From the Second Row at Memorial Gym

[cotton]

A few observations from an interesting perspective on Vandy's win over UK:

1. Joe Crawford and Derrick Byars are both big, physical guards who know how to put the ball in the hole. That was a great match-up to watch.

2. I was particularly intersted in watching UK's vaunted Freshmen. Jodie Meeks is athletically gifted enough to one day be a superstar in this league. If he developes like he should, he will not be in Lexington for 4 years. Jasper was not nearly as impressive in person. He handles the ball well for a man his size at the point, but he has a long way to go in both physical and skill development to ever be more than just a solid player. He is young, though.

3. Ramel Bradley is at times Kentucky's biggest offensive threat; he is also at times their biggest liability. Don't be surprised if his scoring leads to an upset for the Cats; don't be surprised if his turnovers lead to them dropping a game to an inferior opponent, either.

4. I've watched a lot of games at Vandy, but this is the first one I've seen from the coach's point of view (I was second row, just behind Tubby.) The endzone benches are a very strange perspective, and they contribute greatly to the home court advantage at Memorial.

 

[Lexvol]

Kentucky is without a true guard, and a true forward. Bradley is 0-fer in the clutch. I couldn't believe Tubby didn't play Porter or Stevenson.

 

[cotton]

I thought his 4 point play had won the game for Kentucky. I underestimated his ability to give it right back with 3 TO's in 4 posessions (I am crediting him with the shotclock violation even though Crawford had the ball in his hands.)

I have not seen much out of either Porter or Stevenson that would merit either playing in crunchtime of a tough SEC battle.

 

[Lexvol]

They probably wouldn't need to be there in the clutch, however, I think Porter is the closest thing this team has to a true point guard. Bradley and Crawford are both 2 guards who have the mentality of forwards.

Porter seems to be more crisp passer, and sees the floor very well. The jury is out on his defense.

 

[cotton]

I think you are right about Crawford and Bradley--Crawford is certainly a 2 or 3, Bradley looks to create for himself rather than his teammates more than is ideal for this particular cat team. If I were a Cat fan, however, I would hope the answer at point came from Meeks or Jasper rather than Porter, although Meeks should probably truly be a 2 as well.

 

[McCat]

Lexvol is right. No true PG or PF.

 

[cotton]

Perry, although more suited to the three, is an adequate 4. Thomas does not belong on the floor.