The DeathEaters (coming soon...)

"The Next Game is the Most Important of the Season [...]" Billy G.

I think it was 1991. I was in my room on a Saturday afternoon. The Cats were playing USC. The Gamecocks were on an early run and Ralph Hacker said "The Cats better get it together, South Carolina can let the air out of the ball." The Cats then went on a tear. Caywood calls this play, "Quick 3 by Pelphrey, write it down...inbounds the ball...turnover, quickly down Farmer for 3...YES SIR...WRITE IT DOWN." The Cats went on to win huge, that was the spark that was needed. Man, I loved that team. Before they were the Unforgetables, they were near and dear to me. Pitino's Bombinos were so exciting. I don't care who Pelphrey coaches for I will root for him (except on Saturday). He is and was unforgetable.

Over the last few days I have been rummaging through all of the audio over the last week and there is so much great stuff. I found a great tidbit on Billy D.'s pre-game Kentucky audio, "I don't think that the SEC has any one who would intentionally hurt someone...I know that there has been some around the league [...]" Then his own Hodge goes out and intentionally steps on Perry's arm. That seems bizarre and it happened the very next game.

We, Big Blue Nation, are waiting with baited breath to see if Patterson will play. I think we could win with out him, but I like having him in there. He just hustles so freaking much. It appears that he is about to hit his stride, where he just takes over games. He is the one that keeps us grounded. (with Jodie we are [breaks into singing],"SOARING, FLYING, WE'RE BREAKING FREE...uh hum...sorry about that.") "He is relentless...Warrior-like...One of my favorite players in the league". That was straight from Pelphrey's mouth. How cool is that. See you can't get away from the connections. Funny things is, Pelphrey means as much to Kentucky basketball as Patterson, but ONLY one can actually help secure the future of Kentucky Basketball. One day we will be able to reflect on the NBA star Patrick Patterson and how he shouldered us in our lean years. Yeah, I'd raise my glass to that.

Here's to the momentum that Porter and Galloway played with against Florida, that it would continue. I really think that if Galloway and Liggins can hold down the point that Porter can get some open looks without having the pressure of holding the team together. See, here is the difference in the mentality of a point guard (and lead guard as well) and a scorer. Notice that I did not say shooting guard. Let me explain, when a player has spent his career as a catch and shoot scorer (or slasher scorer), and he is used to just putting the ball in the hole, the added weight of making sure that everyone else is in position can take you out of your rhythm and your head. If Porter can relax and just focus on shooting or setting up the post with a quick drive and dish, I think that he can give great minutes. Now, those of you loyal readers with know that I said earlier in the year that Porter would be a great point guard and that we would be glad to have him in the tournament...well, if he is our only option, then yeah, but if Kevin establishes himself...We suddenly become a real threat: 2 tall, quick point guards in Liggins and Galloway. 2 shooters in Jodie and Mike. Mike may wind up being a John Paxon or Steve Kerr. (To those of you young ones, the Bulls won a couple NBA Championships on their 3 point shots, and Jordan was on those teams. Those 3's were last second game winners.)

I know the mentality of a scorer, that is what I am. I can play point (since I am 6 feet tall, I would be a 1 or maybe a 2 in college) but my mind doesn't tick like that on offense. If you get me the ball, I look for the best option; if it's me, then the ball goes in the air. More so If I am posting up or I curl around for the 3...but when I am playing, my mind is on getting the ball in the hole.

Disconcerting News from Arkansas, Fortson suspended indefinitely and Marcus Monk. Marcus Monk is quote, "No longer a member on the University of Arkansas basketball team." Arkansas Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long. (I hate the source of this article but it was the only good one I could find in a pinch...I have a real dislike for Jerry. My "positivity" is for the Team not for the Local Media...because the influence the perception of lots of people, and I think they get it wrong way more than right.) So, one of the best guards in the SEC this year is out for a while. I think this is a game where we can establish some dominance "again". Billy G. did say though that Bud Walton arena is on of the best arenas in college basketball. I know that we can't overlook anyone, and I don't suggest that we do that but without solid point play any team is in trouble. (We should know that).

1:00pm is when this all comes down...we'll see you after the game.

Sad News Reaches the Bluegrass

UK recruit Daniel Orton's mother died yesterday.  It is a sad day when a young man loses his mother, or any parent.  I send out my sympathies and condolences to the family.  I hope that he finds comfort and peace in these trying times.

The Day After, Still Just as Sweet.

First I need to correct an error that I made on my last post.  It was Galloway that made the last second foul and not Meeks.  

I just got finished watching some hightlights, that last shot was just a great shot.  Guts and sheer determination willed it in.  Billy G. entertained the media with his witty remark on how the play was designed.

There are just a few numbers that were very interesting.  Florida shot 40.7% FG for the game, 28.6% from 3, and 65.4% from free throws.  Those numbers aren't bad but the Cats shot 47.3% FG, 41.2% from 3, but a paltry 56.3 from the free throw line.  It has a tops turvy feel to win a game with a free throw percentage not close to 80.  But a win is a win is a win. 

What is up with the hostility this year;  Hodge's stepping on Perry's arm.  Asbury stepping of Budinger's head.  Why would these players even think that it is ok or that they can get by with it.  Was Lattner their childhood hero?  Just play the game and stop trying be a thug.  You're in college, supposedly better yourself and improving your education, that means that learning progressive thinking and philosophy.  I know that I graduated a few years ago ( '06) but I don't remember Dr. Dre or 50 cent giving any lectures or publishing any university level curriculum.

I don't think that you can say enough about Nick Calathes.  He is not the greatest athlete (but he is athletic no doubt).  He is able to get around his man, and get to where he needs to go.  He appears to have the entire court memorized and knows exactly where he is and where all of his players are at all times.  I don't think he is the most dominate player on the floor.  But he does all the little intricate basketball details and dirty work and at the end of the game when you add all of those up, it usually ends up producing a win.  I was very impressed with this strength and poise (he was able to to the basket when he needed to and get tough, tough lay ups...and 1 circus shot).  I know this is a Cat blog but I was so impressed that I took a paragraph to give some respect to a great player.  I will say that I am so glad that he missed those free throws.  (71% on the year).  He ended with 33, but he was 3 points shy of being the Hero, that role belongs to Jodie Meeks.

Patterson is day to day with his ankle and IT IS ONLY sprained.  We, here at TOK, are hoping for a speedy recover.  Patrick is such a force that I can't wait to see what he can produce as the Cats (Porter, Harrellson, and Galloway) continue to plow up fallow ground.  Opening up the inside and the outside for both Patterson and Meeks.  "This party is going to be crazy!"  A classic line from Nacho Libre.

That is all that I have for today.  I love basking in the glow of a victory.  Now, off to sleep and to dream of hoops.

Holy Meeks What a Finish!!! Prayerful Shot Answer's the Question of Our Faith.

Meeks fake drives and pops back into shooting position.  Calathes played perfect defense,  his hand was right near the ball as Jodie was ready to shoot, but he was not going to foul.  Jodie simply pulls the ball to his right shoulder, away from Nick's hands.  It looks as if he was allowing his body to adjust to and to compensate for the momentum carrying him to the right. And he just let it go.  My heart stopped and stayed in my throat.  It was so pure, so right, and so much need.  And my faith was answered with Jodie's prayer.  That shot has been burned in to my mind and my heart forever (well, a long time).  I was thinking that this game may come down to a last second shot and that Jodie should be the man to shoot it.  

The Cats definitely brought it today.  The intensity that they played with was that of warriors.  I know that there was a few times when we got lucky with a missed three on bad defense.  At times the Cats look so out of sync on offense.  You see them drop or miss handle so many questionable passes, that it makes your heart stop a little, but what you see it determination.  7 days off and the Cats are back to competing on every play (nearly every play).  They didn't look like the same defeated team that lost the Miss. State.  They were animals.  They played like Wildcats.

Galloway brought the competition.  The coast to coast slam brought me to the verge of screaming (I was at home and my wife and best friend were watching a TV show and talking, I was watching on the Computer so I was paying them courtesy).  That is how a Div. I point guard takes advantage of being a great athlete.  And then the post up move over two guys.  I expect great things from Galloway the rest of the way this season but next year as well.  Tonight he recorded 6 HUGE points, 8 needed rebounds and 9 assists (to only 4 turnovers).  Guys don't look now but the Cats may have found their rotation at point; Porter and Galloway.

Porter showed why he was recruited as a shooting guard with 3/4 shooting and 9 points.   Perry had 10 points and 8 rebounds and 3 blocks (his 4 turnovers are less than desired but he was solid).  Harrellson's  11 point and 3 rebounds give validity that The Cats need more than a consistent 3 scores but 4 or 5.  That would make us a force to be reckoned with in the future.

Tomorrow I will come back and discuss the nature of Hodge's un-sportsmanlike conduct and Patterson's ankle.  I do not wish to speculate on such an injury until the jury is in.  We will know more tomorrow.  

It was a great game and a jolt of confidence for the Cats.  Oh, and they are back on top of the East..."We will return."-Billy G.

It's Too Quiet.

I have spent the weekend preparing for changes in my life and was not "able" to blog.  But reinstating myself in to this maddening world I feel pricked by a unnerving nervousness.  Not that I think that Florida can beat us or that they will beat us, but the fact that the fans seem to be doing and saying...well, nothing.  The paper is even quiet.  (Well, they still have their 3 articles by Story, Clay, and Tipton...but not commentary [pre-game] fro Billy G.)  The blog sites and even the influx of violent banter has quelled.  Is Big Blue Nation so broken that they are not going to get up for the game?  Are they saving their energy to unleash on game day?  KSR  has only one article with more than 30 comments on it, and that is it.  It is an eerie calm.  Feels like a ghost town; tumbleweeds are rolling down Vine Street.  Or is the pain of enduring another lose so overwhelming that the fans would surf everywhere but their favorite sites?  Or have they lost the will to live?  Or I am just caught up in the heavy melancholy of woe?  I hope not, considering I am The Optimistic Kat.

There seems to be so much to be excited about when it comes to Kentucky:  2009 recruiting class, Jodie broke Issel's 53 point record...against Tennessee and they were ranked, Patterson having a monster year, Ramon getting hurt and coming back, Miller finding his confidence and showing some moxie....  Guys, it is not like that there is nothing to cheer about.  Here is the problem, or what I see as a problem: we want to be able to gloat a great team.  But this year and this team have deprived us of the ability to gloat with out looking foolish in front of other fans.  But there is more at stake here than that for the players and for me as well.  Remember, 99% us did nothing to make the program great.  Our athletic contributions are nil.  We've have never made a 3-point shot to win the game or made a great defensive stop, but we behave as though we did.  And we take offense when others question the Legacy of Kentucky.  The offense undertaking is Noble, but not necessary. We do it because we are for the team.  Our efforts with our opinions show passion but most it is unwarranted and negative.  As Craig Kilborn would say, "Check Your Negativity at the Door."

If you give up on the Cats until they get rid of Billy G., then you are not committed.  I would seriously question you fanhood.  I will call you on the carpet right here.  Let me say again, you are merely a fan of winning so you have the means to gloat.  You'd rather be right than be loyal.   Loyalty is a commodity that is so far removed from this post-modern era.  We have the greatest tradition known to college basketball.  We have nearly 2000 wins, 7 national titles, 43 SEC titles, 25,000 screaming fans at Rupp, etc...  Guys were are a dynasty, legendary even.  One season that doesn't meet expectations is not going to unravel that.  Have some faith in your team.  What is life without faith?  It is misery and death...and we are not even close to that here in Kentucky.  The Cats are young and strong, like Derby Challengers...those that grow up to be Champions; champions like Man O' War and Secretariat.

So I stand like a man on a mountain with a oversized megaphone (under appreciated blog...haha), "GET UP...GET UP AND SEE...THE CATS...THE CATS MARCHING TO VICT'RY!"  I say get in your favorite chair, with your best of friends, turn on ESPN (9:00pm), and let the faith and hope flow forth.  Hope deferred makes a heart sick, but laughter (of joy) is the best medicine.  Tomorrow night I hope we are all laughing as we make our way to bed, sleep a peaceful sleep and wake up still singing in the morning.  Here is something that will explain this kind of faith: Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is the Substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen."  I ask you, "CAN YOU HAVE FAITH IN YOUR TEAM?" or "Are you all tired out?"  You need to show the same effort and teamwork "rooting" that you expect from the players "actually playing"...it is your only real contribution, MAKE IT COUNT...for the team.