Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
On a night that began with Coach Calipari walking past me an hour and a half before tipoff, looking at Alan Cutler’s cowboy boots and simply shaking his head, the new edition of the Kentucky basketball team looked equally out of sorts, yet full of potential on Monday night. The Cats played the Blue-White game in front of the largest crowd to ever see the event, just a hair over 14,000 people, and the energy in the crowd was palpable. From the moment that the opening tip went in the air, three major differences were obvious:
1. This team is talented in ways that UK hasnt been in quite some time.
2. This team is quick and will move the ball at a break-neck pace.
3. There is no hiding in John Calipari’s system.
All three of these conclusions have been stated and should have been obvious before this time. But they become striking when you see them in full game form. Kentucky’s talent is immense. Between Patterson, Wall, Bledsoe, Cousins and Orton, there are five guys who will certainly play in the NBA on the roster. When the guy who potentially had the worst game of anyone on the squad is also a former High School All American (Deandre Liggins), you know you have talent. Also, this team is going to move. When the first half saw the Blue team being constituted as the “Starting Five”, it was clear that the modus operandi for this team is to get up the floor quick and get to the rim. And finally, as Cal said all summer, his system shows a players strengths (and weaknesses) in their rawest form. You see what guys can do, for good and bad, and the cream rises to the crop. We saw that tonight.
With that being said, here is a quick rundown of the games for the various players:
Patrick Patterson: He is a force. At no point during the game did Pat look forced and at no point did he look like he was struggling in any phase. Instead, he scored 24 points on 11 of 15 shooting, and was in the right place throughout the game on both ends. Matt Pilgrim, you lost the name….Patrick is a beast.
John Wall: Wall showcased why I believe he has a chance to be the second player in UK history to get a triple-double in a game. 25 points, 11 assists and 7 rebounds. Not bad eh? But what you really see from minute 1 is something else….Wall is the quickest player with his first step that I have ever seen in college…period.
Darnell Dodson: You want the revelation for the game? How about Darnell Dodson scoring 26 points? We knew he could shoot from the outside, but did you know he could take the ball to the basket as well? Dodson was impressive throughout, but especially in half one, when he had to (along with Hood and Harris) try to create offense on the Reserves team. He did it, got bumped up to the starters team and played well throughout. Great night.
Eric Bledsoe: People seem to forget about Bledsoe and it is amazing that it continues to happen. There is no one with better court vision, combined with freakish athleticism than the tiny guard from Alabama. Watching him is a pleasure and everything he does is so smooth that you wonder how great he can really be. His 9 assists were quite impressive.
Daniel Orton: I hear people talk about the improvement of various players, but for my money, no one has grown more than Daniel Orton. While I have always liked Daniel’s game, he had his way inside for most of the night and won the Freshman Big Man Battle #1 in Rupp. The kid is smart, plays hard and can control the paint. He will be special.
Demarcus Cousins: I had some disappointment in the play of Big Cuz tonight. His effort was not consistent and there were times that he didnt seem completely engaged in the game. But man does he have talent. His ball handling was a major surprise to me and showcases how many offensive weapons he has in his arsenal.
Ramon Harris: It is easy to forget Ramon and honestly, the fall from starting lineup last year to not starting the Blue-White game this year is a steep one. However, he played well tonight, scoring 12 points, making four threes and playing the “anchor” role on the Reserves team. If Harris defends and can shoot decently, he will get minutes. He did that tonight.
Darius Miller: For the vast majority of the game, it was easy to forget that Darius was playing. He took two shots in the first half and seemed to be settling into the “non-aggressive” Darius from last season. But then Calipari called time out and in a six play sequence, he took a shot on every possession, making four. Afterwards, he went back into hiding. Darius has star potential. To maximize that potential, he has to be more aggressive than tonight.
Jon Hood: Along with Dodson, no one did more to help their stock rise tonight than Jon Hood. People always like to focus on what Hood cant do, and it was clear tonight that he has a ways to go defensively. But he can take the ball to the basket, hit the open jumper and pass the ball well on offense. If he hits threes consistently, there will be minutes for him, and tonight he took a big step in my eyes.
Josh Harrellson: Harrellson had a double-double at halftime. It was a quiet double-double, but that is because Jorts did was Jorts does. He hustled, banged inside for rebounds and hit the open three point jumper. Do that and there is a role for him on the team. If Jorts plays like he did tonight all year, he will be a valuable contributor…and while he does seem to have Jared Prickett syndrome with the missed bunnies, he had a good night.
Mark Krebs: Mark played less than the other 12 guys, but had a good showing nonetheless. He scored five points, played better defense than I have seen, and generally had a solid evening. His stroke is smooth and he definitely looks like he will be more than just a fan favorite this season in some games.
Perry Stevenson: Two guys struggled tonight, and for my money, none more than Stevenson. It is difficult to see where Perry fits in this team. Not scoring is one thing, but how can he have only 3 rebounds at his height? Stevenson looks like the fifth big man on a team with three future NBAers ahead of him. Perry should take note of what Ramon is doing and try to find a role…tonight that didnt happen.
Deandre Liggins: Most will look at Liggins’ stat line and say the game was a complete dud for DeAndre, but I dont think that is quite fair. While his 0 points is not good (last one to do it was the infamous Jared Carter game), he looked more comfortable on the court and I thought was more into the game than last year. But he still makes too many mistakes and I think he may have had 400 fouls. The coaches privately trump Liggins as an X factor…if that is the case, he must have a better game than tonight.
So all in all, a fun night in Rupp Arena and one that gets you excited about the future. I had two moments that I loved tonight, first the great sight of Calipari honoring Joe B Hall by bringing him on the bench with him in the second half. Joe B is a legend for this program and I love seeing Calipari acknowledge him in such special ways. Second, it was great to see former players at the game such as Ron Mercer, Wayne Turner and Micheal Porter…the more of that we have, the better for the program. And I got to ride back to Louisville with Mike Pratt and listen to him talk basketball for an hour. It doesnt get much better.
Big day on Thursday as we have more on the Blue-White game and set our eyes on Mississippi State. Go Cats!
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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October 28th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Farmer/BTI is about as worthy of a ticket as Conn/Riley
October 28th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
The haircut is hot!
October 28th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Can’t wait to hear what you heard that has you so convinced that Bledsoe will be gone after this year. If that’s the case, it sure adds pressure to recruiting - and makes you wonder why one of the top point guards hasn’t already committed.
October 28th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Pilgrim is a beast.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:03 am
is there anywhere online I can watch a replay of this entire game?
October 29th, 2009 at 12:05 am
I am not “so convinced”…I just said it was a possibility that he could be an NBA guy much sooner than people think
October 29th, 2009 at 12:12 am
I had a moment I loved as well, when John Wall dunked for teh other team and starting throwing his hands up….
That was hot.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Thought Liggins, other than fouls, was actually much better. Plus, he played point tonight and we’ll probably see him a small forward during the season, where he should have a better chance at beating bigger players of the dribble.
I was surprised to see some of the high screens (which were effective). Didn’t think they screened in the DDO?
October 29th, 2009 at 12:18 am
My two cents on tonight (if anyone cares):
1) I can’t imagine anyone in better physical shape than Patterson at this juncture. Ditto to Matt on the “beast comment” which is exactly what I turned and said to my friend tonight.
2) There is zero drop-off in talent between Wall and Bledsoe. Wall may be a better finisher NOW, but no guard will out-muscle Bledsoe. He’s solid as a brick.
3) Dodson. Can. Play.
4) 70% of our turnovers are going to be calls for palming the ball. I really don’t think I’m exaggerating.
5) I will never be sad about missing BBM when I can pay $10 to see 40 minutes of what I saw tonight. I’m suprised more people don’t go to this.
This team will be insane by the end of the season.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:22 am
Oh, and can we lay off Liggins? We have an opportunity to rally around an amazing team, let’s not bring the negativity (at least so soon, lol) I thought he was much improved.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:26 am
1) In the first half, the white team reminded me of last year’s squad versus good opponents - the white team’s point guard play was so overmatched in terms of speed that the entire offense struggled.
2) I think Joe B. Hall should take Bill Keightley’s chair in Rupp.
3) This is a much better event than Madness.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:26 am
9, I noticed that Wall palmed the ball a lot as well…I agree with that statement. The officials starting last year were callin that more and more often so Coach has gotta get that message thru Wall and Liggin’s head, I noticed them doin it the most. Did Liggins even take a shot though? I dont recall him to have, he might had. But I felt he played good defense. The players that arent freak athletes, they can hit the 3 so I believe everyone on the team can and will contribute in some shape or form. Last time we had that…1995-96. This team will be good and that’s all I can say. And I saw a pic of the two recruits, Leslie was wearin the black and white. Is that a violation for someone to have a pic up of recruits on facebook, even tho their names or no description was mentioned? I also heard both of their names chanted.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:28 am
Bottom line, the cats are made up of five new guys who are skilled beyond what they know. Add to that, Miller who played for the U.S. National Team, Krebs who played well, Harris and Stevenson who have more playing time than almost anyone from the last two years, and then add…. oh yea P. Patterson who played like a different (more able to play aggressive) All American due to his supporting cast, and Dodson who was a star, Liggins and Harrelson who both played enough minutes last year to be comfortable in role positions… and you have an entire team. Had a great time at the Blue/White game and can’t wait for a season of Calipari Ball. Been a long time since we had 13 players all able to put in meaningful minutes in a game, ninety-six?
October 29th, 2009 at 12:32 am
what an awesome rundown. I felt like I was there. helluva job MJ.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:33 am
Bledsoe palmed the shit out of the ball. They need to fix that habit sooner than later b/c that’s how they are getting to the explosive drives. Refs are going to call that all night long. Had to chuckle when they called Wall for it tonight and everyone booed (sp?).
October 29th, 2009 at 12:42 am
15, that was pretty funny
October 29th, 2009 at 12:45 am
Fascinating practice video over at coachcal.com. Video is from tuesdays practice and it shows the the intensity of “defense” that coach puts on the players. the players banging the floor in unison before each defensive set was great. notice at end of video of coach making perry go hug pat for having his back on the last defensive set. great stuff.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:54 am
Turnovers were the major negative I saw, had to have 30 or more in total.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:03 am
I dub this year’s team the “Dirty (Baker’s) Dozen”.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:12 am
can anyone put part or the whole scrimmage on youtube?
October 29th, 2009 at 1:13 am
For some reason I have been wondering this and thanks to whomever can tell me the answer (I can’t remember). But who was the player that committed to UK, but passed away on the court while in high school? I’m thinking he was a big guy.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:19 am
John Stewad, 7ft.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:19 am
stewart*
October 29th, 2009 at 1:20 am
21- John Stewart
October 29th, 2009 at 1:27 am
John Stewart from somewhere in Indiana, I believe. Yea, he was a big man, a 7 footer.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:29 am
I know one thing that could make this Blue/White night better. Waking up in the morning to hear about a CJ Leslie committment!!!
October 29th, 2009 at 1:33 am
That’s right, I recognize the name now. I couldnt think of it for nothing…thanks guys!
October 29th, 2009 at 1:35 am
Just looked him up, he played at Lawrence North in Indiana…same play Ferguson was, I think.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:50 am
Im just so thankfull im able to witness this team..Teams like this are rare…..N E BODY HAVE FINAL FOUR PREDICTIONS?
October 29th, 2009 at 3:14 am
So much depth. You can’t focus on any one player or the other 4 will kill you, and so will their backups.
October 29th, 2009 at 3:44 am
Great write up. Excitement = Palpable.
Here’s the EJSIC’s take on the Cats’ prospects, starting five, pooping ice cream, etc.
http://elitistjerksports.com/?p=2542
October 29th, 2009 at 4:08 am
as soon as anyone gets a link to some blue-white highlights be a friend and post them. i wanna re-watch
October 29th, 2009 at 4:47 am
we got more studs than Lane’s End
October 29th, 2009 at 4:58 am
31 why are you not in the blogger contest?
October 29th, 2009 at 6:36 am
Jones, you are the only one literally, well maybe Mitch and Rich too, but with the ability to save Saturday night. The blackout idea sucks, you know it, I know it, evryone knows it. However, you put the word out on this site, that the blackout is out and a Blue Out or White Out is in you can make that happen. I’d love to see a white out personally with the cats in all white including helmets, like Real Madrid. To wear the all white signifys power, dignity, royalty. We are none of thoses historically I know, but let’s change it. Go cats
October 29th, 2009 at 6:55 am
Thanks for the rundown, but you are showing your youth.
Cream comes to the top…not to the crop.
Maybe you should have run that by Mike Pratt on the way home?
Be sure to let us know when news breaks on Payne, Leslie, Jones, Knight, Selby or Gilchrist.
October 29th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Is there any chance wall misses the whole season?
October 29th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Anyone else think last night was the blending of three coaches? I mean you had 3 Tubby guys, What three Billy G guys, and the rest Cal guys. I dont know, something neat in my mind about that.
Agree it was great to see Joe B and the other former Wildcats there. Michael Porter was behind the white bench.
I think this team is going to be good but Dodson has to start(after the one showing FWIW).
Two questions remain
1)Wall status
2)Recruiting for 2010
October 29th, 2009 at 7:41 am
Oh and Wall looking excited to plat at Rupp, pumping the crowd up throughout the game was pretty coal (:)) to see.
October 29th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Is that Pauley from Sopranos looking over Matt’s shoulder??
October 29th, 2009 at 8:06 am
That was me that started the Terrance Jones Chant from section 29 & the student section picked it up quickly. I was sitting right above Matt & his Chinese mini-me Luado(sp)…. I think Matt kept getting texts from KSR folks in Rupp cause he would look around after looking at his phone….
October 29th, 2009 at 8:11 am
10) I liked the ways Liggins played as well, I thought he did a great job being aggressive on defense even though it did lead to some fouls but he did a pretty good job giving wall all he had. he was going after every pass to try and get steals and force turnovers. He was playing extremely aggressive which I like out of him, maybe a little too aggressive for an actual game but hey its a scrimmage…go cats!
October 29th, 2009 at 8:12 am
Hey Matt. Your hair looks good. Who Dey
October 29th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Dodson is only gonna get better in this system with 2 years left after this one.
October 29th, 2009 at 8:34 am
#31 Loved this quote from the article:
“They pushed the ball with veracity, defended with tenacity, and show-boated with audacity.”
LOL. Awsum.
October 29th, 2009 at 8:34 am
Jared Prickett was there, too. Sitting about 10 rows in front of me.
October 29th, 2009 at 8:46 am
I think Liggins will look better when he’s not asked to play the point. He had to tonight because it was intra-squad. I think he could play a similar role to Miller if he winds up on the wing. I also think he wants to be the team’s perimeter defensive stopper. I believe that’s what he was trying to show with his aggressive play last night that resulted in all the fouls. At least he’s playing with passion and competing for a spot on the team.
October 29th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Cal putting Joe B. on the bench was beyond cool. Yeah, I admit it - I had to pull myself together.
October 29th, 2009 at 8:46 am
I’ll say this for Liggins - there were stretches of the game where he owned John Wall defensively. I think he blocked Wall 4 times in a 3 minute span.
Matt - I noticed you were stationed in Rupp as far away from Bromley as you can get on press row…coincidence?
October 29th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Patterson…wow. Not having to play with his back to the basket makes him look like a completely different player. He’s got a jumper and has moves…something he couldn’t showcase last year.
And how great is it to see these guys having fun? Nothing like the 6 month funeral we had last year.
This is going to be great!!
October 29th, 2009 at 9:38 am
[...] Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio gives his thoughts on the scrimmage, and poses for a picture. [...]
October 29th, 2009 at 9:52 am
49 - i couldn’t agree more. He plays more of a physical defense than the rest of the squad (and his 7 fouls showed because of it), and it’ll be great for wall & bledsoe in practice. I think he’ll also make a great defensive presence against guys like downey and other good guards we’ll face this year.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:14 am
CLASS…..nothing but CLASS. I thought when Cal put Joe B. on the bench, THEN gave him a program to roll up……Nothing but CLASS!!!!!! Folks I think we’re gonna be witnessing something special this year
October 29th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Re: #41
Maybe it was the stack of money he could have saved with Geico texting him and Matt was trying to find it….. “a little lower and to the right!”
October 29th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
[...] Last night, Kentucky played their annual Blue/White basketball game before a Rupp Arena crowd that would trump any Big Ten regular season game. Thankfully because of [...]
October 30th, 2009 at 12:09 am
Glad you liked the post guys.
I really appreciate Matt letting us post links from time to time. We don’t just write about the Cats, but we love being able to share it with you guys when we do.