D-League

[_Rooster]

Don't get me wrong, I'll take the win but the box score is disturbing. Wheeler, Oscar, Wallace and Toppin accounted for 65 of the 74 points. Livingston had 5 points and 1 rebound in 29 minutes. The only 2 that played off the bench were Collins (9 minutes) and Reeves (14 minutes) for a combined 4 points and 1 rebound. This team is not that deep. Thiero and Ugonna are young projects, Ware is Ware. CJ and Reeves seem to be regressing and Collins is a no-show. I think the talent is there but it just hasn't developed yet.

Took LSU as a 10.5 point underdog...for 2 reasons...one, I don't see us beating many half way decent teams by 11 and the second reason...Cal takes the air out of the ball.
I'm glad we won, but Toppin isn't going to play that well every game. This team better get use to trying to win close games, I don't think we are going to win many easy ones. Game was a must win for our hopes of making the NCAA tournament, had we lost to LSU with Bama and Tenn as 2 of our next 3 games our record could have got close to .500 real quick.

This team gets better every week. Has NBA talent on the bench. Young men learn how to win by overcoming adversity. These guys are learning to win as a team. Oscar and Lance push back and 6' 9". Cason, Chris, Adou & Ugonna eyes wide open. I like these guys and enjoy watching them mature. CJ, Antonio, & Damion adjust to their more limited roles.​

Good morning D-League. It's currently 56° and cloudy here in Eastern Kentucky. This afternoon will bring scattered thunderstorms and a high of 66°.

Have a great hump day 🐪.

Morning Legionnaires!

Don't have high expectations for this team yet, but if we play the whole game like we did the first half last night my expectations will get higher. If Toppin can get consistent and play to the level he has the last two games with Livingston and Reeves hopefully living up to their potential we can make some noise. Wheeler will look better if they do because I believe he tries to do too much as it is right now. Also, as the season progresses and Wallace gets more experience, I believe he will be the go-to guy in tight situations. I am finished.

I enjoy collegiate sports. It's not fair, but neither is life. Nor should it be, we 're born to grow through the challenge. If Cal can find his magic wand, this team has it all. I broke my crystal ball (replacement on backorder) and can only watch.

 

[BBUK]

Howdy folks. Just back from my visit physical therapy session at the outpatient facility.

Overall, it went well and the therapist thought I was well-along for 19 days after surgery.

He did notice that I had a "Compensating Trendelenburg Gait." That's an expensive way of saying I limp a little. He assures me that can be fixed.

Thought the Cats played pretty well. They played the way they are going to have to p;lay to succeed -- pretty efficient on offense, not too many turnovers or wasted possessions. The defense could be open to criticism, but what I saw was an LSU team that shoots pretty well and is athletic enough that you can't overplay them on the perimeter having a better-than-normal shooting night.

I know some are frustrated with Cal slowing the game down at the end. And, there is evidence that it didn't totally succeed. But the way LSU was capable of scoring I don't see reducing the overall number of possessions when you have a lead as a terrible idea.

Anyway, we'll know more after the Alabama road game.

MdW,

I am happy you seem to be progressing well. It used to be in the not too long ago past that if you Trendelenburg'd in public you'd get in some serious trouble.

Wanted to take this time to address the stall ball approach. (I preface this stating my basketball knowledge is minimal at best. I am actually going by the common practice of using the best you have when you need to win theorem.)

Cal uses that approach in every game I have ever seen him coach when he is ahead. The serious issue about what he does is that UK also has to score at times they are given a chance. For a lot of years UK cannot score enough at the end to keep a lead more often than not in those situations. A ten point lead evaporates with just minimal mistakes of UK not scoring which has exactly been UK's problem late in games (Even before this season for a good while now.) (In 2012, Bill Self was correct in hindsight. He did just run out of time.) (Cal needs to realize and real soon that all teams will not always just run out of time...)

While the mathematics agree with Cal's way of play and is even probably part of his coaching motivation. Players have to at least make free-throws and these UK players cannot, at least they cannot make them enough to play the way Cal plays, which is stall ball with a lead.

Cal should be the first to recognize deficiencies in his players and change play due to the strengths of his personnel but, Cal will not change according to his personnel or his players strengths. That is the issue with why UK lost the all time wins lead and very rarely now wins against ranked teams.

I blame every bit of that on coaching and not the players. Cal has the best ranked players.. He does and there is no denying that. The best ranked needs the best coached or at least real good coaching to get a team to the top. Cal is deficient in that he will not change his tactics to his personnel. (There are nuances in that statement but that is the gist of the issue.)

The one thing I do know is, you and I can have a conversation here in the D-League and it not turn into anything but a good experience, unlike the rest of this site. (You and I could have a conversation via the typed word or anywhere but the observers would surely chime in and try making it an argument.

BLUF: Win with what "brung" ya...

Thank you for that... (I'd have never post this in RR.)

 

[_Rooster]

In SWFL, Harriet's eggs have pipped and she is close sitting as she hears the chicks. I suspect healthy chicks soon.

 

[MdWIldcat55]

MdW,

I am happy you seem to be progressing well. It used to be in the not too long ago past that if you Trendelenburg'd in public you'd get in some serious trouble.

Wanted to take this time to address the stall ball approach. (I preface this stating my basketball knowledge is minimal at best. I am actually going by the common practice of using the best you have when you need to win theorem.)

Cal uses that approach in every game I have ever seen him coach when he is ahead. The serious issue about what he does is that UK also has to score at times they are given a chance. For a lot of years UK cannot score enough at the end to keep a lead more often than not in those situations. A ten point lead evaporates with just minimal mistakes of UK not scoring which has exactly been UK's problem late in games (Even before this season for a good while now.) (In 2012, Bill Self was correct in hindsight. He did just run out of time.) (Cal needs to realize and real soon that all teams will not always just run out of time...)

While the mathematics agree with Cal's way of play and is even probably part of his coaching motivation. Players have to at least make free-throws and these UK players cannot, at least they cannot make them enough to play the way Cal plays, which is stall ball with a lead.

Cal should be the first to recognize deficiencies in his players and change play due to the strengths of his personnel but, Cal will not change according to his personnel or his players strengths. That is the issue with why UK lost the all time wins lead and very rarely now wins against ranked teams.

I blame every bit of that on coaching and not the players. Cal has the best ranked players.. He does and there is no denying that. The best ranked needs the best coached or at least real good coaching to get a team to the top. Cal is deficient in that he will not change his tactics to his personnel. (There are nuances in that statement but that is the gist of the issue.)

The one thing I do know is, you and I can have a conversation here in the D-League and it not turn into anything but a good experience, unlike the rest of this site. (You and I could have a conversation via the typed word or anywhere but the observers would surely chime in and try making it an argument.

Thank you for that... (I'd have never post this in RR.)

BBUK, you may be right. Certainly, when a team is playing well and can keep stepping on the gas and run away from the opposition that's more satisfying that grinding out a closer win.

But what if you suddenly go cold, miss some of those shots that got you a workable lead, and the other team starts hitting some 30-footers? Is it better to have that scenario unfold over 30 possessions or 12? I will say Cal's approach could be labeled "don't lose" rather than "play to win." The thing is, we don't know if the Cats would have kept clicking last night (or on other occasions) or if given more possessions, the other team would hit some crazy hot streak and steal the game.

Here's my final word: Cal has been criticized for slowing things down in 2012, and as you say, maybe Self was right that "we just ran out of time." Well, isn't that a good thing? If a Kansas team capable of making the championship game got on a late hot streak, I'd be happy that they ran out of time.

That's oversimplified, but anyway, always glad to see your input.

 

[BBUK]

BBUK, you may be right. Certainly, when a team is playing well and can keep stepping on the gas and run away from the opposition that's more satisfying that grinding out a closer win.

But what if you suddenly go cold, miss some of those shots that got you a workable lead, and the other team starts hitting some 30-footers? Is it better to have that scenario unfold over 30 possessions or 12? I will say Cal's approach could be labeled "don't lose" rather than "play to win." The thing is, we don't know if the Cats would have kept clicking last night (or on other occasions) or if given more possessions, the other team would hit some crazy hot streak and steal the game.

Here's my final word: Cal has been criticized for slowing things down in 2012, and as you say, maybe Self was right that "we just ran out of time." Well, isn't that a good thing? If a Kansas team capable of making the championship game got on a late hot streak, I'd be happy that they ran out of time.

That's oversimplified, but anyway, always glad to see your input.

Thanks, I bolded the words that caught me but a good post. That is my issue, they were clicking, why stop? Stop when you have to and within a couple plays that can be determined. Anyway, thanks...

 

[MdWIldcat55]

Thanks, I bolded the words that caught me but a good post. That is my issue, they were clicking, why stop? Stop when you have to and within a couple plays that can be determined. Anyway, thanks...

Always a pleasure to trade insights with you, BBUK.

As for, "they were clicking, why stop?" I played basketball through college. I was a top scorer in high school (led the 9th Region in scoring in 1973) and more of a grinder in college, but I was around the game enough to know that no one knows why a team suddenly "stops clicking" and why another one starts clicking after being dead in the water. I've been in games when it seemed we were sailing to a blowout and suddenly everything shifted. And I've been in games when the opposite happened.

Cal's approach is to try to take that element of chance and "magical momentum" out of the equation. I'm not even saying I agree with him, but it isn't irrational.

 

[berniecarbo]

This is an extreme example, but if I'm playing against an NBA player, I want the game to be first basket wins. Maybe I'll make an impossible shot. If I'm playing John Doe and I'm better than him, I want a long game, so he has less chance to get lucky. Rupp helped invent the faster pace on the theory that talent will prevail over more possessions. There is a middle ground in there somewhere as you have to be smart about it, but I like the more talent more possessions idea.

 

[_Rooster]

Cal's approach is to try to take that element of chance and "magical momentum" out of the equation. I'm not even saying I agree with him, but it isn't irrational.

He has the players that can take control and determine/impose the game outcome. He knows this. Just like he knows with cheating zebras and 3-pt shot, that a 10 pt double digit lead is not secure until about the 10 second mark.

 

[BBUK]

Always a pleasure to trade insights with you, BBUK.

As for, "they were clicking, why stop?" I played basketball through college. I was a top scorer in high school (led the 9th Region in scoring in 1973) and more of a grinder in college, but I was around the game enough to know that no one knows why a team suddenly "stops clicking" and why another one starts clicking after being dead in the water. I've been in games when it seemed we were sailing to a blowout and suddenly everything shifted. And I've been in games when the opposite happened.

Cal's approach is to try to take that element of chance and "magical momentum" out of the equation. I'm not even saying I agree with him, but it isn't irrational.

That I can respect! As close as I got to playing basketball was when I was the gopher on my high school teams bench. My pardners were players and I hung with them for a season. When I played street basketball in the Detroit area all I did was play the thug under the basket. (I was good at that.)(I could never at my best, more than just barely jump off my toes..) At least I know it isn't irrational. Me, I have to take someone's word on it. Yours I have no issue respecting. Thanks

I just hope Cal gets it done this go-round...

(Baseball I can talk some nuances though I was rough and tumble in that game as well. I always liked Pete Rose and Ty Cobb...)

 

[berniecarbo]

That I can respect! As close as I got to playing basketball was when I was the gopher on my high school teams bench. My pardners were players and I hung with them for a season. When I played street basketball in the Detroit area all I did was play the thug under the basket. (I was good at that.)(I could never at my best, more than just barely jump off my toes..) At least I know it isn't irrational. Me, I have to take someone's word on it. Yours I have no issue respecting. Thanks

I just hope Cal gets it done this go-round...

(Baseball I can talk some nuances though I was rough and tumble in that game as well. I always liked Pete Rose and Ty Cobb...)

Ever hear of Pete Reiser? Pee Wee Reese said if you think Pete Rose hustles, you ought to have seen Pete Reiser,

Pete Reiser's impact on Major League Baseball

The Official Site of Major League Baseball

www.mlb.com

 

[BBUK]

This is an extreme example, but if I'm playing against an NBA player, I want the game to be first basket wins. Maybe I'll make an impossible shot. If I'm playing John Doe and I'm better than him, I want a long game, so he has less chance to get lucky. Rupp helped invent the faster pace on the theory that talent will prevail over more possessions. There is a middle ground in there somewhere as you have to be smart about it, but I like the more talent more possessions idea.

Sir,
You could have saved me several typed paragraphs if you posted sooner... 😅

 

[MdWIldcat55]

Ever hear of Pete Reiser? Pee Wee Reese said if you think Pete Rose hustles, you ought to have seen Pete Reiser,

Pete Reiser's impact on Major League Baseball

The Official Site of Major League Baseball

www.mlb.com

Thanks for sharing that story about Pete Reiser, Bernie.

I had heard of him, but he was enough before my time that it was all pretty vague. Sounds like someone who would have been fun to watch. Those were the days my wife's father was a teenager haunting old Ebbett's Field on summer days. I wish he were still around to ask about "Pistol Pete."

 

[BBUK]

Ever hear of Pete Reiser? Pee Wee Reese said if you think Pete Rose hustles, you ought to have seen Pete Reiser,

Pete Reiser's impact on Major League Baseball

The Official Site of Major League Baseball

www.mlb.com

Yes Sir, I remember that name. The part with Pete was his nastiness when he played. He played hard, too hard in several instances throughout his career but I honestly believe if Pete had not played as nasty as he did, he'd have never been much more than an also-ran in the bigs. His effort went past trying hard to nearly reckless abandon. He took out Ray Fosse and I watched that play when it happened. Pete went in with no turning back... Ty Cobb as well, I never saw him play, only read about him but he was considered a dirty player..

 

[storm1507]

Your all's baseball stories remind me of a story about our church softball league when I was in college. I am small, but athletic and quick, strong for my size and played 2nd base mostly. I was running the bases and on second with a runner on first. A hard grounder to their shortstop (one of the bigger/better athletes in the league). He just stood there with the ball waiting on me expecting an easy out and double play. lol He didn't have to wait long. I sent him backwards and onto his rear end. Have I mentioned I don't like to lose.

 

[storm1507]

Ha, the nurse was jabberjawing, took a pint and then some out of me. No issues. I am thankful. I feel so much better with less iron in my body/ blood ..like New money...

Normally a pint looks like this:

Mine was like this one but a little more full: (They do it by weight.)(The nurse looked a little concerned, I calmed her down. I told her in the beginning it only takes me about 7 minutes to drop a pint. She stated this time was 11 minutes. That bag was really about as full as possible but I needed it, also gave her a probably needed reality check as her jabberjawing was personal in nature. She ignored me as her patient, hopefully she has learned with no cost to anyone...

Do you have issues with your iron levels? I went through several exams, etc. about 15 years ago when one test had very high levels. Nothing ever came of it though, but they sure had me worried.

 

[BBUK]

Your all's baseball stories remind me of a story about our church softball league when I was in college. I am small, but athletic and quick, strong for my size and played 2nd base mostly. I was running the bases and on second with a runner on first. A hard grounder to their shortstop (one of the bigger/better athletes in the league). He just stood there with the ball waiting on me expecting an easy out and double play. lol He didn't have to wait long. I sent him backwards and onto his rear end. Have I mentioned I don't like to lose.

I don't mind losing if there is nothing on the line. When I played baseball and softball I never played in one of those nothing on the line type games.

If I do something where I need to win, something comes over me and I can bring anything I do up a level or two. With nothing on the line, I seem to assess who needs the win more. Just me I guess. I do have a serious killer instinct but I have been able to turn it off and on when required or I see a good able to be done... Maybe like Gomer Pyle..

The big fella needed a lesson, the little fella didn't...

 

[BBUK]

Do you have issues with your iron levels? I went through several exams, etc. about 15 years ago when one test had very high levels. Nothing ever came of it though, but they sure had me worried.

Not at all telling you what to do but one of the most neglected things that are notorious in men and women from German and Irish decent is hemochromatosis. (Your body does not get rid of iron readily.)

My brother who is 9 years and 51 weeks older than me (71) is a retired corporate jet pilot. He had much more extensive physical tests. In about 2005 he contacted me telling me he had tested positive for the disease. (It cannot be transmitted, must be inherited.)

His ferritin levels when it was found out was something in the neighborhood 1700. Mine when I was tested was 600 or 700.

The treatment... dropping a pint of blood on a regular basis. The reason mine was no where near what my brothers was is due to me regularly having donated blood.

To give you some comparison. My ferritin level this blood test before earlier today was 73. I drop a pint every three months and this schedule has kept me around that level which I think 150 and below is okay.

There was a time that they took blood from me every two weeks to get me within the acceptable range. The treatment for this disease is very simple. Take an old pint of blood out and let the body build new blood.

I ask you to take this serious. Why? The side effects? Slow, lethargic, or you just fall over dead. (Seriously.) Many, many men and woman of Irish German decent reaching the age of 65 to 74, just fall over dead. (Not at all stating there are not other causes but this one is not well publicized.) I did some in depth studies and then watched many older than me. I saw their legs with lots of discoloration near their legs, feet, and ankles. Something I had when I started treatment and the extent is minimal now.

Below is some information but there is much more. In any event please take this serious.

One of the many, many reasons you will see me state my thankfulness.

Hemochromatosis - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

www.mayoclinic.org

I have Gilbert's syndrome as well but that is treated similarly to what I am doing now and I do nothing different so I don't dwell on it much though it is also serious.

All was found in a genetic test at the same time when I had it done in 2005.

Edit: I also had to change my diet. Cheerios are a no no. (An ity bity bowl is 200% of your daily iron.) I won't go into the normal Jethro bowl I'd use which would put it at nearer 2000%. I eat plenty of greens and natural iron but that seems to not cause any issues.

 

[storm1507]

Thanks BBUK. The high iron test results were when I really started weightlifting hard and serious. Eating everything that didn't run away from me and trying to gain weight (don't laugh). I ended up going to another Doc and I was in a waiting room full of well, let's say not very healthy people. I waited and waited and then they called me up and asked me to "follow them". I ended up in the rich Doc's nice office and waited a lot more. Holy Crap I must be really bad off. ????????? When I finally got seen by the nurses and Doc, took my blood, told me I should be fine, and sent me home. I called for results....everything fine. Shew, they sure had me concerned.

I'll keep an eye out for those ferritin levels.

 

[berniecarbo]

I've played for poor teams and very good teams. On the good teams, everyone plays hard. On the poor teams, I learned to just be prepared and play hard while accepting the losing as the price I paid for playing for that team. It bothers me more when UK struggles because I have no control over it.

 

[cordmaker]

Always a pleasure to trade insights with you, BBUK.

As for, "they were clicking, why stop?" I played basketball through college. I was a top scorer in high school (led the 9th Region in scoring in 1973) and more of a grinder in college, but I was around the game enough to know that no one knows why a team suddenly "stops clicking" and why another one starts clicking after being dead in the water. I've been in games when it seemed we were sailing to a blowout and suddenly everything shifted. And I've been in games when the opposite happened.

Cal's approach is to try to take that element of chance and "magical momentum" out of the equation. I'm not even saying I agree with him, but it isn't irrational.

Are you King Kelly Colman?!!!!!!

 

[MdWIldcat55]

Are you King Kelly Colman?!!!!!!

I couldn’t carry King Kelly’s jock.

But then, who could?

 

[BBUK]

I couldn’t carry King Kelly’s jock.

But then, who could?

No one could carry Andre the Giant's jock either but, who'd want to... 😅

 

[BBUK]

Going to the office in the morning. I promised some heavy lifting to a few by COB Friday. Let's see what I can accomplish. (Purposely did that to pressure myself into working.) Nothing but good can come of it so, why not give it ye old college try...

Have a fine what's left of your evening and in case I don't get the chance early, have a great morning where ever you are...

 

[_Rooster]

SWFL has a hatch. Official hatch time 20:22:42 pm Jan. 4th 2023.

Congrats to Harriet & M15.

 

[AustinTXCat]

Good morning from ATX. Currently 42°F and clear. We may see a high of 68°F later on today. Jacket weather.

Stolen food truck has been located. I guess folks earn lots of $ working out of those things.

Mattress Mack, down in Houston, apparently won $75 million off Astros win in World Series. Now he has $8 million riding on TCU. Hope he wins.

Modern problems: trash and recycle out at curb.

Working from home again today. Back in the office next week.

Y'all behave.

 

[MdWIldcat55]

Good morning D-League! Up side-stepping with a giant rubber band around my ankles this morning as part of my take-home therapy. My goal is to snap the band before I'm finished.

I see Duke lost by 24 last night. Crazy season in college hoops so far. Anything can STILL happen.

Settling back into the work grind, while the whispers in my head "who needs this? You can -- and SHOULD -- retire..." grow louder. If Dementia Joe hadn't wrecked the economy to the point of a stock market collapse, I think I might.

Not much else happening with me. Hope you folks have a great day.

 

[warrior-cat]

Good morning from ATX. Currently 42°F and clear. We may see a high of 68°F later on today. Jacket weather.


Modern problems: trash and recycle out at curb.

First thing that came to mind.

That was me last night. First time I've over done it in years. No reason, just started and then realized I was drunk and continued. Feeling it this morning and must go train my student at 0900. Slow mo today

 

[UK_fan_41102]

Good morning D-League. It's currently 32° and clear here in Eastern Kentucky. This afternoon will bring mostly sunny skies and a high of 52°.

Have a great day.

 

[storm1507]

SWFL has a hatch. Official hatch time 20:22:42 pm Jan. 4th 2023.

View embedded media

Congrats to Harriet & M15.

Thanks for posting these. We had an eagle's nest close to our cabin on Lake Cumberland and was able to see a successful nesting several years ago. Also, had a nest of red shoulder hawks straight across from our front porch for a couple of years. Enjoyed watching the little ones grow up. The nesting couple haven't been back the last 2 years and I miss them.

I hope everyone has a great day.

 

[Girthang]

Good morning, D-League!

This is my most dreaded time of year now. Thanksgiving through early January. Lost so many friends and relatives at this time or who had birthdays at this time. I just get angry or sullen off an on for weeks. I've havent been letting it beat me for years, but this year after losing another family member, I'm kind of bottomed out.

I've not been here much in order to keep my negativity out of this bright spot on the internet.

Hope you are all doing well. Hope MdWildcat is recovering quickly, and that Don, Rooster, and others are getting along nicely. May God continue to bless the D-League!

 

[blubo]

Are you King Kelly Colman?!!!!!!

He died a few years ago in hazard ky.

 

[Bert Higginbotha]

Good morning folks. We had frost here this morning. It is sunny and 42°F now and supposed to climb to 50.

The top 25 is in a state of flux. Man, everyone is beating everyone.

 

[vhcat70]

SWFL has a hatch. Official hatch time 20:22:42 pm Jan. 4th 2023.

View embedded media

Congrats to Harriet & M15.

Neat!

Now is this an heir & a spare situation where the first hatched will murder the younger 2nd one such that there's only one survivor to feed?

 

[Sawnee Cat]

Good Morning D

It is 69° with a light rain after a very hard rain this morning. It was welcomed. This afternoon will provide a clear day with a high temp of 74°.

I am settling in after attending a funeral in Georgia. It was one of the saddest funerals I have attended. Usually when someone my age dies I am sad but not shocked. The funeral of a young person is the worst but this one was sad in a different way. I was shocked at this funeral. Just devastated knowing the pain she and her family went through.

My lifelong friend had a very rough last 5 years and it showed. Alzheimer's is such a horrible disease. Fortunately we have not had it in our family so when you see it and what it does to a family it hits hard. Prayers for those who survive that they will be able to bring the family back together. It caused a very sad split and I understand that often happens with families who have loved ones with Alzheimer. It was all foreign to me and I hated to see it. Especially to someone you loved.

I trust all are well and wish you the best today.

 

[UK_fan_41102]

Good news for the football Cats.

Kenneth Horsey Announces Return for Sixth Year at Kentucky

The Big Blue Wall will welcome back a crucial piece to the puzzle for the 2023 season. Veteran offensive lineman Kenneth Horsey announced on Thursday that he

www.si.com

 

[cordmaker]

He died a few years ago in hazard ky.

Sorry bad joke

 

[blubo]

Sorry bad joke

I didn’t read it that way. 🙂

 

[Creed Bratton]

My daughter and son in law are finally getting out of Memphis. Should be relocating to Madison/Huntsville Alabama area in a couple of weeks which I hope is a lot safer than Memphis.

 

[Catman100]

Any of you ever fly with a weapon in checked bags?
Is all you need a locked case and you can put the gun and loaded clip in it?

 

[AustinTXCat]

My daughter and son in law are finally getting out of Memphis. Should be relocating to Madison/Huntsville Alabama area in a couple of weeks which I hope is a lot safer than Memphis.

Nice. I have relatives down in Huntsville/Athens area. They like it.