SBNation.com User Blog: Wild Weasel

100+ Recruiting Letters Per Day Is Overkill: NCAA Revisits Coaches' Contacts

Wild Weasel — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:40:27 -0000

It fits that category called "If you can't enforce a rule why have it?" The Washington Post reports that In the effort to reform and streamline regulations the NCAA eliminated nearly all the restrictions on coaches contacting recruits: phone calls, texting, emails, Tweets, letters and literature, but left constraint on personal contact. But now the NCAA, responding to a clamor of dissatisfaction from recruits, their families, and even coaches themselves, is going to revisit the situation, all the while knowing any attempt to limit contact will be nearly impossible to administer.

The Politicization Of Ashley Judd

Wild Weasel — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:59:21 -0000

Politics is my second great love and I devote probably more time to it than UK sports and sports in general; I even have a political blog. I usually am successful in keeping the two totally isolated but this piece by WSJ's James Taranto—unequivocally my favorite columnist, not entirely for his political leaning but also for his humor, vocabulary and writing skills—delving into the personal history of Ashley Judd and its impact on her decision not to seek a Senate seat from Kentucky is enlightening in many ways and entertaining as well. You can stop reading after the Judd portion but I think you'll find the remainder equally captivating.

Halftime Feature For Rupp

Wild Weasel — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 02:34:45 -0000

Halftime Feature For Rupp

Halftime at Navy game

Moneyball Comes To College Basketball. UK Next?

Wild Weasel — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:23:12 -0000

Sports Illustrated's Pete Thamel—yeah, that Pete Thamel, but get past the name and you'll find it enjoyable and informative reading—has the story of Drew Cannon, a graduate assistant for Brad Stevens at Butler, who at the age of college players, 22, is at the leading edge of college basketball's next breakthrough: statistical analysis on a player-by-player, match up vs match up, team vs team basis, and that includes practice and drills: Brad Stevens, himself with an economist degree, seems to be the perfect coach to fully embrace the statistical approach:

The first thing Stevens did to prepare for the national title game against Duke in 2010 was call up KenPom.com, an advanced statistical site that Cannon wrote for at one time, to figure out Duke's weaknesses. Stevens trusts what he sees with his eyes but says, "The numbers bear themselves out pretty accurately over the course of time." NBA front offices are filled with numerical experts, a change that's trickled through the league for the past decade. Stevens predicts that college basketball will be seeing a more tangible statistical movement. "I think whenever you publish this article," Stevens said, "it's going to change."

One would think that with John Calipari's innovative thinking and next year's talent-loaded roster—one that will require abundant substitution, score/clock and match up decisions, not to mention keeping players content with their minutes played—it would be the perfect time and place for, if not the Drew Cannon, a Drew Cannon.

The first thing Stevens did to prepare for the national title game against Duke in 2010 was call up KenPom.com, an advanced statistical site that Cannon wrote for at one time, to figure out Duke's weaknesses. Stevens trusts what he sees with his eyes but says, "The numbers bear themselves out pretty accurately over the course of time." NBA front offices are filled with numerical experts, a change that's trickled through the league for the past decade. Stevens predicts that college basketball will be seeing a more tangible statistical movement. "I think whenever you publish this article," Stevens said, "it's going to change."

Are The NCAA's Days Numbered?

Wild Weasel — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:40:03 -0000

New York Times' Greg Bishop takes a look at the tumultuous times of the NCAA and its president, Mark Emmert. A period of intense focus fomented by the organization's actions in the Penn State affair and the botched investigation of Miami University, not to mention prolonged scrutiny of individual athletes such as Shabazz Muhammad and Myck Kabongo. The widespread and roiling criticism led to this comment from a former insider:

“I don’t recall a time when there has been less optimism about the N.C.A.A. and how it operates,” said Josephine Potuto, the former chairwoman of the N.C.A.A.’s Committee on Infractions and a law professor at Nebraska. “Whether that’s on merit, or a confluence of events hitting at the same time, the fact is there’s an overwhelming feeling that everything is wrong.”

Stories You Might Have Missed But Worth Your Time

Wild Weasel — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:37:20 -0000

What with Calipari's Cats attempting to grow into success and play their way off the NCAA bubble and the unexpected explosion of interest in Stoops-era football including the most exciting and relevant NSD in decades, plus the media domination of the Super Bowl, it's entirely likely that you missed a couple of New York Times pieces that should be of interest to Kentuckians.

First it's the NCAA's perhaps number one critic, Joe Nocera. This time he takes aim on not just the bureaucrats in Indianapolis but also raises once again the academic scandal at UNC-Chapel Hill. His focus is former Tar Heel footballer Michael McAdoo (now a member of Baltimore Ravens but not on active roster) who sued the NCAA and UNC to regain his eligibility. McAdoo has some interesting comments on the much maligned African Studies program and its relationship to the UNC athletic department. All in all interesting reading and adds fuel to the now smoldering issue.

Second is a restaurant review with more than a touch of Kentucky lore. My son who resides in Manhattan first told me about The Big Apple's newest eatery and said that it had a Kentucky flair and flavor but he was lost at its name: Maysville. Why Maysville I wondered and couldn't determine why until I read the review—it's the birthplace of Rosemary Clooney who knew and sang about a few food things, or as the reviewer writes:

I worked up a real appetite imagining all those figs and dates and grapes and cakes, not to mention the apple, plum and apricot-a, too. An enchilada with a fish baccala always sounded like a strange but thrilling combination; this would be my chance to find out. And if that was a disappointment, I could rebound with mangoes, papayas — anything my heart desires.

Take the time to read: Maysville In Manhattan.. You'll build up an appetite and have a new feel for The Commonwealth. Oh and, yes, bourbon is covered quite well. I already have reservations for August.

I worked up a real appetite imagining all those figs and dates and grapes and cakes, not to mention the apple, plum and apricot-a, too. An enchilada with a fish baccala always sounded like a strange but thrilling combination; this would be my chance to find out. And if that was a disappointment, I could rebound with mangoes, papayas — anything my heart desires.

Coaching The Millenials

Wild Weasel — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:27:29 -0000

Blame it on the prevalence of social media in their lives. Blame it on overly concerned, overly protective parents. Blame it on whatever reason you can find but coaching today's youth presents certain challenges that didn't confront coaches of a generation ago. ESPN's Outside The Lines plumbs those differences from the perspective of both player and coach. Included are the opportunity to lip read Calipari's comments to Terrence Jones, the inevitable reference to Sean Woods' outburst in the game versus UK and the comments of the irascible and unrelenting Bob Knight.

Slive Talks SEC Expansion, Future, Etc.

Wild Weasel — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 21:27:53 -0000

Mike Slive, SEC commissioner, sits down with USAToday's George Schroeder to discuss the condition of the SEC after the recent addition of Texas A&M and Missouri, the effect of expansion, the demise of the Big East, and the concept of "super conferences". Slives' comments are guarded at best and noncommittal at worst but a good read nevertheless:

Example:

I don't think there's a move toward anything. I think there's a reality but a movement implies some intended purpose. That's not the case at all. Each of us, we are who we are.

Example:

I don't think there's a move toward anything. I think there's a reality but a movement implies some intended purpose. That's not the case at all. Each of us, we are who we are.

Knowing That You Don't Know

Wild Weasel — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:24:07 -0000

It was Donald Rumsfeld who said:

The message is that there are no knowns. There are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say there are things that we now know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know.

When I was reading Glen's posts regarding Wiltjers 3-point shooting and it's impact on Cats, and the lasting effect of UK's "slow" start, and their ensuing comments from fans the Rumsfeld statement came to mind which in turn led to a bit of research (it's amazing the time you have being 74 and retired). That exploration led to this piece from Chris Lee and how it relates to sports fans in general and in the case of ASoB UK fans in particular. Pick any topic regarding college basketball and it is a certitude that we UK fans will think we are more knowledgeable, more experienced, more attuned than anyone, and positively better than the "average" fan. Why many of us know we know more than Calipari and Mitchell.

If you have the time and interest and don't mind sometimes dry reading give it a shot—you might learn that and what you don't know.

It was Donald Rumsfeld who said:

The message is that there are no knowns. There are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say there are things that we now know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know.

If you have the time and interest and don't mind sometimes dry reading give it a shot—you might learn that and what you don't know.

Is The Term "Student-Athlete" An Anachronism?

Wild Weasel — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 01:57:17 -0000

This ESPN article on the intricacies and likely outcome of the the class action lawsuit O'Bannon, et al, versus the NCAA concerning the uncompensated use of photos and likenesses of college athletes points out the tenuous standing of the sports legislative body.

"This whole area of name and likeness and the NCAA is a disaster leading to catastrophe as far as I can tell," wrote [Harvey] Perlman, a former member of the NCAA Board of Directors and law professor specializing in intellectual property. "I'm still trying to figure out by what authority the NCAA licenses these rights to the game makers and others. I looked at what our student athletes sign by way of waiver and it doesn't come close."

One possible outcome would be the establishment of a group, College Student-Athlete Players Association, e.g., that would represent not only current but also former participants as well.

"This whole area of name and likeness and the NCAA is a disaster leading to catastrophe as far as I can tell," wrote [Harvey] Perlman, a former member of the NCAA Board of Directors and law professor specializing in intellectual property. "I'm still trying to figure out by what authority the NCAA licenses these rights to the game makers and others. I looked at what our student athletes sign by way of waiver and it doesn't come close."

One possible outcome would be the establishment of a group, College Student-Athlete Players Association, e.g., that would represent not only current but also former participants as well.

Was The UK Job The Beginning Of The End For Gillispie?

Wild Weasel — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 23:58:22 -0000

Garry Parrish has interviewed eight men who were either players or colleagues of Billy Gillispie in an effort to determine the cause of the apparent and eminent demise of the one time rising star in the coaching ranks and one of the contributing factors seems to be the time following his assuming the position of leading the Wildcats.

Meanwhile Jeff Goodman reports that a decision on Gillispie's future is on hold at Texas Tech as more information is sought by administration.

Clean House In FB Offices

Wild Weasel — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 19:49:51 -0000

Immediately following the debacle that was the 2010 BBVA Compass Bowl game (virtually coachless Pitt 27-UK 10) I stated that not in my memory had I seen a team as unprepared, unmotivated and poorly coached as UK was that day. As a result I vowed not to be further flummoxed and bamboozled by rosy predictions, thus would not comment on UK FB until after 2011's 3rd game (UL) at the earliest. Team looked no better prepared in early games so I continued to neither watch, listen or read about UK FB other than a box score scan. I did relent for a one-word huzzah here after the streak-ending win over Vols but returned to my no-comment status (other than posting links) until now. However this will be a one-time event and any further comments will come only after the UK administration cleans house in the football office. In reaching this conclusion I did considerable research with videos, statistics, media coverage including blogs, but mostly it was just a coming to accept the obvious after posing to myself several questions: How many times could I say with honesty that UK played as a well-coached team? How many times over the seasons were the same discrepancies and deficiencies cited — poor tackling, failure to find the ball on defense, lining up in wrong position and formation, delay of game penalties due to poor communication, dropped passes and turnovers, missed assignments, penalties in crucial situations, overall poor player technique, and the list goes on. Some of those are always present even in well-coached teams but no team that hopes to be competitive, not to mention entertaining, can have them continually. One is tempted to lay blame for those shortcomings to being bested athletically but it just doesn't fly. Much of the athletic disparity can be countered with planning and execution and that comes from coaching.

Before addressing UK's coaching staff I think it is imperative to assess expectations. Surely we can all agree that UK is and will most likely remain a "basketball school" with all the consequences that that reality brings. Some might say and hope that it can be both but the facts say otherwise. Being both a football and basketball power is virtually impossible even for those schools with the sufficient resources, demographics, fan support, etc. Proof lies in the fact that since in the 15 years since the BCS came along in 1998 only 13 schools have managed to play in at least in one BCS bowl game and one basketball Elite Eight and 9 of those 13 have only done it once and you can credit conference tie-ins rather than worthiness for some of those (I cannot absolutely guarantee the numbers are exact but close enough to prove the point). 15 years and 240 opportunities yet only 13 qualify. So expecting UK to be a power in both endeavors, forget it. Thus don't envisage UK challenging perennial pigskin powers just as their fans shouldn't contemplate regularly challenging UK for championships on the hardwood. So what should be the Blue goal? Recruit the best athletes possible considering the program's place in the hierarchy, provide them with the best facilities that reasonably fits with the University's mission, but most of all provide them with the best teaching, motivation, innovation, leadership, i.e. coaching as possible.

Now for the coaches. It would be highly presumptuous of me to rate individual professionals in a field in which I know a minimal amount and men who I've never met or observed except on the sidelines. But there are some items that contribute to measurement and one is age. The average age of the 10 members of UK's staff (graduate assistants excluded) is 50 with 4 being in their mid-50's. Now as a septuagenarian I know that 50 isn't, especially in today's world, old but neither is it young in the football environment. When I reviewed the staff one of my first questions was, where are the up and coming, career-building 30-year olds? Shouldn't a SEC program with hopes for growth be a draw for bright young aspiring coaches to spend a couple years? From past experience I would surmise that one of the reasons is that those young men have heard and maybe know that they're not going to receive the training and leadership they deserve. Another thing that jumps off the page of staff resumes is that with a rare exception or two none have past experience with an elite program. People learn winning ways and understand striving for excellence by being exposed to it on a daily basis. Conversely folks also learn to accept mediocrity and tend to settle for it as time passes. Hence it appears to me from the data available and from the quality of team put on the field that UK's staff is filled with coaches on the down side of their careers and without the requisite backgrounds to provide players with the knowledge and enthusiasm to succeed in a sport where they're almost always going to be less physically talented. Addressing the situation will not be without pain, challenge, significant uncertainty and adventure but not addressing it will lead to more seasons of discontent and disappointment. I'm one fan who would applaud such a venture and I expect there many more.

Gillispie Faces Mutiny; Hospitalized

Wild Weasel — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 17:06:59 -0000

The bad news continues for Billy Gillispie. ESPN reports that a number of Texas Tech players have met with AD Kirby Hocutt to protest the program's environment and practice procedures. Later the Tech athletic department announced that the second-year coach had today (Friday) been hospitalized for unknown causes. The players complaints are quite familiar to those of us in BBN:

"Good coach, teacher and mentor, but he's not the most personable person, not the coach you can go and talk to. He breaks you down. But he doesn't build you back up. It's hard to play for him when that happens every day. You feel like you're getting torn down and you can't get back up.''

As one who vocally and otherwise supported the hiring of Gillispie at UK I am depressed with his virtual destruction as a coach and even more so as a person, but hopeful that he gains control of his personal demons. As a UK fan and alum however I must admit to the relief that the Gillispie era and error is in our past.

"Good coach, teacher and mentor, but he's not the most personable person, not the coach you can go and talk to. He breaks you down. But he doesn't build you back up. It's hard to play for him when that happens every day. You feel like you're getting torn down and you can't get back up.''

Irish Sportscaster: Hilarious

Wild Weasel — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:21:15 -0000

Irish Sportscaster: Hilarious

Commentary on Olympic sailing. Only at the end do you ... oh well, you have to watch.

Lardo & Burley: The Moron Brothers

Wild Weasel — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 15:13:14 -0000

Lardo & Burley: The Moron Brothers

Must say that I'm ambivalent. Light hearted, entertaining but confirms the KY perception held by many. Over a million views, so what does that say?

US Army Gettin' It On In Afghanistan

Wild Weasel — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:23:39 -0000

US Army Gettin' It On In Afghanistan

Brings back memories of what it was like to be young and at war... not all bad.

Pete Thamel On Johnathan Hargett

Wild Weasel — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 21:32:04 -0000

It's all too familiar story: local basketball legend's life morphs from what could have been to the tragic what really is. Earlier I posted the story of Lenny Cooke who was a contemporary of LeBron James and once was ranked higher than King James, but through the capriciousness of life compounded by poor decisions ended up incarcerated. Now comes NYT's Pete Thamel with a similar but perhaps more calamitous end, ""What happened to Jonathan Hargett?"

Amar’e Stoudemire, a high school teammate, has called Hargett the best player he has played with at any level. Carmelo Anthony, a summer league teammate when both were in high school, vividly recalls Hargett, a frenetic 5-foot-11 guard with a 44-inch vertical leap and skills that evoked comparisons to Allen Iverson

Who Is That Handsome Young Dude?

Wild Weasel — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 18:34:43 -0000

Who Is That Handsome Young Dude?

A blast from the past.

For Missouri UK Replaces KU

Wild Weasel — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 00:10:15 -0000

Kentucky has the Applachian, Missouri has the Ozarks. Kentucky has hillbillies, Missouri has hillbillies. Kentucky is often looked down upon, Missouri knows the feeling. UK dominates basketball in the SEC, Missouri knows what it's like to be dominated by a program with a U and a K. Missouri is looking to replace its most hated rival KU and UK might just fill the bill. My KU alum son sent me this Kansas City Star piece on Missouri in the SEC and parallels to UK including names like Adolph, Phog, Joe B. and even Matt Jones.

Vandy Beats Cats, Et Al, For GA 4* DL

Wild Weasel — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 21:50:30 -0000

Vandy Beats Cats, Et Al, For GA 4* DL

Scout.com reporting that Jay Woods has committed to 'Dores passing up offers from UK, UGA, GT, Arkansas, Clemson, et al. Gotta hand it to James Franklin he has moved Nashville up to destination of choice for some top athletes.

Volleyball: First Cats Out Of The Gate

Wild Weasel — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:35:34 -0000

Volleyball: First Cats Out Of The Gate

Not long to wait to cheer for the Blue — UK's nationally ranked VB opens 8/17 vs Coastal Carolina. Coach Skinner's Cats #13 nationally and highest-rated in SEC.

2015 Big Has Cats' Interest

Wild Weasel — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:04:52 -0000

2015 Big Has Cats' Interest

For those who keep track of such things you might want to add the name Cheick Diallo to your list. 6-10 youngster had a great summer thus garnering a number of offers already.

2014 NBA Draft ... 2014?

Wild Weasel — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:30:44 -0000

2014 NBA Draft ... 2014?

Wouldn't normally pay attention but the rise of Willie Cauley-Stein (#19) was eye-catching. Possible Cats (Wiggins, Harrisons, Randle) ranked higher.

Pressure Mounts On UNC And NCAA

Wild Weasel — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:20:34 -0000

Remember during the Penn State penalty announcement how it was opined here and other places that the NCAA was setting a precedent that might be difficult to follow, that Mark Emmert and Executive Committee were loosing the genie, and that Pandora's box was now open? Well all those appear to be true as pressure mounts on the school in Chapel Hill and the NCAA to take action in the alleged academic fraud case. The Charlotte Observer has led the mining of information and their most recent efforts led to the apparent and unintentional posting of the transcript of former Tarheel footballer Julius Peppers and the lack of effort of the University in investigating allegations.

Now comes The Sporting News saying that Emmert and NCAA must follow their PSU precedent and punish UNC.

Justice is the means by which established injustices are sanctioned” - Anatole France

Now comes The Sporting News saying that Emmert and NCAA must follow their PSU precedent and punish UNC.

Justice is the means by which established injustices are sanctioned” - Anatole France

This additional and most recent commentary from CBSSports Greg Doyel:

It's time for the NCAA to start digging. In the meantime, North Carolina should get a head start on some of its own chores.

For starters? There are some banners at the Smith Center that need to come down.

A Better 'Brow'

Wild Weasel — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:33:33 -0000

A Better 'Brow'

Kobe's Facebook: Ad's Brow bested by Armenian wrestler.

Dana O'Neil Channels John Chaney

Wild Weasel — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 22:10:35 -0000

ESPN's Dana O'Neil comments on the athletics-academics conundrum that has vexed the NCAA forever, even preceding its establishment. In doing so she cites John Chaney — not the killing John Calipari part but the loud railing that test scores were not the total measurement of a student-athlete's potential. She also adduces the example of Villanova's Randy Foye to justify her conclusion that progress has been made and the current APR is the best institutional measure to date.

Ironically on the same day Villanova assistant Doug Martin resigns because of inaccuracies on his resume. So the conundrum continues. Ah, the human frailty of it all.

Dan Roundfield Passes

Wild Weasel — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:39:14 -0000

Dan Roundfield Passes

NBA All-Star in the 70's Dan Roundfield drowned saving his wife. Roundfield played for Central Michigan and faced UK in '75 Sweet Sixteen.

Orlando's New Contract

Wild Weasel — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:24:28 -0000

Well this should draw some interest and commentary, perhaps not as much as the Calipari-Izzo comparison, but since it too is based primarily on opinion affords much opportunity.

Joan Niesen of Fox Sports North provides the details and makes her own judgment:

What's most interesting, though, are Smith's bonuses. They're greater than even Kentucky's John Calipari's, and for a reason. Such bonuses should be weighted in terms of their likelihood, and Calipari poses a strong threat to earn them. Smith, at least in the near term, is a longer shot, and the contract represents an implicit statement that the university is willing to pay through the nose for success if it's possible. Smith hasn't necessarily earned a guaranteed pay raise, but he has warranted the chance to make big money if he can take his team farther than he yet has since he came to Minnesota.

Well this should draw some interest and commentary, perhaps not as much as the Calipari-Izzo comparison, but since it too is based primarily on opinion affords much opportunity.

Joan Niesen of Fox Sports North provides the details and makes her own judgment:

What's most interesting, though, are Smith's bonuses. They're greater than even Kentucky's John Calipari's, and for a reason. Such bonuses should be weighted in terms of their likelihood, and Calipari poses a strong threat to earn them. Smith, at least in the near term, is a longer shot, and the contract represents an implicit statement that the university is willing to pay through the nose for success if it's possible. Smith hasn't necessarily earned a guaranteed pay raise, but he has warranted the chance to make big money if he can take his team farther than he yet has since he came to Minnesota.

Cards Loss, 'Dores Gain

Wild Weasel — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:11:05 -0000

Cards Loss, 'Dores Gain

Ryan White, a rare KY 4* FB player, decommits from UL for Vandy. UK never in consideration. Hmmm.

Academic Fraud Plot Thickens At Chapel Hill

Wild Weasel — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:46:33 -0000

Charlotte News Observer reports that UNC faculty is calling for an independent panel to look into the alleged academic fraud allegations at the Chapel Hill campus. More interesting is the broader concern — especially in light of the situation at Penn State — of the out-of-kilter relationship between academics and athletics.

“The piecemeal statements of the university in response to each new report ends up being imperfect, because none deals comprehensively with the larger issues, nor has the time been taken to confront constructively and proactively the systemic issues around athletics and academics,” the report said.