I realize that I am a couple days late but consider this your Monday reaction for the Elite Eight games or even just a post about the team. Anyways, here we go with the East regional featuring the only game with a one and a two seed.
West Virginia did the one thing that they weren't able to do all year on Saturday and that was hitting threes like nobody's business. Da'Sean Butler kept them in the game by raining threes in the first half and the Mountaineers needed the three point basket to keep them in the game against Kentucky. If West Virginia doesn't hit three pointers in the first half, they get blown out and we are talking about this pseudo-rivalry of Kentucky-Duke.
A quick note about Kentucky, I had them losing in the Elite Eight even though they had the most talent in the field of 65, why you ask? Simple, John Calipari's teams seem to never be able to seal the deal. He has never won a National Championship, only got to the Final Four twice. I really believe the fact Calipari preaches the "one and done" system and encourages kids to leave after a year (if you think I'm crazy look at an interview he did with Dan Patrick, where he said he would be in a fight with John Wall if he decided to stay). It ruins chemistry, and despite having some great players like Wall/DeMarcus Cousins/Derrick Rose/Marcus Camby/Tyreke Evans it hasn't resulted in a National Championship.
I will admit something to you, I hated... deeply hated Bob Huggins at Cincinnati because he seemed like an asshole and he rolled out a bunch of guys who belonged in community college with their smarts, yet they dominated Marquette for years. Now my mind has changed on Huggins, I mean he has the 'Bobby Knight' fire that is missing somewhat from college basketball and he truly seems to care about his players. I like the idea that he is back coaching at his alma mater even though it was a snake move to bounce from Kansas State. I think these guys get Huggy Bear and that might be reason why they will be able to beat Duke.
Last thoughts on the Mountaineers, I hate the idea of bringing back Truck Bryant for the Final Four. I understand the addition of Bryant would help them for depth reasons and probably not give them the situation of the semi-collapse late on Saturday. But will he be able to keep up with Nolan Smith among others? I don't think so even with a cool new shoe that protects his foot, I think he will be slow and it might hinder the Mountaineers' chances.
-Charlie.
The New Logo
Showing posts with label Kentucky Wildcats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kentucky Wildcats. Show all posts
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Da Ali F Show, the Sandman, and Other Observations From Saturday
The slate of games Friday seemed like the hangover most of us suffer on the weekends, nothing compared to the day we had before and just sort of boring. Saturday was another great day of basketball that brought us some new heroes, and new Cinderellas.
In one of my brackets, I went with Richmond over Villanova because I felt the Cats had peaked mid-way through the season and I never thought Jay Wright's prized recruiting class really fit in with the old guns of Corey Fisher, Scottie Reynolds, and Reggie Redding. Well, I was wrong about Richmond but right about Nova riding off into the sunset in the second round. For how good Reynolds played last season in the tournament, he looked like the fifth man off the bench for both games. Despite having 15 against Bob Morris, almost all of that was earned at the line.
The St. Mary Gaels proved that there was another good WCC team other than Gonzaga led by their big man Omar Samhan. He dropped 32 in the second round game and looked like a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the tournament. He impressed me with his multiple post moves, and the energy he brings to the game on the offensive and defensive. I wouldn't doubt them against Baylor next weekend.
The St. Mary's-Nova game was the beginning of an awesome day of basketball when the Panthers of Northern Iowa pulled off the mammoth upset against Kansas. We were cleaning the tornado that was our house when the first half was happening. My buddy Eric informed me UNI was up early and I shrugged it off because I knew Kansas seemingly played down to their opponents then find a way to turn it on leading them to victory. The utter opposite happened as the Panthers continued their dominance over the Jayhawks. Ali Farokhmanesh displayed the biggest set of grapefruits as Vince McMahon once said hitting that three from the corner up 1, plenty of time on shot clock, late in the game... I screamed what was he doing and went nuts after he made the shot. I am not doubting the Panthers couldn't go further than Sweet 16, they seem poised, calm, and that belief they can beat anyone.
A lot like Nova, none of their primetime players showed up when it mattered the most. Sheron Collins was less than steller, Xavier Henry did nothing from the outside, and Cole Aldrich played okay but none of the great Kansas players tried to be the man. Can we agree that Bill Self might be a choke come tournament time? Yes, I understand he won a national championship two years ago, but defeats to Bucknell, Bradley, and UNI speak volumes to me personally. I regret even thinking, pondering that this team could have been as good as 2005 North Carolina... not even close.
Final observation of Saturday is Kentucky overall play. I understand they have beat two scrubs in Wake Forest, and East Tennessee State yet who expects Darius Miller to have the best game of the day? I will be honest with you, I never heard of Miller on UK come Saturday night. He dropped 20 in the first half leading them to victory. The three-headed monster inside of Daniel Orton-Patrick Patterson-DeMarcus Cousins is unlike anything in the tournament. I wish I took the Wildcats further but I believed their youth would get in the way of making a deep run. It's too early to compare them to the Fab Five of Michigan or even mention them together because the FF never had a guy like Patterson who has a ton of experience. I am starting to believe there isn't a team who can stop the Wildcats.
-Charlie.
In one of my brackets, I went with Richmond over Villanova because I felt the Cats had peaked mid-way through the season and I never thought Jay Wright's prized recruiting class really fit in with the old guns of Corey Fisher, Scottie Reynolds, and Reggie Redding. Well, I was wrong about Richmond but right about Nova riding off into the sunset in the second round. For how good Reynolds played last season in the tournament, he looked like the fifth man off the bench for both games. Despite having 15 against Bob Morris, almost all of that was earned at the line.
The St. Mary Gaels proved that there was another good WCC team other than Gonzaga led by their big man Omar Samhan. He dropped 32 in the second round game and looked like a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the tournament. He impressed me with his multiple post moves, and the energy he brings to the game on the offensive and defensive. I wouldn't doubt them against Baylor next weekend.
The St. Mary's-Nova game was the beginning of an awesome day of basketball when the Panthers of Northern Iowa pulled off the mammoth upset against Kansas. We were cleaning the tornado that was our house when the first half was happening. My buddy Eric informed me UNI was up early and I shrugged it off because I knew Kansas seemingly played down to their opponents then find a way to turn it on leading them to victory. The utter opposite happened as the Panthers continued their dominance over the Jayhawks. Ali Farokhmanesh displayed the biggest set of grapefruits as Vince McMahon once said hitting that three from the corner up 1, plenty of time on shot clock, late in the game... I screamed what was he doing and went nuts after he made the shot. I am not doubting the Panthers couldn't go further than Sweet 16, they seem poised, calm, and that belief they can beat anyone.
A lot like Nova, none of their primetime players showed up when it mattered the most. Sheron Collins was less than steller, Xavier Henry did nothing from the outside, and Cole Aldrich played okay but none of the great Kansas players tried to be the man. Can we agree that Bill Self might be a choke come tournament time? Yes, I understand he won a national championship two years ago, but defeats to Bucknell, Bradley, and UNI speak volumes to me personally. I regret even thinking, pondering that this team could have been as good as 2005 North Carolina... not even close.
Final observation of Saturday is Kentucky overall play. I understand they have beat two scrubs in Wake Forest, and East Tennessee State yet who expects Darius Miller to have the best game of the day? I will be honest with you, I never heard of Miller on UK come Saturday night. He dropped 20 in the first half leading them to victory. The three-headed monster inside of Daniel Orton-Patrick Patterson-DeMarcus Cousins is unlike anything in the tournament. I wish I took the Wildcats further but I believed their youth would get in the way of making a deep run. It's too early to compare them to the Fab Five of Michigan or even mention them together because the FF never had a guy like Patterson who has a ton of experience. I am starting to believe there isn't a team who can stop the Wildcats.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
East Bracket Picks
Well we are half-way there and I am making a bunch of chalk picks. I am sorry this isn't usually my style but seriously, it appears to be a year where there are chances for upsets all over the place. Yet everyone has a reason that would say that will not happened. I am telling you there is a part of me that wants to put OSU-SYR-WVA-BAY but I cannot convince myself to do it.
New Orleans
1. Kentucky vs. 16. East Tennessee St.- I just hope John Wall does his dance and a 360. UK 89-61
8. Texas vs. 9. Wake Forest- Both teams struggled down the stretch and we all remember that Texas was number one in the nation at one point of the season. The difference is Wake has been playing awful in the last three weeks which spells bad news. TEXAS 78-72
Jacksonville
5. Temple vs. 12. Cornell- This game I have trouble deciding on because I like the sexy pick of the Bears and alma mater of Andy Bernard, yet Temple has been damn impressive all year. I think Jay Bilas may have jixed their chances, but I will take the Ivy league bunch. CORN 59-55
4. Wisconsin vs. 13 Wofford- Would someone tell me why Wofford got a 13 seed? Anyways the Buzzcuts will take care of business in a big way. UW 67-51
4. Wisconsin vs. 12. Cornell- A battle of the white guys! This game will bring us back to the sixties and maybe a clan rally will break out as well. I cannot see Wisconsin dropping this game, I think they will only get better as Jon Leuer continues to get healthy. UW 69-58
San Jose
6. Marquette vs. 11. Washington- This game scares me more than if MU were to advance and I haven't picked a single MU game this year so I am worried this will jinx them. But I think Marquette will be able to hold them defensively on the perimeter better than the Huskies will. MU 82-71
3. New Mexico vs. 14. Montana- I haven't see either team this year, I have some friends who are from New Mexico and tell me that they can rain the three. They are coached by Steve Alford and I wish he would bring back that Tank Top from the 1988 NBA Draft. NM 82-61
6. Marquette vs. 3. New Mexico- Another game that features two teams who run up and down the court and the Golden Eagles I believe still have a chip on their shoulder about the whole season. I think Lazar Hayward will be able to get the Warriors in their first sweet 16 since 2003. MU 77-73
Buffalo
7. Clemson vs. 10. Missouri- This could be a complete up and down type of game that will be very exciting. I am going straight off conference bias to make this selection. I like the fact the Tigers play in the Big 12 and they can frustrate the Tigers. MIZZOU 85-77
2. West Virginia vs. 15. Morgan State- The Bears are coached by Todd Bozeman who once got booted from the NCAA for Kelvin Sampson like practices... thats all, they will lose. WVA 89-64
2. West Virginia vs. 10 Missouri- Never sleep on the Tigers, their pressing style makes things tough for any team but the Mountaineers have that killer instict that not many teams have this year. I think Da'Shan Butler might be the best late game player, the Mountaineers pull away late. WVA 84-76
-Charlie.
New Orleans
1. Kentucky vs. 16. East Tennessee St.- I just hope John Wall does his dance and a 360. UK 89-61
8. Texas vs. 9. Wake Forest- Both teams struggled down the stretch and we all remember that Texas was number one in the nation at one point of the season. The difference is Wake has been playing awful in the last three weeks which spells bad news. TEXAS 78-72
Jacksonville
5. Temple vs. 12. Cornell- This game I have trouble deciding on because I like the sexy pick of the Bears and alma mater of Andy Bernard, yet Temple has been damn impressive all year. I think Jay Bilas may have jixed their chances, but I will take the Ivy league bunch. CORN 59-55
4. Wisconsin vs. 13 Wofford- Would someone tell me why Wofford got a 13 seed? Anyways the Buzzcuts will take care of business in a big way. UW 67-51
4. Wisconsin vs. 12. Cornell- A battle of the white guys! This game will bring us back to the sixties and maybe a clan rally will break out as well. I cannot see Wisconsin dropping this game, I think they will only get better as Jon Leuer continues to get healthy. UW 69-58
San Jose
6. Marquette vs. 11. Washington- This game scares me more than if MU were to advance and I haven't picked a single MU game this year so I am worried this will jinx them. But I think Marquette will be able to hold them defensively on the perimeter better than the Huskies will. MU 82-71
3. New Mexico vs. 14. Montana- I haven't see either team this year, I have some friends who are from New Mexico and tell me that they can rain the three. They are coached by Steve Alford and I wish he would bring back that Tank Top from the 1988 NBA Draft. NM 82-61
6. Marquette vs. 3. New Mexico- Another game that features two teams who run up and down the court and the Golden Eagles I believe still have a chip on their shoulder about the whole season. I think Lazar Hayward will be able to get the Warriors in their first sweet 16 since 2003. MU 77-73
Buffalo
7. Clemson vs. 10. Missouri- This could be a complete up and down type of game that will be very exciting. I am going straight off conference bias to make this selection. I like the fact the Tigers play in the Big 12 and they can frustrate the Tigers. MIZZOU 85-77
2. West Virginia vs. 15. Morgan State- The Bears are coached by Todd Bozeman who once got booted from the NCAA for Kelvin Sampson like practices... thats all, they will lose. WVA 89-64
2. West Virginia vs. 10 Missouri- Never sleep on the Tigers, their pressing style makes things tough for any team but the Mountaineers have that killer instict that not many teams have this year. I think Da'Shan Butler might be the best late game player, the Mountaineers pull away late. WVA 84-76
-Charlie.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Throwing Water Bottles is a New College Sport
Once upon a time, I was a super fan for a team. Granted, it was only a high school experience but I still had a blast in the stands cheering on my basketball team plus I knew they appreciated my support. I did some things that I probably regret but I never threw anything on to the court like West Virginia, a couple weeks ago and Mississippi State did today.
First of all, I feel bad for anyone who cheers on the Mountaineers and Bulldogs if they are students, alumni, or just overall fans. Because not everyone in the stands is throwing shit onto the courts, rather it's a few drunken individuals who had a few too many drinks. In addition, a fan who cares way too much like the kid I saw playing World of Warcraft for three straight hours. A message to him and the over-the-top fans, get a life. Look, WoW and college basketball doesn't matter that much.
The other thing that is sad about this whole thing is both of these states (West Virginia/Mississippi) are not regarded as "classy states" in the first place. How many jokes about how dumb the people of West Virginia and Mississippi are? (Not saying that people from those states are but if you look up dumb states jokes, they are near the top of the list) No matter if you are a Marshall fan or an Ole Miss fan, it's still an embarrassment to the whole state that something like this had to happen.
Also, I know the refs aren't the greatest. Trust me, I have seen Marquette get screwed over by the bigger team like a Syracuse or UConn but that doesn't give any fan the right to litter the court with water bottles. Bitter rivalries sometimes start fights, but most fans just get jacked up from what happened and now want to kick their asses even more.
I hate to say this but I believe the NCAA should make a rule if this happens once that the students are banned for a game and if happens again, they are banned for the year. For the most part, I feel the alumni and other fans do not start this sort of shit, it is usually the drunken student body. In addition, I have no problems with the fans going drunk to the game, just not to level where you feel it's okay to throw things. I hope some action from the NCAA comes from this entire melee.
-Charlie.
First of all, I feel bad for anyone who cheers on the Mountaineers and Bulldogs if they are students, alumni, or just overall fans. Because not everyone in the stands is throwing shit onto the courts, rather it's a few drunken individuals who had a few too many drinks. In addition, a fan who cares way too much like the kid I saw playing World of Warcraft for three straight hours. A message to him and the over-the-top fans, get a life. Look, WoW and college basketball doesn't matter that much.
The other thing that is sad about this whole thing is both of these states (West Virginia/Mississippi) are not regarded as "classy states" in the first place. How many jokes about how dumb the people of West Virginia and Mississippi are? (Not saying that people from those states are but if you look up dumb states jokes, they are near the top of the list) No matter if you are a Marshall fan or an Ole Miss fan, it's still an embarrassment to the whole state that something like this had to happen.
Also, I know the refs aren't the greatest. Trust me, I have seen Marquette get screwed over by the bigger team like a Syracuse or UConn but that doesn't give any fan the right to litter the court with water bottles. Bitter rivalries sometimes start fights, but most fans just get jacked up from what happened and now want to kick their asses even more.
I hate to say this but I believe the NCAA should make a rule if this happens once that the students are banned for a game and if happens again, they are banned for the year. For the most part, I feel the alumni and other fans do not start this sort of shit, it is usually the drunken student body. In addition, I have no problems with the fans going drunk to the game, just not to level where you feel it's okay to throw things. I hope some action from the NCAA comes from this entire melee.
-Charlie.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
That's a Great Effin Point Bob.
This is a line used by Bobby Knight in these world-famous golf outtakes. If you haven't seen them I suggest you do because they are pure magic. Anyways, I do believe that former coach Bob Knight made a great point today about college basketball andd one coach that I ripped on in the past, caught some heat for it, and didn't back down.. I love John Wall but people are dead on about your head coach. Here is what Bob Knight said...
Sorry, I wanted to brag about it but truly, Calipari should face the consequences of leaving a team on probation because he was directly involved,whether he admits to it or not. My roommate Seet's brother's friend who is an athletic trainer... an athletic trainer wanted out Memphis because he worried of the ramifications of working at such a dirty program. Worldwide Wes could attest to that, he helped bring in the players to Memphis along with other factors. Calipari knew that Derrick Rose could be a problem down the road therefore he took the first meal ticket out there, which happened to be one of the best jobs in college sports.
Some might say that it's not fair to punish the team who hires the violator but honestly, its their fault for bringing a guy in who doesn't have the squeakiest reputation about recruiting. I honestly think Calipari knew he was in trouble at UMass deep that he went to NBA when that first offer came in knowing damn well that the NCAA might strike down harder than he would have wanted.
Look, what Calipari is doing right now with the Wildcats is great and honestly, I think they could be the overall number one seed when the chips are down in March. Calipari brings in great recruits whether they are clean or not but he will be always held in the same light as Jerry "the Shark" Tarkanian.
-Charlie.
"We've gotten into this situation where integrity is really lacking and that's why I'm glad I'm not coaching," Knight said. "You see we've got a coach at Kentucky who put two schools on probation and he's still coaching. I really don't understand that."Hmm very interesting... I seemed to make similar accusations about how upset I was at all the love that guys like John Calipari and Jim Calhoun were getting and are still getting today yet people told me how wrong I really was about the whole ordeal. I think that a 900 win coach agrees with me on this topic.
Sorry, I wanted to brag about it but truly, Calipari should face the consequences of leaving a team on probation because he was directly involved,whether he admits to it or not. My roommate Seet's brother's friend who is an athletic trainer... an athletic trainer wanted out Memphis because he worried of the ramifications of working at such a dirty program. Worldwide Wes could attest to that, he helped bring in the players to Memphis along with other factors. Calipari knew that Derrick Rose could be a problem down the road therefore he took the first meal ticket out there, which happened to be one of the best jobs in college sports.
Some might say that it's not fair to punish the team who hires the violator but honestly, its their fault for bringing a guy in who doesn't have the squeakiest reputation about recruiting. I honestly think Calipari knew he was in trouble at UMass deep that he went to NBA when that first offer came in knowing damn well that the NCAA might strike down harder than he would have wanted.
Look, what Calipari is doing right now with the Wildcats is great and honestly, I think they could be the overall number one seed when the chips are down in March. Calipari brings in great recruits whether they are clean or not but he will be always held in the same light as Jerry "the Shark" Tarkanian.
-Charlie.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Everyone Loves John Wall
If you watched ESPN today all of the hype today fell onto Kentucky's freshman point guard John Wall who has taken the country by storm with his play so far. I cannot stand the Wildcats if you do not know that, I suggest you check one of my prior blog posts about them and the near-war I started with the Big Blue fan base. Honestly, I cannot hate on John Wall. He is the man.
I didn't need Wednesday's game honestly because when I saw him play against North Carolina Saturday I was immediately drawn into this kid's game. The first ten minutes of the UNC game, he made two sensational plays that made me wonder... This kid is a freshman, no way? He looked like a man among boys. The way Wall play is something that we personally haven't seen even in the last five years. Despite all the great players we have had in the last five years such as Kevin Durant, Mike Beasley, Carmelo Anthony, and Derrick Rose... Wall is something else.
Being a point guard, he is in complete control of the game unlike the first four. Not to mention, Rose was nowhere near Wall's level at this point in his career. Wall can do so much more than the others did this early in the season. Some are saying the teams will figure out a way to stop Wall but I disagree, he will be unstoppable for the whole year. Wall has a type of quickness that not many players can stop and he has a loaded arsenal of getting to the rack, mid-range, and three-point shooting. Not many freshman have everything there already in the first two months. He may be the first player since the new rule about not making the jump to the NBA from high school that actually was NBA-ready from the get-go.
To me, Wall doesn't really need college basketball but Kentucky is happy to have him for the year. There is a chance that he might be the first player since Anthony to lead his team all the way to the National Championship. But then again, its early.
-Charlie.
I didn't need Wednesday's game honestly because when I saw him play against North Carolina Saturday I was immediately drawn into this kid's game. The first ten minutes of the UNC game, he made two sensational plays that made me wonder... This kid is a freshman, no way? He looked like a man among boys. The way Wall play is something that we personally haven't seen even in the last five years. Despite all the great players we have had in the last five years such as Kevin Durant, Mike Beasley, Carmelo Anthony, and Derrick Rose... Wall is something else.
Being a point guard, he is in complete control of the game unlike the first four. Not to mention, Rose was nowhere near Wall's level at this point in his career. Wall can do so much more than the others did this early in the season. Some are saying the teams will figure out a way to stop Wall but I disagree, he will be unstoppable for the whole year. Wall has a type of quickness that not many players can stop and he has a loaded arsenal of getting to the rack, mid-range, and three-point shooting. Not many freshman have everything there already in the first two months. He may be the first player since the new rule about not making the jump to the NBA from high school that actually was NBA-ready from the get-go.
To me, Wall doesn't really need college basketball but Kentucky is happy to have him for the year. There is a chance that he might be the first player since Anthony to lead his team all the way to the National Championship. But then again, its early.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Snake of the Bluegrass "Stealing" the Henrys UPDATED
Oh no. This is something that I think is every college basketball fans worst nightmare. Rumors are swirling right now that Xaiver Henry, the number two shooting guard and the number three player in the nation is thinking about leaving Kansas to go to Kentucky. All I have to say is rut roh.
I hate this shit so much and it really pains me to write about this because I hate the fact that it keeps happening in college basketball. Why cant coaches get the picture that players are "not for sale" and you cannot "buy their way" (for my friends in Lexington, love you all) into Kentucky plus other schools. I cannot stand John Calipari for this very reason. He seems to mysteriously lure players to their team that no one realizes how it happens. Just when he is ready to get caught he bolts to other teams such as the New Jersey Nets or the Kentucky Wildcats. The other thing that even more appalling is the fact that Kentucky decided to cut two players loose to make sure that they are under in scholarships. Now I realize that my Marquette Golden Eagles have done somewhat of the same things with the scholarships but its not to sign one of the best players in the nation.
The big thing I guess I want from ESPN or any other major media sports outlet is the fact that no one calls out this snake. I mean for once I want Dickie V, Jay Bilas, or Fran Fraschilla to have some balls to call out this guy. Please say what we are all thinking but this will never happen. A big reason why is because its Kentucky whose in the same realm as the New York Yankees, Notre Dame Football, and the Los Angeles Lakers. They are always in the news in college basketball but most do not choose to shine a bad light on Wildcat basketball (Once agian, for the Lexington faithful I am guessing I am not allowed in Rupp Arena anytime soon?).
The other sickening thought is the fact because Calipari brought in all of these uber athletes creating a complete all-star team with three of the top five in the ESPNU 100 (that most will bolt to the NBA in the next coming year) and now if they get the Henrys they become the number one team in the nation. You think the hype machine bad now, just wait til November.
-Charlie.
UPDATE: It appears that the Henrys are staying at Kansas. Either team would be in the top five with them and the Jayhawks look like the team to beat next season.
I hate this shit so much and it really pains me to write about this because I hate the fact that it keeps happening in college basketball. Why cant coaches get the picture that players are "not for sale" and you cannot "buy their way" (for my friends in Lexington, love you all) into Kentucky plus other schools. I cannot stand John Calipari for this very reason. He seems to mysteriously lure players to their team that no one realizes how it happens. Just when he is ready to get caught he bolts to other teams such as the New Jersey Nets or the Kentucky Wildcats. The other thing that even more appalling is the fact that Kentucky decided to cut two players loose to make sure that they are under in scholarships. Now I realize that my Marquette Golden Eagles have done somewhat of the same things with the scholarships but its not to sign one of the best players in the nation.
The big thing I guess I want from ESPN or any other major media sports outlet is the fact that no one calls out this snake. I mean for once I want Dickie V, Jay Bilas, or Fran Fraschilla to have some balls to call out this guy. Please say what we are all thinking but this will never happen. A big reason why is because its Kentucky whose in the same realm as the New York Yankees, Notre Dame Football, and the Los Angeles Lakers. They are always in the news in college basketball but most do not choose to shine a bad light on Wildcat basketball (Once agian, for the Lexington faithful I am guessing I am not allowed in Rupp Arena anytime soon?).
The other sickening thought is the fact because Calipari brought in all of these uber athletes creating a complete all-star team with three of the top five in the ESPNU 100 (that most will bolt to the NBA in the next coming year) and now if they get the Henrys they become the number one team in the nation. You think the hype machine bad now, just wait til November.
-Charlie.
UPDATE: It appears that the Henrys are staying at Kansas. Either team would be in the top five with them and the Jayhawks look like the team to beat next season.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Kentucky Makes a Splash
I think we all knew that Kentucky would be a much-improved team next year with John Calipari taking the job in late March but now with signing John Wall whose the number one point guard recruit and in the top five in the nation right now. Do we have to consider Kentucky a final four possibility?
First of all, I hate bringing up Kentucky as an elite program again because I personally hate Kentucky. Other than a couple Big East teams, Kentucky is right up there with my least favorite teams because they always seem crooked and their fans are completely asinine with opinions that do not even seem relevant. So this article is very hard for me to write but honestly you have to look at Kentucky's team now and say wow.
They have John Wall at point guard who people have been saying if he enter this year's draft, Wall would the second pick behind Blake Griffin and he is already projected the number one pick for 2010. The other thing is Calipari has done major work with freshman point guards such as Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans. That is a scary thought for all of us and now with Patrick Patterson coming back for another year, it becomes a reality really. Patterson is a complete monster and the addition of DeMarcus Cousins will make the front line even stronger.
The other thing that worries me is if Jodie Meeks comes back for his senior year then Kentucky has the best back court and a very formidable front line. What bothers me though is now Calipari is now 3 scholarships over right now so he will have to find a way to get rid of those Gillespie boys and trust me that snake will find a way.
-Charlie.
First of all, I hate bringing up Kentucky as an elite program again because I personally hate Kentucky. Other than a couple Big East teams, Kentucky is right up there with my least favorite teams because they always seem crooked and their fans are completely asinine with opinions that do not even seem relevant. So this article is very hard for me to write but honestly you have to look at Kentucky's team now and say wow.
They have John Wall at point guard who people have been saying if he enter this year's draft, Wall would the second pick behind Blake Griffin and he is already projected the number one pick for 2010. The other thing is Calipari has done major work with freshman point guards such as Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans. That is a scary thought for all of us and now with Patrick Patterson coming back for another year, it becomes a reality really. Patterson is a complete monster and the addition of DeMarcus Cousins will make the front line even stronger.
The other thing that worries me is if Jodie Meeks comes back for his senior year then Kentucky has the best back court and a very formidable front line. What bothers me though is now Calipari is now 3 scholarships over right now so he will have to find a way to get rid of those Gillespie boys and trust me that snake will find a way.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Calipari Headin' to the Blugrass State
A lot like Tom "The Snake" Crean, coach John Calipari had to take the job. Kentucky basketball is like the New York Yankees, Notre Dame Football, Boston Celtics, Dallas Cowboys and there are a few basketball schools that would be included (Indiana, North Carolina, UCLA, and Kentucky).
He told the R.C. Johnson, the Athletic Director of Memphis that "he couldnt offer anymore money because its Kentucky." Sounds fimilar if you are a Marquette fan. The money that was offered was monumental... 8 years 31 million dollars with incentives laced into the contract.
Now a great coach like Calipari gets a basketball team that returns Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson which could easily make it back to the Sweet 16 if not further. I think that was one reason why Calipari took the job because he knew right away that he would get a cushion which a lot like Roy Williams when he took the North Carolina job, he wont need.
This is also a great fit for Calipari because he knows exactly how to handle the media better than anyone else they could of brought in. Memphis also had a big time fan base not to Kentucky standards but Calipari knows how to handle the boosters as well.
The great thing about this hire is there are three very interesting subplots to the Calapari hire. Number one is what are they going to do with the huge Memphis recruiting class? The Tigers were supposed to bring in Xavier Henry (#1 in 2009), DeMarcus Cousins (#4 in 09), and rumored to be getting John Wall (#6 in 09) plus include Lance Stephenson as well whose in the top 20 who was favoring Memphis. Kentucky only has one scholarship left and who knows if any of those guys would be willing to accept a lesser role.
Another big subplot is the Rick Pitno Factor. I had no idea that Pitno has been Calipari's mentor for years and years. This also makes it clear that they are in some sort of Italian mob together. Now they are in the same state and Calipari essentialy is trying to do the same thing Pitno did at Kentucky. The Louisville-Kentucky battle next year will be in the top five games to watch and could be for a long time to come.
The final one involves coaching again and this one is the rivalry Calipari has with Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl. They HATE each other and the Memphis-Tennessee rivalry grew because of this. I would assume that the Kentucky-Tennessee matchups both in Knoxville and Lexington have now become more amplified. Also this has to be an ego shot to Pearl now knowing he is the third best in the SEC East when it comes to coaches.
The College Basketball "Offseason" already off to a fast start.
He told the R.C. Johnson, the Athletic Director of Memphis that "he couldnt offer anymore money because its Kentucky." Sounds fimilar if you are a Marquette fan. The money that was offered was monumental... 8 years 31 million dollars with incentives laced into the contract.
Now a great coach like Calipari gets a basketball team that returns Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson which could easily make it back to the Sweet 16 if not further. I think that was one reason why Calipari took the job because he knew right away that he would get a cushion which a lot like Roy Williams when he took the North Carolina job, he wont need.
This is also a great fit for Calipari because he knows exactly how to handle the media better than anyone else they could of brought in. Memphis also had a big time fan base not to Kentucky standards but Calipari knows how to handle the boosters as well.
The great thing about this hire is there are three very interesting subplots to the Calapari hire. Number one is what are they going to do with the huge Memphis recruiting class? The Tigers were supposed to bring in Xavier Henry (#1 in 2009), DeMarcus Cousins (#4 in 09), and rumored to be getting John Wall (#6 in 09) plus include Lance Stephenson as well whose in the top 20 who was favoring Memphis. Kentucky only has one scholarship left and who knows if any of those guys would be willing to accept a lesser role.
Another big subplot is the Rick Pitno Factor. I had no idea that Pitno has been Calipari's mentor for years and years. This also makes it clear that they are in some sort of Italian mob together. Now they are in the same state and Calipari essentialy is trying to do the same thing Pitno did at Kentucky. The Louisville-Kentucky battle next year will be in the top five games to watch and could be for a long time to come.
The final one involves coaching again and this one is the rivalry Calipari has with Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl. They HATE each other and the Memphis-Tennessee rivalry grew because of this. I would assume that the Kentucky-Tennessee matchups both in Knoxville and Lexington have now become more amplified. Also this has to be an ego shot to Pearl now knowing he is the third best in the SEC East when it comes to coaches.
The College Basketball "Offseason" already off to a fast start.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Kentucky is Just Nuts
Well see ya later! As Lloyd Christmas said in Dumb and Dumber. That name suits Kentucky Basketball very well with firing Coach Billy Gillispie.
They have now become a joke. Billy Gillispie gets his walking papers for no real reason after two years because the "fit wasnt right" according to the Athletic Director. I dont understand where this team gets off on just firing coaches left and right just for the sole fact, they arent winning like the Kentucky way.
Whoever takes the job is going to get a hell of a team because their whole team is coming back. According to Dick Vitale, Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson are both returning for another year. So now the new coach that will come in will be ready to go with a loaded squad and have a very good year. Then what happens when he struggles in the next year? The Wildcats need to wake up and realize its not the 70's anymore, Kentucky Basketball can have down years, its okay.
I think the favorite has to be Travis Ford from Oklahoma State who was a former player at Kentucky. Ford has barely got started for the Cowboys and they do pay well down there so I could see him staying. People are suggesting Jay Wright which would make sense too seeing as many are leaving plus he's the flashy type of coach you want at Kentucky.
-Charlie.
They have now become a joke. Billy Gillispie gets his walking papers for no real reason after two years because the "fit wasnt right" according to the Athletic Director. I dont understand where this team gets off on just firing coaches left and right just for the sole fact, they arent winning like the Kentucky way.
Whoever takes the job is going to get a hell of a team because their whole team is coming back. According to Dick Vitale, Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson are both returning for another year. So now the new coach that will come in will be ready to go with a loaded squad and have a very good year. Then what happens when he struggles in the next year? The Wildcats need to wake up and realize its not the 70's anymore, Kentucky Basketball can have down years, its okay.
I think the favorite has to be Travis Ford from Oklahoma State who was a former player at Kentucky. Ford has barely got started for the Cowboys and they do pay well down there so I could see him staying. People are suggesting Jay Wright which would make sense too seeing as many are leaving plus he's the flashy type of coach you want at Kentucky.
-Charlie.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)