We out-toughed them and broke their will

[aceman509]

Who would have thought after the UCLA game that this team could actually be tough? South Carolina came in being known as the most physical team in the conference and they tried to bully us. But we hit them even harder in the mouth and so much so that it made them absolutely crumble late in the 1st and half and early in the 2nd half. This team HAS changed its identity since the UCLA game, and we are now imposing our will on other teams instead of the other way around. I'm trying to temper my excitement, but its hard to do so now that I know this team isn't backing down from anyone anymore.

 

[Bluegrass79]

Tyler puts a lot of pressure on you. He smoked by defenses today. Dozier was off balance all day. Once he sunk his head it was over.

 

[brianpoe]

Who would have thought after the UCLA game that this team could actually be tough? South Carolina came in being known as the most physical team in the conference and they tried to bully us. But we hit them even harder in the mouth and so much so that it made them absolutely crumble late in the 1st and half and early in the 2nd half. This team HAS changed its identity since the UCLA game, and we are now imposing our will on other teams instead of the other way around. I'm trying to temper my excitement, but its hard to do so now that I know this team isn't backing down from anyone anymore.

I started a thread prior to the first game "Softest team Cal has had here?"

I was harassed a little, but it ended up being true.

This transformation is fun to watch, even @CUT-NETS @LmdCat @sluggercatfan @crazyqx83 and @ZaytovenCat would have to agree that Cal has done a great job in the toughness category with this team.

 

[aceman509]

And it was a totally fair point that this team was soft, it certainly was the softest team that Cal has ever had at least early on. But I believe Ulis and Briscoe were so tough already, coupled with Cal's great ability to motivate and literally change people's attitudes and that rubbed off on the rest of the team and we are becoming one of the tougher teams we've had at least from a mental standpoint.

 

[cac123]

how do i post a new thread

 

[ZaytovenCat]

I started a thread prior to the first game "Softest team Cal has had here?"

I was harassed a little, but it ended up being true.

This transformation is fun to watch, even @CUT-NETS @LmdCat @sluggercatfan @crazyqx83 and @ZaytovenCat would have to agree that Cal has done a great job in the toughness category with this team.

Sure do. They have definitely turned it on lately. I just hope they keep it going.

 

[TheBigBluePrint]

From day ONE the guards have been tough. Our big men have been soft. That is what is changing, hence the increase in fouls over the past several weeks. Once we figure out toughness without fouling...watch out in March!

 

[CUT-NETS]

Impressive win today. Made me very proud to watch them come together and dominate on the road without their coach. Calculated or not, this team grew exponentially today.

 

[musrat59]

Murray had some early growing pains in regard to shot selection and turnovers but now the best shooting guard in the SEC.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Who would have thought after the UCLA game that this team could actually be tough? South Carolina came in being known as the most physical team in the conference and they tried to bully us. But we hit them even harder in the mouth and so much so that it made them absolutely crumble late in the 1st and half and early in the 2nd half. This team HAS changed its identity since the UCLA game, and we are now imposing our will on other teams instead of the other way around. I'm trying to temper my excitement, but its hard to do so now that I know this team isn't backing down from anyone anymore.

Good post. To have done this without Poythress, on the road, with most of UK's bigs in foul trouble, is deeply significant. The key was Lee. He played with a high basketball intelligence. The guards were also tenacious in terms of team rebounding.

This thing is starting to come together, and it's fun to watch.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Murray had some early growing pains in regard to shot selection and turnovers but now the best shooting guard in the SEC.

And a guy, like Ulis, who is capable of taking over a game. Having two of these guys is a terrifying thing if you're a potential tournament opponent.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

From day ONE the guards have been tough. Our big men have been soft. That is what is changing, hence the increase in fouls over the past several weeks. Once we figure out toughness without fouling...watch out in March!

True. I think the key for Lee is defending without trying to block every shot. Just go straight up and make the opponent shoot over the top. He did that yesterday, stayed on the floor, and ended up with his best game of the season.

 

[Bkocats]

I started a thread prior to the first game "Softest team Cal has had here?"

I was harassed a little, but it ended up being true.

This transformation is fun to watch, even @CUT-NETS @LmdCat @sluggercatfan @crazyqx83 and @ZaytovenCat would have to agree that Cal has done a great job in the toughness category with this team.

at the time of that post, though - it was quite accurate. This team HAD been soft - and it was frustrating to watch
Agree that this transformation has been a blast to watch - it's taken longer than we fans like, but they are gelling and have figured a lot of things out. I still believe there is a ways to go - but, now, also believe they can get there

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

at the time of that post, though - it was quite accurate. This team HAD been soft - and it was frustrating to watch
Agree that this transformation has been a blast to watch - it's taken longer than we fans like, but they are gelling and have figured a lot of things out. I still believe there is a ways to go - but, now, also believe they can get there

Good post. Also, this raises an important question: in general, why would any rational UK fan make a final assessment on a Calipari-coached team until at least early March? Every one of his teams have shown significant growth throughout the season (minus the Noel team that featured his injury at the point where most Cal teams start to take a major step forward).

 

[DrH. Lecter]

how do i post a new thread

You apparently have not read the rules.

Rule #1: Only those who know how to post a new tread may post a new thread.

 

[BigBlueTom1]

Good post. Also, this raises an important question: in general, why would any rational UK fan make a final assessment on a Calipari-coached team until at least early March? Every one of his teams have shown significant growth throughout the season (minus the Noel team that featured his injury at the point where most Cal teams start to take a major step forward).

Great point. Cal's basically coaching a new team every year. It takes time. He's learning them, they're learning him, and they're learning each other. It's a process. Sometimes it can be very frustrating, but when it comes together it sure is fun to watch!!!

 

[Bkocats]

Good post. Also, this raises an important question: in general, why would any rational UK fan make a final assessment on a Calipari-coached team until at least early March? Every one of his teams have shown significant growth throughout the season (minus the Noel team that featured his injury at the point where most Cal teams start to take a major step forward).

You did say rational, LOL
Honestly - I think most of the problem wasn't so much that it was the freshmen, it was the upperclassmen. Guys who should've already known how to play in Cal's system.

 

[kyjeff1]

I know it sucks and this is the way it is right now for UK basketball but I don't see how it's possible to not be soft the first half of the season after a bunch of players leave the year prior.
I think a large portion of the BBN fears another 2013 ending is on the horizon when we struggle like this team did. It's real because it has happened and that season really sucked as a UK fan.
We all should have known better though, Cal has more than proven himself and we have Tyler Ulis. It was just a matter of time before they got it together.
However, it takes a little luck. Who knew Willis would, all the sudden, turn into a game changer? We have a smaller frontcourt than normal and a guard that can't shoot. So there are many challenges.
I still have no idea how this team is doing what it's doing. We lose Poythress and the officials are making things extremely difficult for us yet we go on the road and pound a really good team by 30. That was a sweet 16 type team we just destroyed on their home court.
I'm amazed at the turnaround.

 

[BurpinTurpin]

Good post. Also, this raises an important question: in general, why would any rational UK fan make a final assessment on a Calipari-coached team until at least early March? Every one of his teams have shown significant growth throughout the season (minus the Noel team that featured his injury at the point where most Cal teams start to take a major step forward).

I wish people would stop panicking so much when we struggle earlier in the season, it has happened almost every year under Cal. There will probably be some years when it doesn't come together- welcome to college basketball. Discussing things we can improve is certainly fair, but some people just lose their minds. Same thing with recruiting. He's not perfect, but the dude can coach.

 

[brianpoe]

how do i post a new thread

I know it sucks and this is the way it is right now for UK basketball but I don't see how it's possible to not be soft the first half of the season after a bunch of players leave the year prior.
I think a large portion of the BBN fears another 2013 ending is on the horizon when we struggle like this team did. It's real because it has happened and that season really sucked as a UK fan.
We all should have known better though, Cal has more than proven himself and we have Tyler Ulis. It was just a matter of time before they got it together.
However, it takes a little luck. Who knew Willis would, all the sudden, turn into a game changer? We have a smaller frontcourt than normal and a guard that can't shoot. So there are many challenges.
I still have no idea how this team is doing what it's doing. We lose Poythress and the officials are making things extremely difficult for us yet we go on the road and pound a really good team by 30. That was a sweet 16 type team we just destroyed on their home court.
I'm amazed at the turnaround.

Jeff, I would contend to not recruit too many soft/finesse players, they tend to hang around and all end up on one team..

Wall, Cousins, Boogie

Knight, Jones, Enes

Davis, Teague, MJK

Noel, Goodwin, WCS

Harrisons, Randle, Young

KAT, Lyles

Briscoe

Every year we have recruited hard nose kids, especially bigs - except this year.



Alex can be powerful at times but also disappear just as easily and more often.

Lee and Skal are simply finesse players.

So was Willis prior to him selling his soul and stealing Scott Padgett's talents.

(Had Kyle redshirted and stayed he would add to this list.)


With these four as your main rotation bigs, along with a 17 teen year old foreign kid it just became a perfect storm.


Cal has performed a great job and it was good that Tyler and Briscoe were already tough, Murray came along very quickly.


Now the questions are:

Can we get Alex healthy?

Can we get Skal and Lee to be stronger with the ball?

Can we get Skal and Lee to avoid foul trouble but still play with great intensity?

 

[sluggercatfan]

I think

I started a thread prior to the first game "Softest team Cal has had here?"

I was harassed a little, but it ended up being true.

This transformation is fun to watch, even @CUT-NETS @LmdCat @sluggercatfan @crazyqx83 and @ZaytovenCat would have to agree that Cal has done a great job in the toughness category with this team.

I think this team is tough because of the toughest man on the court every game..Tyler Ulis

 

[jrm693]

We need to build a statue of Tyler Ulis out front of Rupp Arena or in the lobby where you go through the gates, he is like the great College quarterbacks he makes it all work with as BrianPoe said above finesse players as our bigs thats a daunting challenge. You never see Cal hollering at Ulis...has there been another player at UK during Cals reign that he didn't holler at? He is truly a coach on the floor...I though Cal was just trying to pump him up after last years season ending loss when he told Ulis this is your team now but Cal realized what a special talent he was and just as TJ Walker pointed out he is a Anthony Davis type talent.

 

[brianpoe]

I wish people would stop panicking so much when we struggle earlier in the season, it has happened almost every year under Cal. There will probably be some years when it doesn't come together- welcome to college basketball. Discussing things we can improve is certainly fair, but some people just lose their minds. Same thing with recruiting. He's not perfect, but the dude can coach.

I give many folks a break this year, including myself.

This team was extremely soft and we had not witnessed that with Cal, in fact I'm not sure we were ever considered soft prior to Cal.

In the beginning, this team had players with bad skill sets - Briscoe's shooting, Lee's scoring and footwork.

This team had the biggest disappointment in the class as to projected performance, who was supposed to man our middle on both ends of the court.


With a guard that could not shoot

A PF that could not score

Another PF that teased us once every 5 games

Our low post threat being very nonthreatening

Our PG hurt and shooting poorly - and lets face it we all knew he was solid but he is playing all world now and we had no idea he would be this great.

Our 2 guard bombing and driving a bit out of control

Willis not even in the conversation at the time


People had every right to question things.


Our only realistic hopes were:

Alex figuring it out.
Tyler rebounding off of the injury.
Murray coming of age in a couple of months.

Even with these 3 turnarounds the ceiling seemed to be very low for this group compared to others:

2014

We had 2 very big guards with talent
Young had good scoring talent
Randle was a beast from day one
2 7 footers that weren't pushed around.


2011

We had a dynamite PG
Tough PF in Jones
Consistent threat in Lamb
Proven vets in Liggins and Miller



We are playing great now.

Tyler and Murray have carried us.
Willis has been a great surprise.

All though there has been improvement from Lee and Skal, will it be enough?
Especially if Alex is not 100%?


I am excited for the team and would not be surprised if we make a great run, but wouldnt be surprised if we drop on earlier than expected either.

I'm going into this tourney cherishing each win.

 

[kyjeff1]

Jeff, I would contend to not recruit too many soft/finesse players, they tend to hang around and all end up on one team..

Wall, Cousins, Boogie

Knight, Jones, Enes

Davis, Teague, MJK

Noel, Goodwin, WCS

Harrisons, Randle, Young

KAT, Lyles

Briscoe

Every year we have recruited hard nose kids, especially bigs - except this year.



Alex can be powerful at times but also disappear just as easily and more often.

Lee and Skal are simply finesse players.

So was Willis prior to him selling his soul and stealing Scott Padget's talents.

(Had Kyle redshirted and stayed he would add to this list.0


With these four as your main rotation bigs, along with a 17 teen year old foreign kid it just became a perfect storm.


Cal has performed a great job and it was good that Tyler and Briscoe were already tough, Murray came along very quickly.


Now the questions are:

Can we get Alex healthy?

Can we get Skal and Lee to be stronger with the ball?

Can we get Skal and Lee to avoid foul trouble but still play with great intensity?

I think our guards make up for the toughness that is lacking in our frontcourt. They can get away with it this year but I think they are going to want to avoid teams like Michigan State because the Michigan State's of cbb are too much for this team at this point but than again, we have a month to go til selection Sunday, with Cal anything is possible.
This team is further ahead than I thought they would be at this point. After that Ohio State debacle I thought it would be a last second turn around at best.

 

[kyjeff1]

We need to build a statue of Tyler Ulis out front of Rupp Arena or in the lobby where you go through the gates, he is like the great College quarterbacks he makes it all work with as BrianPoe said above finesse players as our bigs thats a daunting challenge. You never see Cal hollering at Ulis...has there been another player at UK during Cals reign that he didn't holler at? He is truly a coach on the floor...I though Cal was just trying to pump him up after last years season ending loss when he told Ulis this is your team now but Cal realized what a special talent he was and just as TJ Walker pointed out he is a Anthony Davis type talent.

I don't recall him yelling at Wall very often.

 

[kyjeff1]

I give many folks a break this year, including myself.

This team was extremely soft and we had not witnessed that with Cal, in fact I'm not sure we were ever considered soft prior to Cal.

In the beginning, this team had players with bad skill sets - Briscoe's shooting, Lee's scoring and footwork.

This team had the biggest disappointment in the class as to projected performance, who was supposed to man our middle on both ends of the court.


With a guard that could not shoot

A PF that could not score

Another PF that teased us once every 5 games

Our low post threat being very nonthreatening

Our PG hurt and shooting poorly - and lets face it we all knew he was solid but he is playing all world now and we had no idea he would be this great.

Our 2 guard bombing and driving a bit out of control

Willis not even in the conversation at the time


People had every right to question things.


Our only realistic hopes were:

Alex figuring it out.
Tyler rebounding off of the injury.
Murray coming of age in a couple of months.

Even with these 3 turnarounds the ceiling seemed to be very low for this group compared to others:

2014

We had 2 very big guards with talent
Young had good scoring talent
Randle was a beast from day one
2 7 footers that weren't pushed around.


2011

We had a dynamite PG
Tough PF in Jones
Consistent threat in Lamb
Proven vets in Liggins and Miller



We are playing great now.

Tyler and Murray have carried us.
Willis has been a great surprise.

All though there has been improvement from Lee and Skal, will it be enough?
Especially if Alex is not 100%?


I am excited for the team and would not be surprised if we make a great run, but wouldnt be surprised if we drop on earlier than expected either.

I'm going into this tourney cherishing each win.

Where do you put this team right now compared to the 2011 and 2014 squads? I put 2016 way ahead of where those two teams were based on what I'm seeing right now.
I need to look at previous results but I highly doubt those two teams were blowing good teams out on the road.
Alabama, Arkansas and South Carolina were all blown out on their home courts by this team.
I know Brandon Knight was awesome but Tyler Ulis is twice the floor general that he was and that's the difference. 1 guy that stands at 5' 8" is the guy that is tge difference between all 3 teams.
Amazing is the word that comes to mind for me.

 

[brianpoe]

Where do you put this team right now compared to the 2011 and 2014 squads? I put 2016 way ahead of where those two teams were based on what I'm seeing right now.
I need to look at previous results but I highly doubt those two teams were blowing good teams out on the road.
Alabama, Arkansas and South Carolina were all blown out on their home courts by this team.
I know Brandon Knight was awesome but Tyler Ulis is twice the floor general that he was and that's the difference. 1 guy that stands at 5' 8" is the guy that is tge difference between all 3 teams.
Amazing is the word that comes to mind for me.

I still had much more confidence in the others.

In 2014 we still owned the paint, and i know its a guard's tournament but to have a go-to scorer and 2 seven footers to rebound is big.

The Harrisons and Young were not great but consistent from 3 and good at the line. In fact 4 starters hit > 70% from the line.

2014 was more frustrating to me because you could see the talent in many spots.

We see the talent in 2 spots on this team in Ulis and Murray, and now WIllis has become a vital cog. Briscoe is valuable in his own way.

I take Murray and Ulis over the Harrisons but that is pretty much it.


In 2011, we had very close losses on the road.

No real terrible losses like this year.

Again, I'm ok with Tyler and Jamal, but the rest of this year's team would not replace any of these main players: Miller, Jones, Liggins, or Jorts.


I dont remember at any time prior to those tourneys being worried about rebounding or toughness in the paint. Or bball IQ from the bigs.

I dont remember being worried about being bullied on the block and early foul trouble.

I really have a hard time with the fumbles in the paint due to Lee and Skal's weak hands.

I simply do no have the confidence in Lee and Skal, nor Alex to play 5-6 quality games against quality competition in a row, as much as I did Randle, Johnson, and WCS or Jones, Miller and Jorts.

Doesnt mean they cant do it, or more likely that Tyler and Ulis carry them, along with the particular strengths Briscoe and Willis bring.

 

[crestcat]

I still had much more confidence in the others.

In 2014 we still owned the paint, and i know its a guard's tournament but to have a go-to scorer and 2 seven footers to rebound is big.

The Harrisons and Young were not great but consistent from 3 and good at the line. In fact 4 starters hit > 70% from the line.

2014 was more frustrating to me because you could see the talent in many spots.

We see the talent in 2 spots on this team in Ulis and Murray, and now WIllis has become a vital cog. Briscoe is valuable in his own way.

I take Murray and Ulis over the Harrisons but that is pretty much it.


In 2011, we had very close losses on the road.

No real terrible losses like this year.

Again, I'm ok with Tyler and Jamal, but the rest of this year's team would not replace any of these main players: Miller, Jones, Liggins, or Jorts.


I dont remember at any time prior to those tourneys being worried about rebounding or toughness in the paint. Or bball IQ from the bigs.

I dont remember being worried about being bullied on the block and early foul trouble.

I really have a hard time with the fumbles in the paint due to Lee and Skal's weak hands.

I simply do no have the confidence in Lee and Skal, nor Alex to play 5-6 quality games against quality competition in a row, as much as I did Randle, Johnson, and WCS or Jones, Miller and Jorts.

Doesnt mean they cant do it, or more likely that Tyler and Ulis carry them, along with the particular strengths Briscoe and Willis bring.

I fear we are still just one cold shooting night from being eliminated come tourney time. We cannot depend on the bigs to score, they are only good if the guards are hitting