I didn't see the game but he is the one kid I'm most curious about as to attitude, effort, and ability.

 

From first hand experience I know Cousins is way overconfident in his abilities. Also would not be surprised if by the end of the school year he got in some type of legal trouble. PM me if you'd really like to know.

Bledsoe is a true point guard, and so is Wall. We can not have both on the court imo.

 

I think UK will ultimately be most effective when both are on the court at the same time. Wall and Bledsoe are more than just PG's they are able to drive to the basket at will which will lead to more lane collapses by the defense or help coming over leaving someone on the offense open. I think once everything falls into place UK will greatly benefit by having Wall and Bledsoe on the court at the same time.

It's tough to gauge where this team really is. They've clearly got a long way to go, but Campbellsville is so small, virtually everyone had their way.

 

I was very impressed with Bledsoe. That block he had was sick.

 

I love the way we play defense. I think Cal's right, we have an opportunity to be the best defensive team in the nation.

 

I'm excited about Dodson. I think he'll be a really good player. He brings a lot of versatility to the table, but I'm not sure that he's the "lights out" shooter that so many have predicted.

 

This team will struggle to score points at times, due to their inability to shoot.

 

There's just something not right about Patterson playing along the perimeter. But Cousins & Orton will do well down low.

 

I have been very hard on Perry Stevenson for the past 3 years, but now I almost feel bad for him. I just don't think there's room for both him & Harrellson. And it seems like Harrellson is going to get the opportunity because he can shoot some.

Athletically & talent-wise, this team is as good as I've seen in a long time. To me, it's whether they're willing to play defense (which I think they will) and whether they can play together (and chemistry does not seem to be a problem at all.)

 

Some good things and some bad things.

 

* Perry Stevenson will see limited playing time in meaningful games.

* Dodson is a shooter and will take every open shot he gets.

* UK has a ton of athleticism on this team and everyone can handle the ball

* Although an exhibition game UK had way too many turnovers, many were because of carelessness.

* Demarcus Cousins will be a beast this year on both offense and defense.

* Eric Bledsoe will become more loved than John Wall before the season is over.

* Hood did well in his action, hustling on defense and making some moves on offense.

* This team is going to be something special on defense. The way this team goes after the ball is amazing and the shot blocking ability of Cousins, Patterson, and Orton will help UK score more points in transition.

 

I think Stevenson helped his cause some in the 5 minutes he did play. I mean obviously the few minutes that comes to the 4th big man behind Cousins, Patterson, and Orton is going to come down to Harrellson or Stevenson. Right now Harrellson seems to have the edge in coach Cal's eye. However Harrellson didn't play to much tonight, and when he did he really didn't do anything. I think Coach Cal not playing Stevenson, lit a fire under him. He seemed to go out there and do what Coach Cal is wanting people to do and that is attack the rim. One of the times you could see coach Cal throw his hands up in the air, like he was saying finally you are attacking the rim after one of the drives Stevenson had. Stevenson really helped his case tonight IMO, and did what coach Cal wants to see. Plus he is capable of stepping outside and making a three when he is open. IMO he will eventually win those few minutes from Harrellson, and Harrellson will be the one not really playing as the year goes on.

I say play Stevenson over Harris...Harris just isnt explosive enough for me...Im not a Harrelson fan. He wont shoot like he did in Big Blue Madness/Blue White game in real games. He freezes up and you saw it today when he had to re tip in his missed layup. Stevenson showed assertiveness when he was in there tonight. Harris can be our Bruce Bowen off the bench but that is about it imo.

 

Just some thoughts from the game....

 

GO CATS!

I couldnt agree more. They showed a lot of raw talent, but need to tone that talent to play as one unit. Their young and the more they play together the better they will be. I am a little concerned about the turnovers, but hopefully when Wall comes back he shows us why hes considered the top point guard in the nation and keep these at a minimum. Overall I was impressed with UK tonight; I just think the players need more minutes on the court together and learn to play with one another.

I liked what I saw tonight from a raw standpoint. The stone definitely needs to be polished. The upside with this group is tremendous. I believe when March rolls around, the stone will be shining. Love this team's athleticism. I think when when Wall and Bledsoe are on the court together they will wreak havoc. Saw way to many guys leaving their feet on ball fakes (Patterson got burned on one baseline, and Miller made a terrible foul to end the half). I think Wall will completely change the dynamic of this team, and I can't wait to see him Friday night. Cal warned us that it would be sloppy early and he was right. Can't wait to see them go through their progression and grow as a team, it will be fun to watch.

Cousins looked a little overweight and lazy to me. At one point my wife who watched the game with me (she loves UK unfortunately) pointed out 3 consecutive plays defense, offense, defense again where Cousins lack of hustle cost UK each time.

 

I watched the whole game and didn't think this was a problem. He was diving all over the floor and I think he gave a good effort.

I like Bledsoe over Wall as well. If you look back at the John Wall to UK threads I said the same thing before he came here.

Sloppy play overall, but you can see the athleticism. I really like Dodson. Bledsoe is very fast. They played better D than I thought they would since Calipari said he was working more on the offense first with the D to follow. However, Campbellsville did get some open shots, but unable to knock them down. Possibly due to the length of UK and how they may have altered their shots.

Based on one exhibition game that Wall didn't even play in?

 

I think Bledsoe will be great, but Wall will be better.

 

Way to go out on a limb there.

Cousins looked a little overweight and lazy to me. At one point my wife who watched the game with me (she loves UK unfortunately) pointed out 3 consecutive plays defense, offense, defense again where Cousins lack of hustle cost UK each time.

 

I think Cousins falls into sort of a Randolph Morris, Antoine Walker perception when it comes to effort. I think the effort is there, it's just the perception is that it is not. Just my take from last night. First time in a long time that I am excited about the Wildcats.:thumb:

I think Cousins falls into sort of a Randolph Morris, Antoine Walker perception when it comes to effort. I think the effort is there, it's just the perception is that it is not. Just my take from last night. First time in a long time that I am excited about the Wildcats.:thumb:

I can see the Antoine Walker. We sometimes wondered if Morris even had a pulse on the court. I attribute his play more to being arrogant and not yet being exposed to college. With that said, it is easy to see why he was rated as the #2 player in the country.

 

It remains to be seen how much of an influence Wall will have on the court. I am thinking a lot, but I am not trying to get overly excited. Bledsoe is a nice compliment and will be good in a year or two, but he is nowhere near the caliber player as Wall.

 

I hope Stevenson and Harris see the court and are able to contribute. Veteran play is crucial for teams like this.

Cousins played really hard last night. He will be one of the best big men in the conference this season.

 

I did comment on my live coverage: "If Cousins' career ever heads south, he'll become Raymond from White Men Can't Jump (1992)"

 

He has some attitude, but he uses it to his advantage. He is a brute down low.

Scarheel it sounds like your giving the WildCats some love! However, Patterson role will be the go to man down low and out at the top and hopefully his scoring will help us beat Louisvile and UNC! LOL We are Baaaaaaaaaaack!

Go Big Blue!

Don't Hate Participate in the Big Blue Mania Baby! lol

Calipari in the post-game presser:

 

"What did I say Jerry (Tipton), your article would be 'dribble-drive this?'"

:lol:

But it was Campbellsville. Like I said I didn't see the game, I was just expecting to see 100+. Wall will make a difference, no doubt.

 

He will make a difference but it is going to be several weeks until this offense clicks. I expect the Cats to take a few L's early this season unless they come around quicker.