State of the Big Blue Union

(Pictured at right: Reagan, 1983. Gone, but not forgotten.)

I don't know where all the time has gone this season, but after tonight's win over Georgia, UK has merely ten regular season SEC contests remaining. So if you'll allow me to play POTUS for just a second, we can take a look at a few hot-button Wildcat issues, bi-partisan style. Are you ready for a joint session?

• Stay strong, Terrence. We're starting with Mr. Jones, and while I've been underwhelmed with numero tres, let me state for the record that I'm not about to give up on this guy. You could make a pretty good argument that he's cost himself some serious NBA cash with the mother of all sophomore slumps. He has not played like I personally had hoped this year, and he's taken plenty of heat for his overall performance. But dadgum it, I'm convinced that finger is still not fully 100% (although it will be soon).....and I'm also convinced that TJ has done the right thing by taking a less prominent role offensively to keep the freshmen more involved. In other words, I think Teague, Davis, and MKG are getting several shots per game that probably should be going Jones' way. How many shots? I don't know exactly, and it obviously depends on matchups. But spreading the ball around and keeping the whole rotation happy is what good teammates have to do. And to his credit, Terrence hasn't gotten stupid with shooting 3-pointers, which was a big concern of mine early this year. The cherry on top is that he has also cut back on some of the unnecessary flexing and mugging for the cameras....hopefully part of the growth process. So I say hang in there Mr. Jones. I've got a feeling things will turn for you as we get into February.
• Where's the deeper depthiness? Still something I worry about: whether UK has enough quality coming off the pine. Kyle Wiltjer provides some outside accuracy and occasionally crafty passing. Personally, I love Doron Lamb off the bench for the "instant offense" vibe, but he's basically Cal's momentary sixth starter anyway. (I also like him more at point guard, but that's a different blog post.) So outside of a few minutes of Vargas every game, what else is there? *crickets chirping* Can Kentucky go all the way this season without that eighth, or occasionally necessary ninth guy when someone gets in foul trouble, or heavens forbid, goes down with an injury? The general consensus is that Wiltjer is a big defensive liability. Will the next 12 games prepare him for crucial post-season minutes? Can Vargas come up with a big rebound or putback when called upon? I still wonder. Maybe Beckham will bring something to the table in the backcourt, or at least provide some extra fouls and extra hustle. Gotta keep an eye on it.
• Point play - basically the polishing of Marquis Teague and how Cal manages to prod, cajole, encourage, and just outright TEACH Marquis will play such a huge role in this team's ultimate success. True confession: I kinda like his jumper. I think it's a very sound, textbook style of motion, usually taken with a classic "squared up" look, and feet set properly, just like I'm instructing my 9-year old. Pretty solid. Now the question is: can Marquis determine the best times to take it, increase his overall percentage, and nail a clutch one under pressure on the road or during tournament time? I'm guessing so. And I believe the assist/TO ratio by season's end will also look pretty good. By the way, has anybody ever reminded you that he's no John Wall? Just checking. Also, memo to Marquis: make your free throws. Otherwise, people get hurt. People like me. I mean it. I get hurt when you miss those Marquis. It pains me, sir. Right here in my pain area. Please make them. Sugar on top.
• Push it. And finally, I still maintain that Kentucky plays better faster. Tonight, the Cats were held under 60, and yet it felt like they blew Georgia out of their own gym. But generally speaking, I'm a fan of high pressure, faster pace, get up and down basketball, especially when you've got the talent. And there's no arguing, UK's got the talent. These guys have been lauded with more accolades than Meryl Streep's got Oscar nominations. (Yay! Margaret Thatcher wig!) Therefore I'm wistfully wishin' that the Cats will start pushing it towards the more dangerous RPM levels as the final third of the season rolls in. Start putting eye jammies on people. Extend that D out just a smidge and push it on the fast break, the secondary break, and the tertiary break. (Okay, I don't know what comes after tertiary.)

Thank you for your support, and God bless America. This post was type-written without the aid of a teleprompter.

UK Wins at Auburn; No Trees Killed

OH MY GOSH.... did you know that until tonight, Kentucky has only played one other game on an opponent's home court this season? Oh, you did. Cool. But did you realize they lost that one? At Indiana? Knew that too? Oh yeah....well, that was the last time I posted about a UK game on this here blog thing. Surprised you're still checking back.

Scoreboard says Kentucky dropped the Tigers tonight, 68-53.

I'ma start with this: I really think the Cats should be pressing more. We have a lineup full of McDonald's All-Americans, future first-rounders, Mr. Basketballs, etc....and yet we allow a team like Auburn to to slow us down into a half-court game and play their pace..... because...why? Just doesn't make sense to me. It wouldn't have to be 40 minutes of hell type of pressure, or trapping every inbounds, but every now and then after made baskets or free throws, I'd like to see UK give some opponents a tougher time bringing the ball up the court. Seems that might pay some dividends late in games, or I don't know, cause a turnover fest that breaks one wide open. Kentucky should not be scoring less than 70, even on the road.

See, I haven't been out too long....I remember the UK fan's favorite pastime: complaining after wins!

Secondly, I can't say enough about how hard MKG plays, every time he hits the floor, no matter the opponent or the circumstances. I praise him despite the fact that he had a pretty awful game against the Barbees. Scoring-wise, he was obviously well off his normal pace, and yes I realize that he had 4 turnovers to match his 2-10 shooting. But I tell you what, the Kidd's a scrapper. And he came up with a couple of hustle plays tonight that were just uber-inspirational...like a Jay-Z song dedicated to his newborn daughter. Mr. Kidd-Gilchrist just flies to the loose ball with a linebacker's mentality, and with all the athletic ability in the world, the guy only has one speed: Ffast. I'll let you figure out what the additional f stands for.

When he gets beat off the dribble --which isn't often, but it happens--he doesn't quit on a play. Witness the blocked shot on a reverse layup attempt by [insert random Auburn chump here]. Reverse layups just aren't supposed to be blocked by trailers, you know, what with the rim being in the way and all. Plus, Mike's always first on the hardwood to tie up an opponent for a jump ball. Nice trait, that. Very useful. Dude just plays hard. He's not perfect or anything....he will take a bad shot and throw a ball away and look like a freshman like they all do. But I can forgive a lot when it comes to MKG.

Also, Fred and I had a chuckle about this at the Hound, but can we agree that Joe Dean Jr. should get a little more airtime? The picture never seems as sharp on the SEC Network, but I just love that voice. It takes me back. Stirs up memories. Or as George Bush might say: it gets me all nostalgified. Joe Jr. broke out the "string music" when Darius made that three at the 1st half buzzer, and I'll be darned if part of me didn't want to just giggle uncontrollably while some other part of me had to stifle a sob. Let's just say I'd rather hear Joe than quite a few other s0-called analysts *cough* Bobby Knight *cough*.

Looking ahead of course Kentucky has another roadie for this weekend (at Tennessee), and I will be watching for some continued growth from Marquis Teague and also improving health and play from Terrence Jones. Mr. Teague, I thought, played "well enough" at the new Auburn gym....3 turnovers in 35 minutes...but he's got to continue to attack smarter and finish better. I maintain that the youngster simply takes far too many field goal attempts for a point guard, but as the man from Ashland points out, the real concern is that he seems to miss a ton of 4-footers and layups. As for Mr. Jones, well, the farther he gets away from that grotesque digit misplacement, the better. Time heals. The mega-sophomore slump is about to fade for TJ as that finger returns to normal, methinks.

Lastly, I just want to give a congratulatory shout out to John Wall, placing 2nd on SportsCenter's top plays tonight, for his nasty left-handed high-flyer over a statuesque defender somewhere out in NBA-land. You should be able to find the video online Thursday morning.

Cats Fall Asleep In Final Minute

For starters, I just gotta say it again this week: what a fabulous game. Just speaking as a sports fan in general, UK's loss to Indiana was by turns entertaining, thrilling, intense, pulse-pounding....basically everything you could ever hope for out of college basketball (and we say it again: IN DECEMBER!) The NBA should be grateful that they worked out their whole labor situation, 'cause the college game was going to absolutely steal some of their fans this season, and more than partially fill the void that the pros would have left. I'm convinced of it.

Now, coming at it from my usual Kentucky fan perspective: that ____ed. Especially that last part. You know, the one where UK missed free throws and let the Hoosiers get up the game-winner? Awful. I actually dreamed about that game several times last night (no joke) and my blue-demented, R.E.M.-driven cranium kept contriving these alternate scenarios where the Cats came away victorious, leaving the rabid Assembly Hall crowd in silence.

I suppose it's no wonder, since under most situations that's exactly what would have happened. Excuse me, "should" have happened. UK probably wins a best-of-seven against Indiana without breaking much of a sweat. Heck, they probably win most "best of ones" against Crean and company on any neutral floor, on any particular day, much less a home game at Rupp Arena.

But we all know that's not what college hoops is about. It's about one game, one moment, and yesterday it belonged to the folks in Bloomington. So before I continue my.....session, let me pause and give them their props: Well played, sirs. Nice shot, big guy. Nice dunk, other dude. Nice coaching, guy with the glasses. You beat number one. Pretty fair and square, I'd say.

You shoot lights out from three, you're always going to have a chance. And I think even the Hoosiers would admit, they nailed more than their share. Whichever Zeller that was, he did a pretty good job of neutralizing Davis. Terrence Jones: don't even get me started. What the foxtrot? I mean, did he even step off the bus? Jeez.

But to me the story of this one is absolutely about the end-game. It's about putting things on ice and walking away clean. Number one: Make your free throws.

MAKE YOUR FREE THROWS.

It's not easy, I know. Never will be. Not everybody can step up like Brent Turner at the Martin Luther tournament and act like it's really a two-footer in his backyard. But still. It is only fifteen feet, wide open/take your time/CONCENTRATE! ..... and it is a shot everybody practices, every single practice, and you know what? You've gotta want to shoot it.

The better free throwers absolutely prefer to get fouled late in games. And I believe Doron Lamb is in that category. But yesterday, he gacked one. It happens. I bet he feels like garbage today because of it. Anthony Davis on the other hand, whew...I don't think he wanted any part of that free throw stuff. That's what I saw.

It's so mental. It really is. Muscle memory helps. No doubt. Having a routine. All that stuff is true. But I think everybody in BBN expected Doron to make his. And unfortunately, I wouldn't say the same for AD. And what's more, I'm not even going to make a unibrow joke right here. I know you're disappointed. I guess that's how it is with freshman, one week you're the hero, the next week....

So let's just say Mr. Davis needs a few more reps from the stripe. Like about a billion. Whatever it takes to get him into a groove and a mental state of mind where he feels like the ball is going to swish through any rim, in any gym, whenever he really needs one. It's absolutely do-able. Confidence, man. Stroke it like you mean it, and stand there and pose on your follow through like you had it all the way.

Otherwise, Kentucky could have itself a real liability in the late/close ones for the rest of the season.

Man, this game was so winnable.

And secondly, on that SportsCenter Top 10 shot, let's listen to the coach, okay? Do what the guy in the huddle tells you to do. Don't lose that game like that with two fouls left to give. Dang it! That was just so.... just so....preventable. I imagine the "young team" excuse is fully applicable here, but I'd still rather not hear it. Pretty simple strategy: don't give up a 3. Under any circumstances.

Just foul early. Make it obvious. Not a shooter of course, preferably the guy catching the inbounds or bringing it up in the backcourt. Make them burn some clock. Easy-peasy. But repeat: do not give up a 3. I guarantee that's the last thing Cal said.

But the Wildcats did. Fell asleep on that one. And their guy made a nice shot.

Will the last student that leaves the gym please pick up the giant Dick Vitale head on a stick and drop it in the dumpster please? K thx bye.

The Brow Saves The Day

Some guys are fast jumpers, and Anthony Davis is one of them.

Normal people, even a good percentage of athletes, take a bit of time to elevate. A slight knee bend, a quick gathering of oneself prior to leaping-- that is quite ordinary.

But fortunately for Kentucky, AD has got a good case of the bunny hops. The quick-twitch kind.

His wingspan and height don't hurt either, but sliding over to defend the light-blue clad John Henson, with UK clinging to one-point lead, Mr. Davis simply had to get up. On the double. Show us your best vertical, young man. And fast.

Thank goodness he got a piece of Henson's jumper, because the way UNC was raining it down at Rupp this afternoon, I kind of feel like the guy would have made it.

But you can't make it if you can't get it off. And Anthony Davis made sure that he got just enough of a piece of Henson's shot to save the game.

And what a game it was!

I mean: WHAT A GAME. Ya hear?!

Such a great ball game so early in the season! College football is playing conference title games today, and yet many have commented that it felt like March in Lexington, and I agree with both lungs. (Couldn't keep my mouth shut during this one. Just had to yell at the big screen a lil' bit).

So the Wildcats got the better of 'em at the end, and one could certainly argue that home court was the difference. (Although the way the Heels were bombing, they must have felt pretty comfortable with the rims). I do trust that everyone that got to see this instant classic™ live and in person would be sincerely grateful for the opportunity....I certainly feel that the on-site BBN did give Kentucky a very loud advantage.

And speaking of advantages, how great is it to have six starters? I know it sounds hokey when Cal says that stuff, but Miller played such a steady game today. (Now stay with us, Darius. Stay with us, buddy! Consistently!) His pump fakes in the lane are getting awfully crafty, and he's strong enough to finish against much bigger personnel. I really like that part of his game right now. The head fakes, drawing contact. Excellent.

Kidd-Gilchrist, for his part, made some absolute top shelf moves out there on the perimeter. "Quick as a hiccup", says Brother JC. Seems like it's all about angles for Michael. When he gets that little crack in the defense, or can get his guy wrong-footed, it's over. He's at the basket scoring again. All he needs is a sliver of space.

I mean, call them 5 and 5A. Or let Teague sit a little more. Whatever. They really are all starters.

But today, Mr. Davis was the finisher with that block.

An Exclusive Interview With Chris Mullin's Bangs

Regular readers, you know the drill...

Wildcat Whisperer: Thanks for sitting down with us.
Chris Mullin's Bangs: My pleasure, Whis! It's been a long time since I've gotten any exposure.

WW: Well, that's a shame, because we figure you've got lots of great stories to tell.
CMB: Oh, I do. I most certainly do. Back in my day, you remember Chris had St. John's way up in the polls. We were an absolute contender, I tell ya....Dickie V couldn't get enough.... I'm talking around '84-85 here. We used to have some bona fide battles with Georgetown, BC, Syracuse. The Big East was awesome! You know, before they let teams like Louisville in.

WW: Zing! Nice one, bangs.... But tell us a little more about Chris. Some people still think he was overrated. A very poor man's Larry Bird. Is that fair?
CMB: Totally unfair, I must say. Chris was a great player. Dead-eye doesn't even begin to describe his shooting. All kinds of range and better off the dribble than most folks remember. Excellent passer... and Chris had a great NBA career, he was not just a college All-American. Made tons of money in the league.

WW: And he was a Dream Teamer, right?
CMB: That's right. Dream Team, baby. The most hellified assemblage of basketball talent ever. Michael was there, of course, along with his sidekick Scottie. Larry. Charles.... the best of the best. And Chris was a part of it. Barcelona, '92.

WW: But you missed out, I guess.
CMB: Yeah, that's the unfortunate part. Chris had gone flat-top by then, and he's never looked back.

WW: Such a shame.

CMB: Well, it happens, you know. I've got no regrets. Most people don't keep their college haircut throughout their entire adult life, I suppose. Times change.

WW: Yet some things remain the same....I'm sure you saw Kentucky is on top again, and defeated the Johnnies, er, Redmen last night.

CMB: That's "Red Storm" to you, pal.

WW: Oh. Sor...

CMB: ...no it's okay, I'm just messing with you! I don't go in for all that political correctness myself anyway. And yeah, I saw the game. Of course.

WW: And what did you think?

CMB: Well, first let me send a shout-out to Coach Lavin and wish him a full and speedy recovery, just like the ESPN crew and the UK student section. Nice gesture on their part. And I think that from what I saw, Big Blue has a helluva squad this year.

WW: Any particular standouts?
CMB: Davis, of course. If Cal had played him the full 40, he would have gotten that triple-double, I'm sure of it. And while we're talking about Davis, that kid could use some bangs himself. You know, to cover up the uni-brow.

WW: Well, I don't think Mr. Davis has the type of hair that grows....
CMB: Careful now! Political correctness, remember! (chuckles)

WW: (Also chuckling)...okay, okay....so what did you think of Miller's dunk off the lob?
CMB: Yowza! That was a humdinger! You take a bad pass and turn it into a highlight?! Very nice. I can tell you, Chris never threw one down like that. Ever. Not on his best day.

WW: Anybody remind you of Mr. Mullin out there?
CMB: Not really. Lamb can shoot it from distance like Chris did, but everybody forgets that Chris was a lefty. Made him that much tougher to handle at times. Crafty, that guy was.

WW: Any other Kentucky observations?
CMB: Not really. Pretty thorough domination, with still plenty of room to improve for your team. Nice win. But if you happen to run into Travis Ford's bangs sometime, please tell 'em I said hello.

WW: You got it. Thanks again for your time.
CMB: And good luck against UNC!