I hope everyone is enjoying their President's Day. The Kentucky Wildcats are still at #1 in the AP poll with the same two holdouts voting for Syracuse. They are a unanimous #1 in the Coaches Poll.
Now, for the rest of the news:
What do you think of this? Remember, this is not in order, so don't quibble about that. What do you think of the selections?
Book Review: Duke, Kentucky And The Last Great Game // Aaron Torres
Very good review of "The Last Great Game." I don't really do book reviews, but if I were doing one, it would be very similar to this one.
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.
Wow, a nationally-televised practice. In mid-season. Surpassingly strange, but with John Calipari in charge of Kentucky, I have ceased to be amazed by anything that winds up being televised. What's next, one-on-one coaching drills?
Now, for the news:
Top 10 Freshmen Centers in College Basketball History
I think it's a bit too early for this, especially considering the season isn't over. You have to figure this changes if Davis goes on to break the NCAA block record and Kentucky wins the national championship. There is no doubt whatever he would supplant Purvis Ellison on anyone but a Louisville fan's list.
Dear Duke, Happy Valentines Day " CBS Charlotte
No Tar Heel fan can hear the name Christian Laettner without getting a little sick in their mouth. Although he only sports a 5-6 record against the Heels, he played like a thorn in the side for any anti-Blue Devil. His credentials while at Duke were very impressive and we all remember the legendary shot he had against Kentucky. In fact, I’m pretty sure it is against ESPN’s religion to talk about the NCAA tournament and not bring that shot up. We get it – he hit a buzzer beater – move on. Show the clip where he stomped on the Kentucky guy’s chest. Where do you think Ndamukong Suh learned to do it? Between the super short shorts and his New Kids on the Block haircut he is the king Duke-bag.
The rest of this is just as good. As anti-Duke rants go, I give this an A+. Don't miss it.
Ah, the praise. Ah, the accolades. Ah, the two media voters who stubbornly refuse to acknowledge Kentucky's superiority. Well, maybe Louisville will beat the Syracuse Orange tonight in the Chicken Ranch.
I'm committing what some might consider heresy and going all in for the Cards tonight. Why? because some Syracuse fans have annoyed me lately, and this is my revenge.
Lay the wood to 'em, Fat Wayne. Now, for the news:
Kentucky Sports Radio // Did Steve Tchiengang punch Teague?
This was arguably a flagrant 1 at least, but I guess the officials missed it.
Syracuse Basketball Recruiting: Nerlens Noel Has 'Great' Time At Loud House // SB Nation New York
For what it's worth.
Taking a hard look at Anthony Davis' block party in Lexington // Searching for Billy Edelin
Ridiculous is right.
Another Super Bowl has come and gone, and by my lights, it was a really good one. I don't watch pro football much, but I always enjoy the Super Bowl and all the things associated with it.
My opinion: A very mediocre year for the commercials, I only remember the one where the dog buried the cat and tried to bribe the owner with Doritos. Pretty funny.
Now, for the news:
Kentucky "absolutely" getting better and unselfish play is a big reason why // vaughtsviews
Larry Vaught gets it exactly right:
Jones deserves credit for UK’s recent surge, too. He’s become more physical and assertive. He had 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. It should be obvious now that his mid-December finger injury bothered him more than many, maybe including Calipari, wanted to believe.
But what is most impressive is his attitude. He has his smile back. His swagger is back. Yes, he will pose or flex for the TV cameras, but that’s part of him having fun. He’s not belittling an opponent as much as that is his way to enjoy the moment.
Report: Nerlens Noel to visit Kentucky // Jody Demling – Recruiting
No doubt he will visit here. I just hope he does more than visit.
There's been a lot going on the past few days, and it's time to take a minute and catch our breath.
Here are a few of the big stories in and around the Big Blue Nation the last few days.
Here we go:
Turns out an idea for May Madness isn’t so crazy // Beyond the Arc
"It would be a jolt — the traditionalists would go crazy — but there’s some merit to that idea," former Virginia and Xavier coach Pete Gillen told Wolken. "I’m partial, but I think the tournament is the greatest 3½ weeks of the sporting year. I think the tournament is powerful enough that it could be pushed back."
Honestly, I could get used to anything. But this is unlikely.
Calipari has spoken favorably about basketball being a one-semester sport, in case anyone has forgotten.
Video: John Calipari sends a message to officials // John Clay's Sidelines
Let's be honest -- Kentucky has been called for a lot of charges because, well, they charge a lot. The problem that Calipari is trying to highlight is that some of them, a good number, in fact, have been incorrectly called.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease ...
There has been some hue and cry for Trent Johnson, coach of the LSU Tigers, to take further action against Malcolm White for his take-down of Anthony Davis over the weekend, and it seems that wish will be granted, at least to some extent. But probably not enough for some.
Read the links for that story, and more:
LSU coach says flagrant foul on Davis "was just a stupid play" by his player // vaughtsviews
"I am not going to disclose that with everybody. I will deal with that," the LSU coach said. "This game is meant to be played a certain way. I told Malcolm that was very distrubing to be. I will deal with it in-house, but I am not going to make it a big thing (publicly)." [SIC]
For at least a few Kentucky fans, that probably won't be enough.
Tom's Take: Katz on the Cats // Tom Leach
Who would get your vote today for SEC Player of the Year? We put that question to ESPN ace college basketball reporter Andy Katz on today's "Leach Report" radio show and he said he would lean to Anthony Davis over Miss State's Arnett Moultrie.
What do you think?
This is your open thread for today's basketball action, and to comment on a few stories I have listed, or whatever you can find to add to them. Treat as an open thread.
Links:
47 Cats Make SEC Honor Roll // Lexington, Kentucky
A total of 47 University of Kentucky student-athletes were named to the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll for fall sports, the league office announced. Kentucky had the fourth-most honorees out of all 12 SEC schools.
Very good to see.
Scathing memo urges referees to enforce sportsmanship rules - Seth Davis - SI.com
In his memo, [NCAA national coordinator of officials John] Adams specifically urged referees to enforce rules against taunting, profanity, and gestures like "waving off" an official after a call. He also reminded them that coaches should be immediately penalized if they leave the coach's box to complain about a call. "These types of actions call for technical fouls. Call them!" Adams wrote. "Your coordinators and commissioners will support you."
Hat tip: KSR. KSR wonders if this means a sudden increase in technical fouls, and I'd say it very well could. I hope coaches have taken appropriate note, and advised their charges accordingly. Also, Calipari might want to rethink his language during games.
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