Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Good morning, sweet KSR readers, and welcome to the second-to-last Wednesday News and Views of 2009. Since we’ve already given a shoutout to Festivus, which officially starts today, and since I spent the night finally starting Bill Simmons’ The Book of Basketball (it’s excellent so far), why not give a birthday shoutout to basketball player/blogger extroardinaire Paul Shirley? Most people (well, pretty much everyone), knows Shirley as a seldom-used NBA spare part who has found his niche as a writer, most notably as an ESPN blogger. Shirley rose to internet fame in 2005 when he started chronicling his basketball travels as a bench player on the Steve Nash-led Phoenix Suns revival. Shirley continued his blogging through 2008 and penned a book called “Can I Keep My Jersey?” and television pilot titled “The Twelfth Man”, which he says he’s still shopping around. Now, he can be found on ESPN blogging about music (his latest piece covers the top 10 albums of the year) and as one of the select few I follow on Twitter. Had he existed when I was a kid, it’s possible I would have spent more time singing “Like Paul, if I could be like Paul” and paid more attention in my writing classes, which would have been better for all of us. So, happy birthday to you, Paul Shirley. May you save me an extra role in your sitcom (I was on the pilot episode of “Wishbone”!) and may you appear on a KSR Podcast or Live Blog in the near future.
Now onto some UK news….
(1) As the Cats shake off their post-UK2K hangover, they’ll face a potential trap matchup against 6-5 Long Beach State at Rupp Arena, their third game in five days. The 49ers, who were picked to win the Big West Conference, not only pose a legitimate threat as a team who loves to get up and down the floor and shoot the three, but they likely will not be intimidated by the bright lights of Rupp Arena. Long Beach State has shown they’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the big boys under the watch of former Gonzaga and Minnesota coach Dan Monson and will head to Cameron Indoor Saturday, wrapping up a non-conference schedule that also saw them take on Notre Dame, UCLA, Clemson, West Virginia and Texas. UK, without question, has the most talent. If they don’t come to play at the very strange time of 1 pm or if they are a worn down from this week’s stretch of games, they could have more trouble than they expect.
(2) A few weeks ago, we mentioned that UK’s 38% three point percentage was the best for a UK team since 1995, which was a pleasant surprise given the low long-distance expectations at the beginning of the season. Since then, however, the Cats have raised their three-point percentage to 42%, which is the best in UK history. Pre-season predictions and perceptions aside, this number is even more surprising given the fact that the Cats don’t really have a single person that you would consider a “shooter”. But, that’s probably more of a tribute to the all-around talent they’ve shown so far. Eric Bledsoe is so phenomenally athletic and gets to the hole so easily that you probably haven’t noticed that his 54.8% is the second-best percentage in UK history - second only to Eric Manuel’s six of ten in 1988-89. Patrick Patterson’s 9-18 ranks him as the 5th-best single season shooter and John Wall’s 10-24 puts him 20th, but you’d classify neither as “shooters”. They’re just “basketball players” and that’s fine with me.
(3) In case you’ve forgotten, the football Cats take the field Sunday in the Music City Bowl and the most recent line has them as seven-point underdogs to Clemson. Rich Brooks is probably a lot happier about that underdog status than he apparently was when the Snuggie picture was posted this week, but I’m not so certain the Cats shouldn’t be favored. They’ll be playing what is essentially a home game in front of a decidedly pro-UK crowd and, with so many Tennesseans fired up about the game (see .com, Twitter), it wouldn’t be surprising to see them bring more fire out of the gates. Either way, we’re in for a great game Sunday night.
(4) Around this time every year, we talk about how important the bowl game is for reasons other than the actual game. So much of what happens in the bowl season is about next year (especially the extra practices) and this game is no different as Morgan Newton will start and look to basically lock up the starting job next season. Even if he throws for 900 yards and runs for 800 more, whoever the coach is next year will talk about a “quarterback battle” in the pre-season, but make no mistake about it. If Morgan Newton plays well, it’s going to take a lot for him to not start next year as a sophomore over the senior. For all the missed receivers and overthrown passes we’ve seen from him this season, he seems to have the intangible “it” factor you want from your quarterback. The players seem to play a little harder and have a little more faith when he’s on the field. Road wins against Auburn and Georgia as a true freshman help that. A bowl win over Clemson will only solidify his spot and give UK fans legitimate off-season optimism for the fifth consecutive year.
(5) Kansas again escaped a scare against a hit-or-miss Cal team Tuesday night, but even the most homer UK fan has to admit that the Texas Longhorns are quite impressive. I was a little skeptical of Rick Barnes’ team entering this season, which is surprising since they’re the only other NCAA team I even slightly root for (I grew up in Texas so it will be our secret, shhhh), but they’ve answered every challenge this year quite impressively. Tonight, they showcased their depth while running Michigan State off the court in the second half behind former UK recruit Damion James and what seemed like 2,000 guards. And, though he had 4 points in 12 foul-plagued minutes, any basketball fan has to enjoy watching Dexter Pittman play. I’d love to see UK battle it out with the Horns. In the Championship Game, of course.
(6) Meanwhile, not surprisingly, Indiana remains awful. For a state that continually turns out high school basketball talent at such a high level, the talent for the Hoosiers has been dreadfully low for a decade. They’ve landed only three five-star recruits since 2001 and only one (the thefted Eric Gordon) has come from the Hoosier State. I’ve said this before and I’ll say this again, but I remain skeptical of Tom Crean’s ability to make Indiana a consistent power. He’s had 20 wins only three of his seven non-Dwyane Wade seasons and advanced to the second round only once (we won’t talk about who they beat). He was billed as a perfect fit and a sure-lock to make the Hoosiers dominant. And while the talent level certainly is still low, I just don’t think he can be labeled as a home-run hire (of which there are very few). He seems like a nice guy though.
(7) In other overrated talke, Billy Donovan’s team has started their tank job early this season, after following up their home loss to Richmond with another home defeat to 5-5 South Alabama. After rising to #10 in the AP Poll with an 8-0 start, the Gators have lost three in a row. Let’s see if they can regroup against might American University next week.
(8) We wouldn’t be obeying our Title IX obligations if we didn’t give some love to the UK women’s basketball who won their school record 11th straight game Tuesday against Tennesse-Martin. The Cats got 25 points and six threes from Keyla Snowden and Victoria Dunlap even attempted the first UK women’s dunk late in the game. Matthew Mitchell apparently did get the memo that losing will not be tolerated in the basketball programs.
(9) Another story we didn’t hit today was the news that Bobby Hurley has defaulted on a $1 million loan with a Lexington bank. The former Duke point guard took out the loan for his horse racing business or something. So, on behalf of the KSR Family, let me be the first to say “F you and the horse you didn’t repay us for”.
(10) In a bit of house-keeping news, let us know if you have a Nashville venue interested in hosting the KSR Podcast this weekend. We’d like to record it Saturday night or Sunday afternoon. If you’re interested, email Matt at magloire52@hotmail.com.
(11) Speaking of podcasts, don’t forget to get your 2,000th win t-shirt from our buddies at Fan Outfitters. If you’re thinking of holding out for the 3,o0oth shirt, remember we’ll probably be wearing space suits by then and you won’t be able to afford one. It’s a steal!
(12) Finally, if you’re one the proud readers continuing to revive the economy by working Wednesday, check out the KSR Live Blog for the Long Beach State game. They say Matt Jones doesn’t care about the working man, but this surely proves them wrong. Remember that when the big political announcement comes.
Believe it or not, that’s it for now. Enjoy your Wednesday and say a prayer for me as I revive my golf game for the first time in six years. It could be uglier than a Steve Phillips mistress. Stay tuned throughout the day as we bring you….well, the Long Beach State 49ers! What else do you need? In the meantime, enjoy this teaser from Coach Cal’s “In My Own Words”, which aired on Fox Sports Tuesday night. See you in a few….
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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December 23rd, 2009 at 12:52 am
1st…..go kitties
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:59 am
I come home from work and there is a debate between Henry and Wall ……. GET REAL
I don’t care how close the ppg are, its not even worth a debate. Lets see Henry single
handidly take over UNC or a team of that caliber like Wall did. Henry spots up & hits 3’s,
Wall TAKES OVER a game….. ask UNC & UCONN
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:00 am
Breisner grew up in Texas? Pray tell, where? I saw the Texas/UNC game also and Texas is impressive and probably should be ranked number one. Good post, Breisner.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:00 am
hey beez….if west virginia and texas had a kid….and it was a boy…would you still have sex with it? What if its was named Joe Alexander Durant?
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:08 am
#5 — You are a glutton for punishment. Let the beatin’ begin.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:08 am
#5 Can I have your phone number? Im sure you are sexy but the real reason is because i want to talk after the game. Care to wager?
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:09 am
the only shocker you are gonna see jan 2nd is the 2 and 1 we are putting inside you.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:09 am
Not underdogs to Clemson: UK Spelling Team.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:13 am
#5 is turrible.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:13 am
5) “Another discouraging loss by the kitty cats?” When was the first one? I guess we haven’t quite played the non-conference schedule that Louisville has, we haven’t faced anyone of the same caliber as the powerhouses Western Carolina or Charlotte.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:19 am
“i was put in this seat to coach the winningest program in the history of the sport. maybe it was to catch UCLA i dont know”
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:19 am
Kind of a lazy attempt at a troll…
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:20 am
5, serioulsy? with a straight face? you typed that? i think our womens’ team would beat your men right now. get outta here with that weak sauce.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:22 am
#14
If you want to talk about the past….you dont stack up.
If you want to talk about the present…sorry.
If you want to talk about the future…not looking good.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:23 am
pick one…we’ll debate.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:24 am
LouisvillefanCraig = DOUCHE BAG
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:27 am
lets see here LouisvillefanCraig:
UK has
better PG
better SG
better SF
better PF
better C
better bench
better Coach & home court
wanna put your money where ya mouth is???
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:28 am
cant believe Craig Smith can back out to play, what a dipsht.
Lets see if Ricky lets Little Siva off the BENCH before you made outrageous claims of him outplaying Wall. THAT IS HILARIOUS, Wall would demolish Siva, but he probably wont have the chance as Pitino will leave him on the bench because hes not “ready” and Wall will be busy whiping the floor with Jerry “Please Dont Shoot Me T Will” Smith, Sosa, and Knowles.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:29 am
Craig, Craig, Craig–you hit the nail on the head and exactly what I was going to point out. BCG was manning this ship and my question is “How did you not beat us by 30?” It took a prayer to win the game. We were bad and you a #1 seed but very fortunate to come away with a victory. As for Rick, once a CAT always a CAT with me and there WAS no bigger fan supporting him. However, this is a reason that Rick said, “UK should hire Travis or John”–he just did not know that Mitch was going to take it as Johnny Cal. Talk all the smack you want but something tells me that come Jan 2nd, we will not see until football season rolls around. Lastly, you can take our seat at the NIT this year, we won’t be needing it.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:31 am
Beisner - GREAT line about Bobby Hurley. Sorry, though, to hear of his (or anyone’s troubles) in this day and age.
and to 5: just keep talking. we’ll see you on the 2nd and won’t hear from you again for another year after we spank the tards.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:32 am
I don’t understand, is LouisvillefanCraig mad because they are almost 500 wins behind us? Or because he realizes his program is going nowhere fast with a coach that has less integrity than a politician from South Carolina.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:32 am
#14 — LouisvillefanCraig, I don’t mind you coming here and talking smack, but you seem to disappear when the Cards and Pitino are not doing well. We’ve been wondering where you’ve gone. When the Cats beat the Cards on Jan. 2, please show up and gives us your expert analysis. We would love to hear from you then. Or, will you just disappear again.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:35 am
19. You can also list ‘better looking women’ than those available to Loserville staff and fans!
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:38 am
Or we still own the Lil Junior College that Could…26-14.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:40 am
24) dont worry, he wont be back. Talk is cheap & he has nothing to back up his smack……
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:40 am
Louisville has the Sypher Drive. UK has the Dribble Drive.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:53 am
Rick has the Drip-ple Drive–sorry couldn’t resist.
December 23rd, 2009 at 2:02 am
Sounds like Craig got an early parole.
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:58 am
LBCU Preview + Gambling Advice: http://lexpatriates.wordpress.com/
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:23 am
What big political announcement?
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:31 am
marc maggard bugged bruce pearl about peyton siva…
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:34 am
5 - u a durty snitch.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:54 am
14) Pitino didn’t downgrade our program last 2 years…Gillispie took care of that. However,Rick has began to downgrade the UL program this year. I didn’t think anyone could do more damage than Kragthorpe,but Rick’s doing his best…..
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:50 am
I won’t be baited by the Cardinal troll…..they’re just irrelevant.
I’m more giddy about Bobby Hurley’s financial woes. BWAHAHAHAHA!! When that p_ick had that life-threatening crash many years ago, I didn’t feel that bad. The thought of him becoming destitute has just brightened up my day. :>
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:57 am
“but even the most homer UK fan has to admit that the Texas Longhorns are quite impressive”
The last two games I thought they have looked quite impressive. The only knock I have on them is that they still have Barnes on the sidelines (who I am not impressed with).
Where did you grow up in Texas, Beisner? I was born and raised in Austin and moved to KY in 6th grade. Outside of UK, I will root for Texas and would love to see UK play them in the championship game.
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:18 am
Where does this Louisville fan get the balls to say that 1) the dirty birds even have a remote chance against us 2) “Siva will have his way with Wally” 3) we don’t have a three point shooter 4) we wish we still had RP as our coach. Wow, where do I begin? The dirty birds haven’t played anybody tough this year and have still managed to lose three games, two of which were at home to mid majors. Siva will have his way with Wally? Sureeee. I’m looking forward to Wall breaking Siva’s ankles and throwing one down on Soft Samardo. As for three point shooting, I think this post already addressed that. How does 42% for the team sound? Wishing that we still had RP is just a joke. Ever since Cal has taken over at UK both programs have went in opposite directions. Good for us, bad for UofL. With Cal, we know the future is going to be great at UK. Can UofL say the same thing? With every big time recruit that RP whiffs on, I think we can all emphatically say NO.
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:54 am
Beis-#9 was awesome! Made me laugh out loud.
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:56 am
Cal wants to catch UCLA in titles. That means after we hang about 5 more banners in Rupp, we will have 12, maybe will leap UCLA.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:01 am
#5 - Would be shocked if UL beats us. I thought UL had some talent, but UL does not have one NBA player on the roster. (Not even Samuels the former #1 player in america.) Pitino’s best coaching has been left behind, thrown away for a one night stand with that Sypher girl in downtown high class Italian Restaurant. You know, that same table where the high and mightly wealthy influential Cards eat and enjoy fine Italian Cuisine on that table. That table with a dark Cardinal Sin stain.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:17 am
I really like Liggins coming on. I think this could push Miller to make his minutes count.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:32 am
Louisvillefan”Craig’s LIST” comprised of….
(A) Better front court
(B) Better Back court
(C) Better Bench
(D) Better Coach
(E) Lower tables at Porcini’s
that way little Ricky doesn’t have to stand on an assistant’s back while..ahem having his skanky Zita….I remember when I used to take drugs back in the 60s and 70s. and like LFC (No not louisville fried chicken) I was in Wonderland also.95-57 Cats
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:39 am
Looking for one ticket for the Hartford game next week. If anyone has an extra ticket, or how I can get a hold of one without having to pay a crazy price, please let me know. Thanks
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:52 am
#5/11 - the word is spiel.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:30 am
[...] Kentucky Sports Radio on today’s game with Long Beach State: “As the Cats shake off their post-UK2K hangover, they’ll face a potential trap matchup against 6-5 Long Beach State at Rupp Arena, their third game in five days. The 49ers, who were picked to win the Big West Conference, not only pose a legitimate threat as a team who loves to get up and down the floor and shoot the three, but they likely will not be intimidated by the bright lights of Rupp Arena.” [...]
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:34 am
Who is Siva? John Wall is only the best player in college basketball. UL fans have nothing to stand on so they can only hate like rest of the country. What a beat down is in store for those nasty cards.
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I LOVE CAL!!!