Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
Throughout the first half of the season, we’ve come to the conclusion that Ryan Harrow’s development is/has been/will be essential to the overall success of the Wildcats. And now, we’re not alone. Nick Birdsong, an Alabama sportswriter, is arguing that the maturation of Ryan Harrow is the most compelling storyline in the SEC- even going so far as compare the drama to that of the Kardashians (come on, Nick, what have we ever done to you?).
Anyway, Birdsong believes that Harrow’s improved play makes him the most talked about player in the SEC right now. After a slow start against Maryland and subsequently missing four games, Harrow’s individual workouts with Calipari have paid off in spades. Harrow has averaged 16.7 ppg and 4.2 apg in the past four games. He’s also currently rocking a 3.4:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, which ranks seventh among the nation’s top 100 assisters, and has improved his defensive tenacity, as evident by an average of 2.4 steals per game over the past five games.
The statistics are proof enough of impressive development, but Kentucky fans know that the best sign of Harrow gaining confidence in himself is hearing his mighty (…) voice on the court, directing his teammates with newfound assertion. As Calipari has told us so often, a vocal Harrow is much more desirable than “cool guy” Harrow.
So everyone’s talking about Harrow, Harrow’s talking more on the court- we’re all happy. However, Harrow’s first SEC test has the potential to be a trip-up game- Memorial’s wacky court layout is capable of throwing point guards and coaches way off sync. Without Calipari constantly within shouting distance, Harrow will really have to step up his vocal leadership and guide the Cats on the court. Vanderbilt may be 6-6 with some questionable losses (50-33 against Marist?!), but for some reason they always seem to give Kentucky trouble. The Cats’ SEC opener will be a true test of how far Harrow has come as both a player and a leader since his early struggles.
Here’s a discussion question: if Harrow continues his impressive play, is it Calipari’s greatest point guard development to date? I say yes- Wall and Knight were much further ahead than Harrow was to start the season, and Teague didn’t face all the illnesses/mysterious family issues that Calipari had to factor in with Harrow. What say you?
@KristenGeilKSR
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January 5th, 2013 at 2:40 pm
Getting Teague to be drafted in 1st round was impressive as he was a work in progress early too. But you have a point if this improvement continues, Harrow could make a case for the biggest turnaround. Will be interesting to revisit this later in the year.
January 5th, 2013 at 2:44 pm
One more thing that mystifies me and I think Cal as well… Take away this illness/injury strange occurence that happened, Ryan was with this team last year and I have to wonder where was his study and retention process as Cal worked Teague? Some of what Cal had to go over (talking/setting up offense -as an example) really shouldn’t have to be talked about with a year in the system under your belt. So…yeah, that’s water under the bridge and he seems to be doing well….but it was or is smething that kinda made me go hmmmm.
Again, go Ryan & you are lookin’ good my man!
January 5th, 2013 at 2:49 pm
I agree Runner, I was excited for the start of this season because I knew that Harrow had practiced against Teague all year long and got to watch him execute from the bench, and hear how Cal stayed on Teague when he wasn’t following Cal’s plan, so it was a mystery to me too that he wasn’t primed and ready fromt he first tipoff.
Having said all that, he is improving with each game and I have been impressed with his progress despite thinking he should have already been there.
January 5th, 2013 at 2:50 pm
not gonna lie, he has impressed the hell outta me. Little by little all the pieces
are comin together, if Harrow keeps this up they’ll be a contender for #9 this year.
January 5th, 2013 at 3:17 pm
James quick going to UofL
January 5th, 2013 at 3:18 pm
Haha all Kristen all the time. I like it. Mrs Thompson sucks anyway. Shes like the female version of BTI.
January 5th, 2013 at 3:27 pm
Harrrow’s problems at the beginning of the season were mental. From everything I read, he seemed to be having a hard taking the bit to lead the team, and also was suffering under Cal’s constant criticism. When he took his little vacation to decide if he wanted to stay or go, he made a decision to stay and not let Cal’s screaming get to him. Now he is playing the way he is capable of and has a chance to be the best true point guard Cal has had at UK.
Wall and Bledsoe were dynamic, but out of control a lot – like they have continued to be in the NBA. Knight was a score first guard who helped the team most by scoring big baskets, but didn’t do a very good job of getting his teammates the ball and had a pretty bad assist to turnover ratio. Teague ended up being very good by the end of the year, but Harrow is already better on the offensive end.. a better passer and a MUCH better shooter.
January 5th, 2013 at 3:28 pm
Harrow prob didn’t get any 1 on 1 attention last year since he couldn’t get any pt, so he just did the team practices. He prob didn’t really even get much direct coaching at all.
January 5th, 2013 at 3:42 pm
Fantastic post #7!
January 5th, 2013 at 6:19 pm
Harrow playing good should come as a surprise to no one. Harrow performed good enough in practice last year that Cal did not actively pursue a point guard for this class. Everyone can make up all kinds of excuses as to why Harrow did not perform well early. He was sick. He played 10 minutes against Maryland and afterward Cal said that they should not have played him because he had been ill. Then the next 4 games, Harrow set out. His first three games back he logged, 9, 18, and 21 minutes. Since then he has logged at least 25 minutes a game and his play has seen major improvement. After an illness, it takes a while to get your energy back. It also takes time to get in the flow of things. Look back at my old post and you will see that I was not worried about Harrow one bit. I not only thought he would be ok, I expected it. Like I mentioned above, Cal not bringing in a point guard told me everything I needed to know concerning Harrow.