Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Ok, so we all know what today is. Today is the final step on quite possibly the six greatest months of anticipation in UK basketball history. I have been covering the team for four years and a fan for 30. There has never been anything like this, ever. People were excited in Rick’s first year and there was great anticipation at the first year of NCAA Tournament play. But the sheer joy of the fanbase, combined with the saturation of news caused by the modern media has led to an outpouring of fan excitement unlike anything ever experienced in Big Blue Nation. It is truly unbelievable.
Really there are only two stories: The absurdity of Media Day and Midnight Madness. Thus let me give nine quick hitters on one and some rumors on the other:
Media Day
As I have said before, the highlight of Media Day for me was talking with the players. Cal had a lot of comments and you can see them here, but most werent newsworthy. However I spoke to ten players today (all besides Hood, Miller, Stevenson and Patterson…all of whom I have spoken to many times), and came away with these thoughts:
Demarcus Cousins: We put the highlights of his interview up below, but it bears repeating how much of a character this young man is. But more importantly for most UK fans, he is the enforcer this team hasnt had since Magloire. His quote that on the floor he is “mean as sh*t” is classic. He also gave this quote to Matt May about Gillispie, when talking about Liggins:
‘He played for Gillispie didn’t he? I’m surprised they weren’t all hotheads. We’ve heard the stories in the locker room. Yeah. That guy was crazy.‘
John Wall: A pro’s pro with the media. But he also said some very interesting things. About the team he said the goal was national championship. About himself, he was surprised to know that people were picking him National Player of the year but said “thats pressure.” He also said the Freshman are here to “bring a lot of swagger back” to the UK program. He has it.
Daniel Orton: Daniel is probably the most intelligent and well-spoken kid I have seen for a Freshman since I have been doing this. He is thoughtful and gives real insight into the team dynamics. Cousins called him “strong as an ox” and he Orton said that he has to get even stronger to be the player he wants to be. He will be a fan-favorite during his time here.
Eric Bledsoe: No one had “wide eyes” like Bledsoe. You continue to be able to see that no one is having more fun with being a UK player than Bledsoe. He spoke of being close to Wall and Cousins and how much he looked up to Patterson. Most interesting to me were his comments that he would not have played for UK under Gillispie (many had thought he would) and that John Wall potentiall being here made Kentucky more attractive for him because he knew he would have to work to play.
Darnell Dodson: Probably the quietest of the players, Dodson was said to be the best shooter on the team by Calipari and “that means he will play.” Dodson said he knows that shooting is what he needs to do and he is ready. He also looks just like Ramel Bradley and when I asked if anyone had said that to him, he laughed and said, “yes all the time.” Since he is #3 this season, I expect it to continue.
Josh Harrellson: Josh spoke of how happy he was to still be on the team and the fact that Calipari wanted him to be here. He also spoke honestly about his time last year, saying he was “the coach’s whipping boy” and saying it was a tough year for him all around. But he said it is “night and day” this year and that he cant wait to get going. He also said he still likes the name “Jorts” and “when fans yell it at me at the game, I always smile.”
Ramon Harris: I had been told before Media Day that there had been some change in Ramon in recent weeks. A light had seemed to come on and he realized he would have to have more self-awareness this season as to his strengths and weaknesses. He showed that talking today saying that now “I know what he wants me to do and that makes me excited.” He also said, “I know we can be great this year and I want that before I leave.”
Mark Krebs: Best interview of the day? Mark Krebs easy. Right before I interviewed him, he was being talked to by Miss Kentucky and he was a bit distracted at first. But he talked about it being a “dream come true” to get a scholarship this year. Talking about the new players he said, “they are as talented as advertised. They are so fast, it is amazing. But off the court, we are all great friends and they are great guys.” He also talked a lot about the atmosphere around the program. He said:
Its night and day in terms of everyone’s attitude. We are all positive. Everyone is encouraging, even on your worst day. Its ncie to be able to work hard every day and when you mess up be told, ‘thats alright, get ‘em next time.’ You come out of slumps really fast. You want to come to practice every day to help the team and get his confidence. It is great.
Deandre Liggins: All the media members that I spoke with agreed on one thing….no one seems more grown up than DeAndre Liggins. Whereas last year, Liggins looked like he never wanted to speak, now he was much more engaging and confident. He said, “this is where I want to be now. I love everything about these guys and I feel like I get to start over. I cant wait.” He could be the surprise.
MADNESS:
Ok lets go with what we know:
(1): The event is on television all over the state and will be streaming live on UKAthletics.com for free. So you can watch it anywhere, if you have an internet connection.
(2): We will be doing a MADNESS LIVE BLOG, beginning at 7:30 pm right here on the site. The very first live blog we ever did was at Madness three years ago, so this is an Anniversary of where it all began.
(3): All indications are that Drake is a guest visitor for the event. No one will officially confirm it, but privately that is the expectation.
(4): There will be a dunk contest and scrimmage, but no three point contest…likely because Calipari knows he doesnt have the shooters.
(5): A good source tells me that Rajon Rondo and Tayshaun Prince may be in attendance and that Calipari personally invited both young men to come to the event and be “guest coaches” of the two teams. If true, that will be HUGE when they are announced.
All in all, the scene at Rupp will be unbelievable. We will be giving you info all day as we hear it via our Twitter feed (remember to turn your texts on) and here on the site. The live blog should be fun and we may even have some guests stop by during the event on the blog. It is going to be a great day and I cant wait. And oh yeah, Drew Franklin has a post coming at 11 am that you wont believe.
This is going to be one of those great days. I cant wait….
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October 15th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
And to think that this is just the BEGINNING…its gonna be a fun ride!
October 15th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
I cannot wait.
October 15th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Now that was a lot of work…people comment on it!
October 16th, 2009 at 12:00 am
I’m thrilled the guys are enjoying the experience.
October 16th, 2009 at 12:04 am
I’m just lost for words, I can’t believe the day has finally come. The last six months of talking about this each. and. every. day. has finally come to an end. My life has just drastically gotten better in every aspect in just a few short hours, all thanks to basketball and Coach Cal. This year is going to me amazing…awesome, just awesome.
October 16th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Feels like Christmas eve tonight, I’ve got my milk and cookies out for coach Cal.
October 16th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Hey Matt, friggin fantastic job!!! I really like getting a feel on some of the lesser talked about players. Having said that, is there any chance that in the near future we can get a full write up on Dodson and Krebs? I just would like to know a little more about these guys, possible our KY guys too (Hood and Miller). Thanks again for the great work today, and tomorrow will finally bring dream to reality! GO CATS!!!
October 16th, 2009 at 12:09 am
now that it’s finally here, i wish i could press the “slow motion” button on Cal’s career. i can’t wait to savor every moment of his time here. the next ten years are going to be off the charts, and i want to enjoy them to their fullest.
October 16th, 2009 at 12:10 am
Oh Napier will be the musical guest at madness.
October 16th, 2009 at 12:10 am
I really hope Rondo and Tayshaun show up……that would be beyond cool.
October 16th, 2009 at 12:11 am
my sources says that Sypher will be doing the “Y” during one of the timeouts
October 16th, 2009 at 12:16 am
why do you only post stupid comments? what do i have to do to get a comment posted? ugh!!!
October 16th, 2009 at 12:17 am
11- hahahahaha oh god i lol’d for some reason
October 16th, 2009 at 12:27 am
Loved the live blog today, Matt. I’m so happy for the returning players that Gillispie is gone.
I’m really excited about Orton. He’s got that same “give your all for the team” that Patterson has.
I’m more excited about the attitude this team has than it’s talent. But the combination of the two will be special.
October 16th, 2009 at 12:38 am
Also, who is the very happy media member in the picture?
October 16th, 2009 at 12:42 am
Seems like it has taken forever, but then again it seems like it has come fast as well. I cannot wait! This season is going to be one to remember…and hopefully due to good things!
October 16th, 2009 at 12:44 am
(15) not sure who he is, but i’m pretty sure he’s just laughing because Bromley keeps tickling him
October 16th, 2009 at 12:46 am
So everyone keeps saying how good we’re going to be but who’s going to play point guard?
Is that McClintock kid still available?
October 16th, 2009 at 12:47 am
(18) it’s ok. we’ve got GJ
October 16th, 2009 at 12:52 am
#19 - P.PattersonISwalkingthruthatdoor - Where did he end up? Gotta keep tabs on the what could have been in the basketball world. That’s about the only place I like to engauge in that practice.
McClintock is at Oral Roberts I believe.
October 16th, 2009 at 12:55 am
15. That guy actually spent most of his time “interviewing” the lasagna.
October 16th, 2009 at 1:03 am
Hey didn’t they say that Magic Johnson couldn’t shoot? lol. Really, Magic couldn’t shoot from distance all that well as only in the later stages of his career did he bring his 3pt % above the 20% - 25% range.
When you can’t stop John Wall from taking the ball to the hole then why would he consider taking a lower percentage shot from the outside?
Since even the best 3 point shooters can’t hit higher than the lower 40% mark historically, it would still be a lower percentage shot regardless of how good he could shoot.
I see a lot of defenses getting ransacked. A lot of coaches blowing their fuses. Can’t you see it now?
Pitino will spew clam sauce all over the floor. Oh wait, that’s only in Porcini.
October 16th, 2009 at 1:03 am
Thanks for all great coverage today Matt.
October 16th, 2009 at 1:09 am
(22) that wasn’t clam sauce
October 16th, 2009 at 1:14 am
24. what was it then?
October 16th, 2009 at 1:14 am
What flavor ice cream does John Wall poop? Biesners brilliance was interested in each players flavor.
October 16th, 2009 at 1:15 am
Tomorrow will be one of the best days in UK history.
October 16th, 2009 at 1:22 am
(25) the best that $3000 of “health insurance” can buy
October 16th, 2009 at 1:30 am
What I anticipate this season is a passing clinic. Unlike we have ever seen.
Remember when Pitino kept wanting a slasher? He always envisioned a player who can break defenses down.
What do we have, like 5 now? Wall, Bledsoe, Liggins, Miller, Dodson.
Things I want to see in the scrimmage in order to know our team better:
1. a. Can Dodson handle the rock (b. and shoot like they say).
2. Where will Liggins fit in this years rotation.
3. Is Bledsoe really legit all ready?
4. a. Who accents Patterson better, Cousins or Orton. b. Who can demand attention on his own when needed (Cousins or Orton) - (i.e., with a consistent hook from the baseline/paint, presence on the glass).
5. Will Miller get any challenge at the 3?
October 16th, 2009 at 1:35 am
Interesting video….
Check the date and listen to what Hunter says about Kentucky’s interest in him. I’m not sure everyone knew what the deal was with BCG’s interest in him. According to him he was the Liggins backup plan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nQoahVlTlg&feature=related
October 16th, 2009 at 1:48 am
22) I care a lot less about John Wall’s ability to shoot the 3 than his FT percentage. Anyone know how comfortable he is at the line? Ideally we beat every team by 20, but if the game’s on the line, we know guys like Perry and Patrick can hit their freebies, but what about the new guys?
That was Rondo’s achilles heel here much more than his 3-point shooting. It was also the reason Bradley or Moss got his minutes at the end of games.
29) It sounded like Patrick’s only going to hang out in the paint when the game is on the line. At least that’s the current plan. I’d expect to see him getting lobs and passing to Cousins or Orton or Perry as often as we’d see him down low. We could see our first real high-low game from power forward to center since Hayes and Daniels.
October 16th, 2009 at 1:55 am
i won’t be able to watch it live via internet. Will it be available on the UK athletics site afterwards?
October 16th, 2009 at 1:56 am
#31 - HanOfTheBluegrass - Great point. Free throws: Wall, Bledsoe, Orton, Cousins?
Daniels was a special passer. He knew what he was doing and didn’t take a lot of chances like many kids (who think they know what they are doing) do.
“IF”, Cousins or Orton can pass, then we are in for a treat as you desribe.
Hell, just think of what difficulty our guards had last year passing into Patterson on the block. Sorry boys and girls, that’s not a tough task for a Div 1 calibur passer. It’s simply who the personnel is throwing the ball. Are they good passers or not (no telegraphing, good awareness, ability to throw off their defender to feed it where it should go). Can’t wait to see what we have on that front after a couple of games, especially once the regular season gets in groove.
October 16th, 2009 at 1:59 am
From what we have been told, our big guys have good hands and can pass…no more butter fingers under the basket. They all have hands like PPat so we are in for a treat.
October 16th, 2009 at 2:04 am
Can we beat Florida by 40, that’s the kind of thinking I would like to get in these kids heads.
October 16th, 2009 at 2:07 am
I want games to get to the point to where Donovan, Pearl and Pitino to shut up and sit down.
You know what it takes for them to do either. I’m confident a 40 point deficit with 6 minutes to go in the 2nd half should do the trick.
October 16th, 2009 at 5:29 am
Calipari is a PR and recruiting genius:
1. He is bringing in a popular rap star, which is the equivalent of having a celebrity endorsement of our program.
2. Bringing back former Wildcats (Rondo and Prince) who have been successful in the NBA. This is good for the recruits on hand to see. It’s also a great way to say, “Once you’re a Wildcat, you’re always a Wildcat” and get that Big Blue family vibe going. North Carolina has played that card so well for years. It’s time our coach did the same.
3. Coach Cal will give a speech. With recruits on hand, it’s kind of like an opportunity to give a “state of the union” speech with 24,000 screaming fans reinforcing his every word and geeking the recruits up over the future of the Big Blue Nation.
It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again. Coach Cal gets it. He really gets it.
October 16th, 2009 at 5:36 am
At a future Big Blue Madness, I’d like to see:
Every former Cat that is currently playing in the NBA introduced.
Also bring back legends from various eras and introduce them:
Kenny Walker (NBA slam dunk champion) Maybe let him see if he’s still got any hops.
Sam Bowie
Kyle Macy — This Cat doesn’t get the love he deserves. He is loyal to the Big Blue Nation and should get a chance as an assistant coach.
Dan Issel and Pat Riley
The last two national championship teams
Lebron to make a guest appearance just to give us another celebrity endorsement. As Calipari said, “We’re rebuilding the Kentucky brand.”
October 16th, 2009 at 7:00 am
Prince and Rondo as guest coaches is a great idea.
October 16th, 2009 at 7:06 am
Can someone send Bledsoe’s comments to Doug Gotleib? Wasn’t he so sure that Wall wasn’t coming to Kentucky once Bledsoe signed? Didn’t he say that Bledsoe would never come to UK if Wall was coming? That guy might be the worst analyst on ESPN for college basketball.
October 16th, 2009 at 8:45 am
15) Mark Story
20) Gonzaga
October 16th, 2009 at 8:47 am
You can’t spell Josh Harrelson without J-O-R-T-S!!! (There must be a T in his middle name. Has to be.)
October 16th, 2009 at 8:57 am
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Gonna be a nut bonanza all day.
October 16th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Always remamber guys. We would not be here if it weren’t for the infamous “DOOR.”
DOOR
October 16th, 2009 at 8:58 am
[...] Kentucky Sports Radio gives its views on the UK players. [...]
October 16th, 2009 at 9:01 am
39 is correct!
October 16th, 2009 at 9:02 am
anything going on in Big Blue Nation today ??? … seems a little quiet
October 16th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Just think how awesome we’d be if we had gotten that Hunter McClintock. Boy, he was a dandy.
October 16th, 2009 at 9:12 am
17 - Very nice.
41 - Thanks.
This is probably a bit premature, and I’m sure I’m the first to say it, but I’m starting to think that Calipari “gets” it.
October 16th, 2009 at 9:28 am
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news;_ylt=AnkQbMYI6G9Vnuspd0mv zgTevbYF?slug=jn-patterson101609&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
A must read about Patterson…
October 16th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Man…I am so excited about this team and this season!!! My co-workers that are UK fans are equally as excited. It is all we can talk about. It will be fun to watch all of the UK fans piled up around Louisville tonight in all the restaurants watching this spectacle. This will be a bad day for UofL fans and that makes me happy!!!
October 16th, 2009 at 10:05 am
6)LOL..good one
October 16th, 2009 at 10:16 am
44)Ah the door…brings back such fond memories..
October 16th, 2009 at 11:06 am
KSR…gotta hand it to you guys, you just keep hitting them out of the park. Love the practically instant “as it happens coverage you guys give.
October 16th, 2009 at 11:14 am
#36 Pitino didn’t sit down and shut up even when down by 55 to Kansas. I will admit the 73 point turn around the very next season what quite enjoyable to behold. I remember when Kenucky went up by 20 points, the camera focused on a fan with a sign that read “paybacks are hell” lol. But I digress…
October 16th, 2009 at 11:38 am
BLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUE
October 16th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
#55 - KYStout - Pitino’s older now. Less clam sauce.