At South Florida Game-observations

[uk78]

Long time since I was able to go to a game. It was fun and amazing to see that at least 75 % and maybe even higher were Kentucky fans. So many of us were wearing our blue UK shirts and other UK stuff. So, it was like a community of fans even in Miami. Nevertheless, the arena was only half full, albeit that most were Kentucky fans.

OK, to the game. We may be ranked number one but this team is not a number one unit yet. The glaring weakness is in the front court especially with rebounding. Please don't quote me statistics it was easily seen. Skal shows a lot of promise but also reveals a lot of inexperience not being quite sure when to attack the basket, go into an offensive move, and his defensive positioning allows the other team's big men to get some easy looks. Poy looked good but disappears too much and as much as we all want him to be a beast, I don't think he will meet that dream. Lee is at best when the tempo is quick but half court sets for him to be an offensive threat don't seem likely and his rebounding was kind of poor in this game. Humphries is big, wow, he looked as big as Cousins for South Florida and although similar to Skal with inexperience in decision making, he can play serious minutes to positively impact the defense against another big center.

Murray is an awesome talent . Cal needs to just let him play, and I wish the ball was in his hands more than Briscoe. He is the Anthony Davis of the team (and no I am not comparing him in terms of position, but in terms of a difference maker), a talent above others, and if anything I would like to see Murray shoot more and more.

Ulis put a scare into everyone and hopefully will be O.K.

 

[caneintally]

We have a long way to go but we easily the best team in the country as the talent level across the board is way down . That is what is so scary about this team - We are the best out there and we will get twice as good as March .

 

[ok-cats-computer]

Props to you for attending the game. On TV, it looked like everyone at the arena was a Kentucky fan. It's unfortunate that the arena was 1/2 empty, but I think that is partially attributable to the fact that many of the Ohio State and Memphis fans that purchased tickets for the game following our game probably didn't bother to show up early.

 

[jameslee32]

Lots of fans dressed in red now.

Oh, those are empty seats.

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

one of the worst UK rebounding teams I've seen in a while. They have no chance of getting #9 unless they can rebound. It's embarrassing a team with that kind of size is getting dominated on the boards by teams.

 

[ManitouDan]

Our current starting 5 isn't conducive to rebounding .

 

[jameslee32]

Pretty sure UK outrebounded USF on a night they shot it well, easily won by 21 with few boards to be had.

But sure, even the tallest UK team ever got dominated at times last year. The last game unfortunately.

 

[Blueaz]

Yep is a troll. Don't feed

 

[CalCat57]

We have a long way to go but we easily the best team in the country as the talent level across the board is way down . That is what is so scary about this team - We are the best out there and we will get twice as good as March .

Easily the best team in the country? You must not watch much college basketball.

 

[ace on the river]

Skal is a great talent, but doesn't play hard yet. he is L-A-Z-Y . But Cal will change that in him

 

[Aike]

Skal is a great talent, but doesn't play hard yet. he is L-A-Z-Y . But Cal will change that in him

Not lazy. Learning. This post is a joke.

 

[MdWIldcat55]

LOL. So far this year I've heard this team can't shoot, can't shoot free throws, can't play man-to-man, can't play zone, can't rebound and doesn't play hard. I'm glad Duke and a few other not terrible teams didn't figure all that out in time to keep the Cats from winning every game by double digits.

 

[Aike]

For the record, we have out-rebounded all six opponents.

Our rebounding percentage is currently 10th best in the country.

Just another myth for chicken littles to get twisted over.

 

[ace on the river]

Not lazy. Learning. This post is a joke.

Doesn't go hard after rebounds. have you ever seen him dive on the floor? Doesn't always hustle on defense. gets beat a lot on defense. I think he is learning, but to play for Cal, you better hustle

 

[CatNChucktown]

Props to you for attending the game. On TV, it looked like everyone at the arena was a Kentucky fan. It's unfortunate that the arena was 1/2 empty, but I think that is partially attributable to the fact that many of the Ohio State and Memphis fans that purchased tickets for the game following our game probably didn't bother to show up early.

Ohio St and Memphis fans never showed up. We left at the half and so did the majority of Cat fans that stuck around for the second bill. South Beach awaits!

 

[JerseyCat84]

Doesn't go hard after rebounds. have you ever seen him dive on the floor? Doesn't always hustle on defense. gets beat a lot on defense. I think he is learning, but to play for Cal, you better hustle

Are you stupid or just pretending to be?

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

Just as I figured. Some of these guys on this board are absolutely clueless and should have their man cards revoked.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

For the record, we have out-rebounded all six opponents.

Our rebounding percentage is currently 10th best in the country.

Just another myth for chicken littles to get twisted over.

Ha ha... Dont confuse these dip weeds with facts.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Yep is a troll. Don't feed

He sure is. What a dork. He brings that same weak ass posting from the football board to the b-ball board. What a clown, fooling nobody.

 

[IL Wildcat]

No, UK isn't a title team yet, without a doubt, but who else is? I don't think I can name 10 other teams that would beat this UK team today. Maybe others could, I don't know.

Yes, I agree we are thin up front and have had trouble allowing offensive boards too oftwn. USF took advantage of that at times tonight. We have had problems with big, strong centers, like Cousins tonight and Plumlee of Duke. Humphries can help with that a bit, but we give up things when he's in. I hope Wynyard can come in and contribute rebounding the ball.

But our guard play is elite, without question. They're not finishing some plays right now that they will be finishing later in the season, but even considering that, this backcourt is the best in the nation.

Shooting was better across the board tonight. Three pt shooting was very good. Free throw shooting was excellent.

We UK are perfectionists. It's a good thing at times because it drives our teams to be great. But we're unrealistic at times, and a bit myopic. Many of us don't watch other teams play ball very much, so this leads us to compare last season's March team to this season's November team. It's just not realistic.

And I think we should get one thing straight: this team will NOT be as good a rebounding team as last year's team. This team is built differently. This team won't bully people around. This team won't have 3 forwards in double digits every night. But this team is better at ball handling, fast breaking, open court, defensive pressure on the ball, and will be better shooting. This team will likely have 3 guards scoring double figures every night. But this is a different team, plain and simple.

Bottom line, we're not what we will be but we're very good. We're not at the level of last season's team in March nor will we ever be what that team was in the post. But this team can win a title this season. Write it down. Our guards are elite. Our forwards are getting better. I'll take it today and I'll look forward to what is coming.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

We have a long way to go but we easily the best team in the country as the talent level across the board is way down . That is what is so scary about this team - We are the best out there and we will get twice as good as March .

The man speaks the truth.
Get ready for another epic run.

 

[JerseyCat84]

No, UK isn't a title team yet, without a doubt, but who else is? I don't think I can name 10 other teams that would beat this UK team today. Maybe others could, I don't know.

Yes, I agree we are thin up front and have had trouble allowing offensive boards too oftwn. USF took advantage of that at times tonight. We have had problems with big, strong centers, like Cousins tonight and Plumlee of Duke. Humphries can help with that a bit, but we give up things when he's in. I hope Wynyard can come in and contribute rebounding the ball.

But our guard play is elite, without question. They're not finishing some plays right now that they will be finishing later in the season, but even considering that, this backcourt is the best in the nation.

Shooting was better across the board tonight. Three pt shooting was very good. Free throw shooting was excellent.

We UK are perfectionists. It's a good thing at times because it drives our teams to be great. But we're unrealistic at times, and a bit myopic. Many of us don't watch other teams play ball very much, so this leads us to compare last season's March team to this season's November team. It's just not realistic.

And I think we should get one thing straight: this team will NOT be as good a rebounding team as last year's team. This team is built differently. This team won't bully people around. This team won't have 3 forwards in double digits every night. But this team is better at ball handling, fast breaking, open court, defensive pressure on the ball, and will be better shooting. This team will likely have 3 guards scoring double figures every night. But this is a different team, plain and simple.

Bottom line, we're not what we will be but we're very good. We're not at the level of last season's team in March nor will we ever be what that team was in the post. But this team can win a title this season. Write it down. Our guards are elite. Our forwards are getting better. I'll take it today and I'll look forward to what is coming.

Your posts offer a refreshing point of view. Good job.

 

[aikenite4uk]

Yep is a troll. Don't feed

And a completely moronic one as well....even by UL fanboy troll standards, this clown is tragically inept.

 

[kentucky_wildcat_#1]

For the ones saying we are not the #1 team right now, i would like to know who do you guys think is the best team in the nation right now? This is obviously a down year of college basketball. A team with the type of roster like ours will be hard to beat come march when the rest of college basketball is down. A team like ours will only get better while most of the schools in the country have a certain peak their roster can/will reach. I know a lot of fans talk ish about when we say it's a down year of college basketball lke the year UL won it all. I don't care what type of season it is in college basketball. I will take a title every and any year no matter the toughness in the field. It doesn't mean no more nor no less how tough the field it is to me. A title is a title and i'll be happy anytime Kentucky can win one.

 

[kyjeff1]

We have a long way to go but we easily the best team in the country as the talent level across the board is way down . That is what is so scary about this team - We are the best out there and we will get twice as good as March .

Man, you set yourself up for huge disappointments every year. I love the fact that you're so positive but wow it must REALLY hurt your mojo when UK loses.

 

[docholiday51]

I don't think there are any dominant teams in college basketball so far this season.I think we are about as good as anyone else I have seen.I think our shooting will get better as the season goes along,we may get pushed around on the boards a little bit.

I think foul problems at certain positions may get us into trouble from time to time.(Skal may end up sitting at times we really need him in the game)

I think that when this team is hitting on all cylinders(which we haven't seen yet) it will be poetry in motion,unless you are on the other team.

 

[musrat59]

We certainly have a ways to go between now and March but the potential is there.

 

[wcc31]

Easily the best team in the country? You must not watch much college basketball.

I watch as much college basketball as anyone- who's better?

Also, not surprising considering the poster, but have to laugh at the OP's contention we suck at rebounding.

You guys who try too hard to be critical are every bit as bad as the homer idiots.

If UK doesn't impress you- WATCH the other teams play.

 

[KyFord]

I have watched most of the top teams play this year and our team is by far the best. I love this team, should be a fun year. Not sure what teams are better than the Cats at this point?

I'm not saying that we can't be beat but I don't think anyone is better.

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

This thread has been infested with trolls, better exterminate it quick.

 

[BoulderCat]

I also think rebounding will not be the strength for this team it was for last year's team. Still they're doing OK with it, and Skal and Humphries both have such tremendous potential to improve. They will. This is also more of a fast paste team with at least 3 guys who are excellent at slashing trough the defense, and getting a shot or assist. They are piling up a good number of assist, and on D steals. And I'm very hopeful the % from 3 will go up as they all figure out who needs to be taking those shots, and when. Better shot selection from there will result in a better percentage. Overall I'd say they are as deserving as any to be #1 right now, but are a good ways from having the separation last year's team did. Unlike last year though I believe they will play their best ball at the end of the season, not the beginning.

 

[EMMCAT]

I have not seen all the alleged contenders ( missing Maryland, Arizona and Oklahoma) but I have seen most of them. Here's my take:
teams that are good right now:
UK- biggest problem is inexperience and front court shooting. Team will get lots better as Skal, Poythress, Mathews and Humphries improve. Biggest strength is coaching, willingness to guard people and really, really good backcourt play. I am beginning to understand how Villanova has won over the last few years.

Sparty-great coach and more talent than usual. A real threat to win it all.
Duke- great coach with young playerswho will improve. Need Thornton to improve fast. Need other frosh to mature. A threat.

UNC- excellent talent but Paige must stay healthy.. They can win it all
Kansas-experienced team that will get better as Diallo and Bragg gain time on floor. They should beat us at PAH. If they don't punch our ticket for the FF.

Teams that are good and will get better;
Gonzaga- inexperienced guard play but lots of good big men. Good coach who will get improved guard play as year goes by.
LSU- One transcendent player who must learn to be selfish. Reminds me of a more athletic Magic Johnson. But remember that Magic did not win as a freshman only when he decided to score did they win. Blakeney is also impressive. Coaching suspect.

 

[ukcatsfan2]

Doesn't go hard after rebounds. have you ever seen him dive on the floor? Doesn't always hustle on defense. gets beat a lot on defense. I think he is learning, but to play for Cal, you better hustle

Do you know how far it is for a 7 footer to actually dive on the floor for a loose ball?

Get on a 7 foot step ladder and jump off the middle step onto the floor....

 

[Bkocats]

Skal is a great talent, but doesn't play hard yet. he is L-A-Z-Y . But Cal will change that in him

not sure where you get lazy - by all accounts he works hard and is very coachable. He IS still learning the game in general; on top of that he's learning a different style than what he's used to.

 

[kyjeff1]

not sure where you get lazy - by all accounts he works hard and is very coachable. He IS still learning the game in general; on top of that he's learning a different style than what he's used to.

Yeah I don't believe he is lazy at all. I think he just doesn't have the instincts yet and It looks to me like he's still trying to process all of this. He's on a much bigger stage than he has ever been on and it's a bit overwhelming for him. You can see flashes of what he can do, once he gets it going he will dominate his position.

 

[Bkocats]

Yeah I don't believe he is lazy at all. I think he just doesn't have the instincts yet and It looks to me like he's still trying to process all of this. He's on a much bigger stage than he has ever been on and it's a bit overwhelming for him. You can see flashes of what he can do, once he gets it going he will dominate his position.

plus we tend to forget he's also learning this way of life - I know he's been here a few years; but this is college, so there is that adjustment as well
Skal obviously has potential, or he wouldn't have been recruited; you can see flashes of brilliance in his play - it just hasn't come together for him, yet, but it will

 

[Hoskins21]

For the record, we have out-rebounded all six opponents.

Our rebounding percentage is currently 10th best in the country.

Just another myth for chicken littles to get twisted over.

Now don't you go spreading facts like that. UK fans need something to bitch about.

 

[docholiday51]

Now don't you go spreading facts like that. UK fans need something to bitch about.

We are a resourceful bunch we will find something

 

[uk78]

Like I said, don't quote statistics because they can be misleading. Some fans get it others don't. So, I will explain for those who actually watched the game. Cousins got in foul difficulty and was held out the majority of the first half. So, yes at that point Kentucky was very respectable on the boards statistically. Now, did you watch the second half? When Cousins was in there he and Perry dominated the offensive glass. Were you at the game? It was so concretely observable. In fact, a number of us were shouting from the stands, grab the rebound, when time after time, Kentucky was out-rebounded after a missed USF shot giving up second and 3rd chance opportunities. Fortunately, the USF guard were pretty bad. Remember this was South Florida we were playing a 1-4 team with losses to other weak teams. If you don't like what I am saying then you must not like what Cal is saying either. He has mentioned how his team and especially Skal need to learn how to fight, get more physical, etc. Cousins is not a top 10 center is he? Yet he was a real physical presence which Kentucky had a hard time defending. It was not as bad as what we saw with Plumlee, but trust me, Kentucky has a ways to go with the fundamentals despite the score, stats, etc. A big physical team right now will prove a challenge for our team. I am just pointing out clear observations and I am not saying Kentucky is bad. Get that out of your heads please. We pretty much blew this team out and read the rest of my original post again. It is all accurate.

 

[Hoskins21]

Like I said, don't quote statistics because they can be misleading. Some fans get it others don't. So, I will explain for those who actually watched the game. Cousins got in foul difficulty and was held out the majority of the first half. So, yes at that point Kentucky was very respectable on the boards statistically. Now, did you watch the second half? When Cousins was in there he and Perry dominated the offensive glass. Were you at the game? It was so concretely observable. In fact, a number of us were shouting from the stands, grab the rebound, when time after time, Kentucky was out-rebounded after a missed USF shot giving up second and 3rd chance opportunities. Fortunately, the USF guard were pretty bad. Remember this was South Florida we were playing a 1-4 team with losses to other weak teams. If you don't like what I am saying then you must not like what Cal is saying either. He has mentioned how his team and especially Skal need to learn how to fight, get more physical, etc. Cousins is not a top 10 center is he? Yet he was a real physical presence which Kentucky had a hard time defending. It was not as bad as what we saw with Plumlee, but trust me, Kentucky has a ways to go with the fundamentals despite the score, stats, etc. A big physical team right now will prove a challenge for our team. I am just pointing out clear observations and I am not saying Kentucky is bad. Get that out of your heads please. We pretty much blew this team out and read the rest of my original post again. It is all accurate.

We get what you're saying. However, we're a young team. We're not perfect. No team is. We will still win a lot of games and be a top 5 team by the end of the year. Is that such an awful thing after losing 90% of a 38-1 team?