As we get ready for Ole Miss tomorrow afternoon, here are a ton of juicy links that run the gamut of interest from the sublime to the absurd.
Let's start with this video:
Nerlens Noel #1 Player in the NATION Mixtape 2012 // YouTube
Okay, this one is actually worth watching. Most importantly, pay attention to how Noel uses his left hand -- he uses it to block, to shoot, everything but dunk. He may not be to the level of John Wall as far as ambidexterity is concerned, but he's the closest I've ever seen, especially with this kind of size.
Imagine how good Davis could be if he could use both hands like this guy. My mind is too small. I really want him a lot after seeing this.
Julius Randle: Coaches' calls and playoff time // ESPNHS
Pretty cool blog from Julius Randle, one of the major UK recruits for 2013.
The Daily Illini // March Madness has already started
Even while in Memphis, John Calipari had talented teams that were never able to win it all. With that said, one of the differences for this Kentucky team compared to the past two is the fact it has talented and experienced players such as Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb. The team has been beating the SEC pretty handily, which makes sense because it is not the toughest conference, but come March, we will see if the young Wildcats can finally give Calipari that much-needed championship.
Nerlens Noel visiting Kentucky this weekend // ESPN Boston
As a senior, he [Nerlens Noel] has a longer résumé and a more menacing profile as a rejecter than Davis had at the same time. Having said that, Davis’ rookie season at Kentucky is historic, and the improvements he’s made are astronomical. It would be difficult for Noel, or Dwight Howard for that matter, to replicate Davis’ defensive season.
Heh. Gotta love it.
The Worst Column Written About Sports Ever Published // From Our Editors - SBNation.com
I don't know if this is true, but David Brooks didn't know if Jeremy Lin being a religious person in professional sports was either, and it's right there in the New York Times. Athletes in every locker room of every professional sport fit the standard layout of religiosity. Some are quietly irreligious, some go to church and neatly pair it with an active live of vice, and some are teetotalling tithers who judge you for improperly ironed slacks while inviting you to bible study. Try to find an NFL team without a Bible study group, David Brooks, and we will have an anomaly.
It just gets better after this, and is one glorious take-down. If you read nothing else today, read this. I promise, it's worth it.
Jeff Teague, Marquis Teague at heart of basketball's point-guard revolution // Lee Jenkins - SI.com
Jeff is nearly five years older than Marquis and cannot remember ever playing one-on-one with him. But as Jeff was leaving Pike High School in Indianapolis, Shawn was taking Marquis to his adult-league games, starting the process over again. Jeff spent two years at Wake Forest, became an All-American, and a first-round pick by the Hawks in 2009. Marquis became the most vaunted point guard in last year's recruiting class and the latest tabbed by Calipari.
Nice article featuring the Teague family.
SEC Basketball: 'Cats in position to go unbeaten in SEC play with five left // Gatorsports.com
"Any time, in any league, it's very, very difficult (to run the table)," Florida coach Billy Donovan said. "It's very hard. You have to go on the road, and you're going to have games where you're not at your best and you're going to have some setbacks.
Three Wildcats appear in CBS's Freshman of the Year update // Kentucky Wildcats
Calipari will find ways to make Kentucky continue "getting better" // vaughtsviews
Indeed he will.
The College Hoops Hate Index // The Money Shot
Calipari's in terrific company here. This could have easily been a who's who of college basketball coaches.
I just wonder what's going to happen to guys like this if he ever wins an NCAA Tournament or three besides hope for an NCAA investigation? We can always hope that suicide is an option...
Okay, that was way too harsh. Maybe just a visit by the FBI or something.
UK vs. Ole Miss – 3 things to watch // The Kentucky Kernel
One2One: John Calipari //CBS Sports - YouTube
Via. Kentuckysports.co
Michigan State, Notre Dame rise; OSU falls in latest Power Rankings // Luke Winn - SI.com
Via Rush The Court.
0 recs | 58 comments
Noel
“He can use his left hand and his right hand? He’s amphibious like me.”
—Charles Shackleford
JackBluto - February 17, 2012
Heh. Classic!
Glenn Logan - February 17, 2012
Great Kid
Best thing i see is that when he makes a big shot (or a block) he just runs down the court. No hot dogging, no showing the other player up. Hardly even a smile. Somebody raised this kid right
sp00kyDude - February 17, 2012
Not only that ...
… he has a ridiculous GPA and is being recruited by the Ivys. :-)
Glenn Logan - February 17, 2012
That's actually bad
If he’s smart enough to be recruited by those guys, he’s smart enough to understand the value of that particular sheepskin. The question then becomes does he want quick money or almost as quick money AND long term money.
sweasyf - February 18, 2012
By the way, welcome to A Sea of Blue!
Glenn Logan - February 17, 2012
Thanks!
Been reading forever. I make my living online – don’t know why it took so long to finally post.
-k
sp00kyDude - February 17, 2012
That’s a +1.
bigboyblue - February 17, 2012
He'll be a natural for the Wildcats as well ... already handles the crowd well
He was nice enough to let us get a picture with him after the Peach Jam championship game this year … really nice guy on top of being very talented …
In that championship game, BABC played Memphis YOMCA (and star player Jarnell Stokes) …
Noel posted 17 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocks, 5 assists, and 4 steals.
ukcris - February 17, 2012
Im Amp About The Future ......
PG: Ryan Harrow
SG: Archie Goodwin
SF: Alex Poythress
PF: Anthony Bennett
C: Nerlens Noel
B1: Kyle Wiltjer
B2: Willie cauley
B3: Twany Beckham
B4: Jon Hood
RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 - February 17, 2012
Best Thing About It Is .......
They are like this year team a bunch of good character guys ,
That wanna work hard to be the best as a team .
Unselfish Kentucky what they need to call us ……….
RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 - February 17, 2012
Good point. We also have some pretty decent walk on’s. They’ll get better too. All in all, another winner next year after Cal gets them into shape. Seems to be a perpetual expectation.
bigboyblue - February 17, 2012
Can You Imagine How Jump Started We Gonna Be Next Year ......
Harrow Is Getting To Practice & Watch Games .
He Is Basically Like Getting It In His System Before He Step On The Court .
So Cal Wont Have To Coach Him Up Much Next Year He Would Be Able Till Work On The Incoming Freshmen .
We Gonna Have A True Floor General Who Can Call The Shots .
RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 - February 17, 2012
Right on. That’s what I expect will happen also. I actually didn’t know that we got Ryan Harrow until just before the season started.
Don’t know much about him except that he was highly touted. If Cal wanted him that’s good enough.
It’s really something when fans are sitting on top of a great year but also looking forward to 2012-13. Bring it on. Wow.
bigboyblue - February 17, 2012
Pretty decent walkons?
We have two walkons……Brian Long and Sam Malone. One is out with an injury and the other never plays.
The rest of UK’s roster are players on scholarship.
seattlekat - February 18, 2012
So?
bigboyblue - February 18, 2012
Um...
Don’t count out Shabazz yet!
Filmcat - February 17, 2012
That’s right! Still a good chance that we may get him too. May the “Lights of Zetar” shine on us. LOL
bigboyblue - February 18, 2012
Great clip. I really like him. I just wonder what our chances of getting him are.
bigboyblue - February 17, 2012
With Calipari ...
… Our odds are as good as they are likely to get. :-)
Glenn Logan - February 17, 2012
That ought to be pretty good. I watched that video clip and was really impressed. I don’t impress real easily either. I guess I’ve seen too many great ones come through Wildcat Nation. LOL
bigboyblue - February 17, 2012
I don't watch enough highschool tape
to know if this stands out vs other top recruits, but I would love to root for a guy with that hair.
kintha - February 17, 2012
OK, That Jeremy Lin piece is pretty funny.....lol.....
I am salivating at the chance that UK has two guys, in back to back seasons break the freshman blocks record……along with a few others…..
Greg Alan Edwards - February 17, 2012
Former Auburn Tiger New WR Coach
Pat Washington, currently with ECU Pirates, will replace Tee Martin. Only problem I see is that he’s another 40+ year old, was hoping for someone in 30’s or younger.
Wild Weasel - February 17, 2012
Don't forget that Coach Cal is
53 or 51 depending on who’s counting. He seems to relate well. Age is not as important as communication skills.
kywineman - February 17, 2012
Recieved!
bigboyblue - February 18, 2012
Irrelevant
Calipari is a head coach at the top of his career. An assistant is entirely a different matter — rather have one on the way up rather than on the way down.
Wild Weasel - February 18, 2012
Rupp Arena Restaurants
Great Links..
Going to the game Saturday !!!!!! Yeah!!!!!
Looking for a place to eat that has a lighter fare menu. I am on a diet and would like to stick pretty close to a low fat meal. A little cheating wouldn’t hurt this once but I am really hopng to stay away from the high fat & grease.
Specifically, has anyone been to Nastahsa’s. I was wondering about the Borscht Soup.
LyricSmith - February 17, 2012
Go to Natasha's Lexington on Google,
their dinner menu lists the Borscht Soup. Sounds awfully healthy to me with beets and cabbage.
kywineman - February 17, 2012
Don't forget,
when in doubt, Google.
kywineman - February 17, 2012
Borscht was a German staple in WWII. When they were lucky enough to get the ingredients. Raw veggies were not easy to come by. Especially in the winter.
Just a side note. No extra charge. LOL
bigboyblue - February 18, 2012
Love Jaegersniztle
Can’t spell it but I love it. German cuisine among my favorite.
LyricSmith - February 18, 2012
And Jazz music...
SevenRings - February 18, 2012
Oooh
Very nice.
LyricSmith - February 18, 2012
Thanks
I did check the menu. My wife, whose nails are now UK Blue, really loves borscht. Worth checking out think.
LyricSmith - February 18, 2012
Alfalfas
is nearby, right across the street from the library on Main. They have plenty of healthy (and locally sourced) options.
msmock - February 18, 2012
Saw that one on google
Looked interesting! Thanks
LyricSmith - February 18, 2012
Just visited the Ole Miss board.
The team, the fans and the players all had a meltdown last night. The team was blown out by Vandy, fans threw cups on the floor and two Ole Miss players got in a fist fight in the tunnel.
I guess they will be ready for us tomorrow.
kywineman - February 17, 2012
Wonder if Digger will tell them to behave when they're playing Kentucky?
KYGRLNNM - February 18, 2012
Oh yeah. Without a doubt. It’s bad when two team mates fight each other. My sympathies go out to the coaching staff.
Happened in an NBA game also a couple years ago.
bigboyblue - February 18, 2012
That David Brooks takedown article was really funny
those articles can go wrong pretty easily, but that was a fine example.
kcgard2 - February 18, 2012
I just can't see Noel going to Syracuse - what a waste of a super defensive player's abilities
Syracuse has never prepared any player for the NBA except for their offensive abilities. Look at Carmelo Anthony as an excellent example – no defense at all in the big league.
KansasUKCat - February 18, 2012
Yep. And John Wallace.
bigboyblue - February 18, 2012
Rupp Arena or Bust!!
I will be attending my first UK game in over ten years today. Very excited. Maybe AD will get that triple double today. Go Cats!!!
maysvilleblue - February 18, 2012
Great!
I almost was going today. I turned it down though.
Have a great time!
a2d2 - February 18, 2012
Good for you.
Get there early, take your time and enjoy.
Glenn Logan - February 18, 2012
See you there
I’ll be wearing blue!
LyricSmith - February 18, 2012
Way to go maysville ... I'm sure you will have a great time - enjoy!! GO CATS!!
ukcris - February 18, 2012
You did what!!!!
kywineman - February 18, 2012
Meant for a2.
kywineman - February 18, 2012
Sometimes I ask myself that same question. '-)
a2d2 - February 18, 2012
Are you sick??
Or what girl?
kykat51 - February 18, 2012
Sick for not accepting the tickets.
But I have way too much to do today to work it in. I’ll just watch and blog with these great folks here later. It is always a fun time. Don’t think it can top 23,000 strong fun but it is really close.
a2d2 - February 18, 2012
Why does Noel wear pink shoes?
NYCCats - February 18, 2012
Answer: Because He Can!!!
lol…..actually I have no idea!!!….does seem a bit odd though
Greg Alan Edwards - February 18, 2012
I would like to think it's because he is a truly confident young man.
KYGRLNNM - February 18, 2012
I agree - maybe I need to breakout my pink underwear:)
KansasUKCat - February 19, 2012
this might be a stretch
but perhaps a loved one has or had breast cancer?
BigSkyCat - February 19, 2012
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