Snide stuff, like “Happy blue year” from the sharp tongued, followed by “ha, ha, ha” from the clueless.
The observer was reminded not once, but several times before and after worship service about the outcome of Friday’s University of Louisville-Kentucky basketball game.
Most of the reminders were from UK fans who, for some reason, never make it to church on any Sunday following a Louisville win in the series.
Real class, reaffirming the lack thereof.
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Where to now, U of L basketball?
Well, as Rick Pitino has said, it’s a bridge year. Translated, a lack of talent and depth at key positions, so obvious during the rivalry game.
Add to that another dose of the scourge of injuries that have plagued Pitino’s stint at Louisville. And, unfortunately, the lack of experience in the middle, confounded by an obvious lack of courage, commitment and understanding by at least one individual.
The combination that got Louisville to a 10-2 won-lost record during the pre-conference part of the schedule worked fine for a while. Players working together, listening to the coach, and sharing the ball are vital components of any successful team.
But that will only take you so far. Making it to 20 wins this season is going to be a major challenge for this group. A bridge with a very shaky foundation.
Not “real class,” Charlie — real CLASS.
Unlike much of Planet Red, I categorically REFUSE to push the panic button simply because of a dusting by UK, especially a Kentucky team with superior starting talent. I’m not sure how many of the ranked Big East teams are that good.
The Cards’ principal problem seemed to me a lack of execution on offense. DeAndre Liggins, I believe, took Peyton Siva’s head out of the game — and with Siva’s composure went the game plan. Panic ensued.
I meant to say “real CRASS.”
To continue — Terence Jennings mystifies me. Dieng must be kicking his butt on the boards every day in practice — doesn’t that bother TJ? Rebounding is mostly positioning and desire, not size and/or athletic ability; as Exhibit A I offer Ron Thomas (early ’70s rebounding leader, for those too young to remember).
TJ has yet to learn that rebounding succes begins with an attitude that every missed shot is rightfully yours. Gorgui knows that, which is why he has been starting. Perhaps TJ is incurably too soft to succed at U of L’s level; I hope not.
Hahaha….preach it preacha’! Call’em out when u see’em!
Personally, I’m more disappointed that George Goode didn’t see the floor. Goode or VT were capable of Marra’s contribution. If you’ll remember, Goode was really coming along before his rash of injuries. I think he can contribute at power forward.
If the Cards are going to have success in the Big East they need to develop at least a token inside threat. Since the season started, I’ve been telling anyone who would listen that Gorgui can be that guy. Let’s face it, he’s the only guy. I don’t know how he’s being instructed but Dieng ought to be given the green light to at least attempt an offensive “move” when he catches it in the paint instead of instantly kicking it back out.
All that being said, I’m not ready to take a negative slant on this season, as it seems many have following the UK loss. In my opinion this team as already exceeded expectations. Someone will step up.
Those Catfan comments were pretty mild, compared to some we’ve endured. What REALLY bugs me is that our effort (preparation, matchup and execution) was much poorer than we as fans have come to expect. Like others have said–where was Van Treese? And playing Marra in the four, with mere minutes of practice? How is VT going to learn, or is being shown the doghouse more of a coach’s ego thing? I hate to second-guess Rick, who is a fine coach–but this episode stinks.
Anyway, what REALLY, REALLY bugs me is that the opposing coach is one who has been the beneficiary of rules-breaking recruiting in the past as witnessed by his schools having to vacate Final Four appearance money. Hope I’m around when Cal gets his due reward. But I’m not bitter… 🙂
Van Treese is a good kid but over his head here. My guess is he was recruited to get the younger kids at his high school.
He is not a good passer and has a shooting range of five feet (or less if you remember his missed wide open dunk). When he is in the game the opponent, all of them have scouting reports you must remember, will not guard him meaning they have five players to guard our four.
And considering he is shoot less than 25% on free throws when we are in the bonus any opponent can force a turnover simply by fouling Van Treese.
I saw this when I watched him play as a high schooler. If you are going to be realistic you have to say he doesn’t have the potential to ever help us unless it’s one of those “even a blind hog finds an acorn once in a while” day.
Agreed, cbcard. But he can give you hustle, a rebound or two and five fouls. I could live without any offense from him–but the free throw fiasco is a killer, as you pointed out. Is Josh Harrelson 25-0 better, though? Steve at least gets in their way…
I know I can’t wait til September 17th! It is going to be nice celebrating in Commonwealth to break the 4 game skid. I see us going 12-6 in Big East basketball play