Andy Lyons - Getty Images
This is what a Wyldcat looks like.
A new sign should hang over the entrance to the Rupp Arena basketball floor: There There Be Tygers Wyldcats.
With apologies to Ray Bradbury, the famous title of his short story is far more than the annotation on a map when it comes to Kentucky. Rupp Arena has become a place where teams, good and bad, have been forced to abandon hope of victory for the last two and three-quarter seasons.
Never has Rupp's home court appeared more foreboding to opponents, it's 24,000 fans more oppressive, or the team itself more dominant. Teams hoping to come into the heart of the Big Blue Nation and steal what has ever been a rare victory are now faced with a ghastly precedent -- not one team has successfully climbed Mount Wildcat since Billy Gillispie was relieved of his duties as head coach.
I can only compare it to the Roman Coliseum in the days of the gladiators. The foreign warriors knew once they stepped foot in front of the bloodthirsty multitude, victory was only a dream, and the reality was calamity. After last night, nobody in the SEC will seriously entertain hopes of an upset this year in Rupp Arena. The Florida Gators, one of the nation's top teams by any measure, were consumed by a Kentucky team that appeared so superior nobody could believe it, even those who have watched this team improve week by week.
For a long time now, I have complained about these young Wildcats not playing up to their potential, and that complaint has been echoed by Coach Cal and others, or I echoed them. It doesn't matter which came first -- in the end, it's all the same -- those complaints are no longer operative. Kentucky is playing up to their potential given their youth and lack of experience, but even with that said, this team is still far from its ceiling.
It comes now the time in the season where Kentucky must go to the toughest places to play in the SEC from a basketball standpoint, and none are tougher than Memorial Gym in Nashville, TN, where the Vanderbilt Commodores await the arrival of the nation's #1 team on Saturday. Vandy's unusual layout makes it harder on coaches, and harder on players. The Commodores have a history of upsetting highly-ranked teams due to the advantage Memorial gives them, and the Wildcats must overcome this handicap just as they have every other roadblock this season save a dagger three in early December.
But after the last four games, the Commodores must be wondering what happened to that Kentucky team that Alabama and Tennessee were able to push around inside. That team seems to have been replaced with a bunch of shot-blocking street fighters with malice in their heart and deadly shooting at their fingertips. No longer does anyone question the "killer instinct" of this Kentucky team.
Almost everyone in the Big Blue Nation knew this basketball team could be special, and guess what, Wildcats fans... it is special, big time. It's not just their lofty ranking, or their peerless statistics. It is the attitude that has developed over the last few games that should make opponents check their pride at the door, along with expectations of an upset. It's what I deem an appetite for destruction, the desire to completely defeat an opponent by as many points as possible until the coach says, "Enough!"
How many times in the past have we complained about "killer instinct," or weak finishes to games? Nobody complains about that anymore, nor should they. The days of the timid Wildcats are over. The days of the merciless Wildcats have begun.
Here There Be Wyldcats, and just like the dragons and "tygers" of old, they don't know how to be gentle.
0 recs | 64 comments
Not saying it will happen, but...
..how ironic would it be if the only blemish on the slate were via Indiana? Cal is pretty giddy these days.
UK1972 - February 8, 2012
How can this team get better?
Cal said for this team to raise its ceiling, every player has to get better. But it’s hard to imagine how they can get much better. We have to pick nits right now to find something. So what really needs to improve? Thoughts?
Wheatgerm - February 8, 2012
Sorry Wheat, didn't see you asking the same questions...
EagleTDL - February 8, 2012
See My Observations
On Post Mortem.
Wild Weasel - February 8, 2012
Read that after posting this WW, good points therein...
EagleTDL - February 9, 2012
Defensive rebounding
This team can and should be better at grabbing the numerous misses they force.
JLeverenz - February 8, 2012
Gators
had 18 ORs……more than DRs, 13.
bigbill992001 - February 8, 2012
Our OR% was still higher.
That means that as a percentage of shots missed, we got more offensive rebounds. Because they missed so many more, they got more.
But the margin is skinny. What this means is that UK is not defensive rebounding well enough, and the reason for that is we are going for the shot block rather than trying to get position for the rebound.
If you look at all the top shot bock percentage teams, none of them are great DR teams, which means they allow a lot of ORs.
Glenn Logan - February 8, 2012
Don't you think this team is looking to block a shot first and rebounding is secondary - meaning we are out of position a lot
KansasUKCat - February 8, 2012
The reason we don't rebound as well defensively ...
… is that our bigs are going for the block rather than positioning themselves for the rebound.
I think there is a trade-off there.
Glenn Logan - February 8, 2012
yeah
But it’s not a great trade off – forcing a missed shot only works if you grab the rebound afterward. UK doesn’t have to be great, but they can be better.
JLeverenz - February 8, 2012
As I said elsewhere,
do not discount the intimidation factor that comes with constantly blocking shots.
kywineman - February 8, 2012
Picking nits...
Their bench could be deeper or be getting more PT
Worst case scenario: turned ankle early in the half by Jones, Davis, or Miller, foul trouble for the other two, playing a team with size on the interior.
Admittedly, I don’t worry too much about injuries (can’t control for it) but the thought of two of these three out of the rotation gives me a little pause for concern.
BeachBubbaTex - February 9, 2012
Love the old English spelling!
Unlike some, I think that there really are loses that are good for a team… Refocusing effort, pointing out glaring weaknesses that are overlooked by players, etc, but I don’t think this would be a shoe that fits this team? The team chemistry is there, individual skill sets are there, team play is there, now it’s just a matter of improving the little things… Offensive rebounds, bringing up the ball against a press and maintaining focus are the only things that i can think of. Any other ideas??
Nice problem to have, eh??
EagleTDL - February 8, 2012
Avoiding the offensive foul/charge?
All I can think of.
bob in bg - February 8, 2012
Yeah, good point bob...
MKG, you listening?? Teague is a bit guilty too, DM and TJ get about the amount I’d expect from guys that are playing in the middle.
EagleTDL - February 9, 2012
I'm reminded of the old joke by somebody (I can't remember who).
When the Christians went up against the lions, the lions were undefeated. The Christians had a helluva coach, but the team was a little shaky.
UKCat - February 8, 2012
And as my former boss always liked to point out, "It was a level playing field, too"
BCinVA - February 9, 2012
When Wiltjer did the 3 goggles.....
the college basketball world should have gone on notice!
These kids are winning and winning big, they are smiling and having fun, they are dominating on defense, and destroying folks on the inside and the outside on offense. With four, five, and even six players scoring in double-figures, this is a true team effort.
I’ve been watching and listening to UK basketball for over 50 years……this team has chemistry, true team chemistry, like no other UK team. The scary thing……they haven’t even reached their ceiling. I am enjoying watching this “Big Blue Machine” operate!!
Fun times in the BBN!
seattlekat - February 8, 2012
This team seems to have chemistry similar to the Runts
jdogblue - February 8, 2012
All I need to see.
a2d2 - February 8, 2012
Repeat
“These kids are winning and winning big, they are smiling and having fun, they are dominating on defense, and destroying folks on the inside and the outside on offense. With four, five, and even six players scoring in double-figures, this is a true team effort.
I’ve been watching and listening to UK basketball for over 50 years……this team has chemistry, true team chemistry, like no other UK team. The scary thing……they haven’t even reached their ceiling. I am enjoying watching this "Big Blue Machine" operate!!"
Smiling and having fun! That is what it is all about. It didn’t happen till just before the SEC tourney last year. We are having some FUN this year.
Remember this team, I haven’t seen one like it. 1996 was close. 1978 was almost as talented, but they were too stressed to have fun. (They still had some fun, us fans were just worried/hoping for Joe B.). Special teams like this come along every so often. The last one we had was Tayshaun Prince and gang and they got snuffed too early in the dance. That may yet happen this year; it won’t change how special a group we have. Enjoy it.
sweasyf - February 8, 2012
Davis Vs Sullinger
A long and detailed piece — worth your time and effort — by Grantland comparing Anthony Davis and Jared Sullinger. Another step in the swing toward AD for POY.
Wild Weasel - February 8, 2012
In addition to AD's marvelous skills,
I appreciate the difference between his personality and that of Sullinger as described in this piece.
hgabenne - February 8, 2012
me too
good read, thanks WW
Bluehound - February 8, 2012
Notice this from the article:
The reason for this, as I explained above to Big Bill, is the fact that Davis is more concerned about blocking or altering shots than getting into defensive rebounding position. This means that usually, the opposing team has another player who can’t be blocked out as readily, because Davis is always out of position for the rebound going for a block.
Glenn Logan - February 8, 2012
There is definitely a trade off there but I would argue
that Anthony’s emphasis on blocks over rebounds really benefits us. When a player grabs a defensive rebound, possession changes and these are big plays no doubt, but when an offensive player gets the ball slammed back at him, there is an intimidation that spreads to his whole team when it happens over and over again. Players start to think, and doubt, and most often the final results have already been determined.
kywineman - February 8, 2012
yepp, kinda like whats his name
pump fakin several times, then throwin it back out lol
Bluehound - February 8, 2012
Davis is such a skilled shot blocker ... he can time his jump, hang in the air and wait for the ball to come off the hand of the shooter - truly gifted athleticism ..
Making him concentrate more on rebounding would be like having a Ferrari but choosing to drive the Pinto anyway ….
ukcris - February 8, 2012
Or only driving the Ferrari in 1st gear.
kywineman - February 8, 2012
Is it still a Ferrari if my minivan drives circles around it?
sweasyf - February 8, 2012
Glenn,
It must be a wonderfull time to write about the Wildcats! I would go so far as to say your joy comes to life in some of your most recent post. Great job!
JohnPike - February 8, 2012 via Android app
Why, thanks!
Glenn Logan - February 8, 2012
Hope
I don’t know how many UK games I have watched where I began the game with hope. This team is replacing my hope with confidence. It sure is fun.
jdogblue - February 8, 2012
Most of us spent our whole life watching with confidence
This hope thing was new and unpleasant to us.
sweasyf - February 8, 2012
They will get better, but I will not be surprised if they stumble somewhere along the way.
If they don’t I will be overjoyed. But it still may happen.
Greg Alan Edwards - February 8, 2012
Come on Greg it isn't like you being pessimistic - smell the fresh blue air brother
KansasUKCat - February 8, 2012
Fellow BBN members
I’m 73 years old and a Cat fan for 60 years. This team makes me feel better than any since 96’ They are fine. We don’t need a loss. Nothing good ever comes from losing. If we survive Vandy and Florida at home,look out #8. Go Cats!
oldcat73 - February 8, 2012
Hey where you been?
I was in the JP two weeks back and went to a Murray game.
darkandbloody@gmail.com - February 8, 2012
Nice
sweasyf - February 8, 2012
The way I always look at the value of a player is
If you were one of several dozen college coachs who had an senior laden graduating class and you had your pick of any player in the country to built your team around who would you pick: Davis, Robinson or Sullinger..?
This isn’t even a fair question actually because any coach in college ball would pick Davis without a moments hesitation. No doubt in my mind.
KansasUKCat - February 8, 2012
Enjoy the fun ride we have
No matter how far it takes us.
a2d2 - February 8, 2012
Heh.
You may have just stated the meaning of life right there :-)
JohnPike - February 8, 2012 via Android app
42
sweasyf - February 8, 2012
Don't forget your towel.
hoboat33 - February 8, 2012
Absolutely,
the only thing we take with us is our memories. We are packing well for the trip this year.
kywineman - February 8, 2012
Is it just me
or is Jimmy Dykes better suited for working in the studio instead of live games? He knows the game and in the studio doesn’t feel compelled to constantly come up with cute catch phrases.
kywineman - February 8, 2012
I agree
He seems to do very well in the studio. During the game he’s always trying to “add” something which just detracts from the game. I think the broadcasts I’ve enjoyed most this year were the non-ESPN broadcast of the LSU and Alabama games, especially the LSU game.
hoboat33 - February 8, 2012
According to
this article Seth Davis is once again promoting his ignorance (surprise! surprise!)
Also, got a neat article in SI showing Teague’s improvement.
hoboat33 - February 8, 2012
Ha ha
Seth Davis loves to tease KY fans. It’s what he does best. He must love his job, getting to poke KY fans with a sharp stick for Google ad revenue.
BlueCollarMan - February 8, 2012
Not sure how he gets anyone to pay him
Davis continually shows his ignorance.
jdogblue - February 8, 2012
One of Cal's favorite lines seems appropriate...
He used it here at Memphis and again at UK when Seth picked against his team:
“I am not worried about who Seth picks cause he picked the Germans in WWII”
memphis wildcat - February 8, 2012
With apologies to Bill and Ted
We could also call them “Wyld Stallions” as their teamwork is very excellent.
wingke6 - February 8, 2012
+1, LOL
Ken Howlett - February 9, 2012
Cuse
BarryM - February 8, 2012
Refs
swallowed their whistle during OT under the G’Town basket which screwed the Hoyas.
ESPN switched immediately to Duke/NC game and the first thing shown – wait for it -
a Dukie flopping to draw a charge, of course. And he didn’t get it – the world just became a little better place.
hoboat33 - February 8, 2012
What a boring game
Both teams played 2-3 zones, offenses passed the ball back and forth around the perimeter. Finally, with shot clock winding down, they would penetrate. Game in overtime in the 50s. Basketball has just got to be more interesting than that one.
jdogblue - February 8, 2012
watched it too.....pitiful
Bluehound - February 8, 2012
Does anyone know
UK’s record on ESPN Game Day games?
wingke6 - February 8, 2012
It is 2-4
with all four losses to Florida in 06, 07, 08, and 11.
wingke6 - February 8, 2012
check out this nugget from a Vandy rag
“However, although this game may appear unwinnable on paper, there is plenty of reason for Vanderbilt to hope. Since 2005, Kentucky has only one win in Memorial Gymnasium. Also, as talented as Calipari’s teams are, his one-and-done recruiting style leaves his young teams vulnerable to panic in difficult road environments. With one of the most unique layouts in college basketball, Memorial could cause problems for Kentucky’s young backcourt.” http://www.insidevandy.com/sports/mens_basketball/article_93d09fac-52c9-11e1-97d2-0019bb30f31a.html
The writer has a point but I think this group of Cats can take their show on the road and DOMINATE. At least, I would like to see it happen ;j
bluecrip - February 9, 2012
This team has faced a difficult road environment
at IU and did not panic. We fought our way back in that game and had opportunity to win it. I look for something similar at Vandy if AD should get into foul trouble. We will see how well Teague runs this team with his back to Coach Cal.
kywineman - February 9, 2012
Time to go to Nashville and play a little Bluegrass.........;-)
Greg Alan Edwards - February 9, 2012
that's our school paper, so obviously going to be biased
but the writer does have a point. Young players tend to be thrown off in memorial. this has especially been true in the last 6 years (5/6 wins with the 6th being a 2 point game in which vandy missed a last point shot)
That being said, this is a special Kentucky team, and probably the best I’ve seen in the last several years (yes, better then the John Wall team). I’m hoping for a good, close game as these tend to be. if any of you wildcats fans are coming to nashville, enjoy your stay. please be respectful
vandy12 - February 9, 2012
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