Only caught the first half, went to bed after that, but even when UK was down 8ish, it still felt like they were very much in the game. Wasn't very impressed with Duke, but it's early and they are very young, they won't be the same team in a couple months. 

This game was a good example of how a veteran squad trumps young talent, especially early in the year. 

44 minutes ago, TheDeuce said:

Only caught the first half, went to bed after that, but even when UK was down 8ish, it still felt like they were very much in the game. Wasn't very impressed with Duke, but it's early and they are very young, they won't be the same team in a couple months. 

This game was a good example of how a veteran squad trumps young talent, especially early in the year. 

This is spot on....Kentucky will also not be the same Team in a couple of months. Both Programs got better last night by playing in this Venue. I would of been okay with any turnout. Just compete Baby!

Ky basketball had a great feel again last night, good coaching and gritty veterans unaffected by the spotlight, loving Ky basketball once again!!!

12 hours ago, Randy Parker said:

I would hate Kerr Kriisa if he played for anyone else.  And even though he's a Cat, I hate his mustache. 

Yes could you imagine what we would say about him if he wore a Duke jersey. lol

Pope made great adjustments.  Going small when Duke went big down the stretch was clutch.  Running a run out inbounds play to seal the game was gutsy...and they got a big W getting 0 offensive contribution from their " Best Scorer".  

A lot of positives from this game.  Down the stretch we missed a few buckets at the basket we have to make.

Defensive adjustments were big, but when the big guy for Duke was out, they attacked the basket more in the second half and that was a switch up from the fiirst half.

I also like Pope's substitutions.  He did it based on the game in front of him and not based on whose feelings he was trying to preserve!

I'm still marveling at the win! I look forward to seeing the Cats gel, especially on the defensive side. They are gonna be fun to watch!

Duke is gonna be an incredibly tough team as the season progresses. And that Colonel Flagg is one heck of a player. I wanna make light of all of the early accolades he is receiving, but from what I saw on Tuesday, he deserves them.

Best thing out of this game for me was Pope talking about the different defensive adjustments they made in the second half. I think they had something like five various ways to guard the pick and roll, and altered them to keep Duke off balance in the second half.

It was refreshing to see that they could adjust when something wasn't working.

On 11/13/2024 at 8:49 AM, TheDeuce said:

Only caught the first half, went to bed after that, but even when UK was down 8ish, it still felt like they were very much in the game. Wasn't very impressed with Duke, but it's early and they are very young, they won't be the same team in a couple months. 

This game was a good example of how a veteran squad trumps young talent, especially early in the year. 

Kentucky has a veteran squad for sure but they are going to get better as a team as the season progresses, same as Duke. Gotta remember even though they are older than many teams these young men have never played together before this season. This scenario is new to them too. 

Been busy and just now getting a chance to chime in on things.

- A word I've seen thrown around a lot was "gritty." I agree. It was exactly what I texted to my friend just afterward.

- I watched Flagg a few times in high school and saw the highlights of him playing for the US Select team this past summer. To find a comp, you must think about someone who can impact the game at all levels. Grant Hillish? You can tell he moves differently than anyone else on the court and he can create his own shot with ease. He looked like a 17-year-old down the stretch (kind of funny that on many sites you cannot bet on him to win the Wooden Award because he's not yet 18), but he will get those kinks worked out.

- The adjustments UK made were great, but more important was Maluach being hobbled with cramps. UK had no answer for him and Duke wins if he is near 30 minutes.

- I do like the energy Pope brings to the squad. The players seem responsive and willing to fight.