Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
photo by Charles Bertram
Sometimes we all need a good shaking. Nothing too serious. Just a little realization that when our thoughts have slowly drifted a bit too far away from current reality, it may be time to take a step back and re-evaluate. That was what tonight’s 74-38 victory over Campbellsville should be for Kentucky fans: a realization that this is a very talented team, but one with quite a ways to go. You cant blame Calipari for not accepting that reality. He has been telling Kentucky fans three things all summer: he has been from Pikeville to Paducah, he is a Duke of Hazard and this team has a long way to go. We processed the first two, but it may have taken the sight of the first 16 minutes of the second half tonight to process the third one.
There was a lot of good to see on the court. It is clear that Eric Bledsoe is an elite player already for the Cats. He was the most explosive player on the floor and made the (very few) plays that would constitute highlights for the night. It is also great to see that Darnell Dodson is taking the whole “look like/wear number of” Ramel Bradley thing seriously, taking a lot of shots and creating points when needed. And the defense….absent a few lapses in the second half, the defense was very good for most of the night and smothered Campbellsville into a 3-34 start to their shooting night. All great teams play great defense and this team showed that it will be a reality this season.
With the good did come some bad, and we will dive a bit into that below. However this much is clear. The Calipari era will be exciting, full of talent and loaded with potential. You could see potential greatness all over the court and the entire feel of the game is different than in the last two seasons. Yes you can see it in the change of one former starter into a crowd favorite reserve, but you can also see it in the flashes of brilliance from players, even as they make mistakes. Yes Patrick Patterson missed that jumper from the top of the key…but you know he can make it. Yes Demarcus Cousins missed the close-in layup in traffic…but you know soon he will dunk it. Yes Darnell Dodson took some bad shots close to the basket…but you know when John Wall takes them, they will be better and will go in. This team is oozing potential and thus a night like tonight feels more like the opening act of a potential great story than the preview of its ultimate finale.
Some notes (and yes, the Buzz Baker shoutout to KSR was cool):
— The revelation of the game to me was the play of Eric Bledsoe. I knew the kid was very talented and some basketball people I respect raved about him even before his arrival on campus. But what he has done since he has been in Lexington is phenomenal. He has such great vision on the court and finds his teammates in great spots. He can take it to the basket and finish with authority, a bit like Keith Bogans at his best. And his hands on defense are so quick, that he can nab a basketball and be down the court before the other guard even knows what has happened. John Wall isnt the only PG on the UK roster that is the truth.
— It is clear that the Cats have a “gunner” in Darnell Dodson. That however may not be bad. For a lot of the game tonight, the team looked a bit like the reserve team in the Blue-White game, with no one looking to create offense by going to the basket. Dodson showed that he will do it, leading the team with 19 points. I ultimately dont expect him to have those kind of numbers every game, but he does give the team something it needs…a shooter and a confident penetrator off the PG position.
— I wish some of his confidence would rub off on Darius Miller, who still looks quite timid. Miller is at his best when he is an offensive presence for the Cats. While he is a decent defender, he isnt great. Thus for him to be a huge upgrade over the other options at the wing (which he is), he has to perform on offense. He blends in too much and doesnt seem assertive. I hope that keeps improving, but has not shown a great change from last year in the first two games.
— I loved the play of Big Cuz and Orton down low. I am sure if Calipari thought this game was in danger, he would have had both players take shots from the post and dominate the smaller opponents. However instead, he had both guys working the perimeter and mid-range games and I loved the aggressiveness of both. For Cuz, it is all about consistent effort…when he gives that (which he did for the most part tonight), he will be special.
— A lot of the talk on the Live Blog tonight was about Patrick Patterson and his DDO performance. Patterson only had four points and spent most of his time on the perimeter. I do think that figuring out Pat’s role in the offense is one of the things Calipari is trying to do to optimize Pat’s tremendous gifts. Tonight he was rarely down low, but in games where it matters, he will be. I read very little into this game tonight for Pat and my guess is that you will see him have a huge game on Friday night.
— Decent performances from Jon Hood and Ramon Harris, both of whom are probably competiting against each other for minutes. They each played well, Hood showcasing more on offense and Harris on defense, as is to be expected. Ramon continues his knack for playing more than people think, mostly because of his consistent defensive effort. Hood showed his offensive ability and will provide scoring in limited roles. The competition for backup wing time is between the two of them and both did well tonight.
— I was very pleased to see “The Microwave” Perry Stevenson have a big night. Buzz Baker’s ode to Vinnie Johnson applied to Purry as well, as he had 11 points in 5 minutes. Stevenson actually looked like the one guy who had the DDO down well, scoring off the dribble, drawing fouls and making a three pointer. I was glad to see that for Purry, who has had a pretty bad fall on the practice floor. He probably has to pass Josh Harrellson to make his way into the rotation and tonight’s late performance may give him some confidence to do that.
— Deandre Liggins didnt see the floor during the entire game. Three weeks ago, some around the program were praising what Liggins had done and said that the fans would see a new DeAndre this year. Since then, things have fallen off for Liggins and tonight has to be a difficult night for him. But dont give up just yet. They still like some of what they have seen from Liggins and it is very early to know for sure how his role will play out during the year.
Finally, I know it goes against our general need to panic, but I find very little to worry about this game. If you think that UK will have any more games this season in which their two best players (Patterson and Wall) combine to score four points, then you are probably a new investor in the newspaper industry. This game was sloppy, the team was sluggish and mistakes were plentiful. But there will only be one more UK game without John Wall and probably no more in which Kentucky will play the style and method they did tonight. Fans now know that this team isnt 1996 UK today. But that doesnt mean they cant be really good very soon.
From John Clay’s blog, this video of Patterson after the game:
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November 2nd, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Poop ice cream
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:32 pm
cats showed some hustle tonight, diving after loose balls and such. nice to see.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:39 pm
You never really mentioned in what ways you think the Cats were disappointing. Seems like all signs point to it being a pretty good game for us, but you still are making the point that there’s a ways to go. I mean I believe that our team is no where near mid-season form, but in which ways do you think we can improve on after this game?
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I didn’t watch the game. So what did Buzz Baker say about KSR specifically?
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Very impressed with our team tonight, this was the first organized game and a lot a guys first college level game.. We have great talent and athletic ability… This team will keep getting better as the season goes.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:46 pm
I’m still asking where Liggins was?!
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Daniel Orton showed alot of power tonight. He will definitely do some great things in his time at UK, however long it is. Big Cuz showed why his is a top-5 recruit. I’m very excited about him. Same for Eric Bledsoe. Those 3 players excited me the most.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
It continues to baffle me as to why Coach Cal refused to put Randall Cobb in at the end of the game.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Weird question:
What would have happened if Wall would have played tonight? Would UK have simply forfeited the exhibition game (like Memphis did after they played an ineligible player) or would the NCAA have made him sit out an extra game?
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
I would guess that attitude issues in practice led to Liggins not getting a second of PT. It wouldn’t suprise me if he were to transfer.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:01 pm
3. My stab at it is that we had too many turnovers and most on team didn’t seem to understand the offense yet. On D, gave up a ton of perimeter looks, Campbellsville just dead cold in 1st half.
Once we get Wall back, plug him with Bledsoe and Dodson on the perimeter, we’re going to give teams a lot of fits with that speed and length. Those guys can gamble because who is behind them. Cal can coach this team up. One thing we have we have not in years is talent.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Also, Bledsoe’s block and the move he put on the nameless/faceless UC player at the end of the first half would have been the numbers 3 and 4 best plays of last season (behind Meek’s total offensive performance vs. Tennessee and Perry’s dunk against UNLV)…..and this is only an exhibition. Pretty exciting stuff!
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:06 pm
At about the 3 minute mark left in the game, Coach Cal looked like he played about 20 minutes. HE LOOKED FRUSTRATED AND WORN OUT !!!! LOL
I hope he knows that us rational fans expected some of the slop we saw tonight… now worries coach.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I don’t think we should be surprised that the offense was rough - the entire team is new to it. I’m guessing the defense is more familiar.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Anybody listen to the radio broadcast?? Who was the player of the game?? I would have voted for Dodson, or Bledsoe.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:17 pm
A commented on Tiptons game story said that the thing that stood out to him was that the players didn’t put their hands over their hearts during the national anthem. Poll grade? F minus!
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Commenter* stupid autocorrect
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:25 pm
As a BCG supporter (due to my loyal nature), it is obvious that he put the FUN in dysFUNctional. Glad to have our boys back. Live in AZ so did not get to watch the game. Thank goodness for KSR. GO CATS!
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I know we were playing an NAIA school, but a 36 point win without Wall, and with Patterson working on his game (and thus only 4 points), and with Darius Miller not asserting himself… That’s three starters who will have better games once the season starts for real.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Attendance at tonight’s exhibition nearly passed the U of L football game. I bet the Clarion exhibition beats it.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:36 pm
How many points did Randall Cobb score tonight????
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Listen to ESPN Radio.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:57 pm
I think there were other reasons for Liggins not playing tonight..maybe grades? off-court troubles?? any inside info? lol
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:00 am
haha i was on the 11 o’clock WKYT news twice, they love my beard.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:01 am
I think Liggins didn’t play because he’s still out of control. Atleast that’s how he looked in the Blue/White scrimmage.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:16 am
I saw Jerry Tipton poking around after the game. He was very well dressed. If Alan Cuttler runs around in holey sweat shirts, then how does Tipton afford his nice wardrobe??
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:20 am
so is this political announcement still happening tomorrow or what?
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:31 am
who cares about Liggins, honestly
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:49 am
I think there were times in the second half when it looked like we lacked a takeover type personality. That will change next game.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:00 am
I think we have 2 new nick names for Perry Stevenson “Microwave” and “The Purry Flurry”
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:27 am
considering we didn’t have Wall i think we did alright… If Wall had played then Campbellsville might have scored less points and we would’ve scored more
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:47 am
A shout out to the dude(funchester) who streamed the game last night…..living in Jax it was nice to be able to watch the game.
If this team gels and can play unselfishly, it is going to be a good season. We might lose a few games, but it is night and day to what the past couple of years were. I’m thinking of all those open looks Meeks would have tghis year.
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:48 am
There is noway we go undefeated.
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:53 am
The performance on the court was about what I expected; hustle, defense, some good plays (Miller to Harris lob), but lots of slop. Each game should look better than the last, so poor Clarion might not score double figures until the second half. Seriously, though, I think we can see why Cal would prefer to play a closed scrimmage against a D-I school. Beating up on Campbellsville doesn’t really tell you where you are as a team. My biggest complaint of the night is for the 5 sports bars in Dayton I had to call before finally finding on that has Fox Sports South. Seriously, my mother-in-law gets 15 Fox Sports channels on her DirectTV package, but an effin sports bar doesn’t? God I hate Ohio.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:10 am
I’m arguing with a Louisville and UNC fan over here over the validity of UK’s top 5 ranking.
http://elitistjerksports.com/?p=2573
Come give me a hand in the comments section.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:10 am
You are right, Ohio sucks
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:25 am
35. Well done, sir.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:38 am
What we have is a bunch of extremely talented players who don’t quite know what they are doing yet. What you will have 2 months from now, is a extremely talented team that does know what they are doing. One thing, did Clyde use a shock collar on Darius or what? He acts like he is scared to death. There were a couple of times after a timeout that Cal specifically cleared the lane for him, and TOLD HIM to go to the rim with the ball. I hope this timidness isn’t a personality trait that hangs with him, because in this offense, there is zero room for it.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:53 am
For those that haven’t read the Live Blog from last nights game, you need to! It is classic! The Perry Stevenson comments were hysterical.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:59 am
18. (and anyone else who is out of town) You can catch most local games live here >> http://www.justin.tv/funchester They had last nights game as well.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 am
Coach Cal says: Morning everyone. Heading to the airport for some off-day travel. I guess you all now understand what I meant when I said we’re at the base of mountain, right? But the guys are working hard and we know what needs to be done. We’ll get a lot out of last night’s game and use it to get better. Enjoy your Tuesday. Go Big Blue!
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:17 am
Anyone know what Buzz Baker said about KSR? I must have been in the other room, because I was watching the game and did not hear it?
Can anyone help me out on this?
Thanks
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:31 am
Buzz Baker said something to the effect that many fans will be blogging about the team over at the KSR website!
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:33 am
42- They were discussing something, and he said something along the lines of “that will give the boys over at KSR something to talk about”.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:35 am
Well, They’re not who we thought they were!…yet. They are, however, exactly who Coach told us they were.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:37 am
I’m not saying there is a need to panic, but I think it is a bit concerning that UK had one more rebound in the first half than a team that they were a combined 5 feet taller than. I wish you could get points for “talent” and “being atheletic” but unfortunantly you have to hit shots. I am amazed in the three exhibitions/practices/scrimmages I have watched at how shots just do not fall for this team. Hopefully with knowing the system better they can create, but at some points we better hope someone can simply step up and hit shots. I will take all of Dodson’s shooting, we better hope he keeps it up. Without him as a major contributor there could be games that we see an ice cold shooting team get beat by a much lesser foe that is hitting everything.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:39 am
I didn’t see the DDO much at all last night. Looked pretty much like a regular motion offense. I don’t know if that was by plan, or if we really just have that far to go, learning this offense.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:41 am
Some people seem to have forgotten that we were missing the gamechanger - John Wall.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:42 am
What in the world is a “gunner?”
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:47 am
48 - I don’t think people are forgetting that, it’s that they shouldn’t have to need to rely on him to avoid playing like the turnover plagued team of a year ago against Campbellsville.
Now that being said, this is nothing to worry about in my mind. Anyone expecting this team to come out, even in an exhibition, and look like the team that dismantled Florida in 03 was fooling themselves. I DID think they’d look a little more sharp than they did, but then you realize they haven’t been practicing that long and most of the team is still getting used to the game at the collegiate level, and it makes a lot more sense as to why they are where they are. This team is fast, ULTRA aggressive, talented, and has the potential to be steamrolling any and everyone by the time March is here. Right now though, looooooong way to go. I think there’s a good chance we won’t see this team playing to 75-80% of its potential until the UNC-Ashville game. But by the time we’re deep in to SEC season, oh god, it’s going to be something we’ll never forget.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:48 am
43) & 44) Thanks appreciate it….that is pretty cool that he said that
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:49 am
oops wrong #’s 44) & 45) sorry about that
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:50 am
okay I’m looney today… one more time the first numbers were right…duh
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:52 am
I haven’t seen or heard anyone panicking, why does everyone keep saying “stop panicking?” This is pretty much what I expected from this team. They are learning a new system. As long as they keep improving, they will be a dominate force come March.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:11 am
The game was sloppy. Campbellsville had been practicing since August and knows there offense, and used most of the shotclock on most possessions. The Cats were far superior in Talent and Size, and won easily, but looked very rough doing so. That said. Orton, and Cousins looked really good! Bledsoe is probably our best point guard since Rondo, and Wall is supposedly better than him! Patterson didn’t get a lot of touches, and Dodson is better than most of us imagined! My fav. player is Hood, and he had his moments, but this team will continue to get better! Will they make the Final Four? I am not sure they will. Will they win 20+ games, and play an exciting brand of basketball? Yes they will.
Highlights last night for me:
1) Bledsoe Volleyball Spike Block into the stands!
2) Bledsoe dipsy do underhand layup around defender.
3) Patterson reverse dunk in which he fell down!
4) Bledsoe rebound and score off missed free throw!
5) Stevenson 3 pointer!
Anyone here anything on Bledsoe’s ankle injury?
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:14 am
truthfully I was amazed at our performance…miles ahead of last year already!
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:17 am
^hear
Also, Definition of Gunner: Someone who believes they are always open, and will take shot anytime they have the ball. See also Rex Chapman.
Tongue and Cheek. Chapman is my favorite player of all time!
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:41 am
Based on what we’ve seen from practices and the exhibition, I’d figure on a starting lineup of Wall, Bledsoe, Dodson, Patterson and Cousins.
Orton first off the bench inside, Miller/Harris (offense/defense) outside. I know Miller is the popular pick and has a lot of upside, but really, he’s far too meek and insecure in his playing. He may beat Dodson out until Dodson gets a more reliable shot (and Wall’s offense and assists will reduce the need for Dodson’s scoring in the starting lineup).
The best thing about the game last night was seeing some great things from what should be the core of next year’s team, Bledsoe, Orton and Dodson. Bledsoe is a freak, Orton was under the basket for a lot of putbacks, and Dodson may end up the best juco we’ve had in a long time.
Concerns: Not worried about the turnovers, but I was a little worried about the number of scrapes and bonked heads. Some of that will clear up as they get more used to playing together, but with guys fighting for playing time, you like the effort, but you don’t want to see Harris getting hurt (too much history), or Orton or Cousins hitting their heads. Play hard, but play carefully, guys.
Any word on Bledsoe’s ankle?
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:58 am
Here is my basketball analysis, quotes and some “cool” things that happened
during and after the game last night:
http://www.allkyhoops.com
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
The game was a nice way to introduce the new players to the speed of college ball and to allow them to practice what they have learned. Did you notice that coach let the upper classmen finish the last 5 minutes of the game. We scored 8-12 points and held the opp to 0 points scored. They ran the DDO the way it should work. Guard drives, is met by the D and forces them to double down. Guard pitches back to top of key. 2nd man dribbles to the basket undefended (Perry S did it most of the time)(if he can do it even a frosh can), lays up from 8 feet out and gets the fowl-3 point play. Looks kinda like a counter play in football.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:12 pm
The frosh looked like frosh. Dodson wanted to shoot every time he got the ball. He rarely passed off when he got in trouble. Bledsoe had trouble driving and pitching back to the open man. He wanted to complete the play by himself or with an ali oop. Plus, he did not look for the outlet passes much. MOst of the guys failed to get into position to receive an outlet. Hood looked good on D. His shot wasn’t going down from outside. He was not driving much. Wasn’t getting much of a seam to work with. Orton did nice things. Orton did not seem too offensively minded. I’m happy to see them working on skills more than looking to score. Execution is more important now than scoring a lot of points.
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:06 pm
[...] Last night, John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats kicked off the basketball preseason with a 74-38 blowout win over Campbellsville (Ky.) University in Lexington. With superstar point guard, John Wall, serving the first game of [...]