Monday, March 29, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
UK vs. WVU - Winner to the Final Four!
Tonight at 7, the Cats play for their first Final Four since 1998. If you have access to the Internet or a TV, you've heard about the match up. Its Butler, Ebanks, and Co. vs. Wall, Cousins, etc. Its Huggins vs. Cal (by the way Huggy Bear has owned Cal winning 6 of their 7 match ups). Rather than spew out the same stuff you already know, I'm going to use this post to reflect on the season UK has had thus far and the ridiculous turn around from the last two years.
This time last year UK fans were lamenting our NIT loss, and watching the Cards choke against MSU. This time two years ago we were reflecting on our first round loss and wondering whether or not Billy Clyde was the right man or not. This year, we are making plans to head to Indy, trying to decide where to watch the game, and who to watch it with. In my case, this game is too big for a bar scene. I prefer the detachment and isolation of a quiet room with nothing other than me, my emotions, and Jay Bilas.
The Cats went from one NBA talent to 7 potential NBA players (I'm crediting Miller and Liggins improvement to Cal); from a dry cocky personality to a confident embracing one. Celebrities are catching games at Rupp. Top recruits are consistently listing UK at the top of their list. The entire feel of the program has changed in such a short time that its almost hard to grasp. When you're on such an exciting ride, it can be hard to remember how you got there.
Much like most UK fans, I'd just like to pretend the last 2 years never happened. Unfortunately they did, but that is exactly what makes this year and tonight's game so special for the fans. The last two years were pure hell for UK fans. I know that sounds ridiculous but most Cats fans rise and fall with the team. There really isn't anything else to root for unless you live by Cincy and have the Bengals and Reds. What that means is that for most Cats fans, this basketball team isn't just a team or just a hobby, its a way of life. An emotional controller.
UK basketball is officially on its way back up the mountain. Tonight they take another step toward the top. That's why we need to look at tonight's game in perspective. Yes I want a Final Four as much if not more than just about anyone I know, but win or lose this has been a season to remember, and the beautiful part is that there are only more of these types of seasons on the horizon. With that in mind, and I should absolutely be looking in a mirror when I say this, try to relax and enjoy the game tonight Cats fans. This is supposed to be fun.
Go Cats!!!
This time last year UK fans were lamenting our NIT loss, and watching the Cards choke against MSU. This time two years ago we were reflecting on our first round loss and wondering whether or not Billy Clyde was the right man or not. This year, we are making plans to head to Indy, trying to decide where to watch the game, and who to watch it with. In my case, this game is too big for a bar scene. I prefer the detachment and isolation of a quiet room with nothing other than me, my emotions, and Jay Bilas.
The Cats went from one NBA talent to 7 potential NBA players (I'm crediting Miller and Liggins improvement to Cal); from a dry cocky personality to a confident embracing one. Celebrities are catching games at Rupp. Top recruits are consistently listing UK at the top of their list. The entire feel of the program has changed in such a short time that its almost hard to grasp. When you're on such an exciting ride, it can be hard to remember how you got there.
Much like most UK fans, I'd just like to pretend the last 2 years never happened. Unfortunately they did, but that is exactly what makes this year and tonight's game so special for the fans. The last two years were pure hell for UK fans. I know that sounds ridiculous but most Cats fans rise and fall with the team. There really isn't anything else to root for unless you live by Cincy and have the Bengals and Reds. What that means is that for most Cats fans, this basketball team isn't just a team or just a hobby, its a way of life. An emotional controller.
UK basketball is officially on its way back up the mountain. Tonight they take another step toward the top. That's why we need to look at tonight's game in perspective. Yes I want a Final Four as much if not more than just about anyone I know, but win or lose this has been a season to remember, and the beautiful part is that there are only more of these types of seasons on the horizon. With that in mind, and I should absolutely be looking in a mirror when I say this, try to relax and enjoy the game tonight Cats fans. This is supposed to be fun.
Go Cats!!!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
48 Down, 15 To Go!!!!!!!
Tonight’s Sweet 16 match up between the Wildcats and Big Red of Cornell has been called everything from “David vs. Goliath” to “brains vs. brawn” to “scholas vs ballas.” Okay maybe I made the last one up, but I like it.
It seems like every sports writer, or anyone with a blog for that matter, in America has had something to say about this matchup. Maybe its because it’s a 1 vs. 12 seed. Maybe it was the way Cornell dismantled Temple and Wisconsin. Maybe it was because there just hasn’t been anything else going on this week, but whatever the reason this match up has captivated sports fans everyone everywhere.
The one thing I think everyone is missing is, to me at least, the most obvious thing: THE DISPARITY IN TALENT. I don’t care how Cornell shoots the 3, or how well they screen, or how tall their center is. There is just no conceivable way that Wall, Patterson, and Co. are going to lose to a group of guys that know the difference between the potion and wizard card. No way. Not happening.
Having been a UK fan for 24 years now, I have learned a thing or two about the Big Blue Nation. One obvious trait of about 90% of the fans is that they worry about everything. Who is our next point guard? Will our recruits be eligible? What did Cousins have for dinner? Can Cornell beat us? Brandon Knight, yes Kanter will be eligible, chicken alfredo, and Hell No.
Prediction: Cats 84, Cornell 69
Enjoy the game tonight Cats fans.
It seems like every sports writer, or anyone with a blog for that matter, in America has had something to say about this matchup. Maybe its because it’s a 1 vs. 12 seed. Maybe it was the way Cornell dismantled Temple and Wisconsin. Maybe it was because there just hasn’t been anything else going on this week, but whatever the reason this match up has captivated sports fans everyone everywhere.
The one thing I think everyone is missing is, to me at least, the most obvious thing: THE DISPARITY IN TALENT. I don’t care how Cornell shoots the 3, or how well they screen, or how tall their center is. There is just no conceivable way that Wall, Patterson, and Co. are going to lose to a group of guys that know the difference between the potion and wizard card. No way. Not happening.
Having been a UK fan for 24 years now, I have learned a thing or two about the Big Blue Nation. One obvious trait of about 90% of the fans is that they worry about everything. Who is our next point guard? Will our recruits be eligible? What did Cousins have for dinner? Can Cornell beat us? Brandon Knight, yes Kanter will be eligible, chicken alfredo, and Hell No.
Prediction: Cats 84, Cornell 69
Enjoy the game tonight Cats fans.
--------------
Not to be overshadowed is Cintucky team number 2 in the Sweet 16: The Xavier Musketeers. X will take on The Kansas State Wildcats in round 3. If you don’t know Kansas State is to Kansas what Louisville is to Kentucky. Oh, and their coach is the scariest man alive.
X has been lead to their first two victories by swaggerlicous Jordan Crawford. Crawford has played as well as anyone else in the tournament thus far and is really putting a exclamation point on what has been a fantastic season. For Xavier to have a chance vs. K State, Crawford is going to have to deliver a (hurts me to say this) Dwayne Wade type of performance. The Wildcats boast an athletic front line and dynamic backcourt lead by All-American Jacob Pullen. (Note: I’m not actually sure if he is an All-American, but after watching a few K State games, he should be.) A lot of “experts” actually have them as a favorite over Syracuse in the West Region.
I expect a close game played at a frenetic pace with Xavier fighting hard until the final minutes. Unfortunately Kansas State is just playing really well right now. They’ve consistently been a top 10 team all season, and have to be the favorite in this one.
Prediction: Xavier 71, Kansas State 74
Not to be overshadowed is Cintucky team number 2 in the Sweet 16: The Xavier Musketeers. X will take on The Kansas State Wildcats in round 3. If you don’t know Kansas State is to Kansas what Louisville is to Kentucky. Oh, and their coach is the scariest man alive.
X has been lead to their first two victories by swaggerlicous Jordan Crawford. Crawford has played as well as anyone else in the tournament thus far and is really putting a exclamation point on what has been a fantastic season. For Xavier to have a chance vs. K State, Crawford is going to have to deliver a (hurts me to say this) Dwayne Wade type of performance. The Wildcats boast an athletic front line and dynamic backcourt lead by All-American Jacob Pullen. (Note: I’m not actually sure if he is an All-American, but after watching a few K State games, he should be.) A lot of “experts” actually have them as a favorite over Syracuse in the West Region.
I expect a close game played at a frenetic pace with Xavier fighting hard until the final minutes. Unfortunately Kansas State is just playing really well right now. They’ve consistently been a top 10 team all season, and have to be the favorite in this one.
Prediction: Xavier 71, Kansas State 74
Friday, March 19, 2010
March Madness - Day 2 Diary
(Why not?)Hopefully everyone enjoyed all the games yesterday as much as we did. I can't remember a more exciting opening day than yesterday. Upsets galore. Buzzer beaters everywhere. A UK beat down. A Big East let down. And one really really annoying white guy from Wake Forest that is surely going to infuriate every UK fan on Satruday night. Chas McFarland will flop, whine, and cry his way in the upper levels of UK hatred. Trust me on this one.
On to day two of the tournament... well not really. As Greg said in his night posts I have been doing a bit of boozing the past couple days, and as a result have no desire to do a running diary today. It would also be kind of hard to catch the night games as Greg and myself will be participating in day 1 of his two day bachelor party. Despite my many requests there will be no running diary of this event either. Apparently gentleman's establishments have sh*tty WIFI. We will be stopping in periodically throughout the weekend when not "celebrating" Greg's upcoming wedding so make sure you check in throughout the next few days.
I'll leave you with the following:
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6579544906819113197
On to day two of the tournament... well not really. As Greg said in his night posts I have been doing a bit of boozing the past couple days, and as a result have no desire to do a running diary today. It would also be kind of hard to catch the night games as Greg and myself will be participating in day 1 of his two day bachelor party. Despite my many requests there will be no running diary of this event either. Apparently gentleman's establishments have sh*tty WIFI. We will be stopping in periodically throughout the weekend when not "celebrating" Greg's upcoming wedding so make sure you check in throughout the next few days.
I'll leave you with the following:
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6579544906819113197
Thursday, March 18, 2010
March Madness - Day 1 Diary
10:42
Evening Updates:
We have now lost a 3 seed, 4 seed, 2 #6 seeds, and a 7 seed. The Big East has gone 1-3 today. I love March.
UK became the first team in this year's tourney to reach 100, blowing out E. Tennessee St. 100-71. North Iowa nails a 3 with 2 seconds left to beat UNLV. Washington comes back from 15 down and hits a runner with 1.7 seconds left to beat Marquette. Georgetown gets blownout by a team from the state of Ohio that is not Ohio State, UC, XU, UD, or Miami. They got blownout by the Ohio Bobcats. I love March.
My bracket could not be more busted. I LOVE MARCH!!!!!
Kansas is only up 6 on Lehigh at the half. Could the unthinkable happen??? If there was any year for a 16 over a 1 I think it would be this year.
For those who are lucky enough to not be sitting behind a cubicle all day tomorrow, check back in with updates from Reinhart, assuming he manages to get out of bed and can stumble his way out of his vomit filled doorway.
8:15
Greg reporting now, as Brian has decided to continue the assault on his liver during this fantastic four day stretch. And personally, the picture he put up needs to be replaced by a hot girl. So here:
I can't really describe how much I love this day of the year. My bracket is screwed and I am still happy as can be. Unfortunately I was learning how to "effectively work in groups to accelerate change" all day and only caught glimpses of the early exciting games during our 15 minute breaks where 10 men gathered around a laptop to cling to the hope that maybe we would be let out early to watch The Madness. Alas, I pulled into my driveway, on the phone with a friend, when Murray St. hit a jumper to beat Vandy.
The madness has continued into the evening session of games. Luckily though, UK, is not part of that madness. At the half, UK is up 54-26. After a bit of a slow start, the Cats found themselves down 10-9 at the 15:56 mark. Like I said, its now 54-26. That's 45 points in 16 minutes. Not bad. Patterson and Bledsoe both have 15 pts each, John Wall has 7 assists, and Daniel Orton has shown up big with 8 pts, 7 rebs (with 3 TO's).
Also at the half, #3 seed Georgetown is trailing Ohio 48-36. We've almost lost a #2 seed, we have lost a 4 seed, 6 seed and 7 seed. Let the Madness continue...
(How can you look at this pitcure and not smile)
This spot is reserved for the ridiculous things I hear announcers/coaches/whoever say throughout the day:
- "He's got some juice!!" - Raftery after a Robert Morris circus shot.
- "He dragged the puppies.." - Lundquist after a near travel
5:15
Kentucky 1, Tennessee 0. Danero Thomas' 15 foot jumper Murray St puts Murray State as the leaders for most exciting moment so far with the buzzer beater over 4 seed Vanderbilt. A.J. Ogilvy's mustache is a sin. 66-65 was the final score.
Sam Houston State put up a fight against Baylor but eventually ran out of steam losing 68-59.
The Kansas State game is a wash, and the St. Mary's vs. Richmond game literally put me to sleep. Maybe it was the Sandman song that CBS kept playing because apparently Samhan sounds lke Sandman. Or maybe it was because there hasn't been 1 dunk in this game and I am tired of seeing "high IQ players." Every one on the St. Mary's team looks like they belong at a Jonas Brothers concert.
Derrick Character is fat.
2:50 - What a start to the tournament - 3 games, 3 overtimes, and a 1 point game
ODU gives us our first upset of the tourney!! ODU 51, Notre Dame 50. All basketball fans breathe a sigh of relief because we will no longer have to watch the most boring team in the NCAA. Happy trails Luke Harangody.
BYU sends the Gators home 99-92 in double OT. Remember that girl in highschool that you thought was really hot and always had a crush on, but never gave you the time of day? Now she's older has put on a few pounds, looks listless and dull and you're actually really happy she never gave you a chance? That is how I feel about Billy Donovan. 3 years, 1 NCAA Tournament game. 0 victories. Thank you for turning us down, sir.
Villanova and the referees take down Robert Morris 73-70 in OT. The NCAA needs to look at the tape of this game because the refs flat out gave the game to Nova. You won't convince me otherwise. The game did produce a Kerry Kittles reference though. So that's nice.
The next slate of games:
Murray St. vs. Vandy
North Texas vs. K State
Sam Houston St. vs. Baylor
Richmond vs. St Mary's
See ya in a couple hours!
12:40
After what seemed like months of waiting the greatest event in sports is finally here. 32 basketball games. 2 days. 1 very happy boy. The first slate of games has just started and the teams playing are:
Nova vs. Robert Morris
Florida vs. BYU
Old Dominion vs. Notre Dame
I will updating this post with scores, recaps, and anything else I find interesting while sitting on the couch for 4 straight days so be sure to check in early and often.
Evening Updates:
We have now lost a 3 seed, 4 seed, 2 #6 seeds, and a 7 seed. The Big East has gone 1-3 today. I love March.
UK became the first team in this year's tourney to reach 100, blowing out E. Tennessee St. 100-71. North Iowa nails a 3 with 2 seconds left to beat UNLV. Washington comes back from 15 down and hits a runner with 1.7 seconds left to beat Marquette. Georgetown gets blownout by a team from the state of Ohio that is not Ohio State, UC, XU, UD, or Miami. They got blownout by the Ohio Bobcats. I love March.
My bracket could not be more busted. I LOVE MARCH!!!!!
Kansas is only up 6 on Lehigh at the half. Could the unthinkable happen??? If there was any year for a 16 over a 1 I think it would be this year.
For those who are lucky enough to not be sitting behind a cubicle all day tomorrow, check back in with updates from Reinhart, assuming he manages to get out of bed and can stumble his way out of his vomit filled doorway.
8:15
Greg reporting now, as Brian has decided to continue the assault on his liver during this fantastic four day stretch. And personally, the picture he put up needs to be replaced by a hot girl. So here:
I can't really describe how much I love this day of the year. My bracket is screwed and I am still happy as can be. Unfortunately I was learning how to "effectively work in groups to accelerate change" all day and only caught glimpses of the early exciting games during our 15 minute breaks where 10 men gathered around a laptop to cling to the hope that maybe we would be let out early to watch The Madness. Alas, I pulled into my driveway, on the phone with a friend, when Murray St. hit a jumper to beat Vandy.The madness has continued into the evening session of games. Luckily though, UK, is not part of that madness. At the half, UK is up 54-26. After a bit of a slow start, the Cats found themselves down 10-9 at the 15:56 mark. Like I said, its now 54-26. That's 45 points in 16 minutes. Not bad. Patterson and Bledsoe both have 15 pts each, John Wall has 7 assists, and Daniel Orton has shown up big with 8 pts, 7 rebs (with 3 TO's).
Also at the half, #3 seed Georgetown is trailing Ohio 48-36. We've almost lost a #2 seed, we have lost a 4 seed, 6 seed and 7 seed. Let the Madness continue...
(How can you look at this pitcure and not smile)
- "He's got some juice!!" - Raftery after a Robert Morris circus shot.
- "He dragged the puppies.." - Lundquist after a near travel
5:15
Kentucky 1, Tennessee 0. Danero Thomas' 15 foot jumper Murray St puts Murray State as the leaders for most exciting moment so far with the buzzer beater over 4 seed Vanderbilt. A.J. Ogilvy's mustache is a sin. 66-65 was the final score.
Sam Houston State put up a fight against Baylor but eventually ran out of steam losing 68-59.
The Kansas State game is a wash, and the St. Mary's vs. Richmond game literally put me to sleep. Maybe it was the Sandman song that CBS kept playing because apparently Samhan sounds lke Sandman. Or maybe it was because there hasn't been 1 dunk in this game and I am tired of seeing "high IQ players." Every one on the St. Mary's team looks like they belong at a Jonas Brothers concert.
Derrick Character is fat.
2:50 - What a start to the tournament - 3 games, 3 overtimes, and a 1 point game
ODU gives us our first upset of the tourney!! ODU 51, Notre Dame 50. All basketball fans breathe a sigh of relief because we will no longer have to watch the most boring team in the NCAA. Happy trails Luke Harangody.
BYU sends the Gators home 99-92 in double OT. Remember that girl in highschool that you thought was really hot and always had a crush on, but never gave you the time of day? Now she's older has put on a few pounds, looks listless and dull and you're actually really happy she never gave you a chance? That is how I feel about Billy Donovan. 3 years, 1 NCAA Tournament game. 0 victories. Thank you for turning us down, sir.
Villanova and the referees take down Robert Morris 73-70 in OT. The NCAA needs to look at the tape of this game because the refs flat out gave the game to Nova. You won't convince me otherwise. The game did produce a Kerry Kittles reference though. So that's nice.
The next slate of games:
Murray St. vs. Vandy
North Texas vs. K State
Sam Houston St. vs. Baylor
Richmond vs. St Mary's
See ya in a couple hours!
12:40
After what seemed like months of waiting the greatest event in sports is finally here. 32 basketball games. 2 days. 1 very happy boy. The first slate of games has just started and the teams playing are:
Nova vs. Robert Morris
Florida vs. BYU
Old Dominion vs. Notre Dame
I will updating this post with scores, recaps, and anything else I find interesting while sitting on the couch for 4 straight days so be sure to check in early and often.
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