Update: If you missed it, here’s our special UK2K section.
Big Blue Links for Thursday:
(H-L photo/Charles Bertram)
Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader writes that Kentucky wore down Long Beach State: “After drilling Drexel 88-44 on Monday, Kentucky needed time to warm to the task against Long Beach State. For only the fourth time this season (and the first time since the Connecticut game), Kentucky did not lead at halftime. Two Long Beach State free throws with 0:00 showing on the clock made the score 37-37.”
The Big Lead reports that Jemele Hill could be off ESPN after UK comment: “Jemele Hill, a ESPN.com columnist who occasionally appears on First Take to spar with Skip Bayless, may not be appearing on ESPN anymore in the wake of her comment last week about Kentucky coach John Calipari, a source tells The Big Lead. Her job as a columnist on ESPN.com is not at all in jeopardy, the source says.”
ESPN’s Andy Katz on UK’s freshmen: “As exceptional as Patrick Patterson has been this season, he can’t lead the Wildcats to the Final Four without the play of these fresh faces.”
H-L slideshow from Kentucky-Long Beach State.
Chip Cosby of the H-L looks ahead to UK’s quarterback competition: “UK head coach for offense Joker Phillips said on Wednesday that it will be an open competition in spring practice among Newton, Hartline and redshirt freshman Ryan Mossakowski regardless of what happens in the Music City Bowl.”
My column says you can count on Cousins to keep it interesting: “It should be no surprise that our favorite, fun-loving 6-foot-11 dancing bear of a Kentucky basketball freshman is a big fan of cartoons. After all, DeMarcus Cousins could star in his own cartoon. ‘The Continuing Adventures of Big Cuz.’”
Brett Dawson of the C-J writes that UK overcame its slow start: “For the University of Kentucky men’s basketball program, win No.2,001 was a spacey odyssey. The Wildcats – perhaps looking back at Monday’s celebration of the program’s 2,000th win and ahead to a holiday break – battled foul trouble, botched execution and a monster effort from Long Beach State before winning 86-73 Wednesday afternoon in Rupp Arena.”
Matt May of the Cats Pause writes that UK avoided a letdown: “In the day between Kentucky’s 2,000th all-time victory and its final tip before the Christmas holiday John Calipari wondered aloud whether his Kentucky basketball team would be mentally prepared to play just 36 hours after the program’s euphoric celebration. His concerns were clearly valid.”
Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger writes that Dan Monson had praise for UK: “Long Beach State coach Dan Monson knew his team had squandered a big opportunity when it was only tied with Kentucky at halftime here Wednesday after his team got talented freshmen John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins in first-half foul trouble.”
Eric Lindsey of Cat Scratches writes on the two sides of Big Cuz: “In the first half when Cousins picked up a silly personal foul for mauling a player and an ensuing technical for a retaliating shove to Larry Anderson, one had to wonder what was going through his head. In the second half when he went for 13 points and nine rebounds and basically dragged UK past Long Beach State for good, one had to wonder why Cousins is ever on the bench.”
Kentucky Sports Network has some post-game video from UK-Long Beach State.
James Pennington of the Kernel on Cousins: “Because of Cousins’ head of steam out of the locker room, he finished with a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds). He still only played 13 minutes in the game, partially because his services weren’t necessary as UK built up a lead late in the game. But while he was in, he controlled the game. He just needs to realize: His team would be a lot better off if he were playing 33 minutes a game instead of 13.”
B.W. Jones of the Kernel has the basketball game story: “Calipari had mentioned the 49ers as a team that scared him on the schedule. Caught between UK’s 2,000th win on Monday and Christmas on Friday, the timing of the game and the talent of the 49ers gave Calipari reason to worry.”
Tom Leach has a video interview with Steve Ortmayer about UK special teams.
Aaron’s UK Football Blog has some recruiting notes.
A Sea of Blue on the Kentucky win: “But even with most of their firepower out and energy low, the Wildcat reserves kept after it. Josh Harrellson made a big shot and a couple of good defensive plays for which Calipari rewarded him with significant minutes in the first half. DeAndre Liggins provided some much-needed energy off the bench, and even though Kentucky wound up going into the half tied, you felt like they were fortunate to be there.”
Wildcat-Den says a letdown was expected: “Delivering a blowout similar to the one the Dragons took less than 48 hours ago, just wasn’t possible. Kentucky coach John Calipari knew what to expect when his team took on Long Beach State two days before Christmas. He had a roster full of anxious players ready to take a breather after Monday’s emotional high.”
Matt Jones of CoachCal.com and Kentucky Sports Radio peeks ahead to UK-U of L: “That means the focus now has to be on Louisville on January 2nd. The Cards are pointing to this game with all they have and they are playing slightly better. Calipari knows (whether he says it or not), that this game is HUGE to the UK fanbase. He knows that a win could set up a dream season for most UK fans and it needs to happen. That will be the basis for these three-a-day practices that are coming after Christmas.”
Straitpinkie covers the UK win over Long Beach State: “In the second half, there would be no settling for outside shots. UK made a point to pound it inside to Patterson and Cousins early and often, and they never did stop. Each big guy had a near double-double in the second half, and I particularly liked the change that John Calipari made to get him the ball.”
Wildcat Blue Blog on UK victory No. 2001: “The idea that this could potentially be a ‘trap-game’ was put into question, not only because of Monday’s historic game, but because of the holidays coming up and players wanting to get home to be with family. With a week like this, a Wednesday 1:00 o’ clock start doesn’t always bode well for teams even the #3 Wildcats.”
Good article on the Big Cuz. Great that not only is this team winning, but they have personality. Would love for the Big Cuz to stay 4 years, not just because he is very talented basketball player but he is entertaining. (it won’t happen though)