Just Got Back From Derby Classic

[tubbythegreat]

i just got back from the classic. uk, u of l, and sadly tenn all had some pretty good players. i've tried to find a final score or boxscore, but i cant find one.

now, i left before the game ended, cuz it was going to overtime when i left. before i talk about the players, get this. our team was up the whole game, but uofl's black team came back and were up by 2 w/ 1.1 seconds left. all the u of l fans were happy and yellin cuz they won, then crittenton fouled meeks before the inbounds. meeks goes down there and hears all the boos and hits both FT's. great stuff.

speaking of meeks, he had 15 pts when i left the game in regulation. he played 2 good halves, and really looked good. he hit some mid-range jumpers, drove in for a few layups, and even hit a 3. he airballed his first 3, then drained his next one. he has good form, and he is a freakish athlete. you can tell that he is in excellent shape, and is really built. he's very fast, and has great hops. on one of his layups, he had the ball at halfcourt, w/ 2 defenders around the FT line. he ran past both of em and scored the layup. again, very quick. he also had a great stuff, where he leaped out of the building. i'm very impressed with his play.

on to jasper. he only scored 7, but he had a solid game. this game was very sloppy, with many players just jacking up shots and throwing bad passes. not jasper. he was very smart, and just played and looked like a confident PG. he is definitely pass-first, and made quite a fewfancy(in a good way)passes and lobs. he ran the floor well, and although he was pressured well a few times, he always kept good handle on the ball. he also has good vision, as he made quite a few across the court passes that were all on the money. he also grabbed a bunch of rebounds. kinda like watching rondo around the basket. he drove in a few times, and missed 1 or 2 layups, although so did every single player there. his best basket was at the top of the key, when he made a crossover, pulled back, and swished a 3. overall, a good-looking player.

stevenson was okay. he scored 8, and he jumped out of the building. but i dont think he grabbed many boards, although i could be wrong there. i dont think he blocked any either. but, he actually looked solid around the basket. all 8 were close shots between 2-6 ft. and he confidently made all of em. also had a few nice dunks. his hands were pretty good, and he is very agile and quick. but, he's skinny as a rail, and couldnt get past the big boys inside. if he gains about 20 lb. he'll be fine.

one good think about all 3 UK players was that they played smart. like i said earlier, many players made poor, contested shots and sloppy passes that went nowhere. but our guys had good handle of the ball, never really forced up any bad shots, looked for the open man, and made the pass if possible. they also all went after loose balls. jasper even drew a charge. meeks and stevenson are athletic nuts, who look solid. overall, we have nothing to worry about.

except maybe caracter and sosa for u of l. caracter only made one close shot, which was a hook. he made at least 2 or 3 three-pt's, and quite a few long jumpers. he squares up on his shots, and showed a lot of range. also played good D. edgar sosa is hard to figure out. he sucked in the 1st half, bricking a buttload of 3's. also made a few bonehead passes to no one. but he tore up in the 2nd half, made a few 3's, and some nice layups and passes. so, prob pretty inconsistent. both u of l players scored 17.

[UKSam]

Thanks for the info. I wishI could have been there.

[tubbythegreat]

just saw the news. the white team, who had all 3 UK players, won 118-106. sweet. also, meeks finished with 17 pts. good stuff. UK won in freedom hall again. hopefully, its a little foreshadowing.

[Buddah]

my cousin was there and he was there last night as well. he gave his honest and objective impression, Jasper has a chance to be something speical, jodie will be soild four year player.

Perry, he said, he hoped the new S & C can work miracles, because he is so thin and frail, that other fours would and will break him like a match.. he said he isn't going to the savior that some are hyping him up as, just wayyy to frail. said he reminds him of a smaller version of shag. needs ALOT more than 20 lbs

BTW: my cousin is a huge tubby supporter, but he gives his honest opinion and doesn't sugar coat anything.

guys our needs at the four aren't being addressed, we need a four, whether from juco or elsewhere... if not, we are going to be in the same shape we experienced this past year... turn your head if you like, doesn't hide the fact.

[BigBlue75]

tubbythegreat wrote: i just got back from the classic. uk, u of l, and sadly tenn all had some pretty good players. i've tried to find a final score or boxscore, but i cant find one.

now, i left before the game ended, cuz it was going to overtime when i left. before i talk about the players, get this. our team was up the whole game, but uofl's black team came back and were up by 2 w/ 1.1 seconds left. all the u of l fans were happy and yellin cuz they won, then crittenton fouled meeks before the inbounds. meeks goes down there and hears all the boos and hits both FT's. great stuff.

speaking of meeks, he had 15 pts when i left the game in regulation. he played 2 good halves, and really looked good. he hit some mid-range jumpers, drove in for a few layups, and even hit a 3. he airballed his first 3, then drained his next one. he has good form, and he is a freakish athlete. you can tell that he is in excellent shape, and is really built. he's very fast, and has great hops. on one of his layups, he had the ball at halfcourt, w/ 2 defenders around the FT line. he ran past both of em and scored the layup. again, very quick. he also had a great stuff, where he leaped out of the building. i'm very impressed with his play.

on to jasper. he only scored 7, but he had a solid game. this game was very sloppy, with many players just jacking up shots and throwing bad passes. not jasper. he was very smart, and just played and looked like a confident PG. he is definitely pass-first, and made quite a fewfancy(in a good way)passes and lobs. he ran the floor well, and although he was pressured well a few times, he always kept good handle on the ball. he also has good vision, as he made quite a few across the court passes that were all on the money. he also grabbed a bunch of rebounds. kinda like watching rondo around the basket. he drove in a few times, and missed 1 or 2 layups, although so did every single player there. his best basket was at the top of the key, when he made a crossover, pulled back, and swished a 3. overall, a good-looking player.

stevenson was okay. he scored 8, and he jumped out of the building. but i dont think he grabbed many boards, although i could be wrong there. i dont think he blocked any either. but, he actually looked solid around the basket. all 8 were close shots between 2-6 ft. and he confidently made all of em. also had a few nice dunks. his hands were pretty good, and he is very agile and quick. but, he's skinny as a rail, and couldnt get past the big boys inside. if he gains about 20 lb. he'll be fine.

one good think about all 3 UK players was that they played smart. like i said earlier, many players made poor, contested shots and sloppy passes that went nowhere. but our guys had good handle of the ball, never really forced up any bad shots, looked for the open man, and made the pass if possible. they also all went after loose balls. jasper even drew a charge. meeks and stevenson are athletic nuts, who look solid. overall, we have nothing to worry about.

except maybe caracter and sosa for u of l. caracter only made one close shot, which was a hook. he made at least 2 or 3 three-pt's, and quite a few long jumpers. he squares up on his shots, and showed a lot of range. also played good D. edgar sosa is hard to figure out. he sucked in the 1st half, bricking a buttload of 3's. also made a few bonehead passes to no one. but he tore up in the 2nd half, made a few 3's, and some nice layups and passes. so, prob pretty inconsistent. both u of l players scored 17.
Thanks for the report. Sounds like we have a lot of positive thingsto look forward to from these guys, even if a few want to continually look for negatives.

[Buddah]

:thumbdown who is looking at negatives, i am just relying what my cousin said, who, ironically, is a bigger homer than you are big blue 75, he would look for the positives of a rotting deer corpse while listening to a hank snow song, he is so positive and a huge tubby can do no wrong type guy. He simply said meeks and jasper will both do great things. Doesn't hide the fact that stevenson doesn't address our needs, per his report. He isn't saying anything no one has said on many other boards regarding perry being soft and too thin.

[Buddah]

tubbythegreat do you know if lance thomas visited tonight for U of L... some people said he cancealed, just curious ?

[Doug Hardin]

The White Team won this game? I left with 2.7 seconds left when one of the teams called a timeout. The Black Team had the ball and a 1 point lead, and the White Team still had a foul to give before the bonus.

[WildcatDan]

Here are some photos from the Derby Classic Practice courtesy of CantStandCards

http://www.wildcatnation.net/images/Post/2006DerbyPrac/109_0909.jpg

http://www.wildcatnation.net/images/Post/2006DerbyPrac/109_0911.jpg

http://www.wildcatnation.net/images/Post/2006DerbyPrac/109_0915.jpg

http://www.wildcatnation.net/images/Post/2006DerbyPrac/109_0916.jpg

http://www.wildcatnation.net/images/Post/2006DerbyPrac/109_0917.jpg

http://www.wildcatnation.net/images/Post/2006DerbyPrac/109_0919.jpg

[tubbythegreat]

Doug Hardin wrote: The White Team won this game? I left with 2.7 seconds left when one of the teams called a timeout. The Black Team had the ball and a 1 point lead, and the White Team still had a foul to give before the bonus.

yes. with 1.1 left, black was up by 2. crittenton, the #1 PG in the nation, fouled meeks, and meeks hit both FT's. in OT, i guess we killed, cuz we won by 12.

i dont know about lance thomas. didnt hear anything about him, but could of missed his name.

and yes, meeks and jasper are looking good. about stevenson, i dont want him to gain too much, as he may lose his quickness and shot-blocking ability. he will never be a full-time PF who is great on both sides. what he can do is alter shots and grab boards. if adds 20-30 lb., he'll have enough bulk to hang in the paint, and still have his quickness. either way, he definitely needs to go to an all-you-can-eat buffet for the next year, at least.

[BigBlue75]

Buddah wrote: :thumbdown who is looking at negatives, i am just relying what my cousin said, who, ironically, is a bigger homer than you are big blue 75, he would look for the positives of a rotting deer corpse while listening to a hank snow song, he is so positive and a huge tubby can do no wrong type guy. He simply said meeks and jasper will both do great things. Doesn't hide the fact that stevenson doesn't address our needs, per his report. He isn't saying anything no one has said on many other boards regarding perry being soft and too thin.
Buddah, I suggest you lighten up. Nowhere in my previous post did I mention your name or anyone else's. For your information, I was just responding to the orginal poster and barely even skimmed over the other responses before I posted. Anyone who reads the forums on a regular basis knows where I stand, so my post should come as no surprise. Besides, It's just my opinion. ;):D

[CARDSRTOAST]

WildcatDan wrote: Here are some photos from the Derby Classic Practice courtesy of CantStandCards

http://www.wildcatnation.net/images/Post/2006DerbyPrac/109_0909.jpg

http://www.wildcatnation.net/images/Post/2006DerbyPrac/109_0911.jpg

http://www.wildcatnation.net/images/Post/2006DerbyPrac/109_0915.jpg

http://www.wildcatnation.net/images/Post/2006DerbyPrac/109_0916.jpg

http://www.wildcatnation.net/images/Post/2006DerbyPrac/109_0917.jpg

http://www.wildcatnation.net/images/Post/2006DerbyPrac/109_0919.jpg



btt

[audacious1]

Buddah wrote: my cousin was there and he was there last night as well. he gave his honest and objective impression, Jasper has a chance to be something speical, jodie will be soild four year player.

Perry, he said, he hoped the new S & C can work miracles, because he is so thin and frail, that other fours would and will break him like a match.. he said he isn't going to the savior that some are hyping him up as, just wayyy to frail. said he reminds him of a smaller version of shag. needs ALOT more than 20 lbs

BTW: my cousin is a huge tubby supporter, but he gives his honest opinion and doesn't sugar coat anything.

guys our needs at the four aren't being addressed, we need a four, whether from juco or elsewhere... if not, we are going to be in the same shape we experienced this past year... turn your head if you like, doesn't hide the fact.

Yep. Stevenson has some growing (size and ability) to do before he makes an impact at Kentucky. I agree.

[audacious1]

Doug Hardin wrote: The White Team won this game? I left with 2.7 seconds left when one of the teams called a timeout. The Black Team had the ball and a 1 point lead, and the White Team still had a foul to give before the bonus.
I know. I was shocked too. What happened on Black's possession that took it from 2.7 down to the 1.1 when Meeks was fouled??

[ridgecat78]

White team fouled..... Blackmissed the 2nd of a 1&1... Meeks grabbed the rebound and called a TO w/1.1 left.... Ran an inbounds play and Meeks was cutting across the floor and did a good job of drawing attention to get the call by throwing his hands up in the air... Hit both freethrows w/1.1 sec left.... Actually had a change to win in regulation... Black team tried a runout and threw the ball out of bounds which gave the white the ball under the basket w/1.1 left... Lopez missed a 3pt shot at the buzzer.....

OT was all white team....

[audacious1]

ridgecat78 wrote: White team fouled..... Blackmissed the 2nd of a 1&1... Meeks grabbed the rebound and called a TO w/1.1 left.... Ran an inbounds play and Meeks was cutting across the floor and did a good job of drawing attention to get the call by throwing his hands up in the air... Hit both freethrows w/1.1 sec left.... Actually had a change to win in regulation... Black team tried a runout and threw the ball out of bounds which gave the white the ball under the basket w/1.1 left... Lopez missed a 3pt shot at the buzzer.....

OT was all white team....

Thanks ridgecat, I thought that White must have fouled immediately. Guess I should have ignored the traffic and watched the ending, sounded exciting.

I tell you what, Stanford's two bigs are going to be significant next year. They can play!

[Lost Highway]

Buddah wrote: my cousin was there and he was there last night as well. he gave his honest and objective impression, Jasper has a chance to be something speical, jodie will be soild four year player.

Perry, he said, he hoped the new S & C can work miracles, because he is so thin and frail, that other fours would and will break him like a match.. he said he isn't going to the savior that some are hyping him up as, just wayyy to frail. said he reminds him of a smaller version of shag. needs ALOT more than 20 lbs

BTW: my cousin is a huge tubby supporter, but he gives his honest opinion and doesn't sugar coat anything.

guys our needs at the four aren't being addressed, we need a four, whether from juco or elsewhere... if not, we are going to be in the same shape we experienced this past year... turn your head if you like, doesn't hide the fact.

Mr. Buddah, I don't see anything in this post that is negative or untrue. Let me say I love Jodie Meeks' game and I think he will be a big star. He has the physical tools and the work ethic to be one of the best we've seen in a long, long time. I think he will be better than any of the Mickey D's we have recruit the past 5 years.

However, and that is a big however, we need some help up front. As you like to say, the four spot. Perry is a nice razor thin player but he is not ready for the SEC.I am not sure we need to look atthe Junior Colleges because I doubt any JC player will ever come in and play for Tubby Smith. It takes too long for a player toreach his potential under Tubby's system and a JC player will have to forget what he knows about the game and be retrained. We've seen the results of that in the past.

I feel great about our guard position we just need a whole lot of help up front.

[T75]

Hey, folks, we gotta remember that Tubby went after 6 or 8 PF types before he resorted to Stevenson. So by the time it gets that late and all the top players are gone, we can't expect a Tyler Hansbrough (sp?). Stevenson is thin as a split rail and has always been. He says that it's impossible for him to put on weight, no matter what he eats. I can understand that---until I was almost 50 I just couldn't gaiin weight no matter what I tried. So I think we'd best just accept that we got us a skinny tall kid with some speed. Good defender but not much on the offensive end. By the time he's a 3rd year man, the weight room and players dinner table may be able to put a very few pounds on him---maybe not. He is what he is but he won't push Joe or Bobby out next season for sure.

Thanks for the report. I'm wondering if maybe Jasper might be able, at 6' 6", to give us some inside help now and then. Does he appear to be that tall? I read somewhere that he was "almost" 6'6".

[Buddah]

BigBlue75 wrote:
Buddah wrote: :thumbdown who is looking at negatives, i am just relying what my cousin said, who, ironically, is a bigger homer than you are big blue 75, he would look for the positives of a rotting deer corpse while listening to a hank snow song, he is so positive and a huge tubby can do no wrong type guy. He simply said meeks and jasper will both do great things. Doesn't hide the fact that stevenson doesn't address our needs, per his report. He isn't saying anything no one has said on many other boards regarding perry being soft and too thin.
Buddah, I suggest you lighten up. Nowhere in my previous post did I mention your name or anyone else's.

sure, i believe you :nada: . , but its all good... jodie and derrick are good players, but sadly, they aren't what we need right now. hopefully perry can bulk up and bulk up alot, similar to what sims did, because if he doesn't people like big baby will have a field day. don't you agree.

[Stretch]

"People like big baby?" Yep, every team on our schedule has a player like Glenn Davis; they're a dime a dozen.

Actually, Davis is a very unique player that comes along very infrequently. He may even be gone to the NBA before Perry Stevenson gets to Lexington.

Who knows what Stephenson's body will be like after he matures a little and eats at a training table and goes through a college strength and conditioning program? He can only get better but how much better, who really knows??

[BigBlue75]

Buddah wrote: BigBlue75 wrote:
Buddah wrote: :thumbdown who is looking at negatives, i am just relying what my cousin said, who, ironically, is a bigger homer than you are big blue 75, he would look for the positives of a rotting deer corpse while listening to a hank snow song, he is so positive and a huge tubby can do no wrong type guy. He simply said meeks and jasper will both do great things. Doesn't hide the fact that stevenson doesn't address our needs, per his report. He isn't saying anything no one has said on many other boards regarding perry being soft and too thin.
Buddah, I suggest you lighten up. Nowhere in my previous post did I mention your name or anyone else's.

sure, i believe you :nada: . , Whatever. Suit yourself about it.but its all good... jodie and derrick are good players, but sadly, they aren't what we need right now. hopefully perry can bulk up and bulk up alot, similar to what sims did, because if he doesn't people like big baby will have a field day. don't you agree.

Do I think we need a power forward? Yes. Do I hope the Cats sign one? Yes. Do I believe Tubby is aware of this and is doing his best to address it? Absolutely. Do I think we DON'T need jodie and derrick right now? No, I don't. I'm glad to have them in the fold. Do I think it's a given that players like Davis are going to have a field day on us simply because they're wide bodies? No, I don't. There are a lot of variables that go into winning a baskeball game besides stopping the big man in the middle. However, in fairness to your comment, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have Perry hit the weight room and bulk up some more, I do agree with that.

[poodoo]

all the u of l fans were happy and yellin cuz they won, then crittenton fouled meeks before the inbounds. meeks goes down there and hears all the boos and hits both FT's. great stuff. QUOTE by tubbythegreat

__________

Thanks for the great report, tubbythegreat. Too, I LOVE how Meeks put us into overtime, specifically his poise. Also,Meeks evidently had a fine game, period.

Also, I noticed you praised Jasper's passing skills. Tubby said on his final television show that Jasper has "Magic Johnson-like" passing skills. I loved hearing that! Too, I look forward to seeing all FOUR freshmen next season. :)

[catfando]

Considering Tubby's history with Freshmen, I don't think any of them will make an immediate impact next season. They have to learn the system first and that tends to take kids a while to do that. We will be in double digit losses again next year IMO.

[audacious1]

Tubby has played freshmen in the past, that's not the issue. The issue is will any of these guys be tough enough by Game #1 to push past the incumbants and into the starting lineup. I think Jasper has a pretty decent chance of that now that Rondo is gone.

[Buddah]

BigBlue75 wrote:
Buddah wrote: BigBlue75 wrote:
Buddah wrote: :thumbdown who is looking at negatives, i am just relying what my cousin said, who, ironically, is a bigger homer than you are big blue 75, he would look for the positives of a rotting deer corpse while listening to a hank snow song, he is so positive and a huge tubby can do no wrong type guy. He simply said meeks and jasper will both do great things. Doesn't hide the fact that stevenson doesn't address our needs, per his report. He isn't saying anything no one has said on many other boards regarding perry being soft and too thin.
Buddah, I suggest you lighten up. Nowhere in my previous post did I mention your name or anyone else's.

sure, i believe you :nada: . , Whatever. Suit yourself about it.Â*but its all good... jodie and derrick are good players, but sadly, they aren't what we need right now. hopefully perry can bulk up and bulk up alot, similar to what sims did, because if he doesn't people like big baby will have a field day. don't you agree.

Do I think we need a power forward? Yes.Â* Do I hope the Cats sign one? Yes. Do I believe Tubby is aware of this and is doing his best to address it? Absolutely. Do I think we DON'T need jodie and derrick right now? No, I don't. I'm glad to have them in the fold. Do I think it's a given that players like Davis are going to have a field day on us simply because they're wide bodies? No, I don't. There are a lot of variables that go into winning a baskeball game besides stopping the big man in the middle. However, in fairness to your comment, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have Perry hit the weight room and bulk up some more, I do agree with that.


I agree there is alot of variables that goes into winning a basketball game, but if your soft up front, and the other team is not, they just dump down low the whole game, as many teams did this past season. So really any wide body with some basketball iq is going to cause some problems. I am also glad you think that tubby knows we have major problems at the four. I agree, hope he does do something to adress it very soon. I am tickled to death that jodie and derrick are here, espeically derrick. I love tall point guards, they can create so many match up problems. would i trade either for a banger and brusier four, maybe. but i am glad to have both here.

[Chunks06]

catfando wrote: Considering Tubby's history with Freshmen, I don't think any of them will make an immediate impact next season. They have to learn the system first and that tends to take kids a while to do that. We will be in double digit losses again next year IMO.
Thanks for joining the site and pepping us all up with your positive attitude, we all appreciate it greatly. last year we were led to the Elite Eight by a freshman point guard and freshman center. Given Tubby's history of coaching I will say they will all ahve the opportunity to make immediate impact if they work hard enough. It is going to be up to their work ethic as much as Tubby's coaching next season. Now, listen to you mom and if you cant say anything nice, dont say anything at all.

[BigBlue75]

Do I think we need a power forward? Yes. Do I hope the Cats sign one? Yes. Do I believe Tubby is aware of this and is doing his best to address it? Absolutely. Do I think we DON'T need jodie and derrick right now? No, I don't. I'm glad to have them in the fold. Do I think it's a given that players like Davis are going to have a field day on us simply because they're wide bodies? No, I don't. There are a lot of variables that go into winning a baskeball game besides stopping the big man in the middle. However, in fairness to your comment, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have Perry hit the weight room and bulk up some more, I do agree with that.


I agree there is alot of variables that goes into winning a basketball game, but if your soft up front, and the other team is not, they just dump down low the whole game, as many teams did this past season. So really any wide body with some basketball iq is going to cause some problems. I am also glad you think that tubby knows we have major problems at the four. I agree, hope he does do something to adress it very soon. I am tickled to death that jodie and derrick are here, espeically derrick. I love tall point guards, they can create so many match up problems. would i trade either for a banger and brusier four, maybe. but i am glad to have both here.
Certainly, having a big man in the middle to feed to in the middle is going to be a tough situation, but I have yet to see a college basketball team that is able to address EVERY need at EVERY position in EVERY recruiting class. Chance are, if we didn't need a PF this coming season, we would no doubt have a need somewhere else. It's just all part of the cycle. Hopefully, the 'Cats will get a wide body locked up ourselves and we can breathe a little easier.

[RCS]

'Considering Tubby's history with Freshmen, I don't think any of them will make an immediate impact next season. They have to learn the system first and that tends to take kids a while to do that. We will be in double digit losses again next year IMO.'

Um, I know we have been over this before, but again for your knowledge, FR that have started or played significant minutes under Tubby:

Prince, Bogans, Stone, Parker, Fitch, Hayes, Rondo, Morris, etc. etc.

The only FR I can remember that did not play as much as some fans wanted were Hawkins(who clearly wasn't ready in my opinion), Kaz and Carruth. Lots of FR played as the 7-10th player in addition to the list above. We played 4 FR 10+ minutes a game 2 years ago. The FR may not play much but if that is the case it will be because they were not ready, not because Tubby doesn't play FR.

[Buddah]

big blue 75 that seems kind of strange, to justify a side in a debate by talking in absoultes, just my opinion. Of course every team has a need and they can't address everything in one recruiting season, and we do as a society live in a mythology of perfection on everything, not just college basketball. though we are pretty well stocked in the guard position, center, even the three. the biggest need we have had since chuck left, has been the four, i think the staff could come to an agreement on that..we could have let one of the guards go this past recruiting season and got more front line help, just my opinion. most of our needs are addressed, one is not.

[BigBlue75]

Buddah wrote: big blue 75 that seems kind of strange, to justify a side in a debate by talking in absoultes, just my opinion. Of course every team has a need and they can't address everything in one recruiting season, and we do as a society live in a mythology of perfection on everything, not just college basketball. though we are pretty well stocked in the guard position, center, even the three. the biggest need we have had since chuck left, has been the four, i think the staff could come to an agreement on that..we could have let one of the guards go this past recruiting season and got more front line help, just my opinion. most of our needs are addressed, one is not.
Well, I didn't know we were in a debate, I just thought we were talking Wildcat hoops. ;)Chuck Hayes spoiled us all while he was here and no one can deny those are big shoes to fill (no pun intended). There is merit to yourpoint about not pursuing one of the guards and concentrating more on filling the four spot, but who's to say that wasn't the intent early on, but as things played out on the recruiting trail, the staff had to change their plans? All we get as fans are just press releases and sound bites and whatever other comments the coaches want to give us. We're not privy to the coaches strategy sessions nor are we inside the players' heads during the recruiting period. I'm not trying to cop out on the issue, all I'm saying is there are things going on that affect whether or not UK (or any school for that matter) is able to sign a player, and it doesn't necessarily mean that there isn't an attempt being made by the coachesto address a weak area.

[phoenix]

I like what I am hearing you guys say on our new recruits. Anytime you can put mobile adequately sized athletic kids on the floor in bunches you have a chance to win and a recipe for exciting basketball.

Sounds like, Meeks, Jasper, Porter, Stevenson, might be able to run the floor and they will blend nicely with, Crawford, Bradley, Perry, Morris, and that is 8 to the good. This ought to be enough to sustain our running game and defensive pressure when needed, with enough height to man up.

PS, buddah, don't be so negative buddy. Life is too short, it is all about how FULL YOUR CUP IS.

Remember it is not the size of the dog in the fight, it's about the size of the fight in the dawg...:thumbup:P

[wyldkatzky]

I just watched the roundball classic on CSTV and Perry Stevenson is pretty good. He is very lean and it really works to his advantage. The roundball game he didn't get the ball enough, or enough minutes to show how he would play, but he is pretty quick for a guy his size and his arms are crazy long. He was able to run the floor ahead of the other big men and get back.

I hope the weight trainers can put some meat on his shoulders/arms/legs before we start relying completely on him at the 4 (for example him starting). He will have to be a factor next season, because simply there is no way he can't be one.

[DCWildcat]

phoenix wrote: I like what I am hearing you guys say on our new recruits. Anytime you can put mobile adequately sized athletic kids on the floor in bunches you have a chance to win and a recipe for exciting basketball.

Sounds like, Meeks, Jasper, Porter, Stevenson, might be able to run the floor and they will blend nicely with, Crawford, Bradley, Perry, Morris, and that is 8 to the good. This ought to be enough to sustain our running game and defensive pressure when needed, with enough height to man up.

PS, buddah, don't be so negative buddy. Life is too short, it is all about how FULL YOUR CUP IS.

Remember it is not the size of the dog in the fight, it's about the size of the fight in the dawg...:thumbup:P

A happy quote from phoenix? No....:D:D:D:D

I'm pretty sure Jasper will have the most immediate impact on the team. He's the only true PG we have, besides Porter, and he's probably our best all-around recruit right now. He's big, defensive, and pass-oriented, all of which Tubby likes, possibly giving him the edge in the starting role over shorter, less defensive, shoot-first Ramel.

[catfando]

Thanks for joining the site and pepping us all up with your positive attitude, we all appreciate it greatly. last year we were led to the Elite Eight by a freshman point guard and freshman center. Given Tubby's history of coaching I will say they will all ahve the opportunity to make immediate impact if they work hard enough. It is going to be up to their work ethic as much as Tubby's coaching next season. Now, listen to you mom and if you cant say anything nice, dont say anything at all.


Pot calling the kettle black! Tubby let Hawkins sit in favor of his own son. Carter in favor of Sheray Thomas, Woo, and Shags. These positions were much needed at the time. Yet Tubby chose less talented players to put on the floor. So that's what I mean about freshmen starting and getting alot of playing time. If they ain't Rondo's, Morris's etc.... he lets them sit and waste away. because he has never developed a player to their full potential since he has been here.

[Buddah]

phoenix wrote:
PS, buddah, don't be so negative buddy. Life is too short, it is all about how FULL YOUR CUP IS


:lol:i am not being negative, i thought me singing the praises to the highest heavens of jasper and meeks would get some compliments, but i just can't win. lmao.. i am a walking richard marx song...

my cup over floweth with positive thoughts, in fact my cup is so over flowing that earl flynn would shot me with a bow and arrow if he could. all i need is some haggas and the evening would end wonderfully.

we are going to love derrick jasper STARTING at the one..

[Will Lavender]

catfando wrote: Thanks for joining the site and pepping us all up with your positive attitude, we all appreciate it greatly. last year we were led to the Elite Eight by a freshman point guard and freshman center. Given Tubby's history of coaching I will say they will all ahve the opportunity to make immediate impact if they work hard enough. It is going to be up to their work ethic as much as Tubby's coaching next season. Now, listen to you mom and if you cant say anything nice, dont say anything at all.


Pot calling the kettle black! Tubby let Hawkins sit in favor of his own son. Carter in favor of Sheray Thomas, Woo, and Shags. These positions were much needed at the time. Yet Tubby chose less talented players to put on the floor. So that's what I mean about freshmen starting and getting alot of playing time. If they ain't Rondo's, Morris's etc.... he lets them sit and waste away. because he has never developed a player to their full potential since he has been here.

Rondo and Morris started as freshmen. Chuck Hayes started a few games and played a lot. Keith Bogansstarted nearly 100% of the time.Tayshaun Prince got a lot of minutes for an experienced team as a freshman.Gerald Fitch started for part of his freshman year. Jason Parker started every game his freshman season.


That's a lot of freshmen who've have played a lot of minutes. Seven of them to be exact.I would add Hawkins and Daniels and probably even Marvin Stone to the list of freshmen who have contributed as freshmen.

If you can contribute, you play.

It's unfair to cite a 7 foot project and then suggest that Tubby doesn't play freshman. Carter didn't play because it was clear, by his brief performances late in the season, that he was going to get pushed around. He wasn't ready.

[RaleighCat]

Will Lavender wrote: catfando wrote: Thanks for joining the site and pepping us all up with your positive attitude, we all appreciate it greatly. last year we were led to the Elite Eight by a freshman point guard and freshman center. Given Tubby's history of coaching I will say they will all ahve the opportunity to make immediate impact if they work hard enough. It is going to be up to their work ethic as much as Tubby's coaching next season. Now, listen to you mom and if you cant say anything nice, dont say anything at all.


Pot calling the kettle black! Tubby let Hawkins sit in favor of his own son. Carter in favor of Sheray Thomas, Woo, and Shags. These positions were much needed at the time. Yet Tubby chose less talented players to put on the floor. So that's what I mean about freshmen starting and getting alot of playing time. If they ain't Rondo's, Morris's etc.... he lets them sit and waste away. because he has never developed a player to their full potential since he has been here.

Rondo and Morris started as freshmen. Chuck Hayes started a few games and played a lot. Keith Bogansstarted nearly 100% of the time.Tayshaun Prince got a lot of minutes for an experienced team as a freshman.Gerald Fitch started for part of his freshman year. Jason Parker started every game his freshman season.


That's a lot of freshmen who've have played a lot of minutes. Seven of them to be exact.I would add Hawkins and Daniels and probably even Marvin Stone to the list of freshmen who have contributed as freshmen.

If you can contribute, you play.

It's unfair to cite a 7 foot project and then suggest that Tubby doesn't play freshman. Carter didn't play because it was clear, by his brief performances late in the season, that he was going to get pushed around. He wasn't ready.


Tubby will play freshmen. That is true. No argument otherwise.

BUT....the Carter I saw early in the year brought more energy and offensive ability than Woo and Shag COMBINED. Carter hustled, he knew what to do when he caught the ball, he made some nice touch putbacks, he blocked some shots. Sure, he was soft physically and needs to get much stronger. But don't tell me that Carter wasn't ready to contribute.

Maybe if Tubby had played Carter in December and January more regularly he would've looked better late in the season.

[Will Lavender]

RaleighCat wrote: Will Lavender wrote: catfando wrote: Thanks for joining the site and pepping us all up with your positive attitude, we all appreciate it greatly. last year we were led to the Elite Eight by a freshman point guard and freshman center. Given Tubby's history of coaching I will say they will all ahve the opportunity to make immediate impact if they work hard enough. It is going to be up to their work ethic as much as Tubby's coaching next season. Now, listen to you mom and if you cant say anything nice, dont say anything at all.


Pot calling the kettle black! Tubby let Hawkins sit in favor of his own son. Carter in favor of Sheray Thomas, Woo, and Shags. These positions were much needed at the time. Yet Tubby chose less talented players to put on the floor. So that's what I mean about freshmen starting and getting alot of playing time. If they ain't Rondo's, Morris's etc.... he lets them sit and waste away. because he has never developed a player to their full potential since he has been here.

Rondo and Morris started as freshmen. Chuck Hayes started a few games and played a lot. Keith Bogansstarted nearly 100% of the time.Tayshaun Prince got a lot of minutes for an experienced team as a freshman.Gerald Fitch started for part of his freshman year. Jason Parker started every game his freshman season.


That's a lot of freshmen who've have played a lot of minutes. Seven of them to be exact.I would add Hawkins and Daniels and probably even Marvin Stone to the list of freshmen who have contributed as freshmen.

If you can contribute, you play.

It's unfair to cite a 7 foot project and then suggest that Tubby doesn't play freshman. Carter didn't play because it was clear, by his brief performances late in the season, that he was going to get pushed around. He wasn't ready.


Tubby will play freshmen. That is true. No argument otherwise.

BUT....the Carter I saw early in the year brought more energy and offensive ability than Woo and Shag COMBINED. Carter hustled, he knew what to do when he caught the ball, he made some nice touch putbacks, he blocked some shots. Sure, he was soft physically and needs to get much stronger. But don't tell me that Carter wasn't ready to contribute.

Maybe if Tubby had played Carter in December and January more regularly he would've looked better late in the season.


I remember seeing Shagari Alleyne do the same things as a freshman. He amazed me the first time I saw him in an exhibition game his freshman season, and then he came back out and played better during the second game.

He's been sitting the bench ever since.

These big guys have to get their bodies right first. The college game is just a different game than they're used to, and so the learning curve is steeper.

And anyway, if we're playing a "He should have played!" game, then what about Shagari. I'll take last year's Shagari over Jared Carter seven days a week. The injustice, if there was one, was there. (IMO.)

[RaleighCat]

Will Lavender wrote: RaleighCat wrote: Will Lavender wrote: Rondo and Morris started as freshmen. Chuck Hayes started a few games and played a lot. Keith Bogansstarted nearly 100% of the time.Tayshaun Prince got a lot of minutes for an experienced team as a freshman.Gerald Fitch started for part of his freshman year. Jason Parker started every game his freshman season.


That's a lot of freshmen who've have played a lot of minutes. Seven of them to be exact.I would add Hawkins and Daniels and probably even Marvin Stone to the list of freshmen who have contributed as freshmen.

If you can contribute, you play.

It's unfair to cite a 7 foot project and then suggest that Tubby doesn't play freshman. Carter didn't play because it was clear, by his brief performances late in the season, that he was going to get pushed around. He wasn't ready.


Tubby will play freshmen. That is true. No argument otherwise.

BUT....the Carter I saw early in the year brought more energy and offensive ability than Woo and Shag COMBINED. Carter hustled, he knew what to do when he caught the ball, he made some nice touch putbacks, he blocked some shots. Sure, he was soft physically and needs to get much stronger. But don't tell me that Carter wasn't ready to contribute.

Maybe if Tubby had played Carter in December and January more regularly he would've looked better late in the season.


I remember seeing Shagari Alleyne do the same things as a freshman. He amazed me the first time I saw him in an exhibition game his freshman season, and then he came back out and played better during the second game.

He's been sitting the bench ever since.

These big guys have to get their bodies right first. The college game is just a different game than they're used to, and so the learning curve is steeper.

And anyway, if we're playing a "He should have played!" game, then what about Shagari. I'll take last year's Shagari over Jared Carter seven days a week. The injustice, if there was one, was there. (IMO.)

I don't disagree, especially when you see what Shag did against UAB. Where was that all year?

Here's what kills me about our bigs the past couple of seasons- Why do we defer to their weaknesses instead of playing to their strenghts? Outside of Morris we never run the offense through Shag/Carter/Woo. I complained several times early in the season that Tubby had our 5 man setting high screens at the top of the key- pulling our biggest rebounder out of position early in the offensive set. No other team has a player like Shag. Very few have player like Carter and Woo. Is it impossible to run some plays for them when they're in the game?

I'm not saying we build an entire offense around Shagari Alleyne or Jared Carter. But when they're in the game we hardly feed them the ball. It's like Tubby doesn't have any offensive sets designed to get the ball to our 7 footer on the block. Why not make our opponents worry about stopping our giants instead of us worrying about how to hide their liabilities?

[Will Lavender]

RaleighCat wrote: Will Lavender wrote: RaleighCat wrote: Will Lavender wrote: Rondo and Morris started as freshmen. Chuck Hayes started a few games and played a lot. Keith Bogansstarted nearly 100% of the time.Tayshaun Prince got a lot of minutes for an experienced team as a freshman.Gerald Fitch started for part of his freshman year. Jason Parker started every game his freshman season.


That's a lot of freshmen who've have played a lot of minutes. Seven of them to be exact.I would add Hawkins and Daniels and probably even Marvin Stone to the list of freshmen who have contributed as freshmen.

If you can contribute, you play.

It's unfair to cite a 7 foot project and then suggest that Tubby doesn't play freshman. Carter didn't play because it was clear, by his brief performances late in the season, that he was going to get pushed around. He wasn't ready.


Tubby will play freshmen. That is true. No argument otherwise.

BUT....the Carter I saw early in the year brought more energy and offensive ability than Woo and Shag COMBINED. Carter hustled, he knew what to do when he caught the ball, he made some nice touch putbacks, he blocked some shots. Sure, he was soft physically and needs to get much stronger. But don't tell me that Carter wasn't ready to contribute.

Maybe if Tubby had played Carter in December and January more regularly he would've looked better late in the season.


I remember seeing Shagari Alleyne do the same things as a freshman. He amazed me the first time I saw him in an exhibition game his freshman season, and then he came back out and played better during the second game.

He's been sitting the bench ever since.

These big guys have to get their bodies right first. The college game is just a different game than they're used to, and so the learning curve is steeper.

And anyway, if we're playing a "He should have played!" game, then what about Shagari. I'll take last year's Shagari over Jared Carter seven days a week. The injustice, if there was one, was there. (IMO.)

I don't disagree, especially when you see what Shag did against UAB. Where was that all year?

Here's what kills me about our bigs the past couple of seasons- Why do we defer to their weaknesses instead of playing to their strenghts? Outside of Morris we never run the offense through Shag/Carter/Woo. I complained several times early in the season that Tubby had our 5 man setting high screens at the top of the key- pulling our biggest rebounder out of position early in the offensive set. No other team has a player like Shag. Very few have player like Carter and Woo. Is it impossible to run some plays for them when they're in the game?

I'm not saying we build an entire offense around Shagari Alleyne or Jared Carter. But when they're in the game we hardly feed them the ball. It's like Tubby doesn't have any offensive sets designed to get the ball to our 7 footer on the block. Why not make our opponents worry about stopping our giants instead of us worrying about how to hide their liabilities?

Good question.

I think it's because Tubby is too hardline. He jerks guys out for problems that I think they need to play through.

HOWEVER, I don't see these guys in practice. It may be that Sheray Thomas busts his butt in practice and Shagari Alleyne loafs. Who knows. But I've always thought Shagari should get a little bit more leeway, whereas Tubby seems to want to rip him out of the game after the first bad play.

Now, I'm not talking here about the off-the-court stuff. That's another issue.