Ok, let’s hear it.
You’ve had about 12 hours to digest Jodie Meeks’ record-breaking 54-point performance last night in UK’s 90-72 win at Tennessee.
Where should it rank on the list of all-time UK performances?
Let me know what you think.
And if Jodie’s killer night in Knoxville is No. 1, which performance is No. 2?
I was only 6 at the time, but I think Jack Givens\’ performance against Duke in the 1978 Finals would be #1. I was at UK and saw all of Tony Delk\’s and Jamal Mashburn\’s games live, but I would have to admit that Jodie Meeks had one of the most exciting performances I\’ve ever seen. When ut cut the lead down with over 6 minutes to go and our bigs in foul trouble, I was VERY concerned. Meeks took it in stride and put 9 more points up in a flash. Great heart and determination.
Jody Meeks 48%FG 45%3pt 91%FT 26PPG. Chris Jackson 48%FG 38%3pt 81%FT 30PPG. Stephan Curry 45%FG 36%3pt 85%FT 29PPG. Meeks has the same FG% as Jackson and trails both in PPG. Other than that Meeks looks to be the better shooter statistically. That is hard to imagine but when you compare stats that is what they say. He is faster, stronger, more athletic and taller than both of those guys. He is also more skilled defensively. Jackson had a few NBA seasons averaging around 20 a game. I do not see why Meeks could not surpass that given his build and athleticism. This is truly someone special we are dealing with. He may end up being the pride of the UK program. He may be the ONE. This has to be great for recruiting for years to come. The more he scores the more recruits want to be part of this. If that projects into a great NBA career look out. Jody Meeks- that game and the season he is having may be the true turning point in the Gillispie Era. Jody Meeks- The Chosen One.
I’m gonna say:
1) Meeks last night
2) Givens – ’78 title game
3) Tayshaun Prince – UNC game in ’01
Sorry Jodie not Jody. Only saw it written about 3,000 times today.
1. Givens
2. Meeks
3. a toss up among several
Givens’ game meant more…a national championship.
no one has mentioned Issel yet. I was too young to have ever seen that game, and I understand that for one of Jodie’s shots he may have had a foot on the line, so are scoring records reviewed? I’d like to see his accomplishments last night be repeated this season, particularly in March…
I would have to say Meeks is the most impressive because UK needed this big road win at this point in the season, Givens was awesome in 1978 because it meant a championship, and I think Grevey had a great game even though UK lost in 1975 to UCLA in the final.
from a strickly shooting standpoint, last night was the best i have seen BUT as much as i enjoyed last night’s game – because a NC was riding on it, i would say givens in 78. i know we are talking individual efforts, but the mardi gras miracle was the best team shooting i have ever seen….
1- givens 78 nc game
2- meeks
3 – delk 96 nc game (only 24 points, but 7 3ptrs)
4 – prince unc
although i was 7 in 70, i do not remember Issel – hate to not include anything pre-givens, but that is as far back as i go…
John,
I was wondering if you think that this game was a “perfect storm” for uk getting into the top 25, or at least close to it. Uk beats #24 Tennessee at home by 18 on national television, and Jodie Meeks puts on a shooting demonstration. Uk has definitely received a lot more national attention over the past 24 hrs than it has most of the season. Any thoughts?
Remember this one? SEC Tournament in Nashville, March 8, 1984. Melvin Turpin: 42 points on 18-22 from the field; 6-7 from the free throw line; 16 rebounds; 2 steals; 2 assists; 2 blocks; 40 minutes played. Kentucky 92 Georgia 79.
I will go with:
1- Meeks
2- Turpin
3- Meeks to come
Too young for Issel, so I’ll give my best under the 3 coaches I remember best:
Gillispie: Meeks
Tubby: Cameron’s 31 against Florida in 1998
Ricky P: ‘Toine’s 32 against LSU in the 86 point first half in 1996
Cotton Nash played in a quiet time for Kentucky baketball in the early sixties. He was without a doubt “the man” and could do it all. People who remember got used to his consistent great play. No particular game stands out in my memory of him at Memorial, but he was the epitomy of a basketball player for all positions at all times.