Perry Stevenson, Michael Porter

[BigBlueLuke]

Neither got to play... Do you guys see any logic to this? Seriously, I would like to know. Maybe I overlooked something. I know Bobby Perry played good but when Stevenson gets in, good things happen. Im really worried about these two transferring after this season...

[UderricKY]

Stevenson must have not graded well in practice this week.

I'm guessing Sheray got an A+++, considering he was in the game during crunch time.

[kybadcat36]

I guess they r to good to play!!!!!!!!! Maybe OTS is saving them for the tourney

[cnice11]

SEC tourney maybe, if these2 dont playwe will not be around long in the NCAA. If we make the big dance.

[LiveBlue]

BigBlueLuke wrote: Neither got to play... Do you guys see any logic to this? Seriously, I would like to know. Maybe I overlooked something. I know Bobby Perry played good but when Stevenson gets in, good things happen. Im really worried about these two transferring after this season...



That actually wouldn't surprise me. Porter was recruited to play footballat USC by Pete Carroll. I could see him going somewhere else. As much as I'd hate that because he is a fine player. And the closest thing to a pure point guard we've got, except he never plays...:?

[tubbythegreat]

i doubt that stevenson leaves, simply because so many frontcourt players are leaving after the season, he'll be guaranteed of a huge increase in minutes next year. and maybe next season, tubby will finally realize that Stevenson is a great player, and will let him live up to his potential and abilities. It just irks me that everyone sees how special he is, yet Tubby doesn't. Does he ever watch film? I don't know...

Same for Porter. He can shoot the 3, he tries to feed the post, and sets up the offense fairly well. He can definitely be a Ravi-Moss type of player in a year or two...if Tubby lets him play. He needs to work on his handles and confidence (he hesitates on quite a few open jumpers), but i really like what i see in him.

It's just a mystery to me. Sure, Sheray is a senior, and yes he does hustle and grabs a couple boards and stuff. But damn, he plays for most of every game, yet gets very limited production. Stevenson does better in his 5-10 minutes than Sheray does for 30. I don't have a problem with Sheray playing, but damn you gotta give some of his minutes to Stevenson, u know? It's just further building the case for Tubby to leave after the season. And this is from a long-time supporter...

[BigBlueLuke]

LiveBlue wrote: BigBlueLuke wrote: Neither got to play... Do you guys see any logic to this? Seriously, I would like to know. Maybe I overlooked something. I know Bobby Perry played good but when Stevenson gets in, good things happen. Im really worried about these two transferring after this season...



That actually wouldn't surprise me. Porter was recruited to play footballat USC by Pete Carroll. I could see him going somewhere else. As much as I'd hate that because he is a fine player. And the closest thing to a pure point guard we've got, except he never plays...:?

I agree... I think Porter could take the point guard role. I like Jasper alot, there is nothing like seeing him bring the ball up the court, but with Porter you get someone who demands respect with his 3 point shot.

When they were swarming Morris today and leaving Jasper alone, maybe Porter could have come in and loosened the D up a little. But, like they say... hindsight is 20/20.

[SGTWildcat]

I agree completely. Porter is a smart kid who can run the point. I like Jasper as well, but if he is not going to shoot, we are playing 4 on 5. We need a point guard who can shoot and pull the defense out. Not allow thim to collapse.

Stevenson needs more playing time as does Porter, hopefully they can weather the storm and hang in there till next year.

[BlueHatWildcat]

The way we look right now...Wheres Coury and Haris?

[crublu]

Agree....try something different. They sure can't do any worse than lose.:D

[SGTWildcat]

Well, since Senior night is Wednesday, we know that Woo, Perry and Thomas will start. Why not put in Meeks and Porter and see what happends. GO with a big line-up up front and two guards who want get out there and make a difference, without making stupid mistakes, or playing selfish ball.

[KapitalCat]

Stevenson has not developed this year. It's a real shame because I felt he would log 10 productive minutes a game. Porter is a kid that is tough minded but he too isn't getting an opportunity.

[boomdaddy]

Pery Stevenson should be playing. I would give Porter a few minutes. But, Stevenson has way too much talent to sit on the bench. He got beat on D the last game. Tell him to give a step or two, he can leap and block the shot anyway. Sitting Stevenson is not a wise move.

[bump63]

BigBlueLuke wrote: Neither got to play... Do you guys see any logic to this? Seriously, I would like to know. Maybe I overlooked something. I know Bobby Perry played good but when Stevenson gets in, good things happen. Im really worried about these two transferring after this season...




Did'nt get to see the game today. Local tv showed cars going round and round.

Are you serious that Stevenson did'nt get into the game?

Did Morris play so well we could'nt get Perry on the court?

[Radiated]

I think that Stevenson should play a whole lot more.

That said, the Vandy defense was banging hard down low and they were pushing Morris around. Stevenson doesn't have the handle yet to play alot outside. But his defense might have altered alot of those circus shots.

[BigblueDrew]

Here is a perfect example of why we need a change. Two of our talented Freshmen NEVER SEE the floor. It's not like there is a Tony D or a Derrick A. in front of them preventing them from getting minutes and gain valuable experience and confidence.No its the likes of Ramel Bradley and Sheray Thomas, players that have noreason to beplaying 40 minutes a game.I hear rumors that both are very unhappy and thinking of transferring, hope thats all they are, but given the seemingly constant dressing room strife Tubby's teams seem to possess I wouldn't be suprised. Folks this is another reason Tubby needs to go. He no longer can manage his team. It will matter little who he recruits, he still will not win with them.

[catfanintn]

I am just FED UP with Tubby Smith's coaching. Sharay Thomas' LAZY pass to Perry that was easily intercepted at the end of yesterday's game --- I just can't describe my frustration.

Why these guys weren't played at all is just beyond me. :shrug:

[Will Lavender]

boomdaddy wrote: Pery Stevenson should be playing. I would give Porter a few minutes. But, Stevenson has way too much talent to sit on the bench. He got beat on D the last game. Tell him to give a step or two, he can leap and block the shot anyway. Sitting Stevenson is not a wise move.
Heck no it's not a wise move. It's an absolute disgrace.

Perry Stevenson's situation isn't the main reason I've completely given up on Tubby Smith, but it's close.

The thing about Stevenson has been practice play. He doesn't play well in practice so he doesn't play, or so we've heard. Well I went to practice back in October. Stevenson played as well as anyone. He had a HELLACIOUS block that made Tubby turn to the crowd and smile.

And here he is, four months later, getting 0 minutes. Sitting behind a senior who gives us little-to-nothing.

If there isn't a more clear, more damning testament that Tubby Smith has lost whatever coaching edge he once had, I don't know what it is.

[chworld22]

I understand Porter not playing but Perry I was a little shocked by. Porter shouldn't be playing at this time in my opinion anyway. Everytime that kid is in he gets picked from behind while dribbling at the top of the key. His defense is ok and he doesn't give you much offensively. Perry on the other hand gives you a lot of things on the court so I think there must be a reason why he didn't get to play.

But I would say it is probably because Tubby has settled into his March sub patterns. If you notice he always does that as deep as our bench has been some years he always narrows his sub pattern down to about 8 players when he gets close to March.

[COWBOYBLUE]

BigBlueLuke wrote: Neither got to play... Do you guys see any logic to this? Seriously, I would like to know. Maybe I overlooked something. I know Bobby Perry played good but when Stevenson gets in, good things happen. Im really worried about these two transferring after this season...



If you dont use them you lose them...These kids have too much to offer or develope(depends on how you look at it)to be ridin the pine.

[cats65]

I didn't think Stevenson would get much time against Vandy. Tough offense for him to defend the way they spread things out and screen and back cut. However, their offensive board work is probably what won the game for them. I think they had somthing like 15 more shots than we did.With Stevenson on the floor I don't think they get that many extra shots.

[Will Lavender]

cats65 wrote: I didn't think Stevenson would get much time against Vandy. Tough offense for him to defend the way they spread things out and screen and back cut. However, their offensive board work is probably what won the game for them. I think they had somthing like 15 more shots than we did.With Stevenson on the floor I don't think they get that many extra shots.
I don't think so either. Sheray repeatedly got killed. On the game-winner after the missed free throw, it was Sheray who allowed a man to reach over him and tip the ball away.

[LiveBlue]

chworld22 wrote: I understand Porter not playing but Perry I was a little shocked by. Porter shouldn't be playing at this time in my opinion anyway. Everytime that kid is in he gets picked from behind while dribbling at the top of the key. His defense is ok and he doesn't give you much offensively. Perry on the other hand gives you a lot of things on the court so I think there must be a reason why he didn't get to play.

But I would say it is probably because Tubby has settled into his March sub patterns. If you notice he always does that as deep as our bench has been some years he always narrows his sub pattern down to about 8 players when he gets close to March.



You are way off on Porter. I've said it once and I'll say it again. Michael Porter is the closest thing to a pure point guard we have. He's a hundred times the offensive player Jasper is. He's tough, he hustles, he's scrappy. He plays tough on defense and he can guard the quicker guards better because he is quicker than Jasper. The offense would run more smoothly if Porter was in there. Porter can shoot the ball. He's one of the best shooters on the team. Defenses would have to respect that. This offense would be alot more productive if Porter got more time at the point.

But sadly, I'm almost positive he's going to transfer. I would if I was in his situation. He didn't give up a scholarship to play football under Pete Carroll for this.

[Kantukeeslim]

Will Lavender wrote: cats65 wrote: I didn't think Stevenson would get much time against Vandy. Tough offense for him to defend the way they spread things out and screen and back cut. However, their offensive board work is probably what won the game for them. I think they had somthing like 15 more shots than we did.With Stevenson on the floor I don't think they get that many extra shots.
I don't think so either. Sheray repeatedly got killed. On the game-winner after the missed free throw, it was Sheray who allowed a man to reach over him and tip the ball away.
Actually, it was Crawford who let the shooter rebound his own missed free throw. It was the worst attempt at boxing out I've seen in a long while.

[poodoo]

LiveBlue wrote: chworld22 wrote: I understand Porter not playing but Perry I was a little shocked by. Porter shouldn't be playing at this time in my opinion anyway. Everytime that kid is in he gets picked from behind while dribbling at the top of the key. His defense is ok and he doesn't give you much offensively. Perry on the other hand gives you a lot of things on the court so I think there must be a reason why he didn't get to play.

But I would say it is probably because Tubby has settled into his March sub patterns. If you notice he always does that as deep as our bench has been some years he always narrows his sub pattern down to about 8 players when he gets close to March.



You are way off on Porter. I've said it once and I'll say it again. Michael Porter is the closest thing to a pure point guard we have. He's a hundred times the offensive player Jasper is. He's tough, he hustles, he's scrappy. He plays tough on defense and he can guard the quicker guards better because he is quicker than Jasper. The offense would run more smoothly if Porter was in there. Porter can shoot the ball. He's one of the best shooters on the team. Defenses would have to respect that. This offense would be alot more productive if Porter got more time at the point.

But sadly, I'm almost positive he's going to transfer. I would if I was in his situation. He didn't give up a scholarship to play football under Pete Carroll for this.


LiveBlue, I have loved Michael Porter from day one, or rather after seeing him at Big Blue Madness.Having said that, I have noticed that Michael has had a lot of problems with his ballhandling. In fact, I checked his assist-to-turnover ratio in the Cats'Pause, and Michael has the same number of turnovers as assists.He had done better against lesser competition, but has not done as well in SEC play. I say that as someone who had really been wanting him to get more minutes. Too, someone here shared that someone in thePorter family had even been at practices, and that was the area that was keeping Michael from getting more minutes, FWIW.

[chworld22]

LiveBlue wrote: chworld22 wrote: I understand Porter not playing but Perry I was a little shocked by. Porter shouldn't be playing at this time in my opinion anyway. Everytime that kid is in he gets picked from behind while dribbling at the top of the key. His defense is ok and he doesn't give you much offensively. Perry on the other hand gives you a lot of things on the court so I think there must be a reason why he didn't get to play.

But I would say it is probably because Tubby has settled into his March sub patterns. If you notice he always does that as deep as our bench has been some years he always narrows his sub pattern down to about 8 players when he gets close to March.



You are way off on Porter. I've said it once and I'll say it again. Michael Porter is the closest thing to a pure point guard we have. He's a hundred times the offensive player Jasper is. He's tough, he hustles, he's scrappy. He plays tough on defense and he can guard the quicker guards better because he is quicker than Jasper. The offense would run more smoothly if Porter was in there. Porter can shoot the ball. He's one of the best shooters on the team. Defenses would have to respect that. This offense would be alot more productive if Porter got more time at the point.

But sadly, I'm almost positive he's going to transfer. I would if I was in his situation. He didn't give up a scholarship to play football under Pete Carroll for this.


You think Michael Porter is a better player than DJ or Bradley at the point. Sorry I disagree. He is better offensivly than Jasper for sure but overall Jasper gives you so much more at the point than does Porter it is crazy.

He is one of our best three point shooters ok where are you getting this from. He is 9 of 25 from three point range and has almost as many TO's as he does Assists and our best opinion at PG! So you are going purely on your opinion which is fine but you are not right.

[bret1555]

I agree with everyone on Stevenson. . . Sort of perplexed, because after Bama, I thought his minutes would arc upward.

As for Porter, I have to disagree with most of you guys. I think he will be a fine backup at point and the two, maybe even a starter someday, but he has done nothing to indicate he is any better than the people in front of him. I don't understand where people come up with the insight that he is "tough-minded" or smart, or tough. . . He has made as many negative plays as positive ones, he has a tentative handle, and he loses his man in transition constantly. Remember the Tennessee game when Lofton inexplicably gets wide open on two consecutive shots? Who was "guarding" him? You guessed it, Michael Porter. He will be a good player, but he isn't ready for major minutes.

[phoenix]

Kantukeeslim wrote: Will Lavender wrote: cats65 wrote: I didn't think Stevenson would get much time against Vandy. Tough offense for him to defend the way they spread things out and screen and back cut. However, their offensive board work is probably what won the game for them. I think they had somthing like 15 more shots than we did.With Stevenson on the floor I don't think they get that many extra shots.
I don't think so either. Sheray repeatedly got killed. On the game-winner after the missed free throw, it was Sheray who allowed a man to reach over him and tip the ball away.
Actually, it was Crawford who let the shooter rebound his own missed free throw. It was the worst attempt at boxing out I've seen in a long while.

I have it on tape. Thomas was probably jumping as high as he could(yeah, sorry about that)and was in perfect position on that play, regardless of the outcome, and Morris was also in position and couldn't reach that ball. Crawford and Perry were doing there jobs also and Crawford had Byars boxed out as he should, the tip was so high it ended almost as a tossup directly between Byars and Crawford. Byars got the ball with just about his 2-3" height advantage to spare. That is how it was and you can check it on somebodies tape or tivo. Sheray and Crawford did what they could and were doing what they should on that play.

[phoenix]

On Porter. Not ready for prime time. Why put him in a game like yesterdays?

Future as a point guard? I likePorter better than Sparks but don't see him as the answer, nor do I see much value in more playing time this season. He will get better controlling the ball. He will get better and have better instincts on both defense and offense next year. He will keep his shot. He will probably be a good reserve point guard, change some games for us and be a pretty decent part of the rotation either next year or later. If he wants to start as a point guard, he might want to step down a level. I don't see him starting at UK on a regular basis. He will play though. Coaches love ball handlers that can shoot.

Stevenson? I'll let the coach figure that one out, but I sure would have been happy to see him in the last minute of the game yesterday, even with his bad hands. Our last second rebound never made it back up into the air. I agree with coaches that want players that show up every day. I think the playersdo respect that, when they gain a little maturity. Don't pretend to have any insight into his situation, but I sure get the feeling when Stevenson is in and defending that we are more or less going to trade points inside, at best.

[chworld22]

bret1555 wrote: I agree with everyone on Stevenson. . . Sort of perplexed, because after Bama, I thought his minutes would arc upward.

As for Porter, I have to disagree with most of you guys. I think he will be a fine backup at point and the two, maybe even a starter someday, but he has done nothing to indicate he is any better than the people in front of him. I don't understand where people come up with the insight that he is "tough-minded" or smart, or tough. . . He has made as many negative plays as positive ones, he has a tentative handle, and he loses his man in transition constantly. Remember the Tennessee game when Lofton inexplicably gets wide open on two consecutive shots? Who was "guarding" him? You guessed it, Michael Porter. He will be a good player, but he isn't ready for major minutes.

Exactly what I think about the porter situation. I think he could be a good back up or maybe even a starter at some point but that point is not now. Also I saw exactly what you did with him losing his man on defense and he is just to careless with the ball sometimes. He gets picked atleast once a game. The last game he played in the Tenn game I think he had the ball right in front of his chest and the guy on the other team just poked it away and ran down court for a free basket. He is not the answer at PG. I hope Jai Lucas is!

[crublu]

If he was allowed to play alittle more I think he would improve . As for losing his man in transition you are wrong. I don't know where you guy's come up with the defensive weakness in his game. As far as t/o ratio its no worse than the other guards. At least give him a shot to prove. He seemed to be productive early when he was playing 10-12 minutes a game. And don't go there with the great SEC guard play. UCLA has great guards. He seemed to handle Collison alright. So knock him on ball handling but not defense please. GO CATS:D