I love our fans...

[Chuckinden]

I'm shocked that you would be pissed Chuck...

It is no secret how much you dislike IU, and it does suck but like you said our frontcourt wasnt taking us anywhere and the only shred of light is that maybe Crean gets another 10 year extension...?

I don't like enabling IU, but the silver lining is Crean will probably get an extension out of this.

 

[awf]

I can understand why Cal does not like to have traditional rivals on our schedule. although he has softened a little on that.

Cal doesn't like to play home and home schedules with traditional rivals. He prefers a neutral court. Not playing IU hasn't hurt UK one bit. UK plays plenty of elite teams every year. IMHO Cal understands that we get hosed when we go to Assembly Hall, Pauley Pavilion or Allen Field House.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

Cal doesn't like to play home and home schedules with traditional rivals. He prefers a neutral court. Not playing IU hasn't hurt UK one bit. UK plays plenty of elite teams every year. IMHO Cal understands that we get hosed when we go to Assembly Hall, Pauley Pavilion or Allen Field House.

IndBred fan needs to stroke himself to manifest the imaginary ego that UK cannot replace iu with a better team.

If I was AD I would schedule a home/home with Michigan State and laugh in the IndBreds face.

Look at the IndBred out of conference schedules and look at ours. Case closed.

 

[irishcat1965]

Ind better than us ? How many they sending pro early ? I'm not buying they are better than us .

I have to agree that IU isn't better than UK. But Middle Tennessee isnt better than Michigan State either. Losses happen.

 

[BlueRunner11]

Not buying IU is the better team. I am buying that yesterday, they "as a team" were more motivated, had a better game plan, and benefitted from some very questionable calls.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

Not buying IU is the better team. I am buying that yesterday, they "as a team" were more motivated, had a better game plan, and benefitted from some very questionable calls.

Bigs layed another egg and we couldn't get enough shots to fall.

 

[Random UK Fan]

I have to agree that IU isn't better than UK. But Middle Tennessee isnt better than Michigan State either. Losses happen.

Nominated for Post of the Year '15/'16

 

[irishcat1965]

I'm as bitterly disappointed as anyone over this loss. But over analyzing the loss thinking it has has some long term effect on the program is misguided. An early round loss was bound to happen some year under Cal like it does to every other coach. The bigs didn't show up like they haven't all year and we couldn't make shots. It caught up with them yesterday. It's that simple.

 

[brdmn22]

I guess I just never developed any faith in our frontcourt and was not surprised with the loss.



Who do we have as consistent as Bryant in the paint?

Which 3 of our top 8 players could we lose and still beat IU?

The frontcourt definitely was the biggest factor in UK losing. They got a combined 14 points, 19 rebounds, 6 turnovers, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 10 fouls from Poythress, Skal, Lee, and Willis. When your entire frontcourt plays bad, it puts way too much pressure on Ulis and Murray to do everything. Against good teams, it just doesn't work.

Also, IU wasn't really without 3 of their top 8 players. I don't even consider Blackmon in the discussion. IU was 10-3 with him and 16-4 without going into the game last night. They were a very good team without Blackmon -- maybe even better -- for whatever crazy reason. Robert Johnson was a big loss, but he made some big plays for them against UK. He contributed 6 points and some very good defense while in the game, which can't be ignored. And Morgan is the 9th man. He is essentially a non-factor, similar to Matthews for UK. It's nice to have them for a few minutes each game, but they aren't going to make that much of a difference.

I was talking to a friend before the game, and we both agreed that when UK's frontcourt played well, they could beat any team, but when they didn't, almost any team could beat them. They didn't show up against IU and UK lost. That's pretty much the end of the story.

 

[3rex]

Cal doesn't like to play home and home schedules with traditional rivals. He prefers a neutral court. Not playing IU hasn't hurt UK one bit. UK plays plenty of elite teams every year. IMHO Cal understands that we get hosed when we go to Assembly Hall, Pauley Pavilion or Allen Field House.

Gonna probably get bashed a little for this but here's the rub.

Cal wants to play all of the big games on neutral sites, or at least most of them, and take them out of Rupp Arena. And yet, at the same time, he wants to jazz up the atmosphere at Rupp. Leaving the scraps for our home crowd will not help.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

I'm as bitterly disappointed as anyone over this loss. But over analyzing the loss thinking it has has some long term effect on the program is misguided. An early round loss was bound to happen some year under Cal like it does to every other coach. The bigs didn't show up like they haven't all year and we couldn't make shots. It caught up with them yesterday. It's that simple.

Would just as easily been a W if Murray caught fire or if the frontcourt gave us anything besides turnovers and poor defense down the stretch.

 

[irishcat1965]

Would just as easily been a W if Murray caught fire or if the frontcourt gave us anything besides turnovers and poor defense down the stretch.

I agree. It wasn't game planning or motivation. Murray just couldn't hit shots and the bigs didn't produce. It happens.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

Gonna probably get bashed a little for this but here's the rub.

Cal wants to play all of the big games on neutral sites, or at least most of them, and take them out of Rupp Arena. And yet, at the same time, he wants to jazz up the atmosphere at Rupp. Leaving the scraps for our home crowd will not help.

Not every big game is OOC and Cal had done a pretty good job of scheduling mid majors who are players in March. The neutral
environments help get the kids in a tourney atmosphere. Cal can't help the fact the $EC is perpetually weak.

 

[irishcat1965]

Very similar to Alabama football fans with the exception they win consistently.

Stupid post. UK wins consistently under Cal. Comparing football to basketball success is moronic.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

Very similar to Alabama football fans with the exception they win consistently.

Seriously? How many coaches have done a better job than Cal during his tenure in Lexington?

 

[Chuckinden]

Gonna probably get bashed a little for this but here's the rub.

Cal wants to play all of the big games on neutral sites, or at least most of them, and take them out of Rupp Arena. And yet, at the same time, he wants to jazz up the atmosphere at Rupp. Leaving the scraps for our home crowd will not help.

I agree. I have attended less home games in the last two years than any other two year period since the Tubby days.

 

[irishcat1965]

I agree. I have attended less home games in the last two years than any other two year period since the Tubby days.

Coach K does the same thing. He and Cal happen to be two of the best coaches in the game so I think they know what they are doing.

 

[Fancatstik]

So much for the theory that good guards win in March. We just disproved that theory.

 

[irishcat1965]

So much for the theory that good guards win in March. We just disproved that theory.

Disagree. Murray was off yesterday. Good guard play assumes hitting shots. We didn't and the bigs didn't show. That equals a loss.

 

[3rex]

Not every big game is OOC and Cal had done a pretty good job of scheduling mid majors who are players in March. The neutral
environments help get the kids in a tourney atmosphere. Cal can't help the fact the $EC is perpetually weak.

Albany, NJIT, Wright State, Boston U, South Florida, EKU, Illinois St, Arizona St, Ohio St

Our preseason schedule this past season....which ones get you pumped?

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

So much for the theory that good guards win in March. We just disproved that theory.

If the frontcourt didn't screw the pooch again, we'd be moving on. Outplayed by a weak iu frontcourt proves that point.

Skal and Lee = weak and Poythress was on a milk carton again yesterday.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

Albany, NJIT, Wright State, Boston U, South Florida, EKU, Illinois St, Arizona St, Ohio St

Our preseason schedule this past season....which ones get you pumped?

Point me to a team who schedules beyond that? BTW, you left off loserville, dook, ucla off your list...wonder why?

We had the #16 ranked out of conference schedule this year.

 

[3rex]

Coach K does the same thing. He and Cal happen to be two of the best coaches in the game so I think they know what they are doing.

Of course they know what they're doing, but not really the point, at least I don't think.

He wants to take the position that our home fans need jazzed up a little, while giving us mostly all ho-hum type games. Not to mention, not wanting to play anyone of any significance before those home fans displays a little lack of respect for the support many of them show to the program, especially when it comes to $$$.

 

[3rex]

Point me to a team who schedules beyond that? BTW, you left off loserville, dook, ucla off your list...wonder why?

Which ones of those did we play at home?

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

Which ones of those did we play at home?

Well since your post included road and neutral site opponents, I wasn't sure that mattered, or did you
just randomly place those there to fit your agenda or perhaps not know the difference?

I can tell you we played South Florida in Tampa and Ohio State on a neutral floor...both listed by you.

 

[irishcat1965]

Of course they know what they're doing, but not really the point, at least I don't think.

He wants to take the position that our home fans need jazzed up a little, while giving us mostly all ho-hum type games. Not to mention, not wanting to play anyone of any significance before those home fans displays a little lack of respect for the support many of them show to the program, especially when it comes to $$$.

I disagree it shows a lack of respect but I do agree the home schedule is not the same as it has been been before Cal. We have UCLA coming in next year and I assume a Big 12 challenge opponent. Besides that, I assume it will be filler opponents. Although he has sprinkled in teams like Providence occasionally.

 

[irishcat1965]

Let's be real...Cal would have accomplished this at many other schools.

And your point? Cal is an outstanding coach. Tell me about Alabama's success before Saban got there. I will give you a clue- they sucked *** back to when Stallings was coach in the early 90s. He has the last coach to win a title at Bama.

 

[3rex]

Well since your post included road and neutral site opponents, I wasn't sure that mattered, or did you
just randomly place those there to fit your agenda or perhaps not know the difference?

I can tell you we played South Florida in Tampa and Ohio State on a neutral floor...both listed by you.

Good catch. I did it fast & didn't see that. So I'll ask it with the revised group.

Of Albany, Wright St, NJIT, EKU, Illinois St, Arizona St, & Boston U...which games get you pumped?

 

[irishcat1965]

Good catch. I did it fast & didn't see that. So I'll ask it with the revised group.

Of Albany, Wright St, NJIT, EKU, Illinois St, Arizona St, & Boston U...which games get you pumped?

Fair point. But at this juncture l, who plays several top teams home and away? Can you name some?

 

[UK till Death]

I'm just so sad for Tyler Ulis. He's one of my favorite players to wear the uniform. But he couldn't drag this team there on his own. Funnily, we were right in the game, despite a horrible outside shooting night. I just wish Tyler could win a title. He deserves one.

Too bad Cal had to push him out the door before the season was even over.

 

[irishcat1965]

Too bad Cal had to push him out the door before the season was even over.

He knows Tyler's stock will never be higher and next year's draft will be loaded. He wants the best for Tyler. And that's why the top talent keeps coming to UK- they know Cal has their best interests at heart.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

Actually UK's out of conference strength of schedule is 15th

Here's some notable comparisons:
Villanova 28th
Virginia 37th
Kansas 31st
Texas A&M 60th
West Virginia 127th
North Carolina 78th
Oklahoma 101st
Miami 107th
Purdue 110th
Maryland 118th
Iowa 120th
Xavier 121st
Syracuse 125th
Michigan State 157th
Loserville 159th
Pitt 183rd
LSU 206th
IndBreds 208th
Arizona 268th
South Carolina 300th

 

[3rex]

Fair point. But at this juncture l, who plays several top teams home and away? Can you name some?

I think we both are making fair, but different points. You're correct that schools seem to be going away from the top home & away type games. I think it's a shame, it's a money grab, and it's too much about playing where potential recruiting hotbeds are, instead of our own fans.
But, my point is, get off the home fans case & don't worry about whether they're wild enough at Rupp if you're going to give them less & less games to get wild about.
Can't have it both ways, I guess is what I'm saying.

 

[3rex]

Actually UK's out of conference strength of schedule is 15th

Here's some notable comparisons:
Villanova 28th
Virginia 37th
Kansas 31st
Texas A&M 60th
West Virginia 127th
North Carolina 78th
Oklahoma 101st
Miami 107th
Purdue 110th
Maryland 118th
Iowa 120th
Xavier 121st
Syracuse 125th
Michigan State 157th
Loserville 159th
Pitt 183rd
LSU 206th
IndBreds 208th
Arizona 268th
South Carolina 300th

Ok i guess...but doesn't answer my question.

 

[irishcat1965]

I think we both are making fair, but different points. You're correct that schools seem to be going away from the top home & away type games. I think it's a shame, it's a money grab, and it's too much about playing where potential recruiting hotbeds are, instead of our own fans.
But, my point is, get off the home fans case & don't worry about whether they're wild enough at Rupp if you're going to give them less & less games to get wild about.
Can't have it both ways, I guess is what I'm saying.

I can't disagree with this. If the games are against filler opponents, Cal shouldn't expect insane crowds. It isn't going to happen.

 

[3rex]

He knows Tyler's stock will never be higher and next year's draft will be loaded. He wants the best for Tyler. And that's why the top talent keeps coming to UK- they know Cal has their best interests at heart.

And that's where people can reasonably come to a conclusion, though others can disagree, that the NBA is priority one here now.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

Good catch. I did it fast & didn't see that. So I'll ask it with the revised group.

Of Albany, Wright St, NJIT, EKU, Illinois St, Arizona St, & Boston U...which games get you pumped?

The one you left out again Loservile - but three of those above were tournament teams the year prior and we can't schedule
home and home with everyone - if you don't understand not every team is going to agree to play just in Rupp and not a return
game I don't know what to say to you.

We have the 15th ranked OOC SOS - we did have UNCheat but decided to drop it because of the obvious.

 

[irishcat1965]

And that's where people can reasonably come to a conclusion, though others can disagree, that the NBA is priority one here now.

Cal said from the beginning he would take care of his players best interests first. I have no problem with it because that is why we get the elite talent. Cal has also said he has told some players they need to stay (looking at you Dakari) and they decided to leave anyway. But for arguments sake let's assume you are correct- that getting players to the NBA is the top priority. That way of doing things has brought the program a tremendous amount of success in Cal's time at UK.

 

[TortElvisII]

I wished there was a way to temper the braggadocio of some of the fans on here. There will be guys building up next years team to be better than 2012. We need to wait until they anoint themselves before we anoint them. Some of that is embarrassing.

 

[brdmn22]

And that's where people can reasonably come to a conclusion, though others can disagree, that the NBA is priority one here now.

As it should be. The point of college is to prepare students for a future career, whatever they so choose. Basketball players choose to play in the NBA. Cal prepares them better than most. What's the problem?