keep Uconn away from us

[kyjeff1]

Agree. What is with people pounding the table on "we should be afraid fo UCONN." ??? SMH. Stupid thread and done with it.

Just recognizing a good team is all. Maybe "want no part of them" is too strong but so is "they suck, we would steamroll their asses". They look like a very good team that can be scary good in March/April.
It's not really a big deal. Last year many of us said we didn't want any part of Wisconsin, those people were mocked similar to this thread and look what happened.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

You could disagree with it but Uconn actually looks really good. They're very athletic. I would just rather avoid them with this years team. They just seem to have our number. I'm sure Utah fans never want to see UK ever again too for the same reason.

Utah lost to Kentucky all those years because Kentucky had better teams, not because of some underlying cosmic ruling that stated they had to lose to Kentucky.

The perception of having a team's number is totally irrelevant to a potential showdown with UConn in March or April. The teams that suit up and take the floor are the only relevant elements that would actually matter, and these teams don't really feature any commonality to the teams that have previously faced off.

 

[Primedfor9]

It's not just about them having our number. I've said from the beginning of the season, even when uconn had a bad record that they'd be one of the best teams in March barring injury or bad chemistry because they have a lot of talent and depth.

 

[bucsrule8872]

UConn seems to have our number.

My general rule of thumb is that I hate to see teams that we have already played that season in the tourney. Stems back to the 86 season when we had to play Bama and then LSU to get to the Final Four and the Tigers beat us.

Since then, we have fared pretty well in rematches (UMass 96, UNC in 2011, IU in 2012, UofL in 2012, UofL in 2014), but I still worry a bit when I see familar teams in our bracket.

 

[ulismyman]

All about matchups...uconn, xavier, mich state north carolina...all bad matchups for us

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Just recognizing a good team is all. Maybe "want no part of them" is too strong but so is "they suck, we would steamroll their asses". They look like a very good team that can be scary good in March/April.
It's not really a big deal. Last year many of us said we didn't want any part of Wisconsin, those people were mocked similar to this thread and look what happened.

Different arguments, though. Some have made an attempt in this thread to compound what has happened historically against UConn and use it as part of the case to not wanting to play them.

If people make the argument that UConn is a good team, and they don't want to play them, that's completely reasonable. Let that argument stand on its own; but adding history as some sort of measurement is illogical considering the teams are completely different.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

UConn seems to have our number.

My general rule of thumb is that I hate to see teams that we have already played that season in the tourney. Stems back to the 86 season when we had to play Bama and then LSU to get to the Final Four and the Tigers beat us.

Since then, we have fared pretty well in rematches (UMass 96, UNC in 2011, IU in 2012, UofL in 2012, UofL in 2014), but I still worry a bit when I see familar teams in our bracket.

Once again, is there any scientific proof of any kind that would justify being worried about an opponent based on the results of what happened years ago with completely different rosters, in a completely different gymnasium?

I don't understand the "they have our number" argument. Do you think Ulis and Murray will sit awake in March if they draw UConn in their regional final and think, "Oh no, these guys beat completely different Kentucky teams in 2011 and 2014. We're doomed because they have our number."

 

[AnarchoNeoLuddite]

All about matchups...uconn, xavier, mich state north carolina...all bad matchups for us

Say what? Unc because of their bigs could be...the others hail nah...not this year no way.

 

[Primedfor9]

All about matchups...uconn, xavier, mich state north carolina...all bad matchups for us

I agree except for maybe mich st. I think if we're playing close to our best we beat them. A team I would replace them with is Purdue.

Edit to say that while UNC may matchup well with us is some areas, they could have problems with our backcourt as well.

 

[ulismyman]

Take Cards for example...i felt good going in because their strengths areour strengths...guards..i knew they couldnt score down low...we play them in tourney with a healthy Briscoe...15 point win

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

All about matchups...uconn, xavier, mich state north carolina...all bad matchups for us

And most of those teams have already peaked as far as chemistry and talent are concerned. That's what you get with veteran teams out of the gate, with Xavier being the exception (they have a really nice blend of young and experience).

UK is one of the greenest teams in the country right now. That's why, right now, none of those teams you mentioned would have much trouble with Kentucky.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Take Cards for example...i felt good going in because their strengths areour strengths...guards..i knew they couldnt score down low...we play them in tourney with a healthy Briscoe...15 point win

Except the guy who replaced Briscoe can also play defense, hit a trio of three pointers, and scored 13 points.

I think a rematch with Louisville in March could go either way.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Once again, is there any scientific proof of any kind that would justify being worried about an opponent based on the results of what happened years ago with completely different rosters, in a completely different gymnasium?

I don't understand the "they have our number" argument. Do you think Ulis and Murray will sit awake in March if they draw UConn in their regional final and think, "Oh no, these guys beat completely different Kentucky teams in 2011 and 2014. We're doomed because they have our number."

I did say "seems" so I don't think I implied anything scientific or definitive.

Now if I said "UConn has our number" then you would have a reason to argue.

I made no such statement. So please, remain calm. You are obviously emotionally attached to this subject. I did not mean to ruffle your feathers. Sorry.

 

[Primedfor9]

Say what? Unc because of their bigs could be...the others hail nah...not this year no way.

Unless Skal becomes dominant, I don't see this team as a juggernaut at all, just one of many teams that could make a run if playing their best at the right time.

 

[AnarchoNeoLuddite]

Who said juggernaut? Xavier, why would anyone be skeered of them? MSU is nice but for real, aint nothin special.

 

[Primedfor9]

Xavier has a real nice team every few years and this is one of them, just a great balanced team. I think ultimately our athleticism would be the deciding factor but I'm really struggling to see where we would have an advantage over uconn at all other than coaching.

 

[ulismyman]

Xavier is really really good...their name doesn't scare you...watch them play

 

[bucsrule8872]

This year's squad could lose to anyone or beat anyone. Our team is not great by Cal standards, but neither is the rest of the college bball field. It's a down year. Anything could happen. I wouldn't be surprised if we lose in our first tourney game or cut down the nets.

Last year, there was only one team that I did not relish playing and that was Wisconsin. No one else really scared me, not even Duke.

This year is quite different, I see several teams that could win it all. It's likely going to be whoever gets hot in late February or March and rides the momentum to the title.

 

[ukwazoo]

Had em beat last time if we would have stayed in the zone. We went zone for a little bit and UConn just started throwing the ball all over the place and we got back in it. Then we went back to man-to-man and lost it. In 2011, they were just the hottest team going.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

I did say "seems" so I don't think I implied anything scientific or definitive.

Now if I said "UConn has our number" then you would have a reason to argue.

I made no such statement. So please, remain calm. You are obviously emotionally attached to this subject. I did not mean to ruffle your feathers. Sorry.

No. I'm not emotionally attached to this subject. I'm not sure where you even got that from.


I just don't know where people are getting the idea that history dictated the present or future. You explained yourself perfectly fine without having to throw in an ad hominem regarding my emotional state.

 

[EvilMD]

I'd rather play them. I'm an Angels fan in baseball. For years, the Red Sox had our number. The Donnie Moore game in 86 (and subsequent collapse), the sweeps in 04 and 07, the 3-1 loss in 08 when we won 100 games. Then we swept them in 09 and it was SO sweet. Didn't make up for the four previous heartbreaks, but I'm so glad we finally got that one lick in on them, and I'd love to give one to UConn, too.

 

[AnarchoNeoLuddite]

Ahh, until proven otherwise X is the Gonzaga of the east. Nice squad this year, not a lot of shooters(like us) not that deep. Been watching them since Tyrone Hill almost 30 years ago, they need to show out once and for all(like Gonzaga).

 

[Mike-D]

I will never get this time back.

 

[true blue1]

Want no part of them

I want pay back!

 

[kyjeff1]

Utah lost to Kentucky all those years because Kentucky had better teams, not because of some underlying cosmic ruling that stated they had to lose to Kentucky.

The perception of having a team's number is totally irrelevant to a potential showdown with UConn in March or April. The teams that suit up and take the floor are the only relevant elements that would actually matter, and these teams don't really feature any commonality to the teams that have previously faced off.

You look at it your way, I look at it a different way. Seems to me that there is a very logical explanation for why a team has another team's number. There is a common denominator. I believe Jim Calhoun's system, which Kevin Ollie still runs, is something John Calipari struggles with. I also think Cal's teams struggle with teams that are proficient at 1-3-1 defense.
But nevertheless, UConn is very good this year and I view them as a team that would give UK fits and I would rather not give them the satisfaction of beating us again. I would rather face them with next years squad or last years team. It's just my opinion.

 

[kyjeff1]

Different arguments, though. Some have made an attempt in this thread to compound what has happened historically against UConn and use it as part of the case to not wanting to play them.

If people make the argument that UConn is a good team, and they don't want to play them, that's completely reasonable. Let that argument stand on its own; but adding history as some sort of measurement is illogical considering the teams are completely different.

See my last reply. I think UConn plays a style that UK under Calipari struggles with so yeah, previous results would be something to take into consideration.

 

[kyjeff1]

Say what? Unc because of their bigs could be...the others hail nah...not this year no way.

Really? What does this year's team possess that makes you think X and Uconn have no shot? This current UK team has proven that it can lose to anyone away from Rupp.

 

[AnarchoNeoLuddite]

Really what makes YOU think that Uconn and xavier have a shot? He said they were match up night mares, i said they werent. ANd they are not.

 

[kyjeff1]

So

And most of those teams have already peaked as far as chemistry and talent are concerned. That's what you get with veteran teams out of the gate, with Xavier being the exception (they have a really nice blend of young and experience).

UK is one of the greenest teams in the country right now. That's why, right now, none of those teams you mentioned would have much trouble with Kentucky.

So you think UK is going to improve but UConn, X, Michigan State and UNC are going to level off or drop? No way. Right now we are a long way from being in the same league with those teams and if Skal doesn't come around we will never catch those teams. Nobody is anywhere near their ceiling right now. I know it's nice to look at UK as a fan and think they have some kind of advantage but if our guys don't gel in time this team will never catch those teams.

 

[kyjeff1]

Really what makes YOU think that Uconn and xavier have a shot? He said they were match up night mares, i said they werent. ANd they are not.

Please remove blue glasses. On a neutral court they would kick our asses right now.

 

[AnarchoNeoLuddite]

Uconn and Xavier would kick our ass? No. Not now not then, beat us, mmm perhaps. It would take and OSU like shooting out of their ass to do so.

 

[kyjeff1]

Except the guy who replaced Briscoe can also play defense, hit a trio of three pointers, and scored 13 points.

I think a rematch with Louisville in March could go either way.

You don't seriously think Hawkins is going to play that well every time out do you? So many people thought Murray was going to play the rest of the season the same way he played in the second half of the Ohio State game, then he showed those people how wrong they were last Saturday.

 

[kyjeff1]

Who said juggernaut? Xavier, why would anyone be skeered of them? MSU is nice but for real, aint nothin special.

If you think Michigan State and Xavier aren't anything to worry about than you really don't know what you are watching when you see them play. Keep in mind, Denzel Valentine is out, he is a guy that can get you a triple double on any given night and they are deep at all 5 positions with a hall of fame coach. If you take Ulis off this UK team and try to play @ Iowa we would lose by 30.
I remember reading these same statements about Notre Dame in the Tournament last year. I still don't know how uk won that game.

 

[kyjeff1]

Uconn and Xavier would kick our ass? No. Not now not then, beat us, mmm perhaps. It would take and OSU like shooting out of their ass to do so.

Yeah well UConn and X can certainly shoot that well but guess what, they also have explosive guards that can really create. I get tge feeling you are selling them short because of their pasts.

 

[IL Wildcat]

No need to fear UConn based on performances against ONE common opponent, Ohio State.

#1 Comparing scores just doesn't work.
#2 Ohio State shot better from 3pt range against UK than they have any other game this year. Part of the reason they were so focused and played so well against UK is that UConn beat them like a drum a week earlier. So, comparing our game with them and their games with other teams is going to be skewed beyond belief in regard to predicting an outcome.
#3 UConn has lost to Syracuse, Gonzaga, and Maryland also. That Maryland loss was by 10 on a neutral court. I guess Syracuse, Gonzaga, and Maryland would all beat UK by 25-30, eh?
#4 If ratings systems mean anything...
KenPom has UConn #23 and UK #15
Sagarin has UConn #28 and UK #19
ESPN's BPI has UConn #36 and UK #19
Real Time RPI has UConn #80 and UK #11
Massey's Composite has UConn #41 and UK #17

I'm sure UConn has a pretty good team. I'm also sure UK has a good team. But there is no reason, based on ONE common opponent, to fear UConn any more than other teams. They aren't as good as you think.

 

[bucsrule8872]

No. I'm not emotionally attached to this subject. I'm not sure where you even got that from.


I just don't know where people are getting the idea that history dictated the present or future. You explained yourself perfectly fine without having to throw in an ad hominem regarding my emotional state.

Sorry, you "seemed" to be emotionally attached. LOL!

My apologies. I hope you do not take offense to my lame attempts at being lighthearted.

 

[kyjeff1]

No need to fear UConn based on performances against ONE common opponent, Ohio State.

#1 Comparing scores just doesn't work.
#2 Ohio State shot better from 3pt range against UK than they have any other game this year. Part of the reason they were so focused and played so well against UK is that UConn beat them like a drum a week earlier. So, comparing our game with them and their games with other teams is going to be skewed beyond belief in regard to predicting an outcome.
#3 UConn has lost to Syracuse, Gonzaga, and Maryland also. That Maryland loss was by 10 on a neutral court. I guess Syracuse, Gonzaga, and Maryland would all beat UK by 25-30, eh?
#4 If ratings systems mean anything...
KenPom has UConn #23 and UK #15
Sagarin has UConn #28 and UK #19
ESPN's BPI has UConn #36 and UK #19
Real Time RPI has UConn #80 and UK #11
Massey's Composite has UConn #41 and UK #17

I'm sure UConn has a pretty good team. I'm also sure UK has a good team. But there is no reason, based on ONE common opponent, to fear UConn any more than other teams. They aren't as good as you think.

Good work on those numbers.
I just look at how poorly UK plays away from Rupp. I know they will have that straightened out by March but to what extent worries me. UConn showed they can play away from home, I don't care that Riddley was out, UConn was without their big as well and Texas under Smart is a very good team.

 

[83Cat]

I'd really like to whip them when it matters.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

You look at it your way, I look at it a different way. Seems to me that there is a very logical explanation for why a team has another team's number. There is a common denominator. I believe Jim Calhoun's system, which Kevin Ollie still runs, is something John Calipari struggles with. I also think Cal's teams struggle with teams that are proficient at 1-3-1 defense.
But nevertheless, UConn is very good this year and I view them as a team that would give UK fits and I would rather not give them the satisfaction of beating us again. I would rather face them with next years squad or last years team. It's just my opinion.

Fair enough. I appreciate the respectful response, kyjeff.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Sorry, you "seemed" to be emotionally attached. LOL!

My apologies. I hope you do not take offense to my lame attempts at being lighthearted.

You're a good poster. This only helps prove that reality.