Vandy is not as bad as people think. I could see that when we played them. They're competitive, but are missing a couple of pieces.
Wildcats are an enigma. Many pundits consider this team a final four contender and no doubt, some nights thats true. (Don't you agree Crimson Tide?) But then they don't play defense and have been losing far more than they should. Going down memory lane (no offense Jeff or REM) - Remember in the early part of Cal's UK career he essentially said SEC regular season and SEC tourney success was not a concern or ambition for UK basketball? I wonder if his arrogance about this conference is still at that old level? I tend to doubt it.
I like coach Stack. They have been so injury prone. I believe they will be quite a bit better next season.
I agree, a complete enigma! Low floor, high ceiling and you don't know which you'll get. You're right on Cal's narrative also but do you remember what he pulled after the 2 seeded cats lost in the first round to St Peters? He pulled a "What you have to keep in mind is that we had a really strong regular season..." He tries to have it both ways. I don't know why he created this dichotomy in the first place. They both matter! March more so but they both matter and he's been struggling significantly at both. My frustration with him, while maybe not at Jeff levels - or at least for as long, hasn't gone away just because UK has had some big wins recently.
Thank you for your post REM. I imagine as a KY fan it's difficult to know what to do with Cal. I do think that the lack of recent success in March has many Cat fans soul searching. Jeff is clear on his position but CAL seems to be something of an institution at KY now, including outside of basketball. He is well liked by national pundits (I think). His record is impeccable W - L wise outside of National Championship trophies. I have found myself actually not disliking him. (lol) (Probably because UF fell off under Mike White). Anyway, it will be interesting to see where KY ends up. Right now UF and KY are battling for seeding and I like the fact we seem to be about even with the Cats this year. The scores between our programs certainly indicate that.
I see what you're saying and I agree. Oddly, when Cal started at UK, he was BELOVED by UK fans and was not as well regarded by media/etc. Now it's kinda flip-flopped. Most UK fans, at least online, want him gone. He's certainly not beloved nationally but seems to get a little more respect from media and certainly less negativity than he used to. Maybe that's because he's in the HOF now or maybe because there have been so many stories of so many top coaches being connected to cheating that his past stuff seems like older news. And/or, maybe he's easier to take when he's not winning. Stories from those connected to UK though suggest he has no relationship with administration/his AD and has lost most of the big donors. He's even alienated himself from other coaches at the school, including Stoops. It's his fault.
