OFFICIAL Kentucky Wildcats 2008 topic; good job on an outstanding effort, Cats! Let's get 'em in 20

Estil

Well guys, now that the first AP Poll of the regular season is out (we start in #20th place), I figured now would be a good time to start the Official Kentucky Wildcats quest for a return to the Final Four! Let's see how well the first year of the Gillispie Administration goes and I'm especially looking forward to our meeting with first place North Carolina (we now play them every year just like Loserville and Indiana)! Let's go Cats!!!

2008 REGULAR SEASON (our 105th!)
=============================
Home Games: ALL CAPS
Wins: Bold
Losses: Italics
----2K Sports College Hoops Classic----
Nov 06 CENTRAL ARKANSAS (67-40)
Nov 07 GARDNER-WEBB (68-84)
--------------Interconference--------------
Nov 21 LIBERTY (80-54)
Nov 24 TEXAS SOUTHERN (83-35)
Nov 27 STONY BROOK (62-52)
Dec 01 NORTH CAROLINA #1 (77-86)
Dec 08 @ Clown University #15 (51-70)
Dec 15 vs Alabama-Birmingham (76-79)
Dec 18 @ Houston (69-83)
Dec 22 TENNESSEE TECH (69-47)
Dec 29 SAN DIEGO (72-81)
Dec 31 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL (92-49)
Jan 05 LOSERVILLE (75-89)
--------Southeastern Conference--------
Jan 12 VANDERBILT #13 (79-73 OT)
Jan 15 @ Mississippi St. (64-69)
Jan 19 @ Florida (70-81)
Jan 22 TENNESSEE #3 (72-66)
Jan 26 SOUTH CAROLINA (78-70)
Feb 02 @ Georgia (72-58)
Feb 06 @ Auburn (66-63)
Feb 09 ALABAMA (62-52)
Feb 12 @ Vanderbilt #24 (52-93)
Feb 16 @ LSU (67-63)
Feb 19 GEORGIA (61-55)
Feb 23 ARKANSAS (68-53)
Feb 27 MISSISSIPPI 58-54
Mar 02 @ Tennessee #1 60-63
Mar 05 @ South Carolina 71-63
Mar 09 FLORIDA 75-70

SEC Tournament
============
Quartfinals: Georgia 56-60 OT Cheaters...

NCAA Tournament
=============
First Round: Marquette 66-74

frankhardy

Go Big Blue!

Tap4black

Um............Gardner-Webb

detroitfan2

alnavman

Charlottes Web/??? HUH?

Estil

How the hell did that no name team beat us so badly? That's okay, we started both the 1996 and 1997 seasons 1-1 and we made the National Championship game both years. We still have plenty of basketball to play and I have no doubt we WILL be a serious Final Four contender this year.

alnavman

Don't feel bad about the loss......Ohio State, which is the college team I follow lost to Division II Findlay last night...

Estil

Your basketball team lost to them I hope. It'd be quite tragic if your football team suffered that fate.

alnavman

Yup, it was the basketball team....another reason why Ohio State doesn't want to play any of the in state teams in basketball OR football....really embarrasing. Cincinnati would give the football team a good game this year.....and you notice what happened when Xavier played Ohio State in basketball the last time...they should have beat them....The buckeyes stay away from most of the in state college teams in basketball.

frankhardy

That was horrible.

I thought this was funny - Colin Cowherd had a segment with call-ins where he played "Sue you or Division 2" where he named a name, and the caller had to guess whether it was a Division 2 school or if it was a lawyers firm.

Estil

Alright guys, I think our last three wins (the last one could've been better) helped us recover from that, eh, incident with Garder-Webb. So how do you guys like our chances against pulling off the big upset against soon-to-be former #1 ranked North Carolina? I bet there's going to be a lot of disappointed fans at the Dean Smith Center.

css23

I'm a die hard Cats fan but I wont be shocked if the Heels win by 20+. Tubby left the cupboard pretty bare. Gonna be a rough season I'm afraid.

Estil

Well, Mr. Gillispie tried very hard on the recuiting last off-season and I definetly like his coaching style. I have a feeling we're going to surprise a lot of people today.

And not to put any pressure on our Cats, but if we don't make it to the Final Four this year or next, it'll break our streak of being in the Final Four every full decade (at least once) we've had the NCAA Tournament. Also, you do realize that four of our seven championships came in years ending in "8", and this season ends in 8, maybe it's a sign?

PS: Just so you guys know, should we pull off this upset, don't count on us storming the court (they typically don't in basketball even if we're the big underdog). I think we should, but you know how that goes...

Estil

Well, no upset against the 'Heels this time, but I still think we're going to continue to improve this year. Hopefully a nice upset against Clown U this Saturday will lift their spirits and lift us back in the rankings.

css23

Alex Legion is transferring. Sucks to see such a talented kid bail. From everything I read his Mom is quite the headcase and was behind his early exit.

jaxxr

Always been a big KU basketball fan, UCLA too, but regardless...

Hope the new coach gets a reasonable chance to prove his worth. I feel he can become a really outstanding leader.

Estil

Tubby was an outstanding leader too, but I guess coming just a double OT short of the Final Four in 2005 wasn't enough. Dick Vitale was absoultely right during the North Carolina game where he felt much the same way I do; Tubby deserved better. I do think the fans will be more patient (relatively speaking) with Mr. Gillispie as he has a much more "UK fan friendly" playing style (we tend to prefer fast paced, full court press type games like Benerick used to do).

frankhardy

What is the current status on Alex Legion. I heard he was transferring. Then, I heard he was staying. Where, if he does, will he trasfer to? Has he said? I hope he stays.

css23

<< <i>What is the current status on Alex Legion. I heard he was transferring. Then, I heard he was staying. Where, if he does, will he trasfer to? Has he said? I hope he stays. >>



Last I heard hes filed the paperwork to transfer. UK has signed off on it. No word on where he is going.

css23

<< <i>Tubby was an outstanding leader too, but I guess coming just a double OT short of the Final Four in 2005 wasn't enough. Dick Vitale was absoultely right during the North Carolina game where he felt much the same way I do; Tubby deserved better. I do think the fans will be more patient (relatively speaking) with Mr. Gillispie as he has a much more "UK fan friendly" playing style (we tend to prefer fast paced, full court press type games like Benerick used to do). >>



I personally cant stand how Vitale takes a stab at the Kentucky fan base every chance he gets. It's truly sickening. Tubby was asked 2 years in a row to make assistant coaching changes due to poor recruiting. Then when Tubby leaves for Minnesota he doesnt take a single assistant with him!

Vitale continues to cram the fact Tubby averaged 26 wins a seasons. He fails to mention Tubby had multiple double digit loss seasons, poor conference finishes not to mention 20+ players transferred under Tubbys watch.

Vitales ignorance rang true towards the of the Carloina game when he said I hope Patterson stays another year and gives Gillispie a chance to BUILD a team around him.

If Tubby had been recruiting there would be a team around him now, instead we are stuck with the likes of Coury and Porter.

I just hope the fans give Gillispie a chance, he has little to work with this season.

MajorDanby

i give kentucky two more years before they become a real powerhouse again (i.e. Nat'l Championship material)....the same time trajectory for howland at UCLA. It took Roy williams one year to get UNC back on track....but he had doughtery's recruits to work with.

frankhardy

<< <i>

<< <i>Tubby was an outstanding leader too, but I guess coming just a double OT short of the Final Four in 2005 wasn't enough. Dick Vitale was absoultely right during the North Carolina game where he felt much the same way I do; Tubby deserved better. I do think the fans will be more patient (relatively speaking) with Mr. Gillispie as he has a much more "UK fan friendly" playing style (we tend to prefer fast paced, full court press type games like Benerick used to do). >>



I personally cant stand how Vitale takes a stab at the Kentucky fan base every chance he gets. It's truly sickening. Tubby was asked 2 years in a row to make assistant coaching changes due to poor recruiting. Then when Tubby leaves for Minnesota he doesnt take a single assistant with him!

Vitale continues to cram the fact Tubby averaged 26 wins a seasons. He fails to mention Tubby had multiple double digit loss seasons, poor conference finishes not to mention 20+ players transferred under Tubbys watch.

Vitales ignorance rang true towards the of the Carloina game when he said I hope Patterson stays another year and gives Gillispie a chance to BUILD a team around him.

If Tubby had been recruiting there would be a team around him now, instead we are stuck with the likes of Coury and Porter.

I just hope the fans give Gillispie a chance, he has little to work with this season. >>




I like Vitale, but you are right about Tubby. I even like Tubby as a coach, but he could not recruit worth a crap. When he left, it left the team in bad shape. Coury and Porter may improve, but I don't think they will. Of course, it would help if we could get Jodie Meeks back.

Think about it - in Billy G's first year, he brought in (arguably) a better recruit (Patterson) than ANY that Tubby brought in. In Tubby's 10 years, how many of his players are in the NBA? I can only think of 5 - Tayshaun Prince, Keith Bogans, Kelenna Azubuike, Randolph Morris, and Rajon Rondo.

Connecticoin

2 losses already? The SEC schedule is gonna be brutal!!

css23

3 losses. No offense whatsoever and 2 key guys injured. Nit bound at this pace.

Estil

You will NOT say that word and Kentucky in the same sentence! *ahem* But yes, we're going to have to do a lot better than this if we're going to be any kind of contenders. But there's still plenty of basketball left and we don't quit!

AkbarClone

Estil

Great... First we blow a two touchdown lead and lose to another no name school, and now this latest loss (first four loss streak since 1991). Based on our latest performance at Houston, we have a problem.

Dolphins fans, can I borrow one of your paper sacks with the eye holes in it?

Estil

Well, I'm glad we managed to be Tennessee Tech. Just a couple more no-name schools and then we face Loserville. Hopefully 8-5 will get us at least reasonably back on track for SEC play. I know we don't look very good now but it's far too early to give up now.

Estil

Kentucky just upset #13 Vanderbilt in OT today! Looks like the Cats aren't gonna quit! We still got 15 games left to go and a lot can happen. It is far too early to just give up now.

frankhardy

There was a day, not too long ago, that we would have blown out Vandy. There was a day when UK would have been 16-0. Makes me mad! Bring back Jamal Mashburn, Ron Mercer, Antoine Walker, Jeff Sheppard, and Tony Delk!!!!!!!!

ddbird

Vandy didn't turn it up until the 2nd half. If they had been playing full UK woulda been hurting.

But nice win. Enjoyable game.

What you SHOULD be worried about is Jan. 22nd....

F1ferrari

I can't wait until Jan 22 and then March 2. Hopefully, UT won't have any serious injuries before those games and we can wrap up the SEC east.

I do believe that within 2-3 years, Gillispie will build Uk back into a powerhouse. Tubby's poor recruting during his time is what has put UK in the boat it is in right now.

Estil

<< <i>There was a day when UK would have been 16-0. >>



Yeah, 2003.

Estil

Well folks, many people had Kentucky figured for dead, but this just goes to show that the Cats will not quit! We have four games left on the season (including a rematch of second place Tennessee) and I have no doubt we can still get in the big dance with a decent seed (with the help of a strong showing in the SEC Tournament too). Let's go for that second upset of the Vols!

And no, you're not seeing things with that "return to the Final Four" part of the topic. We think big at Kentucky, and if 11th seeded George Mason can make the Final Four (back in 2006), so can we! It'd be a nice change of pace for once to make it big in the NCAA Tourney as an underdog.

Estil

It was a shame we came up a little short against Tennessee today, but give the Cats credit. You know, to have heard a lot of my fellow Cat fans talking, after we lost Patterson to injury, their 'tude was all like "it's over, we're done" or whatever. But these Cats don't quit, do they? So kudos to UK for an outstanding effort and let's put it this way, I'd much rather we beat Tennesse later in the SEC Tournament anyway

ddbird

I was impressed with Kentucky's play. They really stepped up.

Estil

All that's left now is the defending champs for the final regular season game and then the SEC Tournament (it's very important we make a good showing here to not only get in but get in with a half decent seed).

You know, if we're really lucky, maybe we'll get another crack at Tennessee in the SEC Tournament!

Estil

Well folks, we just properly desposed of the defending champs this afternoon (which gave us a perfect home conference record) and it's now SEC Tournament time, baby! If we make the SEC Tourney finals, we can get another crack at Tennessee again! I think we should already be in the NCAA field, but the question now becomes, how good a seed you guys think we can get? I mean, last year I think we got an 8 or 9 seed and we had 12 losses on that year. Hopefully a good deep run in our conference tourney (not to mention if we can upset the Vols in the final) will help our seeding some.

ddbird

I'd be fine with Kentucky going to the finals for the SEC tourney...I'd like to see them a high seed in the big dance.

But I can't wish you much luck if they match up against Tennessee again. On your own there.

Connecticoin

Kentucky will make the final four -- of the NIT

Estil

<< <i>I'd be fine with Kentucky going to the finals for the SEC tourney...I'd like to see them a high seed in the big dance.

But I can't wish you much luck if they match up against Tennessee again. On your own there.

>>



We came within three points of 'em at THEIR arena. So don't count us out.

Estil

<< <i>Kentucky will make the final four -- of the NIT >>



You wish.

ddbird

<< <i>

<< <i>I'd be fine with Kentucky going to the finals for the SEC tourney...I'd like to see them a high seed in the big dance.

But I can't wish you much luck if they match up against Tennessee again. On your own there.

>>



We came within three points of 'em at THEIR arena. So don't count us out. >>



Yes I was there. I'm sure you won't believe this being the Kentucky fan you are, but we played pretty poor that night.

HOWEVER...I am pulling for UK as I think they are A LOT better than most think. Even without their best player.

Estil

Well, it looks like we get Georgia in the quarterfinals Friday night. I trust the Cats will see to it that the Bulldogs are properly disposed of.

frankhardy

I'll be watching. I wish we still had Patterson. I would like our chances a lot more. I think we will get by Georgia, but after that, I don't know. I predict a 9 seed in the NCAA.

Estil

<< <i>I'll be watching. I wish we still had Patterson. I would like our chances a lot more. I think we will get by Georgia, but after that, I don't know. I predict a 9 seed in the NCAA. >>



Maybe the fact we don't have Patterson means the Cats will simply try that much harder for him. Unfortunately, we missed our chance to properly dispose of Georgia tonight, but come tomorrow we get to send two sets of 'Dogs to the doghouse! And then come Sunday we'll no doubt have some Volunteers for another whuppin!

Estil

I cannot believe we let some last place in division team beat us already. So much for trying to get a decent seed. Hopefully we should still make the field at least.

Stingray

Kentucky will win a first and maybe a second round game, but that is as far as I see them going, IMO.

Estil

I was hoping we'd do well in this SEC Tournament and improve our seeding, but I'd say now we're looking at a 10 seed at best.

Estil

Okay, a relatively low 11 seed, but still, all things considering, I think we got a pretty decent draw. Our first mission will be to reach the Sweet Sixteen by beating Marquette and then a rematch with Stanford. If you recall, we had to beat Stanford in OT in 1998 to clinch the "pennant" on our way to the National Championship that year. So it'll be pretty interesting second round match up. I'm not going to worry about the weekend after until we first get past this coming weekend. Let's go Cats!!!!

AkbarClone

I don't think Stanford will be too worried.