Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
It is that time of year again. Yes, it is time for me to once again attempt to complete a Greatest UK Player ever Tournament. I have given a couple of attempts in the past, but the momentum has always waned and we have ended up letting it go before we advanced very far. But not this time! This time we have the whole month of July and we are going to let it ride as we pick the greatest player ever.
So how does it work? Easy…..we have a distinguished panel of voters (who will be announced next week), some old-timers, some new-timers and each will vote on who the “best” player was while at UK. Best is in the eye of the beholder, but this panel will each vote and then we will add a “fan vote” which will be done on this website once the tournament begins. Whichever player gets the most votes takes the cake. The players are to be judged in their eras and against their competition…..and ONLY for their COLLEGE performances, not the NBA or ABA. The contest will begin next week.
Now without further ado, here is our bracket. We picked the bracket by taking the top 50 scorers in UK history and letting them in…..and then taking the next 50 and skewing towards more recent players to keep the youngsters involved. The brackets were names after the four most successful UK coaches of the modern era. There were some folks left out….as always, but generally this is a good list. Our intern at the radio show, Brian, took the first crack at seeding and I then did some minor revisions. Emphasis was given on points in the seeding process, but this emphasis can change in the “game”. So let us know what you think…..its tourney time!
Adolph Rupp Bracket
(1) Dan Issel
(16) Jeff Brassow
(8) John Pelphrey
(9) Jim Master
(4) Pat Riley
(13) Randolph Morris
(5) Melvin Turpin
(12) Richie Farmer
(6) Rick Robey
(11) Jimmy Dan Connor
(3) Alex Groza
(14) Dirk Minniefield
(7) Chuck Hayes
(10) Antoine Walker
(2) Cotton Nash
(15) Nazr Mohammed
Tubby Smith Bracket
(1) Jack Givens
(16) James Lee
(8) Wayne Turner
(9) Wah Wah Jones
(4) Keith Bogans
(13) Jamal Magloire
(5) Winston Bennet
(12) Jim Andrews
(6) Johnny Cox
(11) Jeff Sheppard
(3) Cliff Hagan
(14) Sean Woods
(7) Ed Davender
(10) Deron Feldhaus
(2) Tony Delk
(15) Patrick Sparks
Joe B Hall Bracket
(1) Kenny Walker
(16) Anthony Epps
(8) Mike Pratt
(9) Derek Anderson
(4) Bill Spivey
(13) Thad Jaracz
(5) Kyle Macy
(12) Scott Padgett
(6) Frank Ramsey
(11) Reggie Hanson
(3) Rex Chapman
(14) Rajon Rondo
(7) Mike Phillips
(10) Vernon Hatton
(2) Ralph Beard
(15) Kelenna Azubuike
Rick Pitino Bracket
(1) Jamal Mashburn
(16) Rodrick Rhodes
(8) Larry Conley
(9) Ron Mercer
(4) Tayshaun Prince
(13) Travis Ford
(5) Mike Casey
(12) Derrick Miller
(6) Sam Bowie
(11) Tom Parker
(3) Kevin Grevey
(14) Eric Daniels
(7) Gerald Fitch
(10) Derrick Hord
(2) Louie Dampier
(15) Walter McCarty
[powered by WordPress.]
Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
28 queries. 1.104 seconds
June 29th, 2007 at 11:55 am
First
June 29th, 2007 at 11:56 am
sam bowie a 6?????
June 29th, 2007 at 11:57 am
Seconddd, stupid loukat
June 29th, 2007 at 11:57 am
Interesting idea. The weirdest matchup by far has to be Cliff Hagan-Sean Woods. I can’t even begin to wrap my mind around that one.
June 29th, 2007 at 11:57 am
I DONT SEE TODD SVYBODA!!!
June 29th, 2007 at 11:58 am
This one probably won’t get real interesting until the final 8 or so. Neat Idea though. I would say Mashburn….but that’s probably because I am too young to remember many of the other past greats. I hear Dan Issel was unstoppable when he was on.
June 29th, 2007 at 11:58 am
Patrick Sparks in the tourney…really?
June 29th, 2007 at 11:59 am
You know, that “first” shit is pretty retarded. Whatever makes you happy I guess.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
yea im thinking bubba sparks should be in before patrick
June 29th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Yes, how do you make Bowie a 6 and Mel Turpin a 5? Bowie was definitely the better of the twin towers.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
ford/prince matchup is an interesting one. Ford was always one of my favorite players but prince was damn good.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Patrick, Bubba, whatever, their both slow, fat white guys.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Wayne Turner should have been considerably higher than an 8 in my opinion. He was like the winningest player of the 90’s and maybe one of the winningest ever, with 3 title game appearances and 2 wins.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
No Cameron Mills? This tourney is useless! (I kid, I kid…)
June 29th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Jay Shidler should be in there considering he played almost every game stoned. I know, I was there.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
What a great idea! This should at least occupy us for a month. (By the way, Matt, speaking of beauty contests, whatever happened with yours?)
I can’t believe y’all pitted Epps against Walker! I loved both of them. Glad I’m not on that panel. I’d have a hard time with many of those. Can we name the final round of the tourney “The Billy Gillispie Tournament of Champions”??? Since he’s bringing in so many championship calibur players, its only fair to name him amoung the great coaches of this tournement!!!
June 29th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Wah Wah Jones, Harlan in Harlan, KY - how many NC did Wah Wah have?
June 29th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Remove Walter McCarty because he is now a retardinal!
June 29th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
#13, agree 100%.
#15, might as well throw Jared Prickett in there as well.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Sean Woods couldn’t carry Cliff Hagens jockstrap.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
James Lee vs Jack Givens … it should have Lee vs Hord
June 29th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Pat Riley wins the LifeTime Achievement Award
June 29th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Rondo a higher seed than Buke??!! Cmon guys. Show some respect.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Ed davender will be a sleeper in the tourney the most underratted player in uk history
June 29th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Wallace “Wah Wah” Jones was the starting forward on the University of Kentucky’s “Fabulous Five” and helped the school win NCAA national championships in 1948 and 1949. He was also a member of the 1948 U.S. Olympic team that won the gold medal and was named an All-American in 1949.
I’d say Wayne Turner doesn’t compare to him.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Dan Issel! Done Deal! Period the end!
June 29th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Poor Reggie Hanson !!!!
Frank Vernon Ramsey as a sophomore in 1951 he helped Kentucky win the NCAA Championship with a 68-58 victory over Kansas State.
A 6-3 guard, he played his entire nine-year (1954–1964) NBA career with the Boston Celtics and played a major role in the early part of their dynasty, winning seven championship rings. Ramsey was also a head coach for the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA during the 1970–1971 season.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
“deWildcats Says:
June 29th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Wallace “Wah Wah” Jones was the starting forward on the University of Kentucky’s “Fabulous Five” and helped the school win NCAA national championships in 1948 and 1949. He was also a member of the 1948 U.S. Olympic team that won the gold medal and was named an All-American in 1949.
I’d say Wayne Turner doesn’t compare to him.”
PWNED!
June 29th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
True … in the end only one man stands alone among all these great names - and that is Dan Issel
June 29th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Matt once again my man Sean Woods gets a raw deal as a 14 seed. How can the only unforgettable who played defense be the lowest seed of them. I think people forget how good he was. For my money he’s the best all around point guard since the Pitino era.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Wah Wah and Turner’s seeding are bogus!! Both should be seeded way higher (3-5 seed). Therefore they should never be playing inst each other in the first round. If they were to meet in the later rounds - I would go with Wah Wah just because he was a little more dominant. Man, I hate to ever be against Turner he is the all time winningest Collegiate basketball player ever - with like 140+ wins. Remember when he abused Wojo 4 straight times down the floor in St. Pete?
My winner in the bracket is Delk. He got a fairly easy draw and takes it home!!!
June 29th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
I say add James Blackmon and maybe take out Roderick Rhodes….but great job guys…
June 29th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
i think its interesting to see Mash against Rhodes considering Rhodes was billed as the one to take Mash’s reign as superstar after he left.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Interesting mix. However, isn’t it Jim LeMaster (not Jim Master)? Also, I can’t see having Brassow even listed.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Chuck Hayes is probably the most over-hyped player to ever play at Kentucky. If he had played with the type of teams that KY is used to having, he would have probably been an ok role player. I will never doubt his heart and desire, but the kid just wasn’t a very good basketball player. He missed more lay ups than Jared Prickett. I like the kid, but no way should he be seeded. Just my opinion. Now feel free to rip.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
31. I remember that Duke game. Too bad I also Cameron Murray beating his ass 2 years in a row and mateen cleaves beating him in his last game. And as far as winning goes he won as many games as Cameron Mills and lost more.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
This is very well done. The seedings aren’t a big deal as it will work out regardless. However - you knew it was coming - I think the best way to do this is to vote by position to get to the top 5. Then choose the greatest player once the fantasy team is chosen. Something like beginning with an elite 8 for each position and go from there. That way we’ll come away from this with more than Dan Issel. Anyway, no complaints here.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
I don’t see Tony Delk above Cliff Hagan. I also don’t see Rod Rhodes even sniffing this list. Really don’t see Mike Phillips as a 7 either.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
#35 - NOBODY missed more layups than Jared Prickett in 1993-94.
Instead of the “Rick Pitino Bracket”, I would have preferred to see the “TCFEBUK Bracket” or even go totally crazy with the “John Mauer Bracket”.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Sure, I’ll rip since I’m invited. Hayes’ talent is way underrated. People talk about the heart, hustle and so on, which is true, but a lot of guys have that. They don’t have the high basketball iq and skills. UK Athletics sums it up pretty well: http://www.ukathletics.com/index.php?s=&change_well_id=2&url_article_i d=10272
SEC Defensive POY, 6th in rebounds…so on and so forth. It’s most obvious now, though, because you can watch him play against the pros and other extremely talented guys. He really knows how to play the game.
Now, all that being said, I see where you’re coming from. He doesn’t put up super flashy numbers, and he doesn’t pass the looks test, but I still think he would have been a starter on most UK teams.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Sweet 16: Issel/Pelphrey, Connor/Nash, Jones/Bogans, Hagan/Delk, Walker/Spivey, Chapman/Azubuike, Mashburn/Prince, Grevey/Dampier
June 29th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Elite 8: Riley/Nash, Bogans/Delk, Walker/Chapman, Prince/Dampier
June 29th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Final 4: Nash/Bogans, Chapman/Prince
June 29th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Championship: Chapman over Bogans
June 29th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
My pick is, Dan Issel will go up against Tony Delk, delk would crush Issel with his #’s.
And then it would have to be Kenny walker on Prince. Mashburn would have been a good match but Prince was to dominate, even being coached under Smith. Eventually it would be K. Walker/ Delk. They were both the star on their team on UK and i think Walker would come away with a win. But nothing on here is a fact, just opinion.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Rex Chapman a 3. Come on seriously!!!!!!!!!
June 29th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
Hey Matt–The 65 game should be Cameron Mills vs. Ravi Moss
June 29th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
I want the Finger in that list!
Chris Gettlefinger never gets any respect!
June 29th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Turner seeded higher than the great Wah Wah? Are you guys smoking week with Dirk?
June 29th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
why can’t we vote too???
June 29th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
I guess I watched a different game than most of you guys. Prince isn’t close to Mash. I can’t think of one area other than defense Prince was better. I can only imagine what Arkansas press would have done to Prince.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Who in the hell is Thad Jaracz (#13 in Joe B bracket)?
June 29th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Thad Jaracz - Center for the Rupp Runts
June 29th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
I’ll save you all some time. The winner is Rob Lock.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
#52, for a tradition-rich program to have such history-illerate fans is embarrassing. He was the center on Rupps Runts. Perhaps you have heard of them?
June 29th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
That’s about equal to LeRon Ellis being on the 89 team.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Bogans and Prince seeded above legends such as KYLE MACY, Robey, Bowie, Frank Ramsey, etc.?
Yeah, right.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Antione Walker a 10? come on now, he is top 10 to ever put on a UK uni IMO, not matter how many years he played
June 29th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
In fact, only Tommy Kron from the starting five of the Runts is missing from the list. Should drop Beard and Groza, though. They shave points. Their match-ups would be meaningless, anyway.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
#55, sorry it’s easy to forget guys that average 11 points a game.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Bogans is the #4 leading scorer in history…..R-E-S-P-E-C-T
June 29th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
You should do another one one the most important players we’ve ever had. The tops seeds should be the unforgettables.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Will Dirk Minifield being playing stoned or not?
June 29th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Jeff Sheppard all the way
June 29th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Tayshaun got a horrible matchup with Jamal being the #1 in that bracket. In any other bracket I could see The Prince pulling an upset to the Elite Eight or FF, but nopt against Mash.
I’m predicting Mash, Rex, Goose, and Issel in the Final Four. Mash to win it all.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
That’s not me. I’m taking Issel.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
very good list..great job guys..however I would put someone like James Blackmon in over Rhodes or even Sparks, but overall, very good job..also, best matchup= Pelphrey vs. Master
June 29th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
I dont think Rhodes should be in here. He just never really “got it” in terms of being a KY player
June 29th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
I have a real problem with the seedings. And I wonder if some of you
guys just never watched Ky bball or you just don’t know shit about bball.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
67- Blackmon is a good one left out, another is Cedrick Jenkins.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Walker vs Hayes right out of the box? Walker is one of the most talented ever. Hayes was a fan favorite and the heart and soul of his teams. Take Walker away from UK’s roster and they still dominate. Take Hayes away from UK and they’d fall apart. Bad matchup with both possibly seeded too low.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
It’s not that some people don’t know BB. It’s that they don’t know anything before the Pitino era, which is the bulk of UK BB history.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Hey 67) look at my #32 post…..great minds think alike..
June 29th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
In the Hall bracket, #1 seed Kenny Walker will draw Macy and Chapman….Will the pictures of Kenny amongst the flowers carry him to victory?……I think Walker should win this bracket, but I bet he doesn’t since the seasons he played ended on memorable bad notes (UL, Georgetown, St. Johns, LSU). Not his fault, but that’s the picture.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Matthew Bedford Jones… How are you deciding this supposed panel of experts?
June 29th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Please tell us all your middle name isn’t Bedford.
It would explain why you’re a lawyer though.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
73)..must have missed that post, my bad..I was pretty young when Blackmon was playing so I don’t have a vivid memory of him, but he was a pretty good player that really doesn’t get mentioned at all..also, glad to see Derrick Miller on the list, he could have been a little higher IMO..people underestimate how important he was on that 14-14 team and the beginning of the great run UK had in the 90’s.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Bash away, but come on…Ritchie Farmer. I loved him and could not wait to go the state
tournament to watch him play. He should not be in the top 64 at all, but I understand
putting him in there given his legendary status. However, there is no way he can be seeded
higher than guys such as Randolph Morris, Minniefield, Epps, Padgett, ‘buike and so on. My
guess is that he was given such a generous seed because he will receive a lot of nostalgic votes.
Anyway, before I get bashed let me leave you with this, ………….Cawood, do you think we
would have won tonight if Ritchie would have played more?…or…Cawood,is Ritchie gonna start
tonight?
June 29th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Biggest Screw Overs– A. Walker (10) Rex (3) Bowie (6)
Could be higher— Morris Nazr (15)
Too high— Hayes (7) Bogans(4)
Should be left out— Brassow Feldhaus Rhodes
June 29th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
40. the only reason chuck 6th in rebounds is he missed so many shots and got his own rebound. the kid has a ton of heart and played all-out, but he had a tendency to jack up pointless 3’s, had an AWFUL jumper and missed way too many lay-ups. I loved watching his intensity and it was great to see him playing here b/c he truely loved the school and the program, but he is WAY overrated
June 29th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Its Jim Master. Clutch shot to tie
the Cards in ‘83.
Where’s Dickey Beal & Troy “boy” McKinley from the northern part of the Commonwealth.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
nice idea, but how about some more props for Wayne Turner, the winningest player in NCAA tourney history… although i think he may be tied with some guy named christian. how is turner ranked below davender who never won?
June 29th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
where’s Dicky Beal, Brandon Stockton, LeRoy Byrd, Steve Masiello or Shagari Alleyne’s penis? They are all UK legegends just under six feet.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
* legends
June 29th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Hey gummy bear, it’s 6′1 now, why don’t you ever call………….?
June 29th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Wah Wah should win, period.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Middle name is Harper, not Bedford.
Rhodes was the 37th leading scorer in UK history….that is why he is in.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Please explain Daron Feldhaus and Jeff Brassow!
June 29th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
They were both white guys, feldhaus best known for his 80’s hair, and pelphery best known for his freckles, they played at uk, good boys,
June 29th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Matt Harper? Wasn’t that Jason Bateman’s name from “Valerie”?
June 29th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Brassow, no explaination there, made a shot in maui?
June 29th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
Scoring is just a small part of what i consider makes up the “best” UK players ever. Winning, attitude, intangibles, charisma and the overall impression or mark left on the program. Its your tourney, but i would rather see guys who transferred out not included in here. BUt it wont matter, because they probably will be outed quickly anyways.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
On another board, someone is saying that Scout.com says Darius Miller is on campus right now. Anyone heard anything to back this up?
June 29th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Brassow also hit a couple of big threes in the Mardi Miracle comebackk win at LSU.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
* Mardi Gras
June 29th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
87. Ya meen like the Harper Valley PTA? HeeHee.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
This looks like fun, however you could have stopped after you typed the first name. Dan Issel. I lived next door to Jonny Cox when I was 8 or so. The young guys will never believe this but he should be the ALL-Time Mr. Kentucky Basketballer. He tore it up for Hazard High and UK. But still the man from Illinois, Dan Issel, is UK personified.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
93- I hope so. He may have hurried over to get his spot.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
97- No doubt that Issel is the GOAT at Kentucky.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
I say Givens takes out Delk!
June 29th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Matt, when will you make a bracket of the worst UK players of all time?…My #1 overall seed for that tournament would have to be Josh Carrier.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Are we talking WKU Patrick Sparks or Fatrick Sparks under Tubby??? Delks arms are just too long.
101. I’ll take Brandon Stockton or Blevins.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Who made this bracket and when can I slap them in the mouth?
Randolph Morris seeded higher than Anthony Epps?
You all must be smoking something made from ajax and monkey excrement!
I love the blog and agree with most of what you guys say, but this is ridiculous.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
Why are two members of the 78 chamoions paired against
each other. Givens & Lee ???
June 29th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
why no love for Bogans? that guy was an animal, what more did he have to do for some of you people?
June 29th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
I can’t comment on this until I see Morris and ‘Buike seeded higher than Richie Farmer. I’m a HUGE Rich-ee fan, but let’s be realistic.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Man Matt…you really give away your age seeding Macy #5 and not knowing that he was at Kentucky three years–not two–after transferring from Purdue. His popularity statewide was every bit that of Chapman’s when he was at Kentucky…and he had a ring plus All-American laurels his senior year on a good UK squad with Bowie. He was the creme de la creme of shooters in the late 70’s from a guard position nationwide.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
103 Right, one’s in the NBA , and last I heard police were
looking for the other…..Go figure…..
What are YOU smoking.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
HOW DOES RONDO GET A BETTER SEED THAN SPARKS
June 29th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
DO WE REALLY NEED TO GO THERE AGAIN?
June 29th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
109 Remind us again where Sparks is now playing.
Think first….Then post,
June 29th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Sure Patrick Sparks would go out first round but he should be on there for the Louisville game and Alabama game alone. When he was hot he was tuff.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Richie Farmer is the greatest player of all time–PERIOD.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
80, he took only 11 threes his senior year. 12 his junior year. I will concede that the 22 and 33 his first two years was too many. Inside the arc he shot 52%. I wish I had numbers on points in the paint, but I would bet that a majority of his misses came from midrange jumpers. You’re also right about his shot; it was ugly. My guess is the numbers would surprisingly show that a lot of his offensive rebounds are attributed to others, and not missed layups. I could be wrong, though. Either way, it demonstrates a great understanding of positioning and awareness of others on the court to get those offensive boards, whether his own or not. That still holds up for him even against the pros. He also was a good passer and got his hands on a lot of steals.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
New poll: Who had the highest vertical leap
1. Rex Chapman
2. Jeff Shepherd
3. Dirk Minnifield
June 29th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
REX
June 29th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Close call 116– i may have to agree.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
You’re boy Richie LOL
June 29th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Dont mess with Richie–hehe
June 29th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
“what is Magloire doing to Bogans?! He wont let him go!”
June 29th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
One pic says it all:
http://bigbluehistory.net/bb/Graphics/GameAction/19881216BowlingGreen. jpg
June 29th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
and Matt, please specify which Dirk we’re getting here: the mellow one or the jacked up one?
June 29th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
I grew up in Clay Co., Richie’s hometown. Man, that dude is still a
legend around there. His brother Russ too.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
How is Walter McCarty a 15 seed? I think that’s a little low.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
121- That’s great stuff, I don’t care who you are!
June 29th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
The biggest 8/9 blowout is Derek Anderson destroying Mike Pratt.
Derrick Miller is my obligatory 12 over a 5 pick, taking out Mike Casey from long range.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
I saw Richie at the SEC tourney this year. No way he is 6′0 as listed in his bio. Maybe 5′9. Pretty impressive for him.
June 29th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Not that anybody here could offer an informed opinion on Basil Hayden, but he IS the only UK alum with a whiskey named after him. That’s got to count for something, right?
June 29th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Speaking of Walter McCarty…
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070629/SPO RTS02/70629020
June 29th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
I don’t care how this breaks down, or how it’s finally wrapped up but the list is this: 1-Jamal Mashburn, 2-Kenny “Sky” Walker, and 3-Rex Chapman…that’s it, that’s the list. No offense to the ol’ skool Cats, or the young guns, but from my viewing experience those three were head and shoulders above the rest.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
128 I agree. Hayden should be in and Rod Rhodes OUT!
June 29th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Nazr should have been a higher seed, atleast the same as Maglore. Brassow deserves to be on the list. Do you not remember the tip in against AZ in Maui? And you have Richie Farmer rated better than Sean Woods???? Come on guys, we all love Richie, but Sean Woods was by far a better player. Don’t be bias because he was a fan favorite and an instate player.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
111. I thought this tournament was about what a player
did while at UK. Anyway, wherever Sparks is playing right
now I’m sure hes putting up better stats, winning more games,
making more shots and getting more playing time than Rondo.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
It’s obvious that most on this blog are 25 or younger. Also, you should use career scoring “average” leaders, not total points. Most players before the “recent” era only had three years of varsity play. Delk over Hagan still makes me scratch my head. It took Delk 56 more games to score 400 more points. That would be like 7 ppg over the 56 games to put Delk ahead of Hagan on the all time list. Another example is Hayes. I like Hayes, but is someone who averaged 9 ppg really one of Kentucky’s all time great players? I would be embarrassed to say so.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Feldhaus, Turner, Hord, Wah Wah, Sheppard, Minniefield, Magloire and Daniels are other single digit ppg players that need to come off.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
119 You DO realize that Rhondo IS the Celtics starting point.
Don’t you ??
June 29th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
We should probably have a tournament that is called something like:
“Best Player in Kentucky Basketball history besides Dan Issel”.
There is really no other possible winner.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
133 sorry.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Rondo, will not last in that league. Period.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
137 Now that’s a good idea. I’m sure this is difficult
for those who never saw some of the great ones play.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Richie could take Rondo’s spot right now, just give him a few months
to get in shape.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
What the hell did Rondo do to you, Cheeky ??
June 29th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
WHAT ABOUT SHAWN KEMP?
June 29th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Funny
June 29th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
143- Never played at UK, he was close though.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Cheekdaddy, I’ve been preaching the same sermon but these young guys will never get it. Unfortunate for them that they never saw him play.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
#139, you may be right, but even as supremely out-witted as the Celtics front office is, Rondo and Al Jefferson are the only two players they said they wouldn’t trade. The fact is, he can do things few other players in the world can do.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
145, it was a joke.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
BOOM…BOOM…BOOM
June 29th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
I thought it was a gold chain???
June 29th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
I know bro
June 29th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Where’s Bob Burrow? Played 2 years, 1053 points, 20 ppg career avg, 3rd fastest to 1000 points…
June 29th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
#135..not all great players are distinguished by points alone..Turner was a great player IMO..he scored when he had to and he played great D..he could break anyone down off the dribble and kick it to the wing..he was the definition of a team player and a very important part of the 98 championship team..he was a WINNER.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
152- I saw those stats too. He played in the 50’s, I doubt anyone on here
knows who he was other than looking at stats.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Rondo never did anything to me personally really. However,
he did come to my favorite basketball team in the world as
a high ranking recruit and did nothing for the team but lose a
bunch of ball games and miss a bunch of down the stretch free
throws. The only reason he got to the NBA is because he is
really quick, plays desent defense, and can pass a little.
I like guys who can shoot a little, but I guess thats just
my opinion, which EVERYONE on this sight has.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
153- Turner is maybe UK’s best on ball defender ever. He was a true
PG, but couldn’t shoot for shit.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
a Prince/Mashburn Sweet 16 looks exciting!!!
June 29th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
157- gotta go with Mash
June 29th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
156, yeah Turner couldn’t shoot for shit, but he was perhaps the best finisher off the drive ever. He was the anti-Chuck Hayes as far as that goes.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Mashburn was probably the best three year player we had. Oh wait
how many hears did Chapman play? two or three?
June 29th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
153 - Turner was not a bad player. But the last I checked, the team with the most points wins. Someone who can’t score more than 8 ppg and barely break even on free throws should not be on a list of all time greatest players at the University of Kentucky. Put a bunch of Wayne Turners on a team and you don’t win. We’ve seen that recently. People who can put the ball in the basket win championships. Turner was fortunate that he played on teams with players who put the ball in the basket. That’s why he was a winner.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
159- Make no mistake, I loved Turner. He was strong in every other since of
the game. He couldn’t shoot, but he had that little teardrop floater
that was unstopable.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
160 - You mean other than Issel, right?
June 29th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
I think Tony Delk had the best points per minute average.
correct me if i’m wrong.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
162, Agreed.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
160- Chapman only played 2
June 29th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Chapman was “on fire” from day one, two years and out! He was pure dynamite!
June 29th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
Do you guys remember Rex getting robbed in the Dunk Contest?
June 29th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
I was at the game in Tuscaloosa when Rex dropped a bomb on UA for the last second win. He was electric. But wasn’t he one of the first UK players to leave early for the pros.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
168,
Hell yeah…I was ready to fight somebody. As far as I know Rex invented that lob over the back two-handed hammer dunk. Real quick, and real hard.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Issel was a Center. NOT a wing player.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
169- yea, I think maybe Sam Bowie only played 3 years, not positive
about that.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
170- He was the first I ever saw do it, they flat out robbed him.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
82. Why do Kentucky fans love Turner so much? If you know anything about Kentucky basketball you know he can’t have more tournament wins than Mills and Edwards. Think about it they were on the same team in 96, 97 and 98 so they had to have the same number of wins in those seasons. Mills and Edwards were there in 95 Turner wasn’t . Turner was there in 99 they weren’t. Both teams lost in the regional finals so I would think that makes them tied. All 3 won 20 tourney games.Laettner won 21. Turner had a chance to tie but lost to Michigan State. Can I please not hear that lie anymore?
June 29th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
I would believe that it would be better to pair the players in era-related brackets. As was mentioned (I also have noticed the lack of historical knowledge by the fan of “tradition”) the average here seems to be less than 30. They don’t know Burrows, or Nash, etc.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Antione Walker over Hayes. Walker averaged 14 ppg on a title team
June 29th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
#162..I agree about the tear drop shot..he had no illusions of being a great shooter, but he did improve in that area throughout his career..he made players around him better and created open shots for them with his penetration..anyone who says he is overrated because he couldn’t shoot is not taking into account that his knowledge of the game and his defense helped win many games.
June 29th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
156. Once again pure myth. Sean Woods and Hawkins were both better.
June 29th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Having Pitino’s best players on the 96-97 teams Walker(9), Mercer (9), D.A. (7) compared to the heart of Tubby’s best years Bogans(4), Fitch(7), and Chuck(7) is major garbage. The first three are probably the most talent that has ever set foot on Rupp together and the later were plagued by streaky shooting. I couldn’t rank Bogans above a (8) because his junior season alone. As much as I loved Chuck, a (7) is a bit to high.
June 29th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Chris Mills, definitely
June 29th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Not that it really matters but Feldhaus a 10 and 10 year pro and national champion Scott Padgett a 12????
June 29th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
180 - Chris Mills was not great until he got to Arizona.
June 29th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Individual defensive ability should not even be discussed in this contest. Individual defensive ability (except maybe shot blocking) is the least important in basketball as compared to other major sports. Defense in basketball is a team concept. You can have 2 or even 3 good defensive players on a team and if the other 2 are bad, have a bad defensive team.
June 29th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Well, so far this is a success. Everyone is debating like mad…regardless of whether or not they read the way the brackets were made!
Interesting that all the “Unforgettables” could be out in the first round. Was that the sound of their banner in Rupp ripping??
June 29th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
My final: Gimel Martinez vs Richie Farmer (1st runner-up: Jody Thompson)
Winner: Richie Farmer.
Richie grew the greatest ’stache I’ve ever seen on an 18 yr old. He had NY cop ’stache early. I can’t even grow one of those now and it makes me jealous.
June 29th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
182 - That was a joke. Note the name.
June 29th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
yes, i saw, but he seriously would have been a part of this conversation had he stayed.
June 29th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Although I’m a Gator fan, I’ve seen more games at Rupp and Memorial than the posters on this board multiplied together. There fore, being a longtime observer of UK basketball, I’ll give you my final four:
Issel takes Riley; Nash takes Groza; Issel takes Cotton; Andrews takes Goose; Hagan takes Delk; Andrews takes Hagan.
Anderson takes Macy; Ramsey takes Kelenna; Anderson takes Ramsey.Mash takes Casey; Parker takes Mayor Louie; Parker takes Mashburn.
Final Four (to review) are Tom Parker, Derrick Anderson, Jim Andrews, and the eventual winner: Dan Issel.
June 29th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Walker a ten, but chuck hayes a 7? Hayes couldnt carry Walker’s jock strap
June 29th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
doubt that 188.
June 29th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
188 - you obviously have an affinity to the early 70’s. While I like your Jim Andrews pick, Parker over Mash? I believe the weed you smoked in the 70’s had an effect.
June 29th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
174. For the record, you are correct. They won the same number of games. However, Turner was the all-time NCAA record holder for games played within the NCAA when he graduated. That speaks volumes. Quit knockin him. He was a catalyst on some of the best teams UK has ever seen. If you love Hawkins so damned much, then explain to me why he didn’t start playing until halfway through his Junior season. Before that he was as inconsistent as anyone that I have ever seen. What a Joke
June 29th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
188 - it’s either the week or you’re bogus since you can’t spell Derek right.
June 29th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
188 - “the weed”, i meant to say.
June 29th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
You didn’t do Mash any favors . He has to face Rhodes ,Mercer ,and Prince in the first three rounds.
June 29th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Travis Ford a 13 seed?? You are killing me!
June 29th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
192.When did I say I liked Hawkins? Turner was better than Hawkins. There is no way he played more tournament games than Laettner. Laettner made the final 4 every year and three title games. Turner made 3 final 4s 3 title games but 1 elite 8. So obviously laettner played more. And I would think I already proved Turner played no more than Edwards and Mills. And by the way Turner never got off the bench in the 96 title game. The record you speak of may very well be most career games played. Not sure about that. And I’m not sure but I believe Jason Williams just hit another 3 on him. Oh and Cameron Murray just took him off the dribble again.
June 29th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
And by the way Wayne Turner 0 and 2 as a starting point guard vs Louisville. Saul Smith 2 and 0.
June 29th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Adolph Rupp
1 Dan Issel
8 Joh Pelphrey 1 Dan Issel
1 Dan Issel
4 Pat Riley
5 Melvin Turpin 5 Melvin Turpin
1 Dan Issel
6 Rick Robey
3 Alex Groza 3 Alex Groza
3 Alex Groza
10 Antoine Walker 10 Antoine Walker
15 Nazr Mohammed
Tubby Smith Bracket
1 Jack Givens 1 Jack Givens
8 Wayne Turner 1 Jack Givens
4 Keith Bogans 4 Keith Bogans
5 Winston Bennet 2 Tony Delk
11 Jeff Sheppard 11 Jeff Sheppard
3 Cliff Hagan
2 Tony Delk
10 Deron Feldhaus
2 Tony Delk 2 Tony Delk
Joe B Hall
1 Kenny Walker
9 Derek Anderson 9 Derek Anderson
4 Billl Spivey 9 Derek Anderson
5 Kyle Macy 5 Kyle Macy
3 Rex Chapman
6 Reggie Hanson
3 Rex Chapman 3 Rex Chapman
3 Rex Chapman
7 Mike Phillips 7 Mike Phillips
15 Kelenna Azubuike
Rick Pitino Bracket
1 Jamal Mashburn 1 Jamal Mashburn
9 Ron Mercer 1 Jamal Mashburn
4 Tayshaun Prince 4 Tayshaun Prince
5 Mike Casey
1 Jamal Mashburn
6 Sam Bowie 6 Sam Bowie
3 Kevin Grevey
2 Louie Dampier
7 Gerald Fitch 2 Louie Dampier
2 Louie Dampier
June 29th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
that was ugly-
Rupp 8
Issel
Pelphrey
Riley
Turpin
Robey
Groza
Walker
Nash
Rupp 4
Issel
Turpin
Groza
Walker
Rupp 2
Issel
Walker
Rupp Champ
Dan Issel
Tubby Smith 8
Givens
Turner
Bogans
Bennet
Sheppard
Hagan
Feldhaus
Delk
Tubby 4
Givens
Bogans
Sheppard
Delk
Tubby 2
Givens
Delk
Tubby Smith Champ
Tony Delk
Joe B Hall 8
Walker
Anderson
Spivey
Macy
Ramsey
Chapman
Phillips
Azubuike
Joe B Hall 4
Anderson
Macy
Chapman
Phillips
Joe B Hall 2
Anderson
Chapman
Joe B Hall Champion
Rex Chapman
Rick Pitino 8
Mashburn
Mercer
Prince
Casey
Bowie
Grevey
Fitch
Dampier
Rick Pitino 4
Mashburn
Prince
Bowie
Dampier
Rick Pitino 2
Mashburn
Dampier
Rick Pitino Champion
Jamal Mashburn
Final 4
Issel
Delk
Chapman
Mashburn
Final 2
Issel
Mashburn
Champion
-=Dan Issel=-
June 29th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Not a legitimate candidate because I think he only played one or two years
Although he always denied any wrongdoing as I remember it Bill Spivey
was a very unusual player for his day, a legitimate seven footer that was
fairly well coordinated. To put it into perspective Pat Riley was jumping
center to open the game for UK about five years later. Clyde Lovellette was
susposed to be the dominant big man in the nation as a senior at Kansas and
Spivey outscored him about 27 to 13 and about doubled his rebounds when
Spivey was a sophomore. After he was ruled ineligible I saw him at an
exhibition against the House of David in Corbin and he hit about
seven out of ten windmill hooks from about thirty foot in warmups. Always
wondered how much a few dollars cost UK and all those players
June 29th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Adolph Rupp Bracket
(1) Dan Issel
(8) John Pelphrey
(4) Pat Riley
(5) Melvin Turpin
(6) Rick Robey
(3) Alex Groza
(7) Chuck Hayes
(2) Cotton Nash
Tubby Smith Bracket
(1) Jack Givens
(9) Wah Wah Jones
(4) Keith Bogans
(5) Winston Bennet
(11) Jeff Sheppard
(3) Cliff Hagan
(10) Deron Feldhaus
(2) Tony Delk
Joe B Hall Bracket
(1) Kenny Walker
(9) Derek Anderson
(4) Bill Spivey
(5) Kyle Macy
(6) Frank Ramsey
(3) Rex Chapman
(10) Vernon Hatton
(2) Ralph Beard
Rick Pitino Bracket
(1) Jamal Mashburn
(9) Ron Mercer
(4) Tayshaun Prince
(5) Mike Casey
(6) Sam Bowie
(3) Kevin Grevey
(7) Gerald Fitch
(2) Louie Dampier
June 29th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Rondo bashers…..
You are extremely misinformed. He will be in the league for at least 10 years. He will average more rebounds than most SF’s. He will average 10-15 points. He will average at least 7 assists. The kid is a stud. Doc Rivers stated yesterday that the only player on the Celtics roster off limits for a trade was Rondo.
Just because UK sucked (relatively) while he was here doesn’t mean he isn’t going to be a very good or great NBA player.
June 29th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Let’s get serious - Turner was on a lot of TEAMS that won a lot of games. He didn’t win them himself, he turned the ball over a LOT until maybe his senior year, and his stroke wasn’t too much better than Brandon “BS” Stockton. Issel probably deserves to win this thing, although Mashburn and Rex are pretty close.
June 29th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Rex Chapman was the savior in terms of the electric dynamo wripple affect with the decline into malayse before the Emery scandal from which Jamaal Mashburn extinguished….and the King is a #3? All respect due, some ‘experts’ sad devotion to the relics is perplexing, Cotton Nash & Issel not withstanding.
June 29th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
I didn’t even read ’stache’s take before I posted, and bruh is on the $$$$$……Couldn’t have said it better.
June 29th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
#190, Sorry about mispelling Anderson’s first name. However Tom Parker was a better player than you may recall. I win the attendance ‘bet’ because there is atleast one of you that never saw a game at Memorial or Rupp. Jim Andrews was a very good center. I don’t know if he ever played much professionally, but one of his freshman team mates did, but in a different sport. Anyone know who? I do.
June 29th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
#205, Rex wasn’t as good as you may think. Vernon Maxwell destroyed Rex when UF and UK played. Maxwell was way too quick and could jump as high and outshoot Chapman. Issel is the best, but Nash was no slouch.
June 30th, 2007 at 2:27 am
Glad to see Ralph Beard getting some respect in your seedings. He is one of the most unheralded UK players ever, considering his accomplishments. In his day, he owned Bob Cousy, both in college, and the pros. Yet Cousy is a household name.
June 30th, 2007 at 2:31 am
Maxwell was a good player, but to suggest that he “destroyed” Chapman, is absurd.
June 30th, 2007 at 4:51 am
205. Nice to see some aren’t blinded by reputation. Wayne Turner was about the same as Woods and Hawkins. Great defensive players without much offense. I just get tired of the hero worship for Turner on here.
June 30th, 2007 at 7:24 am
I thought this was supposed to be about their careers at UK only. While Rondo will have a very promising pro career, how many shot clock violations did we have with him pounding the ball three feet from the 3 point line? Not to mention that teams chemistry seemed to be non existant. I personally feel that anyone who was not here for at least three years should NOT be allowed in, except Chapman whose departure was under a little different situation. Even though Walker was a great player for us for two years and won a championship, he doesn’t compare with a Delk from the same team. And Prince- name one other UK player to single handedly defeat UNC before the first TV timeout? Rhodes most memorable moment to me was when Travis Ford got leveled by a blind screen in the NCAA Tourny. He was the first man in the 7 footer’s face from Marquette(I think it was Marquette). Other than that, he was a bust- I don’t care how many points he scored. But in all truth, it is no contest. Dan Issel did more in three years, freshmen were not allowed to play on varsity back then, than any UK player will ever accomplish in four. Mashburn made a decent run at it, and maybe if Pitno doesn’t force him out after his junior year to be his first NBA first-rounder, Mashburn might be regarded as highly as Issel.
June 30th, 2007 at 7:40 am
207-Anonymous, you think people on here aren’t season ticket holders, or that no one that posts here had seats at Memorial in their family and got to go to Rupp when it was still being built to hand pick their seats? And of course, make large donations to the K-Fund starting in the eighties. You are probably right, you know more about UK than the collective world. And here’s a trivia question for you. If Sam Bowie was drafted ahead of Michael Jordan in the NBA draft, what was Bowie’s high school biology teacher’s name? Do you know?
June 30th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
The seedings for this are TERRIBLE. I dont even know where to start but lets Ill just use Gerald Fitch as an example. He shouldnt be anywhere near the Top 10 seeds. He wasnt better than Larry Conley or Mike Pratt.
June 30th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
^……so that’s why you pick who he’s up against….the seeds don’t really matter….it’s the individual matchups. lol if you don’t get that, then there’s no helping you.
Anyway, this idea is genius. Can’t wait to get my votes in.
June 30th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
what about Dwight Perry???!!!! (not even a last name on the jersey!!!)
July 1st, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Where is “Rockin” Ron Mercer?
July 2nd, 2007 at 8:17 am
Randolph Morris shouldn’t even be on the dang list morons. Did you all even watch UK play while he was here. He looked like he’d rather be shovelin manure lol. Someone also made a bad commment about Rex. You must’ve still been in diapers cuz Rex Chapman was awesome when he was at UK.
July 2nd, 2007 at 12:50 pm
i got issel, delk,chapman and prince in final four. with delk vs prince in campionship and tony delk winning it all ! the mtch up of bogans and delk would be a shootout!