UK-UGA Review

[UKBOO]

We missed the start of the game. Crawford, obviously, went off. Maybe having the lights come on for real cooled him a bit, because he only made one more three the rest of the game. But the real shooting story: The rest of the team went 0'fer from outside. Every team is going to have a poor shooting night every now and then. We hear the term live by the three and die by the three. That phrase does not apply to UK at all. Even though they shot poorly from the outside, they still did enough of the other things to make up for it. I do not give credit to UGA for the lower shooting %. UK got the shots they wanted. They just missed more than usual. I have been extremely pleased with the shot selection all year. About the only thing they didn't do well was shoot. They rebounded, defended and took care of the ball. There have been several nights where they shot well, but did poorly in those areas and lost. Bradley and Harris are my co-players of the game. In the past, Bradley would have gone away from the game plan if he struggled. Not last night. He found a way to help the team and that is what good players do. Harris was a defending, rebounding and passing machine. Gains got 10, but he only got 1 basket while Harris was in the game. THAT is impressive.
I've noticed that UK is ruining some different sets now. I think that was sorely needed after the Vandy game.. This is a game that IF UK adds decent shooting to everything else it did, UK routs UGA. BUT they did not. I don't think this team knows how to rout anyone. I don't think its possible. But what they do know how to do is much more impressive. They know how to close out games. If UK is up by five with 3 minutes left, UK takes the game. I really like how this team performs..

[IAM4UK88]

Good review.

I was pleased with these aspects of UK's game last night:

-- They VALUED the ball (single-digit turnovers).
-- They closed the deal at the stripe, again. Forcing teams into late-game fouling situations has been good for the 'Cats this year, because they sink free throws.
-- They overcame poor shooting with stingy defense.

I was displeased with the fact that UGA got too many shots, courtesy of too may rebounds. Block out, beloved 'Cats.

[UKBOO]

Good review.

I was pleased with these aspects of UK's game last night:

-- They VALUED the ball (single-digit turnovers).
-- They closed the deal at the stripe, again. Forcing teams into late-game fouling situations has been good for the 'Cats this year, because they sink free throws.
-- They overcame poor shooting with stingy defense.

I was displeased with the fact that UGA got too many shots, courtesy of too may rebounds. Block out, beloved 'Cats.

I thought it was a weird rebounding game. Guards led BOTH teams. I think that if UK shoots a better %, they take away some of UGA's defensive boards.
They moved the ball well and with purpose last night. Much better timing.

[ProfJT]

I agree. Especially during the last 10 min of the game. It wasn't like UK was not getting good shots. Ramel had some really good looks, but just couldn't get them to fall. He was only 4 for 13; not a good night for him. Patterson also missed shots that he normally is money on, and he ended up 8 of 15; very poor according to his usual standards. Plus, Stevenson usually can knock down those open 15 footers, but not last night. Had some of those shots gone down, which they normally do, then we pretty much cruise last night. Hopefully, shots will be falling Saturday. Otherwise we are in for a long day against the Hogs.

[UKBOO]

I agree. Especially during the last 10 min of the game. It wasn't like UK was not getting good shots. Ramel had some really good looks, but just couldn't get them to fall. He was only 4 for 13; not a good night for him. Patterson also missed shots that he normally is money on, and he ended up 8 of 15; very poor according to his usual standards. Plus, Stevenson usually can knock down those open 15 footers, but not last night. Had some of those shots gone down, which they normally do, then we pretty much cruise last night. Hopefully, shots will be falling Saturday. Otherwise we are in for a long day against the Hogs.

YES, we saw it very much the same. And you said it well. UK needs last night's game PLUS better shootng on Saturday...

[kynut]

I saw this game as pretty much another "root canal". At first it looked like a blowout, but GA went man-to-man and we lost our momentum. Bright spot was our offense against their zones....passing was crisp and we were finding the open man. It was pretty to watch.

This game is a PERFECT illustration of our dilemma against a man-to-man defense....we are only putting three shooters on the floor and we run our man-to-man offense very well to get open looks but we always end up with Coury, Stevenson, or Jasper with those open looks because the other team knows us like a book and pretty much backs off them and helps on our three shooters. Those three non-shooters are unable to consistently finish. It is now perfectly clear to me that our success down the road is going to be directly dependent on whether Jasper and Stephenson can make their open shots and/or whether Meeks can return and be a fourth scoring threat that will force the other team to defend all five spots. We will not be successful against the better teams playing three on five.

This was another good win for us even if it wasn't easy, and keeps us squarely on the bubble.

[UKhoov]

The shooting went way off and that had alot to do with how they caught back up. I agree though we have NO IDEA how to put teams away, but more importantly we do know how to finish a very close and tight game.

Something I thought was funny is how Stevenson took his open shots at the foul line but missed and then Dykes says something about how he doesnt need to shoot those.

But then a few minutes later praised how well he shoots his free throws....I mean come on it is basically the same exact shot.

Also I would like to see on offense is getting a pick for Harris with him cutting to the basket. Im pretty sure he can finish around the rim, I just dont like to see him dribble into the paint.

Plus we had another AJ sighting...I dont know why but I just like seeing him on the court.

[UKBOO]

The shooting went way off and that had alot to do with how they caught back up. I agree though we have NO IDEA how to put teams away, but more importantly we do know how to finish a very close and tight game.

Something I thought was funny is how Stevenson took his open shots at the foul line but missed and then Dykes says something about how he doesnt need to shoot those.

But then a few minutes later praised how well he shoots his free throws....I mean come on it is basically the same exact shot.

Also I would like to see on offense is getting a pick for Harris with him cutting to the basket. Im pretty sure he can finish around the rim, I just dont like to see him dribble into the paint.

Plus we had another AJ sighting...I dont know why but I just like seeing him on the court.

I see Harris as a very good finisher around the rim as well. As you said, the dilemma is getting his there. I think he has the hops and the size for back door ally ops. I agree with you as far as the shooting of the "other three". Stevenson hits the shots he normally does and it opens things for others. I love Jasper but he needs to be able to finish in the lane. The play him to pass for a reason. He is a very small step away from being a difference maker. And that small step is finishing.

[RP_McMurphy]

Will not win many games in blowouts. It lacks the offensive firepower to do so at this point. Every game will have to be a knock down drag it out affair.

[Will Lavender]

This game is a PERFECT illustration of our dilemma against a man-to-man defense...

Actually we've been very good against the man-to-man this year, but atrocious against the zone. Last night was a bit of a reversal, as we hammered their zone early and then got locked down against the man.

One reason: Gaines gave it to Bradley all night. Kind of felt sorry for Ramel after the game. You're looking at two different caliber of player there, and Gaines got the best of him again and again. Our offense couldn't do much because Ramel wasn't operating the way he has.

We did fare better against the man midway through the second half, when we got some transition looks and Patterson and Joe started to get into the paint. When Jasper came into the game late, they switched to the zone again and started to really frustrate us -- mainly because we couldn't shoot.

Doesn't matter what defense you look at or what sets you run: if you can't shoot the basketball, you're going to struggle.

[Ukosumu]

Doesn't matter what defense you look at or what sets you run: if you can't shoot the basketball, you're going to struggle.

Totally agree. If the ball doesn't fall throught the cylinder, it makes for a long night. Fortunately, we played defense and made the free throws we had to make.

[kynut]

Actually we've been very good against the man-to-man this year, but atrocious against the zone. Last night was a bit of a reversal, as we hammered their zone early and then got locked down against the man.

You have a point.....we have looked both good and bad against both defenses at times. Nothing unexpected in that. My main point was, we are not going to be successful against top-tier teams if we continue to let man-to-man defenses sag off of TWO players to help on our three scorers. Last nights game highlighted that problem very well. Stevenson and Jasper simply would not shoot the open shot. Coury and Harris are obvious non-scorers. We've got to get enough scoring from their positions to keep a defense halfway honest or we're gonna be dead ducks. Jasper needs to take the shot on the many open looks he is getting (all of a sudden he's timid again) and Stevenson needs to shoot and make the foul line jumper if he's going to play the high post to any advantage. Otherwise we are still playing 3 on 5 and that ain't gonna work forever.

[I. Melvin]

The only good thing about last night was that we got the win, rather than blow yet another lead because our offensive concept is wretched.

I thought TubbyBall left town. Not sure this putrid style is a good fit for UK. Once again, it's a good fit for a UGA or a Tulsa or a TAMU, but not for a program that expects to be Top Ten every year.

And, yes, I know we're a little thin, but we had at least two high school All-Americans on the floor at all times. If we require five for this style to be truly effective, we have not upgraded in the least.

Very disappointed.

[Will Lavender]

I thought TubbyBall left town. Not sure this putrid style is a good fit for UK. Once again, it's a good fit for a UGA or a Tulsa or a TAMU...

Don't forget Georgetown, UCLA, and really Florida (who played slower than UK the last two years). Those teams have combined for five Final Fours in the last three years, and all of them (especially the first two) play slow-down, grind-it-out, defense-first basketball.

[I. Melvin]

So who wants to watch Georgetown or UCLA?

Hell, we were scoring 100 points before the three-point shot was a gleam in Pitino's eye. Like I said so many times during the Tubby years - style matters because it leads to recruiting success or failure.

And I remember you've used some kinda Bayesian analysis in the past to prove that UF played slower than we did, but it doesn't pass the reality test. I suspect the truth is that Florida actually passed the ball with a purpose (you know, within the context of a real offense, setting screens at the top of the key leading to dunks for a no-talent like Noah, but I digress ... )

Look at the styles played by the top four teams in the country right now. Which of those is predicated on pouring sand in the gastank? Why do you think those teams are getting their pick of players, while we are left looking at Juco's and felons?

[Will Lavender]

So who wants to watch Georgetown or UCLA?

Apparently guys like Greg Monroe and Kevin Love.

[Will Lavender]

And I remember you've used some kinda Bayesian analysis in the past to prove that UF played slower than we did, but it doesn't pass the reality test. I suspect the truth is that Florida actually passed the ball with a purpose (you know, within the context of a real offense, setting screens at the top of the key leading to dunks for a no-talent like Noah, but I digress ... )

True, but the "style" was inside-out. This led to a lot more 75-60 slugfests than it did 100-85 Pitinoesque track meets.

The truth is, winning basketball is fun. Last year's Texas A&M team was fun. Tubby Smith's best teams were fun. Everybody loves to win; problem right now is that we haven't won the way the best Kentucky teams have. But we will, and that's when it will get really exciting again.

[sardiscat]

"At first it looked like a blowout, but GA went man-to-man and we lost our momentum."

That's what Felton said changed things when he was interviewed by the sideline babe after halftime, but the game changed even before GA went man-to-man. After UK got the 20-4 lead, there was a stretch where UK was missing easy shots (wide open 3 point attempts by Crawford along with some layups) at its end while GA was hitting prayers at its end. This team doesn't have the firepower to blow anybody out, but a lot of teams have done damage in the NCAAs with 3 unstoppable scorers, which UK has. I have always been one of those who thought that Joe Crawford was quite a bit overrated, but I have to say that it has been an absolute joy to watch him play this year.

[KyLydia]

I couldn't stay up to watch the game (4:15 comes awfully early, these days!) but I'm really pleased with the Cats' free throw shooting. So often, you see tournament games come down to a team's free throw performance. I've had my doubts, but I think we're positioning ourselves for a good run at the conference tournament.

[blewis18]

So who wants to watch Georgetown or UCLA?

Hell, we were scoring 100 points before the three-point shot was a gleam in Pitino's eye. Like I said so many times during the Tubby years - style matters because it leads to recruiting success or failure.

And I remember you've used some kinda Bayesian analysis in the past to prove that UF played slower than we did, but it doesn't pass the reality test. I suspect the truth is that Florida actually passed the ball with a purpose (you know, within the context of a real offense, setting screens at the top of the key leading to dunks for a no-talent like Noah, but I digress ... )

Look at the styles played by the top four teams in the country right now. Which of those is predicated on pouring sand in the gastank? Why do you think those teams are getting their pick of players, while we are left looking at Juco's and felons?

If they win championships a lot of people want to watch them, like recruits, fans, coaches, God, and even Canada. I'll take championships scoring two points a game.