Kenpom Plummets

[FitchandMurray29]

Tonight was a disaster. Nothing went right, Tennessee who struggles offensively shot well for them. Our Kenpom ranking went from number 3 to…number 3. The horror! I bet we see that NET ranking tomorrow morning drop from 3 to 4 or 5.
People need to get used to this in major conference hoops. The parity is increasing and the sheer talent/athletic advantages will be less persistent along with a heavier reliance on more variable 3 point shooting. An NBA team loses by 15 on the road, no one bats an eye. We do and the board melts down.
If we lose either the Bama or LSU game, feel free to get a little riled up. Let’s see what the tournament sneak peek show Saturday says. If they still have us a top 6 overall seed, as I expect they will, then there is nothing to worry about in terms of tonight’s result.

 

[bookerfan66]

Thanks for telling us when we are able to be riled up.

 

[Bluesnky]

There’s a lot of truth in what you say and I hope there is something from this loss the team will learn from. The hard thing for me is this team had defied my expectations thus far and I was really starting to believe.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

Tonight was a disaster. Nothing went right, Tennessee who struggles offensively shot well for them. Our Kenpom ranking went from number 3 to…number 3. The horror! I bet we see that NET ranking tomorrow morning drop from 3 to 4 or 5.
People need to get used to this in major conference hoops. The parity is increasing and the sheer talent/athletic advantages will be less persistent along with a heavier reliance on more variable 3 point shooting. An NBA team loses by 15 on the road, no one bats an eye. We do and the board melts down.
If we lose either the Bama or LSU game, feel free to get a little riled up. Let’s see what the tournament sneak peek show Saturday says. If they still have us a top 6 overall seed, as I expect they will, then there is nothing to worry about in terms of tonight’s result.

Exactly, the 8 of 13 on the road gauntlet that the Cats have been on ended mercifully tonight. Yet we only lost by 13 points and that without Ty for most of the 2nd half at UT who we slaughtered by 28 a month ago and yet they are top 10 in KP with the 4th best D in America!

UK sits at 21-5 very good considering the Cats get 3 of the next 4 games in Rupp.
The last time UK played 3 of 4 in Rupp?
12/29-1/8.
Next 3 of 4 at Rupp? 2/19-3/1 damn near 2 months in between!
LFG!

 

[FitchandMurray29]

There’s a lot of truth in what you say and I hope there is something from this loss the team will learn from. The hard thing for me is this team had defied my expectations thus far and I was really starting to believe.

I think this is honestly the first game this season where our guys will actually look in the mirror and see improvement needed. Duke loss-TyTy and Keels flukes, ND loss-oh we won’t shoot like that again, LSU- no Wheeler and then no TyTy, Auburn-TyTy got hurt up 9 and then Wheeler missed key stretches. While TyTy went out tonight, we were a step slow all night and need to work on things.

 

[MoneyMuntz]

I think this is honestly the first game this season where our guys will actually look in the mirror and see improvement needed. Duke loss-TyTy and Keels flukes, ND loss-oh we won’t shoot like that again, LSU- no Wheeler and then no TyTy, Auburn-TyTy got hurt up 9 and then Wheeler missed key stretches. While TyTy went out tonight, we were a step slow all night and need to work on things.

Sometimes we try to play too fast. We have been so used to getting our way on offense that we have virtually no patience to get a better shot. Hopefully that’s a point of emphasis.

 

[akaukswoosh]

Sadly, UK is headed for a 3rd place finish in the SEC. if we can win at Arkansas, possible I guess, I don’t see it, we might be able to finish 2nd or tied for second depending on how we play at Florida in the final game.
Anyway, we went to Knoxville tonight knowing if we won we would be in the running for the SEC tittle and a 1 seed. We failed with veteran players which make the loss even more upsetting.

 

[ArtLaibsGhost_rivals]

Sometimes we try to play too fast. We have been so used to getting our way on offense that we have virtually no patience to get a better shot. Hopefully that’s a point of emphasis.

100 percent, unfortunately this is the pace Cal wants us to play at , until we have a lead in the last 4 minutes of a game, when he always lets the air out of the ball. What do you guys think his primary coaching move before this year was to bellow RUN at the top of his lungs. We DO run well but when we can’t we struggle mightily

 

[MoneyMuntz]

Sadly, UK is headed for a 3rd place finish in the SEC. if we can win at Arkansas, possible I guess, I don’t see it, we might be able to finish 2nd or tied for second depending on how we play at Florida in the final game.
Anyway, we went to Knoxville tonight knowing if we won we would be in the running for the SEC tittle and a 1 seed. We failed with veteran players which make the loss even more upsetting.

I’m not sure why you’ve basically conceded 2nd place (to Tennessee?). They have a very difficult schedule upcoming as well. Either way, conference standings don’t mean much for NCAA seeding, what matters is your resume against Quad 1/2. I haven’t looked at the analytics but I’m certain our conference schedule is significantly harder than any other contender in the SEC. We still control our destiny for a 1 and should have at most one more loss at Arkansas. Just need a healthy Tyty.

 

[MoneyMuntz]

100 percent, unfortunately this is the pace Cal wants us to play at , until we have a lead in the last 4 minutes of a game, when he always lets the air out of the ball. What do you guys think his primary coaching move before this year was to bellow RUN at the top of his lungs. We DO run well but when we can’t we struggle mightily

Coming into tonight we were the #4 rated KenPom offense. That rating isn’t by accident. We started to show some bad habits that weren’t there during our run. I agree Cal wants us to play fast, but tonight we played “rushed” which isn’t good.

 

[bookerfan66]

I’m not sure why you’ve basically conceded 2nd place (to Tennessee?). They have a very difficult schedule upcoming as well. Either way, conference standings don’t mean much for NCAA seeding, what matters is your resume against Quad 1/2. I haven’t looked at the analytics but I’m certain our conference schedule is significantly harder than any other contender in the SEC. We still control our destiny for a 1 and should have at most one more loss at Arkansas. Just need a healthy Tyty.

We aren't getting a one after tonight.My hope is just to hang onto a 2 with likely another loss at Arkansas.We controlled our own destiny until we decided not to show up tonight.

 

[MoneyMuntz]

We aren't getting a one after tonight.My hope is just to hang onto a 2 with likely another loss at Arkansas.We controlled our own destiny until we decided not to show up tonight.

This is just not correct. Not even close. We have 4 more Quad 1 games left to play just in the regular season, plus 1-3 more in the SECT. If we win out we are a lock for a 1.

 

[bookerfan66]

This is just not correct. Not even close. We have 4 more Quad 1 games left to play just in the regular season, plus 1-3 more in the SECT. If we win out we are a lock for a 1.

You honestly see this team with a banged up Tyty winning out?

 

[MoneyMuntz]

You honestly see this team with a banged up Tyty winning out?

We don’t know the status on TyTy, but I don’t see us losing to anyone other than Arkansas until the SECT. With a healthy Tyty I make the odds of winning out pretty high. Without TyTy I think we will struggle but I’ve watched enough of LSU and Florida to think we beat them regardless and I can’t see us losing at home yo Alabama.

I have been saying for 2 weeks now that we would lose to one of Tennessee or Arkansas and get a 1 seed and I will stick to that.

 

[jessieshorts8]

You honestly see this team with a banged up Tyty winning out?

It also doesn't help that Brooks has turned back to crap the last couple of games when we really need him.Guy can't be depended on at all.

 

[Catfan2226]

I thought UT played about the same as they did at Rupp but the big difference was US....we shot lights out and smoked them at home but I dont think UT played much different.
We played poor tonight,it happens...move on.

 

[FitchandMurray29]

Sadly, UK is headed for a 3rd place finish in the SEC. if we can win at Arkansas, possible I guess, I don’t see it, we might be able to finish 2nd or tied for second depending on how we play at Florida in the final game.
Anyway, we went to Knoxville tonight knowing if we won we would be in the running for the SEC tittle and a 1 seed. We failed with veteran players which make the loss even more upsetting.

We would have to have won a total of 12 straight games against strong competition and had Auburn lose to Tennessee and someone else. That wasn’t realistic. There are clearly 8 teams right now that have separated themselves. Many fans(not you) seemed to think we were going to separate from the 2 seeds or were already separated from them noticeably. We never were without winning out in my opinion. We’re going to stay in the Purdue, Duke, Baylor(sneaky great resume), and Kansas group the rest of the year. Where in that group will dictate our seed/placement.
Also I was wrong on my OP. NET ranking was unchanged. Still number 3 in the country. Tennessee went from number 10 to 9.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

UT could sneak into that 8-team group if they beat Auburn, and especially if they beat us and Auburn in the SEC-T. Wins over Arizona, and 2 each vs UK and Auburn would be unmatched by any team.

 

[FitchandMurray29]

UT could sneak into that 8-team group if they beat Auburn, and especially if they beat us and Auburn in the SEC-T. Wins over Arizona, and 2 each vs UK and Auburn would be unmatched by any team.

You’re totally right. I’ll go on record saying I don’t think they end the year with 4 wins vs us and Auburn though. They’re a very good team and because of that will be a top 4 seed in the big dance meaning they will be placed in a separate region from us as well as Auburn.

 

[STL_Cat]

Understanding that "these things happen" and "it's not the end of the world", we were still tracking toward our first 1 seed in the NCAA tournament in 7 years and last night puts a huge dent in that possibility. I think we were all looking forward to being in that position for the first time in a very long time.

 

[bbnkat02]

This maybe UTs year. They could easily get to a FF the way they played last night.

 

[jessieshorts8]

This maybe UTs year. They could easily get to a FF the way they played last night.

Doubtful.They aren't that good and we just made them look great by playing like ****.

 

[FitchandMurray29]

Understanding that "these things happen" and "it's not the end of the world", we were still tracking toward our first 1 seed in the NCAA tournament in 7 years and last night puts a huge dent in that possibility. I think we were all looking forward to being in that position for the first time in a very long time.

I totally get that STL. But we had to figure due to records and upcoming schedules that Auburn, Gonzaga, and Arizona would finish above us. Our remaining schedule heading into last night made it much more likely we would have more losses(even if they didn’t hurt too bad from a ranking standpoint). This year the 1 seed doesn’t matter much to me even though I know it’s historical significance. Using bracket matrix I’d probably rather play the 3 seeds than the 4 seeds…as of today. Since we can’t have Auburn due to the rules, we will get one of Zags, Zona, Baylor, Kansas(I doubt due to the regular season matchup even though they still could), Duke, or Purdue in our bracket. No avoiding that regardless of our seed.

 

[STL_Cat]

I totally get that STL. But we had to figure due to records and upcoming schedules that Auburn, Gonzaga, and Arizona would finish above us. Our remaining schedule heading into last night made it much more likely we would have more losses(even if they didn’t hurt too bad from a ranking standpoint). This year the 1 seed doesn’t matter much to me even though I know it’s historical significance. Using bracket matrix I’d probably rather play the 3 seeds than the 4 seeds…as of today. Since we can’t have Auburn due to the rules, we will get one of Zags, Zona, Baylor, Kansas(I doubt due to the regular season matchup even though they still could), Duke, or Purdue in our bracket. No avoiding that regardless of our seed.

Right. I'm not saying we CAN'T win the whole thing with a 2 seed. Clearly we CAN. It's just a matter of being Kentucky basketball, I don't like going 8 years without a 1 seed in the tournament. We need to end that streak at some point, I was hoping it would be this year.

 

[bbnkat02]

I don’t think it’s the loss. It’s how we lost.

Wheeler really let us down last night.

 

[-BBH-]

We’re still 3 lol.

 

[fs-ripcord65]

Thanks for telling us when we are able to be riled up.

A great post, BookerFan ...

 

[sluggercatfan]

Sometimes we try to play too fast. We have been so used to getting our way on offense that we have virtually no patience to get a better shot. Hopefully that’s a point of emphasis.

I think Wheeler is the only one that tries to play too fast. He was very erratic last night and any time he is taking more shots than any of the guards we will struggle.

 

[sluggercatfan]

Right. I'm not saying we CAN'T win the whole thing with a 2 seed. Clearly we CAN. It's just a matter of being Kentucky basketball, I don't like going 8 years without a 1 seed in the tournament. We need to end that streak at some point, I was hoping it would be this year.

We can still get there, but it'll be hard.

 

[FitchandMurray29]

I think Wheeler is the only one that tries to play too fast. He was very erratic last night and any time he is taking more shots than any of the guards we will struggle.

Wheeler is getting far too much of the blame in my opinion. He wasn’t good obviously but his 4-10 was better than Oscar’s 5-15, Grady 2-9, and Mintz 4-12. Grady got abused last night defensively on Santiago Vescovi for goodness sake. The 5 that lead us in minutes last night went 16-52 from the field. That’s under 31%. A top 10 opponent who played well is going to beat you pretty good when you play like that. Honestly it’s a tad surprising it was only 13.

 

[Anon1662386119]

This is just not correct. Not even close. We have 4 more Quad 1 games left to play just in the regular season, plus 1-3 more in the SECT. If we win out we are a lock for a 1.

This is just another example of a delusional fanbase. I mean, if think UT football football fanbase is delusional ... just look in the mirror !!

 

[CB3UK]

This is just another example of a delusional fanbase. I mean, if think UT football football fanbase is delusional ... just look in the mirror !!

We've won a national championship or two since Bill Clinton was in office. Tennessee.....not so much.

 

[tls]

UT could sneak into that 8-team group if they beat Auburn, and especially if they beat us and Auburn in the SEC-T. Wins over Arizona, and 2 each vs UK and Auburn would be unmatched by any team.

Could, yes. But won’t. They might beat AU at home but they won’t beat UK and AU back to back in the SEC tourney.

 

[MoneyMuntz]

This is just another example of a delusional fanbase. I mean, if think UT football football fanbase is delusional ... just look in the mirror !!

Nothing in my post is incorrect. 4 of our last 5 are Quad 1 and if we make the finals of the SECT that should be 2 more (11 Quad 1 wins would be massive). Considering we were projected a 1 seed before the Tennessee game we are still borderline in that regard. Tennessee was our hardest game remaining of the season. Winning our home games and at Florida is likely. Arkansas is a tossup, but winning out is completely doable and would give a us a locked in 1 seed resume. Not saying it will happen but making that point that we can still be a 1. Gotta understand that all of the other 1 seed candidates have their share of losable games as well.

Also, I’ve never made one comment in my life about the UT football fanbase. Not sure why this is directed at me, so it seems like you’re projecting your insecurities. I’ll continue to give my thoughts on my team on our own board.

 

[DudahUK]

Thanks for telling us when we are able to be riled up.

You can put your tampon in or bleed or everywhere. Bitches do what bitches do.

 

[track42]

You can put your tampon in or bleed or everywhere. Bitches do what bitches do.

It's interesting to read that because you are Cal's *****.Bottom or top?

 

[nssdigitalchumps]

100 percent, unfortunately this is the pace Cal wants us to play at , until we have a lead in the last 4 minutes of a game, when he always lets the air out of the ball. What do you guys think his primary coaching move before this year was to bellow RUN at the top of his lungs. We DO run well but when we can’t we struggle mightily

I think he coaches to piss you off and make you unhappy.

Mission accomplished. Lol

 

[DudahUK]

It's intersting to read that because you are Cal's *****.Bottom or top?

Are you the dog that yelps when he gets hit with a rock? Ill make you my ***** little girl.

Big dogs on this porch.

 

[DudahUK]

It's interesting to read that because you are Cal's *****.Bottom or top?

Where you at ho?

 

[STL_Cat]

/unfollow thread

thanks guys!