[Granny Bear]

I totally agree with you Westside, and this is like deja vu for me. If you are old enough (I’d say at least mid to late 40s, I’m way past that) you also remember what it was like when Richie Farmer came to UK. It was a total phenomenon, because Richie and his Clay Co. teams were beloved in the state. Eddie Sutton didn’t want him, but the pressure from boosters was just too great. And of course, after Sutton left and Pitino and Rock Oliver got him in shape, he turned into a solid college player. Then, along with Pelphrey, Feldhaus and Woods, they became the Unforgettables, arguably the most beloved team in UK history. The loss to Duke and that rat bastard Laettner is the only time in my life I shed a tear over a sporting event, that’s how much that team meant to everyone. I’d love to hear OSH, Granny Bear, some of the vets, chime in on that.

  Anyway, Sheppard can be much better in college than Richie was simply because he has superior physical tools. And his feel for the game is just unmatched. I don’t think it will ever approach Unforgettables status, just because his surrounding teammates are going to be completely different almost every year, but it is still going to be tremendously fun.

I remember the Unforgettables very well.  They weren't allowed to play in any tournaments because of UK's recruiting violations (thank you Eddie Sutton), but that didn't diminish their efforts one little bit.  I was coaching an AAU tournament in Nashville when that Duke game was played.  We had a parent in the bleachers that was listening to that game and keeping all of us advised on the score.  We all thought the game had been won, and then that "thing" happened.  Van Hagar, I don't believe I've ever heard you swear before but you are absolutely correct.  That rat bastard lucked out!!!  BUT I would've put SOMEBODY back there so he wouldn't have had such a good line of sight.  Ahhhhh, hindsight!!  Richie Farmer was ridiculed in high school by the starting low post, for not playing good defense!   I can't remember this guy's name, but he was a fantastic player in his own right.  He and a friend was on the Amazing Race and wore Clay County T-shirts the whole time.  Very nice guy!!  But his criticism of Farmer's lack of defense paid off because his defense improved immeasurably in college.