KSR Trend Watch: December 7th

It can be hard to keep up with all the changing trends in Kentucky sports these days. Therefore, in order to keep you informed on the latest happenings in the Big Blue Nation, I chart the trends of the week, from basketball to football to every ridiculous little thing in between. Keep up with what’s hot and what’s not with KSR’s Trend Watch!

Rising faster than Kevin Stallings’ cholesterol count

Kentucky football’s swag — Mark Stoops was introduced as Kentucky’s new coach on Sunday in what may have been the biggest production the program has ever put on. Seriously, his press conference had more swag than any of Kentucky’s home games this season. An outsider may have seen it and mistook Kentucky for a football school. Not only did Mitch make a home-run hire, but the program is swinging for the fences in other areas as well. Also, is it just me or is Mark Stoops looking better and better with each new SEC coach hired?

@NosillaDraw — The Florida State senior made waves in the Big Blue Nation after she and her gals “entertained” Andrew Wiggins during his official visit to Florida State. On Wednesday, she tweeted Wiggins “If my girls and I didn’t convince you to come to FSU last night I don’t know what would!” and a picture surfaced of @NosillaDraw–I mean, Allison Ward–and her friends with Wiggins at an FSU bar. It sparked a catfight between Noles fans and Cats fans over whose women were hotter, and Allison received some pretty nasty tweets. However, she handled it as best she could and even came on Matt’s show to defend herself. Clearly the girl knows that the only reason Wiggins would go to FSU is pretty coeds, so here’s a slight head nod in your direction, Allison. Good job, good effort.

MKG — The former Cat was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month this week, and also adopted a puppy. As if we need another reason to swoon all over him, right?

MKG’s puppy — That dog just hit the jackpot.

Pelicans — Pelicans generally don’t get a lot of face time (beak time?) in the world of sports, but after the New Orleans Hornets announced plans to make them their new mascot, the majestic and graceful bird preened its feathers in the spotlight. Sure, most people think it’s absolutely ridiculous and lame that a pelican is an NBA mascot, but answer me this: when was the last time the bird got so much attention? Pelicans 1 Haters 0.

Randall Cobb — In his second year as a pro, Cobb is killing it in Green Bay. Proof? He got a mention on last night’s episode of “The League”:

#Goldeneyes

Camp Cal — One of the reasons Cal cited for the Cats’ abysmal second half against Samford was poor conditioning. Welp, that’s not gonna last. Cal instituted “Camp Cal,” a daily thirty-minute conditioning session that the players will go through for the next three weeks. The Cats are going through some stuff physically and mentally right now, and what better way to work through it than some blood, sweat, tears, and probably a little bit of puke?

Renaissance Men — This week, Karl Towns announced he will reclassify to the 2014 class and that he will attend Kentucky. Towns, who is 7′ without shoes on, is the 3rd ranked player in the 2014 class and will be a stud at UK. Even better? He’s a straight-A student, plays the piano, and can drive a golf ball 300 yards. Welcome to the fam, you well-rounded mound of rebound.

Summer School — Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are coming back to Lexington to take classes to finish their degree. Somewhere, Bobby Knight just threw a chair.

Flatter than a Flat Top (No change)

Kyle Wiltjer’s shooting woes — Poor Kyle Wiltjer just can’t get a break. In the past four games, he’s shot 9-31 from the field. Cal says he still has confidence in Wiltjer and will continue to play him, but he has got to find a way to get out of his slump.

Falling like snow on cedars

Negative fans — After the Cats lost back-to-back games to Notre Dame and Baylor, fans were upset. Some fans were so upset that they decided to take it out on the players. Willie Cauley-Stein, Alex Poythress, Julius Mays and Kyle Wiltjer deleted their Twitter accounts in part because of negative tweets sent to them by fans. Stay classy, UK fans.

Team chemistry — Looking back at the past few games, if you thought the Cats aren’t having any fun out there, you’re right. Willie Cauley-Stein told reporters after the Samford game that this squad doesn’t have the “joy” that past UK teams have had. In fact, they’re all so insecure about their play that they’re hesitant to help each other out. Here’s hoping wind sprints, pushups, situps and hating Rock Oliver help them bond.

The streak — Baylor snapped UK’s 55-game home winning streak over their knee on Saturday. It was a good run, but all that means is it’s time to start a new one, right?

Tennessee’s relevance — If the past week in the SEC coaching search has taught us anything, it’s that the Tennessee job is not what it once was. After being turned down by Jon Gruden, Mike Gundy, and Charlie Strong, Tennessee finally found a willing a girl to take home in Cincinnati’s Butch Jones. Yes, the same Butch Jones that Kentucky decided not to wait for in favor of Mark Stoops. Jones is a great coach, but Tennessee fans are…less than enthused. Pardon me while I get some popcorn:

Anthony Davis’ left ankle — Davis will miss his 10th consecutive game tonight with a left ankle injury. The injury, described as a “stress reaction” (or for Billy Gillispie, a handle of Maker’s), is healing slowly, and Davis was even able to practice a little bit yesterday. Proof of how bad the Hornets Pelicans are? Even though Davis has only played six games, he’s still the team’s second-leading scorer and top rebounder (based on averages). Get well soon, Anthony.

TREND OF THE WEEK: @UKMakeouts
Remember that weird guy you made out with that one time at a frat party sophomore year? Well, probably not, but it’s all good because the only people that witnessed it were drunk and don’t remember either, right? Now, UK students don’t have that luxury thanks to @UKMakeouts, the hottest new Twitter account in the Big Blue Nation. The person behind it posts random shots of people making out at UK parties, sometimes in really awkward and embarrassing positions. Even better? People can email pictures in, meaning that in the world of camera phones, no one is safe from stupid decisions anymore. For the over-25 set, let’s say it together: “Thank God that didn’t exist when I was at school.”