The Kentucky Postgame Report

[KoachKletus]

Poythress acted like a whiny punk today, was that just me or did y'all feel that way. He looks like he thinks he's better than everyone else??? What's up with that?? Has he always been that way, or going to KY give him the entitlement attitude??

Not just you. Poythress acted like he didn't want to be there. He had two early fouls and was finished with 9 minutes to go.

 

[OrangeBalls]

Poythress acted like a whiny punk today, was that just me or did y'all feel that way. He looks like he thinks he's better than everyone else??? What's up with that?? Has he always been that way, or going to KY give him the entitlement attitude??

Poythress has had that attitude for much of the season. I'll say this, I wouldn't want Cal's job. It's his choice to recruit one-and-doners, but having to put up with those egos and not really knowing what kind of team chemistry you're going to have from year to year would suck IMO. I'm sure his bank account alleviates that, but I wouldn't want to put up with kissing the asses of those 18 year old every year.

 

[Brentwoodvolfan]

He had 4 points and 2 rebounds!!! Ha ha. Real stud!!! Agreed OB, I have always thought that would be tough to coach those guys. Last yrs KY team bought into KY team effort, this one not so much!! They are talented for sure but still freshman and it showed!!!

 

[zjcvols]

Goodwin vs. UT this season: 4-19 (7.5 ppg) 3.0 tpg 2 rpg 3 apg

McRae vs. UK this season: 14-29 (19 ppg) 3.0 tpg 5 rpg 2 apg

 

[OSVolFan]

Cal tweeted this out this week. Heh. I hope the Little Blue nation enjoyed that ass whippin'.

John Calipari‏ @UKCoachCalipari

I hear there are tickets left for our game at Tennessee Saturday. I know Knoxville isn't too far a drive for the #BBN. Hope to see you there

He should have hoped to see his basketball team there instead. At least that way there would have been a game. Hope they enjoyed their trip home.

 

[KBVol]

So is Stokes no longer a bust, Golden no longer sucks, and Cuonzo's days not numbered?

Exactly. When they show up and play to expectations they get praise. When they stink up the place they get criticism. The way of the World boys.

 

[ssukonic]

Anyone know where I can see a replay of the game online?

 

[volinreallife]

1. An absolute beatdown. Winning by 30 wasn't even that close. That was the best played game by UT in the Cuonzo Martin Era. I know Noel was out. I'm don't think UK would have won anyways.

2. What I take most from this? UT smelled blood early, and went for the kill. They made sure UK was not coming back. UT extended their lead to 38 after being up by 24 at halftime. That's a huge, huge positive right there. I don't want to get hopes up. However, UT is looking like they have turned a corner. A three game winning streak is momentum, especially in this SEC.

3. UT won by 30, and Jarnell Stokes didn't have a double-double. Hell, he didn't even score double digit points. ARE YOU SERIOUS?

4. Bernard King Player of the Game: Trae Golden. Mr. Golden played the best game of his career. A complete masterpiece from the point guard position that UT hasn't seen since C.J. Watson was roaming the campus as a student. He only had one turnover (on a five second inbounds call). He took smart shots. He took the ball to the hole and finished. His passes were crisp and he made the right decision every time. That should be put on a college basketball "How to run a team at the PG spot" video tape. A beautiful performance.

5. I don't think I've ever seen a John Calipari team struggle to get in the paint like they did today. UT did everything right on defense. They switched screens correctly. The help was right on time every time. They knew when to double team in the post. They contested every jump shot. Perfect defensive performance.

6. The decision to switch every Wiltjer on ball screen and then front him in the post was a brilliant call by Martin. It took Wiltjer and the UK offense out of rhythm. They looked lost. Great call.

7. I know it was mop up duty, but I still would try and get D'Montre Edwards some minutes. He was very aggressive in his action. It's probably nothing, but I might get him some minutes Tuesday night and see what happens.

8. Also, can we get Armani Moore some more scoring chances? I feel like anytime he drives the ball to the hole UT is going to get a bucket from it. He's very quick, especially his first step, and does a great job using his body to protect the ball, absorb contact, and hit the shot.

9. Josh Richardson looked fine and seemed like he could have gotten back in, but this team needs him. I was actually surprised UT continued to play so well without him. However, that's an aberration. They need Richardson.

10. No complaints. None. It was a beatdown that can't be described unless you watched the game. Kentucky gave up for the first time in the John Calipari Era. You could see it not only on the faces of the players, but on Calipari too. UT might not be an NCAA tourney team, but they played like one tonight, and if they bring that effort on defense and energy level for the rest of the year, they'll have a serious shot to make some noise to finish the season. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Get out your favorite drink, sit back, and enjoy the day. It's not every day UT puts the biggest beat down in the series against Kentucky. Ah, what a great day to be a Vol.

Go Vols!!!! :hi:

Edit: I never do this, but thought this (from Kyle Tucker of the Courier-Journal, covers the Cats) was interesting:

This all day everyday. Kentucky could not lose a player and they lost the most important one.

The most complete game I have saw from a Martin coached ball team.

Jarnell did not have a double double, but he dominated.

Note on Kentucky. We better beat them this year because they will be tough next year. If Noel comes back they will be hard to beat.

If Hubbs averages 9 a game next year, with everybody coming back this team could be really good.

I really liked the set pieces on the out of bounds plays they had today. I want some more of that.

Also, Skylar McBee where have you been. I think he is the underrated key to this team.

 

[AlaskaVol]

I think it is pretty astounding how the refs have let Stokes play after CCM complained, usually that can backfire. Remember when Dale Brown told Shack to turn pro early because the refs wouldn't let him play no matter how much Brown complained to the SEC?

That work by Martin was the turning point for this team's season. Glad he did it but I thought he should have pitched a fit earlier. When Stokes is allowed to play everyone else gets better.

 

[KBVol]

Poythress has had that attitude for much of the season. I'll say this, I wouldn't want Cal's job. It's his choice to recruit one-and-doners, but having to put up with those egos and not really knowing what kind of team chemistry you're going to have from year to year would suck IMO. I'm sure his bank account alleviates that, but I wouldn't want to put up with kissing the asses of those 18 year old every year.

Agreed, but that's his system lock stock and barrel. He signed up for it.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I think it is pretty astounding how the refs have let Stokes play after CCM complained, usually that can backfire. Remember when Dale Brown told Shack to turn pro early because the refs wouldn't let him play no matter how much Brown complained to the SEC?

That work by Martin was the turning point for this team's season. Glad he did it but I thought he should have pitched a fit earlier. When Stokes is allowed to play everyone else gets better.

Shack?

 

[cncchris33]

Not just you. Poythress acted like he didn't want to be there. He had two early fouls and was finished with 9 minutes to go.

Cal stated that he felt there were a couple of guys on this team that are simply uncoachable. If you are familiar with UK basketball, you know that Goodwin is one of them, and Poythress is the other I believe.

This is the negative effect of Cal's recruiting method of living and dying by the one-and-done players. He hasn't had a problem meshing egos and attitudes until this year, and he hasn't seen the negative effect of a lack of depth until this year. All is takes is a couple of guys that refuse to buy in, and even just one catastrophic injury, and they are very average as you saw today.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Cal stated that he felt there were a couple of guys on this team that are simply uncoachable. If you are familiar with UK basketball, you know that Goodwin is one of them, and Poythress is the other I believe.

This is the negative effect of Cal's recruiting method of living and dying by the one-and-done players. He hasn't had a problem meshing egos and attitudes until this year, and he hasn't seen the negative effect of a lack of depth until this year. All is takes is a couple of guys that refuse to buy in, and even just one catastrophic injury, and they are very average as you saw today.

I tried telling ya they were gonna struggle.

 

[cncchris33]

1. An absolute beatdown. Winning by 30 wasn't even that close. That was the best played game by UT in the Cuonzo Martin Era. I know Noel was out. I'm don't think UK would have won anyways.

2. What I take most from this? UT smelled blood early, and went for the kill. They made sure UK was not coming back. UT extended their lead to 38 after being up by 24 at halftime. That's a huge, huge positive right there. I don't want to get hopes up. However, UT is looking like they have turned a corner. A three game winning streak is momentum, especially in this SEC.

3. UT won by 30, and Jarnell Stokes didn't have a double-double. Hell, he didn't even score double digit points. ARE YOU SERIOUS?

4. Bernard King Player of the Game: Trae Golden. Mr. Golden played the best game of his career. A complete masterpiece from the point guard position that UT hasn't seen since C.J. Watson was roaming the campus as a student. He only had one turnover (on a five second inbounds call). He took smart shots. He took the ball to the hole and finished. His passes were crisp and he made the right decision every time. That should be put on a college basketball "How to run a team at the PG spot" video tape. A beautiful performance.

5. I don't think I've ever seen a John Calipari team struggle to get in the paint like they did today. UT did everything right on defense. They switched screens correctly. The help was right on time every time. They knew when to double team in the post. They contested every jump shot. Perfect defensive performance.

6. The decision to switch every Wiltjer on ball screen and then front him in the post was a brilliant call by Martin. It took Wiltjer and the UK offense out of rhythm. They looked lost. Great call.

7. I know it was mop up duty, but I still would try and get D'Montre Edwards some minutes. He was very aggressive in his action. It's probably nothing, but I might get him some minutes Tuesday night and see what happens.

8. Also, can we get Armani Moore some more scoring chances? I feel like anytime he drives the ball to the hole UT is going to get a bucket from it. He's very quick, especially his first step, and does a great job using his body to protect the ball, absorb contact, and hit the shot.

9. Josh Richardson looked fine and seemed like he could have gotten back in, but this team needs him. I was actually surprised UT continued to play so well without him. However, that's an aberration. They need Richardson.

10. No complaints. None. It was a beatdown that can't be described unless you watched the game. Kentucky gave up for the first time in the John Calipari Era. You could see it not only on the faces of the players, but on Calipari too. UT might not be an NCAA tourney team, but they played like one tonight, and if they bring that effort on defense and energy level for the rest of the year, they'll have a serious shot to make some noise to finish the season. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Get out your favorite drink, sit back, and enjoy the day. It's not every day UT puts the biggest beat down in the series against Kentucky. Ah, what a great day to be a Vol.

Go Vols!!!! :hi:

Edit: I never do this, but thought this (from Kyle Tucker of the Courier-Journal, covers the Cats) was interesting:

Excellent work again ZJC.

The Good...

We finally discovered the killer instinct when we smelled blood in the water.

I said the first half of the Vandy game was the best half of basketball we had played all year. This first half vs UK topped it. Textbook basketball and coaching.

Golden's best game as a Vol against a quality opponent. He has had better games, but they came at the expense of poor competition. He was dominant.

The message CCM sent to the SEC officiating office has obviously been well-received. Stokes has been a man possessed since. He is playing at an all-SEC level, despite his modest numbers today. His presence was as much a factor as anything else.

If Kenny Hall played that way every night, he'd make a lot of money playing this game. On five straight possessions, he made a 10-foot fall-away, went down and got a steal defensively, got fouled and made both FT's, took a charge, and scored again offensively. Where is that effort every night?

Edwards was super efficient in his eight minutes. It might have been mop-up duty, but he made plays offensively. Maybe he should get some meaningful minutes?

McBee played well on both ends. Been awhile since we could say that. He was big-time today. Hustles and gives it up more than anyone. Physical limitations minimize his effectiveness, but he really gives it his all.

Armani "The Suit" Moore just makes plays. When he stays under control, he is really good.

The Bad...

Not a thing!!!

 

[cncchris33]

I tried telling ya they were gonna struggle.

Well, at the time, neither of us had any idea that Noel would tear an ACL, nor did we know that this group of players would be as uncoachable as they are. Had I known then, that they would encounter both scenarios this season, I would have likely agreed with you.

The results of the first three UK/Cal teams gave me no reason to believe this one would be any different. I guess the law of averages had to catch up some time, as he has never dealt with any injury issues that exposed their lack of depth, nor has he had any personality clashes.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Well, at the time, neither of us had any idea that Noel would tear an ACL, nor did we know that this group of players would be as uncoachable as they are. Had I known then, that they would encounter both scenarios this season, I would have likely agreed with you.

The results of the first three UK/Cal teams gave me no reason to believe this one would be any different. I guess the law of averages had to catch up some time, as he has never dealt with any injury issues that exposed their lack of depth, nor has he had any personality clashes.

Even without the Noel injury they were struggling. My main points pre season was were was the experience? Last year miller was pivotal, years before you had Patterson? Harrelson, liggins, Stevenson etc. guys who had been there, could help gel a team, and knew what it took. This years team doesn't have that, and it was my biggest concern and it showed. I also thought they were thinner than any other year and that showed right off the bat this season with polson logging minutes their opening game.

Depending on who goes and stays I expect them to be better next year...however, if harrow, mays, Goodwin, poythress, wiltjer, Noel and stein are all gone I'm not sure realistically what you can expect from them next year. It'll be much of the same, ultra talented freshman class, but no experience.

 

[patrick]

The Vols played their best game all year and the Kats played their worst. Words really can't describe the carnage on the court today.

However to bring this back to reality...... the only consistency this year for the Vols has been their inconsistency. Great game Vols - heck even Skylar played well!

 

[bleedingTNorange]

The Vols played their best game all year and the Kats played their worst. Words really can't describe the carnage on the court today.

However to bring this back to reality...... the only consistency this year for the Vols has been their inconsistency. Great game Vols - heck even Skylar played well!

I can tell how much that hurt you to type lol

 

[patrick]

Not at all.

 

[patrick]

Glad to see the Vols play well.

 

[cncchris33]

Even without the Noel injury they were struggling. My main points pre season was were was the experience? Last year miller was pivotal, years before you had Patterson? Harrelson, liggins, Stevenson etc. guys who had been there, could help gel a team, and knew what it took. This years team doesn't have that, and it was my biggest concern and it showed. I also thought they were thinner than any other year and that showed right off the bat this season with polson logging minutes their opening game.

Depending on who goes and stays I expect them to be better next year...however, if harrow, mays, Goodwin, poythress, wiltjer, Noel and stein are all gone I'm not sure realistically what you can expect from them next year. It'll be much of the same, ultra talented freshman class, but no experience.

You were correct with that presumption, and I can agree on the experience factor. I think some upperclassmen could reign in Goodwin's selfish play and Poythress' bad attitude. I disagree about them struggling before Noel's injury. Florida on the road aside, I think they were starting to learn to play together and Noel was becoming a real force on both ends. In short, they were doing what I expected and predicted. They were starting to gel and improve towards the end of the season, and they were playing their best ball.

On a somewhat similar note, can you admit you underestimated Noel's talent a bit? I won't get into a Davis/Noel debate, except to say it is somewhat obvious that Noel is more important to this UK team than Davis was to last year's due to the absence of leadership, talent, and as you said, upperclass leadership.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

You were correct with that presumption, and I can agree on the experience factor. I think some upperclassmen could reign in Goodwin's selfish play and Poythress' bad attitude. I disagree about them struggling before Noel's injury. Florida on the road aside, I think they were starting to learn to play together and Noel was becoming a real force on both ends. In short, they were doing what I expected and predicted. They were starting to gel and improve towards the end of the season, and they were playing their best ball.

On a somewhat similar note, can you admit you underestimated Noel's talent a bit? I won't get into a Davis/Noel debate, except to say it is somewhat obvious that Noel is more important to this UK team than Davis was to last year's due to the absence of leadership, talent, and as you said, upperclass leadership.

Absolutely. I never thought a guy could come close to the shot blocking ability Davis had, but Noel was right there. Offensively though the two are nowhere close and thats what really sets them apart. Jmo, but if I was a GM I'm not using a top 5 pick on Noel. In the NBA he cant just camp out down low waiting on people to drive, he'll have much less of an impact defensively.

 

[cncchris33]

Absolutely. I never thought a guy could come close to the shot blocking ability Davis had, but Noel was right there. Offensively though the two are nowhere close and thats what really sets them apart. Jmo, but if I was a GM I'm not using a top 5 pick on Noel. In the NBA he cant just camp out down low waiting on people to drive, he'll have much less of an impact defensively.

Tyrus Thomas was a top-5 pick (#2 overall I believe). The two are very similar at the same stage.

I agree that Davis and Noel are seperated by their offensive abilities, but Davis benefits from having played guard all his life until a freakish growth spurt. Defensively, I think they are probably 1 and 1a in terms of effectiveness and ability.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Tyrus Thomas was a top-5 pick (#2 overall I believe). The two are very similar at the same stage.

I agree that Davis and Noel are seperated by their offensive abilities, but Davis benefits from having played guard all his life until a freakish growth spurt. Defensively, I think they are probably 1 and 1a in terms of effectiveness and ability.

This is about to take a whole different turn, but...you're first sentence is something that bugs me. The NBA has gotten so caught up on athletic ability and potential that there are more "busts" now it seems than ever. You look at yesterday's game...did Goodwin, poythress and stein look like top 15 picks? Stokes looked better than stein, McRae better than Goodwin and Richardson better than poythress. I know that's one game, but even their averages on the season. I'm just so sick of potential getting guys drafted....I know it won't change, just an aggravation of mind.

 

[OrangeBalls]

I'd take Davis over Noel 10 times out of 10. Noel is/was good, but Davis just completely changed the game. I've been watching the SEC a long time and there aren't many players like him that come along.

I also have to admit that Cal is doing better trying to coach up a bunch of freshmen every year than I would've thought. I thought he would have more years like this year, but this year seems to be the exception and not the norm. I know he always has a helluva lot of talent, but to try and mesh a different team every year cannot be easy. He's a better coach now than he was years ago.