[-STAT-]

Cats limp into this one losers of 4 of their last 5. 

Life in the SEC is tough this season, but this one will hopefully get things back on track as UK host South Carolina, who haven't won a conference game. 

Still uncertainty surrounding the status of Lamar Butler, I'd say we will know more tomorrow or even leading up to game time, which is noon Saturday.

Everyone's thoughts/predictions on it.

[Bluecat]

Cats get back on track

[Mr. D]

It looks like it will still be a little bit on Butler. Matt Jones reported that he started non-contact practice yesterday. We have to gut this one out against South Carolina even without a point guard. We really need Koby Brea to start getting more open looks and knocking them down. He is 3 for 12 in the last 2 games from 3. When he is not hitting it really hurts our spacing. We have a definite size advantage, so we need to dominate inside and on the glass.

[plantmanky]

Must win game.

[Old School Hound]

Must win game.

Not vitally important as far as my life is concerned, but, yes, a must win game as far as UK's season is concerned.

[King Kong]

UK basketball is strong in tradition.  In fact we're a traditional powerhouse. 

Speaking of tradition,  Ol Kong here,  just got finished running.  For decades the Kong family has taken part in certain family traditions.  Dating back to times of the Roman Empire. Then before our ancestors sailed across the sea from the mother land. 

Since those times,  it's stated in the declaration of the Kong family doctrine,  on every February of 7th day,  every male Kong member,  must strip down to only a thong speedo,  and go for a one hour run.

Also staded in the doctrine,  if a family members favorite sports team loses 3 consecutive events,  a one hour run in only a thong speedo is required. 

Idk how,  who,  or why these doctrines were created.  But,  Ole Kong is all about tradition.  These traditions will not perish under my watch.  This I vowed long ago. 

I just done the one run today.  I don't feel like doing another run like this for a second day in a row.  So for the love of anything and everything,  I'm really hoping the Cat's pull out a win tomorrow!!!

I believe the Cat's begin to turn things around and get the W tomorrow baby!

Whooooooooo!!!

[plantmanky]

UK basketball is strong in tradition.  In fact we're a traditional powerhouse. 

Speaking of tradition,  Ol Kong here,  just got finished running.  For decades the Kong family has taken part in certain family traditions.  Dating back to times of the Roman Empire. Then before our ancestors sailed across the sea from the mother land. 

Since those times,  it's stated in the declaration of the Kong family doctrine,  on every February of 7th day,  every male Kong member,  must strip down to only a thong speedo,  and go for a one hour run.

Also staded in the doctrine,  if a family members favorite sports team loses 3 consecutive events,  a one hour run in only a thong speedo is required. 

Idk how,  who,  or why these doctrines were created.  But,  Ole Kong is all about tradition.  These traditions will not perish under my watch.  This I vowed long ago. 

I just done the one run today.  I don't feel like doing another run like this for a second day in a row.  So for the love of anything and everything,  I'm really hoping the Cat's pull out a win tomorrow!!!

I believe the Cat's begin to turn things around and get the W tomorrow baby!

Whooooooooo!!!

Are they? Been a decade since a final four.  Are they?

[Old School Hound]

UK basketball is strong in tradition.  In fact we're a traditional powerhouse. 

Speaking of tradition,  Ol Kong here,  just got finished running.  For decades the Kong family has taken part in certain family traditions.  Dating back to times of the Roman Empire. Then before our ancestors sailed across the sea from the mother land. 

Since those times,  it's stated in the declaration of the Kong family doctrine,  on every February of 7th day,  every male Kong member,  must strip down to only a thong speedo,  and go for a one hour run.

Also staded in the doctrine,  if a family members favorite sports team loses 3 consecutive events,  a one hour run in only a thong speedo is required. 

Idk how,  who,  or why these doctrines were created.  But,  Ole Kong is all about tradition.  These traditions will not perish under my watch.  This I vowed long ago. 

I just done the one run today.  I don't feel like doing another run like this for a second day in a row.  So for the love of anything and everything,  I'm really hoping the Cat's pull out a win tomorrow!!!

I believe the Cat's begin to turn things around and get the W tomorrow baby!

Whooooooooo!!!

Are they? Been a decade since a final four.  Are they?

It's a good question. Some could fairly say that we've lost some of our blueblood status. Are we really an elite basketball program in 2025 or have we dropped from the ranks of the national powers???

[King Kong]

UK basketball is strong in tradition.  In fact we're a traditional powerhouse. 

Speaking of tradition,  Ol Kong here,  just got finished running.  For decades the Kong family has taken part in certain family traditions.  Dating back to times of the Roman Empire. Then before our ancestors sailed across the sea from the mother land. 

Since those times,  it's stated in the declaration of the Kong family doctrine,  on every February of 7th day,  every male Kong member,  must strip down to only a thong speedo,  and go for a one hour run.

Also staded in the doctrine,  if a family members favorite sports team loses 3 consecutive events,  a one hour run in only a thong speedo is required. 

Idk how,  who,  or why these doctrines were created.  But,  Ole Kong is all about tradition.  These traditions will not perish under my watch.  This I vowed long ago. 

I just done the one run today.  I don't feel like doing another run like this for a second day in a row.  So for the love of anything and everything,  I'm really hoping the Cat's pull out a win tomorrow!!!

I believe the Cat's begin to turn things around and get the W tomorrow baby!

Whooooooooo!!!

Are they? Been a decade since a final four.  Are they?

It's a good question. Some could fairly say that we've lost some of our blueblood status. Are we really an elite basketball program in 2025 or have we dropped from the ranks of the national powers???

Agreed that it's been awhile.  In terms of tradition,  yes we're still a powerhouse.  UK has one of the most successful college basketball programs of all time.  Along with one of the most passionate fan bases ever.  History can't change that. 

As far as today,  the passion and support is still here.  Stronger than it's been in years.  This season has already gone better than most thought and it's not done yet.  Plus I don't see us falling as far down as UCLA. 

The Cat's will be alright baby! And yes, I tend to have more of an optimistic outlook on,  pretty much everything in life,  than probably 99% of the earth's population 

That's why I believe the Cat's win tomorrow,  and Ol Kong here doesn't have to do anymore running 

We are still a blue blood.  Guarantee teams still give it their best and then some,  when they see that UK uniform.

[Old School Hound]

UK basketball is strong in tradition.  In fact we're a traditional powerhouse. 

Speaking of tradition,  Ol Kong here,  just got finished running.  For decades the Kong family has taken part in certain family traditions.  Dating back to times of the Roman Empire. Then before our ancestors sailed across the sea from the mother land. 

Since those times,  it's stated in the declaration of the Kong family doctrine,  on every February of 7th day,  every male Kong member,  must strip down to only a thong speedo,  and go for a one hour run.

Also staded in the doctrine,  if a family members favorite sports team loses 3 consecutive events,  a one hour run in only a thong speedo is required. 

Idk how,  who,  or why these doctrines were created.  But,  Ole Kong is all about tradition.  These traditions will not perish under my watch.  This I vowed long ago. 

I just done the one run today.  I don't feel like doing another run like this for a second day in a row.  So for the love of anything and everything,  I'm really hoping the Cat's pull out a win tomorrow!!!

I believe the Cat's begin to turn things around and get the W tomorrow baby!

Whooooooooo!!!

Are they? Been a decade since a final four.  Are they?

It's a good question. Some could fairly say that we've lost some of our blueblood status. Are we really an elite basketball program in 2025 or have we dropped from the ranks of the national powers???

Agreed that it's been awhile.  In terms of tradition,  yes we're still a powerhouse.  UK has one of the most successful college basketball programs of all time.  Along with one of the most passionate fan bases ever.  History can't change that. 

As far as today,  the passion and support is still here.  Stronger than it's been in years.  This season has already gone better than most thought and it's not done yet.  Plus I don't see us falling as far down as UCLA. 

The Cat's will be alright baby! And yes, I tend to have more of an optimistic outlook on,  pretty much everything in life,  than probably 99% of the earth's population 

That's why I believe the Cat's win tomorrow,  and Ol Kong here doesn't have to do anymore running 

We are still a blue blood.  Guarantee teams still give it their best and then some,  when they see that UK uniform.

I like your positivity. You are the Ying to my Yang.

[King Kong]

UK basketball is strong in tradition.  In fact we're a traditional powerhouse. 

Speaking of tradition,  Ol Kong here,  just got finished running.  For decades the Kong family has taken part in certain family traditions.  Dating back to times of the Roman Empire. Then before our ancestors sailed across the sea from the mother land. 

Since those times,  it's stated in the declaration of the Kong family doctrine,  on every February of 7th day,  every male Kong member,  must strip down to only a thong speedo,  and go for a one hour run.

Also staded in the doctrine,  if a family members favorite sports team loses 3 consecutive events,  a one hour run in only a thong speedo is required. 

Idk how,  who,  or why these doctrines were created.  But,  Ole Kong is all about tradition.  These traditions will not perish under my watch.  This I vowed long ago. 

I just done the one run today.  I don't feel like doing another run like this for a second day in a row.  So for the love of anything and everything,  I'm really hoping the Cat's pull out a win tomorrow!!!

I believe the Cat's begin to turn things around and get the W tomorrow baby!

Whooooooooo!!!

Are they? Been a decade since a final four.  Are they?

It's a good question. Some could fairly say that we've lost some of our blueblood status. Are we really an elite basketball program in 2025 or have we dropped from the ranks of the national powers???

Agreed that it's been awhile.  In terms of tradition,  yes we're still a powerhouse.  UK has one of the most successful college basketball programs of all time.  Along with one of the most passionate fan bases ever.  History can't change that. 

As far as today,  the passion and support is still here.  Stronger than it's been in years.  This season has already gone better than most thought and it's not done yet.  Plus I don't see us falling as far down as UCLA. 

The Cat's will be alright baby! And yes, I tend to have more of an optimistic outlook on,  pretty much everything in life,  than probably 99% of the earth's population 

That's why I believe the Cat's win tomorrow,  and Ol Kong here doesn't have to do anymore running 

We are still a blue blood.  Guarantee teams still give it their best and then some,  when they see that UK uniform.

I like your positivity. You are the Ying to my Yang.

---

South Carolina has no conference wins so far this season.  We have dropped the last two games vs SC.  We've dropped the last 3 outta 5 vs SC.  Idk who's returned for SC from last year when they beat us,  or the last two years. I figure this to be a tight game because they've played us tough of late.  No easy conference games as we know. I believe we begin to turn things around and get the win in this one.

[4 Quarters]

UK basketball is strong in tradition.  In fact we're a traditional powerhouse. 

Speaking of tradition,  Ol Kong here,  just got finished running.  For decades the Kong family has taken part in certain family traditions.  Dating back to times of the Roman Empire. Then before our ancestors sailed across the sea from the mother land. 

Since those times,  it's stated in the declaration of the Kong family doctrine,  on every February of 7th day,  every male Kong member,  must strip down to only a thong speedo,  and go for a one hour run.

Also staded in the doctrine,  if a family members favorite sports team loses 3 consecutive events,  a one hour run in only a thong speedo is required. 

Idk how,  who,  or why these doctrines were created.  But,  Ole Kong is all about tradition.  These traditions will not perish under my watch.  This I vowed long ago. 

I just done the one run today.  I don't feel like doing another run like this for a second day in a row.  So for the love of anything and everything,  I'm really hoping the Cat's pull out a win tomorrow!!!

I believe the Cat's begin to turn things around and get the W tomorrow baby!

Whooooooooo!!!

Are they? Been a decade since a final four.  Are they?

It's a good question. Some could fairly say that we've lost some of our blueblood status. Are we really an elite basketball program in 2025 or have we dropped from the ranks of the national powers???

I believe all the bluebloods have lost a step or two, NIL anfd the portal have leveled the playing field.

[Cactus Jack]

Agreed that it's been awhile.  In terms of tradition,  yes we're still a powerhouse.  UK has one of the most successful college basketball programs of all time.  Along with one of the most passionate fan bases ever.  History can't change that. 

As far as today,  the passion and support is still here.  Stronger than it's been in years.  This season has already gone better than most thought and it's not done yet.  Plus I don't see us falling as far down as UCLA. 

The Cat's will be alright baby! And yes, I tend to have more of an optimistic outlook on,  pretty much everything in life,  than probably 99% of the earth's population  ;)

That's why I believe the Cat's win tomorrow,  and Ol Kong here doesn't have to do anymore running  :P

We are still a blue blood.  Guarantee teams still give it their best and then some,  when they see that UK uniform.

IMO, there are only four undisputed blue blood programs: Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, and Duke.

It's debatable whether UCLA and UConn are also blue bloods. UConn probably gets there if they get a few more Final Fours or National Championship-- their biggest short-coming right now is their place in history and sustaining success over a long period of time. UCLA needs more recent success-- their place in history is cemented and is unlikely to ever be matched, but they've dropped off pretty badly since then.

[King Kong]

Agreed that it's been awhile.  In terms of tradition,  yes we're still a powerhouse.  UK has one of the most successful college basketball programs of all time.  Along with one of the most passionate fan bases ever.  History can't change that. 

As far as today,  the passion and support is still here.  Stronger than it's been in years.  This season has already gone better than most thought and it's not done yet.  Plus I don't see us falling as far down as UCLA. 

The Cat's will be alright baby! And yes, I tend to have more of an optimistic outlook on,  pretty much everything in life,  than probably 99% of the earth's population 

That's why I believe the Cat's win tomorrow,  and Ol Kong here doesn't have to do anymore running 

We are still a blue blood.  Guarantee teams still give it their best and then some,  when they see that UK uniform.

IMO, there are only four undisputed blue blood programs: Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, and Duke.

It's debatable whether UCLA and UConn are also blue bloods. UConn probably gets there if they get a few more Final Fours or National Championship-- their biggest short-coming right now is their place in history and sustaining success over a long period of time. UCLA needs more recent success-- their place in history is cemented and is unlikely to ever be matched, but they've dropped off pretty badly since then.

Agreed,  especially about UCLA and UCONN.  UCLA has dropped way off.  I hope to goodness that down the line,  we don't fall off like that.  This NIL stuff,  I don't fully understand yet.  Like someone mentioned above,  it definitely evens things up, in creating a more level playing field. 

UConn has definitely been on a strong run the past 20 years or so.  They're kind of a new comer in a way.  I call them the new bloods! Idk someone else might have already used that term new bloods before me.  I believe it does fit UConn well at the moment.

[Bluecat]

Much needed win today for the Cats. And with an almost full roster, minus Kerisa

[King Kong]

Nice job by the Cat's today.  We needed a win and the schedule worked out perfect.  Definitely much needed,  this really helps getting the momentum going again.

[Old School Hound]

I didn't get to see or hear this one. Overall, how did we play? I know the Cocks limped into this one with a pretty significant losing streak but they have played several ranked SEC teams very close and they beat a Clemson team that we lost to. Did we actually play some assemblance of defense in this one. Coming into this one we had been 212th in defensive efficiency over the past month and something like 245th in defensive efficiency since the Alabama game. Did there seem to be a greater sense of purpose on the defensive end today?

[Granny Bear]

There was a greater sense of purpose defensively for us, BUT it's still too inconsistent. That's something we need to address immediately.
All three Freshmen got some PT, but IMO, Trent Noah played the best defense than anyone on the entire team, for the time he got to play.
Butler and Carr got significant PT but you could tell neither of them was 100%. But you could also tell, how much heart and effort they have to play like they did.

[Bluecat]

Needed to stop the bleeding after a couple losses and this game was definitely perfect timing for us. Was good to get Butler and Carr back out there. Hopefully they'll be full strength come Tuesday with the Vols coming in. They will be out for blood after we beat them a couple weeks ago.

[-STAT-]

Much needed victory, doesn't matter if it was against a lesser opponent, those are the teams you're supposed to beat anyways, and Kentucky never left any doubt. Still some things to fix defensively, but compared to how they've played lately, they definitely turned it up a notch on that end of the floor, playing the passing lanes, making switches and just now allowing anything easy, wasn't perfect by any means but you could tell the energy & effort was higher than in previous games.

Was great to see Butler back out there, and Carr as well. Hopefully they'll continue to get back to 100% and get back on the right track.

[Old School Hound]

There was a greater sense of purpose defensively for us, BUT it's still too inconsistent.  That's something we need to address immediately.
All three Freshmen got some PT, but IMO, Trent Noah played the best defense than anyone on the entire team, for the time he got to play.
Butler and Carr got significant PT but you could tell neither of them was 100%.  But you could also tell, how much heart and effort they have to play like they did.

Thank you. I just love Trent. I know I'm biased because I've watched him so much over the years but I just love the heart and BB IQ he brings to the court every game . He's gonna be a dandy. Hell, he's already a dandy.