From: matt@ms.uky.edu (Matt Mccoy)
Subject: Re: Kentucky MASH'ed Louisville
Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1992 16:41:57 GMT
Organization: University Of Kentucky, Dept. of Math Sciences

as232@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Lerner) writes:


>I'd say Kentucky answered quite a few questions tonight.  They went into one
>of the most hostile environments imaginable, came back from down 10 points,
>and pulled out a 20 point victory.

I wouldn't consider Freedom Hall a hostile environment.  It is in the
Commonwealth, and there were a considerable number of UK fans there
considering.

>At one point, when this game was on the line, Jamal Mashburn simply took over
>and dominated; it was about 10 mins into the 2nd half, and he scored 8 or
>so unanswered points in a moment.  Mashburn may be the best forward to play
>College ball since Larry Bir. ;)

This is typical play coming from Mashburn.  I would argue that he is
a better all around player than Bird, at this stage in his game.  It
will be interesting to see how he develops as the season progresses.

>A few UK fans seem to have underestimated Kentucky yet again (You know who
>you are!)  Is it time to start talking "Unbeaten Championship" yet? ;)

As much as I bleed Blue, I seriously doubt this.  We will probably
lose 4-5 games, due to inexperience and lack of motivation...ie EKU,
and the first 7 minutes of the UofL game.  Not to worry, we will wrap
up the SEC East, and the Tournament title.  Surprisingly, at this point,
I see Vandy as our #1 concern.  

>Can anyone who saw this game explain what happened to Louisville?  Mentally
>soft?  Crum consistently drafts excellent talent every year, but the results
>always seem to be the same.

I have always maintained that UofL is at best and mediocre team, that
occasionally plays above themselves.  UK is just giving UofL what
they asked for, and judging from Denny 'I can't take another loss' Crum's
reaction at the post-game handshake, I would think that UofL may look
to end the series.  It would be for their own good, recruiting wise.

>A few weeks ago, I thanked a UNC fan for Rozier.  Want him back? ;)

An example of the typical UofL player.  Lack of discipline, which
explains the reason why UofL always plays so poorly.  The last time
they had real leadership was Darrell Griffith when they won the
National Championship in '80.  A shame, cause I agree that UofL
has gotten alot of talent, but they are losing the recruiting battle
because Crum cannot for the life of him coach discipline.  That is
a sad, but true fact.

>I feel very depressed for the Cardinals, I had hoped they could at least put
>up a good fight on their home floor, but it is obvious they have a long way
>to go.  On the other hand, I feel very happy for UK, who IMHO should be ranked
>#1 in the nation right now. ;)

Right now I see no reason why UK shouldn't get at least a few #1 votes,
though I doubt they will move above Kansas or Duke.  Perhaps after the
IU game, people will begin to see that this team is for real.

>What force on earth can stop Jamal Mashburn? ;)

Mediocre ball clubs  (Wright State, EKU, Morehead) tend to give
the Mash trouble because he cannot seem to get motivated for them.
Perhaps this is just a mental blockage, or maybe he really does have
an achillies heel.  

>I guess I can look forward to Jason Osbourne and a guy named "Bozak Smith"
>next year? ;)

>Mike

While it is good for UK to be playing Intra-state rivals, I believe 
there comes a point when the losing does more harm than good.  EKU
lost an unexpected nail biter, but gained ground in the reputation
category.         

The continued poor play of Louisville against UK is doing nothing
but hurting them on the national recruiting scene, and quite 
frankly the UCLA high post offense is about as exciting as picking
the corns off of your feet.  The Cards need to move into the 90's, 
before they are over, and get with the trends.  If they don't do so,
and continue in their 'backwards' ways, then they will most assuredly
be destined to become a basketball program that remains stagnant, quiet,
and lost.

matt

-- 
I gots two words to say to you:                        matt@ms.uky.edu
          'Rodrick Rhodes'.      Any Questions???      mwmcco00@ukpr.uky.edu
Newsgroups: rec.sport.basketball.college