Thread: Old Dominion Coach says Kentucky isn't a Great Defensive Team

Andy Katz spoke with Old Dominion coach Blaine Taylor and he had some interesting things to say about his experience of playing Kentucky.

"They've got a wealth of ability," said Old Dominion coach Blaine Taylor, whose Monarchs lost to Kentucky 62-52 on Nov. 20. "They make a living on their talent of overwhelming people. But my guys played toe-to-toe with them because we were physical. They'll react better to Carolina than to us because Carolina can match their length. Davis is dang long. He can pick your pocket from across the street. He's not as long as Henson but he's that kind of guy around the basket."

Taylor said that Kentucky isn't a great defensive team. But Davis certainly is a game-changer. Davis scored 15 points, corralled 15 boards and had eight of a school-record 18 blocks in a convincing 81-59 SEC-Big East Challenge win Thursday night over St. John's at Rupp Arena, while Jones added 26 points and nine boards. Davis is averaging 13 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.9 blocks in 26.6 minutes through the season's first seven games; Jones is averaging 15.1 points and 7.6 rebounds in 30 minutes.

Taylor said Davis' ability to block and alter shots may be neutralized against North Carolina due to the Tar Heels' length.

"The pair of them will have to be more creative," Taylor said. "Davis didn't play well against us and didn't cast the long shadow over the game. He's vulnerable to physical play. Jones is a bit of a prima donna. One of them is salt and pepper and the other is meat and potatoes. They're not a carbon copy of each other at all. Both can step away from the basket, though. [Davis] was the more efficient player. Jones does a lot of flashy stuff, spinning and chest bumping."
Source


Sounds like someone got their feelings hurt after losing to Kentucky.

Not a great defensive team? Anyone watch that game last night vs. St. John's?

Old Dominion scored 51 points...mmmm...must have been terrible shooting.

Reminds me of Chappelle Show, when he played "Black George Bush."

"Oh wait, you don't have an army? Well then, maybe you should shut the **** up! That's what I would do if I didn't have an army! I'd shut right the **** up! Now why don't you go sell hats in Times Square, or whatever you do..."

Seriously, I'd worry about my own team. We played weeks ago now. I guess the only way to get on ESPN if you're the ODU coach is to talk about teams you can't beat... I know it sounds like I'm all fired up, but dammit, it's the day before the game and I got my war-paint on. Let's get it!

UK vs. UNC preview: The Sports Buzz Blog - The Sports Buzz

You only have to play as good a defense as needed. Maybe UK played down to ODU. We have been known to do that over the years.

Wonder how ODU coach feels after Davis' game-saving block on Henson? I think someone is a lil jealous.