SBNation.com User Blog: memphis wildcat

It Was NOT a Shot Clock Violation

memphis wildcat — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:27:40 -0000

It is obviously Noel's shot last night....

Based on the replay found here: http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=330100238

it was not a violation.

My point:

When the shot clock goes from 02 to 01 seconds - at that instant - there is 01.9 seconds left. therefore, when the shot clock goes from 01 to 00, there is still some time left on the shot clock.

Given Vandy does not have decimals on the shot clock, it looks like it a violation. However, if you look at the game clock (yes coach knight, that is a game clock), you can see that when the shot clock goes to zero, there is 18.3 seconds left in the game -which means Noel needs to get the shot off by 17.3.

It leaves his hand by 17.8 - at the latest - hence NO shot clock violation.

It is obviously Noel's shot last night....

Based on the replay found here: http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=330100238

it was not a violation.

My point:

When the shot clock goes from 02 to 01 seconds - at that instant - there is 01.9 seconds left. therefore, when the shot clock goes from 01 to 00, there is still some time left on the shot clock.

It leaves his hand by 17.8 - at the latest - hence NO shot clock violation.

Shabazz Muhammad declared ineligible

memphis wildcat — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 12:56:17 -0000

Link here.

I saw this news scroll during the game last night but did not see any comments. Sorry of I missed them

It looks like he will miss a few games. I wonder if Sandy Bell got involved and helped cal assess the situation so that he could focus elsewhere.. Maybe I am giving her too much credit, but I do believe some of the minor violations that occurred while Cal was in Memphis would not have occurred on her watch.

It is also interesting to see that it looks like UCLA's response was not timely. I have to believe UK's response to inquiries around Noel was timely and helped clear up matters quickly.

Link here.

I saw this news scroll during the game last night but did not see any comments. Sorry of I missed them

It is also interesting to see that it looks like UCLA's response was not timely. I have to believe UK's response to inquiries around Noel was timely and helped clear up matters quickly.

Why I Am Not Worried - Part 3

memphis wildcat — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:48:48 -0000

Call me neurotic or paranoid, but as a forty+ year fan, I have seen my share of "can't miss" NCs evaporate. There are 3 experiences that keep me concerned - but in the end, just do not worry me about this team.

1) the 1984 Semifinal in Seattle vs GT - UK dominates 1H and then comes out and goes 1 for 9 (or something like that). Cold shooting could always rear its ugly head, but I have to believe we have too many scorers for the entire team to go blank

2) 2003 - Our road to NO is derailed by Dwayne Wade - Of course, the Boggins injury hurt and so far - knock on wood - we have avoided the injury bug. Even with an injury tonight, I do not believe one player will beat us - nor will losing one player cause us to lose. of course, i do not want to test my theory...

3) 2010 - WVA winning in the regional final due to hot shooting and a zone. Several things. one, i don't see us giving up that many 3's in a half. two, our freshmen this year seem more mature and not as likely to let the refs get to them (i still say we could have won had cousins, etal not complained about how they were being ridden like a rodeo horse) and we have some upperclassmen to settle the team down. Three, after 3 years of seeing all types of zones, I believe Cal knows what to do against each one of them - more importantly, Miller has been with Cal every step of the way. Of course a triangle and 2 could be a new look - but still, i believe we have too many weapons.

FT shooting, not being able to shoot in a dome, foul trouble, etc all could rear their head. But I am not worried - concerned perhaps in how the team responds, but not worried.

Thanks for listening/reading - now to try and get some work done (ha!)

FT shooting, not being able to shoot in a dome, foul trouble, etc all could rear their head. But I am not worried - concerned perhaps in how the team responds, but not worried.

Thanks for listening/reading - now to try and get some work done (ha!)

Why I'm Not Worried - Part 2

memphis wildcat — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 03:07:22 -0000

as with any lose and go home format (i figured one and done format might conjure up other thoughts) there is reason to be concern. one of the concerns that i stated earlier (that there might be pressure on the players to beat a die hard rival) was lessened as i realized the rivalry was between fans NOT the players. As if to drive that thought home, it appears the UK and UL players are friends in some cases. See:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/kentucky-louisville-players-rivals-court-close-friends-off-225630230.html

Hat tip: http://kybasketball.blogspot.com/

Doron Lamb went to dinner in NOLA with Russ Smith

Siva used to spend the night at TJ's house after AAU games

AD and Blackshear are "close as brothers"

To me there is only one conclusion: All the rivalry pressure is on the fans and not the players. Don't get me wrong, the players are pushing to beat their friends but I believe that is a positive motivation, not a negative one.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/kentucky-louisville-players-rivals-court-close-friends-off-225630230.html

Hat tip: http://kybasketball.blogspot.com/

Doron Lamb went to dinner in NOLA with Russ Smith

Siva used to spend the night at TJ's house after AAU games

AD and Blackshear are "close as brothers"

Why I Am Not Worried...Sort of...

memphis wildcat — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:48:10 -0000

With all the hype around the UK-UL game, I have to admit to being concerned that the rivalry nature of the game puts more pressure on the players. However, I am quickly realizing that the rivalry is for the fans not the players.

Over on KSR, they reposted an interview at last year's MCD AA game with a couple of kids going to UL and our incoming freshmen (Kyle and MKG join toward the end). Although they talk "smack" with each other, it is clear, off the court, they are friends. To me, that will result in "good" pressure (wanting to have bragging rights with a friend) rather than "bad" pressure (fear of losing to a "hated" rival).

Enjoy (hat tip KSR) :
http://kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=109242#comment-1628829

Teaser: Teague makes an interesting prediction on this season...Anthony Davis shows he knows the recent history of UL in the NCAA tournament....

Now, onto finding other reasons to worry.....

Enjoy (hat tip KSR) :
http://kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=109242#comment-1628829

Teaser: Teague makes an interesting prediction on this season...Anthony Davis shows he knows the recent history of UL in the NCAA tournament....

Now, onto finding other reasons to worry.....

How Does a Number One Ranked Team Have a Must Win?

memphis wildcat — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:19:49 -0000

I know it sounds absurd at this point of the season - and I do not want to sound like the UK fan who can never be happy - but I do believe the next few weeks have what could be must wins - especially if UK wants a number one seed.

Follow me after the jump....

To get the number one seed - or at least one of the #1 seeds - in the NCAA tournament, I would argue that UK needs to:

1) Win all home games - or at least all but one

2) Win 1 or 2 of the following away games - @ Vandy, @ Florida and @ MSU

3) Take care of business vs Ole Miss and on Senior Day (vs UGA)

4) Make it to the finals of the SEC Tournament - perhaps win it if any of the above are not accomplished.

With that as my premise, i would argue that UK needs at least a split over the next 2 games. Given Memorial is a tough place to play, winning tonight does not mean UK can relax Saturday at Vandy BUT a loss tonight would mean even more pressure on a young team heading into a very tough environment. So - tonight is a "must win" if UK is to avoid a real pressure cooker on Saturday.

I would also add that given UK's easy SEC schedule so far, a win tonight will go along way to keeping the "haters" at bay. Should they lose, at home, in their first big SEC test, then you can bet the "miserables" will be out in full force saying everything up to today is fool's gold (I don't think it was, but just saying).

Saturday, becomes a must win if UK wants some breathing room on the road at MSU and Florida. Again, if they win Saturday, the pressure will not be as great but if they lose, then I do believe there will be pressure to show they can beat a top 20 team on the road - and not just at a neutral site.

I guess the bottom line is that if you want a #1 seed - and Cal is clear that is his goal - then you have to win alot of games. You do not have to win them all, but you do have to win a large number, therefore making almost all your games "must-win." So, tonight is a "must-win" only in the sense that if they lose, then they will create truer "must-wins" down the road - all IMHO.....

Jarnell Stokes to play in the spring??

memphis wildcat — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:00:20 -0000

How many scholarships is UK using? Commercial Appeal acting like we are full. Could he be a mid-season add?

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/dec/04/stokes-may-be-at-college-soon/

Stokes transferred schools over the summer and was ruled ineligible. Because he is an honor student and ahead in school, he is in a position to play this spring.

I found this interesting:

Willie Stokes, Jarnell's father, said four of the six schools his son is considering -- Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida and Tennessee -- have athletic scholarships available for him in January.

The other two schools are Memphis and UK. Memphis is full. I thought UK had an open scholarship but the article acts like not - whats the deal? I thought we were below 13 scholarships.

I know Cal would like to have Stokes for the 2012 class, but would take him now?

Missouri to be number 14

memphis wildcat — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 02:27:33 -0000

gary parrish said on his show here in memphis that the birmingham news is reporting that mizzou will be number 14 in the sec. auburn would move to the east with TAM and Mizzou joining the SEC West.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110920/NEWS/110929975/1291?Title=Reports-SEC-invites-Missouri-to-join-league

is a link to a story on the news from a paper in alabama. some have expected this result and it looks like it is coming to pass

gary parrish said on his show here in memphis that the birmingham news is reporting that mizzou will be number 14 in the sec. auburn would move to the east with TAM and Mizzou joining the SEC West.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110920/NEWS/110929975/1291?Title=Reports-SEC-invites-Missouri-to-join-league

is a link to a story on the news from a paper in alabama. some have expected this result and it looks like it is coming to pass

Add Hypocrite to List of Bobby Knight Adjectives.....

memphis wildcat — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:51:46 -0000

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2011/03/bob-knight-ohio-state-jim-tressel-ncaa-violation/1

Bobby supports Tressel as a good guy. I do like the conclusion of the article....

Hard to believe this is the same guy that criticized John Calipari more than a year ago for the current Kentucky coach's problems at Massachusetts and Memphis.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2011/03/bob-knight-ohio-state-jim-tressel-ncaa-violation/1

Bobby supports Tressel as a good guy. I do like the conclusion of the article....

Hard to believe this is the same guy that criticized John Calipari more than a year ago for the current Kentucky coach's problems at Massachusetts and Memphis.

I guess I should just present this article without comment but I cannot help myself. I hope someone really calls Bobby on this position - but they won't

The Math - Final Edition of the Regular Season

memphis wildcat — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 01:06:03 -0000

After the Ole Miss loss and then again within a week, I posted some what ifs on the math after those loses. Even though some of us felt the season was over, the bottom line was that if we won out, we could still be the number 2 seed next week. We did not win out, but as Vandy and UGA lost the math is simple on becoming the #2 seed -- follow me after the jump....

Just Win!! :)

The Math Part Two?: UK Fans Are Spoiled

memphis wildcat — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 14:15:00 -0000

I hate losing as much as anyone. The Florida loss would not hurt as much if it was not right after the Ole Miss game. However, it is only the first time since Cal has been here that we have lost 2 in a row. How quickly we forget how lucky we have been over the last season and a half. In addition, I can think of 5 games last year where the result could have quickly gone the other way. It did not, but you have to admit that last year, the last second shot went our way and this year (so far) it has not.

The list of the 5 games that could have gone against us in the last 10 seconds from last year are after the jump - Can you recall them before you cross the jump?

The games last year that could have gone against us:

#1 - John Wall's first game versus Miami of Ohio. He drives the length of the court to hit a shot and win it regulation

#2 - Versus Stanford in Cancun. John Wall hits a shot with 30 seconds left and then 2 free throws with under 5 seconds to send it to overtime

#3 - John Wall blocks a shot with under 10 seconds (I think) to seal the win at Vanderbilt

#4 - We need OT to dismiss Miss State @ Starkville

#5 - We need OT to dismiss Miss State @ SECT: We tie it in regulation after an intentionally missed free throw, getting the rebound, and hitting the shot.

So what's my point? You can certainly argue that last year's team was better than this year's team, but I do not believe it is that easy. Although I am a big believer that you create your own luck through hard work, you have to say that last year, the last second bounces went our way and this year they have not (sort of like the takeaway ratio in football). Also, only 2 of the above took place on away courts. So far this year, our team has only been asked to make heroic shots on away courts. Again, this team has put itself in that position, but it is hard to say what last year's team would have done if all the above at been at away venues.

Ultimately, my point is that I hate losing, but I have to admit after last year's heroics, I have become spoiled - expecting us to win every close game. I realize we have not won one this year - but last year we won them all. Perhaps it is a reversion to the mean......

Behind the Eight Ball: The Math of the Loss at Ole Miss

memphis wildcat — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 04:15:30 -0000

Although usually a glass half full guy, the loss tonight really puts our team in a tough spot. In fact, there is little room for error. The good news - I guess - is that what happened to us can happen to anyone so that some of the scenarios may not unfold as one would expect. Anyway, I go through some back of the envelope math of the loss after the jump - math that is not all that encouraging given the rest of our SEC schedule.

Here is the summary of my thoughts:

1) RPI impact not that big a deal (I don't think)

2) Looks to be a bad loss unless Ole Miss builds on the win

3) Getting to 10 wins in SEC will not require a sweep of UT, Vandy, or Florida - unless we lose at Arkansas or at home vs Miss State or USC

4) Getting a first day bye in the SEC Tournament may require us winning out.

Here is the summary of my thoughts:

1) RPI impact not that big a deal (I don't think)

2) Looks to be a bad loss unless Ole Miss builds on the win

3) Getting to 10 wins in SEC will not require a sweep of UT, Vandy, or Florida - unless we lose at Arkansas or at home vs Miss State or USC

4) Getting a first day bye in the SEC Tournament may require us winning out.

First, the RPI. Given a road loss is -0.6, it is not as bad as a home loss. Just last week, Memphis lost to a bad Marshall team on the road and was flat to slightly up in the RPI. Yes, I know Memphis started with a worse RPI and it depends on what the teams around you in the RPI do, but the RPI is not where the math gets us, in my opinion.

Second, when looking at the NCAA Selection Committee's Nitty Gritty, this will more than likely rank as a bad loss. However, if this Ole Miss team can show up some the rest of the season, perhaps it will not end the year being as bad as it looks now. I guess Hotty Totty for the rest of the season.

Third, getting to 10 wins in SEC play. The remaining SEC schedule is mush tougher than the first 7 games - 2 versus UT, Vandy and Florida; Miss State and USC at home; A visit to Arkansas. With 3 losses, that means we have to split with UT/Vandy/Florida AND win ALL the remaining games with the SEC West teams. From easiest to hardest that would be USC, Miss State and @ Arkansas. Lose one of the SEC West games and we have to sweep one of the 3 top SEC East teams - top 3 other than us. It what is supposedly a down SEC, I would think a minimum of 10 wins in league play will be necessary to get a decent seed in the NCAA (I would say "and/or" make it, but with a 68 team field, UK will make it - barring a major meltdown from here).

Finally, as tough as getting to 10 wins will be, getting a first day bye in the SEC Tournament will be even tougher. We may want to tell ourselves a bye is not important, but with a 6 man rotation, I believe wining a bye is imperative to being in a position to make the finals of the SEC. Assuming UT and Florida win the games they are suppose to win (and in the SEC that is not a sure assumption), then I believe we could well have to win out to get a bye. The reason I say that is it would insure we carry a tie breaker against either team. Given the way things go in the SEC, we could probably lose 1, but if we lose 2 then we need all kinds of help to get the second bye.

I do not believe this loss at Ole Miss is like the one 2 years ago (which I believe marked the true beginning of the final act in the BCG show), but it does put us behind the eight ball given a difficult 2nd half + 1 game end to league play.

Does Memphis' Record This Year Prove Cal is a Great Coach?

memphis wildcat — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 19:08:05 -0000

I have been traveling a lot since the beginning of the year, but the Memphis Tiger fans are quickly becoming frustrated with Josh Pastner, the coach that took over at Memphis. The honeymoon is clearly over - it is so bad that fans are questioning if the fact that he does NOT cuss is an indication that he is a bad coach...The bottom line is that watching Cal at UK the last 2 years versus what has happened at Memphis has greatly raised my opinion of him as a coach.

More after the jump, but the paper and airwaves are in full meltdown over the Tiger program...

Coach Pastner was given a pass last year because Cal "stole" the Memphis's recruits. However, the incoming class this year was arguably a top 5 class and a return to the promised land (NCAA tournament and possibly FInal Four - with one player guaranteeing a NC) was "clearly" at hand. The premise apparently has been since Cal simply "rolled the ball onto the court" and let his recruits play, then Josh could do it. This year's Memphis team makes UK's Team Turmoil of the early 00's look like smooth sailing.

I do not wish ill on the Memphis fans, but they are beginning to understand how much Cal did coach - and I must admit that my respect for Cal's coaching ability has increased tremendously watching at UK versus his years at Memphis and now the last 2 years at Memphis without him.

Of course, Geoff Caukins - who blasted Pastner last week - is now trying to defend him by saying that if he simply had the same players as Cal, that he would be winning (of course, he seems to forget the freshman class at memphis came in with players as highly taunted as those Cal had). He also absurdly says after all Brown at Texas and Williams at UNC are having off years so it can happen to the best of coaches - Caukins should at least wait until Pastner wins something before comparing him to legends.....

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/jan/14/its-too-early-to-say-pastner-is-the-problem/?partner=popular

One more thing - it might be beyond the scope of this post, but Cal was heavily criticized for not taking/recruiting Memphis high school kids. Cal had to be careful what he said, but the implication was that between the lack of on court coaching and the off court distractions, it was not worth it. Pastner took a couple of kids from Memphis - some very highly rated - and what we are seeing happen with this freshman class at Memphis could be somewhat of a vindication of Cal's lack of attention to Memphis talent. One year does not prove anything, but it is worth watching...

Pearl Apology Turns Out to be BS....

memphis wildcat — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:43:44 -0000

Sorry if I missed this story in one of the threads, but it appears the reason Pearl confessed lying to the NCAA was that they had a picture in their possession that shows recruits at his house during an unofficial visit. Originally, he lied about it but then fessed up...Some quotes from the below article after the jump

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/sep/16/actions-by-pearl-give-lie-to-sincerity-of-recent/

Those who were inclined to roll their eyes at Pearl's tearful apology last Friday surely found satisfaction in the revelation earlier this week that an incriminating picture -- not his "conscience," as he initially claimed -- compelled him to tell the truth about recruiting violations after initially misleading NCAA investigators.

and on the self imposed penalties:

It's a significant penalty to self-impose, no doubt.

But by not implementing the sanctions until Sept. 24, Tennessee's punishment appears disingenuous, perhaps giving the NCAA additional fodder for a hard whack once all the allegations are put on paper.

Sept. 24, after all, was not picked out of thin air. If Tennessee really wanted to show seriousness about its penalty, it would have pulled the coaches off the road immediately after receiving the letter of inquiry. Instead, athletic director Mike Hamilton gave his coaches two weeks to save their 2011 recruiting efforts and lay the groundwork for 2012 prospects.

Enjoy....

Odds of winning Ole Miss game just went up...NCAA gets something right?

memphis wildcat — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:16:22 -0000

I am not sure if it is enough to make us favorites, especially since the game is in Oxford, but Masoli was just ruled ineligble by the NCAA:
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/aug/31/ncaa-rules-rebels-quarterback-masoli-ineligible-ol/

Also, one of their projected starters on the DL has been found to have an irregular heartbeat - which you hate to hear. More after the jump....

On the Masoli issue, recall he was the Heisman candidate that lead Oregon to the Rose Bowl, but was kicked off the team for breaking and entering. He graduated and enrolled at Ole Miss's graduate program - seeking a waiver to play his last year because Oregon does not have a Parks and Recreation Masters Degree.

My cynicism lead me to believe that him being found eligible was a given. However, (and it pains me to say it), I agree with Geoff Calkins that the NCAA got it right.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/sep/01/ncaa-got-it-right-now-masoli-has-chance-too/

The key quote - which summarizes the event in a way I did not fully appreciate - is

So Nutt and Ole Miss athletics director Pete Boone can feign outrage on behalf of their stained mercenary. They can assemble elaborate legal arguments to explain why the NCAA's decision is inconsistent with precedent blah blah blah.

But, c'mon, really? To review:

1. Masoli couldn't play at Oregon until 2011 because he screwed up.

2. He screwed up again after that.

3. So now he should be allowed to play at Ole Miss in 2010??

Of course he shouldn't be allowed to play.

He does take a shot at Memphis Basketball not Cal directly in the next few sentences - so I guess that is progress (not calling out Cal by name being the progress).

Anyway, Ole Miss's prospects just took a hit...

POLL: How Many Games Does the UK Football Team Win?

memphis wildcat — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:44:56 -0000

Last year, I posted the same poll. My introduction is the same - especially for the Ole Miss fans:

Living in the heart of SEC country, there is clearly some football in the air. As usual, most ole miss fans believe their team will go 9-3 - they ALWAYS do, but may get it right this year! The Alabama fans have their swagger back and the UT fans - well, they are still obnoxious. The Arkansas fans are looking for some direction and the Miss State bulldogs are still lost. The Florida fans are quietly confident - understandably so. The LSU fans and UGA fans are hopeful. Not sure about Auburn fans. Even the Vandy fans are excited. Now this is based on all the fans in Memphis (and yes, my son came home yesterday and even said there was a South Carolina fan at his school!) - so we have it ALL in Memphis.

So - what say you - How many wins will we get?

Last year, I posted the same poll. My introduction is the same - especially for the Ole Miss fans:

Living in the heart of SEC country, there is clearly some football in the air. As usual, most ole miss fans believe their team will go 9-3 - they ALWAYS do, but may get it right this year! The Alabama fans have their swagger back and the UT fans - well, they are still obnoxious. The Arkansas fans are looking for some direction and the Miss State bulldogs are still lost. The Florida fans are quietly confident - understandably so. The LSU fans and UGA fans are hopeful. Not sure about Auburn fans. Even the Vandy fans are excited. Now this is based on all the fans in Memphis (and yes, my son came home yesterday and even said there was a South Carolina fan at his school!) - so we have it ALL in Memphis.

So - what say you - How many wins will we get?

Poll

How many wins will UK Football get?

4 or less - Not so sure about this coach in waiting thing

0 votes

5 - we are better than our record, but NONE of the breaks go our way

1 votes

6 - We go bowling for a 5th year but......

8 votes

7 - If the record includes a win in the last game of the season and we get a good bowl, then Operation Win gets a passing grade the first year

19 votes

8 - Joker should have been made head coach when he was made coach in waiting

17 votes

9 - Basketball season started? When?

6 votes

10 or more - Could we be headed for 14 games this season? Cal who? Joker is King

3 votes

54 votes | Poll has closed

Barton Appeal Denied: Calkins Blames Cal

memphis wildcat — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:09:16 -0000

I guess I have become a full blown Cal apologist. Will Barton - a great kid on all accounts - will not be allowed to play because he took 2 months longer than the required 8 semesters to graduate HS. The rule is the rule and Barton got some bad advice somewhere. To me that is partly Memphis' fault as once he committed (and he committed early) they should have worked with him.

However, Calkins has this nugget buried in the article (http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/aug/08/ncaa-blows-the-call-on-this-tiger-player/):

Tell me: If you were on an NCAA committee, and a player asked for a waiver, wouldn't you find it easier to say "no" if you knew the player was headed for Memphis?

"I don't believe that," said Pastner, but what was he going to say? That he's suffering because of the sins of John Calipari, because Memphis used to be the academic Wild West? Or that the whole system is bogus, starting with the rule that forces kids like Barton to go to college in the first place?

However, Calkins has this nugget buried in the article (http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/aug/08/ncaa-blows-the-call-on-this-tiger-player/):

Tell me: If you were on an NCAA committee, and a player asked for a waiver, wouldn't you find it easier to say "no" if you knew the player was headed for Memphis?

"I don't believe that," said Pastner, but what was he going to say? That he's suffering because of the sins of John Calipari, because Memphis used to be the academic Wild West? Or that the whole system is bogus, starting with the rule that forces kids like Barton to go to college in the first place?

Got to admire Barton for taking some personal responsibility (he admits not taking care of business in his early years).

Most importantly, Calkins forgets Cal had great APR scores while at Memphis. Not sure why I keep reading him. Guess I ought to cancel my Memphis Commercal Appeal subscription and get one to the Chicago Sun-Times.....

UK Threatens Chicago Sun-Times with Lawsuit

memphis wildcat — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 04:07:21 -0000

Earlier today, the chicago sun-times published an article claiming UK had bought 2012 recruit Davis for $200,000. The guys over at Kentuckysportsradio.com are all over it. Normally, i would not post a link to another site, but this story is getting big, fast. it is quite unbelieveable and i would have to say the paper was acting worse than a blog...

Here is the letter UK's lawyer's sent... http://kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=57533

It goes without saying, but hat tip to kentuckysportsradio.

Here is the letter UK's lawyer's sent... http://kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=57533

It goes without saying, but hat tip to kentuckysportsradio.

Cuz Rookie of the Month - Wall MVP of Summer League

memphis wildcat — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:43:08 -0000

Here is the story:
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2010/07/18/wall-leads-all-tournament-team/

A little more after the jump....

Here is the story:
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2010/07/18/wall-leads-all-tournament-team/

A little more after the jump....

Wall did not play in the last game and Cuz's last two games were not double doubles. Clearly the impression was made early in the week.

The Clippers also lost on the last day.

I guess the summary is:

Started slow with Orton

PPAT came on strong

Things errupted with Wall and Cuz - and Bledsoe proved he belonged.

Then things seemed to end with a whimper.

Never thought I would enjoy a rookie NBA league, but have to admit I enjoyed the last week or so. I hope everyone got to see some highlights. Clearly, we are going to be seeing some Wildcats making serious contributions. Although UK has had some key contributors in the past - and a star or two along the way - I believe the next 5 to 10 years of the NBA will be dominated by UK players like no other time in the past.....

Cousins Gets a Triple Double....

memphis wildcat — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:11:42 -0000

But, alas, the 3rd double was 10 fouls. Cousins actually went 0-10 from the field in the 1H but then came back (1 pt and 8 rebounds in 1H) and had 16 pt and 12 rebounds (and fouled out with 10 fouls). Interestingly, Cousins posted up against Joey Dorsey, the former Memphis Tiger that was the 5 when the Tigers lost to KU in the finals. Box Score here: http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100716/TORSAC/gameinfo.html

Wall probably took the lead as the best player in the summer league last night (in my mind Cousins was ahead of Wall until last night). Am going from memory, but I believe the Wizards were down 14 in Q3 when they went on a 16 or 18 - zero run (recap says 18) -- Wall scored 14 of those unanswered points to put them on top. Q4 was back and forth. One interesting comment was made by Mike Fratello (sp?) as he announced. Wall drove and finished on the left hand side of the goal but with his right hand. Fratello made some remark about Wall needing to develop his left hand. I smirked to myself know how he loves to dunk with his left hand and hoping that Wall would do so. Within several minutes, Wall stole the ball in back court and finished with a thundering left hand dunk. Got to tell you I was pumped as Fratello is not one of my favorites and had to eat his words almost immediately. Game info: http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100716/WASNOH/gameinfo.html

Wall has a game today. Bledsoe and Cousins play today and tomorrow.

I miss these guys.....

Wall has a game today. Bledsoe and Cousins play today and tomorrow.

I miss these guys.....

Cousins Summer League - 3 Games - 3 Double Doubles

memphis wildcat — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:59:07 -0000

Maybe I am biased, but the NBA Summer League has had a decidedly Big Blue tint to it. If the cable companies in Kentucky were smart (false premise?), then they would all have NBATV as an alternative. Thanks to the heat in Memphis (and TiVo), I have found myself almost glued to the set watching the Summer League. As I said earlier, I have watched more NBA this summer than all last season combined.

Of the five UK players, I would have to say that Cousins has been the biggest star. Clearly Wall and Patterson have been solid to very good and Bledsoe has shown that he belongs in the league. Orton was drafted as a project and it will take time to see if that bet pays off. That being said - Cousins has been a beast...Links and more after the jump...

As the title says - 3 Games - 3 Double Doubles. In the last two games, he has led the SacKings in both scoring and rebounding. Now I know that who you play and who you are surrounded by has a great deal to do with it (for example, I believe Bledsoe would be having a better go of it if he had a better supporting cast). But clearly, Cousins is on fire.

Against the Lakers 19 pts/12 rebounds. See the highlights here (in one sequence late in Q4, he blocks a shot with his LEFT hand, runs the floor and gets the basket and 1):

http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100713/SACLAL/gameinfo.html

Last night against the Timberwolves (who I believe had a chance to either pick or trade up for Cousins), he had 22 pts/12 boards/5 assts. See highlights here:
http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100714/SACMIN/gameinfo.html

Here are some random comments on Boogie:

- Chris Webber (a former SacKing) was the color guy at the Minn game and was very impressed. He said he hated to be a "homer" but he could not help himself.

- Cuz has gotten into a talking contest with an opponent in 2 of the 3 games - under control, but it is clearly part of his game (and I love it)

- Cuz can pass

- At the end of the Minn game, in crunch time, he DEMANDED the ball, got it, and executed on several of the last possessions.

- In the highlights, you see him spin and go baseline against the guy who was mouthing with him

- In the highlights, you see him go to the middle of the lane and make a 5 foot jump hook for the winning shot. As Webber said, it was the first time all night he had not gone baseline and he picked the perfect time to mix it up (and of course make it).

It is "just" summer league and has only been 3 games, but I will have to say Cuz has looked even better than at UK and it is against better than college competition.

One last comment - I believe it was the SacKings player personnel director that said Boogie has his own style - a style he has never seen before. In other words, we might compare Wall to other great point guards and we might say so-and-so is the next Larry Bird or Michael Jordan, but when it comes to Big Cuz, the SacKings believe he is an original. Of course BigSkyCat and the rest of us here at ASOB already knew he was one of a kind!!!

UPDATE: I took a look at the what the Sacramento Paper was saying. The "He is an original" quote is in one of the stories and there is one discussing his attitude.

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/07/15/2891381/cousins-play-has-caused-buzz-from.html

http://bleedblackandpurple.blogspot.com/2010/07/carril-cousins-only-original-player-ive.html

http://blogs.sacbee.com/sports/kings/archives/2010/07/cousins-gets-ma.html

Some good stuff on the Big Cuz.....

Cousins Debuts with a Double Double

memphis wildcat — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:11:08 -0000

Well, the big guy picked up where he left off getting 14 points and 10 rebounds in his NBA summer league debut. See the box score here: http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100712/SACDET/gameinfo.html

He got mugged the entire game but kept his composure. Looks like that will be the opposing teams modus operandi until he proves his maturity (which we all know he has). I will say he did look a bit flat footed on defense with his legs straight. That being said he played more minutes against NBA level competition so you have to give him a break.

PPat starts in second game....

memphis wildcat — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:08:51 -0000

Patrick started last night and got 25 mins - about 6 more than the night before. he only had 6 points (going 3-11 from the field and missing all 3 3pt attempts). However, he did get 8 rebounds vs only 2 the night before. Was glad he got the start and showed his rebounding ability - plus, cannot expect to go 8-9 from the field everynight.

See the box score: http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100710/DALHOU/gameinfo.html

Kentucky in the NBA: PPat makes hay in Summer League Debut

memphis wildcat — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 03:12:58 -0000

As if there were any doubt, Patrick Patterson was "money" in his NBA Debut today. I just watched the tivo of the game (Comcast in Memphis carries the NBA channel) and was so proud. I have tried to find an article to link but cannot. The following is from memory.

I believe he went 8/9 from the field and had 2 rebounds in around 14 or 15 minutes. He did not start but given each quarter was 10 minutes, he got some good time.

His first basket was on a pick and roll which he finished on a dunk. I believe his second goal was around a 15 footer and his 3rd goal was a 3 pt shot. He made 2 three pointers in the game. He also faced up his defender and made a short jumper and had a couple of good moves to the basket- one with his left hand, I believe. All in all, it was impressive.

He seemed a step slow on defense but I would imagine the game gets much faster at the next level and I am sure he will make the adjustment over time. He was constantly setting picks and screens for his team.

One thought I had as I watched was it was clear staying 3 years allowed him to hit the ground running (ie, he has an outside shot). Although I have been a defender of Orton going this year, after watching PPat tonight, I may have to change my tune.

I believe he went 8/9 from the field and had 2 rebounds in around 14 or 15 minutes. He did not start but given each quarter was 10 minutes, he got some good time.

Does Memphis APR Give a Preview of (Good?) Things to Come at UK?

memphis wildcat — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:25:08 -0000

Memphis APR came out - sorry if there has already been a comment but I have been hit or miss around here for a while.

If I am reading it correctly, it looks like the Memphis basketball team was higher than UK over the past few years. Given my opinion that Tubby and BCG took academics seriously, it would appear by the results at Memphis that Cal did as well.

Watching Cal up close while at Memphis, it was my opinion that he did care about getting the kids to class. That is why the GPA of the team this year sort of surprised me.

Of course, the rolling off of Tubby's last two years and the Orton experience will probably hit the APR in the short run, but I believe we will be fine in the longer term.

Memphis APR came out - sorry if there has already been a comment but I have been hit or miss around here for a while.

Watching Cal up close while at Memphis, it was my opinion that he did care about getting the kids to class. That is why the GPA of the team this year sort of surprised me.

Of course, the rolling off of Tubby's last two years and the Orton experience will probably hit the APR in the short run, but I believe we will be fine in the longer term.

Video on Coach Cal's Facebook at the Airport

memphis wildcat — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:25:55 -0000

Below is the link to Coach Cal's facebook page with video of the Cats landing. It is dark and you cannot see a thing. There is some description of what is going on...

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1384287417265

The last time I really sobbed was when my grandmother died - just watching this tape and hearing the love of the fans for these young men almost made me sob, but my eyes did tear up.

What a season....

Hat tip: KSR

Below is the link to Coach Cal's facebook page with video of the Cats landing. It is dark and you cannot see a thing. There is some description of what is going on...

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1384287417265

The last time I really sobbed was when my grandmother died - just watching this tape and hearing the love of the fans for these young men almost made me sob, but my eyes did tear up.

What a season....

Hat tip: KSR

Upon Further Review, the Loss is Even Harder to Swallow...

memphis wildcat — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:05:30 -0000

I guess I should have known when I was not totally distraught last night that a night's sleep would not make it better. I have to admit, the more I think about the team and the time I invested in them, the more I hurt with them. Add to that the fact that I believe this team is the most talented in my life time (I truly believe there will be more NBA All-Stars off this team than any before - maybe fewer NBA players, but more All-Stars). Anyway, I have some thoughts, mostly positive, but I do believe there are some things that we should not forget the next time we are downing the koolaid. Maybe its too early for an attempt at an impartial look, but follow me after the jump and feel free to tell me if I am out of line....

The bottom line of why we lost, in my opinion, is best described by looking at the halves:

1st half - As much as I thought only being down 2 the way they were hitting 3's could be a rallying point, I have to believe as good as defense as we played, it was demoralizing the way they were hitting 3's. I honestly believe that we were as close to the shooters when they shot as we were against Cornell; however, they went in this game for the opposition. If you say, we played bad defense, you have to say we did against Cornell. Yes, there were some open 3's, but if I recall they were from the guys where the scouting report would say, let them shoot.

As I look at the 1st half stats and the season stats for WVA, they just shot lights out. It would be like 2 of our best 3 point shooters (Bledsoe, Miller or Dodson) going 50% for the first half. In addition, it would be like Orton hitting a 3 (Mazzulla was 1 for 8 on the season behind the arc before going 1-2 last night). The 3 point shot is almost as dramatic as a dunk and I just believe the way they went in had an impact on us.

2nd half - Coming out of the half, WVA hit two 3's in the first 2:30 of the half - the last of the 3's they would hit on the night. As Huggins said in the post game, they are a better 2H team because teams can play good D in the first half, but as the 2H grinds on, teams get tired fighting through the screens and they begin to get some open shots. Against Cornell, we got to take a break early in the middle of the second half. With the way the first half went, we did not last night.

Now on to some thoughts:

Things we can do nothing about:

1) I am fine having one and dones. Watching such talent play for "my" team is fun. However, I do believe the youth was a factor in this sense: the team let the officiating get to them. Cousins was clearly fouled but he had to keep playing. In fact, I think he had a couple of walks called on him that could have been charges. The calls go both ways and you have to keep playing. - just not sure we did a good job of that last night.

2) 3 point shooting - At the beginning of the season, we all thought this issue would be a problem. Perhaps the fool's gold of the OC part of the season pushed it to the back of our mind, but it resurfaced in an ugly manner last night. I certainly thought our 3 point shooting was serviceable and we could compensate for bad nights. Guess not.

Some "concerns" going forward:

When Cal was hired, I was happy, but also - given that I live in Memphis - I had some concerns about him as a coach. My concerns were (and are) purely on the court related. Call me a Cal apologist off the court, but other than pushing the line as hard as one can when it comes to recruiting, I believe most of his issues off the court have been administrative related - and UK is much better at that than Memphis or UMass.

On the court is a different story. These are issues that we, as Cats fans, are going to have to hope do not become road blocks for future success. I do believe runs to the Final Four will be in the offing - but there are a couple of fundamental issues I have that could make it more difficult than it should be with the talent that will undoubtedly be playing here over the next few years.

Free throws - As a basketball purist (and lover of Kyle Macy), I believe free throw shooting is a basic fundamental aspect of the game, I also believe it can be taught. Watching Cal's teams in Memphis has always made me frustrated from this perspective. Even more frustrating have been his coaching methods (one year, he had his kids visualize shooting FT as they went to bed, another year he had them shoot 2 at the end and run if they missed either, one year he actually had them shoot 100 in practice several times and charted it); however, I do not believe he ever really focused on it the way he should.

Just to make sure I was not totally off base, I looked at 4 players this year versus last.

PPat: 76.8% 08-09, 69.2% this year

Liggins: 67.3% 08-09, 58.9% this year

Harris: 62.3% 08-09, 66.7% this year

Stevenson 68.1 08-09, 61.5% this year

I know there are other factors in FT shooting, but 3 of the 4 are worse off - the most troubling is PPat given his playing time. You could argue that his contribution from behind the arc somewhat offset this stat, but still, I would think a player would improve over his time here.

When you look at it by position - Cousins was 60% versus PPat underneath last year at 76.8% and by who got to the line the most - Meeks at 90% versus Wall at 75% - it is hard not to ask a question about FTs.

X's and O's and in game adjustments - As the season wore on, I began to believe that I might be wrong on this issue. My biggest concern was how Cal would do, night in and night out, in the SEC. I have to admit, he did pretty well at 14-2. Part of it was superior talent, part of it was some luck, and part of it (in my opinion) is that the SEC is just not as strong (players or coaches) as in years past. Last night, I believe Cal got outcoached.

Here is where some of you might take issue with my post. Please understand that I believe we will win a NC under Cal and that I am happy he is our coach. We are relevant and our teams are fun to watch. However, we need watch for the answers to the following questions and/or be willing to live with some of the consquences of Cal's coaching as we move forward.

I coach soccer much like Cal coaches - I worry about getting my team ready to do what they do best and do not worry about adjusting to the other team. That is a style of coaching that works when you have kids that are very talented (unfortunately I do not have the John Wall's of soccer so I lose more often) but it also means you do not make adjustments. As a Monday morning quarterback, it leads to such questions as: After missing 15 straight 3's, why not let Hood come in and take a few 3's as no one else was hitting (that was from my 11 year old, but worth a thought - after all Hall started the 2h of a game with 3 non starters in the 78 run to the NC)? Why did we not press more to take advantage of their limited ball handling - we have the depth to do it? I know a 2 day turnaround is tough, but could not we have been more prepared to play the 1-3-1?

Anyway, I will stop there. I do believe Cal has many, many strengths. However, after this season I have a new found respect for just how hard it is to win a NC. Therefore, some of the things that you have to do at the margin to win, may or may not get done. Luck also plays a role (ie, not running into a hot 3 point team, getting hot yourself, etc). With the talent Cal is bringing, I like our chances over the next few years to get to the Final Four and hanging #8+. I am just pointing out a couple of things that - if they change - will only increase my confidence in getting to the promised land.

Cal on Mike and Mike (actually Gottlieb and Golic this am)

memphis wildcat — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:36:01 -0000

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/player?rd=1#/podcenter/?id=5017632&autoplay=1&callsign=ESPNRADIO

the interview starts around the 23 min market and runs 10 mins. Gottlieb and Cal actually spar a bit over how to play Cornell (surprise). Cal finally says he will put in a 1-3-1 zone for the game as "you (Gottlieb) probably know what's best"

Cal also has some interesting comments on his pre tournament preparation and what he talked to the team about.

enjoy....

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/player?rd=1#/podcenter/?id=5017632&autoplay=1&callsign=ESPNRADIO

Cal also has some interesting comments on his pre tournament preparation and what he talked to the team about.

enjoy....

Cal to lead telethon for Haiti

memphis wildcat — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:23:57 -0000

Just saw this - sorry if it has been posted:

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/1897/calipari-led-telethon-will-benefit-haiti

You can say what you want, but Cal is getting involved and trying to make a difference.

Also, did anyone else hear that Dickie V on the UF broadcast said that in two years, his charity would recognize both Roy Williams and Cal in the same year. Bet that will be a big ticket....

Just saw this - sorry if it has been posted:

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/1897/calipari-led-telethon-will-benefit-haiti

You can say what you want, but Cal is getting involved and trying to make a difference.

Also, did anyone else hear that Dickie V on the UF broadcast said that in two years, his charity would recognize both Roy Williams and Cal in the same year. Bet that will be a big ticket....

Link to SI cover story on Wall

memphis wildcat — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:41:30 -0000

Set to hit newsstands today is a cover story from Sports Illustrated on John Wall:

http://images.si.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1164564/index.htm

Set to hit newsstands today is a cover story from Sports Illustrated on John Wall:

http://images.si.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1164564/index.htm

There is some debate as to whether or not the cover with Wall is a regional cover or a national cover. I get my copy today so will let you know what the issue itself says. Does not matter I guess, but I want the world to know what we already know - John Wall is special and will be one of the players you will always want to say you saw when in college.

Enjoy.....