The University of Kentucky basketball team has now stretched it's winning streak out to 11. They are a perfect 13 and 0 when leading at the half. They are 1 -3 when trailing at the half. Their only losses so far have been to North Carolina, Memphis, and UCLA. But that's not what this blog is about today...
This is a different team; a special team. Unlike the team of last year, this year's Kentucky basketball squad just finds a way to win. If it's close or not, UK is always in the game. It may be a close game, but they always have a shot. What do you think is so different about this team?
Do you think it's the team dynamic? Obviously, this team has a different relationship with each other compared to last year's team. When it comes down to crunch time, it doesn't even look like they feel any pressure. A couple of huge blocks by Morris, a block by Jasper, and huge free throws from Bradley down the stretch proved this. They just find a way to win.
That being said, I cannot help but be a little worried. So far in 3 SEC games, UK has won a game in which a smaller, quicker Todd Abernathy gave them problems, they won a game in which they had 19 turnovers and the opposing team tried 35 3's, and won a game in which they only shot 36% from the field and had hardly any bench points.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be negative. I'm just honestly and truly trying to evaluate where the team is at right now. If UK plays the way that they played against these SEC West teams against some of these other big teams, there could be some tough games ahead. Honestly, do you think some of these things would fly against Florida, Alabama, LSU, or Tennessee? Not to mention the fact that Arkansas and South Carolina look good. Even VANDY upset Tennessee this week!
In a world of college basketball full of balance and parody, I'm glad UK has heart. It's going to get them far this season. And unlike last year, I truly believe UK is in every game they play. We'll have to wait and see what happens.
By the way, we'll be on the air with the ESPN Sports Radio 1300 pre and post game show for the South Carolina game. Make sure you tune in to listen to me, Jim Tirey, and Ryan Lemond, as we give YOU the opportunity to be the star of the show. We'll be on from 8pm-9pm with the pregame and for an hour after the game for post game. Give us a call at 381-1313 to get your voice heard!
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4 comments:
I think Morris's emergence as a dominant big man has really changed the dynamics of this year's team compared to Team Turmoil '05-'06. Last year, when the ball was moved down low, there wasn't much expectation on the outcome. This year, there will be a good move with a high percentage shot and/or a foul.
Morris has also shown restraint in commiting the ridiculous slap fouls at the top of the key after a screen. Maybe, he is the most improved player on the team from last year to this year.
Another big factor is the capabilities of the freshmen to fill roles on the floor. Jasper handling the ball at point creates more opportunities for Bradley and Crawford. Meeks' work off the bench at the shooting guard position is an added threat, plus, the defense there isn't too shabby.
As far as how they will stand with the big dogs of the SEC, I think we will go above .500 with them (Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, LSU, Arkansas). Like you said, John, this team has heart. They listen to their coach. It is obvious they are learning by always improving their play. I would love for them to play Memphis again.
Glen, I think you are right about John becoming a Tirey's Tiraders. After the Auburn game, John wasn't in total agreeance with Jim. Now, he seems to be changing his tune.
How exactly do you feel, John...for the record?
For the record...
I stand myself as an independant person.
I feel, as a former college athlete, that you have to stay pretty much in the middle when it comes to these guys. I can't really give them a tirade because they don't get paid to do this and they still have to go to class. This is not their job... yet. However, I cannot bow down to them and give them a free pass because of it. I give credit where credit is due, and I give constructive criticism where it is due as well.
As far as the Auburn game went, I couldn't really get on them because they won by 27. I couldn't really see where Tirey's point was (yes I know the turnovers), but they won by 27. Auburn has already played closer games with those "elite" teams.
As far as the Mississippi State game went, it scared me and made me hopeful at the same time. Their surge at the end gave me hope that they are in every game, but their lack of FG shooting and the fact that they allowed MSU (not really a big 3PT shooting team) to shoot 9 for 19 from beyond the arc scared me.
I honestly and truly believe that every game is different. I can't side with Chris nor can I side with Tirey.
However, all that being said... Until they lose, I can't jump on them too bad. If you noticed in the post game, I gave my criticism, yet still pointed out the fact that this team is in every game they play.
I think, and correct me if I'm wrong, I get paid to give my truthful recap of the game. That means good and bad. Let's take a realistic look at what UK did well, and what they can improve on.
I think sometimes it's good to play devil's advocate to make the listeners think about their position and to better evaluate the Cats. But when it comes down to it, this is a hell of a lot better of a team than last year's all the way around. And if you remember, last year's team was a close game with UConn away from getting that George Mason storyline wiped away after they would have beaten them in the next round. This team has better chemistry and is an overall well-rounded team. With a few exceptions... There are freshmen having trouble with the ball line defense (which is why they're not playing a lot). This is to be expected. Jasper has proven himself to be a very mature freshman. Look for Meeks and Stevenson to improve on this area and get more PT by March. I'm really not sure why Porter doesn't get more PT. It seems he gets taken out of the game whenever he gets something going. But, in time I think he'll get more PT soon.
I like the emergence of Joe Crawford over the last three games. However, I'm disappointed with the offensive production of Bobby Perry (he's playing because of his leadership and defense) and the overall production of Sheray Thomas. Woo needs to play more and he will when UK goes up against bigger opponents. His ability to shut down big name players is great (see North Carolina game).
Look for Kentucky not to have a deep bench in most of these SEC games.
This is what it will probably shape up to:
Morris 30+
Bradley 30+
Crawford 30+
Jasper 20-25
Perry 18
Thomas 18
Woo 5-10 (unless playing bigger teams)
Porter 5-10
Hope that helps...
John, your explaination is good enough for me to know where you stand...on the fence. Ha! Ha! I kid! I kid! As far as what you get paid to do, I don't know. I didn't help you negotiate that last contract. But, I hope it is to tell the truth as you see it. All in all, you do a great job. Tirey is a bit of a Negative Nelly when it comes to the Cats, but I am sure that is how he rolls! He has high expectations. I am just glad it isn't me publicly voicing my opinion on what I see. I am sure I would catch more criticism than Tirey. But, I will continue to live vicariously through you guys and a dream job to be around and talk about sports--a lot. Lucky dogs.
Well, if I'm in the middle... I guess I'm doing my job as an objective member of the media hahaha!
Thanks for voicing your opinions on the blog and make sure to tell some friends to get on here too!
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