[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
A great Saturday for the University of Kentucky is worth three quick notes from Indian Wells:
— I am very impressed with the resolve of the UK basketball team in getting the win over the Gators. In many ways, Kentucky has no business beating Florida. The Gators are a terrible matchup for the Cats and possess potentially the worst style of play and personnel for this Kentucky team. But even though the Cats’ backs were completely against the wall, they turned a 7 point lead into a 4 point win with key stops, huge plays and smart decisions down the stretch. All of those have been weaknesses for this year’s Kentucky team and that is why it was such a relief to see them have success. Willie Cauley-Stein manned up in the post, Alex Poythress got big rebounds, Julius Mays hit key shots, Archie Goodwin keyed a run and Ryan Harrow made good decisions, all of which contributed to the victory. What looked like a dire situation, a potential Thursday game in the SEC Tournament and a nearly impossible path to a NCAA bid, now looks quite good. Kentucky plays the winner of Arkansas/Vandy, then potentially Missouri or Ole Miss (either of which could give UK a quality win) and a path to even getting out of the “First Four” series. It was once dark in Kentucky and now it is slightly brighter…and a team that has taken a lot of criticism, deserves credit for that change.
— The UK Women’s Team is mere moments away from a SEC Tournament victory that is as rare as a dodo bird for the school. Matthew Mitchell’s team has had an amazing year and I hope for them that they can get it done. The way this team plays, with heart, grit and a strong entertainment value reminds virtually everyone of the Pitino UK teams before they got loaded with talent. They deserve a chance to bask in the glory of competing the last thing that UK Hoops hasn’t done in a long time. Tonight at 6 on ESPNU, I hope it happens.
— The State High School Championship game was one to remember. An epic ending, that included an unbelievable late steal and three pointer completed what was one of the best tournaments in recent years. This will also be remembered as the year that a postseason High School run helped propel a kid to stardom as Madison Central’s Dominique Hawkins has officially become directly in the Kentucky staff’s wheelhouse. Calipari attended three of the four Sweet 16 games and Orlando Antigua attended them all as Hawkins put on a show for all to see. I hope he ends up with a scholarship, both because he deserves it (the kid can ball and has heart) but because of what it says about this program and this state. A kid can come from relatively off the radar and be a part of the greatest college basketball program in the land. It’s like a Disney movie, albeit one that also includes a potentially very good player.
We are in Indian Wells doing our tennis thing and having way too much fun. You can read our work here at THE OUTER COURTS and I hope you will stop by. Whether you like tennis or not, you will recognize Drew and my style and I think you will be entertained. Plus there we have audio of Roger Federer saying “GO CATS” on the UK postgame show. Enjoy and we will catch you again a bit later.
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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March 10th, 2013 at 6:18 pm
1,1
March 10th, 2013 at 6:23 pm
Yes and hell yes.
March 10th, 2013 at 6:24 pm
That’s what I’m talking about.
March 10th, 2013 at 6:27 pm
“Words are very unnecessary. They can only do harm.” – Depeche Mode
March 10th, 2013 at 6:34 pm
That’s the same furniture that was in those buildings when I lived there 1988-1991!! I can’t believe I noticed the furniture!
March 10th, 2013 at 6:36 pm
Turn on ESPN … Tom Crean is crying.
March 10th, 2013 at 6:42 pm
3- taaaaa down!
Wooo Matt Jones did well on this pict. Short skirts but classy looking. mmm mmm Well done ladies> A salute your parent’s DNA-making capabilities…
March 10th, 2013 at 6:49 pm
Trying to post a comment on that Outer Courts, but not sure how, wants me to sign in as something, don’t understand it…..I stick with posting here. Damn IU!!
March 10th, 2013 at 7:05 pm
#5 that furniture was there in 1985 as well and that’s a fact. Jeez going on 30 years I think it’s time to get some new chairs lol.
March 10th, 2013 at 7:07 pm
5 – that IS disturbing that you would notice the furniture! If you’re gonna admit to stuff like that, please change your name!signed – fellow CPA, who did NOT notice the furniture, though it was there in ’78 also!
Go Cats!
March 10th, 2013 at 7:09 pm
That’s one of the common areas in Kirwin-Blanding.
March 10th, 2013 at 7:10 pm
I’ve got a woodie!
March 10th, 2013 at 7:11 pm
Tom Cream working to match Cal’s championship rings. Don’t think these two will be exchanging Christmas cards. Whatever you can do, I can do better.
March 10th, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Matt, can KSR interview the Great Wizard Marrow each month to hear what magic he is brewing in his Ohio meanderings?
March 10th, 2013 at 7:16 pm
Last night on the tennis live blog, Matt said he’s hearing Randle to UK and Poythress coming back.
March 10th, 2013 at 7:21 pm
#13-This is a UK Board! Go to your board and cut down the nets already.
March 10th, 2013 at 7:24 pm
15. Randle is welcomed but Poythress needs to GTFO.
I guess that all means no Wiggins either
March 10th, 2013 at 7:27 pm
Oh, let the Loser fnas have their due. This is their first conf. title in 20 year.
March 10th, 2013 at 7:31 pm
15, anyone can tell you UK is the favorite for Randle and has been since Day 1. And where would Poythress go? He wouldn’t get drafted till late first round, of course he’s coming back.
March 10th, 2013 at 7:32 pm
Would love to see Hawkins get an offer. We need someone with pride in state wearing the uniform.
March 10th, 2013 at 7:33 pm
B1G title!!!!
March 10th, 2013 at 7:34 pm
Matt Jones is still a b!tch
March 10th, 2013 at 7:36 pm
20-yes! These are the exact type of players we need to mix in withe the burger boys.
March 10th, 2013 at 7:47 pm
Those Hoosiers are a funny bunch. We whipped those red headed step children for years on end and they are having a pretty good year this year and want to come to a UK site beating their chests! Hope you make the most of this season boys because next year it’s back to reality!
March 10th, 2013 at 7:49 pm
Nice pix, I like it. Fancoulo you too.
March 10th, 2013 at 7:50 pm
I’m gonna take the brunette on the right. Who wants to be my wingman and take her friend?
March 10th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
I’ve watched a lot of basketball and Dominique Hawkins is the real deal. He would be a perfect fit for KY. Cal would be crazy not to offer him a full ride. Congrats to him and his teammates of Madison Central High School for winning the 2013 State Championship!
March 10th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
Dat women’s live blog is da saddest thing eva fo real doh
March 10th, 2013 at 8:06 pm
I don’t understand Matt at the tennis tournament. What if it works out well? Are we at some point in your rear view member. That’s fine, but to leave during March? God luck to you and yours, as Gomer would say
March 10th, 2013 at 8:07 pm
mirror
March 10th, 2013 at 8:23 pm
Matt is a turncoat. He’s biten on almost every offer hes gotten and left this site at least 5 times. Of course he fails at everything because he is a major d-bag and no one can stand him or working with him and then comes back to KSR. His next failure will be a run for political office. A commie arrogant d-bag who loves Obama should go over real well here in Kentucky
March 10th, 2013 at 8:25 pm
I feel dirty….these girls were probably born in like 1995.
March 10th, 2013 at 8:32 pm
Who are those ladies? Wow!
March 10th, 2013 at 8:34 pm
“@MattJonesTennis: This may be the best job I have ever had, perfect weather, very little stress and no Rick Bozich or Pat Forde within sight”. Hey bet you got a lot of nice comments after this tweet. Pretty dumb thing to say from a dude who gets paid to cover Kentucky basketball.. But hey I bet your having a last watching Nadal run around in his short shorts and tight shirt
March 10th, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Ahhhhh college. See what you get for all of your hard work in high school.
March 10th, 2013 at 9:14 pm
Don’t hate on Matt jones just because he got pockets more swole than you + likely gets his with fine women like the one on tha right each time he stunts in Lexington.
March 10th, 2013 at 9:18 pm
36. Definitely not jealous buddy. Just said it was a dumb thing to say.
March 10th, 2013 at 9:22 pm
Florida’s ineptness gave uk the win. Bottom line. UK will get curb stomped in the play in game.
March 10th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
hey HOTties, they don’t want us in the BIG dance cause we might WIN the damn thing. go cats
March 10th, 2013 at 10:23 pm
#4–Enjoy the Silence…
March 10th, 2013 at 10:45 pm
GO BIG BLUE!!
March 10th, 2013 at 11:00 pm
Them legs is like a rainy day.
I’d like to see’em clear up.
March 11th, 2013 at 2:07 am
I just returned home from Indian Wells. It was awesome seeing Matt and Drew there!!! I watched the first set of the Maria Kirilenko match and must say she is mighty fine.