Kentucky Wildcat Fever

Welcome To Kentucky Wildcat Fever!

2009-07-09T12:36:00.002-05:00

Hello Wildcat Fans,

This is the blog all about the University of Kentucky Wildcats. My name is Michael Draper and I am a Senior Producer/Host for the Kentucky CatLine, produced by CRM Sports in Oxford, Mississippi. I grew up loving the Cats and now I get paid to cover them! How cool is that?!?! And now for a little house-cleaning that needs to be brought to attention.

The views and opinions of this blog do not represent those of the Southeastern Conference, the University of Kentucky or any other University featured, CRM Sports, Y'all Magazine, Kentucky Sports Report, Kentucky Ink, Catspause or any other Kentucky Wildcat publication and their affiliates or advertisers.

Go Cats!

- Michael Draper

2009 Recruiting Class: Jon Hood

2009-07-09T12:01:00.005-05:00

When starting to talk about the 2009 recruiting class for the University of Kentucky Men's Basketball team, first we can not fail to mention all of the madness that has surrounded this program and this recruiting class following the change in regime.

Halfway through the season it looked like there would be three, maybe four new additions to the Wildcats roster. The three players that had already committed to wear the blue and white were Texas point guard GJ Vilarino, Oklahoma big man Daniel Orton and Kentucky's own Jon Hood (above). Now as we all know, after the season was over changes were made and the recruiting trail got a lot more crowded. Players were coming and players were going until now we have seemed to settle on the roster that will represent Big Blue Nation come November.

For the second year in a row, the University of Kentucky landed the top player in the Bluegrass state known as "Mr. Basketball". Last year, freshman Darius Miller came in with the reigning title and played his way to becoming one of the key contributors on the offensive and defensive end for the Wildcats. Coach John Calipari should expect the same thing out of incoming freshman and Madisonville, Kentucky, native Jon Hood.

Hood, who was ranked in the top 40 by Rivals.com and given the rank of a 4-star player, was the first commitment of the 2009 class for the Kentucky Wildcats and never wavered one second in that committment, even with the change of coaches after the season.

Most "experts" seem to think that Hood unfortunately will be buried at the end of the bench in his first season as a Wildcat, however, I think he can be a key contributor to the team. Obviously he will need to add some bulk to play night in and night out in the rugged SEC, but with the loss of sharp-shooter Jodie Meeks, Hood, will need to be relied upon for his outside range. Before the departure of Meeks to the Milwaukee Bucks, I honestly thought that I could see a scenario where Jon Hood would be redshirted. And that has absolutely nothing to do with the skill and ability of Jon Hood, but more with the level of talent and veterans that play the same position. I truly believe that Hood could play a big role in UK's march towards March this season. With an extremely talented frontline, most teams will probably try and play zone against the Wildcats and Coach Cal and the rest of the team will look to Hood to fill it up from behind the arc. Let's just hope this Kentucky grown kid is more of a Cameron Mills than a Josh Carrier.

Holy Cal!

2009-07-08T21:27:00.003-05:00

I hate to use the much too often used catch phrase, but, the hiring of John Calipari to become the next basketball coach at the University of Kentucky was, "Just what the doctor ordered."

The Cats were just coming off of the heels of their worst season in almost two decades. Big Blue, led by Billy Clyde Gillispie had missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 17 years. That, coupled with the fact that the in-state, arch rival Cardinals were the number one overall seed in the Big Dance brought big time heat to the seat of BCG. Looking back in hindsight there were a few positives that came out of missing the NCAA Tournament in 2009. First, obviously is the firing of Gillispie, the eventual hiring of Calipari and the top recruiting class that followed. I will get to all of that in a minute (and over the next few weeks) but another positive that showed from the Cats missing the NCAA's was the location of their first round NIT matchup with UNLV. The Wildcats and the Runnin' Rebels (w/o Mr. Jasper) played before a packed and raucous crowd at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington and it was AWESOME! The UK players came away saying they wished to play a game every season on the old UK basketball court. The atmosphere was electric and so was the Wildcats play. The place was so energized it even affected the usually low key Perry Stevenson. But the Cats ended up faultering on the road at Notre Dame (congrats Digger) and the season came to a close.

Following the conclusion of the season there were rampant rumors of BCG not being happy and the UK Administration were likewise upset with Coach Clyde's actions on and off of the court. It all came to a head on Friday, March 28th when UK President Lee Todd and Athletic Director Mitch Barnhardt held a presser announcing the dismissal of current coach Billy Gillispie. Following Gillispie's dismissal various media outlets (ESPN most notibly) began ripping the Cats and the Administration saying that BCG was not given enough time. Now I will be the first to admit that two years is not enough time to judge a coach on wins and losses alone. There is no doubt about that. But there is also no doubt about the fact that Gillispie was let go for far more reasons than just too few wins and too many losses. There are very few people who know exactly what was going on but one thing is for certain, BCG was out and BBN was looking for a new head guy.

After several weeks of speculation and one huge obsession with "The Door" the Wildcats got there guy. On April Fools Day of all days, the University of Kentucky formally announced the hiring of John Calipari from the Memphis Tigers. Calipari strutted into a Lexington press conference looking like he was already ready to raise banner number 8 in Rupp Arena and Kentucky fans everywhere were absolutely loving it. The thing about Gillispie is that, of course the guy did not forget how to coach, that was clearly evident during SEC play in his first season at UK, but he did not have the personality or desire to take on the roll as the Men's Basketball Coach at the University of Kentucky. He wanted to just coach basketball and leave all of the other stuff by the wasteside. And you can absolutely not fault him for that. He has never been a guy that wanted the limelight, and when he got it at UK, he shyed away from it. There have only been a few people with egos big enough to handle this job. Adolph Rupp had it. Rick Pitino had it. Tubby Smith, while not having the big ego per say, had an unbelievable ability to coach from the bench and was always well received by the fans, and finally the new guy on the block... Coach Cal... there is no doubt about it that he is ready to take on the whole responsibility.

In closing, there is little doubt that this is a match made in heaven and that is already clearly evident by the star-studded recruiting class that Coach Cal has already put together in just 4 months of work. He was able to convince Patrick Patterson to stay in school for his junior season, and convince incoming freshmen Daniel Orton and Jon Hood to honor their Letter of Intent to UK. Oh and he was also able to bring along two of the top three point guards in the country in John Wall and Eric Bleadsoe and the top big man in DeMarcus Cousins. These five players combined with juco All-American Darnell Dodson wraps up the #1 recruiting class in the nation for 2009. Over the next few days I will break down each player's game and then will get into the rest of the roster that has seen a big time shake up since season's end. One thing is for sure, the good times are back.

My Bad...

2009-07-07T23:52:00.004-05:00

WOW! I can't believe it has been since March since I have blogged. I am sorry UK fans (all two of you that read this blog). It has been a busy few months for UK and yours truly. First, I can't go through this post without saying something about The King of Pop (above) and Steve "Air" McNair. You will both be sorely missed and God Bless you. May you rest in peace.

Now about me.

I left my job with CRM Sports and while still working someone for them I no longer live in Oxford, MS. Yes, that is right I have relocated to the best state in the Union. The Bluegrass State. I am living just south of Bowling Green in the metropolis of Franklin. I am interning at Western Kentucky, yes the home of the Hilltoppers! I really like my internship. I am working in the Hilltopper Sports Marketing offices in the Athletic Department. The people are really cool and I am really starting to enjoy it, even if it is in sales! (YUCK) But anyhow, I am also enrolled to start grad school (YES GRAD SCHOOL!!!) in the fall at WKU and am trying to get some gigs lined up for part-time work to make ends meet. I am already writing for the Rivals.com website Inside Hilltopper Sports. I am writing for the site and their monthly magazine that shares the same name. I'm also trying to land a few play-by-play or color analyst gigs for high school football in the fall and am also thinking of substitute teaching. Yeah, I know, I am going to be one busy guy.

Anyhow, enough about me. I moved, the hated Lakers won the NBA Championship, and UK has missed the NCAA's, hired a different coach and completely changed the face of the program in a matter of months. First off let me say that I was one person who did not want to see Billy Clyde Gillespie go. I didn't. Now saying that, hiring Coach Cal was a HOMERUN! Absolutely, 100% HOMERUN. I think this is going to be a marriage made in heaven. And it is already evident. The monster recruiting class and stir that this guy has created is unbelievable. WE'RE BAAAACCCKKK!! Anyhow, being that it is late and I have a early morning at WKU, I am going to keep this post short and sweet. Just wanted to let my two readers (GF and MOM) know that I am not dead and that I am going to be picking this thing back up from now on. Over the next few days I am going to go more in depth about the hiring of Coach Cal and each recruit he brought in. Also, at the end of the month I am going to the SEC Football Media Days and will have full UK recap just in time for the 09 Football Season! WOO HOO!

- Michael

LSU vs. UK Preview

2009-03-13T09:44:00.004-05:00

The last time Kentucky and LSU met up this season the Wildcats were just coming off a beat down by South Carolina and LSU was looking to wrap up the SEC regular season crown. Patrick Patterson dominated the LSU big men in the tune of 28 points and 15 rebounds and Kentucky held a 10 point lead midway through the second half. But Marcus Thorton, Tasmin Mitchell and company played spoiler to the Cats big win and dropped the Cats 73-70 on a three by Mitchell with just seconds remaining. Kentucky went on to lose their next two games to Georgia and Florida, while LSU also went on to fall to Vanderbilt and Auburn.

On Thursday, the Wildcats opened first round action by defeating Mississippi 71-58 and setting up a rematch with the Bayou Bengals. I feel like this game will be much like the one up in Rupp Arena just two weeks ago. There is no question that LSU is the more talented team from top to bottom but there is no question that Kentucky has the best two players on the court in Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson. Meeks, who many thought should have been SEC Player of The Year, may have a bit of a chip on his shoulder because he was beaten out by LSU's Thorton. I would think that Jodie uses this as motivation for a big game. Once again LSU has no one to matchup with Patterson on the inside. The biggest concern and probably the key to the game will be Kentucky's ability to limit LSU's perimeter game. In the first half of Thursday's game, Mississippi knocked down several three's but the Wildcats shut them down in the second half. I think LSU's rust and Kentucky's knowing that have to win this game is enough for a Wildcat victory.

UK 73

LSU 66

Cats Rebound, Beat Rebels

2009-03-12T16:19:00.003-05:00

Kentucky fans have been waiting for Freshman Darius Miller (left) to do this. The 2008 Mr. Basketball in the state of Kentucky was known as an explosive type player that was able to score in various ways. At the beginning of the season there were confidence questions and just nerves of being a freshman at the University of Kentucky. About halfway through the season Miller began adding more and more to the Kentucky attack and had people saying he could be the infamous third scorer that Kentucky so desperately needed. Then hit Kentucky's four game losing streak. Even though Miller had a good game at home against LSU knocking down several perimeter shots, he was pretty much non-existent against Georgia and Florida to finish the season. In the season finale against the Gators, Miller only played 15 minutes and had zero points. He needed some redemption and the Wildcats needed him.

Fast forward 5 days to the first round of the 2009 Southeastern Conference Tournament. Kentucky is playing Mississippi in the opening game and is struggling to not only defend the Rebels, but also get points from someone other than Patterson and Meeks. Enter the before-mentioned Miller. The confident Freshman came on strong for the Cats scoring 12 points and making key plays in the final minutes of the ball game to aid the Cats to a 71-58 win over the Rebels. Miller made several slashes to the basket flipping up shots and scoring and had one sweet pass to the wide open Perry Stevenson for a dunk that pretty much sealed the game. "This helps my confidence so much more," Miller says. "To know that my coaches and my teammates trusted me with the ball in my hands at the end, that's something special." Special indeed Mr. Miller. Let's just hope Miller and the Cats continue their special play against SEC Regular Season Champions LSU tomorrow in Tampa.

[W1] LSU vs. [E4] Kentucky

Friday, March 13 1 p.m. ET

UK/UM Preview

2009-03-12T10:54:00.006-05:00

It's the first day of the SEC Tournament and I am green with envy. Envious of all of the blue-clad Wildcat fans and media whom are sitting at the St. Petersburg Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, awaiting the Kentucky/Mississippi game in the first round of the SEC (above) Men's Basketball Tournament, as I sit here in the CRM Sports/Y'all Magazine offices. Now don't get me wrong, I am going home to watch the game. That's the great thing about working in sports. I can say I'm going home to watch the game for "research" and that is the truth. I am hosting the "Y'all Tipoff" show later this afternoon and during that show I will be talking with Chris Fisher of Kentucky Ink to talk about the Wildcats win (hopefully) over Mississippi. So I will get to watch the game (unless Metrocast cable decides to be gay), but anytime I am sitting at home or work instead of a arena on the second weekend of March it brings me great sadness. This is the second straight year I have missed the SEC Tournament. Now obviously I'm not too disappointed about missing last years because I would have been right in the middle of the tornado madness as I was going to cover MSU and Kentucky. But, I still wish I was in Tampa, enjoying the beaches and the games. Oh well, maybe next year.

As for the game this afternoon, there are several factors that could play huge. The first is the health of Mississippi guard David Huertes. He has a bone bruise on his foot and is "questionable." Personally, I think, the only thing questionable about Mr. Huertes is his nationality. I think this is a ploy by Kennedy to try and trick the Kentucky players and staff into thinking that the Rebels leading scorer isn't playing. It shouldn't matter much though because even if he was said to be out for the game I would hope BCG (Billy Clyde Gillispie) wouldn't buy it and prepare for the great shooter. Secondly, how will the atmosphere be? Kentucky is used to playing in front of 24,000 blue-clad fans. Mississippi is used to playing in front of 4,000 snobs and drunks, so if the crowd is sparse it will help the Rebels in my opinion. And lastly, will Jodie Meeks get back to his mid-season form? He has really struggled lately but he is due a big time game. I think he can get it against Mississippi. The Wildcats have got to be the more aggressive team and take it to the Rebels with every chance they get. I see Kentucky jumping out to a big lead and kind of sleep walking through the rest of the game but holding on for a 10-13 point win. But if Mississippi knocks down shots and is more aggressive than Billy's Boys, then it could be a short trip for the Wildcats.

UK 78

UM 65

Tournament Time

2009-03-11T14:01:00.003-05:00

Well, I've done it again Wildcat fans. CRM Sports was running me rampant and quite frankly I have just been too disappointed in the Kentucky Basketball team to write about them for the past few weeks. For that I do NOT apologize. Last time I blogged the Cats had just laid an egg in South Carolina with first place in the SEC East on the line. Since that game the Wildcats lost a heartbreaker to SEC Champion LSU, and on the road to Florida to finish the season. Kentucky finished fourth in the SEC East (8-8) and EwT (Tennessee) won at South Carolina to win the Eastern Division Championship... And Bruce Pearl ripped his shirt.

And yes, I am aware I left out a game in between these two losses but I just don't know how much I can mention losing to the worst team in the league (Georgia) at home (Rupp) on Senior night (Jared Carter... wait... who?).

So after four straight losses the Wildcats find themselves on the outside looking in as far as the NCAA Tournament is concerned. Unless the Cats make a Georgia-like run through the SEC tournament this weekend, they will miss the field of 65 for the first time since 1991. And technically that year does not count because the Wildcats, (Thanks to Eddie Sutton) were on probation.

When looking at the SEC Tournament this year, first I am agitated because I am not present. I went to every tournament from 2002 through 2007 and it was awesome. Secondly, shame on you SEC for moving the Tourney to Tampa. Now, I am not blaming the Southeastern Conference for the current financial crisis, but they should have known that ticket sales would take a hit with team's fans having to travel so far. As for the tournament itself, Kentucky is in what I call the "Payback Bracket" and faces Mississippi (I refuse to call them by their other name) in a rematch of their game from earlier this season. The reason I call it the "Payback Bracket" is because UK has lost at least once to everyone else in their bracket. The "Rebels" beat the Cats 85-80 on Super Tuesday back in January. The other teams in UK's half of the bracket are Georgia, who split with the Cats this year and play Mississippi State. MSU beat the Cats in their only meeting in Rupp earlier this season. The winner of that game plays South Carolina whom swept the Big Blue. And of course, the winner of the Kentucky/Mississippi game plays LSU whom beat the Cats just two short weeks ago.

So with that being said, I look forward to the games this weekend and am indeed hoping for a little redemption out of the Cats. Tomorrow I will be back with a preview/recap of the Ole Miss game and will hopefully follow suite all the way to Sunday.

Go Cats!

2009-02-25T19:52:00.002-06:00

My thoughts exactly Billy G. Needless to say, I was COMPLETELY wrong about the game. The Cats got absolutely dominated by the Gamecocks 77-59 and were made to look like they were children playing against men. It was a pitiful excuse for a game. Well I've said it once and I will say it again Kentucky fans, you wanted a "recruiter" and you got one...

Kentucky @ USC Preview Part 2

2009-02-25T13:55:00.003-06:00

#1. That's right Billy G (left). First place is on the line as the Cats head down to Columbia for a shot for redemption at the Gamecocks. With Florida losing last night to LSU the team who wins tonight's game will have first place all to their lonesome and will have the inside track on winning the SEC's Eastern Division. Both teams sit at 8-4 right now in conference with four games remaining. The Cats finish up with tonight's game, then host LSU and Georgia before heading to Gainesville for the season finale, while the Cocks finish on the road against Vandy and Georgia with a home contest against the Vols squeezed in between. The schedule obviously favors USC so a UK win is a must. You have to think USC will win at least two of the last three so since a Carolina win would mean the Gamecocks sweep the season series with Kentucky, a Wildcat win has to happen for Big Blue to have a claim of the SEC Eastern Division crown.

In more serious news, junior guard/forward Kevin Galloway will not be attending tonight's game after the passing of his grandfather. Galloway has been the topic of much discussion amongst UK fans who are unhappy about the JC transfer's amount of playing time. KG had his best game of the season two weeks ago against Florida and really seemed to have turned a corner but has since taken a step back again. The Cats could have used his length against Devan Downey but we completely understand and wish Kevin and his family the best from the UK family.

As for tonight's game, I really think the Big Blue come out hot. I think they will try and take the crowd out of the game from the start and I think Meeks will return to his Magnificent form. The Cats will need another great performance from Patterson and Darius Miller and will need the role players to make some plays. Perry Stevenson could be the key to the game. USC really does not have anyone who can match up with him so if he can exploit any match up problems I think he can have a big time game. I really have a good feeling about this game and I think the Cats win a nail biter moving them to 9-4 in the SEC and in sole possession of first place and Big Blue Nation will commence by jumping up and down with delight.

Kentucky 79

USC 74

Kentucky @ USC Preview Part 1

2009-02-24T15:56:00.003-06:00

Yes, this game is such a big game that I am breaking down the preview into two different parts. This game, I feel, will decide the Eastern Division Champion and I also feel that it takes place between the two teams from the SEC that have the best shots to make deep runs in the Big Dance. Of course I am talking about the midweek matchup between the Kentucky Wildcats(19-8) [8-4] and the South Carolina Gamecocks (19-6) [8-4]. This game is HUGE as both teams are in a dead heat, along with Florida, for the SEC Eastern Division crown with only four games remaining.

I'm sure all Wildcat fans and Cocky fans alike remember the thriller in Lexington earlier in the season. It was a back and forth game which saw both teams hold 5+ point leads at one point. The Wildcats used a big-time run in the second half to seize control of the game, however, the Gamecocks and Devan Downey (above) fought back gallantly to take the lead but would relinquish that lead in the closing minutes and the Wildcats led by one with 22 seconds left and junior Perry Stevenson at the line shooting two free throws. PS would miss both and Downey would get one more chance to bury the Cats. Trailing 77-76, Downey, guarded closely by Meeks, drove the left side of the lane and stopped on a dime for a pull up jumper that he drained with less than 2 seconds left. UK was unable to get off a decent shot and the Gamecocks pulled off the upset.

Many fans felt that this was indeed an upset and that Big Blue should have won the game. Both of these arguments might be rightfully said, however, Darrin Horn's boys have continued that success throughout SEC play and will be one heck of a challenge for the Cats on the road.

America's PAST..time

2009-02-23T13:48:00.005-06:00

Since I missed a post on Saturday, (was busy watching the game with my fabulous girl friend) I figured I would "Multiple Monday Posting" but instead I will focus soley on a topic we are all tired of hearing about. While I have a few minutes of down time before I am a guest on the Max'd Out radio show in Chattanooga, Tennessee, I wanted to talk a little bit about my man Mr. A-Rod (above) and baseball both in college and in the majors. Now before I say anything let it be known, I am not going to pretend to be a baseball fan. I watch the playoffs because they are somewhat exciting, but I am really just not a fan. In the ranks of my favorite sports baseball is around 5th or 6th and a good distance behind sports like basketball, football and futbol (soccer). But with the recent news of A-Rod juicing, plus UK getting their season started this past weekend, I figured, what the heck, why not talk some baseball?

About two years ago, soon after I had picked a new favorite MLB team by drawing names out of a hat, (Congrats BREWERS!), and when the Mitchell Report surfaced and all of the players were being accused of using the juice, I was honestly glad not to see Alex Rodriguez's name on that list. After Bonds, McGwire, and Palmeiro, I was happy to see that one true great player had managed to do it the right way. Fast forward to February 2009 and boy were we all wrong. A-Rod, who had probably just finished jamming out to a Madonna CD, was interviewed by Peter Gammons and admitted to using Performance Enhancing Drugs. Now, all I am going to say about this... if you were a real man and you really cared about the sanctity of the game, you would say, "Okay, throw out all of my records during those three season, just throw them out. I will still break the home run record and do it the right way." But... of course he won't do that. And quite frankly it really doesn't matter. Bud Selig has run the MLB into the ground while the NFL and NBA are passing it by with no looking back.

And finally before I wrap up today's initial post I just wanted to say that while not being a huge baseball fan, I am excited about Coach Gary Henderson's inaugural season as skipper of the Kentucky Wildcat baseball team. The Cats, who are ranked in the top 25 to start the season, did not get started off on the right foot however. Big Blue went down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a round robin with several teams including Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers beat down the Cats 18-6 in two games. Okay, enough baseball talk, I will be back later for some hardwood harping.

It's Miller Time as Cats Sweep Vols

2009-02-22T19:28:00.005-06:00

In what was their greatest TEAM performance of the season, the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Tennessee Vols 77-58 at Rupp Arena on Saturday, sweeping (above) the the annual series with the Vols and setting themselves up to control their own destiny in the SEC Eastern Division race. The Wildcats welcomed back All-SEC forward Patrick Patterson and he did not disappoint. PP dominated the struggling inside players for UT going off for 19 points after sitting out the last two games against Arkansas and Vanderbilt. Patterson was not alone however, as Billy Gillespie got break out performances out of forwards A.J. Stewart and Darius Miller. Miller, who has shown moments of brilliance throughout his freshman campaign, took off against the Fighting Bruce Pearls for 17 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists in 26 minutes of play.

The Vols, who everyone remembers were Jodie Meeks' personal punching bag back in January, held the nation's third leading scorer to a human-like 14 points. Meeks was not Magnificent but he didn't have to be. Whether it was Mike Porter knocking down some huge three pointers, A.J. Stewart's blocks and outside jumpers or DeAndre Liggins' no look pass that set up a thunderous dunk from Patterson, the role players came to play on Saturday and one has to wonder, if they continue to do this... just how far can this team go? After the game Billy Gillispie was quoted as saying he feels the team is ready to "take off and have a great run to end the season."

The Cats will need to bring their A game this Wednesday night as they go down to Columbia to face one of the two teams they are tied with for SEC East control in the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Kentucky, Tennessee Preview

2009-02-20T10:32:00.005-06:00

54. One number. One player. For those who were completely oblivious to college basketball on January 13th, Kentucky Junior guard Jodie Meeks (above) lit the Tennessee Vols up for 54 points up on Rocky Top. It was the single most points scored by a Kentucky player in a single game EVER. Meeks absolutely dominated the entire game going 15 out of 22 from the field including a ridiculous 10 out of 15 from behind the arc and 14 for 14 from the charity stripe. The performance is and will be the greatest of the season, and yes that includes you ESPN love child Blake Griffin. Coach Billy Gillispie said it was the greatest thing he had seen in his life and I think I might be right there with him. The performance was so good that it earned Jodie a nickname from yours truly. One that I have used on this blog several times. "Meeks The Magnificent" is what I call our great guard out of Norcross, GA.

Now will he do it again against the Vols in Rupp? Highly doubtful but I would not bet against #23. And yes he is playing that good to be able to wear that number for all of you Chicago Bulls fans. Fifty-four might be a stretch for tomorrow's game but the Cats will need another great performance from Meeks in order to sweep the Vols and momentarily have sole possession of first in the SEC Eastern Division. It appears that Patrick Patterson, who is coming off sitting out the past two games with a mild ankle sprain, will try and give it a go against the fighting Bruce Pearls. Tennessee is coming off a terrible loss at Mississippi, a loss that Forward Wayne Chism so adequately described as... and I quote, "we got punked." The Volunteers did just that and they are looking for answers as they are now, just like the Wildcats, playing for their NCAA Tournament lives.

Many questions arise for this game. Will Patterson play? Will Porter and Harris contiune to start? Will Bruce Pearl suddenly become the Incredible Hulk if Jodie Meeks has another Meeks The Magnificent performance? One thing is for sure, this will be a great, physical, tough game and I can't wait to see it. I think PP plays and you see a breakout performance out of several role players. Meeks doesn't score 54 but he doesn't have to. Rupp will be rockin' and the Cats will be a rollin'.

UK 87

TN 76

Fatal Four-Way

2009-02-19T10:54:00.007-06:00

If only it could be decided in the squared-circle. I know I would indeed pay good money to see a Hell-in-the-Cell, Fatal-Four-Way match between Billy Gillispie, Darrin Horn (aka George McFly), Bruce Pearl, and Billy Donovan. But unfortunately, well not really, the teams will get to decide the SEC East on the court.

Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida all sit at 7-4 in the SEC and all tied atop the SEC East. Luckily for us basketball fans, there will be no computers that decide who should win the Eastern Division Championship. Each team pretty much plays each other from here on out so basically each team controls their own destiny. The only teams that no longer matchup with each other are South Carolina and Florida, and they split the season series so that helps us out none. I asked Coach Billy Gillispie about the four-way tie this morning during the SEC Teleconference and if his team was excited to basically control their own destiny.

"We haven't talked about that any at all. You know the thing about that is, it is like coaches say, you know when you play the first game out of sixteen games and when you play eight games there are still eight games to go and even though there is a log-jam at the top right now, there is still 5 games to go which is almost 1/3 of the conference season left so. You know I don't think if you spend all of that time worrying about that and spending energy like that, I think it could be better served elsewhere. Preparing mentally and physically and those kind of things, trying to win the next game. Because you can only win one game or lose one game on a particular day and no matter what the outcome you have to be ready to play the next four."

Which basically coach talk for, "Yeah, we know we are tied and we basically control our own destiny, so we feel good about that." Tennessee has the toughest road ahead as they have to go on the road to Rupp this weekend, then still have to go to Gainesville and Columbia. South Carolina hosts Kentucky and Tennessee and Kentucky hosts Tennessee but goes to USC and the O'Dome, but then also has LSU still on the schedule. And all of these teams are hoping that a team like Vanderbilt, Auburn, Mississippi or Mississippi State doesn't pull a Georgia and win the SEC Tournament stealing a bid from one of them. March Madness indeed.

Grateful Fan

2009-02-18T19:11:00.007-06:00

Tonight makes me even more glad to be a Kentucky Wildcat fan. I am currently sitting at the Ole Miss vs. Tennessee game at Tad Smith Coliseum in Oxford, Mississippi. This within itself is very ironic because of every team in the country (except UofL), I hate these two the most. Having grown up in Mississippi, I have obtained a serious dislike for the Rebels and I pretty much go for ANYONE against them and Tennessee is well, Tennessee. Naturally since it will help UK if TN loses, I am going for the Rebels... well sort of... I cringe every time I cheer for them, but that all is not important, just back story.

The real story of this post is the crowd... or the lack there of. This is my third or fourth Ole Miss game this season so I should really find this to no surprise but the fact that there are probably a grand total of 6-thousand people here is just plain funny. Now before you have a heart attack, the Tad-Pad only holds around 9-thousand so it's not that big of a deal but I am once again reminded that it truly is a great thing to be a fan of the greatest team in the country, one who is followed by the greatest fan base. GO BIG BLUE... NATION!

'Dore Slammed

2009-02-18T12:30:00.003-06:00

I would like to start this post by saying that I NEVER, EVER, EVER blame the refs for a win or loss. I actually despise any fans (even UK fans) who blame the refs for each loss and act like your team can do no wrong.

Now, with that being said. The game last night between the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Kentucky Wildcats was nothing short of a phrase near and dear to my father's heart, "a highway robbery." Now, did the Cats really deserve the win by the way they played? Well... no not really. As unfortunately expected, no one but Jodie Meeks was able to put the ball in the hoop last night. Well, actually I take that back. Two guys who usually log more minutes on the bench than they do field goal attempts, AJ Stewart and Kevin Galloway did finish with 11 and 9 points respectively, however, both of those players, along with everyone else on the team, was in foul trouble throughout the game with Stewart exercising his 5 fouls. I think the two biggest stats of the night that told the story of the game more than any were the numbers 23 to 40 and 31 to 23. The first 23-40 was the free throw attempt discrepancy. The Commodores were 32 of 40 from the charity stripe, while the Cats only attempted 23 free throws. Im not necessarily saying that Vanderbilt got the proverbial "Home Cookin' " from the referees, but the game was called WAY TOO TIGHLY! With 63 free throws attempted you have got to think that the refs were trying to control the game and they did just that. Kentucky is a team that plays extremely intense and physical defense and they were punished by the refs for doing that. But of course, you have to credit Vandy for knocking down the free throws and you have to wonder why UK made no adjustments to the way the game was being called????

The second numbers were 31 to 23 and that was the totals for rebounding for both teams with the smart kids holding a eight board edge. This here is inexcusable. Vanderbilt has no size, and now I know Patterson did not play last night but there is not a single person on the Vanderbilt front line that should out rebound Perry Stevenson, AJ Stewart, and Josh Harrellson and they did just that. Ogivly, who temporarily blinded me with his ridiculously white skin, out played and out hustled every UK front court player and showed why he is the pride of Australia. The Cats must get things fixed and get Patterson healthy if they don't want to get embarrassed at home by a hungry Tennessee team on Saturday...

Familiar Scene

2009-02-17T12:15:00.005-06:00

Almost one year ago the Kentucky Wildcats were entering a tough road game without then Freshman star Patrick Patterson. Kentucky went on to lose to the eventual SEC Champion and then ranked #1 Tennessee Vols on that day but the Wildcats gained a lot of respect from their Southeastern Conference foes for the performance they put on in a 63-60 loss. Forward, Perry Stevenson had his coming out (sort of) party and Seniors Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley did everything they could to keep the Cats close. Well, in this case history does repeat itself as the Cats, minus PP, head down to Nashville to face the mighty Commodores of Vanderbilt. This year Vanderbilt is a mediocre team at best with the loss of Shane Foster and the inconsistant play of A.J. Ogilvy (above), however, Memorial Gym has not been a nice place to the Wildcats and having Patterson out with a mild ankle sprain can only add to the nervous feelings for Wildcat fans.... Oh and last year Vanderbilt took the Cats out to the woodshed with a 41 point thumping... but that was last year.

I had the good fortunes of catching up with my pal National Basketball Writer for Sporting News, Mike Decourcy this morning to talk about tonight's matchup and Mike seems to think we need another "Meeks the Magnificent" performance to win... and I am leaning toward agreeing with him. "If Jodie Meeks is putting up 45, yeah. He obviously has to have a terrific day for Kentucky to win with Patrick gone. But they did win some games last year with Patrick missing, with the combined forces of Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley. I would say that right now, on a given day, although you can throw a lot of defense at one guy... right now from an offensive standpoint, on a really good day, he (Meeks) is as good as both of those really good players... Kentucky has never had an easy time going to Memorial Gym and winning and when you are going with less than a full deck it is going to be harder. Jodie has been really special and the team is playing with great confidence now, so I would at least give them a good chance (at winning the game)." Well said Mike. And for your viewing pleasure Wildcat fans... Nazr Mohammed.

Back To The Basics

2009-02-16T14:39:00.005-06:00

First off, I would like to apologize for my tardiness on getting a new post up. Things at CRM Sports have been hectic and I haven't been able to keep this thing as up to date as I would like but that will change from now on. I promise that. Last time I posted the Wildcats had just won their first SEC game against Vandy to start the conference 1-0. Since then the Cats started off by reeling off four straight to start the SEC at 5-0 and break into the Top 25 for the first time all year. Oh and did I mention Jodie Meeks scored 54 points on the road in Thompson-Bouling against the "mighty" fighting Bruce Pearls? The good times were short lived however, as the Cats went on to lose three straight to both Mississippi schools and those pesky Gamecocks of South Carolina, which had many UK die-hards screaming for BCG's (above) job. After the three straight losses and the eventual meltdown of Catspause, Kentucky Ink and Kentucky Sports Report, the Cats had a week off and got back to their winning ways and Mr. Meeks got back to his domination of SEC opponents against Florida at home and on the road against Arkansas. Meeks scored 45 in Bud Walton Arena, which was a new record, and the Cats improved to 7-3 in the SEC tied with South Carolina and Tennessee for first place.

The Wildcats next challenge comes in the form of not only their opponent, the Vandebilt Commodores, but in the gym that they will be playing. That being Vanderbilt's Memorial Coliseum. Last year, Gillispie's team came into Memorial playing some pretty decent basketball and they left wondering if they should just give up on the season right then and there. The smart kids put a good ole country whoopin' on the Cats, with a final score of 93-52. The 41 point loss was the worst EVER by the Wildcats in SEC play and I would hope that Coach Clyde has had this one circled for 363 days and counting. When asked about the game against the Commodores Gillispie commented, "Well, we are looking forward to going over there, they are really playing well. That has definitely coincided with Olgilvy getting healthier... It's a team that is really, really, really escalating their play really well."

Kentucky is hoping to have the services of Sophomore forward Patrick Patterson who has been out a week with a mild ankle sprain. Patterson's availability is still uncertain but one thing is definitely not, if Vanderbilt does not get a hand up in the face of Jodie Meeks ever time down the floor, that 41 points I previously spoke of will be in jeopardy... not because someone will win the game by more than that amount, but because "Meeks the Magnificent" will score well more than that.

Dynamic Duo Downs Dores

2009-01-11T15:45:00.007-06:00

In what was perhaps their most complete effort as a team in one half of basketball, the Wildcats used a 24-6 run to grab control of the contest from the Commodores after trailing much of the first half. UK received the usual efforts out of Sophomore Patrick Patterson and Junior Jodie Meeks, who are becoming the best dynamic duo since Batman and Robin (above). The inside-outside punch combined for 32 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and perhaps more importantly only 2 turnovers. Patterson and Meeks have become arguably the best 1-2 punch in not only the Southeastern Conference but perhaps even the nation. Rivals.com ranks both of these players in their top 5 at their respective positions and I can't say I disagree with the website at all.

Even with Patterson and Meek's dominance, BBN (Big Blue Nation) has been dying for an infamous third scoring option to emerge from the darkest corners of historic Rupp Arena, but who would it be? Inconsistant, yet talented Freshman DeAndre Liggins? Josh Harrelson, the player whom Coach Gillispie said was regressing with his play thusfar this season? Or perhaps forwards AJ Stewart and Perry Stevenson,? Stewart, who could not stay out of Gillispie's dog house during his Freshman campaign and Stevenson, the player who emerged late last year only after the foot injury to the before mentioned Patterson, have yet to really show any signs of being that guy thus far. With inconsistant play from all of these players and others on the UK roster, fans were wanting to know... would either of these Wildcats answer the challenge and become that third scorer? Well, yes, yes , yes and yes. Not only would these four players show up big time in the Wildcats first SEC contest, but so would the two players who not only injured each other earlier in the season, but have also become the two most criticized players for the Wildcats this season.

Ramon Harris and Michael Porter, along with Liggins, Stewart, Stevenson and Harrelson used high energy, great defense and timely baskets to push the Wildcat lead in the second half up to twenty points, a lead that allowed the Wildcats to withstand a late Vandy rally and still hold on for the 10 point win. Now while only combining for 31 points (1 point short of Patterson/Meeks), the "Not-So Fan Favorite Four" did come through for the coaching staff and their teammates with crucial plays in the game. Liggins, Stevenson and Stewart continued their great play on the defensive end combining for 4 blocks, 5 steals and 8 rebounds. Harris and Harrelson stretched the Vandy defense and opened up the lane for Patterson by stroking several shots from behind the three point arc, and Junior Michael Porter, who has perhaps been the most criticized Wildcat of all this season and was coming off perhaps his best performance in a Wildcat uniform against Louisville, finished with a line of 8 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists and 2 turnovers in 24 minutes of play.

I think BBN has gotten what they wanted, sort of... We all knew that for Kentucky to make a serious run at their 44th SEC title, the Wildcats would need someone other than Patterson and Meeks to play well. And while it may not be just one person, the combined efforts of these and other UK role players just may be what the Wildcats need.

They're Back!

2009-01-08T10:20:00.006-06:00

As I mentioned yesterday, Junior Linebacker Micah Johnson had Kentucky fans excited by his facebook status that made everyone think that he was coming back to Lexington for his senior season. Well, it is now official, after receiving a 3rd-5th round NFL Draft grade, Micah has announced that he will be coming back for his fourth and final season with the Wildcats. Johnson, whose younger brother Christian is going to be an incoming freshmen next season at UK, said that he looks forward to coming back to UK and working hard with his brother and bringing another winning season to the Wildcat fans. We are ready for that too Micah!

It is also expected that junior defensive end Jeremy Jarmon will be announcing a similar verdict and returning to Kentucky for a senior campaign and many more theatrical plays, after receiving a 5th-7th round draft grade from the National Football League. The Memphis, Tennessee, native, who is known just as much around UK for his performances off the field ashe is on the field, has been one of the SEC tackle and sacks leaders over the past two seasons.

The only other Wildcat who is thinking about jumping to the NFL a season early is UK star defensive back Trevard Lindley. Wildcat fans may not be so excited when they officially hear the decision of Trevard. He has yet to announce his decision, however, the All-SEC defensive back was given a 2nd round grade by NFL personnel and will likely not be returning for his fourth season under Coach Rich Brooks. Lindley, who has been bitten by the injury bug several times during his career at UK, was named to the All-SEC Team and All-American teams in his first two seasons with the Wildcats.

Welcome To Kentucky Wildcat Fever

2009-01-07T13:24:00.001-06:00

Hello Wildcat Faithful,

This is the blog all about University of Kentucky Wildcat Athletics. I cover the Wildcats on a daily basis for the CRM Sports radio show and podcast Kentucky CatLine. You can find links for various Wildcat information sites such as Kentucky Sports Reports (Scout.com affiliated website), Kentucky Ink (ESPN affiliated website), and the Kentucky CatLine show on this website. Also at the bottom of the page is a direct link to the latest episode of Kentucky CatLine, so please check it out!

Not much news on the Wildcat front today. Per facebook, (yeah I know) it looks as if All-SEC Linebacker Micah Johnson will NOT forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. Hopefully fellow juniors Jeremy Jarmon and Trevard Lindley will follow suite and come back to Lexington. On Tuesday, Micah's facebook status said he wanted to comeback and go the BCS and be the best Linebacker in the country. Obviously the later is more obtainable than the BCS birth for the Wildcats, but I appreciate the optimism Micah!

Football recruiting is hitting full swing with Signing day just about a month away. I will have updates over the next few weeks in that department.

And the UK Men's Basketball team is getting ready to kickoff its SEC schedule this weekend with a visit from those pesky Vanderbilt Commodores. Shane Foster, who has been the proverbial thorn in UK's side for the past four seasons, is now gone and singing about the NBA... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk0aQg0p6Bw ... The Wildcats (11-4) enter the SEC schedule recovering from a heart-breaking loss to in-state rival Louisville, while Vandy (11-3) has been hot of late winning six in a row and picking up wins against powerhouses like Tennessee Tech and Furman.

UK/Vandy Prediction:

UK 84

Vandy 76