John Clay's Sidelines

Videos from post-game press conference after Kentucky women completed its home season undefeated with a 71-50 win over visiting South Carolina. On top is UK coach Matthew Mitchell. In the middle is Victoria Dunlap, Amani Franklin and Lydia Watkins. At the bottom is a none-too-happy South Carolina coach Dawn Staley.

Big Blue Links for Wednesday:

(H-L photo/Charles Bertram)

Jerry Tipton of the H-L writes that Calipari is ok with undefeated talk: “Yet the Cats have been talking for weeks about finishing with a record that has a zero on the right side of the hyphen. The quest, apparently serious, resumes Wednesday against Long Beach State.”

Jen Smith of the H-L reports on UK women remaining unbeaten: “The Wildcats’ show highlight was the high-flying act of Victoria Dunlap, who tried to become the first Kentucky woman to dunk in a game. The 6-foot-1 junior was just centimeters shy.”

(H-L photo/Joseph Rey Au)

Eric Lindsey of Cat Scratches on the Dunlap dunk attempt: “Victoria Dunlap nearly dunked herself into history. Yes, dunked. Late in the second half of UK’s 87-47 rout of UT Martin on Tuesday night, Dunlap tried to do what only five women’s college players and three WNBA players (according to various reports) have ever done before. With the game already well in hand, Dunlap tried to throw down a slam dunk, which had it gone in, would have been the first dunk in UK Hoops history.”

High School Hoop reports Knight’s comments didn’t bother Marquis Teague: “Pike High (Ind.) star guard Marquis Teague said that he “wasn’t moved at all” by Bobby Knight’s comments about Kentucky head coach John Calipari during a fundraiser for the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame last week.” (Hat tip Bluegrass State Basketball.)

My column on the return of DeAndre Liggins: “Such was the case with Liggins, the athletic but mercurial product of the Chicago City Schools who rode the Billy Gillispie-driven roller coaster through his freshman season. Then the driver changed, and the season started, and Liggins sat the bench through the first game, then the second, and the third, and so on and so on.”

Brett Dawson of the C-J writes on Liggins: “Don’t bother asking why he was out of it. Liggins met with reporters Tuesday for the first time since UK’s preseason media day, but that topic was off the table. Other than saying he wasn’t out for academic reasons, Liggins didn’t offer any explanation, nor has Calipari.”

Video of John Calipari talking about DeAndre Liggins:

Continue reading ‘BBL: UK prepares for Long Beach State’

Big Blue Links for Thursday:

• Fabian Lyon of the Miami Herald talks to top guard prospect Brandon Knight, who is considering UK.
• Bluegrass State Basketball says Tobias Harris made his decision just before midnight. (He announces it today at 5:30 on ESPNU.)
• Mike Griffith of the Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that Harris sat in Thompson-Boling’s upper deck on Tuesday.
• Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader writes that John Calipari has found plenty wrong with his Cats heading into tonight’s game with Sam Houston State.
• Tipton’s notes lead with some info on Sam Houston State.
• Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal writes that Darius Miller fits the dribble-drive.
• Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger reports on Darnell Dodson’s spot in Calipari’s doghouse.
• Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader writes that Kentucky isn’t fooled by Georgia’s sub-par football status.
• Chris Low of espn sings Rich Brooks’ praises.
• My column saying Kentucky’s best football efforts have come on the road this season.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Tobias Harris’ midnight decision’

Update: Click here for Jennifer Smith’s game story.

Here is video from post-game press conference after Kentucky’s 92-58 win over Boston University to start the women’s basketball season.

First up is coach Matthew Mitchell, who says he was happy with his team’s effort and enthusiasm.

Continue reading ‘Video: Kentucky women after opening win over Boston U’