I found it interesting that in 9 of the losses last year UK was either leading or tied with 5 minutes or less to go in the game. If they would have won atleast just half of those games they would have had a pretty decent record again. So hopefully this new guy has them in shape enough where they can finish these games instead of blowing it...

I found it interesting that in 9 of the losses last year UK was either leading or tied with 5 minutes or less to go in the game. If they would have won atleast just half of those games they would have had a pretty decent record again. So hopefully this new guy has them in shape enough where they can finish these games instead of blowing it...

 

I agree, anyone who has played "competitive b-ball"(not D1 perse) knows that this does play a huge factor, especially in close games when both teams are really hustling and really getting after it...:thumb:

I found it interesting that in 9 of the losses last year UK was either leading or tied with 5 minutes or less to go in the game. If they would have won atleast just half of those games they would have had a pretty decent record again. So hopefully this new guy has them in shape enough where they can finish these games instead of blowing it...

That is a good point.:thumb: I noticed several times last season where they appeared to be out of shape.

No, I don't believe tha the Cats are going to a final four. I do believe that U.K. will be much better than last year. Attitude and team chemistry have alot to do with it and I believe that this team will have that. I am looking foward to a very good season. The freshman will get better as the season goes on and as they adjust to Tubby's system and the D-1 college game. At least although very talented the team cancer from last year is gone.(Rondo). JMO.

I like to hate them no matter what!

And the feeling is mutual for the team represented by your avatar.

It's all good! Can't wait to see these guys play.

"Half the team wore T-shirts to cover up their bad bodies, and you know who you are, Patrick Sparks." Ouch!:lol:

I'd sure like to have one of thoses t-shirts. Its going to take more than a t-shirt for me. :lol:

I have two questions.

 

1. Why did it ever get to the point that it was at last year? I mean where was the man in charge? Patrick Sparks went from a gym rat to a doughnut.

 

2. Why isn't Marquette great if all you need is a great conditioning coach?

 

I think your in trouble when all of your optimism rest on a strength and conditioning coach.

^ as far as #2 goes, I remember a great triple-double, and a Final Four, this century.

^ as far as #2 goes, I remember a great triple-double, and a Final Four, this century.

 

I agree but I think you see my point. The S&C coach won't turn the program around. Why did it take 8 years on the job to realize that this was needed? I think we are grasping at straws.

I agree but I think you see my point. The S&C coach won't turn the program around. Why did it take 8 years on the job to realize that this was needed? I think we are grasping at straws.

 

Better late than ever I guess.

 

On the bright side, hopefully we won't have to watch our UK players bending over, holding their shorts and sucking air after 3 or 4 quick trips up and down the court. It's pretty much been that way ever since Tubby took over, so maybe we'll be more prepared this year.

 

With the way things have been going in NCAA hoops the past few years, it wouldn't surprise me at all if UK made it to the Final Four. I certainly wouldn't predict it, or favor them to get there, but...

 

...I don't think Florida, George Mason, UCLA, and LSU were exactly on top of everyone's list last year.

 

In fact, here's exactly what most of the nation thought of these teams before the season tipped off last year.

 

AP Poll - UCLA was #19, LSU was #32 receiving 54 votes, Florida was #41 receiving 6 votes, and George Mason wasn't on the radar

 

ESPN/USA Today Poll - UCLA was #18, LSU was #32 receiving 45 votes, Florida was #39 receiving 7 votes, and George Mason was nowhere to be seen

 

UK has enough talent. It will once again come down to playing up to their potential, playing with some heart, and the always important team chemistry. If they can go 3-for-3 in those departments, then they'll be a formidable foe for any team in America.

I dont think a team's success is measured by its strength and conditioning coach. However it does help and it is a missing piece to the puzzle the past few years. On appearance alone you can tell a pretty big difference in several of the players. We will be a better team this year! How much so is still up in the air.

After last season and many seasons with no final 4's and yet mutiple 10 L seasons.. its almost hard to believe Tubby is not finally on the hot seat.

After last season and many seasons with no final 4's and yet mutiple 10 L seasons.. its almost hard to believe Tubby is not finally on the hot seat.

 

Its also hard to believe hes on the hotseat after a Nat'l title, 3 Elite 8 appearances. A high winning%, several SEC regular season and tournament championships, and from all accounts Ive heard he runs a clean program.

 

Dont get me wrong, I believe Coach Smith did not do a very good job last year, but he is still a great coach and I just dont think he deserves to be on the hotseat yet.

After last season and many seasons with no final 4's and yet mutiple 10 L seasons.. its almost hard to believe Tubby is not finally on the hot seat.

 

I dont think he is on the hot seat this year at all, I think maybe the seat could be warming up a little bit. So I dont think there is much of a chance at all that he could or would be fired this year. I think if its another 2nd round loss this year then it would put him on the hot seat for next season not this one....