Biggest bonus from Tuesday imo

[Kybluedude]

Trust and confidence!

True validation of the coaching staff and their process. As much as they like Coach Pope I’m sure they were unsure how his preseason conditioning and coaching techniques plus style of play would translate on the big stage. Could he coach in a showcase game? Will his poise and energy carry over? Can he calmly make decisions under pressure.

That got answered big time!

Secondly, confidence and trust in each other. No matter what, each guy had to wonder who would be able to stand up to the pressure of that type game. None had ever played together in that type environment. Who would have my back? Who would refuse to give in? Can we do it vs a team with so many future pros? Are we really together as one unit? Will anyone freeze?

That got answered big time!

I think UK had to gain a ton of confidence coming from behind, when frankly, many of our fans gave up. They didn’t. The coaches made adjustments and the team showed tremendous resolve and determination.

I’m sure the game tape gave CMP plenty of technical opportunities but more than anything I think confidence in each other and the staff was the biggest residual.

 

[know1]

The biggest bonus for me was that I don't think we played our A game by any means. That's not to take away from Duke because they are super talented and one of the leading favorites for a title for sure. But we have a quite a bit of room for improvement and that is a good thing.

 

[DraftCat]

Yes I think "Confidence" is the key word for all types of reasons.

Confidence in -
1. This Season
2. Pope Coaching ability
3. Future Recruits

All were answered on Tuesday.

 

[TopCatCal]

Trust and confidence!

True validation of the coaching staff and their process. As much as they like Coach Pope I’m sure they were unsure how his preseason conditioning and coaching techniques plus style of play would translate on the big stage. Could he coach in a showcase game? Will his poise and energy carry over? Can he calmly make decisions under pressure.

That got answered big time!

Secondly, confidence and trust in each other. No matter what, each guy had to wonder who would be able to stand up to the pressure of that type game. None had ever played together in that type environment. Who would have my back? Who would refuse to give in? Can we do it vs a team with so many future pros? Are we really together as one unit? Will anyone freeze?

That got answered big time!

I think UK had to gain a ton of confidence coming from behind, when frankly, many of our fans gave up. They didn’t. The coaches made adjustments and the team showed tremendous resolve and determination.

I’m sure the game tape gave CMP plenty of technical opportunities but more than anything I think confidence in each other and the staff was the biggest residual.

Not only confidence for the players. But confidence for the BBN that over the last 4 or 5 years that as fans we haven't had a lot to be confident about. A much needed win

 

[blue cincy]

Not only confidence for the players. But confidence for the BBN that over the last 4 or 5 years that as fans we haven't had a lot to be confident about. A much needed win

Agree, confidence for the fans, you have BBN fully 1000% on board, bring in recruits, you will have a wow factor unlike any other!
If things go they way it looks early, you will see BBN back for the SEC tourney, you will see BBN heading to Cleveland or where ever UK would be assigned for the First and Second round of the NCAA (since we cannot play in Rupp).

 

[LineSkiCat14]

It honestly might have taken another full year or two before the college basketball landscaped opened their eyes to Pope and UK. Because no matter how good you are, top10 wins, especially not at home, aren't easy to come by. It can be years before even the best coaches get one.

In another reality, We lose this game, but we're still pretty good.. we win a bunch of games in the SEC, but we also lose some.. we get a 4-5 seed, and we lose 2nd round.. No one's mind really changes on Mark Pope if that happens. We're all still in a "wait and see approach". And that could still be the case for several more years, just like it was for Hurley when he got to Uconn.

Now, all that could still happen this year.. but beating Duke was a big step in the right direction.. and after that performance, it's hard to imagine we won't be winning some big games this year.