Coach Cal says he was loyal to the twins

[mj2k10]

Eh, doesn't seem like a big deal, when you look at the actual quote. It isn't like Aaron hasn't performed under pressure, after all.

The whole "Who won the title etc etc" approach he keeps taking is a bit stupid though, especially when he asks "Who won the title three years ago?" I get that the 38 win streak was incredible, but yes, people DO remember national champs, and you should probably remember who won too.

I have to agree with you on this, Dukie.

On a national level, there are really only 2 types of teams that are going to be remembered by anyone except the hardcore college basketball enthusiast: the national champ, and a team that dominated the media coverage during the regular season (which usually means spending most of the year at #1, although not always- see Michigan 91-92). Sometimes the domination of media coverage can overwhelm the actual champ, but even then, the years are going to reduce most memories to reference material, which the champ is going to own. Cal is arguing that the 38 game win streak equates to a national championship, and in a sense, he's right- 2014-15 will always be the year of Kentucky in many ways- but he probably shouldn't dismiss the actual champ just because UK dominated the vast majority of the season.

 

[wcc31]

Well, frankly, that was sort of the pink elephant in the room throughout last season, as it became increasingly apparent that our backup guards (Booker/Ulis) appeared to be better than our starting guards.

You knew Cal saw it too, and he's finally acknowledging it.

False. Booker shot 29% from 3 from February on and became a complete liability on defense.

I agree on Ulis, but Booker hit the wall.

 

[TUL]

I have to agree with you on this, Dukie.

On a national level, there are really only 2 types of teams that are going to be remembered by anyone except the hardcore college basketball enthusiast: the national champ, and a team that dominated the media coverage during the regular season (which usually means spending most of the year at #1, although not always- see Michigan 91-92). Sometimes the domination of media coverage can overwhelm the actual champ, but even then, the years are going to reduce most memories to reference material, which the champ is going to own. Cal is arguing that the 38 game win streak equates to a national championship, and in a sense, he's right- 2014-15 will always be the year of Kentucky in many ways- but he probably shouldn't dismiss the actual champ just because UK dominated the vast majority of the season.

Agreed completely; the narrative this year was all about you guys, and I agree with most of Cal's point; the season will be remembered for a long, long time. In fact, I would go so far as to "agree" that a lot of casual fans might remember the record more than a "boring" national champ.

I guess, because I was reading it as the "who remembers three years ago" and that I thought Kentucky won it three years ago (a year ago UConn, two years ago Louisville, three years ago Kentucky), it just seemed really off to try to play off a national title as forgettable, especially by a guy who you KNOW could tick off every national champ from the last forty years. I get that he is probably SO irritated that such a fantastic season has to have a "wrap up" like it did. It just felt a little forced.

 

[jrpross]

After the '14 tournament, I don't care if Aaron is 0-20, he's in the game the last few minutes. You can't blame Cal for that. He went with experience.

 

[anon_9qtxg60vqzy0y]

It's over and done with. New season starts in 18 days with BBM.

 

[Scarsnbars]

I believe you people have selective memories, but regardless, I doubt that Cal gives a big rats ass what you armchair Naismiths think. Just keep bitching. See what you get when he decides to hang it up.

 

[EvilMD]

Well, frankly, that was sort of the pink elephant in the room throughout last season, as it became increasingly apparent that our backup guards (Booker/Ulis) appeared to be better than our starting guards.

You knew Cal saw it too, and he's finally acknowledging it.

Yep. Hence this tweet...

"Let me make this clear: The twins dragged us to a Final 4 in 2014 & led us to 38 straight wins & a Final 4 in 2015. I LOVED coaching them."

Cal ain't stupid. He knows he just put his foot in it (by acknowledging the truth) and he quickly tried to diffuse it with this tweet. He should just let it go and never answer another question about it, even if he's at someone's camp.

 

[TUL]

Yep. Hence this tweet...

"Let me make this clear: The twins dragged us to a Final 4 in 2014 & led us to 38 straight wins & a Final 4 in 2015. I LOVED coaching them."

Cal ain't stupid. He knows he just put his foot in it (by acknowledging the truth) and he quickly tried to diffuse it with this tweet. He should just let it go and never answer another question about it, even if he's at someone's camp.

Wait, what truth? That he stayed with the twins because they were experienced and had earned their time there by some great performances in the past?

 

[EvilMD]

Wait, what truth? That he stayed with the twins because they were experienced and had earned their time there by some great performances in the past?

That they were the ones who cost us the game at the end. He pretty much acknowledged that for the first time with his quotes. Then he backtracked on twitter, knowing he had inadvertently thrown them under the bus.

 

[Jkwo]

Why wouldn't he stay loyal to them? They had played close games before and had proved they could handle it. Tyler and Devin were both kinda a liability in that game. Until the final stretch the twins played fine and after the run to the title game the season before I have no problem with Cal keeping them in. It would be quite a twist to say he is blaming the twins for not achieving a perfect season.

This is what he should have said.

Cal's quote here isn't the most graceful, but everybody says something that sounds questionable at times.

Whatever. The game is done. He'll be loyal to the twins AND Ulis AND Booker forever, and they'll always have a home in the bluegrass. No animosity present.

 

[KYCAT78]

WCS disappeared, Booker lost his shot and became a liability on defense, Poy got hurt, the no call on the shot clock violation, letting Wisconsin hack Andrew to death on his drives in the paint are why we lost. Last season is history lets make history with the upcoming season.

 

[MdWIldcat55]

Have any of you guys ever been interviewed by the media? I have, and even if the quotes are accurate you can be left feeling, "whoa, what the hell. That's not what I meant." And there isn't a damn thing you can do about it -- see all the politicians and sports figures who have cried 'I was taken out of context.' It just sounds like whining. Cal is probably the best I've seen at handling the media. But this stuff is going to happen if he continues to be out there selling Kentucky basketball.

The solution is simple: A mature, sophisticated fan base that understands that and doesn't get baited by stuff like this, especially by trolls like the OP.

Ignore it folks. We know how Cal feels about the Harrisons, and we know how much he wanted to win the Wisconsin game. Every top coach since Wooden has had teams that should have won it all but fell a couple plays short. It's the nature of the cruelest and most sublime event in sports -- the NCAA tournament. And it is the price you pay for being in the hunt every year. Would you rather be philosophical about being beaten by Northern Iowa or VCU or your little brother Wichita State like our OP's pals in Lawrence, or lose in the Final Four as a 4-point favorite to a great Wisconsin team?

 

[poppycat]

Really what Cal was saying, "I'm the best at recruiting, but I get out coached sometimes"......Sorry!!!

 

[bigbluedon]

Agree totally with backdoorcut..Good points.

 

[Notorious23]

He trusted them. they both were capable and have shown to may big time clutch plays.

 

[KyFord]

It's hard to beat a team that is allowed to score after the shot clock goes off. I don't care what anyone says, The whole game changed after that.

It's time to move forward, the new season is almost here and we have a great group of guys.

 

[Mojocat]

1. Cal loves to talk. Like anyone that loves to talk, he says things sometimes he shouldn't - either because he said something truthful he didn't intend to let out, or because he misspoke.
2. Some of you are still struggling, trying to explain a loss that you think was inexplicable. Newsflash, again - Wisconsin was a good to borderline great team (by 2015 standards). Sometimes the other team just wins.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

We are winning it all this year so it doesn't really matter.

 

[BlueSince92]

The twins did better than Ulis and Booker in that game.

The guy who wrote the article knows it; that's why he put the stats in there. 10 for 21 with 4 (made) free throws is better than 5 for 10 with no trips to the line earned. It just is and there's no disputing that. And that's without even mentioning the fact that, as KYCAT78 pointed out, Booker was way too short a defender for his position against that lineup, and he was getting absolutely eaten alive.

Cal had the right guys in at the time, no matter who wants to second guess that, even himself. He just got caught up in a moment saying this, mostly because he wanted to make a point about loyalty which is an important point even if the example he chose is wrong. He's human. He gonna need a pass every once in a while and I think he deserves one for this. You can tell from his tweets he realized he screwed up. It's no big deal, Cal.

 

[CUT-NETS]

Well, frankly, that was sort of the pink elephant in the room throughout last season, as it became increasingly apparent that our backup guards (Booker/Ulis) appeared to be better than our starting guards.

You knew Cal saw it too, and he's finally acknowledging it.

A coach needs to play his best players. He needs to play the players that give him the best chance to win.

 

[Blueaz]

The twins did better than Ulis and Booker in that game.

The guy who wrote the article knows it; that's why he put the stats in there. 10 for 21 with 4 (made) free throws is better than 5 for 10 with no trips to the line earned. It just is and there's no disputing that. And that's without even mentioning the fact that, as KYCAT78 pointed out, Booker was way too short a defender for his position against that lineup, and he was getting absolutely eaten alive.

Cal had the right guys in at the time, no matter who wants to second guess that, even himself. He just got caught up in a moment saying this, mostly because he wanted to make a point about loyalty which is an important point even if the example he chose is wrong. He's human. He gonna need a pass every once in a while and I think he deserves one for this. You can tell from his tweets he realized he screwed up. It's no big deal, Cal.

but tubby and cut say you are wrong...

 

[WeWant9]

It's amazing that a comment made at some coaches clinic makes an article in USA Today. Between this and the "players seemed relieved" comments , I think Cal should just stop talking about the Wisc game. It just seems what he says quickly gets twisted around and then Cal runs to twitter to clarify what he meant, but by that time there's a million articles out there. Let's just move on and focus on next season.

 

[brianpoe]

I will get torched for this comment, but there was a 4 to 8 possession stretch in which the offense couldn't create a good shot and Harrison forced a shot near end of shot clock. I don't think Ulis would have made a difference and actually may have had even a tougher time creating a shot on his own at the end of the shot clock (due to his height). There are two things that could have "saved" us: either some reliable set plays to create a shot or a player with the individual offensive skills to create himself a shot. I think a player more like Murray or even Briscoe is what we needed (can create their own shot).

I think Murray and Briscoe are better individual scorers (create their own shot and score) now than either Harrison twin or Ulis.

Note, I still love Ulis and think he is a great point guard.

I think a time out during this time would have been prudent. We always do well after a TO.

 

[BlueSince92]

but tubby and cut say you are wrong...

I'll take that endorsement.

 

[Cat Ballou]

Cal really does yap too much, and the media really does hang on his every word a little too much. You'd think every other college coach was off in Siberia recruiting right now for the coverage they receive.

 

[JustthefaxMa'am]

You are not smart if you think I am a kansas fan. I couldnt name their starters and have never posted on a kansas forum. They are overrated every year. Wayne selden is hot garbage. Back on topic. I think coach is right, the twins earned it from their play most of the season and of course last season heroics. Who is to say the frosh would not have cracked? He is right and i do not blame him.

Hmmmm didn't say you were a UK fan in your defense. Maybe go find your home board or does your team just suck?

 

[EvilMD]

About an hour ago Aaron tweeted....

And of course it's our fault. (laughing smiley)

 

[BlueSince92]

⬆️⬆️ He's definitely a baldfaced liar. But baldfaced liars from rival fanbases are so common I don't even find it interesting. The only wrinkle I find interesting is Self doesn't win enough to be accused of cheating.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Interesting. That is exactly what I said Cal did and was attacked relentlessly. A blind man could have seen it.

 

[Wiltthastilt]

About an hour ago Aaron tweeted....

And of course it's our fault. (laughing smiley)

wow

 

[KittyKat1978]

Anyone with eyes can clearly see that he does take the air out of the ball to try and hold on during big games. Don't think this is breaking news. That being said, many more times than not our athleticism and skill of our players can compensate for this. Very rarely it backfires.

This.

I don't blame the man at all for using the strategies that got the Cats to that point......this one time it didn't work.
I can live with it failing one time per season......just next time earlier in the season would be nice.

 

[Xception]

Cal didn't know the guys on the floor weren't going to hit a shot or make a play and neither did anybody on this board . All of this is hindsight , now the geniuses trot out and stake their claims . The same guys hit clutch shots just the year before , no way for anybody to know they wouldn't do it again .

 

[kybassfan]

Cal didn't know the guys on the floor weren't going to hit a shot or make a play and neither did anybody on this board . All of this is hindsight , now the geniuses trot out and stake their claims . The same guys hit clutch shots just the year before , no way for anybody to know they wouldn't do it again .

Well said.

 

[Ripcord65]

Cal cost himself and us a perfect season and a national title by refusing to watch film of Wisconsin before the semifinal game. Playing Andrew, or not playing Andrew, had nothing to do with the loss. If the 'Cats had watched even a minimum of film on Kaminsky, WCS, KAT, and Trey would have stopped those predictable post moves completely, and it wouldn't have been a close game. Alas, Coach Cal outsmarted himself. No other way to put it. So don't lay it on Andrew.

 

[kybassfan]

Cal cost himself and us a perfect season and a national title by refusing to watch film of Wisconsin before the semifinal game. Playing Andrew, or not playing Andrew, had nothing to do with the loss. If the 'Cats had watched even a minimum of film on Kaminsky, WCS, KAT, and Trey would have stopped those predictable post moves completely, and it wouldn't have been a close game. Alas, Coach Cal outsmarted himself. No other way to put it. So don't lay it on Andrew.

Insightful. Brilliant.

What's your Division 1 coaching record again?

 

[WitnessGreatness]

This is what he said on Facebook, "Let me make this clear: The twins dragged us to a Final Four in 2014 and helped lead us to 38 straight wins and a Final Four this past season. I loved coaching them. It never entered my mind to sub those two in that game or any other game late. Those two had come through for two years in critical moments. My loyalty was based on results."

 

[EvilMD]

Cal didn't know the guys on the floor weren't going to hit a shot or make a play and neither did anybody on this board . All of this is hindsight , now the geniuses trot out and stake their claims . The same guys hit clutch shots just the year before , no way for anybody to know they wouldn't do it again .

I don't think anyone in this thread is saying he shouldn't have trusted the Harrisons. A lot of us are just saying he shouldn't be talking about it still six months later. We want him focused on this upcoming season. Not providing fodder for Forde and the other Cal haters.

 

[kybassfan]

I don't think anyone in this thread is saying he shouldn't have trusted the Harrisons. A lot of us are just saying he shouldn't be talking about it still six months later. We want him focused on this upcoming season. Not providing fodder for Forde and the other Cal haters.

Folks will be talking about that game a decade from now including coaches, players, fans and media. The season involved some historic numbers and ended in a shocking manner. Plus it involved the Cats. It won't be his last comment nor anyone else's on that game. Nor should it be.

Just sayin.

 

[JerseyCat84]

Guaranteed this will be used in negative recruiting against us. I can just picture opposing coaches saying "But Cal will throw you under the bus if you screw up!"

 

[Federal Cat]

Have any of you guys ever been interviewed by the media? I have, and even if the quotes are accurate you can be left feeling, "whoa, what the hell. That's not what I meant." And there isn't a damn thing you can do about it -- see all the politicians and sports figures who have cried 'I was taken out of context.' It just sounds like whining. Cal is probably the best I've seen at handling the media. But this stuff is going to happen if he continues to be out there selling Kentucky basketball.

The solution is simple: A mature, sophisticated fan base that understands that and doesn't get baited by stuff like this, especially by trolls like the OP.

Ignore it folks. We know how Cal feels about the Harrisons, and we know how much he wanted to win the Wisconsin game. Every top coach since Wooden has had teams that should have won it all but fell a couple plays short. It's the nature of the cruelest and most sublime event in sports -- the NCAA tournament. And it is the price you pay for being in the hunt every year. Would you rather be philosophical about being beaten by Northern Iowa or VCU or your little brother Wichita State like our OP's pals in Lawrence, or lose in the Final Four as a 4-point favorite to a great Wisconsin team?

^^^ THIS^^^