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Just reminiscing, but that 1978 team was probably…

Vek96

Vek96

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…..the best UK team in my lifetime. They had a terrific point guard with Macy. Two big time togh dudes inside with Robey and Phillips. And, of course, an All American player with Jack Givens. They also great role players with James Lee, Claytor, and Shidler.

That was a fantastic team. Make no mistake though, Goose was the man. Robey was a total badass also.
 
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simnalecho

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1996 was deeper, but I would have liked to see the 78 team with a 3 point line. Cal would have screwed up the 2012 team
 
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UKCowboys

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Vek96 said:
…..the best UK team in my lifetime. They had a terrific point guard with Macy. Two big time togh dudes inside with Robey and Phillips. And, of course, an All American player with Jack Givens. They also great role players with James Lee, Claytor, and Shidler.

That was a fantastic team. Make no mistake though, Goose was the man. Robey was a total badass also.
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No man lol. 3rd or 4th at best since 78
 
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theKybluedude

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78 would handle 12. Too physical, mature, deep and poised. Could play at any pace. Without the 3 they averaged more points at 84/ game on 54% shooting. Robby and Phillips would have muscled AD. Macy too good at the point. Givens unstoppable. Way deeper. Big fast and tough. Better shooters. Veteran. 30-2.
 
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UKWildcats1987

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theKybluedude said:
78 would handle 12. Too physical, mature, deep and poised. Could play at any pace. Without the 3 they averaged more points at 84/ game on 54% shooting. Robby and Phillips would have muscled AD. Macy too good at the point. Givens unstoppable. Way deeper. Big fast and tough. Better shooters. Veteran. 30-2.
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And 2012 went 38-2.
 
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UKBB4Ever

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Vek96 said:
…..the best UK team in my lifetime. They had a terrific point guard with Macy. Two big time togh dudes inside with Robey and Phillips. And, of course, an All American player with Jack Givens. They also great role players with James Lee, Claytor, and Shidler.

That was a fantastic team. Make no mistake though, Goose was the man. Robey was a total badass also.
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It’s the best in my opinion. That was the first FF I ever attended.

Myself and 3 buddies drove over to St Louis with no hotel reservations and no tickets.

But we found a hotel and we got tickets.

In the nosebleed seats of the Checkerdome.

Just a great time and the Goose was golden!!🏀

I thought the toughest game was Saturday against Ark.

Had Ark got past us they would have beaten dUKe too.
 
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UKreturntogreatness

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In all seriousness, I thought the 78 team was one of the best for that era. The difference of course were players at mature levels with a number in their senior seasons. Macy would pass to players in advance of where they were unlike the modern teams who pass to where the player is standing. It was also a power team and in this era of 3 point basketball when the game is tight you see the game switch to the paint. 78 was overpowering in the paint. But there was no shot clock and they played with a much more deliberate half court style than today of course. So really hard to compare. 96 likely was the best followed by 78 and then 2012.
 
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storm1507

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My top 4 during my fandom would be 78, 96, 15, and 12. I have no idea really what would happen if they all played each other.
 
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Smeegs

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Wrong. 96 was the best UK team of your lifetime …presuming you’re still alive.

I do not see this as being reasonably debatable.
 
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wildcatdon

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theKybluedude said:
78 would handle 12. Too physical, mature, deep and poised. Could play at any pace. Without the 3 they averaged more points at 84/ game on 54% shooting. Robby and Phillips would have muscled AD. Macy too good at the point. Givens unstoppable. Way deeper. Big fast and tough. Better shooters. Veteran. 30-2.
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Bingo.
 
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Gobigblue812812

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I'm old enough to have seen the 1978 team play. They were amazing to watch but the 1996 team was blowing out most opponents during the season. They were relentless and very deep . I do think the 1996 team would beat the 1978 team.

I think the 1996 team was the greatest in my lifetime.
 
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Smeegs

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simnalecho said:
1996 was deeper, but I would have liked to see the 78 team with a 3 point line. Cal would have screwed up the 2012 team
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They would not have been as good with the three point line. Macy is the only starter who ever shot from anywhere near that distance (and Shidler the only bench player who did).

Givens was an incredible mid-range shooter, but he did not have deep shooting range (it’s one of the reasons why he was such a bust in the pros). In fact, I don’t recall him ever even attempting a shot from what would now be considered three point range.
 
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UKBB4Ever

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Smeegs said:
They would not have been as good with the three point line. Macy is the only starter who ever shot from anywhere near that distance (and Shidler the only bench player who did).

Givens was an incredible mid-range shooter, but he did not have deep shooting range (it’s one of the reasons why he was such a bust in the pros). In fact, I don’t recall him ever even attempting a shot from what would now be considered three point range.
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Did you forget Truman Claytor?

Jack didn’t shoot the 3 because there wasn’t one. Had there been one he would have adjusted quite nicely to it.

Robey from the top of the key too.

I loved the ‘96 team. And the ‘12 team.

But the ‘78 team was just different. They were a power team that could run you out of the building if you dared to run.

They averaged 85 points a game with no shot clock and no 3 pointer. And with everyone trying to stall against them.

Losses were at Alabama with CM coaching and overtime loss at LSU.

If they played the ‘96 team under ‘78 rules it wouldn’t even be a game.

If they played under ‘96 rules it would be interesting.

They will always be my favorite. It was the first in 20 years. It was the first without Rupp coaching. It ushered in a new era.

Joe B was criticized heavily for “ruining” the game with power basketball.

Our truly great coaches have changed the game for everyone.

Rupp was the first to invert the bigs. And he practically invented the fast break.

Joe B brought power to the forefront.

Pitino brought back the press but used it to wear teams out. He incorporated the 3 as a weapon and not a catch up gimmick. He brought back Rupp’s intensity and showmanship.

Cal introduced the world to the one and dones.

There’s no wrong opinion on which UK team is best.

There’s been 5 UK title teams in my lifetime. I watched every game of 4 of them.

Probably watched ‘58 too since I’m sure it was on. But as an infant I can’t imagine that I knew what I was watching.

Just like ‘66. I was too young to really appreciate that team. Issel’s senior year was the first one I really watched intensely.

The ‘75 team I thought for sure was going to win the title. ‘84 too!

My second favorite team is actually ‘92. It still breaks my heart that they didn’t get to the FF.
 
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I’m The Village Idiot

I’m The Village Idiot

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UKBB4Ever said:
Did you forget Truman Claytor?

Jack didn’t shoot the 3 because there wasn’t one. Had there been one he would have adjusted quite nicely to it.

Robey from the top of the key too.

I loved the ‘96 team. And the ‘12 team.

But the ‘78 team was just different. They were a power team that could run you out of the building if you dared to run.

They averaged 85 points a game with no shot clock and no 3 pointer. And with everyone trying to stall against them.

Losses were at Alabama with CM coaching and overtime loss at LSU.

If they played the ‘96 team under ‘78 rules it wouldn’t even be a game.

If they played under ‘96 rules it would be interesting.

They will always be my favorite. It was the first in 20 years. It was the first without Rupp coaching. It ushered in a new era.

Joe B was criticized heavily for “ruining” the game with power basketball.

Our truly great coaches have changed the game for everyone.

Rupp was the first to invert the bigs. And he practically invented the fast break.

Joe B brought power to the forefront.

Pitino brought back the press but used it to wear teams out. He incorporated the 3 as a weapon and not a catch up gimmick. He brought back Rupp’s intensity and showmanship.

Cal introduced the world to the one and dones.

There’s no wrong opinion on which UK team is best.

There’s been 5 UK title teams in my lifetime. I watched every game of 4 of them.

Probably watched ‘58 too since I’m sure it was on. But as an infant I can’t imagine that I knew what I was watching.

Just like ‘66. I was too young to really appreciate that team. Issel’s senior year was the first one I really watched intensely.

The ‘75 team I thought for sure was going to win the title. ‘84 too!

My second favorite team is actually ‘92. It still breaks my heart that they didn’t get to the FF.
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I was introduced to Kentucky basketball in 1995, although I didn’t become a hardcore fan myself until a little later.

That said, I love watching old games of the 1978 team and that was one of the best frontcourts I’ve ever seen in college basketball.
 
Cowtown Cat

Cowtown Cat

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UKBB4Ever said:
Did you forget Truman Claytor?

Jack didn’t shoot the 3 because there wasn’t one. Had there been one he would have adjusted quite nicely to it.

Robey from the top of the key too.

I loved the ‘96 team. And the ‘12 team.

But the ‘78 team was just different. They were a power team that could run you out of the building if you dared to run.

They averaged 85 points a game with no shot clock and no 3 pointer. And with everyone trying to stall against them.

Losses were at Alabama with CM coaching and overtime loss at LSU.

If they played the ‘96 team under ‘78 rules it wouldn’t even be a game.

If they played under ‘96 rules it would be interesting.

They will always be my favorite. It was the first in 20 years. It was the first without Rupp coaching. It ushered in a new era.

Joe B was criticized heavily for “ruining” the game with power basketball.

Our truly great coaches have changed the game for everyone.

Rupp was the first to invert the bigs. And he practically invented the fast break.

Joe B brought power to the forefront.

Pitino brought back the press but used it to wear teams out. He incorporated the 3 as a weapon and not a catch up gimmick. He brought back Rupp’s intensity and showmanship.

Cal introduced the world to the one and dones.

There’s no wrong opinion on which UK team is best.

There’s been 5 UK title teams in my lifetime. I watched every game of 4 of them.

Probably watched ‘58 too since I’m sure it was on. But as an infant I can’t imagine that I knew what I was watching.

Just like ‘66. I was too young to really appreciate that team. Issel’s senior year was the first one I really watched intensely.

The ‘75 team I thought for sure was going to win the title. ‘84 too!

My second favorite team is actually ‘92. It still breaks my heart that they didn’t get to the FF.
Click to expand...
So the 1978 team would blow out the 1996 team without a 3 point line?! Idk about all that.
 
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UKBB4Ever

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Cowtown Cat said:
So the 1978 team would blow out the 1996 team without a 3 point line?! Idk about all that.
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If that’s what you got from that then I apologize. That’s not what I meant.

But not just the 3 point shot. The way the the game was played. The ‘96 team would have no answer for the power game of Robey, Phillips, Lee, Williams, Alexsinas(sp?), Cowan and even Goose.

If they gave up and zoned them Macy, Schiedler and Claytor would have a field day.

Of course ‘78 would have a hard time with Delk, Anderson, Walker and Mercer.

‘78 had no weakness. ‘96 best strength was quality depth. They just wore teams down with the second unit being a top 10 team itself.

But they wouldn’t wear down ‘78.

I believe if the ‘78 team played ‘96 under ‘78 rules they would beat them in a series.

If someone believes differently that saw both teams play then that’s OK.

Both teams were wicked good.
 
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petsounds

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I am old enough to remember that team well. I grew up in Arkansas and am a lifelong hog fan.

No I am not here to troll your board and I imagine this will be my only post on here.

Arkansas had a great team in 1978, one of our best ever but Kentucky was better. I knew that even when I was 18 and full of bias.

Their game should have been the national title game that year, I believe the Hogs would have beaten Duke.
 
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Smeegs

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UKBB4Ever said:
Did you forget Truman Claytor?

Jack didn’t shoot the 3 because there wasn’t one. Had there been one he would have adjusted quite nicely to it.
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I seriously doubt that. Givens was the absolute master at coming off curls and sticking those 10 to 18 foot mid range shots, but he NEVER demonstrated proficiency shooting beyond that range, and in fact failed miserably in the pros when he was expected to shoot from longer range.

And, fwiw, he DID have the three-point shot in his second NBA season and do you know how many threes he took? ZERO. Not a single one. And he shot only 38% from two- point distance that year (not coincidentally, he washed out of the league as a bust at the end of that second season).

As for Claytor, he was a nice role player. But he was not an elite shooter and almost never shot from what would later be considered three point distance. The only players on that 78 roster that demonstrated legit three point type range were Macy …and Shidler off the bench.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved the 78 team. That was the season that cemented my lifelong love for UK hoops. But they were NOT as good as the 96 team. And it’s really not even that close. I think those who believe differently are letting nostalgia bias cloud their judgment.
 
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UKBB4Ever

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Smeegs said:
I seriously doubt that. Givens was the absolute master at coming off curls and sticking those 10 to 18 foot mid range shots, but he NEVER demonstrated proficiency shooting beyond that range, and in fact failed miserably in the pros when he was expected to shoot from longer range.

And, fwiw, he DID have the three-point shot in his second NBA season and do you know how many threes he took? ZERO. Not a single one. And he shot only 38% from two- point distance that year (not coincidentally, he washed out of the league as a bust at the end of that second season).

As for Claytor, he was a nice role player. But he was not an elite shooter and almost never shot from what would later be considered three point distance. The only players on that 78 roster that demonstrated legit three point type range were Macy …and Shidler off the bench.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved the 78 team. That was the season that cemented my lifelong love for UK hoops. But they were NOT as good as the 96 team. And it’s really not even that close. I think those who believe differently are letting nostalgia bias cloud their judgment.
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I admit to bias. 👍
 
storm1507

storm1507

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petsounds said:
I am old enough to remember that team well. I grew up in Arkansas and am a lifelong hog fan.

No I am not here to troll your board and I imagine this will be my only post on here.

Arkansas had a great team in 1978, one of our best ever but Kentucky was better. I knew that even when I was 18 and full of bias.

Their game should have been the national title game that year, I believe the Hogs would have beaten Duke.
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Yep, the Triplets were something else.
 
King1959

King1959

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Smeegs said:
They would not have been as good with the three point line. Macy is the only starter who ever shot from anywhere near that distance (and Shidler the only bench player who did).

Givens was an incredible mid-range shooter, but he did not have deep shooting range (it’s one of the reasons why he was such a bust in the pros). In fact, I don’t recall him ever even attempting a shot from what would now be considered three point range.
Click to expand...
Truman Claytor was on the bench and a helluva shooter. Him and Macy damn near won the SEC Tournament the next season while playing every session of the tournament losing to Tennessee in the final game, i think.
 
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wildcatdon

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10,325
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Smeegs said:
They would not have been as good with the three point line. Macy is the only starter who ever shot from anywhere near that distance (and Shidler the only bench player who did).

Givens was an incredible mid-range shooter, but he did not have deep shooting range (it’s one of the reasons why he was such a bust in the pros). In fact, I don’t recall him ever even attempting a shot from what would now be considered three point range.
Click to expand...
They had Macy Shidler and Truman Claytor. They would have excelled from 3 and would have even been more deadly as a team because they had a mid range game and powerful inside play. Have to disagree with you there.
 
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wildcatdon

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Smeegs said:
I seriously doubt that. Givens was the absolute master at coming off curls and sticking those 10 to 18 foot mid range shots, but he NEVER demonstrated proficiency shooting beyond that range, and in fact failed miserably in the pros when he was expected to shoot from longer range.

And, fwiw, he DID have the three-point shot in his second NBA season and do you know how many threes he took? ZERO. Not a single one. And he shot only 38% from two- point distance that year (not coincidentally, he washed out of the league as a bust at the end of that second season).

As for Claytor, he was a nice role player. But he was not an elite shooter and almost never shot from what would later be considered three point distance. The only players on that 78 roster that demonstrated legit three point type range were Macy …and Shidler off the bench.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved the 78 team. That was the season that cemented my lifelong love for UK hoops. But they were NOT as good as the 96 team. And it’s really not even that close. I think those who believe differently are letting nostalgia bias cloud their judgment.
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Your analysis is way off. And I am not talking about Givens shooting threes. Claytor , Macy and Shidler were very proficient from long range. 78 had the depth of 96 . Two fabulous teams. Each only lost two games.
 
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Smeegs

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wildcatdon said:
78 had the depth of 96
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You’ve gotta be kidding. You are stoned if you actually believe this. 78 did not have anything REMOTELY CLOSE to the same depth as 96. Perhaps you need a refresher on what the 96 roster looked like:

www.sports-reference.com

1995-96 Kentucky Wildcats Men's Roster and Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

Check out the detailed 1995-96 Kentucky Wildcats Roster and Stats for College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com
www.sports-reference.com www.sports-reference.com

That, my friend, is the deepest roster in CBB history. For cripes sake, a junior Jeff Sheppard was merely the NINTH man in mpg. Do you know how deep a team has to be for a third year Shep to be the ninth man? Hell, Nazr Muhammed was the TWELFTH man on that team. Can you name any other 12th men that went on to have a 17 year NBA career?

You’re letting your nostalgic feelings override your brain in this thread. I loved the 78 team too, but they did not have anywhere near the athleticism, depth and overall talent that the 96 team did. And they also didn’t completely destroy opponents the same way that 96 team did. 96 absolutely was the best team in UK history …even if some of our fans don’t want to admit it.
 
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wildcatdon

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I didn’t say 78 was better than 96. I love the 96 team. And I know who was on the rosters. I am just saying your assessment was off, which it was and you are not giving 78 enough credit.
 
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