OldhamOldie

I'm still waiting for you to post the thread on Mick Cronin and Curtis Bostic. It will be a BGP all-timer for views, agreed? Here is a view of the Skal bust from the press. From Projected Top Pick to Struggling Reserve: The Decline of Skal Labissiere | Bleacher Report

Really? Goodin is going to Xavier, which is better than UK this year. UK, meanwhile, brought in a complete bust in Skal, another All-American in Briscoe whom the fans are calling "Brick-Oh" because of his free throws. So just because UK recruits a player, does not mean they are going to pan out either.

They are only at UK for money they will get in the NBA, no dedication to the program or fan base, is one reason. They are steered by AAU power brokers and would-be agents, so many of us do not identify with the players as we know they are just mercenaries. Myself, I like to see players who are there as real students with the intent to earn a degree as well. I know those days are gone for the most part, but many of these one and dones across the country are broke, degree-less, with no future at all after they are used at said university. Winning is fine, but at any cost? Not to me, but that is just my opinion.

I have seen Carson Williams, Quentin Goodin and Mason Faulkner all play this season. They are all outstanding performers, will do very well at the next level. It makes it sad for me as a UK fan to know the flagship school of this commonwealth did not even consider any of those three. All three of these kids will be four-year players and get better as each season goes on in college. My question: Would you rather root for these players for four years who will work at their game and improve, or continue to get the one and done mercenaries that are making it hard for fans like myself to remain fans of UK's program?

Here is the article that points out Larry Bird was not picked in pickup games in the preseason at IU during his time there in Bloomington. "Radford was there when Bird refused to play in that all-star game, telling the all-star coach he didn't play in mop-up time. And he was there in Bloomington when Bird started to realize he was in over his head. Bird didn't get to play in the preseason pickup games often because he wasn't picked as part of the first 10, Radford remembered, and when that happened, Bird would often leave the gym. Radford tried to reason with Bird, telling him how the guys on the court had been playing together for the past three or four years." A Bird's eye-view: IU's 1975-76 team remains the last undefeated squad in men's college basketball, but how good could that team have been had Larry Bird stayed a Hoosier? | Indiana Hoosiers Basketball | nwitimes.com

I think people DID NOT understand the point of the Larry Bird thread. It compared HIGH SCHOOL Larry Bird, who was A LONG WAY from the NBA. Larry Bird did not even get chosen into preseason scrimmages at IU while he was there (I will find that article. The IU upperclassmen thought he was an OK player, nothing more while he was there). For some reason, people took it to mean the NBA Larry Bird. Look, I saw Larry Bird in high school. NO ONE thought he would ever see an NBA court. NO ONE. Many questioned whether he could even play at IU. HE DID NOT. He left for various reasons. Sorry I even started that thread.

That would make business tough for BGP if people quit talking about players, right?

Based on the comments I continue to see in this forum, I would say the one word the best describes Carson Williams is: Polarizing. There are those who have seen him play and know just how good he is. And there are those who only see highlights or have not even seen him play at all and still make comments. It's divided an entire state it seems. Polarizing.

I saw the video clip a few moments ago with Hurt's goaltending, and his shot that sent the game into overtime at the buzzer. The hand through the cylinder did indeed knock the ball away (still not sure it would have gone in, but that is a moot point as hitting the ball there is interference) and should have been goaltending. The 3/4 court pass to Hurt and his shot (it hits the rim two or three times before going through as the buzzer goes off) is amazing to see. Hurt shoots one from about the foul line after making a nice catch of the inbounds pass. Classic big-time play by Hurt. What a heartbreaker for Holmes. If one of the defenders had jumped in front of Hurt, I believe they could have easily tipped away the 3/4 court pass. Easy for me to second guess 38 years later!

Agreed. But you had asked about Matt Jones a couple of weeks ago in another thread re: press watching out for him. My reason for asking. Yes, high school sports are the best. I agree!

The dark cloud arrives, and the sunshine disappears. Ever check out the Fancy Park/Matt Jones story?

Tough season for North Oldham. A well-coached team that has the misfortune of playing in a loaded 8th Region this season. Still have the post season to look forward to.

Don't forget Carson Williams put up 40 points and 15 rebounds against a very good South Oldham team last week. I believe that just about wrapped it up as far as Mr. Basketball. And I do believe Faulkner is a big factor in the voting as well. Goodin is a fine player, but his team's performance much of the season has been puzzling. But it will be fun to see how the voters respond!

Great numbers by Goodin, and congrats! But I still think Carson Williams is Mr. Basketball this season. I believe both Goodin and Mason Faulkner are runner-ups to Williams. All three are outstanding players.

An impressive road win for South Oldham after suffering a gut-wrenching loss at Owen County over the weekend. Walton-Verona has 17 wins and had been playing well, but the Dragons three-point shooting and defense paves the way for the victory.

Final from Walton. South Oldham now 23-4.

Very nice win for Oldham County against a solid Meade County team. Oldham having a fine season, showdown with Owen County awaits. Should be a standing room only crowd in the O-Zone.

I was joking about Dale and Hardy, loved those two on the air when I was a high schooler. I was informed minutes ago that the Charles Hurt photograph with the hand through the cylinder was published in The Kentucky Post during the 1978 Sweet 16. Not sure who took the photo, but it is a classic. When I was growing up The Kentucky Post did a fantastic job of covering the 9th Region basketball and football. I understand it went out of business several years ago. We have The Oldham Era down here covering our schools, plus the Courier-Journal which hardly notices our teams.

Jacob Bray scores 20 points to lead four Dragons in double figures. Dyllon Hoover with a double-double, 11 points and 11 rebounds. South Oldham knocked down 11 three-point shots.

Steve Ridder in 1976 was the Bellevue star. I believe they had Ahrens (spelling?), Groeschen, and another big kid who could play. If I recall correctly, that 1976 team also knocked for Highlands in the regional and nearly made it to the 9th Region title game. Very good team.

I do not think Oldham has the inside people to stay with Owen County in this one. Unlike South Oldham, which can play with anyone in this state because of their three-point shooting, Oldham is a more traditional team that relies on defense and ball movement. I just don't see how they stay very close in this game. I say Owen County 68, Oldham County 52. I do not see a fast tempo in this one as Oldham will try to control possessions and keep Carson Williams with s few touches as possible. But I do not think Oldham has the horses to stay with Owen County in this game.

Maybe Dale McMillan or Hardy Tribble took the photo from their seats at press row? Just joking. Referencing those two names of the past for the N. Ky. folks who used to listen to games on WHKK-FM!

I have not seen either team play this season but I keep an eye on 9th Region results. It seems Newport has been experiencing other issues other than final scores, so this might be a great chance for Bellevue to repeat its 1976 upset in the district.

If this bracket is correct for the boys, Bellevue fans will remember what happened in the first round of the district with Newport exactly 40 years ago in 1976. Bellevue upset Newport and gained a spot in the regional. It eliminated a very good Newport team. Bellevue had Steve Ridder as its star in those days if I recall. Could we see a repeat 40 years later?

I can't criticize those hippies of the '70s since I wore a leisure suit, choker beads and had bellbottom slacks during those days!