Rider Remarks

Honestly, I'm still just a little giddy from yesterday. Very enjoyable sports day in the Kingdom of Blue.

Real quick, I just want to remind everyone to add Georgia quarterback Joe Cox to your Christmas card list, since I know a lot of you people jump on that stuff right after Thanksgiving. Poor Joe.

Anyway, I did want to throw a few thoughts out regarding the basketball game. It was every bit as fun as the win between the hedges, without all of the nail-biting and drama. UK threw a decent beatdown on Rider that bodes well for their trip to Cancun.

John Wall looked like he had a little extra bounce out there, although the guy probably eats bounce for breakfast. I really loved the 11 assists, and note that he got all of his 21 points the old fashioned way (no 3-pointers). Mr. Wall is one of those sneaky-quick guys too. I mean, everybody knows he's quick, but he makes it look so easy, and he has that glide to his game that gives it a little... deceptiveness... when he starts to make a move. That unstoppable hesitation dribble ought to be illegal for a guy as ath-a-letic as John Wall. Hardly fair.

Great game for Orton, too. Jeez, these freshmen! Orton had 14 of course, on 5 of 7 shooting and looked more comfortable than I've seen him in limited viewing this season. He still seems kind of boyish to me, I dunno. Am I crazy? He's a big guy, but looks like he's literally still growing into his Nikes and his Kentucky jersey. Maybe he'll be 7'4" by March. Regardless, I liked how he handled himself against the Broncs for the most part. He's a very important piece.

Quick turnaround for the team, in the midst of a multiple game stretch over this end-of-November time span. Really, I keep marveling at the overall talent upgrade that Cal was able to pull off and can't wait to see them on the court again. Next game, please! Not all of them are going to be 30-point wins, but my goodness these Cats are awfully easy on the eyes when they can get out and run.

Thanks for reading.