kentucky was a blatant lie and he was passing it off as fact.

Knight said that all five of Kentucky's starters did not attend class the second semester, well, let's look at it:

John Wall: Finished both semesters and had a 3.8 GPA his second semester.

Eric Bledsoe: Finished both semesters

Darius Miller: RETURNED FOR HIS JUNIOR SEASON. I guess he isn't going to class at all and just playing basketball, right? Even if everything else was proven false, the fact that Miller returned is enough to debunk Bob Knight's theory.

Patrick Patterson: Graduated in three seasons and had a pretty nice message on Twitter for Bob Knight.

DeMarcus Cousins: Finished both semesters and likewise with Patterson left a nice message on Twitter.

The only player who didn't finish the second semester was Daniel Orton, and it was causing a freakout around Lexington because there were concerns UK's APR would dip to where they would lose a scholarship over it.

So no, only one of Kentucky's players didn't finish the semester, and it wasn't a starter. Bob Knight has an axe to grind against Kentucky and for a guy who berated reporters for not having their facts straight during press conferences is now a hypocrite when he is a member of the press himself.

[WVRed]

Just had a kid? Finishing the degree would be a good idea then IMO

Possibly, but they are going to need income, and playing overseas and collecting a paycheck to support a family wouldn't be the worst thing.

[cumberlandreds]

Knight,Jones and Liggins have all declared for the draft but have not hired an agent. They have until May 8 to pull their name out or stay in.

http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/042011aaa.html

[Puffy]

Just had a kid? Finishing the degree would be a good idea then IMO

Yeah, but if he only has a year left he can always go back and get degree. Thats what summers are for (and the classes are easier too!)

[bucksfan2]

I applaud Bobby Knight for speaking out about the sad state of academia when it comes to NCAAB. If Kentucky falls into that category, so be it. Don't shoot the messenger.

I agree 100%. Its pretty well known that the one and done type players spend the first semester in class and then don't go in the second. Since the semester isn't over before the basketball season is over there are no checks and balances. Knight has been pounding this point home for a number of years now so what he said isn't anything new or groundbreaking. The only schools that "require" the students to go to class during the basketball season are the ones on quarters because their quarter is over right around tournament time.

I have no knowledge of what the UK players did but I would be surprised if the ones drafted finished up their 2nd semester. In reality if your drafted there is no need to attend class after the season is over.

[WVRed]

I agree 100%. Its pretty well known that the one and done type players spend the first semester in class and then don't go in the second. Since the semester isn't over before the basketball season is over there are no checks and balances. Knight has been pounding this point home for a number of years now so what he said isn't anything new or groundbreaking. The only schools that "require" the students to go to class during the basketball season are the ones on quarters because their quarter is over right around tournament time.

I have no knowledge of what the UK players did but I would be surprised if the ones drafted finished up their 2nd semester. In reality if your drafted there is no need to attend class after the season is over.

I just posted this earlier. The only one who didn't finish was Daniel Orton. Everybody else stayed for the second semester. All of the starters finished and one even returned for his junior season.

[Razor Shines]

I agree 100%. Its pretty well known that the one and done type players spend the first semester in class and then don't go in the second. Since the semester isn't over before the basketball season is over there are no checks and balances. Knight has been pounding this point home for a number of years now so what he said isn't anything new or groundbreaking. The only schools that "require" the students to go to class during the basketball season are the ones on quarters because their quarter is over right around tournament time.

I have no knowledge of what the UK players did but I would be surprised if the ones drafted finished up their 2nd semester. In reality if your drafted there is no need to attend class after the season is over.

He doesn't have that knowledge either. He apologized today. If he has a problem with the "one and doners" then he should attack the NCAA, not Kentucky. They're just taking advantage of the current rules.

[Joseph]

I was a bit surprised by Knight leaving early. By all initial accounts he was going to stick for a couple years and was not in a position where 'his family needed the money'. Jones I'm not surprised by, he seemed the type and his waivering on the choice of college seemed even more to indicate a likely early exit. Liggins seems like a reach, but at least he has what he believes is a reason.

[WMR]

Buckeye fans (still angry about the Tournament obviously) pointing fingers about one and dones is rich indeed. Shall we start counting the One and Dones from OSU over the past several seasons? Where were all the Buckeye fans whining about One and Dones when they were playing for the National Championship?

[WMR]

I have no knowledge

Yes, you obviously have no knowledge about this situation, we understand that.

[WMR]

I was a bit surprised by Knight leaving early. By all initial accounts he was going to stick for a couple years and was not in a position where 'his family needed the money'. Jones I'm not surprised by, he seemed the type and his waivering on the choice of college seemed even more to indicate a likely early exit. Liggins seems like a reach, but at least he has what he believes is a reason.

Keep in mind, they haven't left yet. I think at least one will end up coming back, most likely Liggins, followed by Jones, then Knight.

I actually think Knight is the one most likely to stay in the draft.

[TeamSelig]

Next Season:

- PG Brandon Knight
- GF DeAndre Liggins
- C Josh Harrellson
- PF Terrence Jones

+ #6 PF Anthony Davis 6'10" 220
+ #3 SF Mike Gilchrist 6'6" 190
+ #2 PG Marquis Teague 6'2" 170
+ #25 PF Kyle Wiltjer 6'9" 225


Roster:

G Marquis Teague
G Jarrod Polson
G Doran Lamb
G Jon Hood
F Stacey Poole
F Mike Gilchrist
F Darius Miller
F Anthony Davis
F Kyle Wiltjer
C Eloy Vargas

What do you see the lineup as? Looks like we will be stuck playing some small ball.

I could see Cal going with a 6-7 man rotation again... something like this

PG Teague 35 Lamb 5
SG Lamb 30 Gilchrist 10
SF Gilchrist 25 Miller 15
PF Miller 20 Davis 10 Wiltjer 10
C Davis 25 Vargas 15

Can Davis handle the 5 spot? He has like a 7'0" wingspan doesn't he?

What is really interesting about next years team is that it seems like everyone has great handles along with a good passing ability. If you look at highlights of Davis/Wiltjer, they are playing like guards. Teague/Gilchrist handle the ball like NBA all stars.

Plus, it looks like they can all shoot pretty well. Maybe someone can clarify with Gilchrist... the mixtape I watched didn't really have him shooting alot, but does he have 3pt range? Teague looked like he had a decent shot, Lamb is ridiculous (49%!), Miller is good (44%), Wiltjer's strength looks to be shooting.... All these shooters.... plus Gilchrist/Teague to slash and tear defenses apart.

We are also pretty athletic so I think we will be able to rebound, push the pace, force turnovers, etc... might be an issue defending the paint or big man depth.

[Boss-Hog]

We're almost at 1,000 posts here, so time for a new thread. :)