Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
UK has had a few games to remember in recent weeks with a buzzer beater loss against Louisville, an historic individual performance against Tennessee and an all-around solid outing against Georgia. This was not one of those nights. The Cats beat the Auburn Tigers in Rupp Arena tonight in a game that was not aesthetically pleasing, but was an important victory. Going into the game, everyone from Coach Gillispie to lowly bloggers recognized that Auburn was the type of team that could give Kentucky fits. Filled with quick guards who like to get to the basket and take long threes, the Tigers had that VMI-type feel that has proven to be the Achilles Heel of Billy Gillispie in his first year and a half in Lexington. And for much of the game, Auburn played that type of style, hitting threes in bunches, getting to the basket and finding the open man. Thus with 9 minutes to go, the Tigers were up 2. But then the Cats did what they havent done in these types of games before…..they extended their defense, made the other team take more contested shots and they executed to perfection on offense. The result, a 2 point deficit turns into a 7 point lead, and the Cats are the only undefeated team in the SEC. Some notes…..
— The words get repetitive, but the theme does not. Patrick Patterson is a man. 21 points and 18 rebounds in a game where he wasnt even completely in sync offensively. Even though he struggled with his shot, and although his offensive repetoire was limited, Patterson still found a way to totally dominate a game against an SEC opponent. He owned the glass, preventing any offensive rebounds in the paint and either blocking or altering a number of shots. One hopes that his finger gets better, but even if it doesnt, he is still special.
— Oh yeah, and Jodie Meeks had a smooth 31 points as well. What Jodie is doing is simply astonishing. 31 points and you dont even think that the game was all that special! That is what is so amazing about the output we see from Meeks on a nightly basis. Everytime he shoots, I assume it is going in. I am not sure who the last player to get that reaction from me is, but once again he put points up in bunches. Good shot selection tonight and at times, I thought he should have put some more up.
— Not a great game for the Porter/Harris duo. It is interesting that often these guys’ performances mirror each other. When one plays well, the other plays well….when one struggles, the other struggles. Maybe they share a mind and heart. Whatever the case, both guys had difficulties on opposite ends of the floor. Porter was a liability on defense, and just as in the VMI type games of the past, he was simply no match for the quicker guards in the spread offense. Harris had problems offensively, turning the ball over and taking a couple of bad shots. Both guys however did finish strong and it was with them in at the end, that the Cats pulled away.
— There will be a great deal of complaints about the playing time of Liggins, Miller and Stewart, but once again, the guys made it difficult for Gillispie to keep them in. Miller finally looked like he had some flair on offense, driving to the basket and being more aggressive. But all three men were lost on defense. Stewart was not able to guard on the perimeter, Miller was a step slow of the man he was generally on and Liggins got screwed up on the switch on three straight plays, forcing Gillispie to go with Porter. The bottom line for all these guys is that when they are in, even when they look better, the team does worse. Gillispie takes them out, the team calms down and the Cats take a lead. At some point it will be up to these guys to do the little things right to stay in….and they need to, because the Cats need their talent.
— The fans decision to boo the replacement of Liggins with Porter again continues to baffle me. Porter had a tough night tonight but had played seven straight solid games. Liggins had some success tonight but also struggled on defense and made errors that directly led to baskets. Porter is often burdened with the fact that his TOs and errors are obvious (like the one that lead to the open layup). But Liggins makes errors that are more difficult for the average fan to spot, but are infuriating to the coaches. Whether you agree or not with his decisions, at this point Gillispie and Porter deserve the benefit of the doubt and the crowd really needs to lay off such displays.
— I didnt go to the game for law-related reasons, thus partaking in the Raycom telecast. Is it possible that Al Purnell buys every ad.
— Was that Lamar Alexander behind the bench?
— Deuce Finch did not attend.
— With LSU and South Carolina stealing games, the Cats are in sole place of first with two winnable games coming, at Alabama and at Ole Miss. Two road games for the Cats, against two weak Western opponents, both of which can lead to key road wins to give more distance in the conference race. You dont want to drop either of these and wins can get separation. Big games for the season as a whole.
It is hard to feel too good about the game, but a win is a win against a team with which UK didnt match up well. Not a lot to crow about, but not a loss…..in a season like this, you take it. Next come the Tide and a chance to sweep the state. For now, say a little prayer for Jeff Lebo…..he and his job need it.
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January 22nd, 2009 at 12:25 am
It’s Gooooooood
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:26 am
TASTESLIKECOUNTRYSAUSAGEOUTTATASTE.
I didn’t thint Lebo coached a real bad game. They knew what they needed to do, and did a decent job of doing it. Of course, you’d figure Lebo and his staff have been scheming for this game at least a week in advance.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:31 am
porter had 6 assists to lead the team . . .
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:35 am
Why is porter afraid to shoot?I keep waiting for him to break out and become a cameron mills type player
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:36 am
same here, 4. i found myself screaming at the tv for porter to shoot upwards of 8 or 9 times tonight.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:37 am
“in morning I wake up, put on my makeup
I say a little prayer for you, Jeff Lebo”
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:40 am
From what I took away from the post game BCG interview, that some on the team are too concerned bout what the fans think. Who can blame them when your own fans boo you when u re-enter the game. Thats crap. Dont go and let some real fans get the seats.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:40 am
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090121/NEWS/901210954/1105/NEWS?T itle=ESPN_laziness_evident_in_Maravich_snub
this guy sucks.
oh, he’s from florida.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:41 am
People that boo any of our players AT HOME, are shitty UK fans. It’s ridiculous.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:44 am
I thought Liggins’ 12 turnover free minutes were impressive. He also had one very nice assist. Of course, there were some defensive issues. But an improvement, I’d say.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:44 am
Did any reporter ask porter how he felt about the fans gasping and awwing and somewhat booing at time, when he passed up 1 wide open three after another?
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:48 am
I’ve only been to 1 BB game in the last year and half. I got tired of being told to sit down.lol The football games are alot more fun to attend.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:53 am
wow, I didn’t even realize Jodie had 31! I have a feeling, that like all good things, we will not fully appreciate what Jodie has done so far until he is gone.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:55 am
I was in the eRupption zone tonight and I feel there was a misunderstanding (atleast on behalf of some of the fans)… at the same time that porter was put back in the game so was Reed for Auburn (#12)… He had been a cock the entire game and I felt that some if not all of the fans were booing him NOT PORTER. I think at this point we ALL realize that Porter being in is more of a benefit than a liability (whether or not he had his strongest game)
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:56 am
i think the fans booed the coaches not the players. I got to stick up for the fans, even though i have never booed a uk team player or coach ever in my life. Everybody on the team was scared to shoot not just porter. the crowd had to beg harris,porter,liggins, and miller to shoot. It was sloppy tonight but i like the win still considering the speed of the tigers. Good thing they couldn’t shoot free-throws they would have had a real chance. I thought we did a horrible job getting paterson the ball where he can score. I know he could have gotten an alley-oop tonight. but what do i know.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:59 am
13) I never would have never dreamed we could have done as well as we have without Crawford and Bradley this year.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:03 am
http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=902348
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:05 am
No love for Perry Stevenson?
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:07 am
I couldn’t get the game in VA, but I did follow the play-by-play on the interweb. I’m glad we got the W, even if it wasn’t pretty. I still can’t believe people are booing Porter. He has improved quite a bit over the season, in a position he was never meant to play. So he had a bad game…I really can’t think of any situation in which I would boo my own team, especially not 20 year-old players. It just makes you look ignorant. If we win on Saturday, do you think we will take Florida’s spot in the top 25?
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:09 am
14. No. I was upper and no one cared about the other guy coming in. It was for Porter.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:11 am
Watching the game on grainy Raycom (I live in AZ and got it on the Game Plan) my father-in-law and I both came to the same conclusions half way through the games:
1. Harris is horrible when it comes dribbling (I was in Vegas and cussed him there as well) and has poor shot selection. He passes up shots, like everyone else, and then drives into trouble.
2. The whole team a.) passes the ball around watches for Meeks to shoot or b.) tries too hard to get the ball in PP in fear of getting taken out if a bad shot is taken or if they do not follow the game plan to work the ball inside.
3. The most confident person outside of PP and Meeks is without a doubt, Perry. He plays hard, does his job and when he makes a mistake he works harder to correct it.
4. Defense was great once they extended it. Some of the best D I have seen them play.
5. So happy to watch a team that forces the other team to foul and then knocks down the free throws. Until BCG arrived, our teams were like Auburns where we shot somewhere between 60-65% as a team. This will win a lot of games as the season goes on.
6. One would think by now that the turnovers would be limited.
7. Lucky number 7. When are the role players going to roll the dice and take a chance to put the ball in the air? It is so obvious that they are scared. If they are not going to shoot, put Landon in. He has proven he is not afraid to shoot. Maybe run some set plays for the guys until they understand that their job is to shoot from time to time.
That is all. Good night.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:13 am
I doubt we make the top 25 this week. It’ll be hard with unranked teams knocking off the big dogs.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:15 am
#16–Does it make you realize what we could have done with a healthy Meeks and PP last year. Much different result than what occurred. That being said, there are not too many teams that I have been more proud of than the team that played the “low down dirty snitches” to 3 points last year. (I didn’t even mention a healthy Jasper).
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:16 am
Why do we play so much better on the road? Can we schedule all of next years games away?
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:18 am
23) I dont question how good we are or how good we can be. I just thought the world of those two. Esp. Crawford.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:27 am
yeah slone was getting a lot of minutes per game right there before sec play and then we never same him again. He shoots and plays hard defense. Then BCG stopped playing him, and went back to miller who wasn’t getting any minutes at that time.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:28 am
I missed the entire game and just got updates from my dad while I was at work. Very depressing.
Go Cats! I hope UK fans realize what an amzing combination we have in Meeks and Patterson. That is the kind of duo that NOBODY will want to play come March.
I can’t believe the fans would boo Hartline when he would replace Cobb…oh wait, nevermind.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:30 am
Wow, it’s amazing to me that what I said in the other post was supposedly stupid and made me have no basketball IQ, but yet Matt says pretty much exactly what I said…hmmm
But we could get into the top 25 with teams losing, like Villanova. Even if we dont, oh well. This team is a good team and will continue to get better, they just need to get rid of the mental mistakes. I’m excited to see how they fair at the end of the season because I really think UK will return to the UK of the past next year. Maybe not win a NCAA title, but they will make noise and we will see plenty of headings such as The Cats are Back
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:36 am
“Bless his heart, he has a hurt finger,” Gillispie said. “Tonight was the best I’ve seen Pat play this season. He was very determined. Man alive, he’s something else.”
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:41 am
Does anyone have a link to any highlights for me?
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:44 am
From the AP:
“Tigers coach Jeff Lebo said his team came to Rupp Arena with a plan to play off the other Cats, to force Michael Porter, Ramon Harris and the rest of UK’s roster to shoot from the outside and to focus its defensive attention on Meeks and Patterson.”
From me: I guess the guys did not take the bait and in order to insure they play more, followed BCG’s plan to get PP and Meeks the shots. There will come a point where Meeks may not be on and PP maybe missing. If that happens, we will get beat by 20 if everyone else is afraid to take open shots.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:44 am
may be^^
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:52 am
31)Didn’t see any of the game but I am amazed to see only 5 players scored. Miller, Harris, and Porter don’t have to shoot everytime they have the ball but if they are open in the flow of the offense they better shoot to keep defenses honest. They might as well shoot because it looks like Patterson is going to get all the rebounds anyway.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:57 am
Yeah I agree, its aggravates the me and makes me scream at the tv every time those guys pass up open shots. Passing up open shoots tonight sometimes led to turnovers. And if they are afraid of what the fans think, who cares. Not all fans act like a select few. I’d rather see them take that shot and miss it than pass on it every time. It’s like someone said, it would keep the defense honest if they know they will actually shoot the ball. If they start doing that come tourney time, watch out for the Cats.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:58 am
Don’t worry about Miller, I think it was just a matchup problem today
with Auburn playing 3-4 guards at a time.
However, Miller did enough good things in limited minutes and Harris
made enough mistakes, that as long a Miller continues to get better, His
minutes will go up game by game. It is only a matter of time.
As for Liggins and Porter - Liggins cost us on the offensive and defensive
ends tonight. The worst things was when Liggins would make a mistake he
just quit and give up on the play. Porter made many mistakes but never
stoped working hard and putting out effort.
Also we absolutley get got nothing from Liggins on the offensive end. He
stands around, never runs the offense, and never puts his team in a position
to score. Oh and he takes stupid shots. This all in the half court sets.
Liggins, right now, is only effective on the fast break.
Porter not might score a lot but he sets the offense he makes sure people
are in the right place, me moves around constintly, and gets the ball
to the right person in the right place better than Liggins.
There is a great argument most of the time that Liggins should get more
PT but if this is not one of those games you can make that argument.
Liggins was absolutley horrible on both ends of the court. Porter
got beat on defense several times by more athletic and better guards.
Liggins wasn’t even guarding the right man half of the time. Two times
in the first half he was guarding Meeks man while Meeks was also guarding
his man, LOL. Leaving Liggins man wide open.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:00 am
GoCats2–Believe me. If you are able to watch it, you will have the evaluation. I have not seen players so open. Auburn was begging them to shoot. Watching on the poor Raycom feed, I could not tell who the player was but believe it was Miller that had an open mid-range shot from the baseline, jumped to shoot and then almost came back to floor without pulling the trigger in order to throw the ball to a player at the top of the key extended and nearly threw the ball away. (How is that for a run on sentence?). Porter was open numerous times without a player within 12 feet of him and stayed true to himself to find either Meeks, PP or any player that would take the ball out of his hands. Harris had plenty of opportunities and a few times decided to drive into traffic and turn the ball over. It was a pretty poor display and seemed as if they were scared to make a mistake.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:02 am
As for other players shooting more other than PP and Meeks. Miller
will help with that, I am telling you all now, it is only a matter
of time. He is getting so much better and today was just a bad matchup
day for him.
Porter needs to shot more
Liggins needs to shot less or smarter, who knows? he is just lost right now.
Harris needs to never shot the ball, period!
Stevenson needs to learn how to get the 6ppg of easy baskets he losses
because he walks.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:06 am
#36 you make a great point about Miller passing up shots but in his
defense, today when he passed up shots we thought he should take, he
did make good passes that ended up becoming another quick good pass,
to an open man for points.
Miller played very well for 5 minutes. His team didn’t do him any favors
by letting Auburn stay close, which made it hard to give Miller more minutes.
Look we played bad but we won. The worst thing about today wasn’t playing
bad (that happens) it was the lack of focus and effort. I doubt with a
coach like Gillispie we will play another game this season with this kind
of lack of focus and effort. We probably will play bad again but we will
also play much tougher and focused.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:17 am
On the bright side, Stevenson had a VERY solid game (except the 3 traveling violations in the 1st half). That is 2 13 point games in a row for him and he was a beast on the glass….maybe he is the 3rd consistent scoring threat this team needs. He has become more agressive and seems to hae a little mean streak in him now…I like what I see out of Purry.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:23 am
Stevenson is doing what he should have been doing all season long.
With PP getting doubled team and being a good passer, Stevenson should
at least get 6 easy points, 4 points he works for, and 2-5 points in
other ways. Good to see him finally realizing that. He still gave up
6 easy points bc he walked.
His defense was stellar today
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:37 am
I am pretty happy with everything. Definitely agree with most that Outside of PP, and Meeks this team is VERY spotty. I do however believe that those two may just be special enough to take this whole team on their back and have a very good season. I think Sloan probably just doesn’t have the athletic ability to hang with top talent for a long stretch of time. But I have to admit I do wish we could at least try him out there some- the kid plays his heart out when he gets a shot.
I do think Miller will come around by the end of SEC play and be a very good player and maybe the third best scorer on the team. Fans are dazzled by Liggins flashes of brilliance- and forget all the small mistakes he makes- not to mention attitude issues which may or may not be going on-but most likely are.
A W is a W- go cats.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:43 am
if these people are fans, then I am sad. I am sad because WE ARE KENTUCKY through thick and thin and we should support the players that suit up for the great institution and if they happen to win a championship then so be it, if not…..we should not complain as so much as we do here
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 am
We are kentucky you are right but it’s the passion that we have for basketball that makes us kentucky.If all fans had the so be it attitude you have we wouldn’t be any different from every other team.In football there are many programs with fans like we have with alabama michigan auburn etc etc.But in basketball nobody rivals the passion of kentucky fans and thats why we get such a bad rap but it’s also a big part of why we are who we are and every player knows that when they sign but if it gets to be too much theres always minnesota…
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:22 am
43) Thats awesome. Next time we have recruits visiting during a game and they are wondering why Rupp arena boos just cause some kid walks onto the court, you should be there to explain that to them.
January 22nd, 2009 at 6:27 am
“a win is a win against a team with which UK didnt match up well”
Did you ever think that maybe Auburn didn’t match up well with UK either?
It’s a push!
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:12 am
Someone asked why do the cats play better on the road than at home. Maybe it’s because there is some negativity coming from the fans (such as
booing one of their own) that the pressure to not get booed causes them to make mistakes. On the road, there is no such pressure to impress. I
feel it is a shame that our players may feel pressure to perform because they are afraid to get booed. They should be able to expect support from
the fans, not booing. It’s not as if they are intentionally going out on the floor to make mistakes. Sometimes you have bad games. You can’t
erase what’s been done well over the past 10 games just because 1 game is subpar.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:24 am
Porter & Harris combined for:
62 minutes
8 assists - negated by
8 TO’s
5 points
1-6 field
0-3 3’s
3-4 ft line
0 steals
7 rebs
This all in 62 minutes! Are you kidding me? With defenses focusing on PP & Meeks and this is all you bring to the table. Your joking right! They could but don’t take advantage of teams just saying we don’t care about you……At some point our so called role players must step up and make teams recognize that they can hurt them as well. If we don’t we’ll be in big trouble come tournament time b/c its one & done. QUIT PLAYING SCARED AND PLAY WITH SOME CONFIDENCE!!!!!!!!
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:52 am
if guys don’t get minutes in game, they’re not going to get better a la Liggins, Miller, Stewart. And if they’re not going to get better the team will struggle. Not just this year but in the future. They need the minutes and if Porter can’t handle the quick guards and has no confidence in his shot he needs to sit more.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:55 am
The fans did not BOOO Michael Porter. I thought the same thing when I heard it, but they were booing Lebo for coming onto the floor questioning the ref.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:57 am
Its always great to get a win in the SEC especially on a night where the play was not so good!
However, as a life long CATS fan I must vent. Why did Harris get 35 minutes last night! Auburn pulled down 5 offensvie rebounds, 3 were from the guy Harris was supposed to be blocking out! Last year, so many minutes were wasted on Mark Curry and now AJ Stewart is nowhere near his potential. I see the wasted minutes with Harris being detrimental to us in March and into next year. Granted Galloway, Miller and Liggins do make their mistakes but dont you think there is more upside with them than Harris. I would rather take the mistakes now with growth opportunity than to be spinning our wheels. Harris is a contributor and needs to play but lets develop players who will help us in March and ‘10.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:06 am
In case there are any baseball fans out there… I saw Tim Hudson at the game. I wondered why… looked it up online, saw he played for Auburn for 2 years. He didn’t have any Auburn gear on, though.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:08 am
Auburn is a joke. They start 4 midgets and a 6-7 small forward. A top
25 team would have won that game by 20 points and would have never been in doubt.
This winning steak is nothing more than smoke and mirrors.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:17 am
Can’t we all just get along and appreciate another SEC win, I’ll take it anyway it comes, a win is a win!
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:18 am
Matt, please go watch the game tape. Everytime Porter is in, they attack him immediately. Liggins did screw up, but they can’t attack him like they do Porter. Let’s face it, when it comes to BCG, Porter will always have the longer leash.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:27 am
If Ramon took a dump, Jones could find a diamond.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:27 am
52)Every conference game is tough. Michigan State just lost to Northwestern at home. You can’t play perfect every game.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:33 am
Northwestern would stomp Auburn at home.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:35 am
I think the rest of the season that Michael Porter should get a standing ovation every time he sees the court. Tell the boo birds to cheer for the Cards, and let Michael Porter know that he is appreciated!
Yes, I am serious. I do not care that Liggins and Galloway are more athletic! Porter has more experience and has the confidence of the coach! Support the team and the boys that wear the blue! If you want to cheer for the players you like more, please do, but do not boo any of our players at home! Purely classless! Until you are being paid to Coach the team, your opinion is just that! If you have a problem with what I am saying, than you are the problem! Obnoxious, ignorant fans, give the rest of us a bad rap! Be SUPPORTIVE!
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:40 am
Yeah, the booing of our own players is downright retarded. Our coach has certainly proven that it doesn’t bother him… he’s NOT gonna take Porter out unless he WANTS to. So, the only real thing that’s happening because of booing is wrecking the kids confidence. In essence, making him a WORSE player. CHEER for these guys, and maybe they’ll try a little bit harder, care a little bit more… and maybe get BETTER?!
Don’t BOO your own players!
In other news, I work with a smartass Louisville fan who has been chirping non-stop since the last second “lucky shot” win, and the Filthy Thugardinals haven’t lost since. I tell her they cheat at “Cheatum Hall,” but they won at Rutgers last night! OH NO! Rutgers sucks! So who cares?!
I remember someone making a post a few weeks ago about how we could shut up stupid U of L fans. Can anyone remember where this is? I wish the thugs would hurry up and lose so she would SHUSH! “Wait until March, sweetheart.” “WE BEAT PITT! RAHHHHHHH!!!!!!” “Pitt sucks. They choke every year in the tournament.” Yeah, you get the picture.
F*ck Louisville.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:44 am
58) I agree wholeheartedly. I’m Louisville could use some more retarded fans, boo birds. UK sure doesn’t need ya.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:45 am
anyone notice John Walls facebook status? and i quote, “21 and 32..what a night”
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:45 am
Porter played 27 minutes and scored 0 points. He’s got to be able to knock down those jump shots when he’s open. It keeps the defense honest and opens up the middle even more.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:53 am
What ever happened to Bob Purnell, Al’s brother?
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:56 am
63) He got caught in the sausage machine. His last words? “It’s GOOOOOOOOooooooooOOOOOOOOOOoD!”
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:57 am
Perry Stevenson had a very solid game.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:58 am
Gillespie should call that Harris to Porter weave play more often
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:58 am
Liggins got pulled because of his mistakes on D. On one play he went for the steal, a gamble, but he didn’t hustle back on D, and when he did get back, he did not switch properly and that made Harris have to jump to the open 3 pt shooter and Auburn got a wide open 3 which they hit. That was one that jumped out to me. I am glad Liggins went for the gamble on D, but you’ve got to be smart about when and where you do it. And after you have to work to get back in position. He missed about 2 other switches on D. Thats why Porter was better for this game.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:59 am
@ ConcreteCat: Trust me, Bob’s doing just fine, man handling grocers and writing checks.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:05 am
Another thing that Liggin’s did on D that got him benched was NOT fighting through the picks at the 3 pt line. He was trying to go around the
guy setting the pick and that created enough separation for the guy with the ball to shoot an open 3. They made at least 2 threes in this
situation. When you’re guarding a shooter, you have to fight through that pick.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:07 am
The idiot fans who keep clammering for Porter’s head or his playing time should ashamed of themsleves. The guy played pretty decent last night. We was getting no help from screens and that was causing his man to be able to drive past him. Liggins inability to grasp his defensive assignments will keep him on the bench! Porter has played so well the last 8 games. He has been a real stabilzer for this offense and has really been able to handle the other teams pressure. He has passed on some open shots but I think he knows that those shots are going to be there pretty much any time and he tries to get a better % shot if possible. He is definately the most improved player on this team!
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:10 am
Not a great game for Porter, but everyone has off days. He did lead the team in assists and played hard. I think it’s disgusting that the fans would boo him. We should show more class than that, it’s very disappointing.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:19 am
I think Harris brings more to the team on the floor than stats on paper. If you watch, he seems to be the leader on the floor, the one the players look to, the one directing on defense at times. I think Razor is a very valuble part of this team because he brings things to the team that are overlooked, especially in a stat sheet.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:21 am
[...] Kentucky Sports Radio gives its thoughts on beating Jeff Lebo’s club. [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:22 am
I’ll agree that booing for any reason really doesn’t help, unless of course the ref blows a call, in which case you might get a make-up call. At any rate, Porter had a bad game offensively, but even moreso defensively. He simply couldn’t gaurd Reed. If Liggins would get it in his head that he is NOT a scorer and just wait for open opportunities, instead of jacking up ridiculous 3’s he would get alot more playing time.
Harris likewise can’t shoot very well and can’t dribble very well, but he does play solid defense, plays with alot of energy and doesn’t force shots. Miller is far more talented but at this point Billy and everyone should realize that Harris isn’t going to be a liability. He isn’t going to be much help, but he doesn’t hurt you out there. I’ll be honest, none of the freshman have really impressed me. I watched the first game of the double header last night between FL and SC and FL got some good minutes out of the freshman. Likewise, Vandy got some good play out of there young guys. So far, I think Darius is the best of the group, but they all have a long way to go.
Also, if there were as many NBA scouts as Tom Hammond kept talking about, PPat is gone. He plays at a whole nuther level. He is amazingly poised for a soph.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:23 am
Leave Porter alone, he’s been improving other the year. Everyone has an off game, that’s it. I hate hearing the baggering and and booing of our players, mostly coming from losers that probably couldn’t lace them up for their local high schools.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:24 am
all the starters had at least 4 turnovers each, yet, porter is the one being bashed. one way to look at porter is to relate him to hockey. hockey will give 2 assists on a goal because of the pass that sets up the pass that scores the goal. watch how he runs the offense and makes the pass to the guy who hits the open man. that’s called running the offense the way it’s supposed to be run. get off his ass and support the starting pg for our cats. total bullshit that people boo him. the kids busts his ass, has improved and has to listen to that crap.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:28 am
Great game for Perry, 12 pts, 12 boards and 4 blocks! Obviously Porter and Harris aren’t superstars, but who expects them to be? Their solid players, so that means they’re going to have good games and bad games. Everyone just calm down and appreciate what we have in Pat and Jodie. This team’s success hinges on keeping turnovers low and Perry stepping up in the clutch like he did last night.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:39 am
Perry had a nice game statistically and has played much better as of late. However, I don’t see why people keep saying he plays good defense. He gets burnt almost every time his man touches the ball. Barrett killed him in the first half yesterday. Finally, BCG switched Harris to Barrett and slowed him down. Fortunately, his shot blocking ability saves him after getting beat off the dribble, plus having PPat back there with help D is always a good thing.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:40 am
Auburn had Florida beat–FTs cost them. They have lost many close games; they won @ UVA. Their record is not indicative of how they play. We won, despite a less than stellar performance from our role players. A lot of the turnovers were walks/3 sec calls/poor lobs–we can cut those down. Don’t be so negative people: we’re 4-0 in the SEC, 2 of those are road wins! Perry is playing solid and at this point appears to be the 3rd option! Miller was forced to guard a smaller guard (match-up problem, which limited his PT). Liggins didn’t play well due to not switching on defense. Porter just had a bad game, along with Harris–these things happen. Be positive folks, we’re on top right now and have 2 weak teams coming up!
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:42 am
Bottom Line: Pay close attention to one important stat- The number of shot attempts we get off compared to our opponents. It is our nemesis. This causes extra pressure on the defense to lock down the other team, which we have been able to do against inferior talent. However, in big games we simply can’t have this happen. Sounds really basic but we must value the ball more in order to get a shot every possession.
There’s simply no excuse for our players being mocked to shoot the ball. Have some confidence and knock the sucker down and I guarantee they extend the “D”. Then Shock and Aww can really dominate.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:44 am
Also for the hard core stat guys, a good formula for a W is by making more free-throws than the other team attempts.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:45 am
80)turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. Ball handling is our only weakness. Cut down on the turnovers and the other team does not get that many shot attempts. If we could get our turnovers in single digits we can beat anyone.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:47 am
UK plays solid defense, we rebound well, shoot FTs like layups, have the best 1-2 combo in college basketball: the Cats are good people! Yes, TOs are high, but we are winning. I don’t care if we win by 1 or 20; just get the W!
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:53 am
This is by far the best post yet. Good ‘ol Al Purnell!!!!!
Did you get to see the dancing guy on the Raycom telecast. He is
becoming a celebrity.
Seeing that live has changed my life or something like that.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:53 am
Top 25 if we win against Bama?
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:54 am
Through a 16 game SEC season you’re going to have games like last night. It’s important to be able to win ugly. You don’t want to do it every night ala Tubby teams, but being able to once in a while is a good thing.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:55 am
I was at Rupp and the fans were not booing Porter when he was subed for Liggins. When the switch occured #12 (Reed?) was talking trash all night to the student section and we were letting him hear it.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:57 am
i can’t wait until we are as good as Tubby’s Minnesota team one day!! yippie!
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:58 am
Ramon Harris continues to be a slug. Why is he in the game? He is completely clueless on offense. Porter didn’t play well last night, but he often gets tagged with turnovers that are caused by Ramon,e.g., the “hand-off” that Ramon handed to Porter at his knees and the times when Harris can’t catch the ball. Harris plays good defense, for the most part, but he doesn’t grab a lot of boards on either end of the court. He is our achilles heel. He can’t shoot; he can’t dribble; he can’t feed the post; and he creates three turnovers a game just by his stupid drives to the hole that he is incapable of finishing. On the topic of feeding the post: How difficult is it to throw the ball to Patterson? For Ramon Harris, its like building the pyramids. Does anyone on the coaching staff ever practice with this guy? There were 5 or 6 times last night where Patterson was wide-open with his defender on his back and Harris couldn’t throw him a simple pass.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:59 am
85) It will be close. Bama and auburn are about as good as teams
like Depaul,South Florida and Penn State. Not sure how much love
you get from beating scrub teams like that.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:08 am
I have to disagree with those who are heavily criticizing Porter’s defensive performance. He did get beat a couple of times, but he was putting heavy pressure on the 3 point shooters. Liggins, by contrast, was not going over the top of screens and the man he was guarding was getting wide open looks for 3 pointers–and drilled three 3’s. Don’t get me wrong–I like Liggins. He is fast and throws great passes on the break, which Perry Stevenson or Ramon Harris usually muff. He actually knows how to throw the ball to Patterson. But his defense is terrible.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:09 am
#63 makes ya wonder if it’s sauage or Soylent Green??!!!
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:09 am
89) i agree 110%. Ramon is a big thorn and has zero production. he’s counterproductive on the offensive end and a turnover waiting to happen.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:28 am
Ramon must be the best lock down defender to ever play at UK because he sure doesn’t play for his offense!!!!! He looks like he’s in a pick up game every time he touches the ball.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:51 am
93.)you’re a male escort call waiting to happen
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:55 am
For you all who are criticizing Liggins..what to u expect him to do, steamroll over the guy who’s setting the screen? And you say Mike Porter gives it his all? i saw twice when he tourned the ball over and didnt even try to stop the guy from taking the layup…He just gave up…Liggins needs a chance to make up for his occasional mistake (although NO turnovers last night) but he doesn’t get the chance because BCG yanks him out of the game at the first mistake, unlike Porter/Harris who he allows to make 4 or 5 mistakes within a span on minutes..Be fair Gillispie, you have different rules for different players
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
The other UK person should switch or at least come out and help give Liggins a second or two to fight around the screen
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:59 am
“It was like a demon just took over (Kentucky),” Barrett said. “You could basically tell they said they’re not going to lose on their home court. They locked up and came out and played great defense.”
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:02 am
-If you guys want to see how great our PG is going to be next year (and future years) then go to youtube and type in:
adidas Nations Camp - USA 2010 vs USA 2009
-Fast forward to the 3:22 mark and watch GJ Vilarino bring the ball up the floor. He does miss the layup but you can get a good look at his speed (which I think is as fast as Rondo) and his ball handling (which blows Porter and Liggins away). I tried to post the link but it wouldn’t let me.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
marylandcat although I do agree with most of your comments regarding Ramon Harris I must say you are way off base with your comment that “Harris continues to be a slug” #89. He would have to improve greatly just to get to slug status!!!
HunterYork22 your comments about Billy G having different rules for different players is right on. Porter dang near punted the ball in the stands last night and still played over 30 minutes; AJ Stewart cant even break a sweat and Billy G is chewing on his backside.
Is anybody watching Ramon Harris play? If playing time equates to practice; then Ramon Harris is a consensus Practice All-American, cause it ain’t happening in the 40 minutes of a any game this year!