Voice of Reason

just a little. Houston's man on man defenders did not allow one clear drive to the basket. When an A&M guard got an angle, there was help defense challenging the drive. No uncontested layups. Despite that, A&M clearly a worthy opponent as they took a 1 seed to OT, an excellent defensive team.

I heard the last part of Calipari's radio show on the way home. He isn't going anywhere.

Based on what I'm seeing in this year's bracket, if you need a little bracket help start a rumor that their head coach is in line to succeed Calipari. They will lose their next game.

Much higher than I thought.

A&M was unable to get any straight line drives against Houston's defenders.

Samson chose not to foul leading by 3 and T A&M tied it with a 3 at the buzzer.

I saw a quote of Jay Wright talking about how different life would be for him and his family. He can do family things in Philly and people don't bother him. It would not be that way in KY.

Is that $4M year one? That seems higher than what I remember for the salary slot.

I can't remember if Filipowski was still a lottery pick late in the season but I know he was during the season last year. I was paying attention because I have a personal connection with his family. I agree with you that NIL money can impact these decisions to stay. Sheppard probably could make as much if not more playing for UK next year than he will on a rookie NBA contract.

What measurables? If it is pure athleticism like speed and jumping, I think the opposite. He is a better athlete than people realize. On the lottery pick question, maybe last year - Kyle Filipowski. He was a projected lottery pick in some mock drafts last year.

I do too but I think he should go. He can only hurt his NBA draft status by staying.

When Oakland loses it will be the reason they lost.

Rick and Richard Pitino back with Richard as assistant head coach. How does that work?

And before that Lute Olson and Arizona.

I am asking MaddenCurse who the NE right tackle was that shut Watt out.

Yale 78 Auburn 76 I don't know why but I cannot stop laughing. I guess that confirms it. Bruce Pearl is a perfect match for UK.

UK minutes per game: 1. Reeves 31.5 2. Mitchell 30.2 3. Sheppard 28.9 Can we please just stop the Sheppard not starting talk? Absolute non issue. Outside the 2 veterans, he led the team in minutes.

And keep an eye on the real estate market for farm sales.

I completely agree on Cal as great recruiter, just above average as a coach. And the reason he is above average as a coach is team chemistry. He is very good at building team chemistry with super talented freshmen. He is average at best on in game coaching. All that said, I think it is over the top to say he should have three titles. The best example for why I say that is unrealistic is Dean Smith. In his era, no one had better talent. He won two titles in his career. Further proof why 3 titles is not realistic at all - in the last ten years UK has 2 final four appearances. Only one school has 3. And I am talking Final Fours, not titles.

Facts do back it up. Ten years of facts at both UK and Duke support it, vs one bad game against St. Peters by a more experienced team. I think going forward a team with even just 2 freshmen in their top 5 in minutes will need a lot of luck to win a title.

You think there is any chance Sheppard stays another year?

Here is Cal's biggest problem. He does not change. He plays his way and expects his talent to win. Last night, UK should have pressed that team full court, hard pressure the whole game. Speed up the tempo, use your depth, don't let them walk up court into their sets. Push the ball even after made baskets. Turn the game into a track meet. Do just that and UK wins by double digits.

Saw that, but they didn't bust mine. I knew who UK was. Watched them all year.

The only name shared so far that interests me is Jay Wright.

I thought about that when I did my bracket. The only game I felt good about picking UK was this round 1 game. I did pick UK to beat NC St. but it was picking with my heart more than my head. I just can't have confidence in a team that is as bad as UK was this year on defense, regardless of how good the offense is.