Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
All the ingredients were in place. Rupp Arena was rocking, the Cats had made a 26-8 run to start the second half and for the first time all season, a lineup was on the floor that seemed to be clicking on all cylinders. It was looking like Rupp Arena would once again be a happy place in which the Cats would lock up a tournament spot and tell the SEC that the Big Blue is not dead yet. And then something else happened…..LSU reversed course, the Cats played more inconsistently and LSU put a severe crater on UK’s road to an 18th straight NCAA bid. As has been the case so often this year, the Cats started poorly, found a team ready to hit big shots down the stretch and caught enough bad breaks to lose a game that they easily should have won. Kentucky ended the day with its 10th loss and more importantly, its 5th loss on the Rupp Arena floor that for so long has been an initmidating presence to outside marauders. Now the Cats face two games to end the season that they must win and a date in Gainesville next Saturday that could be for all of UK’s postseason marbles. The arena felt deflated when the game ended today….and it will be up to Clyde and the boys to make the last week a successful one.
Some notes…..
— Lets start with the positive. To start the second half, UK finally found a lineup that seemed to be the ingredient to success. For the first time I can remember this season, Gillispie came out of halftime with an adjusted roster on the floor that represented a drastic overhaul of how the team would approach the game. Kevin Galloway, Meeks, Harris, Miller and Patterson began the second half down 36-28 and eight minutes later, they found themselves up 54-44. The new lineup had all the makings of a classic Billy Gillispie successful team….long, athletic and ready to pressure on defense, Kentucky completely took LSU off guard and played pretty basketball on both ends. Most importantly, with that personnel in the game, UK could pressure LSU’s two scorers. Razor moved from Thorton to Mitchell, holding the player who had scored 14 in the first half to zero points in that stretch. Miller played admirably on Thorton and Patterson continued to dominate on his single coverage defense. A GREAT run in the game and a lineup that I think (hope) will become the base for the rest of the year.
— At the end of that eight minute run came the decision that Gillispie said afterward cost UK the game. With ten minutes to go, Harris came off the floor grabbing his chest in a “Sanford and Son” like grasp that worried all of those around the bench. Razor said he wanted to stay in, but Gillispie made a decision to substitute for him. Afterwards, Gillispie said that decision to put one guy in was the difference in the game. Billy did not however say who that player was, and many presumed he was talking about Stewart. However at that break, Perry Stevenson came in for Razor and stayed in the game for the next five minutes. During that time, the 10 point lead turned into a 3 point deficit….all with Harris on the bench and Stevenson in. My guess is that this was the player Gillispie was referring to….but it was quite a surprise to see Coach point to that decision as the turning point in the game.
— However to give Gillispie credit, Harris’s departure was a turning point. His ability to guard Mitchell allowed Miller to take Thorton. When Harris left, Stevenson guarded Mitchell….he was able to score again and Thorton was picked up by Meeks….allowing Thorton a break from Miller and Harris’s length. During that time, Thorton scored eight points and LSU took a huge deficit and turned it into a lead. Those first ten minutes were brilliant defensively for UK and one definitely wishes that the Cats had been able to keep that lineup together…..I agree with Gillispie that if that happened, the result may have been different.
— A mistake cost UK on the final play once again. According to Clyde after the game, all players (except Patterson) were told to switch all screens on the pick and roll. Galloway felt the screen, but did not switch, instead following his man. When AJ switched, that left Mitchell open and he hit the three pointer. It was a mistake by Galloway (at least according to Kevin and Gillispie), but one did wonder why Stewart was in the game. AJ replaced Harris for that last play, and it did seem an odd time to have a guy in who rarely plays in such circumstances. But either way mistakes happen, and it cost UK late.
— A great performance by Patrick Patterson, who was brilliant while being played in single coverage by LSU. The problem once again however was that UK simply didnt get him the ball enough down the stretch. Wiht six minutes to go, Patrick had 24 points….he touched the ball only two times in the last six minutes. That simply cant happen for UK to win.
— Another cold shooting night for Jodie Meeks, who was 1-8 from three point land in Rupp. Jodie struggled on defense, but still was able to score a great deal by taking the ball to the basket. Still, when Jodie shoots poorly from outside, it is almost impossible for UK to beat a good team.
— A final word about lineups. While I am a defender of Michael Porter often, there are simply certain teams that he cannot guard. This was one of them. The great play by the quicker lineup in the second half will hopefully signal a change in how UK matches up with quicker and more athletic teams. Tonight was a good start.
— FINALLY, Kevin Galloway was allowed to play point guard in a key game. Much debate has been had here and in other realms about whether Porter or Liggins should play the position. But never has the third party candidate, Kevin Galloway, really been given a chance to shine at THAT (as opposed to the three spot) position. Tonight he did and showed what he can bring to the table for the position….height, good passing ability, long athleticism on defense and more ball control than DeAndre Liggins. Great performance tonight and hopefully a sign of things to come.
— I dont blame officials for losses. But for at least the tenth game this season, the SEC officiating was putrid and should be an embrassment for the league. Sometimes I have felt that UK has benefited from bad calls, sometimes it has hurt them (tonight was more on the hurt side), but it is always immensely frustrating. The lack of consistency and ability from the referees is shameful. It is by far the worst I have ever seen and tonight was potentially the best example of the league’s serious deficiencies in this area.
Tough night and a tough loss. Some good things in the second half, but still a backbreaker loss. Other bubble teams are losing as well however. If you beat Florida in Gainesville, the Cats are in. If they lose, then a run in the SEC Tournament is likely in order. The Cats played themselves onto the bubble this week. Next week is their turn to get off of it…..
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February 28th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Go Cats!
February 28th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
The best thing about UK fans is you never have to worry about running out of whine. My goodness!
February 28th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Tough one to swallow today. If it isn’t obvious by now who should be playing, then I don’t know what else has to happen. Perry Stevenson simply has way more negatives than positives. And well Michael Porter is just Michael Porter.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Write it down, take a picture, I don’t give a f**k…..UK will not win at Florida.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
lets not forget about beating georgia.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
4) LMAO
February 28th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
another loss….yawn. Wake me when Morgan Newton takes the field.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
2 more wins = NCAA BID -CHECK
February 28th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
I hate to say it and I “want” to think we’ll win @ Florida. BUT I don’t think we pull that one off. Matter of fact we’ll probably get beat by 10+. Calathes will have another career night and somebody else will step up from UF and beat us.
I am so frustrated with this team…. It is soo hard to take all of the smack talk about UK. I get it everywhere b/c everyone knows how passionate I am about Kentucky basketball. And right now, it’s neverending insults and jokes. And I have nothing to say back…….. Oh how I long for us to “matter” again….
February 28th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I say we beat Georgia and lose in Gayville (hehe). But we still make the tourney because of a run in the SEC that brings us to the championship.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Matt, Very well put. The officials sucked complete ass tonight and we should have won that game. Bobby Knight even went on national TV and said the officials were horrible and UK should have had it. Amazing! But life goes on.
We will win at Florida and against GA!!!!!!!!
Go Cats!!!
February 28th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
10 - I’d like to believe that, but this team seems to not have what it takes to do something like that. Plus, it’s likely that we’ll be playing on Thursday night, which is not a good start.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I am still a fan and always will be, but will be surprised if we make the tournament. Actually, I’m trying to convince myself we won’t make it. If we do, then I’ll be surprised and if not, I won’t be disappointed. BCG is douchebag for blaming KG for the final shot. KG and DM should be starting/playing every game with Porter/Stevenson on the bench taking turns thumb wrestling Jared Carter.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
We lost tonight and the officials we terriblez, but it was a great game. One we should have one but still a great game.
We still have a lot in front of us. Florida, Georgia and the SEC Tourney. A lot can happen between no and the big dance.
Have faith!
February 28th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
Perry Stevenson and Jared Carter are prime examples that recruiting rankings can be garbage. Both 4 star players out of high school. HAHAH yeah right.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
15. If you want to blame Jodie for a loss then you should blame yourself for actually thinking you are a fan.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Any word on Ramon. Why was
he clutching his chest? When
he had to come out of the game
and enter Stevenson the Cats
wilted like a flaccid weenie.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
i’ve heard no one say UK will not make the tournament…..except UK fans. i think that says a lot.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Is it me or do you see the expression on a lot of players faces as “I don’t need this s**t”?
February 28th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
11 - What did Bob Knight say? I heard him say that Kentucky will still make the tournament but didn’t hear him talk about this game.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
18. That reading this blog makes us dumber?
February 28th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
I didn’t say that we wouldn’t make the tournament. BUT it doesn’t look good. I mean, this team is so wildly inconsistent, how could ANYONE say what this team is going to play like the next game. Matter of fact, we could play good in a spurt like we did against LSU in the beginning of the 2nd half, then in the same effin game, completely fall apart with a 10 point lead AT home and lose…. Georgia beat Florida and we beat UF on the heave by Meeks @ home. We are going to their place this time.
I have hope. But I also know how to keep it real and use my head. This team is unpredictable, not only game-to-game, but minute to minute.
Having said all of that, I love my Cats and desperately want them to be “the” team again.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
How about benching Stevenson and Porter the whole game against UGA? Did you see Stevenson fumble the loose ball in front of the LSU bench…how pitiful are his hands?
March 1st, 2009 at 12:04 am
23. He’s been officially named “stone hands” by myself and my roommates. Quite irritating.
March 1st, 2009 at 12:04 am
Beisner rules. Is
there anything more
irritating than the
way DavidE
Shelton posts. Maybe
the content thereof
?
March 1st, 2009 at 12:06 am
23, Well it’s not like he had it and just let it go. I mean he ain’t a sure handed dude, but that was a loose ball he just didn’t get.
March 1st, 2009 at 12:06 am
23. Stevenson - worst hands in college basketball
Porter - worst PG dribbler in college basketball
Harris - worst shooter in college basketball
At least we have three guys who are FIRST at something.
March 1st, 2009 at 12:11 am
15 - Yes and no. One site had Carter at 136. Harangody at 104. But by and large they do fairly well with the top 25-40. There are a few misses and a few Rod Rhodes but what can be done about that?
March 1st, 2009 at 12:18 am
One bright spot from today. When we had the “right” line up in we looked damn good. Hopefully that’s a sign for when we get talent and depth that we will be a damn good team.
March 1st, 2009 at 12:37 am
This team is where it should be…in mid January.
March 1st, 2009 at 12:38 am
Matt and others:
THIS QUOTE BEARS READING.
It’s from Mitch Barnhart in a story by Mark Story at the Herald-Leader for S unday:
Direct Quote: ” I know nobody wants to hear it, but it’s going to take time to get our roster filled out like we need it to be.”
Feel free to read between the lines and discuss.
Mark LIptak
March 1st, 2009 at 12:39 am
21, high expectations
March 1st, 2009 at 12:46 am
Anybody have a link to the post game press conference?
March 1st, 2009 at 12:56 am
Nvm http://johnclay.bloginky.com/2009/02/28/audio-gillispie-galloway-and-j ohnson-after-uk-lsu/
March 1st, 2009 at 1:10 am
I am fearful that Meeks and PPat will leave next year! We will have new Freshmen, but they will have to endue BCG’s mindgames!Todd, Barnhart and BCG along with his non-coaching staff should be all FIRED! BCG is a DIV2 calibar coach. He is in way over his head and is not the right fit for Kentucky basketball. Go back to Texas!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 1st, 2009 at 1:35 am
35. Yes, Lee Todd should be fired because we lost to LSU. The Board of Regents is in the bowels of Funkhouser right now discussing it, whilst twisting their mustaches. The kneejerk reactions here are embarrassing. We sound like dicks (Jason Lee aka Jeff Beebe, Almost Famous paraphrase). The country already thinks we are, but like Mark Twain said, “‘Tis better to let people think you’re stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Go Cats.
March 1st, 2009 at 1:37 am
I love all that is blue & white no matter how good, bad, high, or low. I’ll back BG & at the same time not agree with a lot of his decisions. I want the team to win like it were 96-98 and almost in tears with every loss. But a cat fan I will be until the end! People need to remember what makes Kentucky special: the love of the game, the team, the coaches, the tradition, the passion, & the family of blue! The Cats & staff need all the fan support they can get in a not so great of times. Now is not the time to complain and point fingers, but to rally and support our team! The team feeds on the fan support of Rupp Rebels! I am one of many frustrated fans but my heart is blue as is others, but remember why KENTUCKY fans are special and the best! Players, coaches, and fans hold your heads high! Remember, we all want the same results and the team leaves it all out on the floor every night! GO CATS FOREVER!
March 1st, 2009 at 2:10 am
I’m a fan of the Big Blue forever and always, but as a college basketball fan, I look at UK’s body of work and don’t see any reason why they deserve an NCAA berth. Does anyone else? Let’s be honest, they squeaked in last year simply, I believe, because they are UK and bring a lot of fans to the venue, but is that what we want the NCAA tourney to be? A popularity contest? We have no quality wins and several dismal losses (Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, VMI). Plus, and let’s be honest with ourselves, the best we could probably hope for is an 11 or 12 seed and who wants to watch them get humiliated at the hands of a Texas or UCLA? Maybe some humility in going to the NIT would give this coaching staff pause and re-evaluate how they’ve been doing things. Oh, and don’t think if we are NIT bound, that tourney is not going to pass up on the chance to pit us against Minnesota.
March 1st, 2009 at 2:30 am
Galloway came in and the whole complection of the game changed, how has this guy not been starting. If he had played 30 minutes plus we win this game going away, I just do not understand coach.
March 1st, 2009 at 4:11 am
I am as depressed as most UK fans right now. But at least got excited by one of the first noticable adjustments to a starting line up in Billy G’s tenure…..In the 2nd half I was actually giddy to see he put in the line up, I oh so wanted, and threw Galloway in at the POINT, (and Miller). They were great in the first 10 minutes, and if you want to play to the future, how is that such a bad lineup. I don’t hate porter like most people do. I think he is limited in talent, and tries as hard as he can, but is in a situation where he can’t excel. UK fans, please do not direct your anger to Porter, but to BG for not playing a realistic lineup. At the same time, I am not a, “Fire Billy G”, possy because that would just be stupid. I don’t understand his line up plan, or his player development. I think he can take a good player and make him great, (ex: Bradley, Crawford, Meeks, and maybe Patterson(he may have already been great))…But not sure why he can’t take a mediocre player and make him better. Some examples are Liggens, Well I’ll just stop there for now…. Hang in there guys… Hopefully Galloway and Miller are not punished for their “tough” play at the end, and don’t see the court for the rest of the year. I’ll give it a chance and say Billy G learns who has the talent, and will play agressive, when it is necessary, and gives those players some time in the NCAA or NIT tourney to prepare for next year… I hope at least..I may be negative short term, but will always be positive long term… Go CATS!!!!
March 1st, 2009 at 4:21 am
Just another point on that 2nd half lineup…How great was that…Galloway at Point(long, athletic, able to find the open guy, can drive to the basket, and give a good pass to patterson and drive to the basket hard, giving and option to PPat to throw an assist), Razor(to offer his excellent on ball defense and occasional assist), Miller(to offer his explosiveness when confident, length on defense), and of course Patterson(constantly fighting below the rim) and Meeks(well being Meeks)….How is that lineup something Billy wouldn’t play next game??? Guess we will see! I know no one will read this post. But thank you Matt, and all involved, for giving us loyal UK fans a way to throw our “living room” coaching opinions out there…. GO CATS!!!
March 1st, 2009 at 4:36 am
The thing I never understand- when you hear Billy talk about the game- he sounds like one of us explaining what went wrong. If you don’t think Patrick is getting enough touches - you make sure everyone on the teams knows it- and make sure he gets them. It sometimes sounds like he doesn’t take the initiative to change the game as it is going on.
March 1st, 2009 at 5:58 am
Good posts, BigJ. I thought it was a great game except for the ending. I thought there was a lot of questionable calls but thought some of it might be my bias, interesting that Knight mentioned it, he is a lot better judge than me. I was impressed with LSU, especially their shooting, but the two threes in the first half that bounced 4′ in the air and then went through were just lucky. If UK can play like they did the first nine minutes of the second half they can surprise a lot of people, seems like we never know who will show up, hopefully the lineups get maxxed out before it is too late.
March 1st, 2009 at 6:57 am
Stop taking shots at these young men, it makes us look like a pack of fair weather idiot type fans!
We are what we are, and yes, at times frustrating, but no matter, I support players and coaches.
Give us some time, the roster will get stronger, and the coaches will take their lumps and all be better for it.
Better days are in front of us!!
March 1st, 2009 at 7:24 am
9 - you sound like a damn p*ssy maybe you should juzt switch to U of L where you would fit in better.
if we play with that as our primary lineup we’re the second best team in the SEC. as glad as i am to see a lineup that clicks in there you can’t keep from wondering: WHAT THE HELL KIND OF COACH TAKES 30 GAMES TO FIND THIS LINEUP?
anyway good job BCG good job cats - play like that and we should reach the SEC tournament finals. if meeks has an average night we win championship.
March 1st, 2009 at 7:30 am
Lineup change was the difference. BCG did what should have been done 20 games ago. I think we beat Georgia and we are a better team than Florida and will win that game. We will make the NCAA tournament. I hope the starting line up against Georgia includes:
Galloway
Meeks
Miller
Patterson
Harris
I am confident BCG will recognize the necessity. If he does not , he is simply letting pride get in the way of putting the best team on the floor.
March 1st, 2009 at 7:35 am
Stevenson, Harrellson, Stewart, Porter and Liggins makes a nice 10 man rotation. Let the game dictate substitution patterns. Although we lost, the second half adjustments gives me hope. I only hope the coach feels the same way.
March 1st, 2009 at 7:50 am
BCG = Kragthorpe and Barnhardt = Tommy Turtleneck in this scenario. How can we continually point to the excuse that he doesn’t have talent when other 1st and 2nd year coaches have accepted their rosters with less talent than ours and been more successful with them? Trent Johnson and Darin Horn are the most immediate examples. Regardless of what happens during the rest of Clyde’s tenure here, he has underachieved during his first two years and deserves every bit of the critcism he’s taking. His performace would be much easier to accept if he didn’t come accross as such a unyielding jerk most of the time. If he turns it around, we’ll all be happy, but that won’t change the crappy job he’s done so far.
March 1st, 2009 at 8:17 am
tommy - you are an idiot !!! bottom line……..you wanna look at those immediate examples a little closer…..top to bottom meaning 1-8, lsu & sc have more talent……….more importantly as pitino would say “experienced talent”…….
BCG 1st yr he is co coach of the year and your saying he underachieved? are you kidding me?
get a clue dude before you decide to post anything
March 1st, 2009 at 8:27 am
It took 28 and a half games to find the right lineup?
March 1st, 2009 at 8:29 am
48, Porter, Harris and Stevenson would not start at any other SEC school, in my opinion. It’s a cryin’ shame that Jodie and Patrick don’t have a better team around them. To have to players of their caliber and looking at maybe missing the big show is pitiful.
March 1st, 2009 at 8:33 am
49) Yes, he underachieved last year with what he had to work with. Luckily they played better during the SEC and thus he shared the coach of the year with Pearl. Save your “experienced talent” excuse. We have plenty of talent in Meeks, Patrick, Miller, Liggins, Galloway, Stevenson, Harris and Harrelson to beat most of the teams we’ve played. I fully recognize that we need a better option at point guard, but its on BCG that he didn’t get a functional one in this year and that he couldn’t keep Jasper around. Put simply, he deserves plenty of critcism and I’m far from the only one that sees that. Defend him all you want, he hasn’t earned the leeway that so many blindly give him. I hope he turns this thing around and we are a top 15 team next year but so far CBC has done nothing while he has been the coach at UK to convince me that he is the man for the job. I hope I’m wrong b/c a coaching change would only set us back further.
March 1st, 2009 at 8:35 am
51) Stevenson would start for most SEC teams.
March 1st, 2009 at 8:38 am
Florida vs. Kentucky will be very big. Most likely it’s a case where the winner goes to the NCAA and the loser doesn’t.
March 1st, 2009 at 8:55 am
52) We have talent with Meeks, Patrick, Miller, Liggins, Galloway, Stevenson, Harris and Harrelson, but we dont have experienced talent which is extremely important. Meeks (even though he missed last year), Patterson, Harris and Stevenson are the most experienced, but Harris isn’t ery talented and Stevenson isn’t to much farther ahead. Miller, Liggins, Harrelson and Galloway are obviously talented, but they are definitely not experienced, two freshman and two JUCO.
And how can you say he underachieved last year. All he had to work with was Patterson and two seniors who, at the beginning of the year, weren’t very cooperative in learning his new system. Once he got the players to follow him, he started winning big games, UT, Vandy, Florida and was named co-coach of the year for a reason. No matter what coach, his first year will be tough, especially at the beginning of the year, and it was no different for Billy Gillispie.
March 1st, 2009 at 8:59 am
Matt Jones, were you at the game? Sitting beside a bald guy and Bobby Perry(Orange Shirt)?
I threw up some KSR Gang signs, but you ignored me like DeAndre Liggins ignoring Billy Clyde!!!!
**P.S. KSR Gang Sign = Index Finger in Left Nostril - CHECK
March 1st, 2009 at 9:15 am
55, your point about experienced talent is valid…until you consider Vandy kicked our ass all over Nashville with 6 frosh.
March 1st, 2009 at 9:27 am
Matt, really great summary and observations. After this game, I was obviously disappointed, but I felt a million times better than after the SC loss, and that was all because of our play in the second half. Not just better play, but better play as a result of a different lineup - a lineup most of us have been screaming for the better part of the season. Now I will just wait and hope that Gillispie actually sticks with this lineup.
March 1st, 2009 at 9:28 am
sour grapes or whatever…but we got jobbed in the second half by the refs. FOUR no called shooting fouls. thats 8 free throws. we scored four points off of those 4 possessions. our average from the stripe gives us at least 5. Then there were three walks by LSU in the 2nd half uncalled. One was the “foul” on Perry where the ref called a trip…BS and the other was when that guy took 5 steps went from the baseline around pat on 3 steps, then shuffled and took a jump stop and hit a fade away…it was two consecutive walks…wtf
Im NEVER a reffer, but we got screwed.
March 1st, 2009 at 9:30 am
and NONE of you all were asking for a line up with Ramon Harris so if you claim this was your lineup all along…whatever helps you sleep at night
March 1st, 2009 at 9:30 am
53 I seriously doubt Stevenson woud start at most SEC teams at the moment. He definitely wouldn’t start over Alex Tyus at UF. He wouldn’t start over Dominique Archie or Sam Muldrow at USC. No chance he starts over Jarvis Varnardo or Elgin Bailey. Not going to start over Chris Johnson or Tasmin Mitchell at LSU. Not over Tyler Smith or Wayne Chism.
Auburn and Ole Miss maybe. But Malcolm White is more offensively capable then Perry. Georgia probably, but they are god awful this year.
I understand your point and I am not a fan of critcizing our players indiscriminately. However, I do think that Perry has become one of the most frustrating players on this roster. Primarily because you know he can get it done but sometimes he just doesn’t play his game.
March 1st, 2009 at 9:31 am
49) You cant be serious in thinking USC or LSU have more talent? LSU maybe, but definitely not LSU. Lets compare all 3 teams side by side:
UK USC LSU
Patterson
March 1st, 2009 at 9:33 am
And personally I think we are at our best when Harris is in the game and Porter isn’t. Harris brings defense and rebounding from the 4 in a small lineup. Our best lineup
1-KG
2-Meeks
3-Miller
4-Harris
5-Patterson
That is a long, very athletic lineup with 4 guys who have shown they can score. And people forget, Ramon Harris did hang 12 on UNC.
March 1st, 2009 at 9:34 am
15 I mean. He had 12 against KSU. And 17 against VMI
March 1st, 2009 at 9:39 am
Glad to see BILLYG made a lineup change. Porter and Harris on the floor at the same time just limit the Cats too much of the offensive end. Harris took zeros shots and 1 to 1 assist to turnover ratio, he did play good defense and normally does. I think Galloway speeds up the break and feeds the post better than anyone else we have. Has he hit a jump shot all year from more than 5 feet? Miller is slowly becoming a good third scorer. Why did Harris come out the last 25 seconds? I read the comments about us playing like it is December with the mistakes we make. That is on BILLYG. He played Harris and Porter and they lack enough ablility to get better? Galloway, Miller, Liggins and even Harrellson are just inexperienced, minutes would have helped!! Will Porter and Stevenson start against Georgia? I am going to say we will win conference tourney with the new lineup! GO CATS GO CATS GO CATS
March 1st, 2009 at 9:39 am
56, Damn, I’ve been inadvertantly throwing up KSR gang signs in enemy territory for years.
And, I’d say the odds are much greater for the NIT this year than the NCAA. I feel we are a longshot at this point. There is a chance, but only an optimist’s optimist would say its a good chance.
March 1st, 2009 at 9:46 am
66 I’m watching ESPNU right now and Jay Bilas and Bobby Knight think as long as we win 20 games we are a lock. Win UGA and FLA it is a foregone conclusion. Win one and we are probably ok. Lose both? Ok, that could be a dangerous situation.
March 1st, 2009 at 9:46 am
UK Coach Billy Gillispie blamed himself while also heaping responsibility for the loss on one player he did not name.
“If I don’t play one guy in the second half, we probably win,” Gillispie said. “My fault.”
This is copied out of Herald Leader from the Sunday paper. A good leader would not cut down a young man who he is trying to lead. We may not be sure who it is but the players do. This statement does nothing constructive but it does once again expose BILLYG lack of self-control.
March 1st, 2009 at 9:49 am
Al Purnell keeping the “Check” alive-Check
March 1st, 2009 at 9:55 am
Based on what I think is our best starting lineup vs others real starting lineup, here is how I break down UK’s, LSU’s and USC’s talent in comparison. I give my take on the who has the most talent at each position:
Patterson, Holmes, C. Johnson = Advantage UK, then LSU, then USC
Stevenson, Muldrow, Tasmin Mitchell = Advantage LSU, then UK, then USC
Miller, Archie, Temple = Advantage LSU (for now), then USC (for now), then UK (UK has the most potential here)
Meeks, Thornton, Frederick = Advantage UK, then LSU, then USC
Galloway, Spencer, Downey = Advantage USC, then LSU, then UK (UK could be exponentially better here had KG played pg more)
UK clearly has 2 advantages out of 5 spots, USC 1 and LSU 2. USC is bringing up the rear in 3 spots, UK 2 and LSU none. I would say LSU and UK are on par with each other. USC is not more talented than either team. In fact, the only players that would even crack UK’s rotation would be Downey and Archie.
I can stomach a loss to LSU in an even matchup. But, getting swept by USC, I cannot. It’s Billy’s own damn fault for not playing KG at point more earlier in the season. And, his lack of adjustments cost us dearly against USC at home, VMI and Ole Miss. Thos e are the 3 games that I cannot accept losing. Those are the 3 that Billy single handedly lost then blamed his team for not being tough enough. That is unacceptable coach. 22-7 would be pretty damn nice right now, but Billy has let his stubbirness interfere with his logic. For that, he should be on thin ice in his job security. This team is far too talented not to be int the NCAA tourney. Winning the next 2 will likely place us 2nd in the east, and that should be enough to get in.
March 1st, 2009 at 9:56 am
You know and as frustrating as this team is lets be honest about one thing:
At the beginning of this season, with Joe and Ramel gone, everyone knew we were going to have problems. Most people knew we were a year away.
Jodie isn’t going to be able to go pro this year. He turns the ball over at way too high of a rate, he isn’t a great ballhandler, and he is between positions at 6′4. He has great scoring ability, but most nba scouts are going to want to see him play more consistently with the ball in his hands. Also the buckets he gets in transition and off broken plays in the halfcourt will not come easily in the NBA.
Patrick could go after this year. But personally, I don’t think he will. Even if he does we have Orton coming in, Pilgrim eligible, Harrelson, Stevenson, and probably Stewart back.
I have criticized BCG as much as a lot of people, but I am willing to wait another season.
March 1st, 2009 at 9:58 am
Firing a coach after two seasons would be tantamount to committing institutional suicide. Who on earth would be crazy enough to come in here if they knew they had two seasons to turn us into a top 25 team from the ground up?
March 1st, 2009 at 10:22 am
Are we really assured to be “in” if we win the last two?
I figured with yesterday’s loss, that we would have to make the finals of the SEC tourny to get in, with wins in the last two games.
March 1st, 2009 at 10:24 am
We have to wait another 2 seasons, really. You have to have a chance to get your type of players and to install your system. We will be a top 25, and I think maybe a top 15 next year (I think Patterson and Meeks are back).
Besides, this year isn’t over yet. Win against Georgia and Florida and we are in.
March 1st, 2009 at 10:26 am
I stand by my earlier comment that this has been the most frustrating to watch UK Basketball season in my lifetime. I know we have holes in our rsoter but the talent is there to play better than we have played. BCG’s stubborn insistence on playing Porter at point has killed this season. There’s really nothing left to say…
March 1st, 2009 at 10:27 am
71. I think most people thought we were a year away from being a consistent top 25 team and no one expected Jodie to be as good as he is, but I think most would’ve thought we would at least have a team that makes the tourney fairly easily. If you told me before the season that Pat’s numbers would be better, Jodie would be averaging 25/game, and we’d be on the bubble, I’d say you were crazy. I think a big problem is the freshman haven’t contributed the way most people thought they would, Stevenson has pulled a complete 180 from the end of last season, and the marginal players (Porter, Harris, etc) haven’t improved at all. I think the reason for that is BCG hasn’t done a great job with the team, but regardless, I think we have underachieved for whatever reason.
And don’t forget that if we lose Pat and Jodie, this season will be a vacation compared to next. BCG better start recruiting those two guys to stay and let the assistants worry about the high school kids.
March 1st, 2009 at 10:30 am
74. I don’t buy that BCG needs time to gets his “type of players” for his system. Remember, he recruited Liggins, who is a good recruit, but that guy is not a BCG type guy and definitely doesn’t fit our system. Last year, he had to make Joe and Ramel adjust, but now, why is recruiting guys that don’t fit that mold? If you’re right, why not just recruit your type guys from the beginning? And don’t forget that BCG said at his first press conference that he was going to let his players dictate the style of play, not the other way around. I think he needs to get the best players possible and play the style of game that makes us the best team.
March 1st, 2009 at 10:34 am
I hate to agree with Seth Davis on anything, but he may be right that UK-FLA is almost a play-in game for both teams. Winner is in; loser is out.
March 1st, 2009 at 10:35 am
Like many of you, I am unhappy with BCG and I am very worried about the future. Having said that, I thought he made the best adjustments he could yesterday. I am very down about the game but very proud of the effort. Unlike the USC and Vandy games, effort and focus was there. A bounce here and there, a whistle here and there - we would be celebrating right now.
March 1st, 2009 at 10:41 am
Thank the Lord its baseball season again. This is about the 3rd team in a row that we’ve had that doesn’t deserve an NCAA bid, and this one won’t even get one.
March 1st, 2009 at 10:45 am
If Galloway had been starting since December, we would be at about 23-25 wins right now.
March 1st, 2009 at 10:47 am
57) Your point about Vandy is valid also, but you have to consider that one of our two experienced talent (Patterson) was out, which left us with Meeks. And, when we beat Vandy, they didn’t have they’re main experienced talent, AJ Ogilvy. So that just proves my point even more that experienced talent is important.
March 1st, 2009 at 10:49 am
So the whole game came down to one player on the last defensive play? What about the whole first half? See Rick Bozich article in the CJ today.
March 1st, 2009 at 10:54 am
See I think FLA is in deeper trouble then we are. They have one good win all year (Washington) and I believe only 1 win against the RPI top 50 outside of the SEC. They got stomped by UT.
On the other hand we have beaten them, UT twice, West Virginia (19-9), KSU (20-7) with wins against Texas etc…..It turns out that little Vegas tournament may save our bacon.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:07 am
4 wins in a row to get in…for sure. Otherwise it’s a toss up and hope that Georgia or some other team with zero chance of getting in doesn’t win the SEC tourney.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:09 am
Stevenson looks like somebody that can’t wait the season to be over.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:10 am
85) I think win our last two games and we are in for sure, any more wins after that is just helping the seed.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:15 am
After the unbelievable and latest ridiculous act of censorship by Jeff over at TCP, I have ended my 11-year membership with the Cats Pause message boards. I’m pledging my complete loyalty to this board. I’ve been splitting time for the past few years, but no more. Bottom line, after commenting on how changing rules midstream was unacceptable (they won’t even allow a thread that includes NIT in the title, even if it is a legitimate discussion!), and that discussing the NIT is nothing more than discussing a realistic possibility for the Cats, the response was essentially “This is my site, I built it, and I’ll change the rules whenever I want.” What a prick. If that’s the attitude over there, they’ll lose way more paying members than me.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:15 am
UK, win a big game on the road?…..hahahahahaha…..Let alone it’s Florida. See the USC game to see how well UK shows up for big road games. No way in hell UK wins that game.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:17 am
And yes, I realize Matt actually DID build this site, and he can change the rules whenever he wants. He doesn’t charge people who adhere to an established set of rules. You’re allowed to completely bash players like Porter and Harris over there, yet you cannot even discuss the NIT in a respectful manner as a basketball fan who is facing reality.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:19 am
90…to bad the guy is an immature loser
March 1st, 2009 at 11:25 am
tommy - you can’t be serious.stevenson starts for most sec teams?? and what exactly does he bring to the table beside shot blocking ability……….zero……
and you say harris is a talent………..please…….maybe you should start watching other tv b/c its obvious you don’t have a clue when it comes to bball’
wake up!!
March 1st, 2009 at 11:26 am
Anyone that can not see that billy is tring to f-up to get out of his contract is blind. He will collect the buyout and go back to texas.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:27 am
What was wrong with Harris yesterday. He looked like his chest was hurting?
March 1st, 2009 at 11:29 am
This may be above somewhere but WTF was the deal with the no call on the painfully obvious “push off” by LSU coming down court on their last possession?
I’ve said it since we started SEC play, this is absolutely the worst slate of officiating I’ve seen in all my years of watching SEC basketball, they are awful.
( Posted this same post in the end of the game thread but didn’t get any feedback, thought I’d try here…)
March 1st, 2009 at 11:33 am
Nice to see you Ramel. Love seeing you post…Jeff means well and generally does a great job. Don’t be too hard on him.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:36 am
the reffing has sucked but it has sucked even for both teams on the floor not just the cats. we have lost 5 or 6 of our game because of poor coaching the other 3 because of talent.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:39 am
I’m trying to be objective, but how does losing 6 of 9 and then winning the next two games guarantee we are in. If so, then getting in is too easy. Losing both USC and home to LSU is bad, so how does winning the next two erase that?
March 1st, 2009 at 11:40 am
Does Jared Carter start against Georgia?
March 1st, 2009 at 11:42 am
I’m a firm believer that a players play on the court usually reflects his personality off the court. Not always but many times. Ever watched Perry off the court? Ever listened to one of his interviews? He is just layed back, low energy, don’t take a dumb without thinking it over for 3 hours. That’s how he plays. I think his problems have nothing to do with his ability as a player. I think he has above average skills. He just has no fire in his belly, and cannot react to the game in realtime.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:43 am
carter starts scores 20 in 10min. only to be kicked off the team at half time.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:43 am
He’d better.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:44 am
That was intended to be “Dump” by the way. Maybe that’s Irony.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:45 am
103) That sh*% happens all the time to me…..
March 1st, 2009 at 11:47 am
does any other coach in the country not play a lick of zone def. i mean not one min. i can not think of one. seems like you put your self at a disadvantage by throwing out half the play book.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:49 am
Someone should ask BCG if he’s giving back half his paycheck because he only coaches defense. I bet he would think that’s a bad question.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:49 am
Yea, but playing man all the time just gives your players a chance to play with unbelievable passion on a daily basis.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:52 am
i would just once like to see us take someone’s ball with all the full court man.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:53 am
Dwight Perry with as many STARTS in a NCAA tourney game as Patrick Patterson - Check
March 1st, 2009 at 11:54 am
Of all the things I don’t understand about Clydes coaching decisions, the defensive scemes outweigh them all, especially with Porter. He’s always playing from behind. He’s looked at more ass this year than Bruce Pearl at a Hanna Montana concert.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:55 am
23. Stevenson - worst hands in college basketball
Porter - worst PG dribbler in college basketball
Harris - worst shooter in college basketball….OMG, this is so true. Perry has dropped off the face of the Earth. No longer blocking shots, can’t hold onto a basketball to save his life…what has happened to him? After the missed FTs against USC he has dropped like a rock. Porter & Harris, I don’t even need to say anything. Their play says it all. BCG, please–continue to put Miller and Galloway in the line-up. We need to win (we’ve needed this line-up all season, but you’re to damn stubborn). We have to have the next 2 games and make a run in the SEC tourney. Please BCG–do the right thing.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:56 am
Michael Porter would screw up a team with 2 NBA Draft Picks…uhhh ohh wait
March 1st, 2009 at 11:56 am
i know were a great deal on a house is at. guy paid 1.2 mil. will take a lot less come the end of march.
March 1st, 2009 at 12:00 pm
#100: Some UK players have no PASSION or PRIDE. I played mean in H.S. on every play (regardless if we were winning or losing)–I want to see a mean streak, take it to the hole and dunk it! Don’t be timid!!! Perry, are you hearing me??? How can you be 6′9 and have great leaping ability and not try to dominate??? I just don’t get it.
March 1st, 2009 at 12:02 pm
111. I’d like to refresh the class in here that those you mention plus Carter are the Juniors and Senior the previous coach thought would make us win. We’re seeing the results of that now.
March 1st, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Great article by the Herald Leader about the Section 18 Dancing guy. He was going good yesterday.
http://www.kentucky.com/827/story/710959.html
March 1st, 2009 at 12:04 pm
114. Physically he’s thrown around like a sack of taters, but you’re right to a point.
March 1st, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Matt, I hear ya. It was just the attitude he copped with me about the situation. He took his frustration out on me and I won’t accept that. Anyways, I’m glad to be here. Best UK-related site on the web.
March 1st, 2009 at 12:05 pm
It’s pretty sad when the dancing dude is the highlight of our year. Hell, we should point him at point. I know he’s got quicker feet that Porter.
March 1st, 2009 at 12:06 pm
lol…Got more passion than Liggins and Stevenson
March 1st, 2009 at 12:19 pm
89. Remember Tennessee?
March 1st, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I’ve been wondering if something is going on with Stevenson for months. His face and body language say “I just don’t really care that much anymore.” It’s worse than Randolph Morris. I think it was more frustrating with Morris because we all knew he could absolutely DOMINATE a game if he wanted to. Stevenson, not so much. But it would be nice if he would get aggressive and dunk the damn ball once in awhile. He has such long arms that he could try to dunk from a few feet out, yet he’d rather throw up junk (without even using the glass). This, of course, if he hasn’t been whistled for traveling at that point.
March 1st, 2009 at 12:23 pm
And how come nobody has mentioned Pitino wearing the WHITE SUIT AGAIN?? Haha. Didn’t he say “never again”?? Duh.
March 1st, 2009 at 1:21 pm
119-Highlight of our year?!! Are you kidding me? I know this season has been very VERY frustrating, but there have been highlights; Both Tennessee games, the “shot” by Meeks over Calathes, Meeks 54, 46, 45, 39, etc. Patterson and Meeks both going for 30+ in the same game. Patterson and Stephenson’s early season block party. Our free throw shooting all year long, Galloway’s skill on display “when he gets to play.” There have been a lot of things to be excited about.
But I know that we all tend to focus on the negative things. That’s just how we are wired, but I wanted to bring up some of the moments that we’ve all jumped out of our seats and were proud to be UK fans. It certainly could be worse.
Having said that, I think that things WILL get better. But it’s going to take A LOT of effort and passion. Orton and Hood are VERY good reasons to be excited. But we HAVE to get or develop a POINT GUARD!!! And I think that we “most” all agree that Galloway could very well be the answer. And how big of an advantage would it be to have a 6′7 point guard….
March 1st, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Did Galloway miss that free throw on purpose yesterday. We got a 4 pt play out of it and I’d like to think it was planned that way.
March 1st, 2009 at 2:05 pm
It took 29 games for Gillispie to find out a better lineup to start. Porter sucks. Sucks. The fact that GIllispie is just now changing that tells a lot. Too little too late though. I wouldn’t be surprised to see UK lose to Georgia at home next. There is zero home court advantage at Rupp. UK has lost 9 home games the last 2 seasons. Gillispie better start winning at home or the old people that pay the big bucks for season tickets are going to stop paying. THese old folks don’t have much time left on their tickers and they need to see UK wins.
March 1st, 2009 at 2:30 pm
We finally began playing when Gillispie put “the starters” in together during the second half. We’re not good enough to spot the other team a 10 point margin while he makes his stubborn philophical statement or whatever leads him to start the lineups that he starts.
“The starters” = PG - Kevin Galloway
SG - Jodie Meeks
SF - Darius Miller
PF - Stevenson or Harrelson
C - Patterson
Why can everybody in the state see that except for the one who makes the decision?
March 1st, 2009 at 2:37 pm
70 - That’s a VERY flawed way to look at it. Without taking too much space, I’ll just point out that maybe the positions we are the best in aren’t that far ahead / the positions we are last in are very far behind. You are especially not a genius.
93 - Wow. Just, wow.
March 1st, 2009 at 2:48 pm
I’ll be honest: I hate watching Porter play.
Some people say that BCG should have been playing Galloway all year. But I think you forget that Porter has been the best option some games this year (Louisville and Indiana, for instance). If BCG had been playing Galloway all year, we may have more losses than we do now.
Is it possible that BCG is that blind? Or maybe all coaches know better than us fans. People criticized Pitino and Tubby. Someone on here said their grandfather used to call Rupp and complain about playing time. GIVE ME A BREAK. He knows better. Period.
81 - One of the most absurd things I’ve heard on here. I can think of nothing more impossible to quantify.
March 1st, 2009 at 8:14 pm
As long as BCG thinks Porter deserves to start over Galloway, we will fail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 1st, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Meeks caused us to lose this game! He is the sub BCG was talking about! Ppat did not touch the ball in the final 6 mins of the game!!!!!! BCG needs to get Meeks under control!!! This is Team Ball, Jodie!!!!!!!!