Monday, February 26, 2007

“Kentucky Finds New Way To Loose”
Wildcats Start Strong, Finish Weakly

NASHVILLE, TN - The University of Kentucky Wildcats found a new way this season to lose a closeSEC East game this season, falling today to the 17th ranked Vanderbilt Commodores 67-65. The Wildcats who had lost three of their previous four games due much in part to slow starts and falling behind by double digit margins early in the game. But today Kentucky started off in good form but ended up giving the game away late when the Wildcats couldn’t find offensive continuity.Over a span of approximately 13 minutes late in the game, UK had twelve turnovers after having at least a 10 point lead over the home standing Commodores. Kentucky shot 58.1% for the game from the floor compared to Vandy’s 41.4%. UK had a better free throw percentage than the Commodores at 81.8% compared to VU’s 69.2%. UK had two more team rebounds than the Commodores. So why didn’t Kentucky win? Several reasons.Vandy had eight more steals than Kentucky because of 19 Wildcat team turnovers. The afore mentioned 12 during a crucial portion of the game when momentum was swinging in the Commodores favor. At this point in the game I got that “OH NO” feeling in my stomach and I knew we were in trouble.Another reason the Wildcats lost? Lack of leadership from the starters. Over the past few games even the television media continue to notice and comment about Kentucky’s character. Case in point. Joe Crawford made a great defensive play at the end of the first half by making a steal and instead of passing the ball forward to a wide open and all alone under the basket Jodie Meeks, Crawford drove and dunked over his teammate. This, in my opinion, was an embarrassment to the school and showed all the sports world just how far Kentucky basketball has slipped this year.When personal highlight reels outweigh the team concept, your program is in trouble.
Another reason the Wildcats lost? Starters Ramel Bradley and Crawford, the two outspoken leaders who constantly want to shoulder the game and take the last second winning shots, were a combined 17 points. Randolph Morris was outscored by his relief Lukasz Obrzut. Obrzut had nine points to Morris’ four points. Morris looked lost and confused much of the game and was outplayed by Obrzut, yet Obrzut played less minutes. Bradley, Kentucky’s point guard, had four turnovers leading the team on the floor and was a non-factor in the game. Today’s Wildcat leader was of all players, Bobby Perry with 18 points.How do these players expect to make the next level when they can’t play as an unit? It seems to me that’s what is wrong with these guys. They are concerned about making big plays, highlight reels, ect, to impress some scout somewhere. Morris opted out of the NBA, and has since looked like he didn’t belong in the starting rotation for a major college like Kentucky. Wonder how far his NBA stock has fallen? Dick Vitale should hold a ESPN Monday segment of stock up stock down on Kentucky players and its coach Tubby Smith.I looked into Webster’s Dictionary for the definition of loyal. It means “Faithful to government, plighted love, duty; constant to friends or associates.” I consider myself a loyal Kentucky fan of the team and coach. But at some point, we have to look beyond players making or not making the plays on the floor. I’m not calling for Smith’s job or head. Smith looks lost and confused himself at times on television. I’m beginning to think he has lost grip on this team for a second season.I’ve heard all year from Mike Cameron how he was glad Kentucky lost it’s point guard from last year because he was a problem player. What was his name Mike? Yet here we are again, this year, same problems different shades of color. Tubby does not have control of this team."

Another reason the Wildcats lost? Starters Ramel Bradley and Crawford, the two outspoken leaders who constantly want to shoulder the game and take the last second winning shots, were a combined 17 points. Randolph Morris was outscored by his relief Lukasz Obrzut. Obrzut had nine points to Morris’ four points. Morris looked lost and confused much of the game and was outplayed by Obrzut, yet Obrzut played less minutes. Bradley, Kentucky’s point guard, had four turnovers leading the team on the floor and was a non-factor in the game. Today’s Wildcat leader was of all players, Bobby Perry with 18 points.How do these players expect to make the next level when they can’t play as an unit? It seems to me that’s what is wrong with these guys. They are concerned about making big plays, highlight reels, ect, to impress some scout somewhere. Morris opted out of the NBA, and has since looked like he didn’t belong in the starting rotation for a major college like Kentucky. Wonder how far his NBA stock has fallen? Dick Vitale should hold a ESPN Monday segment of stock up stock down on Kentucky players and its coach Tubby Smith.I looked into Webster’s Dictionary for the definition of loyal. It means “Faithful to government, plighted love, duty; constant to friends or associates.” I consider myself a loyal Kentucky fan of the team and coach. But at some point, we have to look beyond players making or not making the plays on the floor. I’m not calling for Smith’s job or head. Smith looks lost and confused himself at times on television. I’m beginning to think he has lost grip on this team for a second season.I’ve heard all year from Mike Cameron how he was glad Kentucky lost it’s point guard from last year because he was a problem player. What was his name Mike? Yet here we are again, this year, same problems different shades of color. Tubby does not have control of this team.
Kentucky already will play a first round SEC Tournament game for the second year in a row, and may fall ever further in the standings with a home game against Georgia and a road game in Gainesville.I am already dreadful for Wednesday nights game in Rupp Arena against the Bulldogs. Reason? Earlier this month there was talk about Kentucky fans storming the court if UK beat Florida. I am afraid fans my boo two of the three seniors on Senior Night. Whether the fans boo Sheray Thomas and Perry or not, I predict Obrzut will get a standing ovation.

Signing off from Richmond,
Glen

4 comments:

J-Delicious said...

The shot clock violations absolutely killed me, Glen. Last night on the show, most people calling in were saying that we needed a power forward more than a point gaurd. I say horse$#!+. If we had someone who would work the perimeter, not pound the ball on the floor, and make nice interior passes, this team would be totally different. You say Morris is looking bad. Do you think it is because he is tired of beating and banging and then never getting the ball?

Tubby really is starting to look like a joke. He says he doesn't tell the players to stand around on offense, but apparently he can't make them move. So, does he really have control of the team? No motivation. Is he being held responsible? If I don't do my job, I'll be replaced. What about Tubb?

Tomorrow night will be my last game watching the Cats at Rupp. My wife and I have decided to give up our season tickets. Over a thousand dollars, due to the price increase, for us to sit three rows from the top of Rupp Arena and watch this honery bunch is too much money for me waste. I just hope that we can pull a "W" for old times sake.

J-Delicious said...

This is way out there, but almost believable. A guy at work, whose buddy works with several charitable organizations in the Bluegrass, was told by his friend that Donna Smith was stepping down from her administrative roles in the organizations.

The UK admin has been in talks with Phoenix Suns assistant coach Dan D'Antoni for the head coach position. D'Antoni is from Mullens, W.Va. and is wishing to move closer to home and continue his coaching career.

I don't know if any of this is true, just what I heard. I checked out the guys resume and it isn't too shabby, but he didn't spend much time coaching in the college ranks. Anybody else hear anything?

Bryan said...

The message boards have been a buzz with Dan D'Antoni rumors for a few weeks now.

bubbauk said...

Dan D'antoni. Maybe? Lets see first if the tub can right the ship. I've been a tubby backer all year, but some quick outs in the tourneys, make me a basher.