Probably didn't need to start a new thread but hopefully to the extent it leads to any discussion, it's more analytical than emotional. Plus, it's cathartic for me.
1. Feel worse today than yesterday. But the 2010 West Virginia loss was worse since it kept us out of Final 4, and the Final 4 drought.
2. We were the best team in the country but it wasn't the wide margin many (nationally not just UK fans) thought. We had unreal lengthy and great talent. But some of that talent is NBA potential talent and not current college talent. We had no true small forward on the roster. 1 knock down shooter, who ended up more streaky than we thought. 1 guy who can consistently beat his man off the dribble and he's 5'8". I'm not saying we overachieved but we had some issues that our sheer talent/length masked for a while.
3. Defense tailed off. Still one of the best in the country but not historically dominant. But clearly good enough.
4. While our offense was better than last year, it still left a lot to be desired. I know we were 5th nationally in offensive efficiency, but that was due to over powering teams, especially with offensive rebounds. I feel our offensive generally lacks creativity. A lot of standing around and not much movement or getting anyone open for a good shot. I'm probably being too hard here b/c it's more of a college basketball issue than just UK, but it's the one area I'd like to see us better at.
5. Duke beats Wisconsin. We would have beaten Duke. Wisky was bad match up for us, but Duke is for them. And we were for Duke.
6. SEC hurt us this year. I think we got a little complacent playing teams we could overwhelm with our length and talent. It wasn't god awful as in years past, but offered no top level competition to keep us on our toes.
7. Next year: We need 2 to come back with Ullis, Lee and Poythress. I may be presumptuous with those 3 coming back, but I think it's reasonable to assume they will. I don't care which 2 come back but if we can get 2, we are at least top 10. I also think we are in good shape with recruiting or Cal would have gone harder after the Thomas Bryant's of the world.
8. None of this was to complain. Love where we are as a program. Wouldn't trade places with any one over last 6 years or for the future.
9. Rationalization time: By not going 40-0, I think it's less likely Cal leaves this year or near future.
10. JRow's post yesterday on expectations/entitlement was the best post I've seen on here. Very well written and thought out. More importantly, very timely.
1. Feel worse today than yesterday. But the 2010 West Virginia loss was worse since it kept us out of Final 4, and the Final 4 drought.
2. We were the best team in the country but it wasn't the wide margin many (nationally not just UK fans) thought. We had unreal lengthy and great talent. But some of that talent is NBA potential talent and not current college talent. We had no true small forward on the roster. 1 knock down shooter, who ended up more streaky than we thought. 1 guy who can consistently beat his man off the dribble and he's 5'8". I'm not saying we overachieved but we had some issues that our sheer talent/length masked for a while.
3. Defense tailed off. Still one of the best in the country but not historically dominant. But clearly good enough.
4. While our offense was better than last year, it still left a lot to be desired. I know we were 5th nationally in offensive efficiency, but that was due to over powering teams, especially with offensive rebounds. I feel our offensive generally lacks creativity. A lot of standing around and not much movement or getting anyone open for a good shot. I'm probably being too hard here b/c it's more of a college basketball issue than just UK, but it's the one area I'd like to see us better at.
5. Duke beats Wisconsin. We would have beaten Duke. Wisky was bad match up for us, but Duke is for them. And we were for Duke.
6. SEC hurt us this year. I think we got a little complacent playing teams we could overwhelm with our length and talent. It wasn't god awful as in years past, but offered no top level competition to keep us on our toes.
7. Next year: We need 2 to come back with Ullis, Lee and Poythress. I may be presumptuous with those 3 coming back, but I think it's reasonable to assume they will. I don't care which 2 come back but if we can get 2, we are at least top 10. I also think we are in good shape with recruiting or Cal would have gone harder after the Thomas Bryant's of the world.
8. None of this was to complain. Love where we are as a program. Wouldn't trade places with any one over last 6 years or for the future.
9. Rationalization time: By not going 40-0, I think it's less likely Cal leaves this year or near future.
10. JRow's post yesterday on expectations/entitlement was the best post I've seen on here. Very well written and thought out. More importantly, very timely.
