Complaining about schedule

[HagginHall1999]

Couple of points to consider. I get why it would be great to have some more challenging matchups at home but grass isn't always greener. The way Cal does things he would be doing his young teams no favors by scheduling a list of hard games mixed in with Duke/MSU in these tourney games, jmho.

1. Our home schedule has never been that great if a rival like UNC or UofL isn't on the docket. At least as far back as I can remember.

2. There are way more mini tournaments on neutral courts throughout the early season than there used to be.

3. The game has expanded in popularity which has driven the above. It is all about money, advertising, etc.

4. It takes two to tango. Easier said than done to schedule a "good team" at home. Most teams that we would play would want a home and home.

5. Do you want more early season losses when the team isn't ready? Just ask yourself that. Good chance we get throttled at home on December 5th because a bunch of freshman aren't in mid season form?

6. Home losses kill now with the new schedule grading system.

 

[ORCAT]

Aren't we more likely to lose early season games against quality opponents at a neutral site rather than home. I know what you're trying to say but not sure I'm buying it 100%. And, home and home would be fine instead of all these neutral site games that UK fans can't afford to go to. Costs a bit more to stay overnight in NYC, Chicago, Vegas and such than it does in Lexington, ya think?

 

[STL_Cat]

I half agree with points 1-4, 5 and 6 I don’t like. You don’t run from possible losses. This is freakin Kentucky, not Louisville.

 

[KentuckyCat420]

Aren't we more likely to lose early season games against quality opponents at a neutral site rather than home. I know what you're trying to say but not sure I'm buying it 100%. And, home and home would be fine instead of all these neutral site games that UK fans can't afford to go to. Costs a bit more to stay overnight in NYC, Chicago, Vegas and such than it does in Lexington, ya think?

As someone who only has the ability to go to these neutral site games once a year in NYC, not only can we afford to go but we show up more than every other team.

 

[drew_ukfan_rivals]

I want the number of division 1 team reduced to 128. I’m tired of cupcakes

Half the teams then get into the big dance (bye bye play in games)

 

[Bungalow Bill]

Aren't we more likely to lose early season games against quality opponents at a neutral site rather than home. I know what you're trying to say but not sure I'm buying it 100%. And, home and home would be fine instead of all these neutral site games that UK fans can't afford to go to. Costs a bit more to stay overnight in NYC, Chicago, Vegas and such than it does in Lexington, ya think?

Our fans, and the line makers for that matter, expect us to win every home game no matter what. Losing to a quality opponent on a neutral site early in the season doesn't hurt the season ending metrics used by the selection committee nearly as much as losing at home can. Considering we have to incorporate lots of new guys every year it's just a fact that we need to ease into our schedule most years so we'll be ready for the SEC which is a lot tougher now than just 3 years ago. Either other blue bloods don't want a home and home or Cal doesn't because you just don't see them happening. Not just at UK but really anywhere. Duke plays a true road game only if it is part of a conference vs. conference series until they get to the ACC. If the one and done goes away I look for Cal to change the scheduling but until then I think we can expect it to stay the same.
You really don't hear other elite programs fans bitching about it but it seems our most outspoken fans like to cry a lot while the other 95% understand and appreciate the process since it almost always ends up with a deep run in the NCAA tourney.

 

[ORCAT]

As someone who only has the ability to go to these neutral site games once a year in NYC, not only can we afford to go but we show up more than every other team.

And, how many that can afford to go to these places are your average fans who support UK the most? I'm just saying I'm paying much more for my season tickets, and I'm not rich by any means, but getting less for my dollar. If nothing else, keep season ticket prices the same if we're going to see Eastern, Transylvania, etc. as part of our home schedule. Happy for you that you have the bucks to go to those big cities for a game.

 

[Anon1679859502]

I half agree with points 1-4, 5 and 6 I don’t like. You don’t run from possible losses. This is freakin Kentucky, not Louisville.

Yeah, but after the first loss the fellowship is ready to light their torches and march towards Cals house. Kentucky be damned,it is what it is.

 

[HagginHall1999]

I half agree with points 1-4, 5 and 6 I don’t like. You don’t run from possible losses. This is freakin Kentucky, not Louisville.

I am sorta playing devil's advocate with my post. I get your drift.

 

[HagginHall1999]

Aren't we more likely to lose early season games against quality opponents at a neutral site rather than home. I know what you're trying to say but not sure I'm buying it 100%. And, home and home would be fine instead of all these neutral site games that UK fans can't afford to go to. Costs a bit more to stay overnight in NYC, Chicago, Vegas and such than it does in Lexington, ya think?

Yes, but I am not talking about the neutral site games going away...that isn't going to happen.

I'm saying you replace Tennessee Tech at home with I dunno, Villanova. Just an example.

Point being if you take too many on the chin early you leave little chance at a high seed with conference play around the corner. Not to mention as per point 6- losses at home kill.

Again, playing devil's advocate to an extent..

 

[HagginHall1999]

And, how many that can afford to go to these places are your average fans who support UK the most? I'm just saying I'm paying much more for my season tickets, and I'm not rich by any means, but getting less for my dollar. If nothing else, keep season ticket prices the same if we're going to see Eastern, Transylvania, etc. as part of our home schedule. Happy for you that you have the bucks to go to those big cities for a game.

I totally understand your point.

I guess my ask is if you look at the games below...what types of teams would you replace them with AND how many cupcakes do you want?

This is sort of you cannot have your cake and eat it to. If you throw out 5 cupcakes in non conference and turn it into 5 quality big name programs in December guarantee in most years we are dropping a game or two with the young roster.

Is it worth it as a season ticket holder? Serious question.

EKU
Evansville
Utah Valley
My St Mary's
Lamar
FD

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

I mean UK wants butts in the seats, right? You have to make it attractive to get people to put the effort in and sometimes the hassles. Who wants to see us beat up on a bunch of Quad 3-4 teams. There are plenty of solid teams with names that still aren't on our level that would make it much more exciting and give the team the practice games they need. I mean there will always be some cupcakes I think the big issue for some of us is almost the entire Nonconference home schedule is cupcake city. We are UK! Get some home and home games going again. UNC, Dook, KU or someone new.

This year we don't play another Blue Blood which is odd. Plus this year we return more than usual in Quick, our starting PG in Ashton, EJ, and Nick along with adding a Sr. in Sestina. Sure the Freshman will need to find their way per the usual, but there is plenty of guys that have been around to help them adjust quickly and weather the storm. If anything this was the year to take big chances with the nonconference schedule. There aren't too many year you will have half the team who aren't Freshman.

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

Another thing is we win a lot of games at home. It's not like we have to worry about mid-range teams over cupcakes, but it would make it more exciting and help us with ratings. I mean sure LSU beat us at home last year, but that was a fluke. We are strong at home and a Top 3 team this year so having more cupcakes then usually doesn't make a ton of sense this year with 5 guys that aren't Freshman.

 

[ORCAT]

I totally understand your point.

I guess my ask is if you look at the games below...what types of teams would you replace them with AND how many cupcakes do you want?

This is sort of you cannot have your cake and eat it to. If you throw out 5 cupcakes in non conference and turn it into 5 quality big name programs in December guarantee in most years we are dropping a game or two with the young roster.

Is it worth it as a season ticket holder? Serious question.

EKU
Evansville
Utah Valley
My St Mary's
Lamar
FD

OH, I totally get what you're saying and actually agree with you. I never was asking to replace 5 lower level non conference games with high quality opponents. But, 1 more solid good game at home per season and maybe another good home game against a power 5 school, but not a Blue Blood, would make the home schedule more interesting and pump up the Rupp crowd more too. That's my serious answer. I really don't complain as much as others about our home schedule and am just happy to be in Rupp rely. But the season ticket prices are starting to get a bit too high even for a die hard like me.

 

[HagginHall1999]

OH, I totally get what you're saying and actually agree with you. I never was asking to replace 5 lower level non conference games with high quality opponents. But, 1 more solid good game at home per season and maybe another good home game against a power 5 school, but not a Blue Blood, would make the home schedule more interesting and pump up the Rupp crowd more too. That's my serious answer. I really don't complain as much as others about our home schedule and am just happy to be in Rupp rely. But the season ticket prices are starting to get a bit too high even for a die hard like me.

I'm with ya my man.

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

i would like to see us have two home games against quality OoC opponents every year. We have UL every other year, but to make sure we have two games we’d need two other home and homes. Gonzaga? They need quality OoC opponents, and are widely respected at this point. Plus there seems to be a lot of talent coming out of the NW these days including a 5 star we’re currently recruiting. Wouldn’t hurt us to play out west. The time difference works both ways. UK plays at noon and people are still asleep. Villanova would be a good one. Virginia a border rival. Arizona. Texas, very fertile recruiting ground. And then every other year we’ll have a Big12 challenge home game.

 

[shutzhund]

I half agree with points 1-4, 5 and 6 I don’t like. You don’t run from possible losses. This is freakin Kentucky, not Louisville.

This is freaking basketball where Kentucky is getting a bunch of young players ready.

To play older and more experienced ones. You don't send them in unarmed just to entertain some coach potato.

 

[STL_Cat]

This is freaking basketball where Kentucky is getting a bunch of young players ready.

To play older and more experienced ones. You don't send them in unarmed just to entertain some coach potato.

Well a couple things, I just disagree with your point. You don’t patsy up the schedule to accommodate young teams. You are Kentucky, you play the best. That’s some weak **** right there. I honestly feel like I’m living in bizarro world right now, listen to yourself.

Secondly, I’m no couch potato.

 

[HagginHall1999]

i would like to see us have two home games against quality OoC opponents every year. We have UL every other year, but to make sure we have two games we’d need two other home and homes. Gonzaga? They need quality OoC opponents, and are widely respected at this point. Plus there seems to be a lot of talent coming out of the NW these days including a 5 star we’re currently recruiting. Wouldn’t hurt us to play out west. The time difference works both ways. UK plays at noon and people are still asleep. Villanova would be a good one. Virginia a border rival. Arizona. Texas, very fertile recruiting ground. And then every other year we’ll have a Big12 challenge home game.

I like the idea. I'd be good with this if they were mid to end of December games. It is tough, I am just hesitant to throw these games in November.

We have been very poor in November and early to mid December during the entire Cal era honestly....dating all the way back to a John Wall buzzer beater against Miami Ohio....2014-15 losing to Buffalo at halftime, some losses and lots of relatively sloppy/tight games.

Teams are so young...we had 10-12 point wins over mid majors left and right last year if I recall...plus lost to Seton Hall on a neutral court.

The other piece I forgot in my original post is Cal's affinity for neutral court because of the tournament- which does make sense.

I'm sure there could be a happy medium.

 

[shutzhund]

Well a couple things, I just disagree with your point. You don’t patsy up the schedule to accommodate young teams. You are Kentucky, you play the best. That’s some weak **** right there. I honestly feel like I’m living in bizarro world right now, listen to yourself.

Secondly, I’m no couch potato.

Maybe so, maybe not.

 

[Poetax]

Aren't we more likely to lose early season games against quality opponents at a neutral site rather than home. I know what you're trying to say but not sure I'm buying it 100%. And, home and home would be fine instead of all these neutral site games that UK fans can't afford to go to. Costs a bit more to stay overnight in NYC, Chicago, Vegas and such than it does in Lexington, ya think?

Most can’t afford Rupp unless it’s nose bleed. . I like the trips to away games, makes for good vacations.

 

[HagginHall1999]

Well a couple things, I just disagree with your point. You don’t patsy up the schedule to accommodate young teams. You are Kentucky, you play the best. That’s some weak **** right there. I honestly feel like I’m living in bizarro world right now, listen to yourself.

Secondly, I’m no couch potato.

We do play the best. Our SOS is consistently strong. Last year was Top 10 if not higher.

There is something to say about sports psychology. After getting throttled by Duke do you think it would have done the team good to have Villanova or Gonzaga at home a week later when they were beating mid majors by 10 points that week?

Just food for thought, we can agree to disagree. I am down for a strong Rupp schedule if it is at the right time....and I'm talking maybe 1 other marquee game not a bunch of serious testers that early in the season. Team is too young and not gelled by then, that is all there is to it.

 

[HagginHall1999]

Most can’t afford Rupp unless it’s nose bleed. . I like the trips to away games, makes for good vacations.

Spent $100 a ticket to take my oldest boy to his first game last year against Tennesse St, 3 rows from floor. Day after Thanksgiving....so no one wanted to go anyway.

If that was Villanova it would have cost a grand easy.

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

I like the idea. I'd be good with this if they were mid to end of December games. It is tough, I am just hesitant to throw these games in November.

We have been very poor in November and early to mid December during the entire Cal era honestly....dating all the way back to a John Wall buzzer beater against Miami Ohio....2014-15 losing to Buffalo at halftime, some losses and lots of relatively sloppy/tight games.

Teams are so young...we had 10-12 point wins over mid majors left and right last year if I recall...plus lost to Seton Hall on a neutral court.

The other piece I forgot in my original post is Cal's affinity for neutral court because of the tournament- which does make sense.

I'm sure there could be a happy medium.

Agreed, mid to late December when our freshman stars have some games under their belts.

 

[Poetax]

Spent $100 a ticket to take my oldest boy to his first game last year against Tennesse St, 3 rows from floor. Day after Thanksgiving....so no one wanted to go anyway.

If that was Villanova it would have cost a grand easy.

Now that’s a great deal.

 

[Cobb4uk_rivals287622]

Most can’t afford Rupp unless it’s nose bleed. . I like the trips to away games, makes for good vacations.

Would someone tell everyone how many season tickets are available to purchase this year. Many season tickets have been in the same family for years and years. As for the schedule it varies from year to year. Last year's schedule was one of the harder ones in the nation. The neutral site games just puts your brand out for more recruits to see Kentucky. Oddly it seems there are usually a few tickets available for most games.

 

[CELTICAT]

A few weeks ago, this topic came up and several posters put up the home OOC schedule for some really random years, going back to the 70s, and none of them were all that awesome.

People act like it's their birthright to have UNC play us in Rupp or whatever. Marquee OOC games in Rupp are rare, and we tend to remember those games the most because of that.

 

[The_Answer1313_rivals]

How many games in March are played at home against big time opponents?

I mean let’s just be honest here. It’s about being selfish and wanting to see the big names at Rupp. There isn’t anything wrong with that as a fan but let’s just be honest about it.

Those neutral site games prepare UK for the tournament more than a home game would.

 

[thebluestripes]

If better teams aren't brought in, no one should complain about dwindling crowds

 

[-BBH-]

To be honest, I don't really care about the home non conference schedule. I get to Lexington once, maybe twice a year. I don't mind seeing them murder a team when I do. It's extremely difficult to get other blue bloods to visit Rupp I am sure.

Not sure we should complain about a schedule that has Michigan State, Ohio State, Louisville, Texas Tech, Georgia Tech, etc. Just a rare year with no Carolina, Duke, Kansas, etc. Most years we have at least one or two of these.

 

[HagginHall1999]

If better teams aren't brought in, no one should complain about dwindling crowds

Dwindling crowds are happening across almost all sports...I think it has very little to do with who you are playing.

The average UK fan cannot afford to take their family of four to a game against Lamar, much less Kansas in Rupp, just my honest opinion.

Hell if you go for good tickets to a Reds game a family of 4 with reasonable food purchases you are dropping $300.

Rise in costs, HD TV- every game televised on a 60", helicopter parenting, etc....that is what is keeping people away from Rupp.

 

[NCPurplecat]

MSU and Izzo is prime time game. TWO Hall of Fame Coaches. I like the nuetral site games in NBA arenas and nuetral tournaments and think the national college fan base regardless of school affiliation does too. Hard to get tickets means home court is packed and the program is rolling. I can only travel to a game or two so I plan on trying to make the Bowl Games... Cal wins without me.

 

[Catfan2226]

It's not just UK that has a hard time getting top notch ooc home games.I have no problem with the way the schedule is done.We get Louisville every other season at Rupp and when we go there,we get the SEC Big 12 game at Rupp.The Cats can't play every top 10 team in the ooc schedule,that would be insane.Getting some quality mid majors to come get a good paycheck is where we are at and that's not going to change any time soon.Id love to see us play Murray State at Rupp and if need be,return the game at their court.UK shouldn't shun playing an in state school on the road,trust me the ticket prices would be ridiculous.The schedule is fine.

 

[nickelbacksucks]

Yea but what do Kyle Macy and Ralph Hacker have to say about it?

 

[Bill Withers]

None of it really matters, because it isn't changing, anytime soon. It's not just UK. Check out the P5 non-conference schedules. Games with two big-named schools is big money, and will be played at neutral sites that hold 50,000 people. That's over double the ticket revenue. That's reality in 2019. Just like premier talent leaving after one season. This isn't 1982, anymore. Patrick Ewing isn't playing 3-4 years of college ball. And powerhouse programs aren't going on the road to other powerhouse programs every weekend. Hey, I'm an old man. I wish it was still 1972. But it isn't.

 

[TortElvisII]

Stockholm Syndrome

 

[HagginHall1999]

Stockholm Syndrome

People are strange when you're a stranger.

Who is the captor? Cal or UK?

 

[LadyCaytIL]

Our SEC football home schedule is trash other than UF @ home.... Why arent people complaining about scheduling 4 cup cakes in the OOC?

 

[Trinity45]

Couple of points to consider. I get why it would be great to have some more challenging matchups at home but grass isn't always greener. The way Cal does things he would be doing his young teams no favors by scheduling a list of hard games mixed in with Duke/MSU in these tourney games, jmho.

1. Our home schedule has never been that great if a rival like UNC or UofL isn't on the docket. At least as far back as I can remember.

2. There are way more mini tournaments on neutral courts throughout the early season than there used to be.

3. The game has expanded in popularity which has driven the above. It is all about money, advertising, etc.

4. It takes two to tango. Easier said than done to schedule a "good team" at home. Most teams that we would play would want a home and home.

5. Do you want more early season losses when the team isn't ready? Just ask yourself that. Good chance we get throttled at home on December 5th because a bunch of freshman aren't in mid season form?

6. Home losses kill now with the new schedule grading system.

First this is UK, they should not fear any team, second I have no problem with a game or even two being played off site(Rupp) but over the past few years it seems all our big games are being played off site, if I was a season ticket holder I would not be happy about the home schedule. This is Rupp we should play some big games that matter in Rupp. Hell if anything dump some of our cupcakes and bring in a decent team say power 5 but lower level or a better mid level.

 

[Catfan2226]

First this is UK, they should not fear any team, second I have no problem with a game or even two being played off site(Rupp) but over the past few years it seems all our big games are being played off site, if I was a season ticket holder I would not be happy about the home schedule. This is Rupp we should play some big games that matter in Rupp. Hell if anything dump some of our cupcakes and bring in a decent team say power 5 but lower level or a better mid level.

In order to get those power 5 teams to come to Rupp,UK is going to have to return the game at their place then fans will be moaning about not enough home games or losses should the Cats get beat.Having one or two good quality games at Rupp and some solid mid majors come in is a good mix considering how we are built and the SEC getting better.Nothing wrong with how UK is scheduling