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Good Season ... Historically Bad Loss

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bballcat4

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Jan 12, 2008
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Over the last 4 weeks I've read everything from "We're at the lowest point since BCG" to "Program is as strong today as it was in 2012." When I lay emotion aside and just look at the facts, here's my assessment of the year, and where we are as a program.

It was a very good year that ended with a historically bad loss.
  • We were a #2 seed, and went into the last weekend with puncher's chance for a #1 seed. (That cannot be considered a bad year.)
  • This basketball season brought "Joy back to Mudville." Oscar brought joy to young and old alike. His smile, hustle, ability and spirit caused UK fans to rally around him and the rest of the team in an unprecedented way.
  • The Dec- Jan team was running on all cylinders. We beat teams inside and outside. Brooks was a zone buster around the ft line. We beat teams in the 60's or 90's.
  • We lost to a #15 seed when we (and many other pundits) had UK penciled into the Final 4.
  • This historically bad loss caused us to quickly forget a very good (and fun) season. (I'm the first to admit that Final 4's and championships are my true measuring stick for "Great" seasons.
  • This historically bad loss came on the heels of a historically bad season! (That's a bad combo!)

Where Are We As A Program?
  • Cal signed 3 recruits in the top 10 for this year's recruiting class, including the #1 recruit.
  • The #1 recruit joined at Christmas, did not play a game, and looks like he'll go to NBA w/o ever playing a game for U.K.
  • We still have 2 top 10 recruits coming in this year's class.
  • The consensus "Player of the Year" is returning back to U.K.
  • Many pundits have us listed as a top 5 team next year without Sharpe returning.

Why the Negativity?

Why is there so much negativity when Vegas and many others had us favored to make Final 4 last year, many are projecting a top 5 team next year, and we're bringing in top recruiting classes? Regardless of where we agree or disagree, I think most logical people admit this question is like looking at broken glass. The answers splinter out in opposite directions. Here are my thoughts. (Feel free to agree or disagree.)
  • Some people don't like the roster turnover each year. Yet, other people want players like Brooks to leave the program.
  • The Sharpe saga does not sit well with the majority of UK fans. (I'm not certain who to blame, but it is a BAD look!)
  • The historically bad loss following on the heels of a historically bad season was an emotional whipsaw for most fans. (It was for me!)
  • I'm diving into some dangerous water here. But ... taking a knee at last year's game against Fla is the root for many people's unhappiness. I hear all the basketball complaints from my circle, but almost everyone eventually circles back to "Cal and the team lost me when they knelt during the National Anthem."
  • Cal is easy to dislike! Everyone knows he's in constant spin-mode or sales-mode. When we're winning he's considered, "Swagging Cal." The combination of losing last year, social stands last year, and a historically bad tournament lost this year now has many fans calling him "CCC."

I think the basketball program is healthy, but Cal certainly needs to combine a good season with a good post-season. This would be a good year to win the conference, conference tournament, and make a Final 4 run in the NCAA. I'm not sure Cal and the basketball program have a healthy relationship with the fanbase. I think Cal's relationship is worse with the 55+ demographic. Some of this is out of his control. Some of it is in his control, and it begins with Cal convincing this demographic that he cares. I don't expect him to cater to the whims of UK fans. I do think a smart coach that wants to leave a lasting legacy should realize that how his own fans view him will shape much of his legacy.
 
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Yep. Sky isn't falling, but landscape has changed and Cal need to adjust and adapt. With the staff changes and style of play last year, it looks like he's adapting, or trying too. We are still in a good spot though, just need to keep at getting better.

It does feel like the last few years has knocked Cal out of his old habits. We'll see.
 
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It wasn't just this year, where Kentucky had top 5 talent in the country PLUS a lottery pick on the bench. It was OTHER things as well.

North Carolina, who Kentucky pounded by 29, made the FF and Natty

Kansas, who Kentucky pounded by 18, won the Natty and passed UK in all-time wins

Duke, who Kentucky only lost by 8 to, made the FF and is dominating the recruiting trail like nobody since early Cal, AFTER losing coach K

Arkansas, a laughingstock and "hasbeen" according to UK fans just three years ago, has beaten UK lately, made back to back Elite 8's (Kentucky hasn't been there since 2019) and will have MORE talent than the Cats for the first time in a quarter century

Auburn, while they also bowed out early, he caught up to UK in-terms of being a destination for recruits and transfers, all with a coach that UK fans have clowned forever, but secretly, a lot of UK fans would trade Calipari for all other things equal

Do I need to go on?
 
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Sharpe never had any intention of playing here if the NBA thing worked out., so considering that signing the #1 recruit doesn't count. If he didn't offer to play with Grady on two bad feet, then he was just a selfish practice teammate. Our highest ranked recruit last year was #14 in his class. Cal has not had a top 5 recruit sign here since Bam and he was ranked #5 in that class. Duke has signed 10 since 2016. Cal doesn't eat first anymore. Ty Ty was a nice player but disappeared down the stretch. Even with the player of the year coming back I don't think Cal has recruited enough talent around him to have a legit shot at winning it all.
 
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the nail at the foul line said:
That was a great test drive of that new car. Too bad it crashed and burned at the end.
Click to expand...
We got in it. Felt a little weird at first, then it started to show its power, then it was a well oiled machine, going down the highway with the top down, then the check engine light came on, we had to pull over, said “Maybe it will be fine”, then the heads blew up. Then we Walked home from a busted sports car.
 
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KA4Prez said:
With average coaching and scheme, you're right.

The talent UK has had since the 2015 team has been more than enough for many of the elite coaches in the sport to win it all.

Not Cal.
Click to expand...
Tbf, minus K’s run this year he’s not been so hot either.

Last chance for Cal. If he can’t do it this go round, he needs to retire
 
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Epic Fail Trivia:
Who scored the last bucket in UK's last tourney win?

Hint

VzbUPrl.png
 
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bballcat4 said:
Over the last 4 weeks I've read everything from "We're at the lowest point since BCG" to "Program is as strong today as it was in 2012." When I lay emotion aside and just look at the facts, here's my assessment of the year, and where we are as a program.

It was a very good year that ended with a historically bad loss.
  • We were a #2 seed, and went into the last weekend with puncher's chance for a #1 seed. (That cannot be considered a bad year.)
  • This basketball season brought "Joy back to Mudville." Oscar brought joy to young and old alike. His smile, hustle, ability and spirit caused UK fans to rally around him and the rest of the team in an unprecedented way.
  • The Dec- Jan team was running on all cylinders. We beat teams inside and outside. Brooks was a zone buster around the ft line. We beat teams in the 60's or 90's.
  • We lost to a #15 seed when we (and many other pundits) had UK penciled into the Final 4.
  • This historically bad loss caused us to quickly forget a very good (and fun) season. (I'm the first to admit that Final 4's and championships are my true measuring stick for "Great" seasons.
  • This historically bad loss came on the heels of a historically bad season! (That's a bad combo!)

Where Are We As A Program?
  • Cal signed 3 recruits in the top 10 for this year's recruiting class, including the #1 recruit.
  • The #1 recruit joined at Christmas, did not play a game, and looks like he'll go to NBA w/o ever playing a game for U.K.
  • We still have 2 top 10 recruits coming in this year's class.
  • The consensus "Player of the Year" is returning back to U.K.
  • Many pundits have us listed as a top 5 team next year without Sharpe returning.

Why the Negativity?

Why is there so much negativity when Vegas and many others had us favored to make Final 4 last year, many are projecting a top 5 team next year, and we're bringing in top recruiting classes? Regardless of where we agree or disagree, I think most logical people admit this question is like looking at broken glass. The answers splinter out in opposite directions. Here are my thoughts. (Feel free to agree or disagree.)
  • Some people don't like the roster turnover each year. Yet, other people want players like Brooks to leave the program.
  • The Sharpe saga does not sit well with the majority of UK fans. (I'm not certain who to blame, but it is a BAD look!)
  • The historically bad loss following on the heels of a historically bad season was an emotional whipsaw for most fans. (It was for me!)
  • I'm diving into some dangerous water here. But ... taking a knee at last year's game against Fla is the root for many people's unhappiness. I hear all the basketball complaints from my circle, but almost everyone eventually circles back to "Cal and the team lost me when they knelt during the National Anthem."
  • Cal is easy to dislike! Everyone knows he's in constant spin-mode or sales-mode. When we're winning he's considered, "Swagging Cal." The combination of losing last year, social stands last year, and a historically bad tournament lost this year now has many fans calling him "CCC."

I think the basketball program is healthy, but Cal certainly needs to combine a good season with a good post-season. This would be a good year to win the conference, conference tournament, and make a Final 4 run in the NCAA. I'm not sure Cal and the basketball program have a healthy relationship with the fanbase. I think Cal's relationship is worse with the 55+ demographic. Some of this is out of his control. Some of it is in his control, and it begins with Cal convincing this demographic that he cares. I don't expect him to cater to the whims of UK fans. I do think a smart coach that wants to leave a lasting legacy should realize that how his own fans view him will shape much of his legacy.
Click to expand...
Since when has losing to an Elite 8 team been historically bad? Nobody at KY had anything to do with that team being underseeded 53 - 56 spots. This is nothing but drama from little boys unable to cope. Drama , drama, drama….

Sharpe is just more drama. Adults unable to cope with the whims of a kid and the deceit of an adult handler. Drama, drama, drama, drama.

Cal is going to be the coach. Suck it up.
 
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bballcat4 said:
Over the last 4 weeks I've read everything from "We're at the lowest point since BCG" to "Program is as strong today as it was in 2012." When I lay emotion aside and just look at the facts, here's my assessment of the year, and where we are as a program.

It was a very good year that ended with a historically bad loss.
  • We were a #2 seed, and went into the last weekend with puncher's chance for a #1 seed. (That cannot be considered a bad year.)
  • This basketball season brought "Joy back to Mudville." Oscar brought joy to young and old alike. His smile, hustle, ability and spirit caused UK fans to rally around him and the rest of the team in an unprecedented way.
  • The Dec- Jan team was running on all cylinders. We beat teams inside and outside. Brooks was a zone buster around the ft line. We beat teams in the 60's or 90's.
  • We lost to a #15 seed when we (and many other pundits) had UK penciled into the Final 4.
  • This historically bad loss caused us to quickly forget a very good (and fun) season. (I'm the first to admit that Final 4's and championships are my true measuring stick for "Great" seasons.
  • This historically bad loss came on the heels of a historically bad season! (That's a bad combo!)

Where Are We As A Program?
  • Cal signed 3 recruits in the top 10 for this year's recruiting class, including the #1 recruit.
  • The #1 recruit joined at Christmas, did not play a game, and looks like he'll go to NBA w/o ever playing a game for U.K.
  • We still have 2 top 10 recruits coming in this year's class.
  • The consensus "Player of the Year" is returning back to U.K.
  • Many pundits have us listed as a top 5 team next year without Sharpe returning.

Why the Negativity?

Why is there so much negativity when Vegas and many others had us favored to make Final 4 last year, many are projecting a top 5 team next year, and we're bringing in top recruiting classes? Regardless of where we agree or disagree, I think most logical people admit this question is like looking at broken glass. The answers splinter out in opposite directions. Here are my thoughts. (Feel free to agree or disagree.)
  • Some people don't like the roster turnover each year. Yet, other people want players like Brooks to leave the program.
  • The Sharpe saga does not sit well with the majority of UK fans. (I'm not certain who to blame, but it is a BAD look!)
  • The historically bad loss following on the heels of a historically bad season was an emotional whipsaw for most fans. (It was for me!)
  • I'm diving into some dangerous water here. But ... taking a knee at last year's game against Fla is the root for many people's unhappiness. I hear all the basketball complaints from my circle, but almost everyone eventually circles back to "Cal and the team lost me when they knelt during the National Anthem."
  • Cal is easy to dislike! Everyone knows he's in constant spin-mode or sales-mode. When we're winning he's considered, "Swagging Cal." The combination of losing last year, social stands last year, and a historically bad tournament lost this year now has many fans calling him "CCC."

I think the basketball program is healthy, but Cal certainly needs to combine a good season with a good post-season. This would be a good year to win the conference, conference tournament, and make a Final 4 run in the NCAA. I'm not sure Cal and the basketball program have a healthy relationship with the fanbase. I think Cal's relationship is worse with the 55+ demographic. Some of this is out of his control. Some of it is in his control, and it begins with Cal convincing this demographic that he cares. I don't expect him to cater to the whims of UK fans. I do think a smart coach that wants to leave a lasting legacy should realize that how his own fans view him will shape much of his legacy.
Click to expand...
Great post. It’s wasted on this board though.
 
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ukBBrulez said:
Yes when you throw in losing to Duke, 1-2 against UT. Finishing 3rd in the SEC. Losing early in the SECT. Then ending with your worst loss in NCAAT history.
We didn’t win anything of relevance!

I would title it. Another bust season with a couple of good wins.
Click to expand...
I bet your fun at parties
 
Fair post. Don’t mind the
bballcat4 said:
Over the last 4 weeks I've read everything from "We're at the lowest point since BCG" to "Program is as strong today as it was in 2012." When I lay emotion aside and just look at the facts, here's my assessment of the year, and where we are as a program.

It was a very good year that ended with a historically bad loss.
  • We were a #2 seed, and went into the last weekend with puncher's chance for a #1 seed. (That cannot be considered a bad year.)
  • This basketball season brought "Joy back to Mudville." Oscar brought joy to young and old alike. His smile, hustle, ability and spirit caused UK fans to rally around him and the rest of the team in an unprecedented way.
  • The Dec- Jan team was running on all cylinders. We beat teams inside and outside. Brooks was a zone buster around the ft line. We beat teams in the 60's or 90's.
  • We lost to a #15 seed when we (and many other pundits) had UK penciled into the Final 4.
  • This historically bad loss caused us to quickly forget a very good (and fun) season. (I'm the first to admit that Final 4's and championships are my true measuring stick for "Great" seasons.
  • This historically bad loss came on the heels of a historically bad season! (That's a bad combo!)

Where Are We As A Program?
  • Cal signed 3 recruits in the top 10 for this year's recruiting class, including the #1 recruit.
  • The #1 recruit joined at Christmas, did not play a game, and looks like he'll go to NBA w/o ever playing a game for U.K.
  • We still have 2 top 10 recruits coming in this year's class.
  • The consensus "Player of the Year" is returning back to U.K.
  • Many pundits have us listed as a top 5 team next year without Sharpe returning.

Why the Negativity?

Why is there so much negativity when Vegas and many others had us favored to make Final 4 last year, many are projecting a top 5 team next year, and we're bringing in top recruiting classes? Regardless of where we agree or disagree, I think most logical people admit this question is like looking at broken glass. The answers splinter out in opposite directions. Here are my thoughts. (Feel free to agree or disagree.)
  • Some people don't like the roster turnover each year. Yet, other people want players like Brooks to leave the program.
  • The Sharpe saga does not sit well with the majority of UK fans. (I'm not certain who to blame, but it is a BAD look!)
  • The historically bad loss following on the heels of a historically bad season was an emotional whipsaw for most fans. (It was for me!)
  • I'm diving into some dangerous water here. But ... taking a knee at last year's game against Fla is the root for many people's unhappiness. I hear all the basketball complaints from my circle, but almost everyone eventually circles back to "Cal and the team lost me when they knelt during the National Anthem."
  • Cal is easy to dislike! Everyone knows he's in constant spin-mode or sales-mode. When we're winning he's considered, "Swagging Cal." The combination of losing last year, social stands last year, and a historically bad tournament lost this year now has many fans calling him "CCC."

I think the basketball program is healthy, but Cal certainly needs to combine a good season with a good post-season. This would be a good year to win the conference, conference tournament, and make a Final 4 run in the NCAA. I'm not sure Cal and the basketball program have a healthy relationship with the fanbase. I think Cal's relationship is worse with the 55+ demographic. Some of this is out of his control. Some of it is in his control, and it begins with Cal convincing this demographic that he cares. I don't expect him to cater to the whims of UK fans. I do think a smart coach that wants to leave a lasting legacy should realize that how his own fans view him will shape much of his legacy.
Click to expand...
Good post. Don’t mind some of the comments. Sane statements are their Kryptonite. Primal bunch.
 
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bballcat4 said:
Over the last 4 weeks I've read everything from "We're at the lowest point since BCG" to "Program is as strong today as it was in 2012." When I lay emotion aside and just look at the facts, here's my assessment of the year, and where we are as a program.

It was a very good year that ended with a historically bad loss.
  • We were a #2 seed, and went into the last weekend with puncher's chance for a #1 seed. (That cannot be considered a bad year.)
  • This basketball season brought "Joy back to Mudville." Oscar brought joy to young and old alike. His smile, hustle, ability and spirit caused UK fans to rally around him and the rest of the team in an unprecedented way.
  • The Dec- Jan team was running on all cylinders. We beat teams inside and outside. Brooks was a zone buster around the ft line. We beat teams in the 60's or 90's.
  • We lost to a #15 seed when we (and many other pundits) had UK penciled into the Final 4.
  • This historically bad loss caused us to quickly forget a very good (and fun) season. (I'm the first to admit that Final 4's and championships are my true measuring stick for "Great" seasons.
  • This historically bad loss came on the heels of a historically bad season! (That's a bad combo!)

Where Are We As A Program?
  • Cal signed 3 recruits in the top 10 for this year's recruiting class, including the #1 recruit.
  • The #1 recruit joined at Christmas, did not play a game, and looks like he'll go to NBA w/o ever playing a game for U.K.
  • We still have 2 top 10 recruits coming in this year's class.
  • The consensus "Player of the Year" is returning back to U.K.
  • Many pundits have us listed as a top 5 team next year without Sharpe returning.

Why the Negativity?

Why is there so much negativity when Vegas and many others had us favored to make Final 4 last year, many are projecting a top 5 team next year, and we're bringing in top recruiting classes? Regardless of where we agree or disagree, I think most logical people admit this question is like looking at broken glass. The answers splinter out in opposite directions. Here are my thoughts. (Feel free to agree or disagree.)
  • Some people don't like the roster turnover each year. Yet, other people want players like Brooks to leave the program.
  • The Sharpe saga does not sit well with the majority of UK fans. (I'm not certain who to blame, but it is a BAD look!)
  • The historically bad loss following on the heels of a historically bad season was an emotional whipsaw for most fans. (It was for me!)
  • I'm diving into some dangerous water here. But ... taking a knee at last year's game against Fla is the root for many people's unhappiness. I hear all the basketball complaints from my circle, but almost everyone eventually circles back to "Cal and the team lost me when they knelt during the National Anthem."
  • Cal is easy to dislike! Everyone knows he's in constant spin-mode or sales-mode. When we're winning he's considered, "Swagging Cal." The combination of losing last year, social stands last year, and a historically bad tournament lost this year now has many fans calling him "CCC."

I think the basketball program is healthy, but Cal certainly needs to combine a good season with a good post-season. This would be a good year to win the conference, conference tournament, and make a Final 4 run in the NCAA. I'm not sure Cal and the basketball program have a healthy relationship with the fanbase. I think Cal's relationship is worse with the 55+ demographic. Some of this is out of his control. Some of it is in his control, and it begins with Cal convincing this demographic that he cares. I don't expect him to cater to the whims of UK fans. I do think a smart coach that wants to leave a lasting legacy should realize that how his own fans view him will shape much of his legacy.
Click to expand...
Nice effort, but your agenda is visible despite your best efforts to disguise it.

Your question "Why the negativity" is such an insult that it's not worth reading further. I did so by gritting my teeth.

Vegas doesn't award NCAA titles. They have to be earned and Cal crapped the bed. He also, you didn't mention, said that the SECT loss to UT was a 'godsend.' Get that? Calipari is OKAY WITH LOSING!

The Sharpe "saga" is now a SCANDAL being covered in the press, just like we predicted it would be, and Cal is openly shitting on the fans now. Uncertainty abounds about where our next Frankenstein team's body parts are going to come from. But DESPITE ALL THAT, you think the basketball program is healthy? Puke.

You also failed to expand your scope to the big picture and take into account 2021, which combined with this last season makes us 35-24. That is NOT HEALTHY.
 
kentuckycriedfricken said:
Nice effort, but your agenda is visible despite your best efforts to disguise it.

Your question "Why the negativity" is such an insult that it's not worth reading further. I did so by gritting my teeth.

Vegas doesn't award NCAA titles. They have to be earned and Cal crapped the bed. He also, you didn't mention, said that the SECT loss to UT was a 'godsend.' Get that? Calipari is OKAY WITH LOSING!

The Sharpe "saga" is now a SCANDAL being covered in the press, just like we predicted it would be, and Cal is openly shitting on the fans now. Uncertainty abounds about where our next Frankenstein team's body parts are going to come from. But DESPITE ALL THAT, you think the basketball program is healthy? Puke.

You also failed to expand your scope to the big picture and take into account 2021, which combined with this last season makes us 35-24. That is NOT HEALTHY.
Click to expand...
His agenda? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. You really posted that. Good lord. Go back to hating Oscar
 
bballcat4 said:
Over the last 4 weeks I've read everything from "We're at the lowest point since BCG" to "Program is as strong today as it was in 2012." When I lay emotion aside and just look at the facts, here's my assessment of the year, and where we are as a program.

It was a very good year that ended with a historically bad loss.
  • We were a #2 seed, and went into the last weekend with puncher's chance for a #1 seed. (That cannot be considered a bad year.)
  • This basketball season brought "Joy back to Mudville." Oscar brought joy to young and old alike. His smile, hustle, ability and spirit caused UK fans to rally around him and the rest of the team in an unprecedented way.
  • The Dec- Jan team was running on all cylinders. We beat teams inside and outside. Brooks was a zone buster around the ft line. We beat teams in the 60's or 90's.
  • We lost to a #15 seed when we (and many other pundits) had UK penciled into the Final 4.
  • This historically bad loss caused us to quickly forget a very good (and fun) season. (I'm the first to admit that Final 4's and championships are my true measuring stick for "Great" seasons.
  • This historically bad loss came on the heels of a historically bad season! (That's a bad combo!)

Where Are We As A Program?
  • Cal signed 3 recruits in the top 10 for this year's recruiting class, including the #1 recruit.
  • The #1 recruit joined at Christmas, did not play a game, and looks like he'll go to NBA w/o ever playing a game for U.K.
  • We still have 2 top 10 recruits coming in this year's class.
  • The consensus "Player of the Year" is returning back to U.K.
  • Many pundits have us listed as a top 5 team next year without Sharpe returning.

Why the Negativity?

Why is there so much negativity when Vegas and many others had us favored to make Final 4 last year, many are projecting a top 5 team next year, and we're bringing in top recruiting classes? Regardless of where we agree or disagree, I think most logical people admit this question is like looking at broken glass. The answers splinter out in opposite directions. Here are my thoughts. (Feel free to agree or disagree.)
  • Some people don't like the roster turnover each year. Yet, other people want players like Brooks to leave the program.
  • The Sharpe saga does not sit well with the majority of UK fans. (I'm not certain who to blame, but it is a BAD look!)
  • The historically bad loss following on the heels of a historically bad season was an emotional whipsaw for most fans. (It was for me!)
  • I'm diving into some dangerous water here. But ... taking a knee at last year's game against Fla is the root for many people's unhappiness. I hear all the basketball complaints from my circle, but almost everyone eventually circles back to "Cal and the team lost me when they knelt during the National Anthem."
  • Cal is easy to dislike! Everyone knows he's in constant spin-mode or sales-mode. When we're winning he's considered, "Swagging Cal." The combination of losing last year, social stands last year, and a historically bad tournament lost this year now has many fans calling him "CCC."

I think the basketball program is healthy, but Cal certainly needs to combine a good season with a good post-season. This would be a good year to win the conference, conference tournament, and make a Final 4 run in the NCAA. I'm not sure Cal and the basketball program have a healthy relationship with the fanbase. I think Cal's relationship is worse with the 55+ demographic. Some of this is out of his control. Some of it is in his control, and it begins with Cal convincing this demographic that he cares. I don't expect him to cater to the whims of UK fans. I do think a smart coach that wants to leave a lasting legacy should realize that how his own fans view him will shape much of his legacy.
Click to expand...
To your point regarding the kneeling.....Cal blew an opportunity to clearly explain the legacy of Rupp when he was being questioned by some.

Catering to the woke mob was the wrong way to go. Recall there was a "professor" at UK in the aa studies program calling for buildings to be renamed, etc....including Rupp Arena. Cal didn't step up and defend Rupp.

Then not only did they kneel....they did so on the road. The reaction at Rupp would have most likely been a tad different. The history of slavery in this country is known to all. And I'd say the vast majority of folks, if we could spin the wheels of time backwards, would not go for slavery. Of all the countries on the planet that have had slavery, and that's the vast majority of them, the US is the only country to fight a war over the issue to resolve it. And as a guy born in the South, I am glad the war turned out like it did. Had it not, the US would not be the country we are today.

I'd say the majority of Americans, and UK fans, are proud of their country and school. Are they perfect? Nope. No one has ever claimed they are. And no country can claim perfection in terms of racial relations. What we have to do is figure out how to go forward.

However, I don't see folks flocking to leave the USA. I do see folks flocking to get here.
 
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ruppcat said:
To your point regarding the kneeling.....Cal blew an opportunity to clearly explain the legacy of Rupp when he was being questioned by some.

Catering to the woke mob was the wrong way to go. Recall there was a "professor" at UK in the aa studies program calling for buildings to be renamed, etc....including Rupp Arena. Cal didn't step up and defend Rupp.

Then not only did they kneel....they did so on the road. The reaction at Rupp would have most likely been a tad different. The history of slavery in this country is known to all. And I'd say the vast majority of folks, if we could spin the wheels of time backwards, would not go for slavery. Of all the countries on the planet that have had slavery, and that's the vast majority of them, the US is the only country to fight a war over the issue to resolve it. And as a guy born in the South, I am glad the war turned out like it did. Had it not, the US would not be the country we are today.

I'd say the majority of Americans, and UK fans, are proud of their country and school. Are they perfect? Nope. No one has ever claimed they are. And no country can claim perfection in terms of racial relations. What we have to do is figure out how to go forward.

However, I don't see folks flocking to leave the USA. I do see folks flocking to get here.
Click to expand...
He said the players came to him with the idea to do it. He ask them to explain to him why. They did and he supported them. They are all over 18 and can do what ever the hell they want to do. If you can’t handle a coach standing with his players then that’s on you. They didn’t make a big deal out of it. Someone posted a picture of it and got all the BJW’s panties in a wad. You don’t get to tell them what to think or how to act. Fans like you need to get over it or move on. And why should Cal take up for Rupp? Did he know him? For all the good stories about him there are bad ones too. I think Rupp was probably a good man that was a product of the time he lived. Joe B knew him. Did he come out and take up for him? I honestly don’t remember
 
ukBBrulez said:
Yes when you throw in losing to Duke, 1-2 against UT. Finishing 3rd in the SEC. Losing early in the SECT. Then ending with your worst loss in NCAAT history.
We didn’t win anything of relevance!

I would title it. Another bust season with a couple of good wins.
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Losing to an elite 8 team is not our worst loss
 
bballcat4 said:
Over the last 4 weeks I've read everything from "We're at the lowest point since BCG" to "Program is as strong today as it was in 2012." When I lay emotion aside and just look at the facts, here's my assessment of the year, and where we are as a program.

It was a very good year that ended with a historically bad loss.
  • We were a #2 seed, and went into the last weekend with puncher's chance for a #1 seed. (That cannot be considered a bad year.)
  • This basketball season brought "Joy back to Mudville." Oscar brought joy to young and old alike. His smile, hustle, ability and spirit caused UK fans to rally around him and the rest of the team in an unprecedented way.
  • The Dec- Jan team was running on all cylinders. We beat teams inside and outside. Brooks was a zone buster around the ft line. We beat teams in the 60's or 90's.
  • We lost to a #15 seed when we (and many other pundits) had UK penciled into the Final 4.
  • This historically bad loss caused us to quickly forget a very good (and fun) season. (I'm the first to admit that Final 4's and championships are my true measuring stick for "Great" seasons.
  • This historically bad loss came on the heels of a historically bad season! (That's a bad combo!)

Where Are We As A Program?
  • Cal signed 3 recruits in the top 10 for this year's recruiting class, including the #1 recruit.
  • The #1 recruit joined at Christmas, did not play a game, and looks like he'll go to NBA w/o ever playing a game for U.K.
  • We still have 2 top 10 recruits coming in this year's class.
  • The consensus "Player of the Year" is returning back to U.K.
  • Many pundits have us listed as a top 5 team next year without Sharpe returning.

Why the Negativity?

Why is there so much negativity when Vegas and many others had us favored to make Final 4 last year, many are projecting a top 5 team next year, and we're bringing in top recruiting classes? Regardless of where we agree or disagree, I think most logical people admit this question is like looking at broken glass. The answers splinter out in opposite directions. Here are my thoughts. (Feel free to agree or disagree.)
  • Some people don't like the roster turnover each year. Yet, other people want players like Brooks to leave the program.
  • The Sharpe saga does not sit well with the majority of UK fans. (I'm not certain who to blame, but it is a BAD look!)
  • The historically bad loss following on the heels of a historically bad season was an emotional whipsaw for most fans. (It was for me!)
  • I'm diving into some dangerous water here. But ... taking a knee at last year's game against Fla is the root for many people's unhappiness. I hear all the basketball complaints from my circle, but almost everyone eventually circles back to "Cal and the team lost me when they knelt during the National Anthem."
  • Cal is easy to dislike! Everyone knows he's in constant spin-mode or sales-mode. When we're winning he's considered, "Swagging Cal." The combination of losing last year, social stands last year, and a historically bad tournament lost this year now has many fans calling him "CCC."

I think the basketball program is healthy, but Cal certainly needs to combine a good season with a good post-season. This would be a good year to win the conference, conference tournament, and make a Final 4 run in the NCAA. I'm not sure Cal and the basketball program have a healthy relationship with the fanbase. I think Cal's relationship is worse with the 55+ demographic. Some of this is out of his control. Some of it is in his control, and it begins with Cal convincing this demographic that he cares. I don't expect him to cater to the whims of UK fans. I do think a smart coach that wants to leave a lasting legacy should realize that how his own fans view him will shape much of his legacy.
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Great post. Lots of very good points. I remember many times during the season when lots of people on this board said we had a “great team” this past year. I actually got heat when I said we were a very good, but not great team. It was a bad finish. But with who we’re returning and who we have coming in, I like our chances this year. While the same posters who once said we were “great” are now upset that this coming years team will have a lot of the same guys. Weird
 
I don't agree with the OP. If we were Auburn or Tenn sure it was a good season. WE ARE KENTUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We came in 3rd in the SEC, did not make the finals of the SEC tournament (nor win either) and then lost in the first round of the NCAA. How is any of that a good season for a program like Kentucky? Have we fallen that far in fans expectations?
 
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uk78 said:
I don't agree with the OP. If we were Auburn or Tenn sure it was a good season. WE ARE KENTUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We came in 3rd in the SEC, did not make the finals of the SEC tournament (nor win either) and then lost in the first round of the NCAA. How is any of that a good season for a program like Kentucky? Have we fallen that far in fans expectations?
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We haven’t fallen nearly as far as the drama queens here try to push. Funny to watch their desperation, though.
 
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crawfords corner said:
Not going to win a lot of fans over when the no.1 prospect in his class misses the season, not with injury or bad academics, but because he chose to.
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Agree 100%. Final 4 this year, would have softened the hit. But, Sharpe saga combined with terrible loss leaves fans (already ruffled because of last year) very, very unhappy. I don't know if Sharpe's AAU coach played everyone. But ... it doesn't sit well with fans, nor should it.
 
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