Growing Up

Weight Lifter: UK Knocks Off Undefeated Wichita State in Classic - Kentucky Wildcats Official Athletic Site



I have not been too complimentary of the playing style of the current edition of the UK Wildcats but their performances in the final SEC tourney game with Florida and the two games so far in the NCAA have me singing their praises.  They are not a pretty team to watch.  There are no blazing drives to the hoop a la John Wall or total dominance around the basket like Anthony Davis but there has emerged a tenacity that refuses to give up.  Almost totally gone is the negative body language that infected the team and the tendency to not play 40 minutes is also almost totally gone.  What is left is a team that just won't give up and is a threat to take an opponent to the wire.  In that respect they remind me of the Florida team that doesn't blow people out, they just take you to the wire and do what it takes.



I have been negative about the Harrison twins all season with the hang dog looks and slowness off the dribble.  Their tendency to drive the ball to far before passing has just about driven me nuts but whatever it was that Coach Cal did to tweak the team worked.  In the past few games he should have put to rest the crows that he was a sub par coach.  He has done a fantastic job coaching and the Wichita State game was a masterpiece.



Randle just intensely plays every possession and that opens up the floor for the others then when the opponent is forced to guard the others Randle makes them pay.  It is very difficult to guard him one on one.  Cauley-Stein has grown into a beast that does not resemble the player of last season or even much of this season.  Dakari Johnson can come in with relief minutes that don't give up much at all.



This was the last game I had Kentucky winning but I could very well be wrong.  I believe they are playing as well as anyone in the tournament now and have a shot.  Of course, as a fan of the Big Blue that means hanging another banner but I will try to keep my exuberance in check.  Next game will bring up a Louisville team that I think we can beat if we show the kind of poise that has recently been in evidence.



Perhaps the most significant thing for this team has been the growth of the Harrisons.  I was extremely impressed with Andrew playing through his injured elbow and the shooting of both of them.  Against the shockers UK shot 54% which they had not done in forever.  And their free throw maladies seem to be history.



Maybe, just maybe.