Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
It’s been an exciting season for fans of the Kentucky Wildcats. Here’s a great stocking stuffer idea – The Kentucky Basketball Season Never Ends calendar. Featuring one of the Top Ten players in UK history on the cover, Kenny “Sky” Walker, the calendar captures the biggest moments in UK basketball history on the days they happened.
Visit www.ukcal.com to order yours. Only $14.99. Free shipping when you order three.
Buy online and you will automatically be entered to win two tickets to UK vs Drexel on December 21st.
Also available at the following stores:
All Sports, Alumni Hall, Blue Zone, Fan Outfitters, JD Becker, Keeneland Gift Shop, Kennedy’s, Kentucky Korner, Kentucky’s Best, The Campbell House Gift Shop, and very soon an exciting new location…in Paducah!
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Good morning, my KSR brothers and sisters and welcome to the first Wednesday of December. Tuesday was a pretty crazy day from the start and let’s not waste any time on jumping into some notes…
- Obviously, the bowl watch was the biggest story on Tuesday for not only our Cats, but for every bowl-eligible college football team in the country. When the dust settled, the Cats were left (unofficially until Sunday) with another trip to Nashville occupying their holiday agenda. Despite the possibility of a few people having some lingering disappointment over not earning a trip to Tampa or Atlanta, heading to the Music City Bowl for the third time in four years is a great draw for Rich Brooks’ team. Not only is Nashville a fantastic place to spend the weekend as a fan, but the possibility of playing Miami or North Carolina (or even the loser of Clemson-Georgia Tech) gives the Cats a very attractive television matchup and a chance to again make a statement against a traditional power (Miami) or a big-time coach (North Carolina). And, if you’re one who believes in making statements in front of potential recruits, you could make a case that no other potential bowl game (Outback and Chick-Fil-A included) offers a chance to take on a team with more recruiting buzz the last couple of seasons. Given some of the other possible destinations and opponents, Cats fans should be very pleased about another trip to LP Field.
- But, having said that, there’s no question that the Outback Bowl’s decision to take Auburn is strange, at best. I’m not sure anyone on the planet would say anyone was better qualified to got than Tennessee, but arguments could be made that Kentucky, Georgia and South Carolina all were more qualified. And, given the fact that it’s typically an SEC East team that heads to Tampa, the Auburn selection seems even more odd. I guess the committee saw something in the Tigers’ 2-5 finish (wins over Ole Miss and Furman) that was just too sexy to pass up.
- Just as another quick note: If you’re as pumped about the potential Music City Bowl matchups as I am, you can thank Bobby Bowden for his retirement. Bowden stepping down means that Florida State leap-frogged some teams in the ACC to land in the Gator Bowl for his final game, meaning the Cats likely earned a better opponent.
- Despite all the football talk, the eyes of Cats fans remain focused on Saturday’s game on the hardwood between the winningest programs in college basketball history. The Cats will enter the game with a perfect 7-0 record, but there is no question that this game serves as the real start of the Calipari Era. For most of the nation, Kentucky basketball under Cal has just been a bunch of pre-season magazine topics and some Sportscenter Top Plays. Saturday’s showdown at Rupp is the first time that the revolution will be televised for the nation to see. A loss wouldn’t set the program back or serve as a reason to panic. A win, however, would emphatically show the world that there is substance with this style and that Kentucky is a program to be feared. It’s going to be fun.
- Speaking of the Tar Heels, North Carolina knocked off #9 Michigan State, 89-82, in their final tuneup before heading to Rupp on Saturday. The Tar Heels, now 7-1, too a 24-21 lead with ten and a half minutes to go in the first half and never turned back, mostly thanks to much-maligned sophomore point guard Larry Drew II. Drew followed up a strong game against Nevada with his most complete game of the season (18 points and 6 assists on 6-7 shooting) in his head-to-head matchup with Kalin Lucas. The Tar Heels, like the Cats, are tremendously talented inside, but their biggest question this season has been the play of their very thin and inexperienced backcourt. Roy Williams and his one good arm has to be feeling good about the way Drew has asserted himself the past few games, but there’s no doubt that they’ll need another big-time performance from him against Kentucky on Saturday. Should he appear timid or a little flustered as he has at times this season, it could be a very long day for him.
- And while Saturday’s made-for-TV matchup might be the first high-profile game of John Calipari’s tenure, it doesn’t mean that the previous seven games were not without merit. One of the things I’ve found to be most impressive over the course of this season is not only the way the team already seems to be developing as a unit rather than individuals, but the way that Calipari has clearly made each game about improving instead of just blowing teams out with talent. Kentucky hasn’t faced a team this year yet that is even in the same galaxy as they are in terms of talent, but Cal has not yet just let his team press and then coast to a blowout victory (*cough* jagoff *cough*). In every game this year - UNC-Asheville most notably - it’s been obvious that Cal has focused more on working on their weaknesses and challenging his team to win in a variety of ways. We haven’t seen a whole lot of Dribble-Drive to this point (partly because of zone), which obviously favors the athleticism of the Cats. Instead, Cal has made his team develop various looks out of the half-court sets (high-lows, secondary breaks) and made a team that looked lazy and stood straight up on defense early in the season continue to improve their half-court man-to-man. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see these games serve as teaching sessions rather than just turning a far superior team loose and I’ll be the first to admit that I always assumed Cal was the “turn the guys loose” type of coach. A continued focus on the learning will not only serve the Cats well on their gauntlet in the coming week, but also as this young team develops this season.
- Perhaps the most suprising statistical story of this young basketball season is that UK’s three point shooting (38%) is their best since the 95-96 team (40%). It’s tough to say if it will continue to be this strong as the season goes on and legs start to tire out, but this was billed as perhaps the only weakness of this team and you can’t take anything but positives away. Most importantly, no one looks timid to pull the trigger and having guys who at least pose a threat will make it harder for teams to pack it inside on the Cats’ dominant post players.
- Down the I-64, the glorified junior college is still searching for a football coach and athletic director Tom Jurich interviewed Phil Fulmer on Tuesday, opening the door for a possible Bobby Bowden interview in the future. The meeting lasted 30 minutes, which is just slightly shorter than you’d be interviewed if you were applying to bag groceries at Kroger. The “Coach Watch” on WHAS originally said Tuesday that Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong and Central Michigan head coach Butch Jones were the favorites, but now they’ve added BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall and Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham.
- In some non-UK related news, the Tiger Woods saga now involves a girl from Tool Academy. I’ve tried to avoid this story in every way possible, but now it’s interesting. Tool Academy. So awesome.
That’s it for now. Stay tuned throughout the day as we get you all the UK basketball and football news in the most ridiculous manner possible. See you in a few….
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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December 2nd, 2009 at 12:57 am
Oh, by the way: Louisville interviewed Phil Fulmer, and Jurich said that he would not actively pursue any candidate whose team still is playing.
*snickers*
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:01 am
is Saturday here yet?? damn man….
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:08 am
Time to beat Heels. Five-game losing streak to them is painful. Defense, not outside shooting, will be the question mark with this UK team. D will really get tested versus UNC. We need Miller and Bledsoe to shoot well if UNC zones.
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:09 am
Thanks Fake Gimel…I forgot to add that.
xoxoxo
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:15 am
Two weeks in a row the Cats have been leap frogged in the polls.. First by Nova and this week by Purdue. How long will it take the Cats to reach the #1 spot or do they even get there this year? I say we get there by beating UNC Uconn and loserville.
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:37 am
“Fulmer told Volunteer TV last week that he was interested in coaching at a program with a solid history and a commitment to winning.”
Then why in the world did he interview at Louisville?
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:41 am
#5 — It would help if we start the habit of crushing cupcakes, instead of letting them hang around. The pollsters are very fickle and often don’t see every UK game — so if the score against Miami of Ohio isn’t a UK victory by 25+ points, then CLEARLY we’re not a great team. :rollseyes:
Besides, the polls doesn’t start mattering until about two weeks or so.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:18 am
John Stewart’s bit on the Tiger Woods drama tonight was hilarious.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:21 am
5-7 I’m not sure we are a top 10 team. I’m not worried about #1 in some poll that doesn’t matter. I just want us to be better when it matters. But folks- we are not as good as some believe. We can be great- and I think we are good- but UNC played very well tonight. They will give us a game. Don’t even think they won’t.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:24 am
7. Then what dud the pollsters think of Nova’s 1 pt win against George Mason?
UofL should forget about Bronco and/or Whittingham. Both are local boys here in Utah and have strong ties to the area. Both undoubtably know how the Louisville fans treated Kragthorpe and family. Kragthorpe’s brother is a sports writer in SLC.
I hope an old washed up coach like Fulmer gets the job.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:42 am
Not sure who I would prefer that Louisville get as their football coach. As for basketball, Isaiah Thomas or BCG should replace Rick when he decides to leave. Mike Davis would be third.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:50 am
11- I just hope that Notre Dame waits longer to decide than Louisville and that the good coaches hold out, not that I particularly want ND to have a good coach either, but still…
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:51 am
I watched the UNC game last night and they are really good. Young but boatlaods of talent. Ring a bell? Several observations:
1 Old Roy was wearing his best Opie shirt. It looked like his arm was in a sling from trying to pat himself on the back too vigorously.
2. John Wall could have another career game( maybe 20+ points 15+ assists. He must however play under control.
3. Those are some damn big heels, although Zeller looks like that tar has him moving at slow motion.
GO Cats I rally can’t take another year of gloating by my ex-GF UNC law grad
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:01 am
#9. The polls do matter in a sense. They don’t tell you how good you are or who should beat who but they do serve as a form of publicity. Therefore if you are ranked top 5 preseason you get good publicity. If you fall in the polls its bad publicity in a sense. Now I know it all comes out in the wash and teams end up where they should but the polls are magnified. For instance people say it doesn’t matter it is UK vs UNC. Does last years game even compare to they spotlight on Saturdays game when #5 Kentucky takes on #11 UNC. NO. If we were unranked and struggling or if UNC was being coached by Matt D. then nobody would care.
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:00 am
Hey Beisner!
How about Tampa’s channel 10 (CBS) pre-empting the UK/UNC game on Saturday for Christmas with the Stars? Barbara Eden and Mel Torme will be singing Tampa Christmas Carols rather than Tampa watching the biggest regular season college basketball game. http://www.wtsp.com/life/programming/
If that upsets you please call Ellen Lasher (Director of Programming) WTSP-TV at 727-577-1010. Orlando’s local CBS will be showing the game and we are unsure if Satilite providers (i.e. Beef’s) can get it.
Sucks doesn’t it?
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:18 am
Beisner, the revolution will not be televised!
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:53 am
So by a 30 min interview does that mean Fulmer told them he wasnt interested? Say what you want but he beat us many….many….many years in a row. That would be a good hire for UofL.
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:11 am
apparently the revolution will not be televised in tampa…..or so they think. i will not rest until this is fixed.
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:25 am
18. I’m with you! They have not returned my calls from yesterday, but they are conveniently located on the Gandy. I plan to stop by this morning. Maybe they will let us watch it in their control room since there is an obvious feed from CBS.
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:28 am
Check out this quiz to see how well you do….
http://www.sporcle.com/games/uklxa1326/UKBasketballStatisticalLeaders
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:36 am
Oh Hell, now I have something in common with Tiger. Hate it when you have to tell them” My wife may be calling” YIKESS
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:48 am
85/120
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:09 am
and then AJ said “Rectum? Nearly killed him.”
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:13 am
[...] Thomas Beisner of Kentucky Sports Radio likes the Music City Bowl matchup: “Not only is Nashville a fantastic place to spend the weekend as a fan, but the possibility of playing Miami or North Carolina (or even the loser of Clemson-Georgia Tech) gives the Cats a very attractive television matchup and a chance to again make a statement against a traditional power (Miami) or a big-time coach (North Carolina).” [...]
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:17 am
The UK UNC game could be bigger than the SEC Football Championship match up with FL and AL………….atleast for me! Let’s stick it to Roy “Obnoxious” Williams!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:23 am
I can’t believe all you people are spazzing out about North Carolina.
Michigan State was undersized and got out rebounded (the miss Suton A LOT).
North Carolina shot the best they have all year.
Mighican State shot the worst they have all year.
The fact that it was as close as it was is sad considering how poorly Michigan State shot…2/18 from 3 point land? something like that.
In the loss to Syracuse, North Carolina showed their Achilles Heel. They struggle when they have to face a big guy on the inside (BIG not TALL) and they struggle against multiple solid guards that depend the perimeter well and pressure.
They will not have an answer for PPat and Big Cuz down low, not gonna happen. We are too strong. Also, if you think they are going to be able to contain Wall or Bledsoe then you need to go rethink your life. I am looking for a big win on Saturday.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:30 am
I ain’t “Spazing Out” over Carolina, but if you think that they can’t win Saturday you’re drunk. They have a lot of talent, and the 2 kids inside are tough. With that said, watching Michigan State is like watching ice melt. If both teams play “A” games, I think we win by 10. But we too are very, very, young, and this will be the first Real Test for them. Wonder what the Vegas spread is showing?
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:31 am
19, just talked to the programmming director and they WILL be showing the UK game.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:37 am
Ok, am I the only one completely “underwhelmed” by the Music City Bowl? I am still so pissed at Joker/Brooks for choking against UT. I was going to the Outback or CapitalOne but I cannot be excited about Nashville.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:37 am
If Fulmer was slipping into the abyss at UT, with all of their tradition in football, how does Louisville think he can get it done there. I understand the man won a NCAA Championship, but that was long ago. His last years were Clyde-esque. Yeah, I am fine with this guy as the new UL coach - Krags II
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:38 am
Beisner
UNC game is on!!!! Tampa CBS Channel 10 Programming Director Ellen Lasher just called me to let me know, they realized they made a big mistake. Ellen is a graduate of both UK and Duke, I tried to suggest a hook-up with Matt Jones but she said he needs a new haircut.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:39 am
I think we match up well against UNC.
However, one of my main concerns is cousins. It seems like he gets frustrated/foul trouble fairly easily. And seeing as this will be the best competition he has come up against, I can see it being even more of a problem.
I hope not though, because we will need his scoring ability.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:41 am
28. Funny, I was driving to Ch. 10 when she called. Glad she called you as well, she said her email box was completel full from his mix up. BBN strikes again.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:41 am
19) what lead you to believe that anyone though UNC wasn’t going to give UK all they can handle??
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:44 am
not meant for #19 ….sorry
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:44 am
34. Huh?
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:55 am
my bad Wacky …. I screwed up
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:00 am
It better not be Miami,Fla or Ga Tech……………you know how great we deal with running quarterbacks.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:04 am
33. That’s just great. Thanks to yall I’m going to miss the Tampa Christmas Carols now.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:11 am
39. lol
Beisner should do a puff piece on Ellen Lasher and the hell she has been through the past few days. A person in her position could always use a little positive reinforcement.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:23 am
I don’t get how Bowden is able to get his wish about playing in a FL bowl game, such as the Gator Bowl. Not that I don’t mind the opportunity to play Miami, Clemson, GT, etc. but those schools EARNED the right to play in a FL bowl game, FSU did not. Not to mention to payout the higher prestige bowls offer. Bowden is a great coach who has done remarkable things for a program that was nonexistent prior to him taking over. But without FSU compensating the schools it leapfrogs, I feel it would be completely unjust to allow the Seminoles to cut in line.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:48 am
hey, i bag groceries at kroger! lol
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
MSU’s guards gave UNC a lot of trouble last night and our guards are better. I like our match-up against UNC. Our bigs are much better than MSU’s too. That’s where UNC owned the game, on the inside. They won’t be able to pull off some of the things against us that they did against MSU. I’m a student at UNC and UK has been overlooked by most everyone. Everybody was excited about the Michigan State game. Just like our players are hungry for the UNC game, UNC players wanted the MSU victory. The people I’ve talked to around here about the UK game are nervous, whereas they were really confident about the MSU game. I know that doesn’t matter much because I haven’t talked to the players, but that is the general feeling on campus, which has to be influenced by the players in some way.
That said, it’s going to be a close game, but I think the match-up favors us. I’ve had anxiety dreams the past two night about the UNC/UK game. If we don’t win I’m never going to live it down. GO CATS!
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:16 am
Its fine to be concerned about UNC, this game will be close. Buy why are people freaking out about their MSU win. That team lost to Florida! Florida was outrebounded by 15, only shot about 5-22 from three, and still beat MSU.
This game will be a dogfight. I think poor shooting and foul trouble will cost one team the game. But anyone thinking UNC wins easily is just fooling themselves.
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:31 am
27- Not sure what Michigan State team you think looks like ice melting- this team was getting up and down the court faster than UNC.
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:50 am
If Cousins can stay out of foul trouble and if we play excellent defense, the kind of suffocating defense Cal has been preaching but which we have yet to see at least for extended periods, we’ll be ok. Otherwise it’s going to be a very long day.