Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
On Wednesday, Pauline Phillips, the woman behind the “Dear Abby” advice column, passed away at the age of 94 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Phillips wrote the column under the pen name “Abigail Van Buren,” which she passed on to her daughter along with the column in 2002. Phillips, whose twin sister, Eppie Lederer, also became an advice columnist under the name Ann Landers, started writing columns at the age of 37 after growing frustrated with the local newspaper’s advice columnist. For over four decades, Phillips advised readers on the proper etiquette for almost any situation, from what to wear to a black-tie dinner to how to deal with unruly relatives to whether or not a spouse is cheating on you.
As a lifelong tomboy, I have very poor etiquette (seriously I just mastered which side of the plate the fork and knife go on), so I have learned a thing or two from “Abby.” I sometimes think of creating a similar advice column for KSR, in which I would help you guys tackle the stickiest of Big Blue situations, such as: what to do when you have to go to a friend’s wedding on the same day as a football/basketball game; how to treat hardcore Louisville fans that won’t shut up at a party; or how to incorporate Kentucky gear into a business casual setting. Leave some more Big Blue conundrums for me in the comments section, and maybe I’ll be inspired to start “Dear Mrs. Tyler” next week.
News and views, shall we?
– The big news of the day (besides Manti Te’o) was Mark Stoops’ appearance on the radio show, which you can listen to here. Stoops said his first forty-five days as head coach have been “wild,” but that he’s more excited than ever for spring practice to start. When asked if he thought it was possible to “win big” at UK, a hot topic of discussion around these parts the past year, Stoops asked “why not?” and pointed to Kentucky’s strong fan base and administration, the upcoming renovations to Commonwealth Stadium, and ability to recruit on a higher level, something that’s already coming into fruition with the commitment of four-star Za’Darius Smith and others. Stoops said the buzz in the fan base has been a pleasant surprise so far, and that will help the program be able to recruit these high-level athletes. Proof? How impressed the recruits that visited last weekend were by the eRupption Zone’s signs and chants.
– Stoops shied away from Charlie Strong-esque declarations that the Cats would beat the Cards next season, but did say that team will come out and compete for every game, and that “Louisville is high on our list.” In fact, not even next year’s daunting schedule could get Stoops down: “It’s something else, but let’s go!”
– The base of Stoops’ program is recruiting. One guy who could come in and have an immediate impact is Trinity 4-star DE Jason Hatcher. Hatcher is currently committed to USC (recruited by Tee Martin, natch), but visited Kentucky this past weekend and is also entertaining an offer from Louisville. Many believe Hatcher is a long shot for the Cats, but we’re hearing that it might not be that far-fetched. Sources tell Matt that Kentucky is in “very good” shape with Hatcher and he could very well end up in Lexington. If he does, watch out folks. Not only would it be a statement commitment for Stoops and the Cats, it would also strengthen the currently weak relationship between UK and Trinity, one of the state’s most talented programs.
– That relationship is one that Stoops intends to work on, starting Friday. Stoops told Matt that he and Neal Brown will be touring the Commonwealth’s high schools, shaking hands and getting to know some of the major schools’ staffs. Coach, if you stop in Danville (which you should…Title Town, helloooo), be sure to go to Burke’s Bakery and get some doughnut holes. Neal will know what I’m talking about.
– We didn’t get many personal details about our new coach, but we did discover he likes Toby Keith, who, according to a KSR reader, owns horses in Central Kentucky and whose money is managed by one of the regulars at Wheeler’s. PLEASE let it be Johnny Gold Chains.
– I see you in your WWMKGD shirt and Team NF bracelet on Ellen, Josh Hopkins:
Cute dog.
– Julius Randle is back with another blog entry on USA Today’s high school website, in which he talks about dealing with his injury and his recruitment. Randle doesn’t mention the Cats often, but he did have this great quote about his relationship with Cal: ”He checks on me and checks on my mom, but I think the main reason we click is because we have similar mindsets. We’re both go-getters. We battle. We compete. I love that about him.” We love that you love that about him.
– Speaking of Kentucky recruits, if you want to see Dakari Johnson play Andrew Wiggins, you’re in luck. Johnson’s Monteverde Academy will play Wiggins’ Huntington Prep on March 3rd in the Red State Blue State Series in Freedom Hall. Tickets will go on sale Monday through Ticketmaster. Click here for more information.
– Can you believe it’s January and it’s taken this long for us to get to basketball news in a night post? The Cats head to Auburn on Friday for Saturday night’s matchup against the Tigers, who lost a double-overtime thriller at Arkansas on Tuesday. We’ll have plenty of previews for the game on the site Friday, but Auburn is currently 8-8 overall and 2-1 in the SEC, a record that may not seem impressive, but the Cats can’t afford to overlook anyone, especially the Tigers. Auburn is going all out for the sold-out game, planning an “Orange Out,” which brings to mind this Cal quote from last season: “It’s going to be sold out, white out, blue out, black out, whatever they’ve got going down there. It’s the game, so we’re going to walk in and they’re going to play their best.”
– UK Hoops absolutely dominated Mississippi State Thursday night at Memorial, 100-47. Matthew Mitchell’s squad is ranked fifth in the country and is playing the best basketball the program has ever seen. The girls, whose motto this season is “40 Minutes,” play a high-tempo brand of basketball that is not only hard to beat, but fun to watch. Last year’s run to the the Elite Eight was thrilling, but with the way the ladies are playing right now, an even better postseason finish is within reach. Whatever happens with the men’s squad this season happens, but hopefully if things do end prematurely, we’ll have the ladies to cheer for well into March and April. You go, girls.
– Congrats to Rajon Rondo, who was voted to the Eastern Conference All-Star team, along with Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Kevin Garnett. Sorry Rondo, I’m more interested in Melo and KG together on the same team. I’m sure it would never happen, but if the marketing gurus at Honey Nut Cheerios found a way to sponsor the East Conference team, it would be the best thing ever.
– Coach Cal needs your help in the Infiniti Coaches’ Charity Challenge. Vote for him in the South Region. The coach’s charity with the most votes will receive $100,000.
– Finally, as you know, one of KSR’s favorite callers, Rose, attended the Kentucky/Texas A&M game on Saturday thanks to Big Blue Nation Cares, a group that provides UK football and basketball game tickets for deserving fans. Larry Vaught interviewed Rose on camera before the game to get her thoughts on how things are in West Liberty and what it meant for her and her husband, Chub, to come to the game. In typical Rose fashion, it is awesome and definitely deserves a click over, if only for this line: “Well, you know, there’s the lovers and there’s the haters. You’ve always got that wherever you go. And some people think I’m too country, but I’m just Rose.” Never change, Rose. Never. And we will totally make that “KSR Girls Only” event happen in Nashville this March.
See you in the morning.
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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January 17th, 2013 at 11:10 pm
The knife goes in one hand and the fork in the other. Jeez. Even I knew that.
January 17th, 2013 at 11:29 pm
I will be at Aubrn wearing UK blue. No orange out here.
January 17th, 2013 at 11:47 pm
Congrats Lady CATS on another great win. Some tough games upcoming and we will be cheering you on.
January 18th, 2013 at 12:02 am
Dear Mrs T… Should we Cat fans… 1) root / cheer for, 2) be just a very casual (no rooting yet no jeering) or 3) be hardcore against an SEC team that we do not like [insert say Florida here] –when they play any NON-SEC team in a bowl game or tourney game? In other words, how far do we take conference loyalty? hmmmm.
3) I agree. what a year they are having. Go Hoops!
January 18th, 2013 at 12:08 am
Jules Randle, you need to come on down and get it over with. Ridge, and you can add to that a dear Mrs Tyler, “what should we do with Loserville inside that same question since they are from our own home state?” ouch.
January 18th, 2013 at 12:32 am
Can’t beleive you mentioned Danville without mentioning MAYFIELD!!! Same number of State Titles since 1977. West Kentucky is like the Louisville to Kentucky compared to the rest of the state.
January 18th, 2013 at 12:33 am
Ms TT is probably the most annoying thing in my life. Have now idea how her father or husband love her.
January 18th, 2013 at 1:19 am
Te’o could use some Dear Abby advice.
January 18th, 2013 at 2:53 am
Dear Manti, yes, it’s quite normal for a young man like yourself to have fantasies, and yes, this is the first time I’ve heard “The dude on Sweet Genius unwrapping me like a York Peppermint Pattie”.
January 18th, 2013 at 3:30 am
Hatcher is going to join Quick at Louisville. Why wouldn’t he use an official visit to UK. Wasting our time.
Timmons would go to Louisville also, but they won’t offer him. What are we doing, Ohio State, Louisville, and Florida have not offered him. Why do you think that is? Maybe being a decent athelte playing against poor teams is the answer.
January 18th, 2013 at 5:03 am
Did Florida just beat Texas A&M by 21 at Texas A&M ?
Yes. Yes they did…
January 18th, 2013 at 5:27 am
10 – You’ve lose your mind Bill Walton style. Hatcher isn’t even considering UL. The only reason he even listed them was just to be nice. There is a better chance that Quick changes his mind and goes to OSU than there is that Hatcher ends up at Louisville. A lot of people are saying Hatcher is almost a done deal at UK. He was supposedly really intrigued by the opportunity to join the SEC and start as a true freshmen instead of waiting his turn at USC.
As far as Timmons is concerned, he’s been compared to Percy Harvin and Deion Branch by several people in the state and ESPN has him as a 4-star in their ESPN 300. OSU had legitimate interest and have told him to keep waiting, but an offer hasn’t materialized. Either way, Timmons is one of the fastest players in the state with 4.40 speed. The only difference between Quick and Timmons is that Quick is 6’1″ and Timmons is 5’10″. If they switched heights, Timmons would be the higher ranked recruit, but size matters. Rivals only ranks 6 receivers in the country that are Timmons height ahead of him.
January 18th, 2013 at 6:18 am
6) no disrespect to Mayfield, but Danville/Boyle Co have combined for 17
state titles.
January 18th, 2013 at 6:52 am
Yea #11 the gayturds beat A&M and the best player in the world ( you would think by ESPN standards ) Elton Turner scored a grand total of 4 points. Is that a joke or what, if he scores 10 against the Cats we win by 20. Another one hit wonder and to never be mentioned again I bet.
January 18th, 2013 at 7:44 am
Being from the west , I’ll give Mayfield its props, but Mayfield does not have a Burke’s bakery. While the doughnut holes are good, the gingerbread men from Burke’s are the best anywhere. My only problem is that I have to get them by mail order!
January 18th, 2013 at 7:52 am
Dear Mrs TT,
Do you think Dear Abby was hot for 94? And could Dear Abby throw down on a stiffie?
Sincerely,
Flaccid in Florida
January 18th, 2013 at 8:12 am
Finally, sports-fan logo advice! I live in Alabama, travel routinely to Florida for business (which includes the University of Florida), and have often wondered, how many UK logos are appropriate for different situations? I definitely want to look like a UK-crazed fan, but not a ridiculously UK-crazed fan. Advice would be most welcome.
January 18th, 2013 at 8:13 am
From Rush the Court:
In this week’s edition of Hoop Thoughts, Seth Davis discusses why he thinks there will never be another undefeated team in men’s college basketball. While the individual year odds are certainly in Seth’s favor, we would like to remind him that forever is a long time. Clearly it is an extremely difficult task and would probably require a combination of a talented team with at least a few experienced players (for those nights when the team just doesn’t have “it”) and a fairly soft schedule (to make sure those night can be overcome just by talent and will). Of course, this all goes out the window next year when Kentucky goes 40-0 (or however many games they play) with the most ridiculous collection of talent assembled anywhere since the original Dream Team.
January 18th, 2013 at 8:16 am
Some of these commenters are just ugly, ugly. Why they feel the need to share their ugly with everyone else is beyond me. Yes #7, I’m talking about you.
January 18th, 2013 at 8:16 am
all-world elston turner 1 for 10 for 4 points against the gaytors.
January 18th, 2013 at 8:33 am
If you need ideas with how to wear UK gear in business settings, I can assist. I have mastered that element.
January 18th, 2013 at 8:45 am
Fl was leading A&M 68-38 when FL basketball radio commentator said “I’m not trying to make any predictions but they (A&M) may go there (UK) for the next 20 years and never win again.”
January 18th, 2013 at 8:49 am
“Can you believe it’s January and it’s taken this long for us to get to basketball news in a night post?” Which illustrates why I am visiting this site less often
January 18th, 2013 at 8:54 am
Woah this blog is magnificent i really like reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You realize, lots of people are looking round for this information, you could help them greatly.
January 18th, 2013 at 9:00 am
Anyone else notice that the writers at this site regurgitate every little piece of news at least five times a day?? I’d like to see something new with each article, and if that means fewer posts each day I’m fine with that.
January 18th, 2013 at 9:03 am
Dear Mrs. T. I hate Pat Forde and Pete Thamel with a passion. Is there some way I can dump a bucket of sour cow manure on them without getting arrested? Can you get a law passed that it is legal to assault Forde anytime we see him in a Louisville drinking establishment?
January 18th, 2013 at 9:10 am
Dear Tyler is a great idea!
January 18th, 2013 at 9:25 am
Where can I get that shirt?!
January 18th, 2013 at 9:32 am
Dear Mrs. Tyler, let me take a stab at Carl’s inquiry.
Carl there are a few guys that can be hired to take out the trash if you know what I mean. Try Porcini’s Restaurant, look for a guy in a white suit w/red tie, usually can be located with skanks in booth near the kitchen. Introduce yourself as Tony and tell the godfather that Mario sent you.
January 18th, 2013 at 9:33 am
Hey! How’s that EA Sports vote going?
January 18th, 2013 at 9:45 am
Not taking sides. Danvile is much nicer than Mayfield, but I don’t think Danville has a Taco John’s. That makes a huge difference.
January 18th, 2013 at 10:03 am
#12, yeah, rt……
Hatcher not even considering UL, lol…you may want to check his tweets….comments like this is why UK football will never be what we hope, idiotic fans. When he does de-commit from USC, which he will, he will choose UL with his teammates, no big deal,we will get another, but please stop making stupid stuff up.
January 18th, 2013 at 10:36 am
25 you aren’t calling the shots here and no one really cares what you’d like to see. Some of us with boring jobs appreciate more posts.
January 18th, 2013 at 10:40 am
Dear Mrs. T,
If a guy wanted a date with Kristen Geil, what would be a good way to ask her? My first thought would be just to tweet her with something about kayaking or maybe sky diving.
Addicted to love,
Dear IU and UL, We are National Champs; you are not. The end.
January 18th, 2013 at 11:09 am
*34-just get yourself an imaginary girlfriend. they’re much less hastle, and you never have to get dressed up. i could see if my girlfriend heather could fix you up with one of her friends
January 18th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
Bite me, #7. Keep up the great work Mrs. TT!