A few observations from an outsider

[delux269]

I am a Cleveland State fan that attended the UK-CSU game last Wednesday. Just wanted to share a few thoughts I had of the Cats/Rupp Arena.

1) The last time Cleveland State played at Rupp in 13-14, we came very close to beating UK. There was a ton of talent for the Cats but it didn't seem like they were "clicking" or knew how to play together well. It was a lot of one on one ball. With this year's Kentucky team they seemed to me to be naturals at giving 100% effort and going hard right from the tipoff. This is a very bad Cleveland State team and UK didn't take it easy or "play down" to the competition. UK's effort on both ends was there from the start all the way to the end. That's one of those things you "can't teach" and comes naturally. Very good sign.

2) In 13-14 there was no scoreboard over the court. This year I liked the video board over the court a lot. High definition, very clear and all of the video boards in the corners were high def as well. Arena seemed much more "modern" and better technology.

3) I think Kentucky is the most talented team in the country. I don't watch a ton of basketball but from what I've seen this is the most talented team. Calipari teams tend to play better as the year goes on (13-14 case in point) and I expect this team to get better as well. As long as you avoid key injuries, I am predicting a national championship for this year.

Best of luck the rest of the season to big blue nation!

 

[jrpross_rivals]

Gtfo troll.

Nah just kidding. Thanks for the unbiased opinion. I agree that these guys are playing really well as a team which is just as important as the talent level. Good luck in the Horizon League!

 

[irishcat1965]

Thank you for the comments OP. You are welcome anytime and good luck the rest of the year.

 

[jwheat]

Thanks for the outside perspective.

 

[JerseyCat84_rivals57050]

I am a Cleveland State fan that attended the UK-CSU game last Wednesday. Just wanted to share a few thoughts I had of the Cats/Rupp Arena.

1) The last time Cleveland State played at Rupp in 13-14, we came very close to beating UK. There was a ton of talent for the Cats but it didn't seem like they were "clicking" or knew how to play together well. It was a lot of one on one ball. With this year's Kentucky team they seemed to me to be naturals at giving 100% effort and going hard right from the tipoff. This is a very bad Cleveland State team and UK didn't take it easy or "play down" to the competition. UK's effort on both ends was there from the start all the way to the end. That's one of those things you "can't teach" and comes naturally. Very good sign.

2) In 13-14 there was no scoreboard over the court. This year I liked the video board over the court a lot. High definition, very clear and all of the video boards in the corners were high def as well. Arena seemed much more "modern" and better technology.

3) I think Kentucky is the most talented team in the country. I don't watch a ton of basketball but from what I've seen this is the most talented team. Calipari teams tend to play better as the year goes on (13-14 case in point) and I expect this team to get better as well. As long as you avoid key injuries, I am predicting a national championship for this year.

Best of luck the rest of the season to big blue nation!

Now, now, we know Duke is by far the most talented team.

 

[jameric01]

Thanks, it is early, our team is still young, really looking forward to seeing what this team looks like post conference heading into the SEC tourney. We still have a lot of room for growth yet, and have to face different play styles and tiers of talent. So I am just going to lean back and enjoy the ride and try to keep both my giddy excitement and expectations reasonable until then. To quote Cal though, I love my team.

 

[akaukswoosh]

I am a Cleveland State fan that attended the UK-CSU game last Wednesday. Just wanted to share a few thoughts I had of the Cats/Rupp Arena.

1) The last time Cleveland State played at Rupp in 13-14, we came very close to beating UK. There was a ton of talent for the Cats but it didn't seem like they were "clicking" or knew how to play together well. It was a lot of one on one ball. With this year's Kentucky team they seemed to me to be naturals at giving 100% effort and going hard right from the tipoff. This is a very bad Cleveland State team and UK didn't take it easy or "play down" to the competition. UK's effort on both ends was there from the start all the way to the end. That's one of those things you "can't teach" and comes naturally. Very good sign.

2) In 13-14 there was no scoreboard over the court. This year I liked the video board over the court a lot. High definition, very clear and all of the video boards in the corners were high def as well. Arena seemed much more "modern" and better technology.

3) I think Kentucky is the most talented team in the country. I don't watch a ton of basketball but from what I've seen this is the most talented team. Calipari teams tend to play better as the year goes on (13-14 case in point) and I expect this team to get better as well. As long as you avoid key injuries, I am predicting a national championship for this year.

Best of luck the rest of the season to big blue nation!

Double-ditto on avoiding key injuries.

 

[G-PIP]

Now, now, we know Duke is by far the most talented team.

That's true. But, at this time Duke doesn't have all their players; so I would argue that we might be more talented than their current squad.

 

[jameric01]

Now, now, we know Duke is by far the most talented team.

To be fair we really don't know what they look like yet, I don't doubt our boys and I wouldn't trade my team for theirs, but they have some really talented players sidelined atm. They are a legitimate team even now, I doubt adding a couple more 5* are going to make them worse. I am not a college fan to keep my blue tinted googles keeping me from recognizing talent, so I reserve judgement until later, but on paper they there with us. When they heal up we will see what they really are.

We would be a very different team if say, Bam and Monk were out conversely.

 

[Jakarii]

Agree with this team not playing down to competition like past teams, even the 2015 team would do that at times although I think that had more to do with guards/wing lack of defense.

Team also plays with max effort but they have the ability to do it more so than almost every team due to how athletic and fast the guards are.

 

[Jazzycat]

This team has a bunch of Alpha dogs on it - WARRIORS - with fight on defensive and offensive possessions that is a joy to watch. Their enthusiasm is contagious, as well. Look at how much better the veterans play when they come in. This group of freshmen is over the top in effort and hustle...Love this team!!!