Keith Bogans made a bold prediction in the newspaper prior to the Tennessee-Kentucky game. He pulled a Joe Willie Namath, guaranteeing the Wildcats would beat the Vols.
Bogans talked the talk, and then he walked the walk. The guard backed up his statement with a big-time performance. He said, "This is our turf, and the Vols won't walk out of Rupp with a W." Bogans played under control, took good shots and Kentucky scored its seventh straight win.
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There are still some who dream of Rick Pitino returning to Lexington. ... Forget about that. ” |
I was really impressed with the unselfish play of the 'Cats. Kentucky was able to convert fourth-ranked Tennessee's turnovers into points in transition. Tubby Smith's team did a great job moving the basketball and the passing led to open looks on the perimeter.
Defensively, the Wildcats did a nice job of challenging every one of the Vols' shots. They moved their feet and were in good position. They also did a great job closing off the passing lanes, helping each other. The 'Cats got back and defended in transition and simply outhustled and outscrapped Jerry Green's talented club.
This was clearly a different Kentucky team than the one I saw lose to Georgia Tech earlier this season. The Wildcats are on the verge of having a great season. Consider the fact that their five losses all came by five points or less, including a Maalox Masher against top-five Michigan State.
If Kentucky can shoot well on the perimeter, watch out. With the way the 'Cats can defend, they are a dangerous team.
When the 'Cats were 3-5, people got down on the team. Tubby said things would get better and they have. He works so hard on the sidelines; most coaches who win a national championship and post the record he has would get a statue erected. Instead, there are some who do not appreciate what he has accomplished.
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| Keith Bogans looks for an opening as he works around Tennessee's Jon Higgins. Bogans led Kentucky with 21 points. |
Yes, there are a lot of fans who understand the job Tubby has done. There are still some who dream of Rick Pitino returning to Lexington if Tubby left. Forget about that -- Pitino will be on the sidelines somewhere else next year.
A number of Kentucky players impressed me. Bogans took charge and was outstanding. Tayshaun Prince was much more active than when I saw him against Georgia Tech. Prince played like a King!
I was impressed with the way Jason Parker posted up and really wanted the ball early.
He's so strong inside, and if he gets touches, he's effective. I also felt Gerald Fitch was a positive addition to the starting lineup. He gives the 'Cats more speed and quickness. Fitch provides a spark with his enthusiasm and feeling for the game.
Then there is the crowd at Rupp. It is a great environment and the fans have such a passion for winning. The fans are so hungry and they were so loud -- the place was rocking and rolling.
Watch out for the Wildcats. They are definitely a Top 25 team with Uncle Mo (i.e., momentum) on their side.