Kentuky/UT Matchup just got more favorable

[Wise-Vol]

for the Vols -- KY will be even more inexperienced than thought before because Darnell Dodson has been dismissed for the season:

Calipari: Dodson won't play for UK this season - CBSSports.com

With Dodson gone, that leaves KY with only 2 returning players from their top 10 last season -- Darius Miller, who is a keeper, and DeAndre Liggins, who hasn't distinguished himself much in the first two years.

Dodson was the leading returning three point shooter on Kentucky's team from last year. And, even though he averaged almost 7 minutes per game less than Miller, Dodson averaged only 0.5 ppg less than Miller.

Looks like KY will be Darius Miller and a bunch of new faces for the most part.

 

[YankeeVol]

I liked our team better this year anyway....though it will help

 

[BigPapaVol]

you're glossing over Liggins, but he can play. He went from whiny headcase to the lone hustle guy that UK had last year. I suspect that he'll be solid moving forward and we'd take him (at this point) in a heartbeat. I like to see a couple of our guys transform like he has.

 

[TrueOrange]

....i think there's already a thread on this

 

[arTfuldodger]

What'd he do?
Posted via VolNation Mobile

 

[GERALD JONES 4 HEISMAN]

academics i think

 

[cncchris33]

Dodson was not figured upon to contribute greatly this season. While the loss of him hurts in terms of depth, it's not as though they lost a potential starter.

 

[DeepSpringsVol]

i wouldnt get too excited. i am sure that Calipari made this happen to free a scholarship up for some freshman out there that is undecided.

 

[PoochPunt3rdDown]

This still makes me unnecessarily happy.
Posted via VolNation Mobile

 

[ukvols]

I saw the thread title on the VN homepage and immediately hoped this would turn out to be a basketball thread. We would have reached a new low if we were getting excited in the preseason about a UK football injury or off-field problem.

 

[NashVol11]

Whatever happened to Jon Hood?

 

[zjcvols]

I don't think it's a big loss for Calipari.

 

[Hardwood_fanatic]

Whatever happened to Jon Hood?

He is still logging clip board minutes on the bench, until he shows a substantial improvement in learning to play sufficient D1 defense. Which, I hope he does because I like the kid and he has a good offensive game that can be developed.

you're glossing over Liggins, but he can play. He went from whiny headcase to the lone hustle guy that UK had last year. I suspect that he'll be solid moving forward and we'd take him (at this point) in a heartbeat. I like to see a couple of our guys transform like he has.

Agreed. Between Miller, Liggins and Poole, Dodson would have seen about the same amount of PT next season as he did last year. Liggins has made a role for himself on this team, and it will only increase as long as the commitment stays there.

 

[UTK]

We're gonna be great this year. We'll beat Kentucky

 

[TennesseeFan07]

Dodson will be a loss, but I don't think Calipari will lose any sleep over it. He'll just coach up some of the other young players to fill in no problem.

 

[BigPapaVol]

Dodson will be a loss, but I don't think Calipari will lose any sleep over it. He'll just coach up some of the other young players to fill in no problem.

don't buy it. Calipari always needs shooters. He recruits athleticism over all else and shooting has been the bane of his existence since he arrived in Memphis. Losing a shooter is painful.

 

[Ericvol2096]

I have thought we would split our games with Kentucky this year and this doesn't really change my opinion. Bruce just knows how to play JC and I think we get them at home again this year.

 

[TennNC]

I have thought we would split our games with Kentucky this year and this doesn't really change my opinion. Bruce just knows how to play JC and I think we get them at home again this year.

I think we get them at home every year.

 

[TennesseeFan07]

don't buy it. Calipari always needs shooters. He recruits athleticism over all else and shooting has been the bane of his existence since he arrived in Memphis. Losing a shooter is painful.

Shooting is something that UK needs, but Miller is better anyway. Of course depth will be an issue, maybe they'll get something out of Hood. Poole can hit at times and suck at others.

 

[BasketvolsFan]

Dodson will be a loss, but I don't think Calipari will lose any sleep over it. He'll just coach up some of the other young players to fill in no problem.

Yea, when Cal gets through coaching them up, they will all be great shooters. The man is a true genius at coaching up shooters.

 

[TennesseeFan07]

Yea, when Cal gets through coaching them up, they will all be great shooters. The man is a true genius at coaching up shooters.

When did I say he was going to coach up "shooters"? If you can't shoot by the age of 18-19, you're probably never going to.

 

[BasketvolsFan]

When did I say he was going to coach up "shooters"? If you can't shoot by the age of 18-19, you're probably never going to.

Well, the discussion was that Cal would miss him due to his shooting. You indicated that Cal would just coach up other players and would not miss him. Exactly what did you mean? Perhaps I just can't understand your intent that appeared to clearly indicate he could coach up others to assume the shooting role on the team. :blink:

 

[IPorange]

I thought Liggins was very steady and solid for UK last year. He was one of the silent role players that kept them together during some of their brief rough patches in a game.

If I got to pick between them losing Liggins and Dodson, it would be Liggins.

 

[BigPapaVol]

When did I say he was going to coach up "shooters"? If you can't shoot by the age of 18-19, you're probably never going to.

pretty much true. You can improve, but you won't become great late.

 

[iuvol2012]

I still see a split of the two meetings of UT-UK this year. Not sure how this changes at all.