Rondo interviews, a post I have to make

[matt colvin]

Here are two interviews that WLEX18 recently conducted with Rajon Rondo.

The first talks a little about his time here, his relationship with Coach Smith, and his thoughts on BCG.

The second talks about Joe's draft status, his ability to play in the league, and his transformation this year under BCG's coaching.

I say this is a post I have to make because I generally try to avoid topics which are bound to bring arguments (different from discussion!) to WCN. I try to be really positive. However, this post and the videos linked to herein are something that must be done.

Enjoy the videos, they're quite telling of our past, and most importantly our future. GO CATS!!!!!!!

http://www.wlextv.com/Global/SearchResults.asp?vendor=wss&qu=rajon+rondo+interview

[Matt Dillon]

I have already seen the interviews and, I agree, they are quite revealing. I think it's sort of a suspicions confirmed type of thing.

[westtncat]

Someone please enlighten me. I cant download the videos.

[Will Lavender]

It's no surprise that Tubby and Rondo didn't see eye to eye. No shocker there at all.

Tubby deserves most of the blame for that, of course. He's the adult. He's the coach. Tubby wasn't one to coddle some of these guys, and some of them needed coddling. (To be fair, Gillispie has some of those same tendencies, as evidenced by the 40-point beatdown by an average team and the Gardner-Webb disaster. Acie Law didn't have Rondo's upside; he was a four-year guy. But ask Law what he thought about Billy Gillispie after his sophomore year and it wouldn't have been pretty. Gillispie's much more of a player's coach though, IMO.)

But Rondo isn't some demigod who's above reproach. Rajon had problems with every coach he ever had, from his Eastern days to Bibby to Tubby. So it's not like we were dealing with a guy who had no history with that kind of thing at all.

It's water under the bridge now. Rajon is a heck of a talent, but he wasn't (and still isn't) the kind of player who can lead a team. He won't get there until he learns to shoot the basketball. We can bash Tubby and cry about him "ruining" Rondo or whatever, but the fact of the matter is that Rondo was absolutely not going to be an all-American with the way he shot the ball in college.

Obviously we've all rehashed Tubby's flaws. Still, it gets me when one side of this debate comes up and everyone jumps on Rondo's wagon as if it there can only be one side to this thing.

[poodoo]

I enjoyed the interviews because I have always pulled for Rajon Rondo, both as a Cat and a Celtic. :) I really didn't find any surprises.

Like Will, I had always felt that there was shared blame for any problems (and, personally, I've always felt there wouldn't have really been any problems if Kelenna had been able to remain a Cat :icon_sad:). This NBA season I read a really good article in which Coach Bibby said what Will shares and similar comments from Coach Rivers in regard to Rondo's "stubbornness." :icon_mrgreen: FWIW, I also saw where Coach Smith had gone to see Rondo play early this season and they had talked together after the game. Rondo nicely made some positive comments at that time (and I saw nothing whatsoever wrong with his comments in this interview, by the way) and even said that he would be willing to go help Coach Smith in his basketball camps. I think Rondo has matured, and I have been impressed.

I really believe Coach G is the better coach in the area of player management skills. Yet, we can never really KNOW how it would have turned out (although my curosity and love of Rondo's play do make me wonder) with stubbornness meeting stubborness. :icon_mrgreen: Most of all, I LOVE Rondo's positive comments about Coach G. THAT is all that matters. THAT is good for Kentucky basketball. :)

Still again, congratulations to former Cat Rajon Rondo. :)

[matt colvin]

I really believe Coach G is the better coach in the area of player management skills. Yet, we can never really KNOW how it would have turned out (although my curosity and love of Rondo's play do make me wonder) with stubbornness meeting stubborness. :icon_mrgreen: Most of all, I LOVE Rondo's positive comments about Coach G. THAT is all that matters. THAT is good for Kentucky basketball. :)

Still again, congratulations to former Cat Rajon Rondo. :)


You know, I don't think such a touchy subject could have been handled in a better form.

As far as stubborn, Coach G has said he's stubborn too (As though we needed him to inform us!). But I think that once you realize what he's doing, you become bonded to him much the same way Rick's players were. I say "you" meaning the players.

Again, as you said, his public endorsement of the program and Coach are the main things.

But I really thought that the interviews deserved to be linked here.

[Will Lavender]

^ I made this point when Tubby was here. I remember making a comparison to teaching. Some agreed, but there were a few who (adamantly) didn't.

No matter. I still believe it.

There has never been a successful basketball coach who wasn't stubborn.

[billoliver40]

OK, Will....never been too afraid of gettin bashed, so here goes:

I thought Rajon Rondo was a poor college point guard overall.

He couldn't shoot from the outside with any consistency.
He was one of the LAST people I wanted to see at the free throw line
in a tight game.
His defense was absolutely maddening....one second it looked like he could strip anyone of the ball, the next he looked like a bullfighter letting guys get by. I would bet real money that Randolf Morris had a third of his fouls because RR let his guy go and Morris couldn't react in time.
He didn't bother to make his team mates better...he wouldn't adjust HIS game for the other four players on the court. He wasn't being selfish, he just didn't care to learn how to do that. Adjusting to the talent level of his
teammates is something he doesn't have to worry about now.

Did he have talent? Out the wazoo. Did he want to develop and learn to
change his game? Look at how well he's gotten along with all his coaches
up till now.

He's a pro player with a pro game. He is very good and will get very, very, very good at it before he's done.

Could Tubby Smith coach him? Answer is no. Could Billy Gillispie? I would
bet more real money to say the answer is no again.

To me, Rajon Rondo is exactly the kind of kid the NCAA would draft out of
high school. Pro game mindset, period.

Is that bad? Nah. It just is. Rondo is a pro player and that's where he should be. College was pretty much a waste of time for him other than
a chance to play against some kids with ability closer to his own.

[Will Lavender]

^ You make a lot of good points. The only argument I'd give is his freshman year. There were times--especially toward the end--when he was very, very good.

I do think he had the potential to be a good point guard, maybe a great one, but (1) we just didn't have great overall talent at UK, and (2) he couldn't shoot the ball. (And (3), he was butting heads with the coach.) I think it can be debated that shooting is more important for a point guard at the college level than at the pro level.

I was a huge Rajon fan when he was here, though. Even though he had some pretty noticeable flaws, you're not going to find a point guard with his athleticism and defensive talent in Lexington in many, many years. A one in a million kind of athlete; a body that was built for the game of basketball.

[matt colvin]

Frosh Rajon >>>>>>>>> Soph Rajon.

Wonder why. Basically same player (Player development, no incoming recruits worth a quarter, etc....Needed following class a year earlier!).

Loved him during his freshman year. Shook my head during the first half of the second year (both at good things and bad). Got almost mad the second half. Particularly Kansas.

One problem with Smith's latter players is personality. The difference in personalities of these players and several fans is night and day. The disconnect was inevitable, and that caused so many hard ships. I had such a problem with it too. I only realize it now with these interviews of Rajon.

We were (at least I'll admit I was) at fault some of the times, and didn't have clue!

[jdeasy]

I don't know where you guys get your information, but, it I'm being nice to say it's flawed. Rondo did not any problems with any coach except tubby.

Rondo was a star at eastern. He was a star at Oak Hill. He was a star for Martelli during the summer and he is a star for Doc Rivers.

Only one coach stand out from that group. You can try and blame Rondo for tubby;s problems all you want, but, that dog just won't hunt.

Who are you blaming for the 8 years that Rondo wasn't at Uk?

[matt colvin]

Who is "you guys". Be more specific por favor.

[Will Lavender]

I don't know where you guys get your information, but, it I'm being nice to say it's flawed. Rondo did not any problems with any coach except tubby.

Ah, the sage has spoketh. :thumbup:

[Will Lavender]

Here's an article (http://kentucky.scout.com/2/412959.html) where Doug Bibby talks about having to suspend Rajon for twelve games as a freshman.

And ask folks around Louisville what kind of kid Rajon was when he was very young. I had Rajon's aunt in class and had many conversations with her about Tubby and Rajon and UK. (She wore UofL gear to class every single day.) She told me exactly what poodoo says above: that Rajon has matured greatly.

[SamKat]

Great discussion of a really good pro point guard, but not really a good one at UK for various reasons. I am for Rajon Rondo becoming an unforgettable in the NBA.

[Houstoncat]

Part of growing up is maturing....problems as a HS freshman...that's a moot point when he gets to UK.

His talent was frankly squandered. His game and in particular his shooting were not developed. He's continually improving in the pro game, he certainly is not the best or anywhere near the best player on that team but he is the straw that stirs the drink.

Smith is gone...good for the program..don't know or care if its good for him. We had several players that languished while under Smith, Rondo evidently was given no direction or coaching at all, Morris had talent but was a black hole when the ball got to him and had a less then steller work ethic, Crawford and smooth were simply beat down and didn't develop much of their games...the latter two improved markedly this past year once they adjusted and were given conditioning and confidence. Rondo's success and continued improvement speaks for itself as does Morris's lack of progress.

The interviews said a lot more then people wanted to hear before the change, its hard to take knowing your program fell so far due to lack of attention and frankly effort. These things will continue to pop up over the next few years. They won't be the whole story but they do begin to fill in the murky edges of what we all heard.

Take it all for what its worth, beleive it or not your choice(s). we seem not to be fortuantely out of that very down period of mediocrity. The contrast in administration and implementation of the program are quite striking as are the interviews that now seem to come about now and again.

[TrueblueCATfan]

I like Rondo..great kid and very happy for him on his NBA championship....Rondo had matured and grown as a player since going to the NBA...........he has no regrets on what could have been..but no way will I ever say it was all Tubby's fault...it takes 2 to make a relationship..IMO of course

[Will Lavender]

Part of growing up is maturing....problems as a HS freshman...that's a moot point when he gets to UK.

Agreed. But the point I was responding to was that he hadn't had problems with any other coach except Smith. Untrue.

His talent was frankly squandered. His game and in particular his shooting were not developed.

What are you basing this on? Speculation? Opinion? Where's the proof?

Rajon averaged 10 points a game this season, which is right around what he averaged at UK. He's a career 46% field goal shooter. He shoots 22% from the three point line and 63% from the foul line. Looks to me like he's never "developed" a shot. I remember posters on this very board saying Rajon was going to turn into a different shooter once he got out of Tubby's system. Well, I'm waiting.

Rajon was good as a freshman. Sometimes he was great. Am I to sit here and believe that Tubby changed into a different coach in one year? That Tubby just all of a sudden yanked Rajon's guts out and stopped him from playing his game?

Sorry. Just won't go there. Way too simplistic an explanation for my taste.

[poodoo]

Here's an article (http://kentucky.scout.com/2/412959.html) where Doug Bibby talks about having to suspend Rajon for twelve games as a freshman.

And ask folks around Louisville what kind of kid Rajon was when he was very young. I had Rajon's aunt in class and had many conversations with her about Tubby and Rajon and UK. (She wore UofL gear to class every single day.) She told me exactly what poodoo says above: that Rajon has matured greatly.

Thanks for the link, Will. I had not read that particular article. I wish someone could link the one I had read. It covered Rondo's playing for Bibby, Tubby, and Doc Rivers. It had been written by a Boston writer, I believe. In that particular one Coach Bibby had shared his experiences with Rondo's stubbornness. Actually, Bibby had sounded understanding of Tubby in his comments. Too, as I said, Doc Rivers, who obviously loves his star point guard, had mentioned Rondo's stubbornness. It was a great read. Hopefully someone can link that one so that ALL can read it for themselves. :icon_biggrin:

As I have mentioned on WCN, I had also read comments from Coach Bibby in regard to how Rajon had trouble trusting folks other than his mother. Coach Bibby was fortunate to make that bond with Rondo's mother. As I have also previously shared here, I always felt that Coach Smith did not "push the right buttons" with Rondo. :icon_sad:

Regardless, the greater problem, in my opinion, was Azubuike's leaving. What could have been! As I have posted so many times, Rondo had badly wanted to win a college championship. I certainly understood his saying that his years at UK were "disappointing."

Matt Colvin, I think they are great interviews of a great former Cat. Again, thanks for sharing them, as I really enjoyed them. :) Too, yes, Coach G himself HAS said that he is stubborn. Otherwise, I would not have mentioned his "stubbornness." :icon_biggrin: In regard to his similarities to Pitino in relation to that stubbornness and his eventually getting so much out of his players, I SO agree. Some may not like the comparisons, but bleedbluelady and I had said early that Coach G seemed to be the perfect combination of Pitino and Tubby. Actually, looking at the list of accomplishments of those two, I really can't see anyone's NOT liking just that. :icon_biggrin: GO CATS! GO COACH G!

[poodoo]

Great discussion of a really good pro point guard, but not really a good one at UK for various reasons. I am for Rajon Rondo becoming an unforgettable in the NBA.

I think you know I hope the same for Rajon Rondo, SamKat. :icon_biggrin: I am PROUD that he is a former Cat and SO PROUD and HAPPY for him. :icon_biggrin: GO RONDO!

[allnet]

As I have mentioned on WCN, I had also read comments from Coach Bibby in regard to how Rajon had trouble trusting folks other than his mother. Coach Bibby was fortunate to make that bond with Rondo's mother. As I have also previously shared here, I always felt that Coach Smith did not "push the right buttons" with Rondo. :icon_sad:


Not really wanting to get in this conversation, but I have never been much of a "button pushing" theorist. A really fast, soft handed 6'8" forward on the floor with Rondo would have eliminated all that talk.

Button pushing is a limited ability with free will these days.

Quick example of how limited it may be; The late MR. Stone.

[Siafu_Snafu]

He didn't bother to make his team mates better...he wouldn't adjust HIS game for the other four players on the court. He wasn't being selfish, he just didn't care to learn how to do that. Adjusting to the talent level of his teammates is something he doesn't have to worry about now.
i think this is a really astute statement. ^

rondo hasnt changed his playing style at all. he has so many steals because he goes headfirst (almost literally) in every defensive situation and when he gets beat, his teammates have to pick up the slack. thats much easier when your back up is pierce, allen, and kg. i was going to say something else but The Fugitive is on and im getting distracted so ill edit this when i remember.

EDIT - oh yeah: i agree with what you also said, bill, about his coachability. i doubt bg would have had much better luck with rondo than tubby did, although id guess bg would either break him of his stubborness or force him to look elsewhere. i dont really see rondo getting any better tho. i may be wrong but i dont think he ever gets the accurate shot he wants. he is the assist maker and ball stealer and i think he will stick with improving his strengths. jmo

[poodoo]

Not really wanting to get in this conversation, but I have never been much of a "button pushing" theorist. A really fast, soft handed 6'8" forward on the floor with Rondo would have eliminated all that talk.

Button pushing is a limited ability with free will these days.

Quick example of how limited it may be; The late MR. Stone.

I definitely agree in regard to the talent around Rondo, allnet. I have repeatedly stated that we would not even be having some of these conversations if only Azubuike had stayed.

I saw a GREAT Rondo under Coach Smith as a freshman and feel I would have seen the same Rondo if he had had that forward you describe on the floor with him. As I have often posted, we had tickets to a lot of the early games that season. Rondo TRIED pushing the ball up the floor and dishing off to our frontcourt players, only to see one failed possession after the other. :icon_sad: Rondo badly wanted to win and seemed to stop trusting his teammates and even possibly stopped listening to his coach.

I do still believe pushing those right buttons with players can be helpful. FWIW, I remember Coach Smith's once saying something about not being able to find the right buttons to push with that particular group. Regardless, I had not been making a big deal about that. It had simply been a "wish" of mine that Coach Smith had been better able to "reach" Rondo (and I suspect he wishes the same). Also, there's no blame coming from here. I don't like that Blame Game, period, and any blame should be shared. Again, absolutely, the MAIN issue Rondo's sophomore year was the lack of that forward you mention.

By the way, I, too, think all of that is SO irrelevant to Kentucky basketball at THIS time, though. While I enjoyed listening to Rondo, who was always a favorite of mine because of his athleticism and unreal quickness and hustle and contributions in so many areas of the game, the only comments that matter now are his praise for Coach Gillispie. As I stated, THAT is good for Kentucky basketball. May we hopefully congratulate Rajon, and may Rondo's words be a POSITIVE for Kentucky basketball. :) GO CATS! GO COACH G!