Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Well that is about as bad as it gets in my view. A Kentucky team that was outworked, outperformed and outcoached in Columbia suffered an embarrassing “not as close as it seems” 20 point loss that could have major ramifications down the road. From the opening tap, South Carolina dominated the game in every conceivable way. They were quicker to the ball, played with more confidence, found the open man, harassed on defense, froze people on offense and simply dominated a Kentucky team playing a game for a potential SEC East title and NCAA Tournament certainty. There is no downplaying just how atrocious Kentucky was on all levels and with one exception (which we will get to later), this game was (at least in my view) the low point of the season thus far. Some notes….
— It is hard for me to comprehend how Kentucky can once again create a gameplan with such a little chance of success in a major game. It was no secret coming in that this South Carolina team was a difficult matchup for Billy Gillispie. His “trap on every drive” and pressure defense philosophy is built to be burned by teams with quick guards who can kick out to good three point shooters. This type of team has been Gillispie’s downfall and virtually every game they have played against a team so constructed has ended in a loss. But at this point, every Kentucky coach, player or fan knew that and surely saw the difficulties on the horizon. So WHY NOT MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT? You know coming in that Downey can beat your point guard off the dribble….you know Zam Frederick has success against Meeks….you know that they have three point shooters who can drain the open shot. So why not run SOME other defensive set? I am not saying you have to zone, but why not dial back the pressure, keep the defenders in front of you and make them make threes off the dribble….a skill they havent shown they can do. Why continue to pressure so far out and double down with your wing guards? Why not make some change to the philosophy? Gillispie presented Darrin Horn with the same philosophy he beat in Lexington….and this time Horn made adjustments and beat even worse. Baffling.
— In a similar vein, once again Gillispie did not put players in a position to succeed. Case in point, Landon Slone. For whatever reason, Gillispie decided that tonight would be the first game all of the SEC season that he would play Slone real minutes……that is a fine choice. However in so doing, he put him in with Michael Porter and guarding Devan Downey. Now what chance does Landon have to succeed there? No matter how hard he plays or how much effort he puts in, Slone will NOT be able to guard Downey in a Gillispie style defense. IF you want to play Slone, I respect that choice, but put in a position where he has a chance to succeed. No one with any rational thought could have believed that Porter/Slone could guard Frederick/Downey….but that is what they were asked to do….and in so doing the kids are given no chance.
— In a season full of oddities, tonight’s substitution patterns were beyond bizarre. Gillispie played Perry Stevenson for 15 minutes in the first half and then he didnt get off the bench in the second. Ramon Harris played 5 minutes in the first half and then 19 in the second. Jodie Meeks is taken out with 12 minutes to go (and afterwards Gillispie seemed to suggest it was because the game was out of hand) but then was reinserted with 3 minutes to go for reasons that are hard to comprehend. AJ Stewart and Josh Harrellson play 3 minutes each and are ripped in the postgame for lack of effort but DeAndre Liggins plays 31 minutes and made untold amounts of errors. We are used to a season in which a player has a great game and then sees no playing time in the next game, but tonight’s substitution patterns may have taken it to another level. We might need a “Being John Malkovich” moment just to understand what thought process led to them….because it certainly was hard to comprehend.
— Now having said all that, a word of praise. PATRICK PATTERSON WAS A MAN TONIGHT!. Yes he had his shot blocked a number of times, but that had more to do with a desire to score when no other options were available. But from the very first tap, Patterson gave it his all on EVERY play….whether the Cats were down 2 or 26, his effort never slowed down. The way the game played itself out, it hurt many things for Patrick individually….his shooting percentage was down and his lack of help caused him to take some embarassing plays. But his effort only ratcheted up and when it would have been more than easy to quick, Patterson kept going. Gillispie said afterwards that he asked Patrick if he wanted to come out, because he “didnt deserve” what was happening. But he said no, and in so doing showed why he has a heart of a warrior and is one of my favorites to ever wear the jersey.
— It goes without saying, that the point guard play tonight could not have been worse. Michael Porter was beyond awful….five turnovers in 11 minutes and he couldnt guard anyone on the court. DeAndre Liggins was not much better, playing out of control, and guarding no particular man on the court. After the game, Gillispie mentioned the poor point guard play and said that South Carolina has a point guard “and we dont.” Well that is certainly the case, but with two brought in this year and another on the way, one should hope that the situation would be better than it is now.
— Coach Gillispie called out Perry Stevenson after the game. Here was his quote as written by Matt MAy of TCP:
“He’s just not playing hard enough,” Gillispie said. “That’s two times in the last, what, week or eight days that I’ve said something about a guy not playing hard enough and that’s the first two times in my career I’ve ever said that. That’s shameful, in my opinion, to everyone involved.”
All in all, a difficult game to digest. One doesnt want to say the sky is falling, because as we have seen, these type of teams give Kentucky huge matchup problems. And yes, I still like the Cats on Saturday against LSU. But one certainly would have hoped for a better performance from players and coaches tonight. It didnt come and that makes it a very difficult night indeed.
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February 25th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Porter got violated by the cocks on both ends of the court.
Damn’ it we need this win!
February 25th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
First….No wait….2nd DAMN!
February 25th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
you know whats messed up about the D? he did tweak it against UT. He sagged guards in the middle. what happened to that tonight?
February 25th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Heck Matt, they were on fire (4 of 6) from 3 at the start. We couldn’t sag off, Jonesy.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Have not seen eye to eye with our asessments/opinions. Have to agree 100% here. Slone/Porter???? Why??
Why cant we find a way to succeed or at least not turn it over 100 times without a PG. We all knew that was our weakest position heading intot he year. It has not changed, no adjustments made. We run that same tired play where we swing and look high post. Then we just hand the ball to Meeks and hope he makes a contested three from two feet behind the line.
We might win more postseason games in football next year than we will in bball this year.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
This poor late season performance will likely be the nail in the coffin for our NCAA chances unless UK makes a deep run in the SEC. The NIT may not be a bad option. I hate to say it but, until we get some point guard play we are sunk!
February 25th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
It doesn’t matter…UK is in trouble
February 25th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Oh and Landon, poor Landon. He did well, considering. You can’t blame him, and I’m not saying you did. But why the heck was he guarding Downey?
February 25th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Note to Coach: If we struggle playing with man-to-man defense how about throwing in some zone. 2/3 or 1/3/1 Do you realize opposing coaches game plan for your defense? Just a thought.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
The only deep run this team is gonna make is over to the Bluemoon.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
I agree with #3. We made some actual adjustments in that game and I have not seen any since, especially on defense. It is sometimes baffling to watch the decisions. I have not lost hope, but it is hard to keep the faith in our coach.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
When will Gillispie throw a press out there when we are down 20?
February 25th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
If I were a top notch High School PG I would make UK top of my list. You would get immediate playing time.
And no….dont say Liggins is a PG. He is not. He is a small forward with no jump shot. He got by in highschool on athletic ability but college is another story. He is a project at best.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
This coach is not going to play zone
February 25th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Stevenson is from Louisiana and appears to be under the grip of black magic. Hence the fog he’s in…and benched in the 2nd half.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
we do have a point guard, unfortunately his grandfather died and he could not make the trip and if he had there is a pretty good chance CBG would not have played him…
February 25th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Liggins seems like a nice kid. I wish him the best but I think he is not the answer….
“Cliff Hawkins is not walking through that door…”
February 25th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
If I was a top notch point guard I would go to a school that would get me to the NBA as fast as possible
February 25th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I’m gonna ruffle some feathers here, but screw it. I’ll ask the question. How does everyone feel about Galloway not being there tonight?
February 25th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Oh, if we only had Cliff, I still remember that crossover he did against UofL in Rupp.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Dude it would not have made a differance, who knows if he even would have played anyway…
February 25th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
I think we have to win 2 of 3 and win a couple in the SEC Tourney. Hopefully, we beat Georgia and at least split with LSU and Florida. I think that gets us in the NCAA. Short of that, we do line up for NIT tickets.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Honestly, how big of trouble do you think that BCG will be in if we don’t make the tourney?
February 25th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Note to Mitch: Pull Jodie and Pat into your office ask them if they stay who they want coaching the team next year and make it happen.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
27..Not much. At least not where it would count.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
27, at this point I think he’s safe thru next year. Then, who knows.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
You can’t win games like this and big games in March when there isn’t a D-1 point guard on the roster. There simply isn’t one. GJ, I hope you are the answer next year.
Having said that, it’s not abandon ship time yet. A win Saturday, beat Georgia and don’t lose 1st roud game and I think we sneak in as a 10-11 seed.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Barnhart and Todd.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
28 that’s crazy, you can’t let the inmates run the asylum.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
BCG is not in any trouble, he will be here at least 2 more yrs. $$$$$$ Mitch will have to ride this one out.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
31, I understand that stance, I really do. But my real question is how much playing time influenced HIS decision. I’ve been in that situation. I played. And believe me, it wasn’t for supremecy in the SEC east. I just wonder if he was starting if he would have been there.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
We should be a good match up for LSU, however, they’re just as experienced as South Carolina is.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
This team will not make the NCAA
February 25th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Yea, but aren’t you guys tired of UK being crappy-to-mediocre? It embarrassed me tonight to see SC jawing and spanking us like they did………. UNC will pass us up as the All Time Winningest program in 2-3 years!!!
February 25th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
we obviously never watch the same games… always think harris is good, awesome defender, improved? and patterson was far from a MAN tonite. he played hard and had good numbers, but he didn’t play well. he got owned. as of now, we only have 2 guys that are SEC caliber. others may become that next year, but as of now, just 2. dont even need to name them cause you all know who they are…
we better win the NIT, if we are in it, we are in it to win it. not bow out early.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
No Blocking Out…! It is very hard to watch guys that are 6′5 or so that will not block out. Its one thing to go after the ball and another when you are battling someone who can jump just as high as you. Tonight was a poor example of how to defensive rebound. Besides 2nd chance points, defense and turnovers plagued the Cats all night. Also, I know Patterson had 28 or so points, but he could have had 40 if he would have used a ball fake. They left their feet every chance they had. This was the worst game to watch all season.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
#27 He’ll be given one more
season to right the situation
and then he’ll be fired. It’s
a waste however to give him
that one more season because
09/10 will be a disaster
altogether with Meeks and Pat
gone, garbage like Liggins,
Porter, Stevenson, Harris,
Miller, Harrelson, Etc.
remaining and no help coming
in.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
I really hope theres a long-term method to BCG’s absurd madness
February 25th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
for all you people wanting to play zone, that makes absolutely no sense. the 2-3 zone just gives teams open 3 point shots, which is what kills us. you say we only get beat by teams that can shoot because they are open from the penetration, well they will be open because we are playing a zone. and us playing a 1-3-1 will just allow us to get violated with corner 3’s and numerous offensive rebounds even more. teams will get the ball under the basket and get 3 or 4 chances at the basket. there is nothing wrong with playing man-to-man, but there is no reason to attempt to block every shot, and there is no reason for 2 or 3 guys to come help on the guy who penetrates. one guy, okay, but not 2, 3, or even 4.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
LSU will drill UK Saturday.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
I think beating Florida is actually more important. That gives us a sweep over them and the Vols. I think LSU is very tough, but hopefully we can beat them at Rupp. I am most likely making a mistake in taking Georgia for granted, but we have to do 2 of those 3. Getting to the SEC Chmpionship would be good, but we have to go through some teams with good, quick guards again….
February 25th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
I can’t wait until the scroll on ESPNEWS reads, “Breaking News!!! Kentucky hoops relevant again!”
February 25th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
I agree Loomis. After them putting us in last year, they won’t do it again this year. STRAIGHT UP, there are CERTAINLY 65 BETTER teams out of the 330 in Div 1.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
36) these guys want to win. I bet they would ask for a different coach.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
i thought we had a good plan - get it inside to Patterson against the smaller USC frontline - but obviously that wasn’t working and we stuck with it nonetheless. Gillispie can’t make in-game adjustments - all will and no wit.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
39, there are such things as match-up and 1-3-1 zones that are very effective… FYI>.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
#37 UNC passes UK this year
and Kansas does next year
and most of the college BB
world in 10 years.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
BCG will not be fired after next season, $$$$$, can’t afford it and Mitch won’t do it.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
I don’t think Patterson knows what a shot fake, up-and-under, or anytime of move around the basket
February 25th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
1-3-1 matchup zone is something you have to work on alllllll year long to be mildly effective. you can’t teach that in one week of practice before a game.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
By the end of the regular season, look at the last 12 games, we will be stinking it up.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Zone can be very effective, especially if you play it with guys who have height and long arms. Assuming that they play hard enough to cover their area…
February 25th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Billy Sucks
February 25th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I live in Columbia and HATE this worse than any!!!! The fact we gave the game in Rupp away and get killed in this game. This wasn’t close. I said all along that Downey will get his points, but you have to play everyone else and let Downey start jacking bombs…. he will miss. I am frustrated with Billy G’s sub patterns and lack of in game adjustments. It doesn’t make any sense at all. Going into LSU my line up would be Galloway, Meeks, Liggins, Miller & Patterson. We were bailed out last year becuase we had what? Two good guards. SC has two good guards and we have no guard play. Sadly, GJ Vilarino is not going to be the answer next year. We will have more Porter & Liggins. Liggins is not a true PG. He needs to play small forward and work on his jump shot. This is embarrasing and it’s a sad time for UK hoops. I wonder what kind of heat Coach gets after this loss?
February 25th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
39) you mix it up to give them different looks. Downey drow in the paint and kicked back out for wide open 3’s on several occasion’s. I’m just saying throw the other team off and don’t be hell bent on man-to-man.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
PP is to busy chasing chicks that work over at the Gill Heart institute
February 25th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
UNC is passing us next year. 2-3 years is being waaay to generous. Epecially if Pat and/or meeks leaves. Kansas will be knocking on our door in 2-3
February 25th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
56..He might as well find something to enjoy
February 25th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
I think we make the NCAA.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
50, the Wilmington 5th grade basketball team runs a 1-3-1. They are damn good at it too.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
UNC will pass us this year I think.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
No way, we used the “We are KY” card last year.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
57- they aren’t going anywhere. pat can’t even shoot on a mediocre “big” man from s. carolina. he’ll be back. Meeks can’t dribble, he’ll be back.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Our RPI and SOS suck this year.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
There are simply no adjustments made from Coach BCG. Let’s face a few facts: 1) we will not be seeing any zone, 2) we will not be seeing any press unless it is close and KY is down, 3) boxing out will not be emphasized, 4) teams that are quick and can shoot will always have a chance to beat the Cats because of the helpside “packing in” defense and liabilities in the personelle, 5) adjustments during the game, 6) consistency in the substitution patterns…. I could go on, but I’ll hold my fingers. A loss is a loss whether by 20 or 1, but this was a bit disturbing at this point in the season with what is at stake.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
thetachifan: he didn’t see the help coming from the weak side to block his shots. It’s not his fault.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
BCG better hope that PP and Meeks “are walking through that door”.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
I checked last week and the difference between UK & UNC was less than 10 games………They will pass us becuase Roy keeps reloading.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
I would hate to have a coaching change so soon. And I like BCG. I think 4 years would be the most fair thing to do. We had more last year than we do now and that season was worse than this one, not in conference, but overall, and people were happy.
I know its worse to falter down the stretch than early in the season but basketball is a 5 man team not a 2 man team. We need more people to show up on game day, especially our veterans like Perry Stevenson and Ramon Harris who both play like freshman the majority of the time.
Our point guard situation is bad, but I like to think thats due to age. Liggins has made some awesome plays in his time, not enough to outnumber the bad ones, but the talent is there, its just hiding behind a mess of other things. I think Galloway would have helped tonight, but we wish his family the best in dealing with their loss.
Throuhgout the game I thought we were playing in Memorial Gym or Cameron Indoor.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
It is after the 4th or 5th time.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
patterson also never kicks it out… if help is coming on EVERY play, hold the ball, let it get there and then kick it out… but then again, who will he kick it out to? HARRIS? BHAHAHAHAHA
February 25th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
I’ve been a Catfan my entire life, but am disgusted by the results this season. There have only been a few games worthy of praise, and without Meeks/Patterson we would be well below .500. The more I watch, the season just seems to fall apart. It’s a sad thought that a short month ago we were talking about ruling the SEC and are now likely to get bounced first game in the SEC tournament. Seriously, how is it possible to beat opposing teams when you only have two offensive weapons or your coach doesn’t run plays for these two guys? This makes life much easier on opposing teams and they’ve keyed in on beating UK. After watching LSU last night, it’s likely to be another loss this weekend, as they are taller and more athletic. Is football season here yet?
February 25th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
folks, LSU is a very good team. the team we just saw tonight will get crucified by LSU this weekend. this has to be the worst example of basketball i’ve ever seen in my life…bush league stuff…church league. it’s such an embarrassment to the university of kentucky it’s not even funny. we have some of the worst players (porter, harris, stevenson, carter) that have ever set foot on campus. we all know how it happened of course. we are paying the price for it and have for 2 years for certain. liggins and miller have so much work to do it’s insane. personally, i think liggins is a bust. dont think he has a clue about what he’s doing and he’s no point guard. dribbles too high and totally confused. miller is still so frigg’n unsure of himself it’s crazy. harris is horrible, porter is horrible and carter is nothing but the late night pizza delivery boy who ate half the pizza by himself.
we have patterson and meeks and that is it…NADA, zilch, zero else. but if you think we have a shot at LSU playing anything remotely close to this you are a fool. LSU would beat the team tonight worse than SC did. good luck cats…you’ll need it. NIT is calling. NCAA tournament isn’t walking through that door.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Spring practice is just around the corner. Word
February 25th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Thank You Tubby for the wonderful recruiting classes you left us with!
February 25th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
66- no big man has eyes in the back of their head, but they also don’t get blocked 6 times by a smaller, nowhere near as skilled player. shot fake, use the rim to guard the ball. just don’t catch and then automatically go up with a finesse layup
February 25th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Let’s face it, Uk basketball is no fun anymore. It’s misery to watch and I don’t get excited on gameday anymore. By dammit, it’s time for a change. A change that makes it fun for the team and the fans. When you alienate the fanbase; you are in big time trouble and Barnhardt better realize that. This on a game off a game crap needs to end and now. Rupp must be having a coniption.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
WE ARE A FOOTBALL SCHOOL!
February 25th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
39, its all about the element of surprise. A zone pitched in with the tough man-to-man defense is effective, if at least to throw a team in confusion and slow them down. Likewise, you can matchup out of zone defense or shade a man. MAke them adjust. They know KY is going to guard man-to-man the whole game and they are quicker. It makes no sense to play into their hands.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Carter is the last of the 21ft of nothing.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
21FT OF BS
February 25th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
The thing I love about UK basketball now is Chris from Richmond after a loss.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
That guy has the best calls after a loss, WVLK should pay him.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
78, no, no we are not a football school either.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
75- Billy G hasn’t really brought anything in other than Pat. Liggins was a top guard behind Holiday, Jennings, Evans, Warren, and Kemba Walker. of course we get the guy that can’t hold a candle to them. i like miller, i think he will be good one day, he just isn’t ready to take a load……twss
February 25th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
#82 and he is right most of the time; I wish we could send a tape of him to the team
February 25th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Coach takes all the blame for this one.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I thank Orlando for landing Meeks. Could you imagine??
February 25th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
73) Suck it!
February 25th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I am a die hard wildcat fan (good times and bad)and have been as long as i can remember, but tonight was about all I could stomach.
13. Personally if I were a top prospect I would not come to UK. I mean why would you…play 3 minutes this game, 22 the next and have the game of your life and don’t play for the next 5 games. We are no longer in the group of elite teams and I don’t see that changing any time soon.
I just don’t understand the coaching decisions and remarks that he makes. Yes we don’t see the practices and have no idea what goes on and I do understand that effort has to be there before you play. I am sorry, but if you can’t compete in the games you shouldn’t play, end of story. The team has no confidence and i attribute that to the coaching staff. In my eyes some of the guys are able to make mistakes and nothing is said or done, but for others that is not the case.
There is no reason that we play the way we do. We have two of the best players in the nation and still play the way we do??????
At this point in the season the coaching staff should have a set lineup and sub pattern. (yes it would vary slightly with each game, but for the most part players minutes should be similar each game)
No plays are ran for Meeks, that was admitted by the players!!! Why is this?
Why was Slone in the game tonight. (The guy has played few minutes in the last 2 months and then tonight was supposed to guard Downey…are you serious? Porter does contribute, that is in the turnover category and nothing else..why does he continue to play? Harris contributes nothing to the game!!! The biggest question I have is has the coaching staff worked on blocking out with the team?
I just don’t get any of it. We have 2 of the best players in the nation, a very athletic team that has shown that they are cabpable of playing at a superior level at times and yet we are still not that good.
My last rant.
I do love it when BCG talks smack about guys that play 2 and 3 minutes spread out over the course of the game. really can a guy get in any grove when they play 30 seconds to a 1 at a time.
A good Coach doesn’t put the blame solely on the players……I think it is time for the coaching staff to accept that some of this is their problem!
February 25th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I know that is what makes his calls so great.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
it’s sad when you’ve resorted as a fan, to remembering the days where you couldn’t wait to play north carolina on national television. you knew it was going to be a good game and things were actually favoring you. we’ve gone from that to absolute sh*t. i mean, so bad it’s a frigg’n joke. it’s not even fun to think about UK playing anymore. the days of “hell yea the cats are on” are now gone. it’s more like, “who’s gonna kick the sh*t outa us today?”
it’s so difficult to really come to terms with it seems like it’s not even real. but oh yea, it’s totally real. reality has set in and has for several years now. this is the worst of the worst and it doesn’t really appear things will be much better. this is UK basketball at it’s worst and if good ole BCG doesn’t shape things up by next year, his arse will most likely be exiting the building.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
hey Matt, i’ve got some journalistic gold for you. On Facebook, Dominque Ferguson just changed his relationship status to “married”. I think someone needs to get to the bottom of this, and you’re the first journalist that came to mind.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
69 - I agree.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
A good coach would not have lost this game tonite.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Miller Time, you again. go F*CK yourself f*g.
go back to sleep with your mother loser.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
He should take the blame, he may be the 11th best coach in the SEC.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Heard BCG explain on the Monday call in show that he didn’t stress boxing out in his defensive rebounding philosophy. Saying that our collapsing defense did not lend itself to boxing out. Instead he stresses for the inside players to simply go after the ball.
How can any coach say that boxing out isn’t the single most fundamentally important part of rebounding period? How many times do we have to get embarrassed on the offensive boards for BCG to revise this philosophy. We have 3 or 4 guys collapse on every ball penetration. Our guards look like matadors almost giving the opposing guards penetration because they expect the help. We either give up a kick out wide open three or we don’t box out and give up 2nd chance points. We make absolutely zero in game adjustments. If we don’t match up well with our opponent, we have little to no chance of winning.
This is all due to BCG’s stubborness and/or his stupidity. Could we have possibly completely missed the fact that BCG is an absolute idiot when it comes to in game coaching when we hired the pompous ass. I have supported him for the most part to others calling for his head, but its getting hard to support this crap. My defense is usually the fact that we are very short on talent, but the fact that BCG is completely incapable of adapting can not be overlooked. Is there any light at the end of this tunnel? Unfortunately, I’m beginning to think not.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
97- haha who is 12th?
February 25th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
This is garbage. There was no preparation done whatsoever for this game. I half expect to turn on college gameday and watch “all access wildcats” and see our players sitting around eating pizza and playing old maid while BCG sits in his office sipping his bourbon while getting blown by an 18 year old sorostitute. You can not tell me we did any sort of preparation between saturday and today. I will just not buy that. And no, I will not be watching the NIT. Its just not “walking through my television set”
February 25th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I will tell you how bad UK basketball has gotten, live in Lexington and can see Commonwealth stadium from my driveway and now my 10 year old wears UofL gear. SAD:(
February 25th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
100- i hope we turn down the invite to be honest with you
February 25th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
99# good point
February 25th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
101- be sure to cover up her bruises well before sending her to school…..j/p
February 25th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
96. Harsh dude.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
102- I completely agree
February 25th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
can we clone rupp somehow? he may have been dead 30 years but i think he could make adjustments quicker than bcg.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
lol
February 25th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
I’m going to be laughing at all of you gimps when we win the SEC tourney.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I got banned on Ky trueblue for saying this. As far as coaching goes.
South Carolina got the stud.
Ky got the DUD.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
It’s my son his little sister calls him a loser when he has it on. HAHA
February 25th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
109- I will walk to Dayton to see our first round game if we win the SEC tourney, and get sponsors and donate the money to charity
February 25th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I’d say ole Kige Ramsey could have put on a better performance coaching tonight.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
I think we made a mistake in the way UNC made a mistake with Daugherty. I can’t remember how long he was there. He had a lot of talent, but didn’t know how to put guys in a position to succeed kinda like G.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
109. you must be a LSU fan.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
the only way we win the SEC tourney is if we play tenn. every game.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
Ky cant win with a coach starting and playing Porter and Harris.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
I think he was there for 2, maybe 3 years. But hell, Rashaad Mccants was pretty damn good. What happened to him anyway?
February 25th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
115. hahaha
February 25th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
96) Go cheer for the cards you ass-wipe!!
February 25th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
We’ll lose the tenn if we play them in the SEC tourney.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
He is in playing somewhere in the NBA, can’t remember the team.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
I think Perry should commit or transfer. He was interviewed several weeks ago and talked about how he just doesn’t have the drive that he feels other people have. He said coach always is getting on him in practice about it.
We’ve got dead weight on this bench that needs to be pushed to the fork in the road and it either signs an agreement or is set to pasture to free up a scholarship.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
122- i think he meant the coach
February 25th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
112 I will die waving a UK flag standing on top of Rupp Arena before I say they should get rid of BCG. It seems to me like he has really revitalized the program, even if we aren’t who we thought we were on January 24th. He did it last year, he will do it this year, and by god we will be the best team in the nation the next 2 years.
YOU HEAR ME????? FEAR MY MUTHA FRACKING WORDS.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
I’m not sure we win a first round game in the SEC tourney
February 25th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
this team is way too inconsistent, and way too unmotivated (wheres the urgency?) to win the SEC tournament. We need to win our last three, or hope someone else in a comparable position has a total meltdown.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Lay off the Meth
February 25th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
I’ve got 2 ticket packs in the lower corner for the entire SEC tourny, anyone want them?
February 25th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
125- i never said we should get rid of bcg, i like him. as far as doherty goes, he is at smu
February 25th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
I think this team is about to pack it in for the year…that performance tonite sure looked like it.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Sell them to a LSU fan this weekend at rupp
February 25th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
thanks a lot 124, but I am pretty sure he meant the player.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
123. Agreed, we have a ton of just dead weight floating around and right now with all these really early signings we have i’m kinda worried its not going to get any better.
124 Naw, I was wondering about mccants. Daugherty blew, I’m surprised they haven’t hired him on as an espn analyst yet, a la Stevie Lavin
February 25th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
133-134, my bad.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
I have to say that BCG did develop Joe Crawford last year whom had not lived up to his potential. But now, I’m wondering if we could steal Pat Summit from TN.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
#132 - G.loomis - I’m in Tampa Bay, I might just put them on StubHub.com
Damn good seats, I just bought them too soon. This team needs another 2 years.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
no prob, daugherty belonged at a shitty program like smu anyway
February 25th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
i think this team has talent, except for one position: PG!!!
Galloway and liggins arent PG’s and Porter is really a SG. Even if we had Jai Lucas (who i dont think is that great) we would be fine. This season just shows how a solid PG can be so important to a team. We have no leader on the floor. Yes Pat and Jodie are badasses, but its hard to lead from those positions.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
I don’t think all those early commitments end up here
February 26th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Or try RazorGator
February 26th, 2009 at 12:00 am
My Doctor is a big Ky and Louisville supporter.His son inlaw is a bigtime Division 1 coach.Today he told me he met BCG the other night at some function.He said he was a different bird.He said as soon as a Big 12 coaching position opens.BCG is gone.Pray for it to happen.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:00 am
140- i kinda hope they don’t
February 26th, 2009 at 12:01 am
I guess i’m going to sleep now to have nightmares of devan downey torching our cats, Michael Porters endless limits of ineptitude, and Darrin Horn’s sweet middle part hair cut. What an awful Wednesday night
February 26th, 2009 at 12:01 am
Crawford just made the choice that he wanted to make it to the league, plain and simple.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:01 am
Word
February 26th, 2009 at 12:01 am
Observations from the game (and season)
1. PP was the best Cat on the floor but that is not saying a lot. I watched as he did not get a body on anyone, period. You would think they may have worked on that in practice at some point this season. I was disappointed in that aspect but happy with his desire.
2. If BCG is not going to make adjustments and play the same defense, teams will watch this film and know that BCG will not change his philosphy regardless of the situation. Hell, he may even put Porter and Slone in the game together if you get a lead on them.
3. There needs to be some masive change over on this team because the talent level is not near that of an Transy team right now.
4. Why did Razor keep attempting to take away Downey’s right side, thus opening up the lane and left side for him to drive? He could not possibly think he is that good of defender that he could make up the 4 steps that Downey made by blowing past him.
5. Jodie had an off night, it happens. BUT, other guys should have stepped up.
6. For a team that is “small” and that UK should “dominate” on the inside (all stated in the “Keys to Victory” post earlier today)–how do they get blocked 20 (I repeat) 20 times. They weren’t even close either. I looked like when we played on 9 foot goals and everyone tried to dunk over 3 guys. Sad display.
Let me have time to gather my thoughts and I am sure to come up with more.
That being said, still love the boys in blue and will support them regardless (although nights like this surely make it tough). Just when everyone is down, they will likely surprise us with a 52 point victory against LS-WHO.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:03 am
Not me. I’m gonna finish my 2 beers and bitch about this team tomorrow.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:04 am
I think pg is the hardest position to teach at this level and great coaches develop pgs.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:04 am
great coaches recruit pgs
February 26th, 2009 at 12:05 am
This made zero sense… c’mon, you know you wish that we had bcg’s recruiting and tubby’s coaching.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:05 am
I saw Harris tring to take away the right hand of Downey to.Harris is about 3 steps slow.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:06 am
If I had a wish I sure in the hell would not waste it on recruiting and coaching.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:07 am
I’m kinda drunk i think. But I don’t feel much better about this loss. I thought if we could put together a good effort tonight, we were a sweet 16 team. but now I DON’T KNOW. I love our players regardless — HARRIS and porter and stevenson play hard. I will gladly buy them a beer when I can.
I keep accidently hitting the caps lock. I’m about as effective typing as porter is bringing up the ball.
all in all, I think gillispie is still a great coach. he’s gotta do something to adjust for penetrating guards.
i can’t feel my lips.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:07 am
Harris would have been a practice squad guy in the 90’s.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:08 am
Dude you either are our you aren’t.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:09 am
155- he still should be
February 26th, 2009 at 12:09 am
#147 — great point about Harris guarding the wrong side of Dowdney.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:10 am
Harris would not be anywhere near the team in the 90s, unless we had BCG coaching.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:10 am
I think that is the problem with society today, they use the word great waaaaayyyyy to much. What has BCG done exactly in his career that is so great, other than land the UK job?
February 26th, 2009 at 12:11 am
The 2000’s have not been kind to the cats.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:12 am
160- i am not sure. i remember 2 years in a row the guys on ESPN saying Texas AM was a good team, but scheduled too weak. i think people like him because he beat louisville in rupp in the ncaa tourney
February 26th, 2009 at 12:12 am
I’m down to my last beer this night is about over. Thank goodness.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:13 am
G.loomis–Are you saying that BCG is not recruiting a PG. He has been here essentially one year. He recruit Jai–who went elsewhere and then consider coming to UK after leaving Florida. I didn’t like him the first go round and glad he chose to go somewhere else. GJ was his first signee and BCG has put the full court press on guys trying to convince them to come.
The issue is that many perceive BCG as a hard A$$ with no talent on the team right now.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:13 am
I would agree, I think that Mitch was trying to catch lightning in a bottle and it doesn’t look like it is working out.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Unfortunately, BCG is bi-polar like Matt Doherty. I hope he gets medicated. But, I think that explains his behavior.
The litmus test will be Tom Crean will turn around IU faster. He already has a top 10 class coming in next year: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/classrankings?classyear=2009& classmonth=11&rank=1 with more on the way.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:17 am
I’m not saying anything. I don’t know who the hell UK is recruiting. It seems to me that they were recruiting John Wall at one point and he is still unsigned, but it looks like he is going to Baylor of all places. So who the hell knows, I just know he gets paid a hell of a lot of money to win games at UK and so far he has not done a very good job of that yet.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:19 am
There should be a law banning idiots from computers. This is a rebuilding year. Shit happens. We DO NOT have the players that will allow us to compete at an elite level. We have lost to teams that are at the top of their game. This is Loserville’s year to make a final four run. This is South Carolina’s year to be a contender in the SEC. This isn’t our year. Tubby’s leftovers have gone rotten and have spoiled this team. I will not judge Gillispie until he has a roster full of his players.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:19 am
It’s starting to look like smoke and mirrors to me.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:20 am
Why would you want to ban yourself?
February 26th, 2009 at 12:21 am
When did SC start playing elite level basketball?
February 26th, 2009 at 12:21 am
i agree this isn’t our year. but there is no way a team with 2 of the top 15-20 players in the nation is rebuilding
February 26th, 2009 at 12:21 am
Or VMI, Miami, dude I could go on but it’s to easy.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:23 am
Davidson has one good player and the were ranked for like what half the year?
February 26th, 2009 at 12:23 am
Excuses build brigdes to nowhere.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:24 am
half a beer and its goodnite now.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:24 am
Now.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:24 am
168. Yep, the scarcest thing besides a pg is perspective by the pundits.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:25 am
this no talent shit is getting old. two of the best players in the country. you should be able to win with meeks and patterson and three idiots from this message board. no offense to all us idiots just trying to make a point.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:26 am
History will prove.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Here is an idea to offset the money it would take to rid ourselves from BCG. Let Joker run that offense and Steve Brown run the defense.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:27 am
Out!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:27 am
179- exactly. and it’s not like we have idiots either on the team. porter and harris, and maybe liggins are the only guys on the team i wish would never see the floor. the coaching style just doesn’t suit our squad
February 26th, 2009 at 12:28 am
#182- is there a black infront of that out?
February 26th, 2009 at 12:30 am
Mitch needs to go too.Hes a football AD.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:31 am
I think Meeks and Pat would come back if BCG is gone.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:34 am
179 i completly agree, dude there is not another team with 2 complete talents like us and honestly the depth to play 8 people with out hurting our talent from 2 to 8, not saying the rest are even d 1 talent, but… dude ypu have to make the tourney with this team, still a chance, but really we are NOT good enough to play in it, but oh well there is always next year! just like the previous 10 years!!!!!! fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucccccccccc$%$%$^&%&^%&^%&^!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:37 am
186- they will be back anyways, i am tired of people even questioning it
February 26th, 2009 at 12:41 am
188 I have to agree. Especially after how human they look after a game like this.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:45 am
We do have two of the top players in the nation in Meeks and Patterson. There is no disputing that. However, two players don’t make a team. We don’t have the right pieces to make it work(obviously). The right players are on the way, you know who they are. We are a program in transition. The teams that are legit contenders have rosters full of players that can contribute consistently.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:47 am
190 bingo
February 26th, 2009 at 12:53 am
Orton will be fine if he stays injury free.
Hood will help a great deal, if he picks up the defensive mindset BCG wants.
Pilgrim will help a great deal, unless he is a “Razor-like” Blue Court Urban Legend.
GJ could not be any worse than what we have seen out of this group.
Give BCG time and things will work themselves out, that is, if he understands the rotation with the talent he has assembled and not bench players for making mistakes. I cussed Perry for turning the ball over to start the game but he hustled back and made up for it. You have allow the guys to recognize their mistakes and put forth the effort to correct it but playing defense. These are not kids but mistakes will be made. Don’t treat them like children for one screw up.
Also, did you see Horn rip his player for a missed assignment when they were up 18? I watched it on the computer but did not have sound, so if he was ripping him for something else I apologize.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:58 am
lack of chemistry. this team is disjointed. they don’t communicate with each other, and coach can’t get everyone on the same page.
February 26th, 2009 at 1:00 am
Patience Uk fans. If Meeks and Patterson return next season Uk will have an experienced squad to blend with young talent.
Miller, Liggens and Harrelson will be a year older. Pilgrim will add quality minutes. Orton will add rebounding and shot blocking, plus he can handle and pass the ball like a guard. John Hood will be a consitent scorer. Villarino is quick as lighting even if he can’t shoot, guys like Downey will be defended because GJ can hang with them. Just get through this season and things look much better next year. Right now, I doubt Patterson or Meeks would be lottery picks, so there is hope.
February 26th, 2009 at 1:06 am
A coach only knows his system and the players he needs to make it work. Aside from Meeks there isn’t another Tubby player that is remotely on the talent level that coach G gets or needs. hence every player that does contribute and shows some legit talent r his players what do think it is going to be like when he has a roster of his players. Remember that Texas AM team 2 years ago that beat loserville in the NCAA tourney on a not so neutral court. Even Pitino wasn’t a legit contender until he had a team full of his type of players that fit his system. Gillispie will make it happen.
February 26th, 2009 at 1:08 am
I try to be reasonable when looking at things UK but I must tell you, the performance in Columbia may have been the worst I have ever seen out of the club and I’ve been following them since 1973 when I was a freshman in Lexington.
It was beyond description.
In the biggest game of the year they showed no heart and no guts.
There is something seriously wrong with this program and it goes beyond not having a lot of talent outside of Meeks and Patterson.
Even with less then stellar players no UK team performs like they showed…none.
I don’t know if that is the coaching staff or the players themselves simply don’t have the stomach for pressure.
Either way it needs to be fixed.
Mark Liptak
February 26th, 2009 at 1:08 am
Right now, the NCAA Selection Committee would need to be locked up if they put us in the tournament. We’ve got to win out and get one or two in the SEC Tourney to punch our ticket…seriously. Did UGA beat Vandy tonight?
February 26th, 2009 at 1:16 am
Tubby’s style doesn’t require man to man ball pressure or one on one offensive sets…
his style wins with marginal talent in most cases
BG’s style needs top shelf talent from 1-10 to have a chance to win against other good/great
teams…it’s quite simple
it’s a worst case scenario until and IF we get this hopefully non-mythical 1-10 top shelf talent
Tubby’s players aren’t built for BG’s system and BG refuses to adjust to the types of players
we currently have…therefore we lose to teams we shouldn’t until the top shelf players can
mask BG’s inability to adjust
February 26th, 2009 at 1:28 am
Even good programs get beat bad. Louisville lost by 33 to Notre Dame and they’re in line for a 2 seed. Bad games happen. Let’s not get carried away.
Does SC have that much more talent than us? Yes and no. As a sum (adding together the abilities of all players) I think we’re close. But our weakness is at point guard and that is very hard to overcome. Point guard play hampers our offense, hurts our defense by allowing other teams to get good looks, and creates turnover problems in transition. So while Meeks and Patterson are excellent, the offensive and defensive problems created by our point guard situation is simply too great to overcome sometimes.
We’re not terrible. BCG isn’t terrible. Coming into the game we had the best FG% defense in the SEC and the best FG% offense in the SEC. Yeah, we got whipped tonight. SC’s big strength is Downey and that goes right against our big weakness.
Stats: http://www.secsports.com/new/sports/bkc/09stats/CONFLDRS.HTM
February 26th, 2009 at 1:33 am
199, your screen name, aren’t they UL helpers/traitors?
February 26th, 2009 at 1:37 am
So it looks like the only postseason the cats see is maybe the NIT. What is everyone’s thoughts on this likely scenario? I personally believe UK should decline any offer to be part of this tournament. What good could playing in this tournament possibly do? I say none. We can now all agree that this team is not a good basketball team and the potential of losing to a Notre Dame, or a Georgia Tech or Texas Tech serves no purpose. There is no reward in playing to be #66. I say BCG and company should politely decline the offer. Anybody else have thoughts on this?
February 26th, 2009 at 1:38 am
199 - Squirms - were you talking about me? As far as I know Delk is in no way associated with U of L. And traitor? Really? McCarty played hard for us for 4 years. If he wants to break into coaching with his old coach, who cares?
February 26th, 2009 at 1:39 am
201 - I think we make the NCAA. If we don’t I think we should take the NIT. It’s more games and more practice. Sounds like a good deal to me.
February 26th, 2009 at 1:44 am
202, Delks nephew plays at UL and I heard Tony may be an assistant there next year
and yeah, McCarty helps Louisville win games and recruits against UK…that’s enough
for me to label them traitor…either you are for UK or you are against UK
February 26th, 2009 at 1:44 am
I haven’t said a word for weeks, but I think I am just about over Billy Gillispie. He just doesn’t seem to get it. Coach Horn might be a good fit, no?
February 26th, 2009 at 1:46 am
205, no, because he’s at USC and Coach G. is here…Coach K had 3 straight losing seasons
at Duke when he started out…….I’m not happy with BG, but, it doesn’t do any good
to the program, to recruting, etc…to talk about replacements while things are the way they are…
February 26th, 2009 at 1:48 am
203-I would take the one and done in the NCAA over playing a bunch of meaningless games against other mediocre teams. Kentucky is a two man team this year, the likleyhood of a 1st round loss to another mediocre team is great. Does the program really need to add that kind of embarrassment to their season?
February 26th, 2009 at 1:54 am
207 - this is what pisses me off…a two man team?
PLAY A ZONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it helps cover these inabilities…
it’s an admission of ‘weakness’, sure, but, it’s a smart way to HELP WIN GAMES, which is the POINT
RUPP DID IT WITH THE RUNTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(when Joe B. Hall suggested it over and over)
February 26th, 2009 at 2:06 am
204 that’s stupid. just the players that helped out this program a lot some leeway. they are trying to move up in the coaching world and obviously slick rick is a great connection. don’t blame them fro taking the best job they could.
February 26th, 2009 at 2:06 am
*fro=for, confusing i know but it’s late
February 26th, 2009 at 2:07 am
wow i just read my post and i think i might be pretty drunk. tough loss
February 26th, 2009 at 2:18 am
209, it’s Rick who set this into motion, they are guilty by default
February 26th, 2009 at 2:29 am
who’s going to start it? http://www.firebillyg.com
February 26th, 2009 at 2:33 am
I think the biggest reason we got creamed is that S.Car. is a really quick, fast team, and KY is anything but. Other than Meeks who is quick & fast? Harris, Porter, Miller, Stevenson, Slone, Harrelson.. . . . they are not quick. Liggins and Galloway might have some quicks, but can they keep up with the small, fast guards? And Downey . . . . even Meeks couldn’t keep up with Downey when they played in Lexington.
Plus, S. Car. can hit the 3, and other than Meeks we cannot.
Also, Patterson, with all his talent, always struggles against a good post blocker. Muldrow is a great post defender. Maybe 6′8″ ain’t tall enough, or he doesn’t have enough hops, but that has always been the case. I think that’s the biggest issue for him at “the next level.” I don’t think he’ll really stand out in the NBA unless he can develop an outside shot, as was the case with Kenny Walker.
Oh, yeah, we need a good point guard. Porter had 0 assists and 5 T.O.’s in 11 minutes. In the last 5 games, he has 10 assists and 18 T.O.’s. I think a mistake that Tenn. made was not putting pressure on Porter, where he had a 6/2. Take that game out, and it is 4/16 in the last 4 games. I don’t know why we haven’t played Galloway at the point, but hey, I’m not the coach. But I don’t know what the ^^^* we got to lose.
But these are all problems that can be fixed, if we can get the players. I would give BCG 5 years before you jump on him hard. Plus, there is a lot more talent in the college game now than 20, or even 10, years ago. It’s getting tougher out there.
February 26th, 2009 at 2:37 am
read post 142,there is sometyhing to it
February 26th, 2009 at 2:59 am
I’m sick of Gillispie’s excuses. None of them make any sense for starters. Out toughed? What the hell does that even mean? They didn’t get out toughed. What they got was coached. And they will continue to do until this self absorbed man learns a little about the game. Yes, you need players, but a coach can lose you a ballgame. As BG has shown, time and again this year.
Stop making excuses, “Coach”. Make it happen, or please, get out. Save some face and save us years more of this horrible anguish.
Maybe that is unreasonable. But I feel like it’s the only way you progress. I don’t care what you’re working with, it’s your job to mold it into what it needs to be to succeed. He has failed at that.
He is, at this juncture, a failure. I don’t want excuses as a fan. I want the truth. If he would come flat out an apologize for his teams performances, I would like him a little more. But, he refuses to do that. He blames these phantom things, like “out toughed”. And “out executed”. Either way, even if they were “out toughed”, isn’t it his job to make sure that doesn’t happen? If they were “out executed” tonight…hell, they’ve been “out executed” all year.
It’s really sad. I was hoping he’d be something of a basketball coach. He appears instead to be a one-trick pony with a ridiculous ability to elude the truth.
February 26th, 2009 at 3:18 am
I think Patterson and Meeks are gone- both are good enough to end up on a team. Will they be lottery picks— no. But, the prospect of getting out while the getting is good- making some money. I can’t really blame them.
I think Billy is here at least 2 more years. I honestly don’t know who wants this job anymore. Pelphrey is hardly an upgrade. I think he’ll be great one day, but do we have 7 or 8 years to invest in a coach at this point? Let’s face it cat fans- this job is a boiler room of pressure- each season without a final four the patience wears more and more thin.
If Meeks and Patterson for some reason stay- then next year has some hope. If not…. next year will be even worse. Who will lead this team? Miller would have to turn into Dwayne Wade. I don’t care how good people say Orton and Hood are- they are freshman- and it is impossible to think they could fill in the gaps left by Meeks and Patterson. I think Billy’s career here may depend on the decision of those two. I honestly don’t get the feeling he likes it too much here anyway.
February 26th, 2009 at 3:25 am
217. Well said. Perhaps this is just wishful thinking, but I think they will stay. Maybe it’s just because I’m afraid to imagine the future of UK Basketball without them, but I unless Patterson is projecting as a lottery pick and Meeks solidly in the first round I think they stay. However, like you said, I wouldn’t blame at all for leaving and would root for them in the pros.
Also, I think BCG’s tenure here is so closely tethered to their decision that it will make it incredibly interesting to see how people react to what I would assume would be a worse season next year without them. Time well tell, all we can do is keep cheering and never forget that it is darkest just before the dawn.
February 26th, 2009 at 3:25 am
I think great players sometimes have the ability to mask the flaws of subpar coaching. If you are able to get to a place where you have top shelf talent in and out every year- then fine- I believe there are coaches who have survived off their recruiting- but so far, Billy hasn’t landed the top of talent he would need to cover up all his flaws as a coach.
February 26th, 2009 at 3:52 am
This post sounds like something a dookie would say.
February 26th, 2009 at 5:43 am
Um… I think that a zone a the begining would have been just the thing. ahh, but i forget, zones are evil. Make a flippin adjustment.
February 26th, 2009 at 5:56 am
Its not the fact that they are not winning every game, no one expected that. Its the embarassing way they are coached and play. Throw the ball to Patterson, have his shot blocked 8 or 9 times by three defenders. Meeks scores 30% of the points, takes 5% of the shots. No screens, the players can’t defend other peoples screens.
Keep doing the same thing and expect different results? Porter, Harris, Stevenson have shown no improvement all year, but they keep playing and digging a hole, instead of playing and coaching Miller, Harrelson, and Liggins. Gillespie is like he’s handling a 3 year old when it comes to those guys, get out there and do good, or else I will take your candy away! At this level most players want to play well, they need a coach to coach them. Now I think he’s going to try to mess up Meeks head, by benching him, because he can’t run thru screens and no one knows how to switch!
Stevenson seems afraid of physical play. That is hard to imagine at this level, but he sets phamtom screens, and he bailed when he could have drawn a charge on Tyler Smith. On rebounds he is usually under the bankboard,
You keep doing the same thing, but expect different results? Never happens!
Maybe the West is different? Barnes was not successful until Texas, Capel flunked his first job now successful at Oklahoma.
February 26th, 2009 at 6:22 am
^ Can you post the youtube version of that post? ^
February 26th, 2009 at 6:49 am
Where are you crazed people when UK wins? You only come out for losses? Or you think things are great during wins? You’re call fair weather fans. If Gillispie leaves, write it down now, WE WILL NEVER BE BACK! We will become worse than you “fans” could ever imagine. Does Indiana right now ring a bell? The only difference is, we won’t get a Tom Crean type coach. And he’s not much of one anyway. No one will want to come here because nutty fans (i.e. yourselves) will have proven their voice too loud and taken too serious. I never thought Tubby did a bad job but when he left and after what I found what he did during his final season, I had no problem with him being gone. Relax. Look at the big picture and let things happen. Tubby didn’t leave anything for UK and now is catching up. Look at it this way, UK is better right now than last year. Chill out people, you will regret it immensely if Gillispie leaves.
February 26th, 2009 at 6:52 am
I’ve been a Gillispie supporter. But he has lost me as well as this team. His total meltdown in games proves nothing but that fact that he is unstable. As coach it is his responsibility to prepare, teach, and inspire these players. Sitting Perry, Harrellson, and Meeks extended periods while you throw in random lineups hoping something will stick is lunacy.
I’m not calling for anyone’s head and I suppose a Memo of Understanding is still good in the eyes of the law but his behavior is telling of his lack of control and ability to lead. He talks of players not playing hard enough well if you ask me he isn’t leading hard enough. A lead guard?…we need you to “lead” coach.
February 26th, 2009 at 6:54 am
i live in Columbia……..they beat us in football, they beat us in BASKETBALL!!! Clemson beats them in football and basketball……….UK is a joke down here…..I hear it 24/7. This loss was embarrasing.
February 26th, 2009 at 6:56 am
Billy G needs to allow the teams strengths and weaknesses to dicate their style…He is too stubborn and is okay with 25 turnovers per game. Instead of run and gun, we should be slowing it down and play smarter basketball.
February 26th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Were you complaining about losing twice to South Carolina in 1997?
February 26th, 2009 at 6:57 am
225 agreed.
February 26th, 2009 at 6:58 am
I didn’t live down here then, so it didn’t sting as bad…don’t compare this team to our 1997 team. Not even close.
February 26th, 2009 at 6:59 am
the only one that can make us relevant again is one Pat Riley will he do it i dont know, but what fan will question him ,he has 5 nba rings and what recruit wouldnt want to play for someone of his caliber,he played for Adolph Rupp learned from Rupp won at the nba level i mean he is the answer to everything why can’t you come here for a few years Riley back to your alma matter and help us matter again?
February 26th, 2009 at 7:00 am
didn’t compare the two teams. Asked a question. You people should be at TCP. You sound like those people
February 26th, 2009 at 7:01 am
231. Do you really think an old man wants to sit in living rooms? In the words of Artie Lange, “YOU’RE A RETARD!”
February 26th, 2009 at 7:01 am
I just want to sound like I’m on TCP
February 26th, 2009 at 7:04 am
Hell… what’s left to be said? I think enough was said last night on the court. Got out-coached, out-played and out-hustled. The only thing we can do now is learn from the mistakes and move on. There are still three tough games to be played. There are still goals that can be achieved. We need the best from the coaches and the players every waking minute until the final buzzer sounds on the season. But it needs to be said at least one more time that the game last night perfectly fits the definition of humiliating.
February 26th, 2009 at 7:05 am
tru dat 235
February 26th, 2009 at 7:07 am
How fitting that by the end of the day on Ash Wednesday all that would be left of this season is a heap of ashes.
February 26th, 2009 at 7:08 am
MATT - PLEASE TELL ME YOUR BACKGROUND IN BASKETBALL……..really have you ever coached b/c if you haven’t you really have no idea………..
BCG has never been a lawyer………..would you like him to question your skills in the court?????
GIVE ME A BREAK WITH THIS COACHING CRITIQUE
February 26th, 2009 at 7:10 am
these random lineup changes had to occur b/c what was out there and what was going on was NOT working!!! he had to try something else
i love this site………. everytime KY loses the coach is too blame……..and everytime they win…..the coach is the savior……….how could this be???? how can a guy be coach of the year several times and all of the sudden he forgets how to coach………please tell how this happens???
February 26th, 2009 at 7:12 am
please read #199 again - thx arms of legs
February 26th, 2009 at 7:19 am
[...] Kentucky Sports Radio calls it an abysmal performance. [...]
February 26th, 2009 at 7:24 am
Last night was ugly. Really, very hard to swallow. I think it is one of the worst performances that I have ever seen by a team. That is not our team though. They did not show up. Calling for the coach’s head is absurd-like you all do after every loss and praise him after every win. You don’t have to understand what he does, he is THE Coach. As he said last night, it is not the end of the world. The sun did come up today. I do not expect that we will see anything like that in the future and a different team will be on the court from here on out. Watch out for the Cats…mark my words.
February 26th, 2009 at 7:34 am
#239 I never said BILLYG was a savior!! At the beginning of the season we knew Porter was not much at the point and Harris was very limited to say the least and Stevenson would play well for spurts then disappear. BILLYG played these guys all season and which in turn limited minutes for guys who could get better. BILLYG lacks leadership. He has no vision as to who can carry out his game plan. To pressure the ball as he wants you need athletes. Harris and Porter are not athletic enough in the SEC. They may be very good in practice against the UK second team (walk-ons) but can not physically play in this league. Liggins, Galloway and Miller all lack confidence. I am not sure about Stewart but he is athletic enough to play. UK has no one who can get past their man with the dribble. This allows for more pressure on the ball. Liggins has many short-comings but his assist to turnover ratio is much better than Porters. Harris does not get into triple threat position when he catches on the wing and does not get the ball to the post. BILLYG is no leader, lacks vision of where he wants the team to be and thus his players are not improving because several lack the physical talent or skills and those with the talent are not given a fair chance to learn and develop. How do you trust a man to create a vision for your organization when he has not signed his own contract?
February 26th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Can’t wait to see the ESPN behind the scenes on Gameday now….I wonder if they pull it?
February 26th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Patterson wasn’t much of a MAN when he constantly didn’t put a body on a man on the defensive boards, and watched other guys come flying in for offensive rebounds. I’m pretty sure I could at least put a body on someone, and not just stare at the ball. Patterson tried hard, as did others, but he did not have a good game at all. He mas manhandled inside tonight, as would be the case every single night in the pros if he went after this year.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Miller Time, once again, go F*CK yourself you asshat hero. drink your koolade and STFU clown.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:12 am
I don’t think that it was a coaching problem as much as an all around lack of talent at the Center and Point Guard position. Patterson had no help underneath and there was no one to run the floor and distribute the ball. Stevenson, Harris and Porter would not start nor be on the bench on most elite Div 1 schools. Liggins is too out of control and I don’t care how much time you could have played him this year he would not be much better.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:14 am
There won’t be much on ESPN behind the scenes. It probably shows a team not getting ready for South Carolina, or how to not get ready for South Carolina
February 26th, 2009 at 8:17 am
It doesn’t matter much if Meeks and Patterson come back if they do not get a point guard. Most of the other SEC teams are getting their players back as well. Without a point guard, UK will suck again next year. And I don’t think a low rated freshman point guard (villarino) can do it. He may be a good player, but he wouldn’t be that much of a sleeper if he was capable. Getting Jai Lucas would have been huge.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:18 am
205) Horn was on thin ice at WKU his last couple of seasons. There were rumors that he was going to be out unless some things changed(he was not very well liked by alot of people). In my opinion, if Ty Rogers had not hit that 3 against Drake, Horn would not be the coach at USC at right now. And the recruitment of Courtney Lee was largely luck as well. So I don’t think he is UK coaching material. Two years ago I would have told you he wasn’t WKU coaching material. IMO, USC’s success won’t be for very long.
But who knows, he did just beat Kentucky easily.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:22 am
There is an amazing lack of reason on this place anymore. None of us are happy with this season. However, we also all knew that other than Meeks and Patterson we had nothing that we could truly depend on. Liggins and Miller will be very good players one day, but they are Freshmen and in this system that isn’t much help.
The roster was not loaded with good athletes or even very many players of the level we need. This will take some time, but it will happen. I believe that Patterson and Meeks will stay for next year not necessarily for basketball reasons.
I think Orton will help on the inside so Patterson doesn’t have to do it all in there. Pilgrim may help, but I am not really counting on it. Based on Hampton, I think we have to wait and see. But based on his size, he is worth a gamble. Hood will add more depth to roster on the wing and GJ can’t be any worse at the point, and is a way better athlete with a 40 vertical and looks to be much quicker. He will certainly help spell Liggins or maybe even play the point.
Anyway, I am not happy tonight, but I am not at this willing to run the coach off and become another one of those program who used to be good but no coach will touch because the fans won’t give you time to build.
Remember, this thing was screwed before the current guy got here. We all wanted the other guy out because he wasn’t recruiting to our “level”. Well, those same guys are still on the roster….
February 26th, 2009 at 8:30 am
I don’t ever remember being ashamed of our team, until the last few years. Now, it happens frequently.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:32 am
I really wish everyone, including you matt, would get off PPAT’s nards. Did he score 30 tonight yes, did he hustle, a little at TIMES, did he get swatted 10 times with wide open wing shooters looking him right in the face, indeed. Did he take it up against triple teams…yep, did he basically become a huge black hole on the post…yep again. He’s a horse on the block but when faced with what we were last night you have to be able to kick to the open shooter…I blame that on BCG. We have two of the top 15 players in the country and we get flat out out-coached everytime he is given the chance. He’s moronic, plain and simple. Ship him on down the road…I’ve had enough.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Patterson was not a MAN tonight, he was a huge selfish prick. How about a spin move away from the basket??!?! How about a kickout to a open guard. EVEN if that guard is Landon Slone. Anything except go up 9 times in a row with the same move and get welcomed to no soupville by the whole South Carolina Frontline. Ridiculous..how can you even say he was a man tonight? maybe he was a man for his effort..you could say…but in MY OPINION, he was garbage last night.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:36 am
The refusal to make adjustments is troubling… at best they are stubborn decisions and at worst they display a lack of fundamental understanding of the game. We will be better next year as a team if the stars stay, but will the coaching rationale improve?
February 26th, 2009 at 8:38 am
30 points on how many shots?
February 26th, 2009 at 8:39 am
The coaching rational will not improve. If Mark Coury were still at Uk he would have started every game this year. Just like Porter will start every game next year.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Anyone hear what Gillispie said to Tom Leach last night? From Eric Crawford in the Courier-Journal:
Tonight after the University of Kentucky was thrashed 77-59 by South Carolina, IMG Network play-by-play man Tom Leach asked the question the entire Commonwealth was asking afterward.
Why did Jodie Meeks sit for a long portion of the second half?
Gillispie’s response, transcribed from the post-game radio program:
BG: Well we weren’t getting much done. You know, he’s not guarding, not like he was, like he needs to. He’s not the only one, believe me. Just playing on his heels defensively and not rebounding nearly well enough. But he did OK. He played better than all of them except Pat, and you know if the game would’ve been a little bit different, he definitely wouldn’t have been over there on the sidelines. I’m just trying to play a few other guys a little bit. He just needed to guard a little bit better in that spot.
LEACH: Is it a situation where — consistently you’ve said your guys play hard, but it’s the smarts part — it’s got to be frustrating at this point that they haven’t maybe learned from their mistakes a little bit more?
BG: You know you’re great Tom, but the question talking about Jodie sitting over there for a long stretch in the second half, the questions that you should be asking in my opinion — and don’t take this the wrong way — is why is Perry and Josh and A.J. not playing. And I think everybody that had a chance to watch the game, I’m sick and tired of those guys not helping Pat. The first two plays of the game we’re just going to throw the ball away from that spot. I mean, man alive, when’s it going to stop? You know? So I really do appreciate the job you do, but I think that — maybe you were going to get to that question here in a minute — you know, Jodie sat when the game was over, or pretty much over. I never give up on a game, but our chances weren’t great. But those guys sat when the game was in the balance. And they’re just not giving us anything we need to have a chance to win against a hungry team on their home court vying for first place.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:39 am
253 - what shooters??????????????
you have one guy (meeks) who can knock down that jumper ……………………shooters?? are u kidding me?
February 26th, 2009 at 8:41 am
buzzking…..smoke another one dude…….shooters??????
February 26th, 2009 at 8:57 am
I’ve been a Gillispie supporter since he got here, but I’m getting a little sick of this. I’ll give him one more year, and I think that will be the decision of the Athletic Department too. He better hope Pat and Meeks stick around to save his butt.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:58 am
it’s true we don’t have a whole lot of talent this year, but gillispie’s coaching philosophies and weak strategy and ability to adjust are just as much to blame. and then there’s the crazy subbing patterns.. i’m willing to give him one more year if patterson and meeks come back, but if he’s going to be as bad a sideline coach as he is he better bring in an unbelievable class in 2010 or uk needs to find another coach
February 26th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Matt,
How can you say Patrick Patterson played like a man last night? All in all it may have been one of his poorer performances as a cat. Beaten twice for alley oop dunks, failed to adjust offensively (ball fake? Up and under? Patience? Recognize the double and reverse pass to the open man?) very slow rotations on the drive, and he failed to box out anyone leading to many second chance points and a slam dunk follow? I’m not sure what you were watching but watch it again and take note of Pat’s ability to box out or defend. You will be quite surprised at what you see.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:02 am
I understand Patterson played hard, but he still did not make any adjustments when he had the ball under the basket. To say his shot was blocked a number of times is an understatement. He did the same thing with the ball every time he touched it, which is get the ball, power dribble, and shoot. The USC players knew exactly what he was going to do. Certainly a head fake or something would have helped him at least draw a few more fouls, right?
February 26th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Patterson may play hard, but it would be nice to see him box out at least once a game. If I have to watch someone come in from the free throw line for a follow jam one more time I may vomit.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Patterson may play hard, but it would be nice to see him box out at least once a game. If I have to watch someone come in from the free throw line for a follow jam one more time I may vomit.
Our problems can be summed up in 2 words (and its not Billy Gillispie)…POINT GUARD. As in we don’t have one.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:09 am
I don’t have access to a large printer but here is a chore for someone sitting in the ERupption Zone Saturday.
Bring a LARGE cut out Jeannine Edwards head with a quote…… BCG - When do you plan on leaving UK ?
and have a cut out of BCG that says, that’s a bad question.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:10 am
We lost because of 3 things….
1. Defensive rebounds - when we would force them into bad shots they a. USC got the rebound and ran an offense or b. USC slammed it right down our throats
2. TO - all of our TO were bad TO. They were either in the open court giving USC a layup or when we had a stop, opportunity to get some momentum and we would throw it away.
3. Blocks - 20 blocks is crazy. How many times is Harris going to try and dunk the ball this year only to get it ripped from his hands. And Pat, come on just pass the ball.
Worst execution in a game, besides maybe the Vandy game last year. But I am starting to think BCG is going to clear house after this year if players don’t want to play hard. Stevenson, Harrelson, Stewart, Harris, Porter. None of them play consistently hard every play. Harris will play D for 3 possession, then he will give up an easy rebound. Stevenson will not even show up for some games. And Harrelson, all he wants to do is blame himself the whole time he is on the court….(”thats my fault” as he points to his chest)
February 26th, 2009 at 9:10 am
” Michael Porter was beyond awful…. DeAndre Liggins was not much better, playing out of control, and guarding no particular man on the court.”
with Porter (-17) with Liggins (-1)
I’ll take the one that leaves us in a position to win any day of the week…you know the one that had 7 boards and 7 assists not the one averaging 1 turnover every 2 minutes.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:11 am
I’ll bet if you ask any coach in the league, or maybe any coach in the country that we have played who the easiest team to scout is, they would say us. We do the same things over and over. One dimensional defense, and a offensive plan that looks like a Chinese fire drill. Not just venting out of anger, which I do from time to time, you can not win on a consistant basis if you do the same things over and over. There are too many smart coaches an good players out there that will adjust. And look at the roster compared to last year and tell me that we should be in this postion. We loose Crawford, Bradley and the Flury. We gain Meeks(who was unable to play last year)Miller, Liggins, Galloway, and Harrelson. And yet we are arguably worse off than we were this time last year? Do the math.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:16 am
#263 very true….just think of what kind of game he would have had IF he had done better at those things you listed.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:16 am
10 conference wins will get us in. This game just put us in a situation where we have to beat lsu or florida, and not slip up against an improved uga team. 10-6 will get us into the tourney and a possible 2nd seed in east for sec tourney, depending on what uf does.
Last night sucked, usc blocked shots, and uk first half turnovers were the big killers. We are about 2-3 games worse than I thought we would be. If we can get to 11-5 in sec, I would say it was a solid year. 10-6 is disappointing. 9-7 is unacceptable.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:18 am
ARE YOU SERIOUS WITH THIS POST. DID YOU WATCH THE GAME. FROM THE TIP WE WERE DOMINATED. IT DIDN’T MATTER WHO WE PUT OUT THERE. RON MERCER IS NOT WALKING THRU THAT DOOR… JAMAL MAGLOIRE IS NOT WALKING THRU THAT DORR… okay you get it. this team is soft, and not that great. when a team applies pressure against us, we fold. We have known this all year, get over it.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:19 am
I wish I had time to read all of these great comments, but I don’t. I am sure I am repeating some things that have already been said…but I still feel the need to publicly display my frustrations…
In regards to substituion patterns….I don’t think it is even fair to call it a pattern, because a pattern can at least be explained or have some sort of consistency…While Galloway was missed, I don’t even know if he would have received any clock last night based on this season…one thing I know Galloway would have brought to the floor is passion…which we as a team lacked from jump street…
I am not a big fan of breakfast sausage…actually I hate it, but those timely commercials with that crazy farmer last night did not help my overall feelings for this greasy meat. Al may want to rethink the timing of his spots…maybe play some more during the Georgia game…
Also, on the topic of commercials, the UL Health commericals with the robots are really starting to upset me as well…I mean a robot? I just posted a ton of thoughts on robots and then deleted them, realizing that BCG’s substitution plan made more sense!
Here is the thing….we DON’T lack talent…we just lack the ability to harness this talent in the right times…I am not trying to jump off the deep end, but LSU will be tough, Georgia always plays us pretty well and at Florida should be fun…before last night, I said that we were going to win at Florida…call it a premonition…not feeling too hot about that prediction this morning.
Either way, we have to make the finals of the SEC Tourney to have a chance at an at-large.
Love, JM
February 26th, 2009 at 9:21 am
#263: i couldn’t agree more either, matt says some retarded things sometimes. I guess Horn (The only man in america with worse hair than matt jones. I mean seriously, he looks like he should be staring in O’Brother Where Art Thou with that cut.) blinds his reality.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:21 am
270 - Jasper????
In case you forgot, we lost more than 50% of our games last season w/out him……
Maybe now you understand. And for anyone who did not realize it, Jasper was (I think) 2 in rebounds last season for our team.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:24 am
(272)It’s interesting that 2 games is the difference between a solid season and unacceptable. What’s unacceptable to me, is that it’s the first of March and we just got our gonades handed to us by a mediocre team, just like Vandy is a mediocre team. Losing games is one thing, no team wins all the time, but we get “Dominated” every couple of weeks by teams that won’t even make the tourny. And 10-6 will not lock us in the Dance. We will be damn lucky if we don’t lose the LSU Saturday, who is by far the best team in the SEC, and I fully expect another embarsing day in Gainsville. Hope I’m wrong
February 26th, 2009 at 9:25 am
270- We miss Bradley more than anyone could have guessed. With him on this team we have 4 more wins and would really be in position to make noise in ncaa’s. As it stands at least we only have 4 or 5 more games to suffer through.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:26 am
the problem with having to win 1 against either LSU or Florida is that a. Florida is at Florida and UK hasn’t won there in a long long time and b. LSU is ranked and UK is like 1 and 19 in their last 20 games against ranked teams. I just don’t see it happening. We’ve lost 5 or 6 home games this year (losing more than 1 or 2 a year is extremely sad) to VMI, Miami, Miss. St., South Carolina. LSU is better than all of those teams.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:27 am
(276) my bad I forgot Jasper, but he average less than 4 points and 3 assists a game. He was a good rebounder for a guard. If your sucess hinges on a player with these stats(even though I really liked him)you got trouble, which is exactly what we’ve got.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Derrick Jasper is a genius
February 26th, 2009 at 9:28 am
what this place needs is a BTI “you guys suck as fans” update
February 26th, 2009 at 9:28 am
It’s all about the players and Kentucky was left with a bunch of mid-major role players at best other then Meeks and Patterson. Coach has brought in better talent, but they are all new to the jucos or freshman, which usually take a year to adjust. They will be WAY better next year and more consistent.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:33 am
We’re beating a dead horse. Can we have a new post? I’d like to forget about this one. It was AWFUL! Let’s start preparing for LSU. Just my opinion…..
February 26th, 2009 at 9:35 am
By the way, for all the people calling for Billy’s job……what coach would want to come here next knowing that you don’t even have time to get your own team together. Billy is still cleaning up a gigantic mess that Tubby left us and he deserves 4-5 years to do that. You can talk about adjustments, substituting, etc. all you want, but if you don’t have the talent……you don’t win.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Somewhere, Mitch has to be asking himself if Billy’s performance will cost him the AD’s job. Then, and only then, do I think a change will be made.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:38 am
280 - how many TO did Jasper average? What about rebounds?
We don’t need scorers, we need role players who are consistent.
Stevenson - should get 6 points a game, and 10+ rebounds.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:39 am
I agree BCG still needs to upgrade the talent and I have been in his corner, but you’re kidding yourself if you think we didn’t just head straight into an oncoming train last night. His preparation gave our team NO CHANCE to win. It’s really just as simple as that.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:39 am
i do not want to hear an F*CKING word about Galloway, this loss
had nothing to do with him not being there
February 26th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Chris Harrison and Brandon Stockton are not walking through that door.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Face it- Chris Harrison and Brandon Stockton are not walking through that door.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:43 am
EVERYONE, YES THIS SUCKS REAL, REAL BAD. BUT I BET YOU WERE THE SAME PEOPLE CALLING FOR BROOKS AFTER TWO SEASONS, NOW WHERE ARE YOU ON THAT? GIVE THE GUY AT LEAST TWO YEARS AND YOU CAN START JUDGING HIM NEXT YEAR AND YEAR FOUR FOR SURE (if he’s given that much time). I’m in the same boat with everyone that we’ve had some terrible performances, but be honest about the team…..last year we lost both our scorers and leaders. This year we have two scorers, but zero leaders. Let him build his team then judge him.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Finally, some rational thinking. Maybe the hangover is wearing off from last night……..
Thanks, #292……..
February 26th, 2009 at 9:46 am
People that are calling for BCG’s firing are very short sighted. He is trying to teach these kids how to play ball under his program.
Some say change your program to match your players. That is a mistake. Teach your players to succeed in your style of play!
Question: In Pitino’s early years why didn’t he call of the press when Kansas was blowing us out?
Answer: That was his style. He was sending a message to the players that it is his way or nothing at all.
History proves that the players came around and bought in. This is a young team still learning what is expected of them. Senior players are often just as valuable in sending this message as the coach. This team lacks leadership. Until the players buy into the system they will struggle.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Good stuff, #294 as well………
February 26th, 2009 at 9:53 am
I actually talked to one of the UK players about a week ago and it’s clearly evident that they all hate BCG. He’s a a-hole on and off the court and a team is supposed to have fun but this team doesn’t. BCG is Eddie Sutton made over and it’s time for UK to take a serious look at bringing Darrin Horn to LEX before this train derails even further. Last year UK was 18-13 overall and 12-4 in the SEC. This year UK will most likely be 22-11 overall and 10-6 in SEC play and they will miss the NCAA tourney for the first time in a few decades.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:53 am
293 and 295, way to take the high road, you are such novel fans,
i should model my fandom after you both. sorry when something is
wrong it needs to be fixed, indiana didnt fix mike davis, look what
happened…
February 26th, 2009 at 9:54 am
297 4 president
February 26th, 2009 at 10:01 am
296 - you talked to one player and from that you feel comfortable saying that they all hate BCG?
Please - think about your comments for a second.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:02 am
300!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 26th, 2009 at 10:03 am
WE DO NOT WANT DARREN HORN. Geez…..
February 26th, 2009 at 10:04 am
297 - what happened???? They brought in another coach and he eff’d up the whole program! Now Crean will be stuck cleaning up that mess for YEARS!
February 26th, 2009 at 10:05 am
292. It won’t be hard to judge him when Meeks and Patterson abandon this sinking ship
February 26th, 2009 at 10:06 am
The player he talked to was Todd Svoboda….he’s got all the knowledge. Oh….I talked to Roy Williams last night and he hates his wife, he’s pissed and she’s pissed too. I loved that assclown’s comments….”it’s supposed to be fun”….it’s fun when they win, that’s whats fun. DI basketball is hard work, the player you “talked” to is a pansie
February 26th, 2009 at 10:07 am
303…..what do you think will happen when we can BCG…you and the majority of these folks are idiots and look for short term fixes, get over it and get out of the way b/c in your mind the sky is falling
February 26th, 2009 at 10:15 am
303 - If I were Pat or Meeks and heard you say that you would be getting a beat down. Those 2 guys are winners in every sense of the word and are just the opposite of somenoe that would “abandon ship”. They will be back because of pride in the program and themselves and they will say as much when they announce it……..you watch.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:18 am
306…nicely said. The majority of people that mouth on these blogs are also the people that yell the loudest when we’re winning.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Patterson will be back next year. Big Lengthy men eat him alive. If I see it, NBA scouts see it.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:26 am
to add..watching ramon harris and michael porter makes me sick..I threw up last night because they make me so sick, this is the university of kentucky..and I have to watch these guys?? seriously get them out.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:29 am
307 - I’m sure after the Tennessee game those types of people were loving Billy. It’s the same after every loss. Fact is we don’t have the talent to win consistently and you have to give the guy time to bring that in.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:30 am
fact is..310 we have the talent to win games. We have a very talented team, they are just dumb with a bad x’s and o’s coach
February 26th, 2009 at 10:31 am
308 - I have said that all along. Love Pat, but he does struglle with that and that is what he will go against EVERY night in the NBA.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:36 am
We don’t have a very talented team at all right now. We have a very young team with 2 VERY good players. This team is loaded with the worst passers, ball handling, and basketball IQ I have ever seen. Billy will fix that. It takes time. Georgetown is going through the exact same thing.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:36 am
you can tell by facial expressions the relationship bcg has with the players and its good………….you would notice if it was not……..so saying the players hate BCG is just stupid
February 26th, 2009 at 10:37 am
bussy - are you serious……name the talented players KY has?
very talented in your words?
February 26th, 2009 at 10:39 am
If last night showed anything, it’s that Patterson is NOT ready for the next level. He was getting stuffed by mid-major players. Yes, he busted his butt all night. But NBA post men are bigger, faster, and stronger than any of those scrubs that were tossing his shots away last night. And no matter how mnay points Meeks piles up this year, he still isn’t considered a 1st round pick. Why leave early to end up like Crawford in the NBDL?
February 26th, 2009 at 10:39 am
315, your wrong
February 26th, 2009 at 10:41 am
303, you are wrong as well. BCG is a great recruiter, not a great coach
we knew that before he got here
February 26th, 2009 at 10:44 am
317 - name the players that are ready to contribute on this level right now……………….i’ll give you meeks/patterson…….but name the rest and tell me what they do…………….b/c as i see it………your wrong
February 26th, 2009 at 10:48 am
319- ummm, ummmmm, ok I tried…just meeks and patterson.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Barring anything massive happening, we will see at least 2 more years with this staff. If Brooks got to keep coaching with losing records, Barnhardt isn’t going to pull the plug before the guy has an entire roster of his own players.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:59 am
yeah, a full entire roster of overrated, long & tall tall, non-shooting “point forwards”.
February 26th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Which team would you want??
Meeks, Harris, Porter, Stevenson, AJ Stewart, Jared Carter, Mike Williams, Mark Coury
or
Galloway, Liggins, Patterson, Miller, Harrelson, Orton, Hood, GJ
Answer this seriously and other then Meeks you probably wish the others were never on the team in the first place. Billy is upgrading the talent and it takes a few years to get to the level that we are used to. This is Tubby’s bs recruiting job his last few years at UK!
February 26th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Gotta agree with 323. BG has had some poor performances, and I wish he would make a few adjustments that I would have made, but the guy is very smart. There is some reason to what he is doing, and most of this team’s flaws fall on recruiting. The unfortunate injury and transfer of our only pg hasnt helped.
This team is still much better than most teams two years after an ugly divorce with the coach. With all the inconsistency, this team is still a step in the right direction from the previous 3.
February 26th, 2009 at 11:36 am
#323….that is what I have been preaching….Tubby killed us! My frustration is that Billy G needs to adapt his style to the players he has. I too feel he will upgrade our talent and recruting, but I am worried that it will really cost us meanwhile. We have 3 tough games left. We will know what kind of team we have Saturday. Win or Lose, we will see what kind of heart this team has. Will they come out to play or will they roll over? It would not suprise me either way.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Another bad summary of the game, this team, and the coach by Matt Jones. I have not read any responses so if I repeat anything forgive me. To blame any of this game on the gameplan is hysterical. What would be your gameplan Jones? play zone so they can still shoot over it and penatrate it at will? not trap the ball in the lane so they score at will? press and watch their guards go right through it? How about waiting until we get guards who can guard and when we have point guard who doesn’t get his pocket picked routinely and wings who can score and aren’t worthless? This team is mediocre and inconsistent get used to it. Patterson is a man but had a bad game but he fought hard unlike any of his teamates. I’m all for criticizing the coach but it should be logical. The players deserve criticism as well and if I hear one more time about the substitution patterns and adjusting to “what we have” I’m gonna puke. I’m glad Jones is not our coach.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
me too!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
To everyone bashing liggins i will agree with you all that he has to improve his shot and scoring ability… But, last night at times showed glimpses of being a good point guard he had 7 assist to his 3 turnovers and made some good passes off penetration and dishing… I honeslty believe besides his scoring he was one of the few bright stops of the game he also had 7 rebounds and played ok defense but nobody on the team played good D all night.
February 26th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Pateric Patterson was a man tonight!!LOL What game were you watching. In the game I saw PP was used and abused like a cheap Call girl, I mean real cheap!!
February 26th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
318 I don’t disagree with you. Hopefully someone on the Admin. staff or G himself is smart enough to recognize this and hire some help for G. If you recall Billy the Kid did just that to improve the D at Florida just prior to the two NCAA runs they made. For sure something has to change in a big way between now and this time next year or we will be going through another coaching change.
February 26th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
shit if we didn’t have liggins last night….good lord, we would have lost by 50