Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
The news broke about 1:45 pm and spread like wildfire. In a moment the UK fanbase went from convincing itself that we had a puncher’s chance this Sunday in Knoxville to wondering how much NIT tickets might cost. The word “cursed” was thrown around and if my text messages are any indication, more curse words were spoken within the Commonwealth’s borders than at any time since UAB got all “Squeaky” on us in 2004. Patrick Patterson is out for the year and a huge fog has developed over the Big Blue Nation. A group that had seemingly turned the corner is now faced with yet another injury. We found out earlier today that there is a good chance that Jodie Meeks might play Sunday in Knoxville….and just like that, the injury Gods refused to let us be happy and struck down the most important player on the team. With March Madness coming and the exciting smell of brackets on the horizon, the Cats now get knocked down to Earth as the young man from Huntington has put on his Kentucky uniform for the last time this season.
However after the initial sense of doom, the question remains: Where do the Cats go from here? The injury does come at a bad time, with a difficult trip to Knoxville on the horizon. But lets assume that game goes as a loss. That leaves Kentucky with two games, at South Carolina and home to Florida, that if they win both, they still should be in the tournament. Now there is always the worry that even if Kentucky wins those games, they are punished by the tournament committee for the injury (like when Kenyon Martin went down for Cincy). But leave that aside and just assume that you win those 2, you are in. Can that happen?
Kentucky really has three different options at this point, all of which will likely be utilized. First, they can go extra small with Jodie back and just try and beat teams with quickness and shooting. This of course requires Meeks to be back and effective offensively, but it also requires stepped up production from Derrick Jasper and Ramon Harris. This option wont work against every team (remember the attempt against Louisville) and will cause serious matchup problems. But against a team like South Carolina or possibly even Florida, it can be a quick fix, while putting the best available players on the floor. Another, second possible solution is to be found by seeing what Jared Carter can bring to the table. In recent weeks, Gillispie has been singing Carter’s praises, saying he will not only be a good player at Kentucky “but a great one” and repeating that his time is coming. This may be that time and Carter could get the call he has waited three years to hear.
However while these two options have their potential, in my view the season may now rest on the development and production of AJ Stewart. AJ has always had potential due to his athleticism that is virtually unmatched. While behind a bit from a maturity standpoint, he is as athletic as anyone on the team and was a decent (although not great) shooter in high school. With Perry Stevenson now likely to be a permanent fixture in the lineup, it may be up to AJ to take Perry’s spot….coming off the bench and providing energy and scoring. There will be teams that UK will play that have two athletic big guys that prevent the effectiveness of Coury and Carter and REQUIRE AJ to be on the floor. How he reacts may determine which tournament this team ends up in come the middle of March.
Today is a tough day to be a UK fan. Losing Patterson hurts a lot, not just for Patrick, but for Ramel and Joe, who I think were ready to try and make their lasting mark on the program. But all should not be lost and hope completely abandoned. This team has enough talent to win its last two games, beat Ole Miss in the conference tournament and end up hearing their name on Selection Sunday. It may be a bit more unlikely now, but it certainly isnt impossible. The Cats are down, but if the players mentioned above can step up, they need not be out.
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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February 29th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
First!!!
February 29th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
The teams we play are not that big, we still do stand a chance, not as good as if PP was there, but jasper can rebound, stewart is athletic, and carter is a body. Not all is lost, I still BELIEVE!
February 29th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
^ douche!!!
February 29th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
The Stevenson, Stewart, Carter trio will dominate Tennessee! The big guys in tennesee only want to shoot threes anyway.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Good post as usual Matt, thanks for the coverage.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Good blurb, time for Stewart to shine. Just hope Stevenson doesn’t get 4 fouls in the 1st
half vs. UT
February 29th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
They are still going to make the tourney. The only thing Patterson’s injury does is end any chance at winning the SEC tourney and end any chance at making a run in the NCAA. Well that and causing them to get beat by 25 at Tennessee.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
How about losing another top-recruit to the likes of UAB? Man, this is a bad day!
February 29th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Payne good luck Sunday. The pressure is on you guys. No one expects us to compete and you guys are playing for a number 1 seed.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Out of respect for Joe and Smooth I don’t want to give up but I was thinking the same thing as you Al, is there any way Perry S. can stay out of foul trouble.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I think it’s about time Jared Carter lived up to his 4 star rating(according to scout). It’s now or never for him.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
when is the press conference?
February 29th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
AJ has bags as big as water buffalos under his eyes. Those things alone could get 2 points each.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Tn’s finally getting what they’ve long sought, a chance to give UK a serious beat down. All up to them now. ESPN’s tried to help you along the way, you came out “flat” at Rupp and then were “tired” at Vandy after the Memphis game(didn’t say what you were doing in the 3 days prior to Vandy when you were supposed to be resting). Anyway, now’s your chance, do it this time, you may never have another chance.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I hope for Joe and Ramel’s sake that they can pull together and get some W’s!
February 29th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Joe and Smooth will be jackin like crazy!
February 29th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
4:45
February 29th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
17 - thanks. Anyplace online going to carry it?
February 29th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Joe and Ramel may need their arms iced down after the game.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
#8, who signed with UAB?
February 29th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
*&^%^(*^ %$#@%$#@*&)(^&(*%%#^%(*^)($%#&$*% )(*&)(&^^%$$#&$^(*&%&^$$@##@$*%&^%(
If this was Happy Gilmore you would have heard bleeps.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I will try to be patient cause I know it will be posted on here eventually but can you all please tell me what Coach says?
February 29th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
20) Cousins commited to UAB today.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
demarcus cousins, why the hell would anyone wanna play for UAB when you have offers from some of the biggest college programs in the country, I really hope Mike Davis doesn’t turn UAB into another Memphis
February 29th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
#20 Demarcus Cousins #2 Big in 09 class had us and UAB as his favorites
February 29th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
that sucks. I liked Cousins. We better end up getting Favors or Sidney. I know Cousins liked Mike Davis and was close to committing to them last year. The fact that he was considering UK after being so strongly UAB says a lot for Coach G.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
So…is the presser about BCG going to OK St.? That would be about right, wouldn’t it?
February 29th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
presser hasnt started yet, you can go to wkyt.com to watch it live
February 29th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I think this press conference is going to stink
February 29th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Talking to RB and PS right now
February 29th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
ESPN.com article actually mentions the Big Black Member. I wonder if they realize he hasn’t played since Big Blue Madness. Of course, maybe it’ll be a chance to see what he can do.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
“karma for what your thug football players did to Michael Bush two years ago, costing us the national title.” — a UofL fan on Kentucky.com
Always classy
February 29th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
they wouldnt have won regardless
February 29th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
UofL fans are the dumbest people on Earth
February 29th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Sad, I read that he was 54 points away from Chapman’s freshman scoring record. he would have gotten easily
February 29th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
by the way….how in the blue hell does wesley woodyard classify as a thug? Compared to the choirboys willie williams and uzi toting Rod Council….what a bunch of idiots. WHy was Bush even still in the game? Maybe if they hadn’t of had an arrogant @sshole for a coach it wouldnt be an issue
February 29th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Too much laughing amongst the reporters. Don’t they know this is a sad moment? Like laughing at a funeral.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Any idea what they’re waiting for on this WKYT news feed?
February 29th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
the reporters might as well have streamers and balloons in the conference room..this isn’t a celebration people. I know we have to move on, but damn.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Wesley Woodyard a thug?
February 29th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Will we score over 50 on Sunday?
February 29th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
38. i think they said patrick was coming.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
they just got done talking to RB and PS, and now they are waiting for CBG and PP to get there.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I thought I heard that too, 42, wanted to confirm.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
will someone send the link to the live feed?
February 29th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
My computer just crashed. Literally. When I read that Patterson was injured, I flung it across the room.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
wow, just got to http://www.wkyt.com/ and at the very top is a banner that says click here.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
http://www.wkyt.com/
Right above patterson’s picture you see the link that says “Click here”
February 29th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
http://www.wkyt.com/home/misc/3927621.html
February 29th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Maybe he is getting a second opinion
February 29th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
scratch it.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
maybe BCG is breaking it to his team that he is going to OK St.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
at least the camera turned to show the guy in red scratch his back
February 29th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
46) Weird… my computer just doused itself in kerosene and set itself on fire.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
here we go
February 29th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
watchin him walk in makes me wanna cry
February 29th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Pat has entered the room and is on crutches.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
me too
February 29th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
sad
February 29th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
“why did you cry?” are you serious? what kind of question is that?
February 29th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
whoever asked him why he cried..what a douche
February 29th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
He is one of the most well put together freshman I have ever seen.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
at least he let us know it was going to be a dumb question
February 29th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Will this affect the value of my Patterson McDonalds rookie card??
February 29th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
lol i didn’t hear the question, just the answer, that reporter should be banned from the pressers
February 29th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
great answer to the nba question
February 29th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
He said he’d stay as long as we would allow him to stay. I vote for 10 years. Anyone else??
February 29th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
he said joe’s mouth dropped when he saw the cast… When was Joe’s mouth closed!
February 29th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
#68 that’s hilarious
February 29th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Thanks for the answer #67, that is a sweet answer
February 29th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
67 - At least.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
On Senior Night after Joe and Ramel have 30 points a piece midway through the second half, Patterson does the “Y” with his crutches.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Billy just about lost it up there
February 29th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
GOD I love this coach!!!
February 29th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Billy G says “we aren’t gonna drastically change what we do” when asked how they plan to replace Patterson, such as go small or find another big man.
Hate to break it to Billy, but without Patterson there is no way that their game won’t drastically change with him out of there.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
BCG definitely almost just broke down.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Abought the timing of the UT game Sun.: “Bring it on” - I like it.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
#74 agree
February 29th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
What was the question just then?
February 29th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Have they mentioned Meeks at all?
February 29th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I missed it too
February 29th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
80- nope
February 29th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
#74 I cant even see the press conference but I agree with you
February 29th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
75. College coaches ALWAYS think “glass half empty” right?
February 29th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
79. BCG asked PP if he was going to mention his injury from the Ole Miss game. I think referring to a groin shot he took.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
But what was the question that BCG said something to the reporters like “you guys are the best”?
February 29th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
That guy who keeps pushing the question insinuating that Billy G is causing them to get stress fractures by over working them is a dick.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
look at the picture of PP on the front of the WKYT page and see how much weight PP has put on this season.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
86. I think someone asked if it might even be good for PP to watch from the sideline so he could learn more about different sets, defenses, etc. Insinuating he might improve by not playing. That’s what I gathered.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
88. Freshman 20(lbs)??
February 29th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Would it be ironic if WKYT swithched to a Duke practice during this press conference??
February 29th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
91 HAHAHAHAHAHAH
February 29th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
jodie still hasn’t practiced
February 29th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
That’s only if Seth Davis was there. You know all those ESPN analysts are smiling right now… saying there’s no way we’ll make it now.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
By looking at the team at the end of the year, starting next year we’ll have about 7-8 new players.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
wkyt news just showed highlights of uk @ tenn. in 2006 w/ rondo and morris…i don’t think that was necessary right now…
February 29th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
“Marks not very athletic” - BCG… Classic
February 29th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I’m hungry guys
February 29th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
WKYT at its best at the cutoff point.
February 29th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
yeah, what was that. I forgot what it’s like to watch Lex news.
February 29th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
100. Only the best!