Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
Good evening/morning, friends and trolls of KentuckySportsRadio.com, and welcome to the Tuesday News and Views, brought to you by Monday’s big announcement. In case you missed it, Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati will host the 2015 MLB All-Star Game and all the festivities that come along with it. Now I won’t pretend to be a big fan of Major League Baseball, and I don’t care too much for the Reds, but I understand the magnitude of this exciting news and I’m ecstatic for all of you. I hope each and every one of you catch home run balls in the Home Run Derby and get pictures taken with Justin Bieber, Rollie Fingers, and some little-known FOX sitcom star after the celebrity game.
A quick Google search tells me Cincinnati last hosted the Midsummer Classic in 1988 in Riverfront Stadium, back when guys like Jay Bruce, Aroldis Chapman and Johnny Cueto were just itty-bitty babies. The Red Legs also hosted the game on three other occasions in 1938, 1953, and 1970. The Nationals were in contention to host the 2015 game, but I’m told Bud Selig was concerned Bryce Harper would insist everyone wear Affliction t-shirts for the game and the league wasn’t ready to make that commitment. Selig will be in town on Wednesday to make it official.
Congratulations, Reds fans.
When your University of Kentucky Wildcats take the court in Tuscaloosa Tuesday night, they’ll likely be doing it without one Willie Cauley-Stein. Cauley-Stein’s status remains uncertain but don’t count on seeing him out there against the Crimson Tide. If he doesn’t go, Alex Poythress and Kyle Wiltjer will carry additional weight on their shoulders down low. They played well against Auburn, especially with Nerlens in foul trouble, and they’ll be called upon again for a similar performance Tuesday night. Coach Cal said he thinks Willie’s absence at Auburn created a sense of urgency in the team, which explains the aggression and energy. ”That sometimes happens,” Cal said.
Playing Alex Poythress at the four while Cauley-Stein is out actually works in Kentucky’s favor against Alabama. Anthony Grant runs with four guards and a big man, so Poythress at the four is a better fit for defending the Crimson Tide. He can step out and guard a smaller, quicker opponent, so his versatility is advantageous to Kentucky in this matchup. You never want to see a player go down, but this is the best time for Kentucky to be without Willie.
For all you degenerate gamblers out there, Kentucky is favored by 3.5 points against Alabama. Remember, gambling is for fun and should be done in moderation. I don’t want to read about any of you hanging from the top of the Fifth Third building by your ankles because you got in too deep.
Coach Cal has a lot to be proud of after Saturday’s win against Auburn, but the emotion his guys displayed throughout the game really stands out. In today’s pre-Auburn press conference, Cal said a lot of people noticed his players chest-bumping each other after big plays. To that, he said, “Well, when you’re playing harder than the other guy, when you’re beating them to loose balls, when you’re coming up with tough rebounds you chest bump. It’s hard to chest bump when you’re getting sand kicked in your face, you’re getting thrown to the floor and they’re grabbing balls out of your hand.” Now, if only that emotion could rub off on Alex Poythress.
I have an idea that would never ever ever happen but I’m going to suggest it anyway for fun. I think Kentucky should take a page from Georgia football’s playbook in the 2007 game against Florida. The Bulldogs scored a touchdown in the first quarter to go up 7-0 and the entire team stormed the field and celebrated in the end zone. It was a premeditated celebration, orchestrated by Mark Richt, to fire the team up and send an early message to Florida. And it was awesome. So, I think Kentucky should try the same thing for Alex Poythress. Next time he makes a big play, preferably a dunk, clear the bench and start a mosh pit around him. It’ll bring the fire out of him. Of course, the players would probably be ejected for leaving the bench, but maybe Cal could send a couple of them. It’ll never happen, I know, but I like to imagine it happening and changing Poythress forever. Wouldn’t that be fun to watch? I’ll stop now.
Nerlens Noel was named SEC Freshman of the Week on Monday for the first time all season. And certainly not the last.
Remember Polson’s tip-in Saturday night? He told Jerry Tipton he wishes he had dunked it. THAT would’ve been something to see. He was up high enough to throw it down.
Anthony Grant on Kentucky: “We are excited for tomorrow’s game against Kentucky. After watching them on film, I am very impressed with their length, athleticism, speed and quickness. The numbers tell the story on what they are doing from an offensive standpoint. They are very efficient offensively. Defensively, they are an extremely diverse team. They are very talented in their ability to create steals, block shots and get in passing lanes. It will be a great challenge for our team. We have to do a great job offensively with our decision making and execution. Defensively we have to do a great job getting back in transition and limiting their opportunities in the open floor situations. We are looking forward to the opportunity.”
Expect Grant to use a lot of zone against UK, which has been the Wildcats’ biggest weakness this season. Kentucky will look to counter their zone by putting Wiltjer in the middle to knock down that jumper, but Calipari expects Alabama to close off that opening in the middle and leave open space in the corners instead. ”They play a different zone,” he said of Bama’s defensive strategy. It’ll be interesting to see how UK handles it. Hopefully we’ll see more of those Magic-Johnson-like passes from Wiltjer to a cutting Alex Poythress on the baseline.
In football news, a commitment could be on the horizon from a three-star wide receiver out of Florida. Jeff Badet met with the UK staff this afternoon and he told Rivals.com a few hours later that he isn’t taking any more visits. ”I’m pretty set on where I want to go,” he told Justin Rowland. Badet visited Lexington over the weekend and was scheduled to visit Iowa State in a couple of days. Now it appears he is Kentucky’s to lose. Come on down.
15 days until National Signing Day 2013. Will Mark Stoops reel in a top 25 class? It’s not impossible. Not anymore.
In cased you missed it on the site Monday afternoon, NBA League Pass is free for everyone from January 21-28. Just flip over to channel 580 on your Insight cable box or 751 on DirectTV. It’s great to see guys like Cousins, Kidd-Gilchrist, Davis and Wall, who are rarely on TV. I saw Davis vs. Cousins and MKG vs. Patterson earlier and now I’m watching Wall and his new Adidas shoes against the Blazers right now. This free trial is going to get abused all week.
Last week we introduced you to Reece King, a young UK fan who had to watch the A&M game from a hospital bed while he underwent treatment for Leukemia. Well, as you can see in this photo below, Reece is back on his feet and sneaking behind enemy lines with his two cousins.
That’ll do it for now.
Go Cats?
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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January 21st, 2013 at 11:19 pm
“Now I won’t pretend to be a big fan of Major League Baseball, and I don’t care too much for the Reds”
Why don’t you just come out and say you hate America while you’re at it.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:22 pm
1. — Go Braves.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:23 pm
Nothing about Clint Hurtt? What’s up with that?
January 21st, 2013 at 11:26 pm
What about the in home visit with Rashard Samples today?? No mention of that. And what do you think about Timmons visiting Florida???
January 21st, 2013 at 11:26 pm
Drew Franklin…. I salute you. Go Braves! #TomahawkChop
January 21st, 2013 at 11:26 pm
2. So you’re a bandwagoner AND you hate America.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:26 pm
That’s good to see Reece look so happy. Keep it up bud!
January 21st, 2013 at 11:27 pm
Love how I live in NKY, work in Cincy, and can see GABP from my office yet I hear this news FIRST from KSR. Love the Reds, but they’re mainly a distraction during the months when there is no UK Basketball.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:30 pm
UK Homer…read up at some Reds blogs!
January 21st, 2013 at 11:31 pm
3 and 4. Just another example of Drew not doing his job. Clearly BTI needs to be reinstated so that the subordinates, just like drew, can claim they have a talented writer on staff. Smh. This site started its tumble when Gidel left.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:32 pm
4 – Joker is obviously trying to stick it to his former employer. He is a scorned man. Like the UofFlorida can’t get a higher rated receiver out of that state. But Joker decides to come to KY to get a WR that UK is close to landing? That’s Horseshit
January 21st, 2013 at 11:34 pm
as a site that takes every chance it can to make even the slightest dig at UofL and increase troll traffic, the Hurtt omission is glaringly obvious. Clearly just waiting until its official, to try not to look to jealous/vindictive if for some reason Hurtt skates free and stays at UofL.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:36 pm
yes, after a second reading I used the wrong version of too in there. before the grammar trolls attack
January 21st, 2013 at 11:38 pm
12. too*
Idiot.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:47 pm
I just hope timmons stays home!!! I read somewhere that the coaching staff feels confident that they can get samples!!! Now how huge would that be!!!! And i really want McWilson!!! Looks like he could be an all sec safety!!!! And what’s our chances with this DT T. Johnson??? Do we have shot at landing him???
January 21st, 2013 at 11:48 pm
Reported by WLKY32 Hurtt may not know outcome until June or as late as December.
Wow, that would put Bridgewater through his junior yr. then he leaves for NFL combine unscathed.WOW……little bro may skate. By the way where are the trolls tonight?
I know KSR is doing a much better job moderating (THANKS) but DAMN!!!!!
January 21st, 2013 at 11:48 pm
10 you obviously love KSR with 4 posts just in this comment section. Quit bitching or don’t come to this sit… It’s that simple bum.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:49 pm
14. you refreshin’ pages allnightbro?
January 21st, 2013 at 11:51 pm
GO REDS!!!! Go BENGALS!!!! REDS will win 95 games this year (won 97 last year), win the Central AGAIN! Bengals will win 10 or 11 games this season (please someone bet me, dont talk crap unless you’re willing to put money up)and most likely earn another Wildcard Appearance (this will be 3 playoff appearances in 4 years for the haters keeping track at home) And as always…. GO CATS ALL CATS EVERYTHING
January 21st, 2013 at 11:52 pm
==== Hey Drew, please do the BBN a huge favor by telling our brick shooting free throwers (including Goodwin & Poythress) to bend their knees when shooting their gratis shots …. those two plus the bigs are very stiff legged ….. watch them closely ………
thanks
====
January 21st, 2013 at 11:53 pm
20— You must not watch the games. Poythress is a very accomplished free throw shooter. I do agree with your assessment of Goodwin, although it has been noted by everybody! You are not original and know nothing about sports! Go cats!
January 22nd, 2013 at 12:32 am
The All Star game is absolutely the best news I’ve heard all day. Tremendous. THANK YOU ALOT, A WHOLE LOT -Creany
January 22nd, 2013 at 12:35 am
REECE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 22nd, 2013 at 1:03 am
#2. We’re best friends. That is all.
January 22nd, 2013 at 4:31 am
the comments made in these other post tonight wasn’t me …
January 22nd, 2013 at 4:41 am
Who is the real Idiot on this board? You be the judge. By the way have I told you lately how much I hate UK Hoops?
January 22nd, 2013 at 4:47 am
Come on BBN, lets win this 100k for Cal’s charity.
http://promo.espn.go.com/espn/contests/infiniti/2013/
January 22nd, 2013 at 4:50 am
26) we all get a vote?? if so, mark 1 down for YOU !!!!
January 22nd, 2013 at 5:06 am
The only thing that sucks worse than baseball is the Reds
January 22nd, 2013 at 5:10 am
Where’s that Fleener kid? Haven’t seen his awfulness for a while…..
January 22nd, 2013 at 6:25 am
Jody Demling is saying uofl is not on the hook for any of the Clint Hurtt stuff. Said they could be forced to fire him and that is it. Supposedly, this is all about Miami and none of the current uofl players are being looked at. Also said this could take months to hash out because Hurtt will have several months to respond. He said not one call has been made by the NCAA to uofl regarding any of the players Hurtt recruited to the tardinals. Hope he is wrong, just passing on what he has posted.
January 22nd, 2013 at 6:49 am
Nice hair Reece! Good to see you takinng the “bucket” by storm.
January 22nd, 2013 at 6:54 am
31) Hearing basically the same thing. At least they will likely have to fire the guy that brings in the recruits.
January 22nd, 2013 at 7:35 am
It was classless act Richt have his thugs rush the field. That is the last thing UK or anybody with any class at all needs to do.
January 22nd, 2013 at 9:47 am
Losers hate the Reds.
January 22nd, 2013 at 10:09 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=ViJniR738To
January 22nd, 2013 at 11:04 am
Atta boy Reece! Keep letting those dirty birds know UK is always in the house. Where are you and your boys getting those awesome hats?! Keep fighting brother….we are all with you.
January 22nd, 2013 at 11:18 am
I wish I could get the NBA league pass on Comcast
I turned to their channel last night and it was blocked. Must just be an Insight/Direct TV thing?
January 22nd, 2013 at 11:27 am
Keep your head up Reece and fight the good fight. My wife has Lymphoma and my prayers go out to you and your family.
January 22nd, 2013 at 11:36 am
I cannot believe that you would take your kids to LOSERVILLE and that DUMP ARENA, now they will grow up to be junkies and live off the governement you idiot!!!!
January 22nd, 2013 at 11:42 am
REECE IS THE MAN!!!
January 22nd, 2013 at 12:06 pm
==== #21, I watch every game ……. you’re making assumptions about my basketball acumen, for which you have no foundation ………. I have coached three different high school teams, none in this state however, and I started listening (loving) UK bball back in 1954, many years before you were even born probably …. so please refrain from making yourself even more foolish ….. I am well aware that EVERYONE in the COMMONWEALTH is an expert roundball enthusiast ! Obviously, you’re a legend in your own mind !
Behind a keypad sir, your only rival is Coach Rupp himself !
Bend your knees and shut your yap !
Thanks
January 22nd, 2013 at 12:36 pm
==== P.S. #21
Goodwin FT% 67.3
POYTHRESS FT% 69.2 ……. sir —- that is NOT accomplished
Factual
====
January 22nd, 2013 at 12:48 pm
So serious…this is the comment section for a lighthearted blog…