While Louisville won the game, there are a lot of things to take away from this game. There were several times in the game where it looked like Louisville would pull away that Kentucky came right back, none more important than erasing a seven point defecit with 52 seconds to go in the game. Last years team, and the year before would have quit long before, but Kentucky managed to pull off a sensational comeback that could have been one of the greatest in the Kentucky-Louisville rivalry.
The fact Kentucky only lost by three on the homecourt of a team ranked third in preseason shows that this team has come a long way and is close to arriving. Looking at next years team:
- Jared Carter is graduating.
- Matt Pilgrim becomes eligible.
- Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson, if they decide to return.
- Incoming freshman class of Jon Hood, Daniel Orton, and GJ Vilarino.
We could see the return of Kentucky to basketball prominence should the above happen. However, a lot could happen between now and then as well.
Some more thoughts on the game:
- I DVR'ed the game and watched the technical, and the only thing I can figure is that Gillispie was complaining about was Porter being taken to the ground while Patterson finished the play. Given Clark Kellog was oooing over Patterson, nobody from CBS decided to find out what happened. Gillispie was asked during the post-game press conference what he said and his reply was "I'd rather not say".
- Why Landon Slone did not receive any playing time is the mystery in itself for Kentucky fans following this game. Slone has established himself as Kentucky's best on-ball defender, but a lot of his playing time did come against teams such as Central Michigan. My guess is Gillispie was afraid he would crack under the pressure at Freedom Hall.
- While Michael Porter's defense left something to be desired, he didn't contribute to any of the Cats 21 turnovers, which is shocking. It is possible that Porter may be turning into a more servicable player, but a true floor general is what this team really needs right now.
This team is in an eerily similar situation from the Tubby Smith days. During that time, we had above average to excellent point guard play from Cliff Hawkins, Rajon Rondo, and even Ramel Bradley at times. However, we have lacked a dominating big man opposite Randolph Morris. Now, we have some excellent players in the post in Patterson and Stevenson, yet we don't have someone to set them up effectively.
With the Louisville loss out of the way, it is time to look toward Saturday and the rematch with Vanderbilt. The same Vanderbilt that crushed Kentucky at Memorial Gymnasium 93-52 last season. I made the prediction last year that Kentucky would turn some heads come conference play, and they did exactly that, going 12-4 in SEC play. This play was what ultimately got them into the NCAA tournament last season, and I believe this season the SEC play will be what gets us a national ranking at seasons end.
This weekend has left me brimming with confidence in Kentucky as the season progresses, even with the loss. Hopefully the momentum can keep up.
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