SB Nation User Blog: Ken Howlett

Dicky's World

Ken Howlett — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:27:17 -0000

July 1, 2009

As the month of July begins, I am starting to feel like the old me. My leg is getting stronger, my routes are sharper, and I'm sporting a pretty good tan. I increased my workouts to three times per day to get into tip-top shape.

I have one more scheduled NFL workout, and that is with the Saints later this month. I am also working the Manning Passing Academy, and will have a workout with Eli and Peyton Manning. Hopefully, I can impress them, along with the many NFL coaches who attend their camp. I just need to get my foot in the door.

Some guys get the take their shoes off and put their slippers, walking into the NFL. I'm not one of those guys. I'm the guy who is going to have to break in the back door, and convince them to let me stay. That's all I have right now.

On a personal note: My dad and I are doing a radio ad for Kentucky National Insurance. So, listen for it on the radio. It's funny.

Dicky Lyons, Jr.

UK Basketball: Four Critical Questions for the 2009-2010 Season

Ken Howlett — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:46:23 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sancya - AP

UK coach John Calipari pondering the problems he faces.

Browse more photos »

With Jodie Meeks finally discovering his draft fate (41st to the Bucks), the question UK fans are now attempting to answer is: What will constitute a successful 2009-2010 Kentucky Wildcat basketball campaign? After talking with fellow 'Cat fans, and reading via the Internet the thoughts of the hard core UK faithful, I've come to the conclusion that there are wide-ranging expectations for this group of players: Some fans consider Meeks' departure a death knell to the talk of UK hanging banner No. 8, while others consider Meeks' early entry to be merely a hiccup on an otherwise positively pleasant outlook.

With UK coach John Calipari telling anyone in possession of a microphone (or UK gear) that this team has many obstacles to overcome before success can be tasted, Wildcat fans are left to ponder the possibility that their head honcho is either an accomplished spin doctor, or a man making valid points. I suspect the truth lies somewhere in between.

Me, I see both sides of the truth, and I do know this: In order for Kentucky to maximize its chance of bringing back The Boss and his Glory Days, UK must, through the course of the upcoming season, see the evolution of four question marks morph into four exclamation points.

For your summer perusal, and in no particular order, here are UK's four most riveting questions regarding the '09-'10 basketball season:

Patrick Patterson

How can I have Patterson listed as a question? Well, it's certainly not because I question his talent, but, we have yet to see if the big fella can take and make, with consistency, the 15-foot jumper. With Patterson and Calipari both stating the focus of Patterson's offensive repertoire being on improving his outside game, I'm left wondering if he can be as successful scoring points from beyond the paint, as he is from inside 10 feet. I realize Patterson displaying the ability to score from a variety of spots on the floor increases his NBA value, and this may seem callous and uncaring, but in the end ...

... I couldn't care less. I, and most UK fans want optimum offensive and defensive production from each player as long as they're wearing "Kentucky" across their chests.

A second concern: Patterson has demonstrated an ability to make the mid-range jumper ... from time to time, but now he must make the shot while being guarded. Before, he made the shot out of the high-low offense, often-times while he was wide open. In the upcoming season, that will not be the case; he will be guarded one-on-one, either out of a match-up zone, or man-to-man defense.

Of course, I feel confident if Patterson is struggling with his shooting percentage from beyond 10 feet, Calipari will make the appropriate ADJUSTMENT. Calipari knows PPat's offensive production will be a determining factor in the success of the 2009-2010 season, a fact that is only magnified with the loss of Jodie Meeks. With so many youngsters playing major minutes, this team will need an experienced "go-to-guy" when the possession is a must-score.

And I like my "go-to-guys" shooting from within their range.

The Newcomers

I don't care how heralded ... I don't care how highly sought after ... I don't care how much of a "sure thing" an incoming freshman is, we don't know what we have until we see them perform under the bright lights, and with Ashley in the house. And that fact is just a tad bit disconcerting to me.

The range of adjustments UK's youngsters face as they enter college is astounding: From the upgrade in academic requirements, to meshing with teammates, to becoming acclimated with a new coach, to dealing with student-body adulation, to adjusting to the increased speed of the game. All this done under the spotlight of an attendant media, and a curious fan base. Indeed, a tall and mighty task.

John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, Jon Hood, Daniel Orton, DeMarcus Cousins and Darnell Dodson are all considered great prospects, but all six of the listed players are going to be counted on to provide meaningful minutes, and right quick. Minutes at the point guard spot, minutes at the "2" guard, and minutes in the low post aiding and abetting Patrick Patterson. Will they perform as advertised? If not, UK fans will be in for a monumentally disappointing season.

End of story.

The "2" Guard [s]

With Jodie Meeks leaving the Bluegrass for the green pastures of the NBA, UK is left with what has become the question of the summer: Who will replace his scoring, experience, and leadership at the shooting guard position?

The answer: No one.

The absolute best John Calipari and UK fans can hope for out of the shooting guard spot in '09-'10 is competent play. With the return of Darius Miller, plus the addition of JUCO Darnell Dodson, and freshman Jon Hood (all capable of playing the "2") Calipari should be able to field a player [s] who can competently shoot the three-pointer, and take his man off the dribble. Which should be enough to keep the defense from collapsing down to the block, rendering Patterson and his cohorts in no better position than the big men have been in over the last two seasons (i.e. double and triple teamed).

There has been talk of freshman Eric Bledsoe playing at the shooting guard spot, but I only recommend that move if Cal enjoys attempting to shoot opponents out of a zone, while absent three-point threats. Well, Bledsoe can take his man off the dribble, you say? He may be able to do as much, but where is he going to venture? The entire defense will be in the paint, awaiting his arrival.

Simply put, the loss of Meeks adds undo pressure on to the players left to replace him. They may not feel the pressure just yet, but ask Michael Porter how receptive Rupp Arena is to unsure, unseasoned play.

I'm counting on Calipari to coach-up his group of young guns, and game-plan effectively, which will hopefully offset the youth and inexperience of his shooting guards. Because make no mistake, UK's Final Four fortunes rest with the productivity of the "2" guards. So much of UK's offense will rely on keeping the opponent's defenses honest, and without at least the threat of a three-pointer, there will be no honesty to be had.

John Calipari

Adolph Rupp created IT, Joe B. Hall managed IT, Eddie Sutton was corrupted by IT, Rick Pitino thrived on IT, Tubby Smith, in the end, decided he didn't want IT, and Billy Gillispie had no idea how to deal with IT.

"IT" is the incumbent pressure to win. More pointedly, the pressure to win that comes with being the head basketball coach at Kentucky. It's not even July and Calipari has already said, more than once, that the fanatical nature of UK fans is much more acute than he ever imagined. As Eddie Sutton so astutely put it, when talking about the passion Kentucky fans have for the program, and the resulting pressure, "You think you know, but you have no idea." Words that have since been echoed by Cal.

Since taking over the program in April, Calipari has done as good a job as any of his predecessors (some say better) in glad-handing the boosters, and being as fan-friendly as possible. In that area of his coaching responsibilities, his behavior has obviously been finely calculated. But, after Gillispie clearly showed no interest in that aspect of the job, Cal was left with no choice.

Calipari's off-court demeanor and activities are not the source of my questioning his ability to do the job, though. My question lies in his ability to make the right decisions during games. Pressure can cause coaches to make erratic, erroneous, and mind-numbingly idiotic decisions ... often, at the worst possible time.

Will Cal succumb? I think not, but he's never coached at UK before. So the proof will come as his first season progresses.

Editor's Disclaimer: This post is meant to be a CRITICAL look at the questions the Kentucky basketball team faces this upcoming season. If you are unhappy with my stance, please refer all emails to our fearless leader, Tru :) KH

Happy Birthday

Happy sixth birthday to my oldest daughter, Alex! Trivial pursuits such as UK basketball pale in comparison to the meaning you bring to my life!

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Dicky's World

Ken Howlett — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:33:37 -0000

June 24, 2009

Hello. Not much going on since the Buffalo workout. My agents are calling teams, and seeing if they are making any roster changes. I still have the Saints workout, but that is not for another couple of weeks. So, in the mean-time I have to push my workouts and increase my "cardio". I have to get into the best shape of my life. When a team calls, and I get my chance, I do not want to lose it because I am out of shape.

I am working out three-times per day now, making sure I waste no time. "Time is what we want the most and use the worst." I don't know where I heard that, but I like it.

Now, to answer a few questions:

Question: I am really wondering, besides quickness off the line and 40-yard dash speed, what do the pros look for in receivers? I assume they look closely at how well you run routes, but after that, what is it that separates an NFL receiver from a guy trying to make the team?

DLJ: Last year I got the chance to sit down with Peyton and Eli Manning, and I asked them the exact same question. They both said the same thing: "WORK ETHIC!" They continued, "Do these guys like to work? Do they do all the little things right? Like blocking, running, going full speed on decoy routes, etc." So that's what I try to do.

Question: Dicky, when you run into fans is there a certain memory that seems to come up more often than others? Do fans always bring up the one-handed catch against Mississippi State, or the hit you put on (Craig) Steltz, or some other play?

DLJ: A lot of fans just like to say hi, and thank me for everything, and I always say "the pleasure is all mine." I loved every moment I played for Kentucky. And yes, those two memories come up a lot, and I don't blame them. I think about them all the time, too. My wife gets mad because when I need motivation I go to You Tube and watch those two plays.

On a personal note: My five-year high school reunion for Holy Cross High School is this weekend, and I am looking forward to seeing all my old buddies.

I also talked to Moncell (Allen) the other night, and he is doing great with school and football, and I predict a big season out of him. Remember, I didn't step up until my third year. Plus, Moncell is a Holy Cross boy!

Dicky Lyons, Jr.

Dicky's World

Ken Howlett — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:18:01 -0000

June 14, 2009

Workouts

I have been recuperating from the Falcon's workout, and preparing for the Bill's workout. Mr trainer, Duke Rouse and Prime U are helping me with my explosion and my 40-yard dash starts. This will help me shave a few tenth-of-seconds off my 40-yard time. Hopefully, we can get the time down to the 4.4 range.

I'm leaving Buffalo Wednesday, where I will meet with Shomari Moore (former UK defensive back). He is also trying to make it on an NFL roster, and we need to make sure we support him as well.

There will be a lot of players at this workout, compared to my other workout, but I like it that way. This creates more competition and I love to compete. What do you expect?! I'm a Wildcat!

Dicky's World Q&A

ky1wildcats7: The No. 12 is my favorite for many reasons, but what was your reasoning for choosing to wear it at UK? I don't think the NFL allows wide receivers to use No.12, so if you get picked up by a team, what would be your number of choice?

I understand you may not be able to answer this, but if you had to pick the team you would like to play for in the NFL, who would it be, and why?

DLJ: The first time I played football was in the 8th grade, the coach was handing out jerseys, and I got No. 12, and so it began. Receivers can wear No. 12 in the NFL, but I'll take whatever they give me, then I"LL make the number.

I want to play for whichever team wants me to play for them.

scfcats: How long do your workout lasts, and are they typically the same? Who runs the workouts? Is it just you by yourself at the workout, or are there other players trying to get a spot?

Last question: Who is involved in helping you get on an NFL roster? I noticed you have a P.R. person, and I'm curious about these peripheral people, and what their roles in the process might be. What does XAM Sports do, specifically, what do they do for you?

DLJ: My workout with Atlanta lasted around one-hour. I don't know how the other teams work. The workout was run by a combination of scouts, coaches, and trainers. I was working out with one another receiver in Atlanta, but that was it.

XAM Sports is my agency. I have two agents, Jason and Scott, who work on getting me in the NFL, and Shawn, who deals with public relations and a million other things. They have been an instrumental part of every aspect of my training, media interviews, and just being really good people. They really believe in me, and want to see me do well. I will never be able to thank them enough for all their help.

cdnWildcatfan: Dicky, I get the feeling the NFL trend is toward smaller, quicker wide receivers. Do you think this is the case, and if so, how much do you think this helps you?

While I get the feeling you'll make a roster somewhere, there is never a guarantee with these type of things. If it doesn't work out, what are your plans? Would you consider the Arena League, or the Canadian Football League for a year before taking another crack at an NFL roster?

DLJ: When I look around the league at the wide receiver position I see a variety of athletes who all offer something different. But, the one thing I notice are the receivers that stick around, year in and year out, are the ones that work the hardest. Whether they are small and quick, or tall and fast, they have a great work ethic and are always trying to improve their skills. Personally, if I'm playing, I want to be the best, so whoever is in front of me on the depth chart better bring his "A Game" every day, because as soon as he slips I'll be there to pass him up.

Right now my entire focus is making it onto an NFL roster. I feel that if I start thinking about where else I could go, I will not accomplish my goal because I didn't truly believe in it.

On a personal note: I play chess.

Dicky Lyons, Jr.

UK Basketball: The Meaning of Meeks

Ken Howlett — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 05:36:40 -0000

More photos » by James Crisp - AP

Waiting on No. 23.

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As the entire Big Blue Nation collectively holds its breath awaiting word of UK junior guard Jodie Meeks' decision (stay or flee), the reality of what the Wildcat basketball team will be missing in '09 if Meeks opts for the Association, is setting-in as rigor mortis upon Tim Floyds' college coaching career.

At first blush I wasn't too concerned with the loss of Meeks to the NBA: Certainly he's a tremendous talent, but with the heralded newcomers on the way, and the return of Patrick Patterson, my thinking was that Kentucky could lose Meeks and still thrive. And by 'thrive,' I mean seriously contend for a Final Four.

Now though, after examining the 'Meeks leaving' scenario a bit more closely, I've come to the conclusion that Meeks' presence in a UK uni could mean the difference in Big Blue winning its final game, or ending the season with a loss.

Allow me to elaborate.

Losing Meeks means losing ...

Depth at the Two Guard and UK's Best Zone Buster

Anyone who knows anything about the Dribble Drive Motion Offense (DDMO), will proclaim that a zone defense is the DDMO's nemesis. And the most effective way to force an opponent out of the zone, is to shoot them out.

Absent Jodie Meeks (40.6% from behind the arc), UK's most serious outside shooting threat is one Darnell Dodson. Dodson, a junior college transfer (Miami Dade), has yet to play one minute of Division I basketball, much less toil against the likes of North Carolina, Louisville, Indiana, or Tennessee. I mean no disrespect to Mr. Dodson, he was after-all signed (but never played) out of high school by a very good Pittsburgh program, but since, his competition level hasn't been elite-ish.

Color me optimistically curious (if one can be such), but I can't label Dodson a proven commodity. Not yet, anyway.

Sophomore Darius Miller is capable of playing the shooting guard spot, but his three-point shooting was, at best, inconsistent last season (32.7%), although he did end the year strong. Also, his defense, which also improved as the year progressed, isn't yet to the level of D that Meeks is capable of playing: Miller isn't quite as quick as Meeks, and he's beaten off-the-dribble fairly regularly.

I like Miller ... a lot, but he's not in the same area code as Jodie Meeks when it comes to shooting the basketball, and playing solid defense from the two-guard position.

Freshman Jon Hood (2009 Kentucky Mr. Basketball) gives UK a third option at the 'two.' The Madisonville North prospect arrives at UK with a reputation for taking the ball to the rim with confidence and authority. He has also displayed a propensity at the high school level for shooting the long-ball with accuracy (upward of 38% last year).

Of course collegiately, as is true with all freshman, he's as green as the grass on Colin Cowherd's backside.

Suddenly, the need for Meeks seems ... clarified.

I don't mean to paint a bleak picture of a team destitute of talent, but clearly, Meeks as the starting two-guard, playing something around 30 minutes per game, is the prohibitive favorite to win 'scenario I would like most to see come to fruition.' Because, if Meeks is playing for pay in '09, the three 'Cats I mention above will be splitting those crucial minutes.

I'm sure all three players would perform admirably, but there's a certain comfort in knowing that No. 23 has the ball in his hands.

Losing Meeks means a continuation of the ...

The Perimeter Sag

The sag is something all UK fans have become intimately familiar with over the last few years. UK fan, you know the drill: Opponents don't guard the perimeter, they sag back to the blocks, or high post, denying "The Machine" (Patrick Patterson) the pill. I won't dredge up bad recollections with an unpleasant summation of players refusing to shoot even though open, I will only muse this -- Without Meeks, UK risks losing the ability to dribble-drive into unfettered floor space, because without the shooter, the sag will once again become the season's hottest (defensive) style.

With Meeks in Wildcat blue, Patterson and Pals should be able to breathe a bit more freely. And to be honest, I don't think we have yet to see the real Patrick Patterson. But Meeks' return would all but assure that Patterson will have the freedom of movement to display his skill set without two or three defenders in his No. 54 jersey. I think Patterson will find maneuvering his man into an untenable defensive position much easier since he'll be dealing with 'a defender,' instead of multiple bad guys.

The newcomers, though, along with Miller, need to perform to an acceptable level of proficiency from beyond the arc for UK to shed its not-hard-to-guard label. If they do indeed play as advertised, that, coupled with Meeks' projected impact, places UK in a stratosphere of offensive competence not seen in these parts in at least five years.

Actually, five years is probably being conservative.

And finally, the most crucial loss UK will suffer if Meeks leaves is ...

Leadership and Experience

Four of UK's guards for the 2009 season are freshmen/newcomers: John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, both point guards, along with Jon Hood and Darnell Dodson. DeAndre Liggins and Darius Miller are both sophomores.

Not a wealth of combined experience among that group.

But the glue that will hold that group together as a unit could be Jodie Meeks. He's the only member of the guard corps that has played more than 30 games at the collegiate level; he's the only member of the guard corps that has experienced overwhelming success at the collegiate level; he's the only member of the guard corps that has experienced major setbacks at the collegiate level; he's the only member of the guard corps that has experienced what it's like to carry a team to victory; he's the only member of the guard corps to drop over half-a-hundred points directly on the overly large, sweaty cranium of Bruce Pearl.

Who better to mentor young Mr. Hood? Who knows better than Jodie Meeks what it means to struggle, or have negative events unfairly impact his life?

Who better to guide young guns Wall and Bledsoe?

It has to be Meeks, because there are no other players (with extensive experience) on the '09 UK squad who have encountered guard-specific challenges within a game. Patrick Patterson has shown, repeatedly, that he's a great leader. But he's a big guy, he doesn't have the guard-related experience that Meeks possesses. Therefore, Meeks could be in a position to be the lone voice of experience whispering into that young gun ear.

All of the other losses UK would experience if Meeks turns pro could possibly be made up for with tremendous play by the newbies, but the leadership and experience void will be impossible to fill.

There's just no way around it.

No, I'm not trying to convince Meeks to return. Heck, the possibility of injury would be enough to give me serious pause if I were Meeks. So no, it's his decision to make, no pleas from me. But I do know this ...

I only want him back if his intentions are to hang No. 8. Anything short of that, and I'll gladly thank him for his effort and will-to-win, and wish him well in the pros. But I won't forget the fact that Meeks has been an exemplary student-athlete. He's carried himself with class, even in trying times. He's rehabbed like mad to recover from painful injuries, and he's performed like few other Blue Boys ever have. In his time at UK he's done everything within his power to win basketball games, sadly though, he's played at Kentucky in very unsettling times. For this, he holds no guilt.

I feel confident, if Meeks returns, that John Calipari will be getting a tireless worker, and ferocious competitor who will score, defend, and lead.

Jodie, I wish you only the best, whatever you decide.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Dicky's World

Ken Howlett — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 06:06:46 -0000

11 June 2009

Hello friends. As Bob Dylan once said, "Times, they are a changing," but apparently not at the airport, where I have been delayed for the second time in two days on my Atlanta Falcon's trip. Other than that, everything went really well.

Atlanta Falcons Workout

I arrived in Atlanta Wednesday night and my workouts were not until 2:30 on Thursday. In that time I managed to drink 15 bottles of water and use the restroom so many times I lost count.

I met with the Atlanta Falcons' scouts, weight coaches and trainer, and then began my workout: I checked in at 5'11" and 190 lbs. I ran one 40-yard dash and was clocked at a 4.56. My best time ever was a 4.43, so I was pleased with my time considering it's only seven months post-surgery.

I was put through a few warm-up drills, and then ran 10 different routes, twice. I felt very fluent in my cuts, and my knee felt as strong as ever.

At the end of the workout I thanked the Falcons, who were very supportive and complimentary, for the opportunity. They said they liked what they saw and would let me know if there was a spot for me on their roster. They said it could be next week, during training camp, during the season, or not at all, so I have to keep working. Next stop Buffalo!

Q & A

Maritajan says, "Dicky, you need a twitter." -- I just got twitter because of the great advice from Shawn Smith, my PR lady with XAM Sports. How do I like it? So far I'm not impressed. If only I had more followers. Hint, hint, hint.

I also know that wasn't a question, but I felt it deserved a response. Plus, I read the comments, and I don't think anyone asked me one.

On a personal note: Father's Day is coming up and I have no idea what to get my old man. He loves golf, horse racing and aggravating me. So, if anyone has any ideas of what to get him, that would be great. And yes, pancake puffs are still awesome.

Dicky Lyons, Jr.

To follow Dicky on Twitter go here.

Who's the best active college basketball coach?

Ken Howlett — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:08:44 -0000

In one of the threads yesterday there was a discussion about the best college basketball coaches in the country today.

There are many criteria which determines the best coach; recruiting acumen, in-game coaching, game preparation, etc. Today we examine which coach you would want coaching a must win game versus evenly matched competition.

Basically, if you had to win one game, who would you want your coach to be. This will help determine which coach ASOB feels is the best in-game coach working today.

If you choose "other" please let us know in the comments section which coach you would select. And remember, active coaches only.

Poll

If you had one game you had to win, against evenly matched competition, which coach would you choose?

Thad Matta -- Ohio State

0 votes

Roy Williams -- North Carolina

14 votes

Bill Self -- Kansas

12 votes

John Calipari -- Kentucky

40 votes

Ben Howland -- UCLA

0 votes

Tom Izzo -- Michigan State

48 votes

Rick Pitino - Louisville

14 votes

Billy Donovan -- Florida

0 votes

Tubby Smith -- Minnesota

9 votes

Jim Calhoun -- Conneticut

0 votes

Jim Boeheim -- Syracuse

3 votes

Coach K -- Duke

15 votes

Other

1 votes

156 votes | Poll has closed

Dicky's World

Ken Howlett — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:45:47 -0000

7 June 2009

It's Now or Never: Pro Workouts

If I am going to make a team before training camp starts, now is the time to make my move; I have a workout with the Atlanta Falcons this week. It is earlier than expected and puts a lot of pressure on me to perform, but if you know me, then you know that I thrive under pressure, and am looking forward to the challenge.

Playing for the Falcons would be crazy since my dad was drafted by the Falcons over 40 years ago.

I would also like to thank everyone who posted encouraging comments under my first entry. I really enjoy reading about what you all think and it feels good to know I have your support. If you have any questions that I don't answer in my post, you can ask about anything in the comments section and I will try to answer as many as I can. Thanks again!

On a personal note: Pancake Puffs are awesome!

Dicky Lyons, Jr.

UK Basketball: Every Rose has its Thorn

Ken Howlett — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 05:15:39 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sancya - AP

Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari.

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I know, I have been quiet lately.

With all the talk of SAT's, John Calipari's substandard standardized testing oversight, Derrick Rose and the mystery man, free pizza pies, Billy Clyde's lawsuit and UK's counter-action, along with the vilification of UK and UK fans, I've been trying to wrap my size three brain around what all this means.

The MEDIA'S initial reaction to the bogus SAT test of (presumably) Derrick Rose was that of condemnation of Calipari, and to a similar extent, UK for hiring Calipari. This, I will never understand. More on that later.

Then folks began to actually absorb (and think for more than five seconds about) the events that unfolded involving the questionable SAT score, and suddenly national media figures (Jay Bilas and Dick Vitale) surprisingly came to the aid of UK's beleaguered head coach.

All the while, ESPN.com's Pat Forde is writing that UK fans don't care if their coach cheats, as long as he wins.

A lot to take in for a simple blogger.

But, I will at least attempt to make sense, of all this nonsense. Beginning with ...

Billy Gillispie and his Money

I'm no legal scholar, but it seems to me that Gillispie, and UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart operated under the Memorandum of Understanding as if it were a contract. In fact, Gillispie's attorney claims that UK enforced the MOU when they forbid Gillispie from signing an endorsement deal with a company in Texas. If that can be proved, then UK better be prepared to pony-up some cabbage.

But more importantly than the legal claims of either side, is the fact that UK owes Gillispie the money: Am I to believe that UK President Lee Todd and Barnhart allowed Gillispie to coach for two years without benefit of a contract, regardless of the name of the document? No sale! Merely the fact that Gillispie was remitted a paycheck represents an execution of the contract.

Of course, all of the maneuvering we've witnessed over the last week or so could also be negotiating ploys, by both parties. Neither UK nor Gillispie wants an expensive, protracted legal battle. It's simply bad publicity for the school and the coach.

Pay him his money, or some reasonable amount, and be done with it! I'm betting Clyde would be delirious with say, four million or so.

Calipari and the SAT's

How a coach is supposed to monitor the testing of all his prospective players will always remain a mystery to me. And how the NCAA can blame anyone but themselves, is one for the Scooby Doo crew.

For media members, fans, whoever, to place blame at Cal's doorstep for this apparent infraction is akin to blaming Tubby Smith for Joe Bologna's transgressions. There is no connection.

There should not be any consequences for Memphis or Calipari, for the blame lies squarely with the athlete and ...

... the NCAA -- They're the ones who validate the prospective athlete's scores! The NCAA Clearinghouse told Memphis that (presumably) Derrick Rose was eligible. End of story.

I wonder if they have an ample supply of mirrors up in Indy?

Now, on to more important matters ...

Joe Bologna and Pat Forde

These two go together like a hand into an Isotoner.

Last week I was so incensed at Forde's article portraying UK fans as a win-at-all-cost group hillbillies, that I began writing a post refuting his claim. After finishing about three-fourths of the piece, I decided that it 'wasn't working.'

It 'wasn't working' because Forde is right, rather, it 'wasn't working' because it is difficult to disprove his theory: I have no hard data that suggests that UK fans don't desire their coach to cheat; there have been no studies completed, there are no reference books.

All I have is my own experience. And I didn't think that was enough.

Thank God!

Because, less than a week later imagine my surprise when I learned of Joe Bologna's illegal "charitable contributions" to UK athletes. Now, I'm not suggesting that Mr. Bologna's multiple mistakes improved UK's chances at winning on the court, or gave them a recruiting advantage. No, it's his mindset that matters to me:

"I know it's not within the rules, but I'm going to do it anyway."

The same mindset that has gotten UK into trouble in the past. The heavy-handshakes, the "jobs," Emery, Eric Manuel. Whether a coach, booster, or misguided business owner, there seems to exist within the Kentucky fan subculture an unscrupulous sect of rule-breakers that are hell bent on bringing us all down (not that the UK fan-base is any different than any other big time college fan-base), whether intentional or not.

"Managing" the sect is the key to happiness, and more importantly, to no violations. Rick Pitino clearly recognized that requirement, and thankfully, he acted. Separating the 'people most likely to corrupt,' from the players. Probably Pitino's best off-court move in his eight years at UK.

But what Forde fails to understand is that ...

It Ain't Everybody

Surely he must realize that not all Kentucky fans, or even a significant number of fans, wish our coach, or anyone related to the program, to cheat. Collectively, we have an overwhelming emotional investment in the program. The last thing we want is to see it razed, as it was in the early 50's, and again in the late '80's.

What Forde seemingly doesn't comprehend is that from the time that most of us were pre-adolescent we worshiped at the altar of UK basketball. We've rejoiced, and died with the team. We've endured heart-ache, and disappointment. We've been to the mountain top. We've ruled the world. And because of this common 'combat' experience, the team has been relegated to 'immediate family' status. And no one ever wants to see family get hurt.

Mention the word "Emery" and watch UK fan duck for cover. All 'Emery' brings to mind are bad, sad times. Times that no one wants to relive. Not any sane "no one," anyway.

Perhaps Pat should conduct a survey in Kentucky to convince himself that not all UK fans are neer-do-wells. The question -- What do you think of Eddie Sutton? A. He nearly destroyed the basketball program, I despise him. B. He nearly destroyed the basketball program, I love him. C. He's misunderstood.

Which answer wins that poll, Pat?

You see Pat, most UK fans like their 'Cats trouble-free: Free of scandal, free of fraud, free of probation, free of limited scholarships, and finally, free of the garbage spewed by some, in the general direction of Lexington whenever something untoward happens ... or not.

We want our team to win, but win with class and dignity. And winning with class and dignity demands the program remain clean.

Finally, please don't make the mistake of confusing the average UK fan, with those who hurt the program with their misdeeds. The average fan fills the rafters of Rupp, and the bowl that is Commonwealth. We fill the air-waves with complaints, and jubilation. We buy UK gear, and teach our kids the UK cheer. We drive to the highest peak in town to listen to Tom Leach and Mike Pratt, and before them Cawood and Claude Sullivan.

And yes Mr. Forde, the average UK fan wants to win championships, but you can't win championships if you're on probation.

Surely you recognize that every rose has its thorn.

Happy Birthday

I would like to wish a Happy Birthday to my sister Wendy, her husband Travis, and their daughter Mallory. Must be something in the air in October.

Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats!

Dicky's World

Ken Howlett — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:54:18 -0000

I have the great pleasure of introducing a new feature here at A Sea of Blue: Former Kentucky wide receiver Dicky Lyons, Jr has agreed to provide us with updates on his efforts to make an NFL squad. It will be a "behind the scenes" look at what some athletes endure (both mentally and physically) in an effort to play professional football. Lyons is devastatingly honest. So prepare yourself for ...

Dicky's World

3 June 2009

I"M BACK

I know everyone must be wondering where I have been and what I have been doing. Well, I have busy, very busy. Since it has been a while since we have talked, I will start from the beginning ...

The Injury

I tore two ligaments in my knee in the ('08) South Carolina game: I caught a five-yard out and was then tackled (illegally) from behind, causing my head to touch my knee ... sideways!

That isn't the worst part. The worst part came after the tackle, when the referee did not throw the flag. Which caused us to kick a field goal. South Carolina then blocked the field goal, recovered the ball, and took it 95-yards the other way for a touchdown. Inconceivable, I know.

I can remember sitting in the shower looking at my knee hanging about five inches lower than it should be, thinking, "football is over." But, that mentality quickly changed after the game when I was met by all of you, giving me words of encouragement and love. I made up my mind right then and there that I was going to get healthy, and make it to the NFL.

Pre-Draft

I quickly began rehab with Jim Madelino and Matt Summers, the head trainers for Kentucky football. I signed with XAM Sports, and was excited to start training.

Dr. Andrew, a highly-touted orthopedic surgeon called and invited me to train at his facility in Pensacola, FL. For the next three months I was working out twice-a-day, with rehab in-between, trying to get ready for Pro-day on March 11.

Five months was just not enough time for me to show the NFL scouts what I could do. So, we set up an individual Pro-day on April 3, hoping I would be ready to do everything. But, once again I was not able to perform at 100%, and failed to lure any scouts to my workout. So I video-taped what I could do, and my agent started sending the tape to NFL teams. It was now a waiting game.

Before I start talking football again, I want to let everyone know that I got married to my high school sweetheart, Mindy, on March 14. That is, and always will be, the best day of my life! Now back to football ...

The Draft

NFL scouts started calling me, wanting to know how the knee was, and how to get in touch with me on draft day. But, no calls came, and it was back to the drawing board. The next day my agent talked to (NFL) teams and they wanted us to call them when I was 100% healthy for workouts.

It was all or nothing now, and I was ready for the challenge.

Post-Draft

I received a call from Duke Rouse from Prime U Sports Training. He works with Deion Sanders and has trained Michael Crabtree and Adam "Pacman" Jones, to name a few. Duke and I are working together in New Orleans to get in the best shape of my life, so I will have no regrets when it comes to workouts for the NFL teams.

Workout example: Last week I had to run one mile ... backward! After that I had run 40 levees (or hills) in different variations, such as: hopping, backpedaling, jumping, skipping, and straight-ahead-running. Then I jogged another mile back to the facility to start position specific drills for an hour. Finally, I worked out my upper-body and did some knee strengthening.

I am sure I will have plenty more crazy workouts and I will be sure to let all of you know about them as soon as I catch my breath.

NFL Workouts

I have a workout scheduled for the 18th of June with the Buffalo Bills, and am talking to a couple of other teams about possible workouts. I will keep you posted.

On a personal note: My and wife and I are staying with my parents for the time-being, along with my two sisters, and two dogs. Although I miss Lexington, it is really nice to spend some time with my family again. But, I assure you, in the words of the Governor of California, "I'll be back," and you can count on that.

Dicky Lyons, Jr.