Afternoon Underdogs today

[EvilMD]

The guys are on vacation so they had John Boel from WAVE, some other dude, and at one point Adam Lefkoe called in. Boel predicts UK will win it all, but the UK-UL predictions I heard were all U of L. One guy picked them by 21. Lefkoe had an interesting take on Skal. He said Cal had all these point guards in a row....the two at Memphis and then Wall, Knight and Teague...and when Ryan Harrow arrived on the scene everyone saw him doing windmill dunks and the assumption was he was the next great one in line. Only he was soft. Way too soft. He said he thinks Skal is like Harrow...we've had all these centers in a row....Cousins, Davis, Noel, Cauley-Stein, Towns....and here comes this guy with these skills in Skal, but he's too soft to take advantage of them.

This was a guy detached from the UK/UL 24/7 coverage, but still with intimate knowledge of the two programs, since he spent three to four years in Louisville before moving to New York.

He also thinks UK is in trouble if Ulis gets in foul trouble against U of L.

 

[JC CATS]

When is the last time Ulis has been in foul trouble? Now Louisville may hack him and injure him

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

UK will roll the Tards in Rupp.
No contest.
The Woodchopper will see to it.

 

[Bluest Member]

Oh,you can bet Pitino is tired of taking flak over his record vs Calipari at UK,he will have this game circled and his team pumped,but as long as UK gets a fair whistle at home,I don't think the two 25 year old players and the 21 feet of suck will be able to pull it off

 

[EvilMD]

They are practicing twice on Xmas Eve and once Xmas day. We're not practicing either day, or so Cal said. Sound familiar? ("They won't even watch film of Wisconsin")

I understand it a little. Cal has beaten Rick seven of eight times. After last year he realizes the importance of losses. So why do what Pitino is doing, killing your kids over one game. Maybe he meant what he said when he said "I'm not worried about Louisville." Maybe we shouldn't be, either. Maybe we should be worried about improving as a team so we can be 3-0 against them under Cal in March if they set us up again.

 

[musrat59]

Lil Brother gets their hopes up every year only to be disappointed.

 

[kyjeff1]

They are practicing twice on Xmas Eve and once Xmas day. We're not practicing either day, or so Cal said. Sound familiar? ("They won't even watch film of Wisconsin")

I understand it a little. Cal has beaten Rick seven of eight times. After last year he realizes the importance of losses. So why do what Pitino is doing, killing your kids over one game. Maybe he meant what he said when he said "I'm not worried about Louisville." Maybe we shouldn't be, either. Maybe we should be worried about improving as a team so we can be 3-0 against them under Cal in March if they set us up again.

Why bring up the Wisconsin game? It wasn't a lack of watching film that caused the loss. UK had the lead near the end if the game until we had a PG take it upon himself to play stall ball with way too much time left and he caused 3 straight shot clock violations. THAT'S what lost us the game.
As far as Louisville, Cal has his team take time off before Christmas every year and he is 5-1 in December games against UL so I don't see what the problem is.

 

[cantstandthecards]

Louisville is hanging there hat on Mich st game. I say if Mich st hadn't played three games in four days and few back fom the west coast they would have blown them out! Took them the first half to wake up!

 

[EvilMD]

Why bring up the Wisconsin game? It wasn't a lack of watching film that caused the loss. UK had the lead near the end if the game until we had a PG take it upon himself to play stall ball with way too much time left and he caused 3 straight shot clock violations. THAT'S what lost us the game.
As far as Louisville, Cal has his team take time off before Christmas every year and he is 5-1 in December games against UL so I don't see what the problem is.

I'm just saying Cal has a habit of downplaying the importance of things sometimes. Who knows, maybe we did watch tape for that game and maybe we will be practicing behind the scenes for this one. But publicly Cal is like "meh, I'm not too worried about it".

I just can't shake this feeling that this game has become so lopsided in terms of importance for one side over the other. They HAVE to beat us. We want to beat them. This could be Pitino's last game against us. I hope we beat him by 30, but I get the feeling we're in for a final possession game.

 

[UK93CarolinaCat]

Don't we go through this every year for the UL game? Pitino will work his staff and team into a frenzy in prepping for UK, only to play tight and sloppy!
Also, UL fans have predicted a win against UK every time we play them, what is different this year?

My last game prediction was UK by 17 over Arizona st. (It was a 17 point margin with about 45 seconds to play)

Prediction for the UL game, Cats by 13.

 

[Bluest Member]

I'm just saying Cal has a habit of downplaying the importance of things sometimes. Who knows, maybe we did watch tape for that game and maybe we will be practicing behind the scenes for this one. But publicly Cal is like "meh, I'm not too worried about it".

I just can't shake this feeling that this game has become so lopsided in terms of importance for one side over the other. They HAVE to beat us. We want to beat them. This could be Pitino's last game against us. I hope we beat him by 30, but I get the feeling we're in for a final possession game.

Since When? No Offense ,but you sound like either a closet Little Brothel fan or a chicken little.Calipari is 7-1 against Pitino and downplays,doesn't worry,or anything else that scares you.
It's a college game and anything can happen,wouldn't be a big deal either way except for bragging rights,but to put it in my native tongue " I Ain't Skeered" Cats 88-Whores 76

 

[2Adulterers]

The Little Brothers are all lathered up over the 8 future Pros that
ESCORTino claims to have on this team...Grandiose dreams by the West Enders.but UK guards will embarrass the two 5th year players from Drexel and Cleveland State ..Lil Ricky seems to get very nervous at Rupp Arena and starts making strange coaching moves..maybe some of his mistresses have UK season tickets..As expected UK

 

[ukfan79]

Since When? No Offense ,but you sound like either a closet Little Brothel fan or a chicken little.Calipari is 7-1 against Pitino and downplays,doesn't worry,or anything else that scares you.
It's a college game and anything can happen,wouldn't be a big deal either way except for bragging rights,but to put it in my native tongue " I Ain't Skeered" Cats 88-Whores 76

In the grand scheme of life it doesn't matter sure. But UK can't lose this game and have much chance at a 1 seed come March.

I am with you though on your first statement. I never get the hand wringing about not practicing before this game. Oh my god. The guys are gonna go home and get fat and outta shape in 2 or 3 days!!!

 

[Joneslab]

I just can't shake this feeling that this game has become so lopsided in terms of importance for one side over the other.

In this context, what's the difference in this game and the last eight we've played against Louisville? Is this game more important than the Final Four game? Who won that one?

"Importance" is a total non-starter. They're all important. The idea that Cal is "downplaying" this game is based on what we see when we watch him for those six-minute press conferences and what we hear in four-minute postgame media opportunities.

All that said, I think UofL has been the more consistent team so far this season, but it's hard to glean too much because of their schedule. Like most every game in the series I have to think it'll be ugly and close and in question in the last three or four minutes.

 

[kyjeff1]

I'm just saying Cal has a habit of downplaying the importance of things sometimes. Who knows, maybe we did watch tape for that game and maybe we will be practicing behind the scenes for this one. But publicly Cal is like "meh, I'm not too worried about it".

I just can't shake this feeling that this game has become so lopsided in terms of importance for one side over the other. They HAVE to beat us. We want to beat them. This could be Pitino's last game against us. I hope we beat him by 30, but I get the feeling we're in for a final possession game.

There is nobody that wants to win more than Cal. He is under constant pressure by fans that constantly question his methods, like some in this thread, and he knows he has to keep feeding this animal.
But a coach that has been to 4 final fours in 6 years should never be questioned as often as he is. But it happens daily on this board.
You would have a point if the score was Pitino: 7
Calipari: 1
But that's not the case and if you think Cal doesn't want to put his foot on Pitino's throat and mash him into the ground you are sadly mistaken.
Calipari does what all coaches do, he tells you what you need to know, he doesn't tell you everything that he truly feels or knows, most couldn't handle that.
So you think the UK/UL game could come down to the last possession? Why wouldn't it? It's a rivalry game and they are ususlly very close so why should this one be any different? UK can't blow everyone out by 30, some games will be close and I will be stunned if this one isn't close.

 

[Bkocats]

They are practicing twice on Xmas Eve and once Xmas day. We're not practicing either day, or so Cal said. Sound familiar? ("They won't even watch film of Wisconsin")

I understand it a little. Cal has beaten Rick seven of eight times. After last year he realizes the importance of losses. So why do what Pitino is doing, killing your kids over one game. Maybe he meant what he said when he said "I'm not worried about Louisville." Maybe we shouldn't be, either. Maybe we should be worried about improving as a team so we can be 3-0 against them under Cal in March if they set us up again.

I think he said he wasn't worried about Louisville because he shouldn't have been - at the time he was asked about it. Had several games on our schedule before that one, and he needed the guys to be ready for those. Could be wrong, of course; and am ok about it if so. But that was my impression.

 

[kyjeff1]

In the grand scheme of life it doesn't matter sure. But UK can't lose this game and have much chance at a 1 seed come March.

I am with you though on your first statement. I never get the hand wringing about not practicing before this game. Oh my god. The guys are gonna go home and get fat and outta shape in 2 or 3 days!!!

So you think a December loss to a good UL team would prevent UK from getting a 1 seed in March? No.

 

[Joneslab]

I think Cal's deal with giving players time off and that sort of thing is a shot at Pitino.

I was at a coach's clinic once and Cal talked about what a madman Pitino is w/r/t preparation. As everybody knows nobody micro-manages like Pitino. Cal said that this was well-known to everybody in the coaching business, and in the '95-'96 season, before that early regular season game between UMASS and UK, Cal intentionally went to the media and said they might play some zone. He knew Pitino would pick up on that and prepare like crazy for it. UMASS never played zone and Cal said that it may've helped him win the game.

He laughed as he told the story, and I can't help but think he does that kind of stuff when he gets into letting players go home for the holidays, etc. The man loves digging at Pitino. But a lot of what Cal does is smokescreen. The guy's a ferocious competitor.

 

[kats23]

I never worry about the UL game when it comes to UK overlooking it. Cal and Pitino both have huge egos and both want to win this game. Pitino, I'm sure more wants to win it bc of the record and all but Cal wants this win too. I don't get the practice freakout. Cal has always given his team off time every year at Xmas but here we go again with the usual freakout. I think it's a battle and a close game but I like the Cats in this one bc it's at home. UL could win but I think people are putting a little too much stock in the UCLA/Mich St games by both clubs.

 

[jarms24]

I kind of took Calipari's comments as .... The pressure isn't on us to win as much as it's on them, so I'm gonna let my guys take a break. He knew Rick wasn't gonna do the same.

Also, some of you are badly mistaken if you think UL can't win this game. They absolutely can. They shoot the ball well at all levels. I know it's a beaten horse, but we have to make FT's in this game. Briscoe has to guard Lee without getting in foul trouble.

 

[GLR5555]

I kind of took Calipari's comments as .... The pressure isn't on us to win as much as it's on them, so I'm gonna let my guys take a break. He knew Rick wasn't gonna do the same.

Also, some of you are badly mistaken if you think UL can't win this game. They absolutely can. They shoot the ball well at all levels. I know it's a beaten horse, but we have to make FT's in this game. Briscoe has to guard Lee without getting in foul trouble.

Also, Lee has to guard Briscoe or Murray. If he gets if foul trouble just as Briscoe, I like our replacement alot better than what they turn to.

 

[jarms24]

Also, Lee has to guard Briscoe or Murray. If he gets if foul trouble just as Briscoe, I like our replacement alot better than what they turn to.

Very true ... we have more quality depth, and Pitino likes to ugly the game up. I'm hoping that since it's at Rupp, they'll call it tight.

 

[EvilMD]

Only on this board can someone say they really don't take the U of L game as seriously as usual and definitely not as serious as the other team does and be called a Chicken Little.

I listened to the show yesterday with local personalities making predictions and most of them picked U of L. I'm fine with that. Pitino is practicing his kids a lot more than Cal is. I'm fine with that, too. As long as any loss makes the team better, I'm especially fine with that.

Merry Christmas and Go Cats

 

[The_Godfather]

I listened to the show yesterday with local personalities making predictions and most of them picked U of L.

Who gives a rats ass?

The "local personalities" are idiots.

 

[Joneslab]

We've heard "Pitino is practicing his kids a lot more" for literally eight years.

We've also heard some version of "Pitino is the better GAME COACH so he'll definitely have something up his sleeve."

Pitino's wins against Cal in this era: 1.

The takeaway: it doesn't matter.

 

[JC for 3]

.....I listened to that nonsense yesterday as well. It's so amusing to hear their hopes rising with every phone call. There's gonna be a lot of busy bars in DUH-ville on the evening of Decmber 26th as all these turd-birds will be drowning their sorrows after another loss to UK.

L1CAL8.

UK 75
Lil' Bro 63

 

[GLR5555]

If this game were at Yum, I'd have some concerns. Being at Rupp eliminates those concerns.

 

[Joneslab]

Who gives a rats ass?

The "local personalities" are idiots.

I don't think they're idiots, but there's definitely an emphasis on "local." If you're listening to Louisville radio, it's obvious how they're going to pick.

Last year was an exception because I don't think many fans thought they had a shot, but most other years the radio and CJ guys pick UofL in this game.

That's meaningless to me. You've got a lot of fan bias in there. That's fine. But let's not treat it like analytical gospel when John Boel of all people starts picking UofL.

 

[WeWant9]

I have a feeling the guys will get a few days off, after the OSU game, and then be back on the 24th. It's not like Cal is letting the guys leave and not expecting them to be back until noon of Dec 26. The difference in practicing is that UL typically schedules a midweek game before playing UK, where as UK typically has that week off. Hence UL will still be practicing and in town since they play Wed.

This is one year where I'm 50/50. I wouldn't be surprised by any outcome. I'm hoping for a big game from Poy, he should be able to bully ULs front court. I also wouldn't mind seeing Skal breakthrough and drop 20.

 

[kyjeff1]

Also, Lee has to guard Briscoe or Murray. If he gets if foul trouble just as Briscoe, I like our replacement alot better than what they turn to.

Yup and I think you just nailed it. UL has been playing these cupcakes so besides the MSU game they really haven't had to guard elite athletes and I predict Lee, Mitchell and Mathiang will be in foul trouble for mist of the game. That is why UL will lose. Lee and Mitchell are excellent on offense but suspect on defense.

 

[ukfan79]

Yup and I think you just nailed it. UL has been playing these cupcakes so besides the MSU game they really haven't had to guard elite athletes and I predict Lee, Mitchell and Mathiang will be in foul trouble for mist of the game. That is why UL will lose. Lee and Mitchell are excellent on offense but suspect on defense.

And Lil Bro fans will be talking about CorRUPPt Arena all damn day.

 

[armchairpg]

First of all I will state that I cannot stand most of what is on sports radio. I don't feel like the guys on the huddle (1300AM) fully "get it" when it comes to UK basketball. I will tune in to hear discussion of some development with the team and they are stuck on horse racing, baseball or some other random topic. Then there are the long blocks of commercials.

The underdogs are okay in that at least they keep it on basketball and football and spend more time than you would think discussing UK. They don't go out of their way to be obnoxious. Their callers are a different story but its a free country so whatever.

That said, I heard the skal = harrow comment. I thought that was a low blow. First skal is more talented at his position than harrow was. Secondly, there is no evidence of emotional instability. I think by the end of the year skal will have made great strides and the comment will seem all the more absurd. Then again maybe he was just fishing.

 

[UKDUNK]

The guys are on vacation so they had John Boel from WAVE, some other dude, and at one point Adam Lefkoe called in. Boel predicts UK will win it all, but the UK-UL predictions I heard were all U of L. One guy picked them by 21. Lefkoe had an interesting take on Skal. He said Cal had all these point guards in a row....the two at Memphis and then Wall, Knight and Teague...and when Ryan Harrow arrived on the scene everyone saw him doing windmill dunks and the assumption was he was the next great one in line. Only he was soft. Way too soft. He said he thinks Skal is like Harrow...we've had all these centers in a row....Cousins, Davis, Noel, Cauley-Stein, Towns....and here comes this guy with these skills in Skal, but he's too soft to take advantage of them.

This was a guy detached from the UK/UL 24/7 coverage, but still with intimate knowledge of the two programs, since he spent three to four years in Louisville before moving to New York.

He also thinks UK is in trouble if Ulis gets in foul trouble against U of L.

Not a terrible take on the Skal situation. I would argue though that Harrow's major issue was his attitude, not being soft. I heard he quit the team a couple of times and whined instead of listening to Cal. From what I hear Skal has a great attitude and is giving it his all.

 

[JerseyCat84]

I have a feeling the guys will get a few days off, after the OSU game, and then be back on the 24th. It's not like Cal is letting the guys leave and not expecting them to be back until noon of Dec 26. The difference in practicing is that UL typically schedules a midweek game before playing UK, where as UK typically has that week off. Hence UL will still be practicing and in town since they play Wed.

This is one year where I'm 50/50. I wouldn't be surprised by any outcome. I'm hoping for a big game from Poy, he should be able to bully ULs front court. I also wouldn't mind seeing Skal breakthrough and drop 20.

Yeah I wouldn't be shocked if we lose. Though it would sicken me.

 

[hoodro]

I have a feeling the guys will get a few days off, after the OSU game, and then be back on the 24th. It's not like Cal is letting the guys leave and not expecting them to be back until noon of Dec 26.

Exactly. This is how it always goes down. After the game before the UofL game the players immediately fly home from wherever UK is playing. They spend the first part of the week at home with their families, then return to school a couple of days before the UofL game.

They then spend part of those two days practicing and getting ready for the game. It's no different than playing Saturday night, then practice Sunday and Monday in order to get ready for a Tuesday game.

 

[UKBrassowTipIN]

Crum and pitino have losing records against UK. Louisville has a losing record against UK. Pitino had a losing record against Tubby at UK, he has a losing record against Cal at UK. Rick beat Gilespie....congrats.

 

[EvilMD]

But let's not treat it like analytical gospel when John Boel of all people starts picking UofL.

John Boel picks UK to win the national title.

 

[EvilMD]

Not a terrible take on the Skal situation. I would argue though that Harrow's major issue was his attitude, not being soft. I heard he quit the team a couple of times and whined instead of listening to Cal. From what I hear Skal has a great attitude and is giving it his all.

Agree with you and I hope Skal is able to find his niche.

 

[bippus]

I believe the 5th year players Lee and Lewis will be key for UL playing well and keeping the game close. Am not confident the Cats will blow them out but will win a close game.

 

[jameslee32]

Ball-handlers and drivers negate everything Lewdville likes to do. It will be close in the first half. Cats by 15+ in the end.