Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
The underlying story that goes along with a player’s performance in the tournament is the effect that performance and their team’s success can have on their draft stock. Obviously this applies greatly to the Wildcats’ stable of NBA talent, as the better our guys play, the further we go and the higher their stock rises, making the jump to the pros more likely for some and more profitable for others. People whose job it is to pay attention to these kinds of things watched the first weekend and here’s what a couple of them had to say about Kentucky’s prospects.
First, from ESPN guru Chad Ford
On John Wall:
Wall’s biggest weakness? Shooting. So what does he do? Goes 6-for-10 from behind the arc in the tournament. And about those crazy turnovers: He’s sporting a 2.5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio so far. What else do you want?
And Eric Bledsoe:
GMs love Bledsoe’s toughness and speed, but they’ve questioned his offensive abilities. Bledsoe has responded by shooting the lights out his last four games including nailing 8-of-9 3s in the first round. In a draft devoid of point guards, he’s making a late charge for the lottery.
And here’s a rundown on all the top prospects from Mike Prada, who isn’t an expert but runs a Washington Wizards blog called Bullets Forever (insert Gilbert Arenas joke here) for SBNation, and considering the Wizards have pretty much nothing to live for but the lottery at this point, I would imagine he’s paying pretty close attention:
Wall:
It’s hard to say Wall’s stock could go up any more since he’s the probable number one pick, but this weekend only cemented it for me. Wall’s biggest strength is his ability to change the game without dominating the ball, and he was able to do that in both of Kentucky’s games. He also flashed an improved jump shot, nailing six of his ten three-point attempts this weekend. Wall didn’t shoot that well from three this year, so he’ll need to continue to show his shot has improved in the NCAA Tournament to hold off Evan Turner.
Bledsoe:
…Now, two years later, we have another Russell Westbrook on our hands in Eric Bledsoe. His regular-season numbers are almost irrelevant because he played with John Wall, which explains the low assist totals. In the NCAA Tournament, though, he’s shown he’s capable of scoring efficiently, shooting the deep ball, defending and, on occasion, setting others up. He torched East Tennessee State from the three-point line, then went back into the background and quietly dropped 13 and 5 in 26 minutes on just nine shots against Wake Forest. He’s capable of carrying the load when necessary, and he’s learned to play off other great players by playing with this crew at Kentucky.
Assuming the Wildcats keep winning, Bledsoe will get more and more attention from NBA scouts. Don’t be surprised to see his name called in the mid-lottery by a team who needs a point guard. I’m looking at you, Philadelphia, Indiana and New York.
And Patrick Patterson:
Patterson’s going to be a really tough guy to project on the next level. Like Bledsoe, Patterson’s skills get hidden by playing with Cousins. One of the reasons Patterson’s defensive rebounding has slipped this year is that Cousins is stealing his rebounds, for lack of a better term. Patterson’s also not scoring nearly as efficiently as last year, which is a concern. However, Patterson’s had to sacrifice more than anyone else on Kentucky, and he’s still managed to turn himself into arguably as important a player as anyone on the Wildcats. If Cousins gets into foul trouble, the Wildcats still have Daniel Orton, but if Patterson goes out, Kentucky has nobody that can replicate all the things Patterson brings to the table.
It’s also worth noting how Patterson took Wake Forest’ Al-Farouq Aminu out of the game with his defense.
The moral of the story: Wall has a tight hold on No. 1, Bledsoe’s playing himself into the lottery and the guy basically avoided making any kind of worthwhile analysis based on the tournament for Patterson, which means he lied to us. So there you go.
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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March 22nd, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Is that good or bad for PPat?
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:34 pm
foist
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:37 pm
I know Kentucky fans show up in force but my little IVY school will humiliate you hillbillies when you see just how damn bad we outnumber you Thursday night. For every Blue Hillbilly there will be 3 of us big Red fans.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Where is Daniel Orton projected? If we win the title, he is leaving along with Wall,Cousins, Bledsoe, and Patterson.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:38 pm
I think well have to see how the rest of the tourny plays out, that will be a large determining factor for Bledsoe and Patterson stock in the the draft. Go Cats
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:39 pm
3.) Which one of these teams broke your little heart? You have been trolling ALL DAY. Give it a rest already.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:42 pm
3, We will see about that…. and you are gonna need all the fans you can get!!
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Not here trolling at all, just letting you know we will 3 times the fans in Syracuse than Kentucky will. U guys blew your wad in Nashville.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:47 pm
2. nope.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:47 pm
3.) take a break and save your energy, your going to need it on Thursday
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:47 pm
You guys have a good team, but our players sais all along that you were by far the most overrated team in the tourney. We cannot wait to kick your azz!
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:47 pm
I hate that Cornell is the media darling this week. I hate that this is a win-win situation for Cornell. But most importantly, I hate losing, so I hope we beat the pocket-protecting pencil-pushers by a baker’s dozen squared. (Do the math on that one, Ivy dorks. That’s a bunch.)
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:47 pm
3. you know we’re not shy about fighting in KY, right. i dare you to say something in person in syracuse.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:48 pm
2) Even the nerds up here grew out of that long ago. lol! Are you guys that far behind the times?
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:49 pm
3) Shouldn’t you be carrying my bags to my hotel suite you focking loser? Cornell is the Hospitality school for ignorant idiots. I’ve moved myself far up the Hotel chain as a graduate from UK Hospitality School. What do they really teach you at Cornell? How to tie a tie? My boyish good looks and charming personality have positioned me to surpass any Cornell Grad with in our company (which they cannot teach at Cornell). Who from Cornell has any reason or right to talk shaat?
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:50 pm
13) You cant afford to travel to Wal Mart let alone Syracuse!
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:50 pm
most overrated team in the country? thats a JOKE — have fun getting waxed Thurs Cornelius
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:51 pm
13) You cant afford to travel to Wal Mart let alone Syracuse
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:53 pm
#8 Why don’t you come down here and BLOW on this ole Bagpipe
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Caveman Dave has large mule.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:53 pm
OK! Mark my words, we are buying all the tickets up. You will be lucky to have 1,000 people in the stands.
This is a huge game for us. Once in a lifetime event. Just wait and see.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:54 pm
ILUVCornell, your a dumbass “blew your wad in Nashville,” I guess the last two games we played like our “wad was blown,” clearly you have no idea what your talking about.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:55 pm
The more Cornell fans, the better. The more we will see crying in the end.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:56 pm
#21 – If you’re buying all the tickets up, how will we be able to get 1,000 people in? Theoretically, there won’t be any for us, right?
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:57 pm
22) Your fans, slow enough for you? Damn, I hope ur dumbazz dont try to find New York let alone Syracuse. lol!
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:57 pm
21) probably get a nut blown in your face……….you big mo!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:00 pm
I guarantee that none of you on this board are going to the game. Give it a damn rest. You know that we will have the most fans here by far. Not even close. Not even the Hillbillies from West Virginia will be rooting for you.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:00 pm
25- did you graduate from Louisville, because I thought Cornell was spelled with 2 L’s?
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:01 pm
27 I’m going, so WRONG !!!!!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:02 pm
28.) HAHAHAHA!!! You nailed that Card Fan! HAHAHA!!!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:02 pm
I definitely won’t be at the Cornell game, because I have made travel plans already for Saturday’s game.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:04 pm
27 is obviously a hotem manager or Travel agent in Syracuse New York trying to rile up the UK fanbase because he knows UK is the only shot they have at filling that stadium. Even Syracuse has trouble filling it for most games….
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:05 pm
> hotel
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:05 pm
25) You’ve blew your cover with that comment. The subject and verb of your dependent clause don’t agree. Obviously, you aren’t a Cornell fan.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:05 pm
The guy acting like a Cornell fan can’t even spell it right. D-bag.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:06 pm
32- good thought. I was thinking that as well.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:07 pm
The GM that wastes a lottery pick on a 6’0″ point/shooting guard with an eratic jumper usually join him in NBDL.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:07 pm
28) If you notice I had it spelled with two L’s but the mods would not let me post anymore because you guys were crying. So I took off an L. I know you guys were not smart enough to catch that. lol!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:07 pm
All I hear is “we must dismantle kentucky”.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:09 pm
31) Make sure you bring a red shirt.
I’m telling you guys our team has been saying all along that West Virginia is a lot better than UK.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:10 pm
38- this is the real me. Dumbass
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:10 pm
34) I’ve seen many dumbass Duke fans. Let’s just agree that he did not go to Cornell. Probably a Kansas fan with nothing else to talk about.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:11 pm
There are no static mods on the site, Corne”l”
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:12 pm
My vagina itches.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Let all the Cornell fans enjoy the next 4 days. We will not hear from them again for another 40 years after Thursday’s ass whippin’.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Corne”l”
Go to http://whatismyipaddress.com/, then post a link showing where you are pinging from. I dare you. I guarantee you that it won’t show Ithica.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
ATTENTION CORNELL FANS: If you really want to help your team, DON’T SHAKE THE HORNET’S NEST! You are going to get us DESTROYED on Thursday! UK is Dominant enough when they ARE NOT motivated. Thanks for giving them the motivation to embarrass the hell out of us.
Actual Cornell Player
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Alright ladies, It’s obvious you’re scared about the game and I dont blame you. Hey, while most of you are watching the game at your local Wal Mart just remember what I told all of you.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
I love that Cornell fans are talking trash! We aren’t talking about SAT scores, we are taking about basketball! Your RPI is 46 and SOS 206. Sure you played Kansas close but we see how well they played this weekend. You dorks haven’t seen defense and athletes like you will see Thursday. Unless you make >20 3s, you will be embarrassed by 30+ points.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:20 pm
46) You are a moron!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:21 pm
41) I love how you believe everything your team says…… Thats cute!!! “our team says we will win” “out team says UK is overrated” “our team told me to shut up and keep polishing their knobs, so I will”
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Kentucky fans, does your ocal Wal Mart have a happy Hour?
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:25 pm
OK! Just giving you guys a little shiot! You guys have a great team and will probably win but we will have 3 times the fans then Kentucky will. We are buying all we can get.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:26 pm
53.
Good luck. Cornell is a great school in a great town. It will be nice to chalk up another W against you guys on our way to the national title.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:26 pm
52, does your mommy still do all your shopping for you??
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Good luck Cat fans. You might win the game, but no way in hell will there be more Kentucky fans in the stands than the Big Red. Not even close!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:32 pm
52) You got me real good! How long did it take you to come up with that? lol!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:32 pm
oh my god, internet tough guys. *clicks exit*
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:33 pm
52) Is that the best you got?
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:34 pm
53)We beat you to the tickets. We started buying them two weeks ago when we knew we would be there. It will be a blue arena on Thursday and Saturday.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Get these dorks on the court, lets get this shizz on!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:37 pm
60) Its being reported here in New York that the majority of tickets were being Bought by our fans. This really is a huge deal for our fans and its almost a holiday feeling for us.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Stay just outside the city limits of Syracuse for the best hotel rates! Also, there is an outbreak of lice in all hotel rooms in Syracyse. Also hepatitis outbreak on the buffets!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:38 pm
62. that is your first mistake, you cannot believe anything that is reported in that trashy city. Happy holidays, cause its gonna be a blue christmas
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:39 pm
RATS IN THE HOTEL ROOMS!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:41 pm
62, they probably ment that the cornell people are buying all the tickets that are left
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Folks, I agree with you 100% New York is nasty. But why would most of you that spend most of your life at the local Wal Mart make fun of SYRACUSE. Really not that much difference is there?
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:43 pm
You do realize Cornell is probably the easiest Ivy to get into. I dare say out of state UNC is more difficult
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:45 pm
For the people in and around Cincinnati, because of the Xavier game UK will not be shown on CBS. The UK game will be on The CW. Small service announcement.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:47 pm
68) Thanks, I will remember that Thursday night. lol!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Ithaca NY is indeed a beautiful place, Syracuse not so much.
However upstate NY is much more like Midwest than NYC. People tend to be friendlier and much more laid back. IT can get pretty damn cold there, and they are only one cold from from a massive snow storm, even this late. Bundle up Cats fans
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Saying that all Kentuckians practically live at the local Wal Mart would be like saying all Cornell fans/alums carry a calculator in their pockets just for fun. You know a school sucks when it’s most famous graduate is a fictional character.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:49 pm
The hillbilly/walmart jokes are getting too exagerated for effect. We do things much the same way you do except with a more friendly disposition.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:49 pm
70, You think you will be able to stay out that late thursday?
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:51 pm
71) The cold makes this area unbearable. Snow up to your azz all winter long. I hope this dont keep all 1,000 UK fans away. lol!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Did you see MSG in December when the Cats came to town?
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:54 pm
73) Just giving you a little shiot. Don’t mean anything by it!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Stay away from Syracuse. Stay in the suburbs
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:56 pm
In all seriousness do you guys expect a big turnout in Syracuse?
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Stay away from the metro area!!!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:58 pm
78) I agree, it’s nasty!
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Stay in the ‘burbs
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:59 pm
(79) I expect a decent turnout. I can guarantee you that Ashley Judd, Drake and World Wide Wes will be there.
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:00 pm
82) Come to Ithica and help us celebrate after the game. That way being in Syracuse you wont be scared to death.
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:01 pm
OK you guys you got me. I am really a member of the tourism board for the city of Syracuse trying to encourage all you BIG BLUE fans to come to our fair city. I really just should have been honest in the beginning instead of acting like a flucking pansy. Come stay at the Hampton Inn located at 6605 Old Collamer Road South in East Syracuse.
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:01 pm
83) Thanks, any idea who the 997 people will be?
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:02 pm
85) Your trying way to hard! Have you ever had an original thought in your life?
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:04 pm
79)Yes, I expect that we will have a good number up there. I expect to have as many as Cornell if not more. Then, in Indy, it will be all blue.
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Ithica–the home of “upscale” Wal Mart stores!!!!
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Ithica- where the Chinese students feel the need to jump off bridges
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:08 pm
90- out of line
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:08 pm
The general theme of the “cornell poser” seems to be taunting UK fans that there will be more red fans than Big Blue. Actually I would fully expect that being that they are what 45 minutes away? Sadly, even with all their efforts I would guess that the crowd will be 50/50 at best. That being said, if this was UK’s biggest game our Cats had ever played in.. New York would be invaded by Hillbillies.. Shit, between WVU and UK that might happen anyway!
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:09 pm
86) there are three things that are obvious. 1. You don’t go to Cornell because you are stupid. 2. You need attention. 3. You need to get a life! We will kill your team, what does it say that this is the biggest moment in your schools history and we have won 7 of these so far and on our way to number 8. Your a loser I know you don’t go to Cornell. I’m glad you got your tax return from the garage and you can afford the internet this month, I hope you enjoy it. You worked all YEAR for it! HA HA!! UK by 20
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:09 pm
I’m sorry guys, I don’t mean to troll. My mom walked in on me and is making me apologize. Just be gentle, with her yelling at me, it’s caused me to be very sensitive. Be nice please, I really am sorry.
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Does anyone else feel like this whole media darling thing plays out worse for Cornell than UK? If I was playing in the game it wouldn’t make me over look this team anymore than the next.
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Ithica? Ocal? Cornel? Your? “Bought”
Geez, one of my former students?
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:14 pm
94) Dude, cant you come up with something on your own. Thats only been done about 1,000,000,000 times. My goodness!
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:15 pm
ILUVCorenel you done? Did you have to get in line at the soup kitchen?
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:16 pm
94) I know your a liar, your momma is here!! She sure is a nasty HO!
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:17 pm
I think this “cornell” fan is scared of us. Louisville sucks.
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Flury,,,,,is that you? As far as you guys buying up all the tickets, hell, I don’t blame you. I mean it’s your last game of the year, You’ll probably never ever get this far in the dance again, and it’s the only way you’ll ever get to be in the same building with NBA players without going to Knicks or the Nets,,,,wait a minute, they don’t even count. Rock on Nerdie.
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Now back to the adults, I don’t mean this to sound negative about Orton, but he strikes me as a kid that will go to the draft the minute a inclining of hope presents itself. I’m not saying that I blame him, but I just think he would be very well served to stick around another year or two so he can be more of a focus in a offense. He has the skills to make it without a doubt, but I’m affraid he may get lost in the shuffle if he leaves too early.
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:28 pm
97) Matt I don’t get why(94) is popular? Can you tell me please?
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:33 pm
102) You work at Burger King and your offering advice to one of the players. Now thats funny!
OK! ladies have a great night. I know most of you have never been to see your team play in your own gym. I doubt very serious that you can travel to New York. Again, when we out number you 3 to 1 remember where you heard it first.
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:40 pm
104) Thanks for taking my name. I know you gotta go 3rd shift at walmart is getting ready to start. Ha Ha you are a loser and so is your team! Elite Eight UK here we come!
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Cornell? That’s too easy!! Give us a challenge
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:48 pm
106) Leave your father alone!
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:54 pm
107) Hi Cornell. How’s Coury working out for you? We took him for his GPA. We don’t need that anymore, John Wall (leads the team in GPA) has taken care of that like he will take care of your team Thursday PM. I’m so glad we win, other wise I would be a loser like you!!! BYE! LOSER!
P.S. At least I know my Father and he is still married to my mother, unlike you! Ha! BYE!
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:57 pm
107) You know what make fun of WalMart all you want. But if your looking for teeth your not going to get a better deal. They have been very good to my whole family!
March 22nd, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Cornell fan: You do realize that UK had 3 times as many fans in New Orleans as Cornell averaged at HOME all year? Good luck even finding your way inside with the Big Blue Mist descending on Syracuse.
March 22nd, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Ha Ha (109) took my name again. Stand on your own two feet, I would love to talk after the game.Remember this, tomorrow start coughing and the next day act like you have a tempature by then you should be able to call off for thursday and friday (after you lose) come BACK and I’ll release your mommy then we can talk!
March 22nd, 2010 at 8:12 pm
In all seriousness, I’m a real douche bag and have no friends, so I get on these sites to try and talk to people. Thanks for acknowledging my shortfalls and saying a few words before I go to sleep next to mom. Love you guys! Go UK!
March 22nd, 2010 at 8:27 pm
112) We know. Bye!
March 22nd, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Seriously, if you really were from Cornell, you would know when to use you’re instead of your (you haven’t figured that one out), and who uses LOL and ha any more? Middle school kids?
March 22nd, 2010 at 10:25 pm
A non UK fan has to think of how crazy Kentucky fans are about their Wildcats, from the poorest to the snootiest, we LOVE our Cats. There are plenty of well to do Cat fans who would think nothing of dropping some cash on tickets and travel to see the Cats play.
March 23rd, 2010 at 1:07 am
Hey, maybe we’ll get lucky … win the title, everyone leaves and then Patterson decides, “You know what, I can’t leave this team behind, I’ll give it one last year to make sure everything is straight.” I know, no chance.
March 23rd, 2010 at 2:11 am
No, if we’re really lucky, we win the title, Demarcus and John Wall get the itch, and they wanna double up next year, and Patterson, Bledsoe and Orton stay and we REALLY see how good this team can be. They still have massive upside.