Don't Lose Heart

[mrmeeks]

To the Wildcat Nation, I know that this was a tough loss. I didn't get the opportunity to watch as I was traveling and it was over when I arrived. I know that UK is use to winning well pretty much everything, but we must stay the course with this team. The real season is about to start. Be honest and take the emotion out and answer this post truthfully......Do you think this current team could beat a number one seed in the NCAA tourney on a neutral court with all of its pieces working together?

I believe we can, which gives us a realistic shot to do well in the tourney. I am not suggesting we are going to a final four (although I live in Atlanta and dream of it), but I am suggesting that we are getting too caught up in the ebb and flow of the season. Factually, we lost 9 games. Only 2 of those were we really out of (Memphis and UNC) the rest were winable. I am staying on the bandwagon. I think good times for UK are ahead. Anyone need a ride?

[Craig the Blueheart]

mrmeeks wrote: To the Wildcat Nation, I know that this was a tough loss. I didn't get the opportunity to watch as I was traveling and it was over when I arrived. I know that UK is use to winning well pretty much everything, but we must stay the course with this team. The real season is about to start. Be honest and take the emotion out and answer this post truthfully......Do you think this current team could beat a number one seed in the NCAA tourney on a neutral court with all of its pieces working together?

I believe we can, which gives us a realistic shot to do well in the tourney. I am not suggesting we are going to a final four (although I live in Atlanta and dream of it), but I am suggesting that we are getting too caught up in the ebb and flow of the season. Factually, we lost 9 games. Only 2 of those were we really out of (Memphis and UNC) the rest were winable. I am staying on the bandwagon. I think good times for UK are ahead. Anyone need a ride?


I am as frustrated as I can be with the basketball team, but I will continue to stay on the bandwagon. For some reason, I always feel like the Cats are going to win the ball game, regardless of the opposition. In answer to your question, can we beat a #1 seed on a neutral court, I think the answer is that we CAN. I think that we have the best shot of beating a number one seed if it is Wisconsin or Ohio State. I don't think we match up with Florida or UNC verywell this year.

I am rooting like crazy for this team to shock the world. I am sitting back with each game thinking that it could be time for the renaissance. I hope that it starts this week. Your son is playing incredibly well, and he could be the key to turning things around. We have yet to develop a scorer who we know will score 16 points every night. I see that in your son in the future. Here is to your son's game yesterday, and here is to the crazy turnaround that the Cats will be a part of during the twilight of the season.

[Will Lavender]

Can't quit now. Frustrated? Heck yeah. But quitting the Cats is like giving up on a family member. It's unthinkable. I'll be in Atlanta next week decked in blue, screaming my head off.

How's Jodie? Was he cramping up?

[CATHYnKY]

There will be thousands of us there. I look forward to this tourney each year. Do I believe in this team? You better believe it. Not to mention the WCN reunion that will take place the entire weekend. One thing about the ones of us that NEVER lose heart.....we bleed blue and the Cats will know it when they take the floor.Thanks for the ride offer. Don't need it. Can't imagine getting off the wagon.

[PsychoCat]

mrmeeks wrote: I am staying on the bandwagon. I think good times for UK are ahead. Anyone need a ride?

I'm with ya :thumbup

[WildcatRick]

Appreciate the thread. Jodie has no quit in him and you should be proud. We are all glad you and yours are part of the UK family, rest assured there are better days ahead. Hope we get to catch up with you in Atlanta. I'll be in touch.

Again thanks for taking the time to offer some encouragement.

[UK78ALUM]

Sir,
If we had 5 like Jodie, they could take on the Russian Army and stand a good shot at victory. I wish the rest of his team mates had his heart, but it is painfully apparent that is not the case.

[mrmeeks]

Thanks for responding so quickly. I am in Phoenix so it is 6:30 here so I have to go to work:) Jodie told me he had some of the worse cramps he had ever had. My wife was telling him to eat bananas and drink plenty of water before the games. I told her she didn't have to worry, the trainers and staff would take care of that one:D

I hate we didn't get to finish Vandy off, but if I had my choice of losing twice to them in the regular season and beating them in the SEC tourney, I think I would take the the later win. If we give the same effort from here on out we will be fine.

[delkfor3]

mrmeeks wrote: To the Wildcat Nation, I know that this was a tough loss. I didn't get the opportunity to watch as I was traveling and it was over when I arrived. I know that UK is use to winning well pretty much everything, but we must stay the course with this team. The real season is about to start. Be honest and take the emotion out and answer this post truthfully......Do you think this current team could beat a number one seed in the NCAA tourney on a neutral court with all of its pieces working together?

I believe we can, which gives us a realistic shot to do well in the tourney. I am not suggesting we are going to a final four (although I live in Atlanta and dream of it), but I am suggesting that we are getting too caught up in the ebb and flow of the season. Factually, we lost 9 games. Only 2 of those were we really out of (Memphis and UNC) the rest were winable. I am staying on the bandwagon. I think good times for UK are ahead. Anyone need a ride?

Your son has the heart of a champion, and he will be rewarded for that someday. I still love The KENTUCKY WILDCATS, and always will.:thumbup

[wade31]

mrmeeks wrote: To the Wildcat Nation, I know that this was a tough loss. I didn't get the opportunity to watch as I was traveling and it was over when I arrived. I know that UK is use to winning well pretty much everything, but we must stay the course with this team. The real season is about to start. Be honest and take the emotion out and answer this post truthfully......Do you think this current team could beat a number one seed in the NCAA tourney on a neutral court with all of its pieces working together?

I believe we can, which gives us a realistic shot to do well in the tourney. I am not suggesting we are going to a final four (although I live in Atlanta and dream of it), but I am suggesting that we are getting too caught up in the ebb and flow of the season. Factually, we lost 9 games. Only 2 of those were we really out of (Memphis and UNC) the rest were winable. I am staying on the bandwagon. I think good times for UK are ahead. Anyone need a ride?

mrmeeks, I appreciate your optimism and total support! I do question the motivation by tubby and some of our juniors. What is the buzz on the team regarding the pattern with the substitutions? I think the team has the talent to win games, but the management of that talent has been absolutely horrible. Do you have any info about how the team feels about the situation? Thanks in advance.

[Littlemeyer]

Thanks for the post, mrmeeks.

Like others, I just don't have it in me to give up on the team. As frustrated as I may be, its not a switch that I can just turn off when things get tough.

I was thinking something similar just this morning. Nobody wants to be where we are right now, so for a bit just take that out of the equation. We lost on the road to a VERY tough Vandy team, and had a chance within the final minute to win.

I'd love to see this teamexhibit some late-game toughness. We're quite adept at putting ourselves in a position to win. There's only a handful of teams in the country that I don't think we could put ourselves in that position with. Learn to seal the deal, and who knows howfar this group could go...

[Stretch]

When Jodie Meeks left the game, it was a severe blow to our chances. The energy level is so much higher with Jodie in the game and he is our quickest defender by far. Also, although he is definitely not a PG, his ability to run the point is better than anyone else on the team right now. When Crawford was bringing the ball up the floor on those last few crucial possessions, i thought to myself that if Jodie was able to play that would be him with the ball in that situation and I would have been much more confident about the result.

[wade31]

Stretch wrote: When Jodie Meeks left the game, it was a severe blow to our chances. The energy level is so much higher with Jodie in the game and he is our quickest defender by far. Also, although he is definitely not a PG, his ability to run the point is better than anyone else on the team right now. When Crawford was bringing the ball up the floor on those last few crucial possessions, i thought to myself that if Jodie was able to play that would be him with the ball in that situation and I would have been much more confident about the result.



I agree 100% with this post!!! :thumbup

[Rockober]

Mr. Meeks you are a class act and your son is as well. Jodie is something special and I really do see him becoming a leader for the CATS. He has great poise, confidence and mental toughness that will take him far on the court and off the court.

[audacious1]

The Cats could be 0-28 and I'd still let everyone know I'm a Wildcat fan.

Go Cats!

[COWBOYBLUE]

mrmeeks,

your son is one of those type players that I absolutely LOVEto see come on the floor.He's the kind of player,that when you see him enter the game, it just givesa person a sense of ease,knowing that that position is filled with a talent we can depend on to give it his all,and put points on the board.Although I may be down on the coaching staff a bit,I will always pull for KENTUCKY,and players like Jodie, make it real easy to do that..

GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BamaCat86]

What gives me hope for the future and the rest of this season is that Jodie Meeks will be a leader on this team. None of the upper classmen seem ready to lead the TEAM.

[Radiated]

Great game by youor son Mr. Meeks. I love how his game has improved with each game he plays. Too bad the upperclass did not do the same.I think this freshman class will turn out just fine.

Also, I noticed Jodie on the sideline a couple of time downing the Gatorade.

[RaleighCat]

Thanks for your note, Mr. Meeks. Please give Jodie our best and we hope he has a speedy recovery.

[BigBlue75]

Thank you, Mr. Meeks. for you note of encouragement. We're down but not out. As you said in a couple of games the real season begins. Your son has been a tremendous asset to our team and as has already been noted, we appreciate the energy level and enthusiasm he brings. We've very glad to have him. Give him our best wishes.

[TrueblueCATfan]

I will never give up on the CATS..... they are MY team..I will cheering for them the rest of the season

Tell Jodie to hang in there..he is a winner in my book and a joy to watch

PS..a little tonic water is also good for cramps

[Ky Man]

It has been said already and a lot better than I will ever be able to put into words, but for some reason no matter who the Cats are playing or where they are playing I always think they will win. This team has a lot of good talent and it will come together at some point. Jodie is a great player and I am sure a very fine young man. I am proud to have him and you in the Wildcat family mrmeeks, and the season is just getting ready to start in a week or so and these Cats will get it together and are gonna surprise a lot of people....GO BIG BLUE.....and good luck to Jodie, I wish him all the best....

[rickdacatkilla]

mrmeeks wrote: To the Wildcat Nation, I know that this was a tough loss. I didn't get the opportunity to watch as I was traveling and it was over when I arrived. I know that UK is use to winning well pretty much everything, but we must stay the course with this team. The real season is about to start. Be honest and take the emotion out and answer this post truthfully......Do you think this current team could beat a number one seed in the NCAA tourney on a neutral court with all of its pieces working together?

I believe we can, which gives us a realistic shot to do well in the tourney. I am not suggesting we are going to a final four (although I live in Atlanta and dream of it), but I am suggesting that we are getting too caught up in the ebb and flow of the season. Factually, we lost 9 games. Only 2 of those were we really out of (Memphis and UNC) the rest were winable. I am staying on the bandwagon. I think good times for UK are ahead. Anyone need a ride?

The voice of reason. I have a question for you Mr Meeks, how would your son feel if Tubby were forced out at UK? I thinkthis is a fair question since theres so much talk about it here in Kentucky and I think a few fans would like your insight.

[WildcatMountaineer]

Jodie needs to get down to the Gatorade institute. Get rid of those cramps.







Without him on the floor, we have zero firepower.





Mr. Meeks - you've got a lot of courage coming around some of these parts when it gets like this. (Glad to see you're here and still have the faith)

[Houstoncat]

mrmeeks wrote: To the Wildcat Nation, I know that this was a tough loss. I didn't get the opportunity to watch as I was traveling and it was over when I arrived. I know that UK is use to winning well pretty much everything, but we must stay the course with this team. The real season is about to start. Be honest and take the emotion out and answer this post truthfully......Do you think this current team could beat a number one seed in the NCAA tourney on a neutral court with all of its pieces working together?

I believe we can, which gives us a realistic shot to do well in the tourney. I am not suggesting we are going to a final four (although I live in Atlanta and dream of it), but I am suggesting that we are getting too caught up in the ebb and flow of the season. Factually, we lost 9 games. Only 2 of those were we really out of (Memphis and UNC) the rest were winable. I am staying on the bandwagon. I think good times for UK are ahead. Anyone need a ride?


We all appreciate your comments Mr. Meeks be assured its not the team that we are depressed with. We'll all pull for the Cat's until the season is over for us.

Any team can beat any team on a given night. You only need to see what LSU did to see that. We have the talent at least seven or eight deep. Its simply a lot of us feel its not being developed right.

This teams best leader is a Freshman whom I'm sure your very familiar with. He plays with the fire and passion of aUK player they we are all know. I hope he and you stay the course because things will improve.

[KennesawCat]

We all, regardless of our opinions about our program, are pulling for the Cats to go as far as they can go in the post season.

I agree with the poster who said if we had 5 Jodies, we could do great things. Jodie has the right attitude about his game, the team, and the program. He is a natural talent. He needs to start stepping into a leadership role, especially with the freshmen. If his attitude and desire can begin to rub off on the other freshmen, we can begin to see a new era in UK basketball.

I'm pulling for the cats as far as they can go, but the realism in me knows that this team does not have the makeup of a championship team. There are too many issues that frankly I doubt will be resolved during the next week.

Tell Jodie to stay with it. He's certainly is a breath of fresh air for us fans.

[audacious1]

rickdacatkilla wrote: mrmeeks wrote: To the Wildcat Nation, I know that this was a tough loss. I didn't get the opportunity to watch as I was traveling and it was over when I arrived. I know that UK is use to winning well pretty much everything, but we must stay the course with this team. The real season is about to start. Be honest and take the emotion out and answer this post truthfully......Do you think this current team could beat a number one seed in the NCAA tourney on a neutral court with all of its pieces working together?

I believe we can, which gives us a realistic shot to do well in the tourney. I am not suggesting we are going to a final four (although I live in Atlanta and dream of it), but I am suggesting that we are getting too caught up in the ebb and flow of the season. Factually, we lost 9 games. Only 2 of those were we really out of (Memphis and UNC) the rest were winable. I am staying on the bandwagon. I think good times for UK are ahead. Anyone need a ride?

The voice of reason. I have a question for you Mr Meeks, how would your son feel if Tubby were forced out at UK? I thinkthis is a fair question since theres so much talk about it here in Kentucky and I think a few fans would like your insight.
I'd like to know Jodie's thoughts on this as well, if possible.

[UK Chic]

Mr Meeks - thank you for your encouraging post!

I must admit, I was/am a little frustrated with the loss yesterday but never will turn my back on this program. I am packing daily for the SEC next weekend and can't wait to lose my voice cheering on the CATS! Maybe that is what they need - a little WCN voice behind them.

Hope to meet you at one of our WCN gatherings!

[trublu]

Thanks for the encouragement Mr Meeks. We don't ever give up on our Cats. I hope that Jodie is alright. I was really scared when he was injured. Give him our best.

[bluegrassking]

FCFS82 wrote: I would like to believe that this team could beat any of the #1's, but our schedule played to date says we can't.

We lost to likely #1 UCLA (in the San Jose region) on a neutral court.
We lost to likely #1 North Carolina (E. Rutherford) in the Dean Dome by 12.
And, we lost to likely #1 Florida (San Antonio) by 3 in our home building.

I would honestly answer you that this team cannot beat a #1 seed based on those results.

:shrug:

Cannot and very unlikely are too different things. What seems near certain as any speculation can allow is this team cannot beat 4-6 even solid teams ina row because as on now we have yet to prove we can do it at all.

[KapitalCat]

mrmeeks wrote: To the Wildcat Nation, I know that this was a tough loss. I didn't get the opportunity to watch as I was traveling and it was over when I arrived. I know that UK is use to winning well pretty much everything, but we must stay the course with this team. The real season is about to start. Be honest and take the emotion out and answer this post truthfully......Do you think this current team could beat a number one seed in the NCAA tourney on a neutral court with all of its pieces working together?

I believe we can, which gives us a realistic shot to do well in the tourney. I am not suggesting we are going to a final four (although I live in Atlanta and dream of it), but I am suggesting that we are getting too caught up in the ebb and flow of the season. Factually, we lost 9 games. Only 2 of those were we really out of (Memphis and UNC) the rest were winable. I am staying on the bandwagon. I think good times for UK are ahead. Anyone need a ride?

A breath of fresh air, from the father of a great kid. Thanks Mr. Meeks.

[poodoo]

mrmeeks wrote: To the Wildcat Nation, I know that this was a tough loss. I didn't get the opportunity to watch as I was traveling and it was over when I arrived. I know that UK is use to winning well pretty much everything, but we must stay the course with this team. The real season is about to start. Be honest and take the emotion out and answer this post truthfully......Do you think this current team could beat a number one seed in the NCAA tourney on a neutral court with all of its pieces working together?

I believe we can, which gives us a realistic shot to do well in the tourney. I am not suggesting we are going to a final four (although I live in Atlanta and dream of it), but I am suggesting that we are getting too caught up in the ebb and flow of the season. Factually, we lost 9 games. Only 2 of those were we really out of (Memphis and UNC) the rest were winable. I am staying on the bandwagon. I think good times for UK are ahead. Anyone need a ride?



I had wondered if you were around, Mr. Meeks. Thanks so much for this post. Too, as you say, "The real season is about to start." :)

Too, you say heresomething I have repeatedly been saying in posts. Only TWO of our losses were not very winable games. That is something so important for us fans to remember. Too, the gloom and doom wagon is not for me. I am certainly on thebandwagon of which you speak andam soglad that you took the time to write this post.

Reading your post, I think you might enjoy my thread to the players--"Guys, we LOVE you and BELIEVE." I actually composed it in my mind during the wee hours of the morning, as I could not sleep because I knew the Vandy loss was particularly hurtful to our SEC Tourney seeding andto team morale. It just broke my heart for the team, who had performed so well, overall, on a Vandy floor where Vandy had won twelve straight home games, including upsetting #1 Florida. Like Stretch, I so wish Jodie had not been suffering from the cramps. You have raised a very poised young man whom I love having on the floor at crunch time with the ball in his hands. Like you, I think GOOD TIMES are ahead.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart for this much needed post, besides for your role in raising Jodie.I must also say that it's nice that someoneso close to the program shares something that surely says the players have NOT quit on their coach, something I unfortunately readin a post or twotoday. I understand that you are in asituation where youcannot answer questions fans want you to answer. How well you worded your diplomatic post! :)This formerEnglishteacher gives you an A+ on that effort. :DGO CATS!

P.S. I came back because I realized that I had not answered your questions. YES, we could certainly beat a number one seed on a neutral courtIF everything were clicking, which has not yet occurred. I absolutely think itCANoccur. Surely everyone has seen glimpses of what this team CAN be. The endings of close games is all that has kept us from being where we currently want to be.

In regard to the ride, I've already said that I'm still on the bandwagon. Well, I specifically want to be on the wagon with you and your wife. That would be ONE CLASSY ride! Thanks again for the post. Oh, more now--congratulations to Jodie for being SEC Freshman of the Week for a third time!:)

[Calsegs]

Thanks for an encouraging post, Mr. Meeks!!

[NC Cat]

As far as I'm concerned, thisteam needs the fans more now thanever.Some teams walk a linebetween greatness and mediocrity, and this appears to beone of them.Anyone who has watched the heartbreaking lossesknows this team isa few plays away from being a top 10 team, but insteadfinds themselves unranked, unloved, and reeling.Rather than placing blame andripping the coaches and/or players, now is the time WE FANS have to stand up and make a difference. AND WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!

Mr. Meeks, you're spot on as far as I'm concerned. The season isn't over, its just beginning. And we've beena play here or a play there away from victory in nearlyevery loss. Last night we played Vandy tougher on their floorthan anyone has all season...and while we lost,we showed we CAN compete against a very good team in a hostile environment.We've got the talent, we just need to hone the execution, and that's where fan support can help. I'm going to the SEC tourney and will be doing everything I can to support the team...and so are many others on this board.The offseason is the time forreflection and criticism. During the season, our job as fans is to do everything we can to help the team win. It's amazing (and depressing) to me that the fans of such a storiedteam could lose sight of that.

[mrmeeks]

NC Cat wrote: As far as I'm concerned, thisteam needs the fans more now thanever.Some teams walk a linebetween greatness and mediocrity, and this appears to beone of them.Anyone who has watched the heartbreaking lossesknows this team isa few plays away from being a top 10 team, but insteadfinds themselves unranked, unloved, and reeling.Rather than placing blame andripping the coaches and/or players, now is the time WE FANS have to stand up and make a difference. AND WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!

Mr. Meeks, you're spot on as far as I'm concerned. The season isn't over, its just beginning. And we've beena play here or a play there away from victory in nearlyevery loss. Last night we played Vandy tougher on their floorthan anyone has all season...and while we lost,we showed we CAN compete against a very good team in a hostile environment.We've got the talent, we just need to hone the execution, and that's where fan support can help. I'm going to the SEC tourney and will be doing everything I can to support the team...and so are many others on this board.The offseason is the time forreflection and criticism. During the season, our job as fans is to do everything we can to help the team win. It's amazing (and depressing) to me that the fans of such a storiedteam could lose sight of that.

Wow! You captured everything I was thinking. UK has the most passionate fans I have ever been around and I grew up in Chicago a Cub and Bears fan!!!! That said, I really believe this team can still do great things. This is college basketball and by now you guys know ANYTHING is possible once the tourney starts. Teams that struggle with simple things all of a sudden grow up. Teams that dominate all season go home early. That is what makes it the most exciting sport IMO.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, let's get this fan support thing together for the remainder of the season. There will be plenty of time to discuss the season when it is over. We are in the middle of a war. It is my opinion this team will do well once the tourney starts. If I am wrong, then I will join the billions of others who have been wrong about something today.:)

See, it wasn't that hard to smile was it.READY?????????

Whoooooa.......................................... .......C-A-T-S - CATS -CATS -CATS - GO CATS!!!!

[BlueSoul]

mrmeeks wrote: NC Cat wrote: As far as I'm concerned, thisteam needs the fans more now thanever.Some teams walk a linebetween greatness and mediocrity, and this appears to beone of them.Anyone who has watched the heartbreaking lossesknows this team isa few plays away from being a top 10 team, but insteadfinds themselves unranked, unloved, and reeling.Rather than placing blame andripping the coaches and/or players, now is the time WE FANS have to stand up and make a difference. AND WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!

Mr. Meeks, you're spot on as far as I'm concerned. The season isn't over, its just beginning. And we've beena play here or a play there away from victory in nearlyevery loss. Last night we played Vandy tougher on their floorthan anyone has all season...and while we lost,we showed we CAN compete against a very good team in a hostile environment.We've got the talent, we just need to hone the execution, and that's where fan support can help. I'm going to the SEC tourney and will be doing everything I can to support the team...and so are many others on this board.The offseason is the time forreflection and criticism. During the season, our job as fans is to do everything we can to help the team win. It's amazing (and depressing) to me that the fans of such a storiedteam could lose sight of that.

Wow! You captured everything I was thinking. UK has the most passionate fans I have ever been around and I grew up in Chicago a Cub and Bears fan!!!! That said, I really believe this team can still do great things. This is college basketball and by now you guys know ANYTHING is possible once the tourney starts. Teams that struggle with simple things all of a sudden grow up. Teams that dominate all season go home early. That is what makes it the most exciting sport IMO.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, let's get this fan support thing together for the remainder of the season. There will be plenty of time to discuss the season when it is over. We are in the middle of a war. It is my opinion this team will do well once the tourney starts. If I am wrong, then I will join the billions of others who have been wrong about something today.:)

See, it wasn't that hard to smile was it.READY?????????

Whoooooa.......................................... .......C-A-T-S - CATS -CATS -CATS - GO CATS!!!!
Mr. Meeks, you can count on us not giving up on this season. I want to thank you for raising such a fine young man! He IS the Heart and Soul of this team!

GO BIG BLUE!

[CARDSRTOAST]

Mr.Meeks...YO DA MAN...5 love your Son and the support that you bring..God Bless You..:dude:

[DenCat]

Always have been a fan and always will be a fan. I get frustrated at times, just like everyone else, but these are MY UK Wildcats. There are no other teams to pull for, just 1.

[Gunsmoke]

Jodie is the type of young man and caliber of player I want at UK. He plays with aggression on every play. He plays tough defense. He moves without the ball on offense. He drives hard to the basket and is unselfish with the ball. He can drain the three. He never talks back to the coach nor does he talk trash on the court. Back in the day trashtalkers got elbows to the face and ribs when they ventured under the rim. Not advocating violence mind you just sportsmanship. Jodie appears to be a product of his raising. A true testament to how it can and should be. As far as giving up on the Cats goes..I am still breathing therefore it ain't gonna happen.

[UK7titles]

"Jodie is the type of young man and caliber of player I want at UK. He plays with aggression on every play. He plays tough defense. He moves without the ball on offense. He drives hard to the basket and is unselfish with the ball. He can drain the three. He never talks back to the coach nor does he talk trash on the court."

verey well said. when he first came here i thought he would be a decent player, but i now believe that he will be a great one. he is already my favorite player because of what has been mentioned above.there are alot of bad things we don't like about our team right now, but i am damn proud to have jodie meeks as a wildcat. if some of the upperslassmen played with as much intensity and heart as jodie, we would be sitting pretty.



thanks mr.meeks.:thumbup

[bigsky]

My favorite player since he signed. Has the chance to be the most memorable player ever for UK out of the state of Georgia, and that's quite a list, including Kenny Walker and Jeff Shepherd.

[bigsky]

Also, we've lost a lot of close games. We could beat a number one in the tourney. None of them will want to see us early.

[poodoo]

NC Cat wrote: As far as I'm concerned, thisteam needs the fans more now thanever.Some teams walk a linebetween greatness and mediocrity, and this appears to beone of them.Anyone who has watched the heartbreaking lossesknows this team isa few plays away from being a top 10 team, but insteadfinds themselves unranked, unloved, and reeling.Rather than placing blame andripping the coaches and/or players, now is the time WE FANS have to stand up and make a difference. AND WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!

Mr. Meeks, you're spot on as far as I'm concerned. The season isn't over, its just beginning. And we've beena play here or a play there away from victory in nearlyevery loss. Last night we played Vandy tougher on their floorthan anyone has all season...and while we lost,we showed we CAN compete against a very good team in a hostile environment.We've got the talent, we just need to hone the execution, and that's where fan support can help. I'm going to the SEC tourney and will be doing everything I can to support the team...and so are many others on this board.The offseason is the time forreflection and criticism. During the season, our job as fans is to do everything we can to help the team win. It's amazing (and depressing) to me that the fans of such a storiedteam could lose sight of that.

NC Cat, GREAT post. I can see that we view being a fan the same way.You are so right about all the heartbreaking losses. I have likewise been saying that we are ONLY "a few plays away" from being a top 10 team. I cannot imagine how that makes the players feel, especially with all the negativity they have endured because of those few plays that have resulted in the won-loss record. These players NEED US more than ever before.

As you said, we plaeyd Vandy tougher on their home floor than anyone else. The same is true for UT, a team that has not lost on their home floor. We are THAT CLOSE. Hopefully the fans who show up in Rupptonightand in AtlantaCAN BEthe difference. Hopefully they will shower the team with love and help to build their confidence, which is certainly needed, especially in close games. I only wish that I could be one of them.

Gunsmoke, I have no doubt that you are right in regard to the Jodie Meeks you see. The young man has been raised right, and BOTH :lol:his dad and mom deserve credit for that. :)GO CATS!