Photos: UK Football Pro Day 2012

Video's of UK's 2012 football Pro Day here, along with a interview with UK Coach Joker Phillips, workouts with Danny Trevathan, Ronnie Sneed, Matt Roark and others.

Kentucky vs Georgia Rd 2 "2012 Senior Night".....A Preview

Kentucky vs Georgia..Round 2 "2012 Senior Night" 3/1/12 Thursday 9PM (ESPN) UK is 93-15 on Senior Night, UK leads series 114-25

Location: Athens,Ga
Enrollment: 34,677
Arena: 10,523

Head Coach: Mark Fox
Career Record: 158-72 (68.7%) 7 seasons
At Georgia: 35-29 (54.7%) 2 seasons

2010-11 Record: 21-12
2010-11 SEC Record: 9-7
2010-11 Postseason: 0-1 NCAA

2011-12 Record: 13-15
2011-12 SEC Record: 4-10

Georgia 62 Wofford 49
Georgia 63 Bowling Green 54
Georgia 72 South Dakota St. 61
California 70 Georgia 46
Georgia 61 Notre Dame 57
Xavier 70 Georgia 56
Colorado 70 Georgia 68
Cincinnati 57 Georgia 51
Georgia Tech 68 Georgia 56
Georgia 63 Southern Cal 59
Georgia 72 Mercer 58
Georgia 64 Furman 50
Georgia 92 Winthrop 86 (OT)
Georgia 58 Delaware St. 51
Alabama 74 Georgia 59
Florida 70 Georgia 48
Vanderbilt 77 Georgia 66
Georgia 57 Tennessee 53 (OT)
Ole Miss 66 Georgia 63
Kentucky 57 Georgia 44
Auburn 59 Georgia 51
Tennessee 73 Georgia 62
Georgia 81 Arkansas 59
Georgia Miss St. 68
South Carolina 57 Georgia 56
Vanderbilt 61 Georgia 52
LSU 61 Georgia 53
Georgia 76 Florida 62

Probable Starting Lineup

Marcus Thornton-F 6’7” Soph……………..…….……3.0 PPG
Donte Williams-F 6’9” Soph…………………..………7.6 PPG
Ken Caldwell-Pope-G 6’4” Fr…………………..……..13.9 PPG
Dustin Ware-G 5’11” Sr……………………………….8.0 PPG
Gerald Robinson-G 6’1” Sr……………………………14.3 PPG

Another Possible Starter

Nemanja Djurisic-F 6’8” Fr…………………………..7.0 PPG
.
Georgia Stats

PPG-62.0
FG%-39.7%
3 PT%-32.0% (6.6 PG)
FT%-69.2%
RPG-33.4 (-1.3)
APG-10.9
TO’s-10.5
SPG-6.4
BPG-3.5

This has been a disappointing year for Georgia who obviously never recovered from the loss Trevis Leslie and Trey Thompkins who opted for the NBA after last season. The Bulldogs have a losing record overall and are only 4-10 in the SEC. However, it would be a mistake to not respect this Georgia team as an opponent as there are some good players on the team…..especially freshman Ken Caldwell-Pope. Ask Florida which just lost by 14 points to the Bulldogs.

Georgia is led in scoring by senior Gerald Robinson and freshman Caldwell-Pope. Donte Williams leads the team in rebounds….Caldwell Pope leads in steals….and Gerald Robinson leads in assists.

A big problem for this Georgia team is overall poor shooting. The Bulldogs are hitting less than 40% of their shots from the field and only 32% from the perimeter. Only freshman Nemanja Djurisic is shooting well from long range hitting 38.8%.

Obviously, Georgia’s only hope for a post season tourney would be to upset UK and make a successful run in the SEC tourney. The Bulldogs lost to UK in Athens 57-44 so they will have a huge task ahead to defeat UK in Rupp arena where they have their last 50 games.

UK has thus far successfully navigated the toughest part of their SEC schedule defeating Florida….then Vandy at Nashville….then Miss.St at Starkville and Vandy again at Rupp arena. The Cats are playing well offensively and defensively….and are shooting a very good 48.8% from the field….and a solid 37.6% from the perimeter. Also importantly, UK has continued to improve their FT shooting hitting 72.4% with all the starters shooting above 71% except for Jones at 65.8%. This UK team has been a very unselfish team with 4 starters scoring in double figures and Teague and Miller scoring at 9.8 and 9.9 respectfully.

The Georgia game will be the last home game at Rupp arena this season and it will be senior day. Darius Miller has had a terrific career at UK and it will be sad to see him leave after 4 years wearing the Blue and White. Eloy Vargus, a transfer from Florida, has given some solid minutes as a backup center for his 2 years at UK. Cat fans wish both of these fine young men a wonderful future!

I look for a great game from the Cats as they add to their nation leading undefeated home game victories. UK wins by 17 points! GO CATS!

Photos: UK Hoops vs South Carolina Senior Night 2012

Kentucky vs Vanderbilt - Rd 2.....A Preview

Lwcat
WT Administrator

Kentucky vs Vanderbilt….2/25/12 Saturday 12 Noon..(CBS)

Vanderbilt Commodores

Location: Nashville
Enrollment: 6,750
Arena: 14,316

Head Coach: Kevin Stallings
Career Record: 359-211 (63.0%) 18 seasons
At Vandy: 236-148 (61.5%) 12 seasons

2010-11 Record: 23-11
2010-11 SEC Record: 9-7
2010-11 Postseason: NCAA 0-1

2011-12 Record: 20-8
2011-12 SEC Record: 9-4

Vandy 78 Oregon 64
Cleveland St. 71 Vandy 58
Vandy 80 Bucknell 68
Vandy 86 N.C. St. 79
Vandy 64 Oregon St. 62
Vandy 95 Monmonth 73
Xavier 82 Vandy 70 (OT)
Louisville 62 Vandy 60 (OT)
Vandy 87 Davidson 83
Indiana St. 61 Vandy 55
Vandy 99 Longwood 71
Vandy 89 Lafayette 58
Vandy 74 Marquette 57
Vandy 69 Miami, OH 62
Vandy 65 Auburn 35
Vandy 67 South Carolina 57
Vandy 77 Georgia 66
Vandy 69 Alabama 59
Mississippi St. 78 Vandy 77 (OT)
Vandy 65 Tennessee 47
Vandy 84 Middle Tennessee St. 77
Arkansas 82 Vandy 74
Florida 73 Vandy 65
Vandy 76 LSU 61
Kentucky 69 Vandy 63
Vandy 102 Ole Miss 76
Vandy 61 Georgia 52
Vandy 59 South Carolina 48

Probable Starting Lineup

Lance Goulbourne-F 6’8” Sr………………….…8.8 PPG
Jeffery Taylor-F 6’7” Sr…………………………17.3 PPG
Festus Ezeli-C 6’11” Sr………………………….10.1 PPG
Brad Tinsley-G 6’3” Sr…………………………..8.9 PPG
John Jenkins-G 6’4” Jr…………………………..20.1 PPG

Vandy Stats

PPG-73.9
FG%-46.6%
3 PT%-39.8% (8.8 PG)
FT%-70.8%
RPG-35.0 (+1.7)
APG-13.3
TO’s-13.9
SPG-6.0
BPG-4.4

UK Stats

PPG-77.6
FG%-48.5%
3 PT%-38.1% (5.8 PG)
FT%-72.1%
RPG-39.3 (+7.3)
APG-13.5
TO’s-11.8
SPG-6.5
BPG-9.1

Vandy arrives in Rupp arena having won 4 of their last 5 SEC games….with their only loss being to UK at home. However, overall this has been a disappointing year for the senior laden Dores. Vandy has talent, experience and great perimeter shooters, but despite all that….they have under achieved this season. A big reason for Vandy’s disappointing year is that this team is not a very good defensive team. Still, this Vandy team is a good and dangerous team because they have terrific perimeter shooters and average 9 perimeter shots PG.

Vandy is led by John Jenkins and Jeffrey Taylor in scoring….both very good players. Jenkins has hit 105-228 for an excellent 46.1% from long range while Taylor has nailed 53-114 for an equal excellent 46.5% Taylor also leads in steals with 35 and is 2nd only to
Lance Goulbourne who leads in rebounds with 8.8 rebounds PG. Brad Tinsley leads the team with 4.4 assists PG while Festus Ezeli gives the Dores a solid defensive presence in the paint with 39 blocks.

Obviously, any team that shoots great from the perimeter is always dangerous and Vandy will come into Rupp arena to try for a big upset.

Kentucky remains undefeated in the SEC, but got a big scare in Starkville when Miss St played a tremendous 1st half while UK had arguably their worst half performance of the season and were behind 13 points at halftime. This is what happens when you couple poor floor decisions with a failure to compete. Fortunately, the Cats came back in the 2nd half and played with great intensity, terrific defense and great heart and won a big game on the road against a good opponent.

Hopefully, UK learned a valuable lesson in the Miss. St. game as they look toward the NCAA tourney….they simply can’t afford to not compete for a half (as coach Cal said about the Cats 1st half performance) and hope to overcome big deficits against the best teams in college basketball.

Coach Cal will be looking for the Cats to come out from the opening tipoff and play with great intensity against Vandy. This is a great UK team and while they may have some less than stellar shooting games….it is imperative that UK play consistent great defense….which they have done in the vast majority of games this season.

I look for UK to play a great game against Vandy and win by 12 points. GO CATS!

Kentucky vs Mississippi St........A Preview

Lwcat
WT Administrator

Kentucky vs Mississippi St. 2/21/12
Tuesday 9PM (ESPN)
Kentucky leads series 80-18

Mississippi St. Bulldogs

Location: Starkville, Miss
Enrollment: 20,000
Arena: 10,500

Head Coach: Rick Stansbury
Career Record: 272-154 (63.8%) 13 seasons
All at Mississippi St.

2010-11 Record: 17-14
2010-11 SEC Record:9-7
Postseason: None

2011-12 Record: 19-8
2011-12 SEC Record: 6-6

Miss. St. 76 Eastern Ky. 66
Akron 68 Miss St. 58
Miss St. 80 S. Alabama 65
Miss St. 69 Texas A&M 60
Miss St. 67 Arizona 57
Miss St. 78 Louisiana-Monroe 63
Miss St. 76 UT Martin 50
Miss St. 82 N Texas 59
Miss St. 79 West Virginia 62
Miss St. 106 Troy 68
Miss St 75 Florida Atlantic 68
Miss St. 80 Detroit 75
Miss St. 82 Northwestern St. 67
Baylor 54 Miss St. 52
Miss St. 66 Utah St. 64
Arkansas 98 Miss St. 88
Miss St. 62 Tennessee 58
Miss St. 56 Alabama 52
Ole Miss 75 Miss St. 68
Miss St. 78 Vanderbilt 77 (OT)
Miss St. 76 LSU 71
Florida 69 Miss St. 57
Miss St. 91 Auburn 88
Miss St. 70 Ole Miss 60
Georgia 70 Miss St. 68 (OT)
LSU 69 Miss St. 67 (OT)
Auburn 65 Miss St. 55

Miss St. Stats

PPG-72.5
FG%-46.0%
3 PT%-36.0% (7.0 PG)
FT%-69.7%
RPG-36.9 (+3.4)
APG-2.9
TO’s-11.9
SPG-6.1
BPG-3.6

Probable Starting Lineup

Renardo Sydney-F 6’10” Jr……………..…….10.4 PPG
Arnett Moultrie-F 6’11” Jr………………..….…16.5 PPG
Dee Bost-G 6’2” Sr……………………..…….…..15.8 PPG
Rodney Hood-G 6’8” Fr…………………...…….11.1 PPG
Brian Bryant-G 6’3” Sr…………………………...6.7 PPG

Other Key Players

Wendell Lewis-C 6’9” Jr……………………….4.0 PPG
Jalen Steele-G 6’3” So…………………………..7.8 PPG

Miss. St. welcomes #1 ranked UK to Starkville hoping for a big upset and to stop a 3 game losing streak. The Bulldogs have been very tough at home losing only twice and one of those was an overtime loss to Georgia. Miss St. defeated Vandy in Nashville and lost to top ten Baylor by only 2 points. There is talent, good size and experience on this Bulldog team with 5 of the first 7 players being juniors and seniors.

Arnett Moultrie is the leading scorer, although 4 of the starters score in double figures. Moultrie leads in rebounds averaging a terrific 10.8 boards PG. Dee Bost is a close 2nd in scoring and leads in assists with 135 (5.0 PG)….and steals with 55. The Bulldogs depend primarily on three players for the overwhelming majority of their perimeter shots. Dee Bost is hitting 34.1%…..Rodney Hood is hitting 37.6%…..and Jalen Steele is hitting a best 39.2% from the perimeter. The Bulldogs average 7-3’s PG….and with an effective inside game….Miss St. are always a competitive and dangerous team…..especially at home!

UK is on target for a rare undefeated SEC season, but two of their last 4 games are at Miss St. and Florida….both very difficult places to win. In their last game against Ole Miss, the Cats saw Anthony Davis and MKG go to the bench early with 2 fouls. Fortunately, the team stepped up and hit big shots from the perimeter. However, it will be important for UK to avoid foul trouble….especially for Davis who is a huge asset and game changer in the paint.

UK is playing well and their perimeter shooting is excellent…..with Miller, Lamb and Wiltjer making up UK’s 3 gunslingers from long range. The Cats will need to shoot well in Starkville! I see a close game….a 7 point win for the Cats!

SEC Basketball Games for 2/21/12-2/25/12

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST

Auburn at Florida 7:00 PM ESPNU
Kentucky at Mississippi St. 9:00 PM ESPN

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND

Ole Miss at Tennessee 7:00 PM CSS
Georgia at LSU 8:00 PM SEC Network
South Carolina at Vanderbilt 8:00 PM SEC Network

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD

Alabama at Arkansas 7:00 PM ESPN2

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH

Vanderbilt at Kentucky 12:00 PM CBS Sports
LSU at Ole Miss 1:30 PM SEC Network
Arkansas at Auburn 4:00 PM SEC Network
Florida at Georgia 4:00 PM SEC Network
Mississippi St. at Alabama 6:00 PM ESPN
Tennessee at South Carolina 8:00 PM FSN

*NOTE: ALL GAMES LISTED ARE FOR EASTERN STANDARD TIME

SEC Women's BB Games for 2/20/12-2/26/12

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH

Vanderbilt at Kentucky 9:00 PM ESPN2

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD

Arkansas at Tennessee 7:00 PM FSN
Ole Miss at Georgia 7:00 PM
Mississippi St. at Florida 7:00 PM
South Carolina at Kentucky 7:00 PM
Alabama at Auburn 9:00 PM CSS
Vanderbilt at LSU 9:00 PM FSN

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH

Kentucky at Mississippi St. 1:30 PM ESPNU
Arkansas at South Carolina 2:00 PM SEC Network
Florida at Tennessee 3:30 PM ESPNU
Ole Miss at Auburn 3:30 PM FSN
Alabama at Vanderbilt 4:00 PM CSS
LSU at Georgia 5:00 PM ESPN2

*NOTE: ALL GAMES EASTERN STANDARD TIME

Video/Audio: 2012 UK recruit prospect Nerlens Noel

Nerlens Noel is the NATIONS #1 player in the country ESPN, SCOUT, RIVALS recently De-classified from the class of 2013 into the class of 2012. He has moved into the number one spot, which is well deserved. Not just because of potential but because of production he is rarely scored on because of his blocking ability. He is slated to be the #1 pick in the NBA draft come 2013. Take a look at his senior season mixtpae 2012 HoopDreamsMag.com. Audio link: Nerlens Noel, Nations #1 Recruit discusses his decision to move to the class of 2012, the recruitment process, and his shot-blocking.

Kentucky vs Ole Miss.....A Preview

Lwcat
WT Administrator

Kentucky vs Ole Miss.....A Preview

Kentucky vs Ole Miss 2/18/12
Saturday 4PMEST/3PMCST
(SEC Network)
Kentucky leads the series 98-13

Location: Oxford, Miss
Enrollment: 19,536
Arena: 9,061

Head Coach: Andy Kennedy
Career Record: 126-77 (62.1%) 6 seasons
At Ole Miss: 105-64 (62.1%) 5 seasons

2010-11 Record: 20-14
2010-11 SEC Record 7-9
Postseason: NIT-0-1

2011-12 Record: 15-9
2011-12 SEC Record: 5-5

Ole Miss 60 Louisiana-Monroe 38
Ole Miss 69 Grambling 39
Ole Miss 63 Drake 59
Marquette 96 Ole Miss 66
Ole Miss 80 TCU 69
Ole Miss 64 Miami, FL 61 (OT)
Ole Miss 70 DePaul 68
Ole Miss 72 Penn St. 70
Ole Miss 80 Mississippi Valley 56
Ole Miss 66 Louisiana 54
Southern Miss 86 Ole Miss 82
Middle Tennessee 68 Ole Miss 56
Dayton 62 Ole Miss 50
Ole Miss 50 SMU 48
LSU 81 Ole Miss 55
Ole Miss 71 Arkansas 63
Auburn 69 Ole Miss 68 (OT-2)
Ole Miss 75 Mississippi St. 68
Ole Miss 66 Georgia 63
Florida 64 Ole Miss 60
Ole Miss 66 South Carolina 62
Alabama 69 Ole Miss 67 (OT)
Mississippi St. 70 Ole Miss 60
Ole Miss 61 Auburn 54

Ole Miss Stats

PPG-65.7
FG%-42.9%
3 PT%-29.6%
FT%-59.2%
RPG-39.3 (+4.4)
APG-11.4
TO’s-15.5
SPG-6.7
BPG-5.3

Probable Starting Lineup

Terrance Henry-F 6’10” Sr………………….11.6 PPG
Murphy Holloway-F 6’7” Jr…………………10.7 PPG
Jarvis Summers-G 6’4” Fr…………………..10.0 PPG
Nick Williams-G 6’4” Jr…………………….10.1 PPG
Reginald Buckner-F 6’9” Jr…………………7.1 PPG

Unbelievably, coach Kennedy is the only coach in Ole Miss history to have achieved four 20 win seasons. Still, the Ole Miss basketball program continues to struggle for respectability. Ole Miss fan support is poor as the Rebels have only averaged 5,910 fans at home in an arena that seats 9,061.

Overall, Ole Miss has had a decent season and been competitive in most games… and have defeated Miss. St., Arkansas, South Carolina, Auburn and Georgia while losing to Florida by only 4 points. The Rebels still have a chance of reaching another 20 game season and maybe gaining another NIT invitation.

Ole Miss starts a senior, 3 juniors and a freshman. The Rebels have a productive frontline with good size in 6’10” Terrance Henry who leads in scoring…6’9” Reginald Buckner who averages 8.4 rebounds while leading in blocks with 56…..and 6’7” Murphy Holloway who leads the team in rebounds averaging 9.2 and also leads in assists. Ole Miss has been a poor perimeter shooting team hitting only 29.6%, but guard Jarvis Summers is hitting a very good 41.7% from the perimeter…..Summers also leads in assists with 81.

Two areas that have hurt the Rebels is their dismal free throw shooting hitting 59.2% and also turnovers where they are averaging 15.5 PG. Although the team is struggling from the free throw line, guard Nick Williams has been very good from the charity line hitting 76.8%.

As always, teams that play UK seem to play with great energy and intensity….and often play their best game of the season….and you can bet that coach Kennedy will have the Rebels ready to play the Cats.

UK has been playing their best basketball of the season and coach Cal is driving the Cats to play even better. This week Cal had an open practice and scrimmage that was on ESPNU and it gave UK fans an opportunity to see coach Cal in action with his team.

UK has the opportunity to go undefeated in the SEC, but there are still some tough games left….especially on the road against Mississippi St. and Florida. However, the Cats can’t afford to overlook any SEC games and that certainly includes Saturday’s game with Ole Miss. I see a solid UK win over the Rebels by 15 points. GO CATS!

SEC Basketball Games for 2/14/12-2/19/12

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH

Florida at Alabama 7:00 PM ESPN
Mississippi St. at LSU 9:00 PM ESPNU

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH

Georgia at South Carolina 7:00 PM CSS
Arkansas at Tennessee 8:00 PM SEC Network

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH

Vanderbilt at Ole Miss 9:00 PM ESPN2

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH

LSU at South Carolina 1:30 PM SEC Network
Tennessee at Alabama 1:30 PM SEC Network
Ole Miss at Kentucky 4:00 PM SEC Network
Florida at Arkansas 6:00 PM ESPN2
Mississippi St. at Auburn 8:00 PM FSN

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH

Vanderbilt at Georgia 1:00 PM FSN

SEC Women's BB Games for 2/13/12-2/19/12

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH

Kentucky at Tennessee 7:00 PM ESPN2

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH

Georgia at South Carolina 7:00 PM FSN
Kentucky at Alabama 7:30 PM
LSU at Arkansas 8:00 PM CST
Florida at Vanderbilt 9:00 PM FSN
Tennessee at Mississippi St. 9:00 PM CSS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH

Tennessee at Ole Miss 2:00 PM SEC Network
Auburn at LSU 3:00 PM
Mississippi St. at Arkansas 3:00 PM
South Carolina at Alabama 3:00 PM FSN
Georgia at Florida 3:30 PM ESPNU

SEC Men's Basketball Standings 2/13/12

Southeastern	Conf	All
Kentucky (1)	11-0	25-1
Florida (8)	7-3	19-6
Mississippi St. (20)	6-4	19-6
Vanderbilt	6-4	17-8
Arkansas	5-5	17-8
Alabama	5-5	16-8
Mississippi	5-5	15-9
Tennessee	5-5	13-12
LSU	4-6	14-10
Georgia	3-7	12-12
Auburn	3-8	13-12
South Carolina	1-9	9-15

SEC Women's Basketball Standings 2/13/12

Southeastern	Conf	All
Kentucky (7)	10-1	21-3
Tennessee (11)	8-3	17-7
Arkansas	8-4	19-5
Georgia (21)	8-4	19-6
South Carolina (24)	8-4	19-6
Vanderbilt	7-5	19-6
LSU	7-5	17-8
Florida	6-6	16-9
Mississippi St.	4-8	14-11
Auburn	3-10	11-15
Mississippi	2-11	12-14
Alabama	1-11	11-15

Kentucky vs Vanderbilt(ESPN College Gameday).....A Preview

Lwcat
WT Administrator

Kentucky vs Vanderbilt….2/11/12
Saturday 9PM..(ESPN)
Kentucky leads the series 134-44

College Gameday 11:00am at Vandy-
Rece Davis, Hubert Dais, Jay Bilas and Digger Phillips
Game will be called by Dan Shulman and Dick Vitale

Vanderbilt Commodores

Location: Nashville
Enrollment: 6,750
Arena: 14,316

Head Coach: Kevin Stallings
Career Record: 359-211 (63.0%) 18 seasons
At Vandy: 236-148 (61.5%) 12 seasons

2010-11 Record: 23-11
2010-11 SEC Record: 9-7
2010-11 Postseason: NCAA 0-1

2011-12 Record: 17-7
2011-12 SEC Record: 6-3

Vandy 78 Oregon 64
Cleveland St. 71 Vandy 58
Vandy 80 Bucknell 68
Vandy 86 N.C. St. 79
Vandy 64 Oregon St. 62
Vandy 95 Monmonth 73
Xavier 82 Vandy 70 (OT)
Louisville 62 Vandy 60 (OT)
Vandy 87 Davidson 83
Indiana St. 61 Vandy 55
Vandy 99 Longwood 71
Vandy 89 Lafayette 58
Vandy 74 Marquette 57
Vandy 69 Miami, OH 62
Vandy 65 Auburn 35
Vandy 67 South Carolina 57
Vandy 77 Georgia 66
Vandy 69 Alabama 59
Mississippi St. 78 Vandy 77 (OT)
Vandy 65 Tennessee 47
Vandy 84 Middle Tennessee St. 77
Arkansas 82 Vandy 74
Florida 73 Vandy 65
Vandy 76 LSU 61

Probable Starting Lineup

Lance Goulbourne-F 6’8” Sr………………….…9.3 PPG
Jeffery Taylor-F 6’7” Sr…………………………17.8 PPG
Festus Ezeli-C 6’11” Sr………………………….10.0 PPG
Brad Tinsley-G 6’3” Sr…………………………..9.1 PPG
John Jenkins-G 6’4” Jr………………………...…19.7 PPG

Vandy Stats

PPG-74.3
FG%-46.8%
3 PT%-39.3% (8.9 PG)
FT%-68.9%
RPG-35.0 (+1.8)
APG-13.2
TO’s-14.0
SPG-6.3
BPG-4.2

UK Stats

PPG-78.2
FG%-48.8%
3 PT%-37.9% (5.7 PG)
FT%-72.1%
RPG-39.8 (+7.8)
APG-13.5
TO’s-12.2
SPG-6.6
BPG-9.2

Vanderbilt was a preseason top 10 team because they returned a senior laden lineup and a previous NCAA team However, a 17-7 record has dropped them out of the top 25.
In evaluating Vandy this season you must look at the first 10 games when 6’’11”Festus Ezeli wasn’t playing….in those games the Dores went 6-4 with bad losses at home to Cleveland St. and Indiana St. After Ezeli returned to the lineup, Vandy is 10-3. All 3 losses have come in the SEC with only one at home….an OT loss to Mississippi St.
In reviewing the Dores season, you see a solid win at Marquette plus 3 of Vandy’s losses were in overtime.

While Vandy has been a disappointment this season, they are now playing like a top 25 team. Vandy is led in scoring by John Jenkins who has hit 89-201 perimeter shots for an excellent 44.3%. Jeffery Taylor is 2nd in scoring and is also a terrific perimeter shooter hitting an eyepopping 47.8% while leading the team in steals. In addition, Taylor joins Goulbourne and Ezeli in leading the Dores in rebounds. Brad Tinsley also is a solid 3 point shooter and leads the team in assists with 109 for 4.5 PG. There is no question that the return of Ezeli to the Vandy lineup has been a huge plus in the paint both offensively and defensively as Ezeli leads the team in blocks.

Vanderbilt has always been very difficult to defeat in Nashville and with Gameday you can bet the Dores will be more than ready to defend their home court. Any team that shoots a lot of perimeter shots and makes a good percentage as Vandy does is always dangerous….and especially when you are playing in a very different arena that has the teams under the baskets as opposed to being on the sides of the court. It makes it very difficult for coaches to have verbal contact with their team during play. You can bet that Vandy and their fans will be at a fever pitch as the #1 Cats come to Nashville!

UK will arrive in Nashville coming off another great performance in defeating a very good Florida team by 20 points. The Cats played great defense….while Teague ran the offense very effectively and handed out a season high 10 assists. Davis continues to leave fans in awe with his incredible performances….especially defensively where he is the favorite to be defensive player of the year. MKG had another great game with 13 points…13 rebounds….3 assists and only 1 turnover in 39 minutes. Lamb shot very well hitting 4-5 perimeter shots and scoring 18 points. Miller and Wiltjer also played very well.

The game in Nashville is always tough for UK….last season a UK team that made it to the Final Four still lost to the Dores in Nashville 81-77. This is a big test for the Cats and I look for this UK team to pass the test with a 7 point win over Vandy. GO CATS!

UK to pass out Anthony Davis poster before the UK-UF game Tuesday

Posters of Anthony Davis will be placed on every seat in Rupp Arena before Tuesday’s game against Florida, head coach John Calipari tweeted Monday.

The posters bill Davis as a “national defensive player of the year candidate” and feature the 6-10 forward with his long arms outstretched.

SEC Basketball Games for 2/7/12-2/11/12

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH

Florida at Kentucky 7:00 PM ESPN
Alabama at Auburn 9:00 PM ESPNU

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH

Arkansas at Georgia 8:00 PM SEC Network
South Carolina at Tennessee 8:00 PM CSS
LSU at Vanderbilt 9:00 PM CSS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH

Ole Miss at Mississippi St. 7:00 PM ESPN/2

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH

Georgia at Mississippi St. 1:30 PM SEC Network
South Carolina at Arkansas 1:30 PM SEC Network
Tennessee at Florida 4:00 PM SEC Network
Alabama at LSU 7:00 PM ESPN2
Auburn at Ole Miss 7:00 PM FSN

SEC Women's BB Games for 2/9/12-2/12/12

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH

Auburn at Florida 7:00 PM FSFL/SUN ESPN3
Mississippi St. at LSU 7:00 PM CST
Alabama at Ole Miss 8:00 PM
South Carolina at Arkansas 8:00 PM
Tennessee at Vanderbilt 9:00 PM CSS ESPN3

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH

LSU at Alabama 2:00 PM CSS
Vanderbilt at Georgia 2:00 PM SEC Network
Arkansas at Auburn 2:30 PM ESPN2
Ole Miss at Mississippi St. 3:30 PM FSN
Florida at South Carolina 5:00 PM ESPN2

AP/Coaches Poll 2/6/12

AP Top 25

1. Kentucky (63)
2. Syracuse (2)
3. Ohio St.
4. Missouri
5. North Carolina
6. Baylor
7. Kansas
8. Florida
9. Murray St.
10. Duke
11. Michigan St.
12. Georgetown
13. San Diego St.
14. UNLV
15. Florida St.
16. St. Mary's
17. Creighton
18. Marquette
19. Virginia
20. Mississippi St.
21. Wisconsin
22. Michigan
23. Indiana
24. Louisville
25. Harvard

Dropped Out:No. 24 Gonzaga, No. 25 Vanderbilt

Others Receiving Votes:Notre Dame 83, Iowa St. 71, Southern Miss 51, Temple 41, Gonzaga 35, Wichita St. 31, Long Beach St. 6, New Mexico 5, Kansas St. 3, Vanderbilt 2, Cleveland St. 2, Iona 2, Miami (FL) 1, BYU 1


USA Today/ESPN

1. Kentucky (31)
2. Syracuse
3. Ohio St.
4. Missouri
5. North Carolina
6. Baylor
7. Murray St.
7. Florida
9. Duke
10. Kansas
11. Georgetown
12. Michigan St.
13. St. Mary's
14. San Diego St.
15. Creighton
16. UNLV
17. Florida St.
18. Mississippi St.
19. Marquette
20. Virginia
21. Harvard
22. Wisconsin
23. Louisville
24. Indiana
25. Michigan

Dropped Out:None

Others Receiving Votes:Notre Dame 19, Gonzaga 14, New Mexico 13, Iowa St. 10, Southern Miss 9, Nevada 9, Long Beach St. 8, Temple 6, Middle Tenn. St. 6, Connecticut 6, Wichita St. 5, Vanderbilt 5, California 5, VCU 2, Saint Louis 2, Drexel 1, Cleveland St. 1

Kentucky vs Florida....A Preview

Lwcat
Administrator

Kentucky vs Florida….2/7/12 Tuesday 7PMEST/6PMCST (ESPN)
Kentucky leads the series 90-33

Location: Gainsville
Enrollment: 52,271
Arena: 12,000

Florida

Head Coach: Billy Donovan

Career Record: 395-167 (70.3%) 17 seasons
At Florida: 360-147 (71.0%) 15 seasons

2010-11 Record: 29-8
2010-11 SEC Record: 13-3
2010-11 Postseason: 3-1 (Lost in NCAA Elite 8)

2011-12 Record: 19-4
2011-12 SEC Record: 7-1

Florida 99 Jackson St. 59
Ohio St. 81 Florida 74
Florida 91 North Florida 55
Florida 78 Wright St. 65
Florida 96 Stetson 70
Syracuse 72 Florida 68
Florida 78 Arizona 72 (OT)
Florida 90 Rider 69
Florida 84 Texas A&M 64
Florida 82 Mississippi Valley St. 54
Florida 82 Florida St. 64
Rutgers 85 Florida 83 (OT)
Florida 90 Yale 70
Florida 79 UAB 61
Tennessee 67 Florida 56
Florida 70 Georgia 48
Florida 79 South Carolina 65
Florida 76 LSU 64
Florida 64 Ole Miss 60
Florida 69 Mississippi St. 57
Florida 74 South Carolina 66
Florida 73 Vanderbilt 65

Florida Stats

PPG-80.1
FG%-47.2%
3 PT%-40.2% (10.5 PG)
FT%-68.4%
RPG-36.6 (+3.0)
APG-16.3
TO’s-11.0
SPG-7.2
BPG-3.5

UK Stats

PPG-78.2
FG%-48.6%
3 PT%-36.9% (5.5 PG)
FT%-71.6%
RPG-39.9% (+7.8)
APG-13.3
TO’s-12.1
SPG-6.7
BPG-9.4

Probable Starting Lineup

Patric Young-F/C 6’9” Soph……………………….10.7 PPG
Erik Murphy-C 6’10” Jr…………………………….10.2 PPG
Kenny Boynton-G 6’2” Jr…………………………..17.6 PPG
Bradley Beal-G 6’3” Fr……………………………..14.3 PPG
Erving Walker-G 5’8” Sr……………………………12.6 PPG

Other Key Players

Will Yeguete-F 6’7” Soph………………………….4.7 PPG
Mike Rosario-G 6’3” Jr…………………………….8.2 PPG

The Florida Gators arrive in Lexington with a solid 19-4 record overall and 7-1 in the SEC. The Gators have not lost at home all season and two of their 4 losses were to top 5 ranked teams….losing to Ohio St. and Syracuse. Make no mistake, this is a very talented Gator team that shoots the ball very well…..especially from the perimeter….where they are hitting 40.2%. In fact, there is no question that Florida is a perimeter oriented team as they average 26 long range shots PG and averages nearly 11 made 3 point shots PG. The Gators are hard to guard from the perimeter because they have several players who shoot very well from long range….Murphy shoots 46.1%…..Boynton shoots 43.8%…..Walker shoots 39.3%…..Rosario, transfer from Rutgers, shoots 39.0%……and Beal hits 34.5%.

Florida is led in scoring by their three very talented guards….Boynton….Beal….and Walker. However, the Gators also get good scoring from their two starting big men with Young and Murphy averaging in double figures. Patric Young, a 6’9” very athletic sophomore, is a force in the paint and leads in rebounds….but, he gets help from several Gators on the boards….and surprisingly, 6’3” Bradley Beal is a terrific rebounder.
Walker leads in team assists with 118 or 5.1 PG.

The Gators arrive in Lexington after an important win over Vandy and have won 9 out of their last 10 games with only a bad loss to Tennessee at Knoxville.

UK has taken a huge step forward in their last 3 games in their overall play….both offensively and defensively….with very impressive wins over LSU, Tennessee and South Carolina. Unquestionably, Teague has significantly improved his running of the Cats offense by finding open players and shooting less….plus Teague is making less TO’s with better decision making. Also, importantly, Terrence Jones has taken his overall player to a much higher level….both offensively and defensively.

UK’s defense has been solid through most of the year, but has now taken their defense to a higher level. However, Florida will present a challenge to the Cat’s perimeter defense because the Gators have so many good perimeter shooters. The Gators will be among the most talented teams that UK has faced all season.

I see UK’s height and length presenting problems for Florida’s small guards in finding open shots….and Davis and Jones controlling the paint….to give the Cats an important advantage over Florida. Still, this should be a very competitive game, but I see UK prevailing over the Gators by 8 points. GO CATS!

Kentucky vs South Carolina.....A Preview(Round 2) 2012

Lwcat
WT Administrator

Kentucky vs South Carolina 2/4/12 Saturday 6PM (ESPN)
Kentucky leads the series 45-10

South Carolina Gamecocks

Location: Columbia, SC
Enrollment: 29,957
Arena: 18,000

Head Coach: Darrin Horn
Career Record: 161-90 (64.1%) 8 seasons
At SC: 50-42 (54.3%) 3 seasons

2010-11 Record: 14-16
2010-11 SEC Record: 5-11
2010-11 Postseason: None

2011-12 Record: 9-11
2011-12 SEC Record: 1-5

SC 75 W. Carolina 50
Elon 58 SC 53
Tenn. St. 64 SC 63
SC 61 Miss. Valley St. 57
North Carolina 87 SC 62
Southern Cal 63 SC 60
Providence 76 SC 67
SC 58 Clemson 55
SC 66 Presbyterian 58
Ohio St. 74 SC 66
SC 62 Southern Louisiana 43
SC 57 Woffard 45
SC 72 USC Upstate 66
SC 79 SC St. 51
Kentucky 79 South Carolina 65
Vanderbilt 67 South Carolina 57
Florida 79 South Carolina 65
Auburn 63 South Carolina 52
South Carolina 54 Alabama 52
Ole Miss 66 South Carolina 62

SC Stats

PPG-62.8
FG%-41.7%
3 PT.%-32.8% (6.5)
FT%-70.6%
RPG-32.5 (+0.5)
APG-10.3
TO’s-13.1
SPG-7.4
BPG-4.9

Probable Starting Lineup

Malik Cooke-F 6’6” Sr……………………..12.7 PPG
Anthony Gill-F 6’8” Fr……………………..8.3 PPG
Damontre Harris-F 6’9” So.…………………6.7 PPG
Bruce Ellington-G 5’9” Soph………..……..10.8 PPG
Damien Leonard-G 6’5” Fr…………………6.4 PPG

South Carolina welcomes #1 ranked UK to Columbia hoping to repeat history where they upset a #1 ranked UK team 2 years ago. It is doubtful that even upsetting UK will save coach Darrin Horn’s job who is in his 4th year as coach of the Gamecocks…..as SC is currently 10-11 overall and 1-5 in the SEC.

The Gamecocks are led by senior Malik Cooke who leads the team in scoring, assists and steals….also, along with Damontre Harris leads in rebounds. Cooke is a very complete player. Harris is the leading shot blocker with 42. Certainly, sophomore Bruce Ellington, provides great quickness and ability at the PG position. SC likes shooting from the perimeter averaging 19 PG….unfortunately, they are only hitting a so so 32.8%

Coach Horn has gone deep in his bench this season with 10 players averaging 12 plus minutes a game. Obviously, Horn is looking for the best combination and is now starting 2 freshmen, 2 sophomores along with senior Cooke.

South Carolina lost at home in December by only 8 points to a highly ranked Ohio State team….and just defeated Alabama at home.

Kentucky arrives in Columbia fresh off two excellent games against LSU and Tennessee.

The Cats are playing their best basketball of the year…..Teague has responded positively to coach Cal’s coaching and is now effectively running the offense. Jones is returning to form and has significantly raised his game with solid play on the frontline. MKG continues to play at the highest level and plays with incredible intensity while Anthony Davis has simply become the best player in America. Miller and Lamb are playing solid basketball and their perimeter shooting remains very important. As coach Cal says…..there is still more improvement needed, but obviously Cal is very pleased with how the Cats are now playing.

There is always danger when playing on the road and especially to any team that tosses up a lot of 3’s, but UK’s defense has remained solid most of the year and their offense is now in high gear…..UK should defeat SC by 15 points. GO CATS!