SB Nation User Blog: BigSkyCat

How I Know Its Basketball Season

BigSkyCat — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:48:22 -0000

I am a creature of the senses. So, without looking at a calendar (because that's just plain boring!), and since I also don't currently have the benefit that the majority of you have of living in the unbelievably exciting environment of the bluegrass, where reminders of the season are EVERYWHERE -- I rely on my senses to alert me that the seemingly endless wait for basketball season is almost over.

When I say that I am a creature of the senses, I mean, of course, that in addition to using the typical sense of sight to define things, maybe more importantly and more invigorating there are distinct sounds, tastes and smells that remind me of certain seasons or particular events in my life. I'm sure this is the same for most of you, too. You know, I'm sure that hearing certain music, eating certain foods, tasting certain drinks and smelling certain aromas can, on occasion, instantly transport you to a specific time or event. For example, perhaps hearing a familiar song takes you back to your wedding day, or the aroma of a certain food takes you back to your most favorite vacation or holiday, or likewise, the smell of chlorine and the taste of gin and tonics and refreshing fruity umbrella-like drinks may remind you of summer.

The other evening, it was a bit chilly around these parts, so I decided to pour myself a lovely Maker's Mark for a warm-up as bourbon is my typical go-to drink in the fall and let me tell you, in one sniff, and in one incredibly delicious sip, I was instantly transported to the memory of basketball season. I could envision seeing the players on the floor, I could see the UK blue-and-white surrounded by fans, the lights, the scoreboard, the ball being passed down the court, I could recall the high of a remarkable win, or the moment of sadness after a loss -- all of it. All the memories that previous basketball seasons have given me were instantly brought to my mind with that one smell and that one taste, and it was wonderful.

For some of you there might be different reminders that basketball season is right around the corner, maybe you are a huge MLB baseball fan and the play-offs send a signal to your brain that it's almost time for some hoops, but for me, the taste of mouth-watering bourbon, the feel of cooler weather (I'm not a football enthusiast, so I instinctively think of basketball season once the cooler weather hits), the desire to go out, buy, and wear all the latest absolutely beautiful fall clothing, the sight of Halloween costumes, the sound of children trick-or-treating, and the feel of simply sitting around a fire on a frosty day are just a few of the unmistakable sights, sounds, feelings and smells that let me know that basketball season is almost here.

To say that I am excited for basketball season is a given, a no-brainer, really, as it is that way for me every year, and every year I totally plan our lives around the season making sure we are able to see each and every game, but considering all that we have on deck for this upcoming season (just a few of those reasons are pictured at left) it would seem that this particular season has the potential to be extremely wonderful and will hopefully be able to provide us all with some lovely lasting memories, perhaps even brought on by one of the senses.

NCAA Names 2011-13 Tourney Sites

BigSkyCat — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:24:47 -0000

NCAA Names 2011-13 Tourney Sites

Lexington was chosen as one of the hosts for first- and second-round action in 2013, while Louisville is among the early sites for 2012.

Cousins is a Badass

BigSkyCat — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:07:16 -0000

Cousins is a Badass

Yes, that's right, according to DeMarcus Cousins -- he is a badass. On the court, that is.

This piece takes a look at Cousins' on the court personality and although I think some of his statements could be seen as controversial, I also think that his brazen, get-in-my-way-and-you’d-better-watch-out style of play is something we have been missing and I’m personally really looking forward to seeing it.

Player of the Year Candidates -- Rank 'Em

BigSkyCat — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:14:05 -0000

Player of the Year Candidates -- Rank 'Em

Andy Katz has picked his top 15 POTY candidates for this coming season. The above link gives you the chance to rank 'em for yourself.

I found it rather fun to take a turn and rank the potential candidates as two of our very own boys-in-blue made Katz's top 15 list.

Plenty of tantalizing combinations for Kentucky

BigSkyCat — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:32:57 -0000

Plenty of tantalizing combinations for Kentucky

So says Andy Katz.

Also of note, ESPN lists UK as one of its "five up" for the coming season in CBB's SUMMER BUZZ. (Note: you must be an ESPN Insider to read the entire CBB SUMMER BUZZ piece.)

Here is the complete list of schools and where they are on the BUZZ list.

Five Up
Kentucky
Texas
Kansas
Michigan State
West Virginia

Five Down
Louisville
UCLA
Memphis
Arizona
Syracuse

Five at a Crossroads
North Carolina
Duke
Connecticut
Maryland
Oklahoma

LeBron at UK today -- per Coach Cal via Twitter

BigSkyCat — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:18:09 -0000

LeBron at UK today -- per Coach Cal via Twitter

This is the latest from Coach Cal via his Twitter account regarding rumors about LeBron James being in Lexington today:

"Ok its official. The King was in the practice facility. LeBron James stopped to say hello on the way to an event in Mississippi".

I'm sure the members of the team that got to meet LeBron were very excited, as well they should be. I wonder if anyone got any pictures, and if so, were they allowed to keep them? Hee, hee......

UPDATE: Here are a couple of pictures that are attached to Coach's Twitter page.

LeBron and Coach Cal
LeBron shooting around

Eight Great Minutes With Coach Cal

BigSkyCat — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:06:40 -0000

Eight Great Minutes With Coach Cal

Calipari Audio: 2 PG's, Multiple Bigs In DDMO

Great Doug Gottlieb interview with Coach including $10,000 promo for Jimmy V fund.

Courtesy of Wild Weasel.

This is an awesome audio with Coach. To hear Coach talking about our team is incredibly exciting, (he even mentions Liggins and boy do I hope he is right about him "surprising some people") -- dang, right now, I can’t wait for the b-ball season to start!

Floyd resigns as Southern Cal coach

BigSkyCat — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:17:59 -0000

Floyd resigns as Southern Cal coach

This really has nothing whatsoever to do with UK sports, but I still find this interesting given the recent accusations against Floyd.

So, who are we, anyway?

BigSkyCat — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 03:45:03 -0000

Ok, in full disclosure, this idea certainly isn't original to me and many of you who have been ASOB members for a while may remember the above headline, as it's something similar to what wilson actually did way back in January 2008. I realize many of you commented back then, but since the amount of members here at ASOB has grown considerably since January 2008, and while we are all waiting rather impatiently to see what Jodie Meeks is going to decide about his collegiate future, I thought it might be a fun summer idea as well as a much needed distraction from all the latest drama surrounding the UK hoops program to open a thread for ASOB members to talk about themselves a bit.

Our love of all things Kentucky Wildcats, as well as our uncontrollable addiction to ASOB are things we all have in common, but from the bits and pieces I have gotten from members' random posts and from members' profiles, I find it incredibly fascinating that we have such a diverse group geographically, generationally, as well as professionally here at ASOB and I would love to know more about the people whom I spend an insane amount of time each day just waiting to hear from, specifically about their passion, ideas, and opinions concerning our Wildcats.

If you are so inclined, feel free to tell a bit about yourself currently, (and if you dare, I suppose you could even post pictures), how you happened to stumble across ASOB, and maybe even perhaps what persuaded you to join, or any other personal details about yourself you would like to share. After all, who doesn't like to talk about themselves, right? How can you not be fabulous -- you're a UK fan!?!? Oh, and if you do happen to be a bit blog shy (I was at first, my goodness, it took me like 6 months to finally join ASOB), don't feel bad, have a blast reading and you can tell us about yourself later.

Ok, I'll go first.

Geographically? I currently live in the real wild wild west - I live in Montana. You don't run into many UK fans out here, but just so you know, any chance I get, I am actively recruiting anyone I see so I am definitely doing my part to increase our numbers in this part of the world. Btw, being so geographically-challenged for true blue UK fans makes me even more appreciative of this site and all of you.

Generationally? I am 34 years old. Oh, and if you don't know by now, I am a girl.

Professionally? Well, I don't currently have a profession (which is why I am able to spend a ridiculous amount of time on this site everyday) as I temporarily gave up my career in order to be a mommy and these days I take care of my 3 ½ and 1 ½ year old daughters and my wonderful engineer husband. Even though my current profession doesn't pay worth a darn (ok, it doesn't pay at all), the non-material rewards I get are priceless and they keep me coming back every day for more. I am a very lucky girl.

How did I find ASOB? I honestly don't remember exactly how I stumbled across this site, but I do remember some of the posters who I was immediately drawn to. Obviously, Tru was one of those and I don't want to appear as though I'm playing favorites so I won't mention anyone else by name, but there were definitely a few UK fans here that I was really drawn to and who made me think "hey, I could totally be friends with this person in real life, I think they are really cool". And as time marches on and the more time I spend here hanging out with all of you discussing, crying over, screaming about, and certainly celebrating our Wildcats, I find myself adopting even more online friends.

So, there you have it, that's me. Your turn.

Congressman to NBA: Repeal one-and-done policy

BigSkyCat — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:51:00 -0000

Congressman to NBA: Repeal one-and-done policy

Will this become a government issue?

Also, other major sports sites are reporting pretty much the same thing as noted in the above link to CBS (Parrish), but here are more links if you are interested.

Yahoo! Sports

Fox Sports