Defense is the key

[Haggin_Hall_1983]

Staying healthy is the #1 key. And I don't want to hear anymore about 3pt shooting hero's in practice.

Defense is #2. We must play defense the way Kentucky played defense when Pope was a player here. I hope that he understands that defense was really Pitino's key to success. Here is what happened to teams when they played against UK in those days:
-season low shooting %
-season low 3 pt %
-season high turnovers
-season low assists
-losing the rebounding battle

Charting defensive touches and deflections and floor dives. Suffocating, in your jersey, no where to pass the ball, desperation last second heaves at the basket when the shot clock expires defense. Kentucky scoring huge points off of turnovers. Teams laying down and quitting in the FIRST HALF.......

D-E-F-E-N-S-E

 

[bleedsblue5]

Agree, I hope this is a priority.
If we can become stingy on Defense this is a good enough team to do great things. If we try to just win by offense we will lose more than 10 games easily.

 

[CRZ4UK]

Staying healthy is the #1 key. And I don't want to hear anymore about 3pt shooting hero's in practice.

Defense is #2. We must play defense the way Kentucky played defense when Pope was a player here. I hope that he understands that defense was really Pitino's key to success. Here is what happened to teams when they played against UK in those days:
-season low shooting %
-season low 3 pt %
-season high turnovers
-season low assists
-losing the rebounding battle

Charting defensive touches and deflections and floor dives. Suffocating, in your jersey, no where to pass the ball, desperation last second heaves at the basket when the shot clock expires defense. Kentucky scoring huge points off of turnovers. Teams laying down and quitting in the FIRST HALF.......

D-E-F-E-N-S-E

That’s all nice in theory but you gotta understand also we would have 15 fouls 5 minutes into the game, We get called for any bump, touch or sometimes no contact at all. Kentucky leads the country in sending other teams to the foul line.
The way officials treat us. We can’t play that way anymore. JMO.
We play a soft, no contact, don’t pressure defense and our opponents usually shoot 10 more free throws a game than we do.

 

[SenseMaker_Cats]

When it comes to defense, I think some teams seem to be rewarded for hacking, clawing and pushing. While others aren’t. By rewarded I mean the horrible officials just decide to not call all the fouls that should have been called.

Big example of that was the Clemson game two years ago. They were a very physical team. UK that year was obviously not. 20 fouls for UK and 15 for Clemson. Two of UK’s best players with 4 fouls. Zero for Clemson including the big white lug that pushed and shoved his way to 20 rebounds.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

When it comes to defense, I think some teams seem to be rewarded for hacking, clawing and pushing. While others aren’t. By rewarded I mean the horrible officials just decide to not call all the fouls that should have been called.

Big example of that was the Clemson game two years ago. They were a very physical team. UK that year was obviously not. 20 fouls for UK and 15 for Clemson. Two of UK’s best players with 4 fouls. Zero for Clemson including the big white lug that pushed and shoved his way to 20 rebounds.

Pope’s teams don’t know to play defense. There is no defensive strategy. There is no help.

Amari Williams was conference DPOY at least twice before Pope. In Pope’s system he couldn’t guard.

They get behind a step then foul because they are chasing. Pope makes no adjustments.

Defensive rebounding is defense. Pope’s teams don’t rebound. Offensive rebounding is an art. It’s athletic and timing. Defensive rebounding is far more teachable. It’s positioning, boxing out and hard work.

We don’t do any of that. We’re no better at the end of the season than at the beginning. Hopefully some of the new guys come in knowing how to rebound.

The portal is vital to Pope’s success. He had to have players that have been coached before they get to him.

 

[SenseMaker_Cats]

Pope’s teams don’t know to play defense. There is no defensive strategy. There is no help.

Amari Williams was conference DPOY at least twice before Pope. In Pope’s system he couldn’t guard.

They get behind a step then foul because they are chasing. Pope makes no adjustments.

Defensive rebounding is defense. Pope’s teams don’t rebound. Offensive rebounding is an art. It’s athletic and timing. Defensive rebounding is far more teachable. It’s positioning, boxing out and hard work.

We don’t do any of that. We’re no better at the end of the season than at the beginning. Hopefully some of the new guys come in knowing how to rebound.

The portal is vital to Pope’s success. He had to have players that have been coached before they get to him.

UK went toe to toe in rebounding that game with Clemson. Amari had 11 with three blocked shots.

 

[Cats_2010]

I don’t know if pope doesn’t prioritize defense or just doesn’t know how to effectively teach/strategize it but either way his first two teams have left a lot to be desired on that end. This team is likely to be his worst defensively and that’s a scary throught and likely the reason we will see similar results record wise that we saw last year.

 

[megablue]

I would like to see us play the kind of defense LaFamilia played yesterday, for most of the game, but not all. I think they fatigued, understandably so, but they really got after in the first half.

 

[storm1507]

..... Kentucky leads the country in sending other teams to the foul line.....

Is that a statistical fact or "seems to"? I would be interested in seeing those numbers for the last 15 or so years.

 

[FactsOrOpinions]

When it comes to defense, I think some teams seem to be rewarded for hacking, clawing and pushing. While others aren’t. By rewarded I mean the horrible officials just decide to not call all the fouls that should have been called.

Big example of that was the Clemson game two years ago. They were a very physical team. UK that year was obviously not. 20 fouls for UK and 15 for Clemson. Two of UK’s best players with 4 fouls. Zero for Clemson including the big white lug that pushed and shoved his way to 20 rebounds.

That's true. If you make it extremely ugly from the start they're just not going to call everything. To the point you just about have to punch somebody to get a foul. Almost like hiding in plain sight.

But if you come out soft and not trying to touch anybody they are going to call a million tick tack fouls. I'm glad I was never the best athlete and didn't mind mid game karate chops to the neck.

 

[Haggin_Hall_1983]

Agree, I hope this is a priority.
If we can become stingy on Defense this is a good enough team to do great things. If we try to just win by offense we will lose more than 10 games easily.

Absolutely correct.

 

[Haggin_Hall_1983]

That’s all nice in theory but you gotta understand also we would have 15 fouls 5 minutes into the game, We get called for any bump, touch or sometimes no contact at all. Kentucky leads the country in sending other teams to the foul line.
The way officials treat us. We can’t play that way anymore. JMO.

Doesn't stop other teams....

 

[Haggin_Hall_1983]

When it comes to defense, I think some teams seem to be rewarded for hacking, clawing and pushing. While others aren’t. By rewarded I mean the horrible officials just decide to not call all the fouls that should have been called.

Big example of that was the Clemson game two years ago. They were a very physical team. UK that year was obviously not. 20 fouls for UK and 15 for Clemson. Two of UK’s best players with 4 fouls. Zero for Clemson including the big white lug that pushed and shoved his way to 20 rebounds.

I think officials give in and say "I can't call them all"

 

[Haggin_Hall_1983]

Pope’s teams don’t know to play defense. There is no defensive strategy. There is no help.

Amari Williams was conference DPOY at least twice before Pope. In Pope’s system he couldn’t guard.

They get behind a step then foul because they are chasing. Pope makes no adjustments.

Defensive rebounding is defense. Pope’s teams don’t rebound. Offensive rebounding is an art. It’s athletic and timing. Defensive rebounding is far more teachable. It’s positioning, boxing out and hard work.

We don’t do any of that. We’re no better at the end of the season than at the beginning. Hopefully some of the new guys come in knowing how to rebound.

The portal is vital to Pope’s success. He had to have players that have been coached before they get to him.

I don't get Amari either- Zieglerand that Alabama guard shot season high layups against him while he stood flat footed.

 

[SenseMaker_Cats]

I think officials give in and say "I can't call them all"

And that’s horrible officiating to me. If a coach wants to play an aggressive, physical, grabby type defense. That’s fine but there should a price to pay and especially not rewarded. This isn’t just UK but across the board. IMO, the SEC is the worst though.

 

[KyKevin]

That’s all nice in theory but you gotta understand also we would have 15 fouls 5 minutes into the game, We get called for any bump, touch or sometimes no contact at all. Kentucky leads the country in sending other teams to the foul line.
The way officials treat us. We can’t play that way anymore. JMO.

Bulls.hit
You have to have just what Haggin_Hall_83 described, can't worry about the fkn refs. Go get after it, use that depth and play that D, and the offense will come. JMO

 

[Maddmatt87]

Looking at per 40, for the year before coming to UK, or last year in Morenos case for presumed starters, I’m assuming we will be worse at defense but better at offense than ‘24.
Moreno will be a big key. If he can make a big leap we will have a good season.

Name	Pos	3%	2%	FT%	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
L. Butler	PG	0.302	0.485	0.594	3.7	4.4	2.2	0.4	2.2	3.3	13.6
J. Robinson	G	0.354	0.532	0.908	3.8	2.0	1.1	0.6	2.3	2.8	21.5
O. Oweh	SF	0.377	0.520	0.643	6.0	1.6	2.4	0.7	2.9	3.8	18.3
A. Carr	PF	0.371	0.595	0.748	7.8	1.8	0.6	1.8	1.5	3.2	16.6
A. Williams	C	0.333	0.519	0.655	13.6	3.4	1.5	3.1	4.1	2.5	21.2
Totals		0.3474	0.5302	0.7096	34.9	13.2	7.8	6.6	13	15.6	91.2

Name	Pos	3%	2%	FT%	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Z. Diallo	PG	0.315	0.527	0.825	5.3	6.0	0.9	0.0	3.4	3.6	21.2
A. Wilkins	G	0.328	0.554	0.824	2.6	6.3	1.0	0.2	5.1	3.8	23.9
M. Momcilovic	SF	0.487	0.545	0.878	4.1	1.3	1.1	0.3	1.1	2.1	22.1
J. McBride	PF	0.400	0.530	0.782	8.3	2.1	0.6	0.9	2.6	3.7	22.5
M. Moreno	C	0.0	0.593	0.698	11.2	3.1	0.9	2.6	2.3	3.8	13.8
Totals		0.306	0.5498	0.8014	31.5	18.8	4.5	4	14.5	17	103.5

eta: corrected Moreno values. Thanks Paul, nice catch

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

When it comes to defense, I think some teams seem to be rewarded for hacking, clawing and pushing. While others aren’t. By rewarded I mean the horrible officials just decide to not call all the fouls that should have been called.

Big example of that was the Clemson game two years ago. They were a very physical team. UK that year was obviously not. 20 fouls for UK and 15 for Clemson. Two of UK’s best players with 4 fouls. Zero for Clemson including the big white lug that pushed and shoved his way to 20 rebounds.

Another obvious example was Somto Cyril this past season. He was a one man hackfest against us and was only called for two fouls which had a huge impact on the outcome of that game.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

Looking at per 40, for the year before coming to UK, or last year in Morenos case for presumed starters, I’m assuming we will be worse at defense but better at offense than ‘24.
Moreno will be a big key. If he can make a big leap we will have a good season.

Name	Pos	3%	2%	FT%	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
L. Butler	PG	0.302	0.485	0.594	3.7	4.4	2.2	0.4	2.2	3.3	13.6
J. Robinson	G	0.354	0.532	0.908	3.8	2.0	1.1	0.6	2.3	2.8	21.5
O. Oweh	SF	0.377	0.520	0.643	6.0	1.6	2.4	0.7	2.9	3.8	18.3
A. Carr	PF	0.371	0.595	0.748	7.8	1.8	0.6	1.8	1.5	3.2	16.6
A. Williams	C	0.333	0.519	0.655	13.6	3.4	1.5	3.1	4.1	2.5	21.2
Totals		0.3474	0.5302	0.7096	34.9	13.2	7.8	6.6	13	15.6	91.2

Name	Pos	3%	2%	FT%	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Z. Diallo	PG	0.315	0.527	0.825	5.3	6.0	0.9	0.0	3.4	3.6	21.2
A. Wilkins	G	0.328	0.554	0.824	2.6	6.3	1.0	0.2	5.1	3.8	23.9
M. Momcilovic	SF	0.487	0.545	0.878	4.1	1.3	1.1	0.3	1.1	2.1	22.1
J. McBride	PF	0.400	0.530	0.782	8.3	2.1	0.6	0.9	2.6	3.7	22.5
M. Moreno	C	0.0	0.593	0.698	11.2	3.1	0.9	2.6	2.3	3.8	13.8
Totals		0.306	0.5498	0.8014	26.6	17.5	4.1	2.9	13.5	15.3	97.5

Moreno's pts. per 40 was actually 13.8, rebounds per 40 was 11.2, assists per 40 was 3.1, blocks per 40 was 2.6

 

[kyhankypanky]

Moreno's pts. per 40 was actually 13.8, rebounds per 40 was 11.2, assists per 40 was 3.1, blocks per 40 was 2.6

Can you do his #’s per 80?

 

[CRZ4UK]

Is that a statistical fact or "seems to"? I would be interested in seeing those numbers for the last 15 or so years.

No. It’s not a fact. It just seems that way. I do believe we lead in terrible calls but how can you chart bad calls.
I did research recently we were the only D1 team to receive 3 technicals in a game last year. How ironic it was Doug Shows and against what our fans would consider a crucial game Arkansas.
Our techs????
A player stuck his tongue out after a basket.
A player pointed to the camera.
Pope was talking to Shows in a normal voice.
If you ever watch a UCONN game. They would have 20 a game if treated how we are.

Is that a statistical fact or "seems to"? I would be interested in seeing those numbers for the last 15 or so years.

 

[GhostofVerderber]

Pope’s teams don’t know to play defense. There is no defensive strategy. There is no help.

Amari Williams was conference DPOY at least twice before Pope. In Pope’s system he couldn’t guard.

They get behind a step then foul because they are chasing. Pope makes no adjustments.

Defensive rebounding is defense. Pope’s teams don’t rebound. Offensive rebounding is an art. It’s athletic and timing. Defensive rebounding is far more teachable. It’s positioning, boxing out and hard work.

We don’t do any of that. We’re no better at the end of the season than at the beginning. Hopefully some of the new guys come in knowing how to rebound.

The portal is vital to Pope’s success. He had to have players that have been coached before they get to him.

This is the most idiotic post I have seen on this board. That is saying something. Your lack of basic basketball knowledge is astounding. Bad take after bad take. There isn’t one worthwhile take in this whole mess.

 

[Haggin_Hall_1983]

Looking at per 40, for the year before coming to UK, or last year in Morenos case for presumed starters, I’m assuming we will be worse at defense but better at offense than ‘24.
Moreno will be a big key. If he can make a big leap we will have a good season.

Name	Pos	3%	2%	FT%	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
L. Butler	PG	0.302	0.485	0.594	3.7	4.4	2.2	0.4	2.2	3.3	13.6
J. Robinson	G	0.354	0.532	0.908	3.8	2.0	1.1	0.6	2.3	2.8	21.5
O. Oweh	SF	0.377	0.520	0.643	6.0	1.6	2.4	0.7	2.9	3.8	18.3
A. Carr	PF	0.371	0.595	0.748	7.8	1.8	0.6	1.8	1.5	3.2	16.6
A. Williams	C	0.333	0.519	0.655	13.6	3.4	1.5	3.1	4.1	2.5	21.2
Totals		0.3474	0.5302	0.7096	34.9	13.2	7.8	6.6	13	15.6	91.2

Name	Pos	3%	2%	FT%	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	PTS
Z. Diallo	PG	0.315	0.527	0.825	5.3	6.0	0.9	0.0	3.4	3.6	21.2
A. Wilkins	G	0.328	0.554	0.824	2.6	6.3	1.0	0.2	5.1	3.8	23.9
M. Momcilovic	SF	0.487	0.545	0.878	4.1	1.3	1.1	0.3	1.1	2.1	22.1
J. McBride	PF	0.400	0.530	0.782	8.3	2.1	0.6	0.9	2.6	3.7	22.5
M. Moreno	C	0.0	0.593	0.698	6.3	1.8	0.5	1.5	1.3	2.1	7.8
Totals		0.306	0.5498	0.8014	26.6	17.5	4.1	2.9	13.5	15.3	97.5

Great post MM!!

 

[Haggin_Hall_1983]

This is the most idiotic post I have seen on this board. That is saying something. Your lack of basic basketball knowledge is astounding. Bad take after bad take. There isn’t one worthwhile take in this whole mess.

And I thought I was the only person on this board that might remember Chuck Verderber!

 

[GhostofVerderber]

And I thought I was the only person on this board that might remember Chuck Verderber!

You must be OLD!

 

[Maddmatt87]

Moreno's pts. per 40 was actually 13.8, rebounds per 40 was 11.2, assists per 40 was 3.1, blocks per 40 was 2.6

You are correct! I got my charts mixed up. I’ll have to correct and check the rest of my numbers

 

[Artlaibesghost]

Defense IS important. Pitino had the advantage of playing with a few of the most talented rosters in UK history to do it but he also was the one to get those guys to buy in to what he was selling. I still contend that his first squad here would have been a pretty good defensive squad if Butler was healthy and playing every game. He was an elite defender at the point ( the most important position on the defensive e side) when healthy.
Last years defensive squad was terrible. His guards couldn't guard my granny, putting tremendous pressure on the rest of the team. We lacked a single elite defender on our roster.
To say Pope can’t coach defense is questionable to me. I guess we will find out. If he survives this year I would suggest he recruit an elite defender at guard before he does anything else. When your guards can't keep anybody in front of them defense ALWAYS looks horrible.

 

[CRZ4UK]

Pope’s teams don’t know to play defense. There is no defensive strategy. There is no help.

Amari Williams was conference DPOY at least twice before Pope. In Pope’s system he couldn’t guard.

They get behind a step then foul because they are chasing. Pope makes no adjustments.

Defensive rebounding is defense. Pope’s teams don’t rebound. Offensive rebounding is an art. It’s athletic and timing. Defensive rebounding is far more teachable. It’s positioning, boxing out and hard work.

We don’t do any of that. We’re no better at the end of the season than at the beginning. Hopefully some of the new guys come in knowing how to rebound.

The portal is vital to Pope’s success. He had to have players that have been coached before they get to him.

I’m a Pope supporter but after watching Michigan and UCONN in the championship I can agree. The level of switching and defensive help was something I hadn’t seen here since Pitino and Tubby. People forget Tubby had some lock down defenders.
I believe Pope can evolve into that, but it’s not happening now. I feel he is too soft on his players. You gotta be a little scared of coach to be motivated enough.

 

[Haggin_Hall_1983]

You must be OLD!

It’s not the age, it’s the mileage!

 

[Lameguy]

That’s all nice in theory but you gotta understand also we would have 15 fouls 5 minutes into the game, We get called for any bump, touch or sometimes no contact at all. Kentucky leads the country in sending other teams to the foul line.
The way officials treat us. We can’t play that way anymore. JMO.
We play a soft, no contact, don’t pressure defense and our opponents usually shoot 10 more free throws a game than we do.

Totally agree. Some teams, Fla, Tenn, Ga and Mo are allowed to beat the hell out of you, if Ky played that aggressive the whole team would foul out.

 

[FilsonCat]

I do not believe that Kentucky will ever be allowed again to be an aggressive, dominant defensive team in the SEC. The refs have too much of a say, and there's zero accountability for their antics.

I think the opposite is true. If the whistle makes you an average defensive team, even if you are sound, then you better make baskets. We need the team to make shots. A lot of high efficiency 2s and a good percentage of threes.

The roster is set up pretty well to be a good scoring team. Defense is a question mark. I don't think we'll get a read on that until the season is underway.

 

[mhs1964]

We had great talent on that 2012 championship team. However, we would not have won without the defense of AD. His ability altered numerous shots was the deciding factor. You do need offense too but in 2012 the defense was what separated us from the other really good teams.

 

[Wildcat_in_DC]

of the top 13 NCAAT teams in the S-curve, 10 ranked in the top 25 in defensive efficiency.

 

[FilsonCat]

We had great talent on that 2012 championship team. However, we would not have won without the defense of AD. His ability altered numerous shots was the deciding factor. You do need offense too but in 2012 the defense was what separated us from the other really good teams.

If AD is the benchmark, that's not really a fair comparison. He was a generational talent with freakish athleticism and unreal defensive timing. It took the luck of having an NBA lockout to get him to Lexington at all. MKG was also a stone cold killer out there on D. But the game has also changed since then. There's a lot more efficient offense being played, and the SEC is stronger.

This season we are going to have to hit shots and play well enough on defense to hold our own. We'll see what happens.

 

[mhs1964]

If AD is the benchmark, that's not really a fair comparison. He was a generational talent with freakish athleticism and unreal defensive timing. It took the luck of having an NBA lockout to get him to Lexington at all. MKG was also a stone cold killer out there on D. But the game has also changed since then. There's a lot more efficient offense being played, and the SEC is stronger.

This season we are going to have to hit shots and play well enough on defense to hold our own. We'll see what happens.

I don’t disagree with you. I just believe that even if we had had an above average center we probably don’t win In 2012. A smoothly functioning offense and ability to score is also essential. The sport has become so physical that a smooth offense is very difficult to sustain.

 

[Haggin_Hall_1983]

I do not believe that Kentucky will ever be allowed again to be an aggressive, dominant defensive team in the SEC. The refs have too much of a say, and there's zero accountability for their antics.

I think the opposite is true. If the whistle makes you an average defensive team, even if you are sound, then you better make baskets. We need the team to make shots. A lot of high efficiency 2s and a good percentage of threes.

The roster is set up pretty well to be a good scoring team. Defense is a question mark. I don't think we'll get a read on that until the season is underway.

We used to have the most aggressive and dominant defense in all of college basketball. It was our calling card.

 

[FilsonCat]

We used to have the most aggressive and dominant defense in all of college basketball. It was our calling card.

Yes. But not any more. It is a different era and we have the roster that we have. We are going to need to score points to win games.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

That’s all nice in theory but you gotta understand also we would have 15 fouls 5 minutes into the game, We get called for any bump, touch or sometimes no contact at all. Kentucky leads the country in sending other teams to the foul line.
The way officials treat us. We can’t play that way anymore. JMO.
We play a soft, no contact, don’t pressure defense and our opponents usually shoot 10 more free throws a game than we do.

if the refs are corrupt, why are we mentally challenged to the point we arent corrupting them? I guess we dont care about anything but fleecing fans for money without really trying to win anymore

 

[CRZ4UK]

if the refs are corrupt, why are we mentally challenged to the point we arent corrupting them? I guess we dont care about anything but fleecing fans for money without really trying to win anymore

That’s kind of a good thought. If UK pressures and fouls everyone out 3 straight games at least some attention will be brought to it. As it stands we play soft zone and are still called for 10 more fouls a game as Georgia who slaps, grabs and holds everyone.
We are called for at least 3 fouls a game where we swipe at the ball and miss everything but the whistle still blows.

 

[CRZ4UK]

Another obvious example was Somto Cyril this past season. He was a one man hackfest against us and was only called for two fouls which had a huge impact on the outcome of that game.

After Mark Emmert took over as NCAA president ( Who absolutely despised Calipari). We have gotten the worst whistle in college basketball. Emmert personally declared Kanter ineligible after he was committed to Emmerts school. lol.
Sankey saw that weak UK really picked up SEC basketball interest. Every fanbase still packs arenas to possibly beat UK. When UK was dominating. Georgia/ Ole Miss would have 100 people there on a Tuesday night. Interest in basketball was non existent. Sankey needs. A non dominant UK. It’s what is driving this SEC basketball resurgence. It’s why we get the worst whistle in college basketball.