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Posted by Trey Ball (Member # 332) on 02-25-2014, 09:58 AM:

That was a question that a guy at work asked me yesterday. He is a UK fan as well, but he has struggled with this team this year he told me.

I really think for me it boils down to one thing. I think all of these kids are good kids and they are trying to live up to the ridiculous expectations the media placed upon them.

I have seen growth with the team. Randle had to learn how to deal with double and triple teams and come up with a counter move instead of always turning over his right shoulder. I think he has done that.

Andrew Harrison has grown by leaps and bounds over the last month as a PG IMO. Aaron Harrison has really improved his defense. Now does that mean he is an excellent defender? No, but he is probably our most active perimeter defender IMO.

Young has improved his shot selection IMO, but I will say that it hasn't landed great results because he is in a prolonged shooting slump (my guess is because they have changed his form and he is struggling with that right now. Kind of like getting a golf lesson or two from a PGA teaching professional. I know I always get worse before I get better. I'm still a bad golfer though. LOL)

Dakari Johnson is better all around then when he stepped foot on campus. He is in better condition, better footwork, and better quickness.

Poy has struggled the last few games, but he has taken his game intensity up and is a great finisher around the rim.

So I guess I like them because they are good kids and I do believe they are hearing what Cal is saying to them or as some say screaming at them.

I would also say that I agree with Jimmy Dykes. He said on Saturday, "Sure there are 25 teams that could beat Kentucky, but answer me this: Name me a team that Kentucky CAN'T BEAT?" His answer was no one and I agree with that sentiment.

[ 02-25-2014, 12:43 PM: Message edited by: Trey Ball ]

Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 02-25-2014, 12:14 PM:

I have to agree with you. They are not where I expected them to be but they have improved and I agree he has a bunch of nice kids. I am still hoping for a miracle.

Posted by Ol' Blue (Member # 2317) on 02-25-2014, 12:21 PM:

Thanks Trey for another insightful and thought provoking post.
I agree with everything you said, except your conclusion (though I will give you partial credit).
I think this team is missing something that every successful relationship must have....trust.
These guys are all improving and understanding the team game better than when they arrived, no doubt about that. They still don't trust each other.
I hope the display between the twins and JR at the end of the LSU game proves to be the beginning of a bond. It's all this team lacks. JMHO

Posted by Trey Ball (Member # 332) on 02-25-2014, 02:12 PM:

Ol Blue,

I like your "trust" comment. That was defintely lacking at the beginning of the year, but like you I do believe I have seen signs of a bond or trust building with this team in the last few weeks.

I see quicker passes, especially against a zone defense, and more talking on defense.

The one area that is lacking for most college basketball teams in recent years IMO is the trust from the guards to throw the ball into the post. That post pass seems to be a lost art. I know my high school coach counted post passes as a statistic for our team because we had a 6'9", 6'9", and 6'8" front line and he wanted us to pound the ball into the post.

Posted by Ol' Blue (Member # 2317) on 02-25-2014, 04:08 PM:

I have noticed numerous times that Randle will get his defender on his hip but the Harrisons or Young don't get the ball to him. It's a timing thing but you have to be looking for it. At first I thought they just didn't see it. Then it seemed like they saw it but didn't pass the ball. Randle is being a more willing passer now so maybe they will make that pass.