Observations from MSG / Champions Classic

[STUCKNBIG10]

I was at the game, here are some notes:

1. MSG is awesome. This was my first time there, and it's awesome being in the heart of NYC and then just walking into the world's most famous arena. Highly recommended should they have the champions classic there again or if we end up in the east regional.

2. Fan split was shocking. UK had fewer fans there than any of the other three teams and our fans were quiet all the way up until the end after Maxey three. Tons of bandwagon northeastern PUke fans were there and MSU had a ton. They were loud too, but the refs and their team didn't give them an opportunity to get ahead.

3. Maxey, man. Kid is a star. No fear. Wants to take the big shot. Great sign.

4. Refs. refs. refs. Just hideous in the first half. College basketball has a real problem, I've been saying this for years, but nothing ever changes. Who in the hell wants to pay a ton of money to go to New york and sit there and watch the refs dominate the game? Just absurd. With that said, I thought MSU got the worse end of it. We got jobbed on plenty of calls, but MSU got more.

5. Quickley struggled. I'm not worried about him.

6. Hagans played well, just really struggled to finish around the rim.

7. Sestina really bounced back in the second half. Didn't look to have the athleticism to bang on the boards with those guys early, but really held his own late in the game.

8. Nick Richards. Heart! Loved it. Kid battled, and that's all I really ask of him.

9. We don't play either team this year, but Duke and Kansas were both meh. Kansas missed at least 25 layups and didn't hit a single shot once I got to my seat with about 15 mins left in 2nd. Duke has three annoying white guys that will hit threes at inopportune times just when you think they're on the verge of getting blown out. Kansas does have a ton of length, so I think they go further than Duke this year.

Great win, great experience. Everybody get yourselves to vegas!

 

[PowerofPelphrey]

I agree with you on the refs. My god they were awful. Let them play some instead of constantly slowing down the game with all the BS calls.

It was ridiculous. Like you said no one wants to pay good money too watch the refs take over.

 

[BBNinKY]

I was at MSG too... my only negative of the experience was that there was no "player stats" on the screens. It was very difficult to track fouls of our guys and MSU.

PS
The floor management was awful. I would expect an NBA arena to keep the floor dry but guys were sliding all over the place in the second half.

 

[akaukswoosh]

UK had fewer fans there than any of the other three teams and our fans were quiet all the way up until the end after Maxey thre

Imagine a lot of the folks who had to sit through the painful rout last year weren't willing to go all the way to NYC to see a loss, as too many on this board predicted.

 

[richbrookstomato]

Imagine a lot of the folks who had to sit through the painful rout last year weren't willing to go all the way to NYC to see a loss, as too many on this board predicted.

A highly charged election day had to factor into the low number of UK fans in MSG, also.

 

[rick64]

We've been preaching on here about officials for YEARS!!!! Just getting worse and worse.

 

[UKcatXXXL]

Maxey = Da Man

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

I was at MSG too... my only negative of the experience was that there was no "player stats" on the screens. It was very difficult to track fouls of our guys and MSU.

PS
The floor management was awful. I would expect an NBA arena to keep the floor dry but guys were sliding all over the place in the second half.

Great point. The lady I was sitting next to was miserable b/c she wasn't up on the roster and she could never tell who was doing what. The screen was HUGE, not sure why they couldn't have had the player stats on there.

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

Imagine a lot of the folks who had to sit through the painful rout last year weren't willing to go all the way to NYC to see a loss, as too many on this board predicted.

Could be. Also, I know that NYC isn't a hotbed of UK alumni base like it is for Duke and (to a lesser extent) some of the Big 10 schools. I'm hopeful that most of them were saving their money to go to Vegas instead.

 

[YouKay]

Imagine a lot of the folks who had to sit through the painful rout last year weren't willing to go all the way to NYC to see a loss, as too many on this board predicted.

It's an expensive trip, especially compared to Indy. I live up here and I spent almost $500 on tickets, hotel, and food. (And I got lucky and scored tickets 2 days ago below face price.) Add a couple of plane tickets from Lexington or Louisville and you're looking at close to $1000. This is a high season in New York and hotel rooms in the city are really expensive if you want to stay anywhere decent.

Also a reminder that the Final Four is in Atlanta. Would imagine a lot of UK fans are saving their pennies for that.

 

[RLSmith]

How bout we play some of these bigtime schools at Rupp....

 

[YouKay]

Could be. Also, I know that NYC isn't a hotbed of UK alumni base like it is for Duke and (to a lesser extent) some of the Big 10 schools. I'm hopeful that most of them were saving their money to go to Vegas instead.

Yeah I know quite a few folks who are going to Vegas instead of NYC this year.

There are crap tons of Duke grads up here. Waaaaay more there last night than last year in Indy. It's an old joke that Duke is where the New Jersey kids go who can't get into Princeton. You could tell they were locals because they all left after their game was over. Sort of like UK fans last year in Indy. I haven't been to a game night featuring Duke and UK up here since 2001, but that one also felt like a Duke home game.

 

[TheDude73]

I was at MSG too... my only negative of the experience was that there was no "player stats" on the screens. It was very difficult to track fouls of our guys and MSU.

PS
The floor management was awful. I would expect an NBA arena to keep the floor dry but guys were sliding all over the place in the second half.

Of one of the NY hockey teams play there, they likely have ice under the court. This causes condensation and the staff needs to be extra careful to keep it dry and safe.

 

[UpstateNYCat]

Echo the prior thoughts about MSG/setting, we didn't arrive until just before the half of the Duke/KU game, KU fans represent themselves well in NYC. It's our 2nd time going to the Classic @MSG, both games were wins vs. Sparty, Jr and I went to Chicago the season before last, that's a great trip also.

Between the teams clunking it up and the Refs fooking it up, just a complete 180 atmosphere compared to game1.

We had seats on the North Chase Bridge and just loved them. They were the barstool seats and you have so much more freedom and leg room compared to the regular seats, had them before on last visit to MSG for the CC and will continue. We felt right on top of the court with our view and yeah, not having stats sucked. I commented about the "nice" game from Maxey and PR announces he had 26pts! And PR guy was annoying.

Has next seasons Classic site been announced yet? Google says TBD.

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

How bout we play some of these bigtime schools at Rupp....

I have mixed feelings on this, but I mostly agree with you. On one hand, last night is a big-time setting. Big TV, big hoopla, big fanbases under one roof, and it is an NCAA final-four type of atmosphere.

On the other hand, it robs the season ticket holders of a marquee game. And let's be truthful, guys like Cal and K are scared of true road games. I love Cal, but I have to call a spade a spade.

 

[cat_in_the_hat]

I have mixed feelings on this, but I mostly agree with you. On one hand, last night is a big-time setting. Big TV, big hoopla, big fanbases under one roof, and it is an NCAA final-four type of atmosphere.

On the other hand, it robs the season ticket holders of a marquee game. And let's be truthful, guys like Cal and K are scared of true road games. I love Cal, but I have to call a spade a spade.

I don't think it's a fear of road games as much as it's a strategy to get ready for tournament play. I think he prefers these neutral sight games because they are more similar to what the team will experience in the tournament.

 

[ScrooDook92]

You drove all the way to MSG so you could write a report? Pfft, we all watched it on TV. Just kidding, great write-up! The closest I've gotten to New York was Knickerbocker Arena.

 

[YouKay]

Echo the prior thoughts about MSG/setting, we didn't arrive until just before the half of the Duke/KU game, KU fans represent themselves well in NYC. It's our 2nd time going to the Classic @MSG, both games were wins vs. Sparty, Jr and I went to Chicago the season before last, that's a great trip also.

Between the teams clunking it up and the Refs fooking it up, just a complete 180 atmosphere compared to game1.

We had seats on the North Chase Bridge and just loved them. They were the barstool seats and you have so much more freedom and leg room compared to the regular seats, had them before on last visit to MSG for the CC and will continue. We felt right on top of the court with our view and yeah, not having stats sucked. I commented about the "nice" game from Maxey and PR announces he had 26pts! And PR guy was annoying.

Has next seasons Classic site been announced yet? Google says TBD.

That's funny, when I was ordering my tickets the site said "better seats available" and they were Chase Bridge seats. Thought ours were awesome though, section 208 row 5 and I only paid $89 for them. We were right up from where Maxey hit the big shot at the end.

I also commented that no stats were up on the screen. I seem to recall they had them last year during the Seton Hall game, but maybe not. Makes me less interested in seeing a Knicks game this year, for sure. If you're paying $100+ for a ticket, you shouldn't have to keep looking at your phone to see player and team stats. It's especially annoying when you don't know most of the players on the floor. They don't need the video to be THAT big, it isn't a huge arena and even the folks in the top row can see the court just fine.

But overall I love the Garden. Great venue for this event.

 

[YouKay]

I don't think it's a fear of road games as it's a strategy to get ready for tournament play. I think he prefers these neutral sight games because they are more similar to what the team will experience in the tournament.

That's correct, he has said so on a few occasions. A few times he has scheduled games in the regional and Final Four arenas just so his players can get a feel for them.

Also he likes to schedule games in New York because he recruits there, players who are from there can get their families in who might not be able to afford the trip to Lexington or a NCAA tournament site. (Hami Diallo had something like 60 family and friends there in 2018.) And a lot of East Coast fans can come see a game.

 

[shutzhund]

How bout we play some of these bigtime schools at Rupp....[/QUOT

You people are annoying. The reasons are obvious.

 

[Duke Bluu]

I think K was probably the first coach to consistently use neutral court games for the reasons mentioned above as well as to enhance the brand. There’s been criticism with opposing fans saying K was scared etc... I could be wrong but I think there was some of that criticism here on this board as I don’t think that was something Cal was known to do early on in his UK tenure but he’s been a big proponent in recent years. I’m using a lot of terms like believe and think because when it comes to what I just said about UK, I’m not sure. My recollection is that a lot of that criticism definitely came from UNC fans.

 

[UpstateNYCat]

The Garden just has a special vibe to it, either it be for basketball or concerts.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

We play UL at Rupp this year as well as GA Tech. That's two ACC opponents at home.

Neutral games are better tests for March Madness and road games are unfairly officiated (we get 9 bad SEC officiated games a year, that is enough for me).

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Just looked at Tubby's last 5 years and Coach G's years...schedule at home was no more imposing.

 

[UpstateNYCat]

I understand NS games @ NBA arenas and such, but I'd kill to see UK play in The Palestra. Surprised Cal hasn't setup a Boston game with UMass yet.

 

[Mime-Is-Money]

MSG a fantastic venue for college hoops. Was lucky to be in NYC for the UK win against UConn in Dec 2009 with Wall leading the way. Not a bad seat in the house and a truly electric atmosphere.

Not surprised that UK fans had a low turnout for this one. And I imagine this will be the last neutral court game this season in which that happens.

Glad you enjoyed the experience. Cal should do a lottery every year that sends fans that have never been to places like MSG, United Center, Capital One, etc.

 

[Poetax]

How bout we play some of these bigtime schools at Rupp....

You’re have to fight with the powers to be, this setup will be around for a long time.

 

[YouKay]

FWIW the East regional this year is at MSG. Not that UK had any say in playing there this week. But at least the players and staff know what it will be like if they end up there.

 

[Duke Bluu]

LOL. Adolph Rupp was going to MSG in the 40s and 50s, enhancing Kentucky's brand and recruiting nationally (Pat Riley, NY, for example.)

Wow you learn something every day. I did. It know that.

 

[caneintally]

We play UL at Rupp this year as well as GA Tech. That's two ACC opponents at home.

Neutral games are better tests for March Madness and road games are unfairly officiated (we get 9 bad SEC officiated games a year, that is enough for me).

Exactly .

 

[JPScott]

Wow you learn something every day. I did. It know that.

The thing about Kentucky basketball is that even some of the ideas that Calipari floats as pushing the envelope in terms of promoting the sport of basketball, if you dig deep enough you’ll realize that Rupp either already did it or considered doing it.

 

[Wildcats1st]

Save your money for March. This type of game isn’t worth it unless it’s bahamas or Maui

 

[carolinacat]

That's correct, he has said so on a few occasions. A few times he has scheduled games in the regional and Final Four arenas just so his players can get a feel for them.

Also he likes to schedule games in New York because he recruits there, players who are from there can get their families in who might not be able to afford the trip to Lexington or a NCAA tournament site. (Hami Diallo had something like 60 family and friends there in 2018.) And a lot of East Coast fans can come see a game.

You can do both...schedule these "pre NCAA Tourney" games and schedule the occaisonal home and home against another power conference foe. Go play Cincy, or Xavier....do we really need to play EKU, Evansville, Utah Valley, Mt. St. Mary, Fairleigh Dickinson and Lamar? Can't we throw in a better team or two?

 

[BlueVelvetFog]

NYC is a dump.

 

[catsfanbgky]

IQ played bad ? Damn, I must have watched a different game. 10 points 5 rebounds 3 assist and 2 steals. Now, he was not Maxey good, but hardly struggled. By the way, he may have injured his wrist, nothing major, but was wearing a wrist brace.

 

[catsfanbgky]

And yes i know he missed shots. I do not just look at shots made. He rebounded, defended, a little bit of everything.

 

[K-Town Kat]

LOL. Adolph Rupp was going to MSG in the 40s and 50s, enhancing Kentucky's brand and recruiting nationally (Pat Riley, NY, for example.)

Exactly. Rupp was taking the Cats to NYC before Coach K was even a zygote.

 

[YouKay]

You can do both...schedule these "pre NCAA Tourney" games and schedule the occaisonal home and home against another power conference foe. Go play Cincy, or Xavier....do we really need to play EKU, Evansville, Utah Valley, Mt. St. Mary, Fairleigh Dickinson and Lamar? Can't we throw in a better team or two?

Oh I am one who is really bummed that the UNC series has ended. Would love for UK to play one of UNC or Kansas every year (I know we get KU next year in the Champions Classic). Cincinnati or Xavier would be great too.

I am just grateful as hell for the games in New York, even against trash opponents like Monmouth, because I can't get to Lexington during the season.

 

[yoshukai]

You can do both...schedule these "pre NCAA Tourney" games and schedule the occaisonal home and home against another power conference foe. Go play Cincy, or Xavier....do we really need to play EKU, Evansville, Utah Valley, Mt. St. Mary, Fairleigh Dickinson and Lamar? Can't we throw in a better team or two?

We have the sec/big12 challenge. It just happens we are at Texas tech this year .

 

[YouKay]

I understand NS games @ NBA arenas and such, but I'd kill to see UK play in The Palestra. Surprised Cal hasn't setup a Boston game with UMass yet.

Ohhhhh be still my heart. The Palestra is awesome. But really small. I have been to some of the Big 5 games there and Penn vs Harvard. Great place with so much history. I am surprised Cal hasn't scheduled a game in Philly since he has recruited New Jersey so well. The Wells Fargo Center is terrific now after a massive renovation.