Midweek Thoughts

One thing that stands out always about Kentucky basketball is the nicknames associated with different teams throughout the history of the program:

Some of the most famous:

Rupp's Runts: Named after the Baron of the Bluegrass himself. No starter on the team over 6'5, this team rode a 27-1 record before losing in the national title game to Texas Western. This team was significant for the fact that it also matched an all white starting lineup vs an all African American lineup, a first in the history of the game. If you want a better recap, watch Glory Road.

The Unforgettables: After a two year absence from postseason play, Kentucky made it all the way to the Elite Eight, losing to Duke in a game that still haunts Kentucky fans to this day. Three of the four starters, John Pelphrey, Richie Farmer, and Deron Feldhaus, were from small towns in eastern Kentucky and perfectly describe the work ethic that Kentucky fans have come to expect.

Some other teams include the Season Without Celebration, where Kentucky won the national championship in 1978, but there was so much focus on winning that nobody celebrated(and UK fans wonder why the media criticizes them). Some of the more recent include the Incredibles(96 championship team), the Unbelievables(97 runner up) and the Comeback Cats(98 championship team).

Some of the nicknames have been negative of late. The last two seasons under Tubby Smith have been called Team Turmoil and the Unwatchables, in that order.

My question is, if Kentucky finishes on a high note and does manage to make the NCAA tournament, what would you call this team?

My vote is for the Blue Collar Cats. The reason being the work ethic that is exemplified by the coach and the hard work being done by everybody, even those who had been sold short earlier in their careers. I don't see this team advancing far in the NCAA tournament if they even make it, but I do think they are playing with a different fire that was missing earlier in the season, especially against Gardner Webb and San Diego.

This Saturday against Georgia will determine how Kentucky will fare on every road contest the rest of the way. After beating Tennessee and South Carolina in the confines of Rupp, their renewed confidence will be put to the test on the road and how this team responds in a hostile SEC environment will ultimately determine how long this team plays in March. Kentucky can ill-afford another loss, even though I believe they will drop at least one against Vanderbilt or Tennessee. They need this win against Georgia to keep their slim NCAA hopes alive, but if the same team shows up that did against Florida and Mississippi State, it may be time to pack in the season.

Things will improve, but once Billy's recruits make it to the floor and his system has taken full stride, we will then see the full effects.

Cheyne