The random musings of Papaw Ott

Kentucky is now 17-0! WOW! Their not too far away from a 20 win season and to think last year this team was in the NIT...or should I say Billy Clyde was in the NIT? Eric Bledso is not having it this year!!

This game started slow for the Cats who went 1-12 for shot from one foot from the goal. It could have easily been a blow out from the beginning but for some reason they just weren't falling. Florida on the other hand started hot from all over and continued to nail three pointers throughout the game.

Eric Bledsoe is the star in this one. Bledsoe seemed to do no wrong and in the second half began to hit his three point shot and you just knew that Florida wasn't going to have a chance. So far this year, the Freshman are definitely carrying the team. The most impressive thing is how the continue to make big plays in critical situations.

Patterson may have had a slow night and I"m sure Calipari will continue to expect more from him, but once again he steps up with the game on the line and makes the play that shifts the momentum of the game and a knock out punch to Florida. Catching the ball just outside of the lane, Patterson was able to hit a jump hook and get fouled for a potential three point play. Doesn't sound like much, but this basket came at a time when Florida was looking to make a final run. Instead it ended in a five point play for UK when the free throw was rebounded and Dodson sinks a three.

In the Miller, Dodson, Liggins saga....Liggins looked shaky to start the game and didn't see much playing time. Dodson hits a big shot, but turnovers resulted in Darius finishing the game and hitting some big shots of his own. Miller who started the game, may have put some distance between himself and the compitition for a starting spot.

Another win and it's great to see this team win the tough ones. They'll definitely need these experiences come March.

Here's the post-game interviews in case you missed them....
Eric Bledsoe Interview

John Wall Interview

Billy Donovan Presser

John Calipari Presser

John Calipari is a wizard. Cal brings in the high brass on a regular basis and getting Rober Kraft to come and speak to the players is genius. Cal is getting these guys ready for the business of the NBA. This is why we are getting the top recruits because Cal is a preparer for basketball and the life that goes with it. That is a story for another day, because I noticed the players and just what is going through their mind.

For some reason, God only knows, I saw John Wall at first glance. Look at him. Sitting front and center staring right at Mr. Kraft's eyes. This kid absoulutely gets it and I can see how he has been proclaimed the best since Michael Jordan. Just looks so focused.
I glared at Jorts right after Wall caught my eye. Josh Harrelson, sitting with his hand on his cheek. He is thinking, "Man, I wish I was back in the room asleep."

Kentucky Travels to Gainesville on Tuesday to take on the Gators. If your looking for the next big rivalry game on the schedule, this would be the one. Florida's success over the past few years has given them a sense of false hope that needs to be addressed.

Field goal percentage will be a key statistic in the game on Tuesday. Florida has as many shot attempts as UK, but they average more three point attempts (20.9 Three Point Attempts Vs. UK's 16.1.) If Florida can hold serve on their shooting percentage, they will win the game because they take more shots overall. Another area of concern would be UK's performance behind the three point line. This could be a huge problem if Florida get's hot.
NCAA Basketball



The other thing Kentucky has to contend with is the "Swamp" itself. Gator fans are known to be...well gator fans. Two NCAA Championships and now they think their Basketball program is just as good as their football program. Here's an example of excellence that is the Florida Gator Fan...

If you have heard or not, Conan O'brien is pissed off and going to leave NBC because of Jay Leno. NBC wants to push Conan back to 12:05 and he will quit if they do. I mean seriously, would it be the Tonight Show if it was tomorrow? Jay can't carry the ratings at 10 and everybody else has to pay for it. As you can tell, I am a Conan fan. I like Letterman too. As you can see by the videos below, I am not the only one who like Conan, or dislikes Jay. These videos are hilarious!

It's always a great day... - Ok this isn't UK but when Duke loses it's close enough.
I have always said that it is always a great day when Duke loses. The only thing better is if Louisville and Tennessee could lose on the same day as Coach Kressduroeusljg’s team. Here is the last 6 minutes of Duke getting beat by a team that just got beat by a team that we just beat.

Rich Brooks: Resolute Man About Town
Much has been written and said over the last four days about the sometimes tumultuous seven-year tenure of newly retired Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks. Most of the commentary has been complimentary of Brooks, citing the many "firsts" the program accomplished under his leadership.

C.J. Leslie Highlight Reel
Five-star Raleigh (N.C.) Word of God Christian Academy forward C.J. Leslie played the second of two games in Lexington this weekend on Saturday at Dunkin Donuts Shootout.