In an afternoon after email, containing a link to a story about Julius Randle’s commitment to the Big Blue, she exclaimed, “OMG! Happy days are here again.”

If memory serves, I received a similar missive from this same citizen of the BBN last season, on the day Nerlens Noel turned around in front of the cameras to reveal UK buzzcut in his Kid ‘n’ Play doo.

Ofttimes things just don’t happen as we suppose they will.

There is no reason or purpose to rehash the Wildcats’ season. Stuff happens. Duke’s been down. Carolina. The Cardinals played in the NIT not so very long ago, not to mention the consecutive first round Ls they to Morehead State and Cali’s Golden Bears. Very recently.

I’m a declared U of L fan, but now’s not the time for schadenfreude.

Coach Cal’s modus operandi didn’t work this season. As disappointing as the campaign has been, my sense is most Kentucky fans, as hurtin’ as they are for certain, will take a season like this after one like last. Plus their despondency is obviously tempered, as my pal above expressed, by the incoming recruiting class.

Which shall be, by all accounts, the greatest assemblage of hoops talent wearing the same uni since the original one and only Dream Team.

Yes, at this time, it appears that the Harrisons and Dakari and Randle and the other Golden Arches All Americans are a cut — or two or three — above this year’s crew, which, remember, was ranked #3 in the preseason. “At this time” is the operative phrase.

But, stuff happens. The only known commodities coming back remain question marks. I remember sitting next to Oscar Combs when UK started its championship run at the Yum! last season. He mentioned how Kyle Wiltjer had hit something like 65 out of 67 treys in practice the day before.

The same kid played ten minutes against Robert Morris, and missed a trey that would have allowed the Cats to steal the game at the buzzer.

Ryan Harrow was supposed to back up Marquis Teague this season now past. But the latter got too good too quickly, won a championship and joined the one and done crowd. Which is not to forget that, once upon a time, Teague was thought to be a future U of L superduperstar. And the latter showed from the get go he wasn’t ready for prime time under the kleig lights that always shine down on Wildcat ballers.

Stuff happens. Nothing’s preordained.

Had things panned out the way Rick Pitino foresaw them for U of L, Rakeem Buckles and Fab Melo would be in the starting lineup tonight.

How’d that work out?

So the BBN is sitting out this dance, casting its glance toward spring football practice.

Louisville is starting what it hopes will be a long fruitful tournament run in Rupp. Taking the court for the Cards will be Russ Smith, you know the afterthought who was certain to transfer after a do nothing frosh season. And Gorgui Dieng, a consolation prize when that not so ab Fab Melo kid went to ‘Cuse.

Miami’s a contender with a bunch of senior citizens, guys who’d never caused a stir previously.

You just never know.

That’s why they play the games.

Starting today in the most exciting sports event I’ve ever experienced.

– Seedy K

You can read my Tourney 101 – The ABCs of NCAA here.

You can read Bill Doolittle’s in depth breakdown of the Cards here.

Being a Hoosier at heart, he also has some IU perspective to consider here.

Should you be inclined to consider UK’s disappointing season again, check out Evan Hilbert’s take here.

Remember, kids, I’ll be reporting in from Lexington in this space tomorrow while following the Cardinals, and the other spicy Rupp Arena first round matchups.

– Seedy K

It seems like there are one or two every day now.

Just yesterday there were four such tilts in the SEC alone. Not only UK’s single OT W over Mizzou, but  Georgia needed an extra five to subdue the Gamecocks. Then there was LSU’s triple OT win over the Crimson Tide. Then there was Rocky Top who needed an extra 20 minutes to win in College Station.

There were more, including Davidson’s exciting Bracketbuster OT W over Montana.

Say what you will about the quality of this year’s hoops, the lower scoring, the lack of fundamentals, etc. This is the most exciting season in memory.

I’ve said it before, and I repeat. I’ll be surprised if scratch wins the NCAA.

* * * * *

UK’s win last night was huge.

The Big Blue Nation should be proud of how the Cats came back, stayed tough and held on with the Game Day crew in the house.

I’ll be most surprised if the Cats don’t make the Dance.

Missouri on the other hand proved once again it can’t close on the road, where the Tigers now stand, I believe, 1-7. They’ve come from ahead to lose in the final minutes five times . . . if Dickie V is to be believed. The flip side is their record at home and on neutral courts which would be unblemished, but for an L to U of L at Atlantis.

* * * * *

The final buzzer hadn’t finished ringing when I got an email from Mark It Hoya, a reader who loooooooooves Georgetown.

It read, in full, “Hoya Saxa, baby!!! They’re very for real. Porter is tremendous. But Markel & Smith-Riviera are solid. This is a mature team.”

Indeed, mature. And, fundamentally sound, as JTIII’s squads tend to be. I’m always impressed how they simply play the game, without the normal accoutrements of woofing and posturing that plague the game.

Otto Porter Jr. did indeed shine, scoring 33 of G-town’s 57 on 12/19 shooting, including 5/10 from beyond the arc. The praise he and his teammates are receiving for their pulling away W in front of 35,012 in the BoeheimDome is deserved.

But such is the wonderful nature of this season, that his performance and that of his team wasn’t even the most stunning yesterday, even during the 4:00 pm time slot.

Steve Alford’s New Mexico Lobos pulled away from Colorado State for a hard fought W in Fort Collins. The school is now in charge in the deceptively tough Mountain West Conference.

Take this Otto Porter II. New Mexico’s Kendall Williams scored 46. He was 12/17 from the free throw line, and 12/16 from the field.

Lest you think he tallied on a bunch of bunnies, near the hoop, digest this statistic. Williams was 10/13 from Treyville.

10/13. Worth 30 points.

And the game itself, Colorado State’s second L last week, was harder fought than the more heralded Big East matchup.

* * * * *

Hear me now, and believe me later.

Miami will get a #1 or #2 seed, unless their sure to come fade has already started (which it might well have). Miami will be the first #1 or #2 seed eliminated from the tournament.

To use a hockey metaphor, they’ve been skating on thin ice. They fell through yesterday in Demon Deacon Land.

* * * * *

Other noteworthy observations from yesterday. Or, so I would offer.

Shaka Smart’s VCU came from 17 down to win at Xavier.

Improving Carolina battered over-hyped NC State by 11. Preseason league favorite Wolfpack are now 8-6 in the league with 8 losses overall. There’s a reason why Mark Gottfried was retired, and NC State fans are now discovering it.

This is the worst season any Bob Huggins team has had that I can recall. West Virginia, big losers yesterday to Okie State, despite Marcus Smart’s foul trouble, is awful.

St. Louis beat Butler for the second time this season Friday night. This time in Hinkle.

You want your team to face the Billikens in the Dance? Didn’t think so.

– Seedy K

In his first regular season appearance of the year — he’s got a 10 day contract with the Celtics — he played 13 minutes against the Lakers last night, scoring a deuce, grabbing 2 rebounds and committing 2 turnovers.

Meanwhile his former Cardinal mate Earl Clark, certainly a more self effacing fellow, not to mention a more successful one, scored 14, grabbed 16 boards, had a block, a steal and posted 0 turnovers in LA’s 113-99 W.

Francisco Garcia has been traded from Sacramento to Houston. Derrick Caracter was last spotted on the roster of Bnei HaSharon in Israel. Former future U of L superduperstar Sebastian Telfair is toiling for Phoenix, his 7th pro team.

All of which is just about enough play-for-pay foolishness. Consider yourselves suitably updated.

* * * * *

Yes, you kids on the Sunny Side of the Ohio, your candy-striped Hurryin’ Hoosiers are currently playing the best ball in the land.

But . . . one guy’s opinion . . . I just have a feeling that this college basketball season, the best I can remember in a long while, is going to produce a champion out of the blue. (It will not however be UK’s Big Blue.) The last time it happened was, oh, not so long ago, when the UConn Kembas won the ugliest title game ever played anywhere in any tournament in any sport at any level.

Last night I watched Kansas survive Okie State in double OT. And Vegas pull out a late W over Colorado State. All four of those teams are Final Four capable. And, with a proper draw, are teams that could sneak into the title game and even pull a UConn.

Don’t believe me. Fair enough. But stay tuned.

This March there will be such true Madness, you might want to stock up on a fresh supply of those meds Bradley Cooper and Ms. Jennifer Lawrence riffed about in “Silver Linings Playbook.”

There’s a large list of teams whose playbook might prove to be lined in silver come April 8. They all have flaws, but one of them is going to win. We may even be blessed with a Miracle Milan thing, like ‘Nova at Rupp over Georgetown.

It could be the Hoosiers, but what if they go cold from beyond the arc, and/or a Purdue fan slips some kryptonite in Victor Oladipo’s lunch? The Gators, but they sure have shown they can melt down, as they did at Mizzou. The Wolverines, but they’re awfully young. The Hurricanes, but that spotlight is going to get ‘em sweatin’. Sparty, unless Gary Harris’s back goes out. The Zags, though they always underachieve . . . until maybe this year.

Breath.

The Buckeyes, if they finally start winning some big ones? (And, yeah, I guess that’s true of all the schools.) The Badgers, if they can keep it slow? Georgetown, who nobody’s talking about? The Quack, who are playing almost as good as the football team? Syracuse, in Boeheim’s swan song? (Remember I wrote way back that this is likely to be his last season.) This year’s real Wildcats, the ones out Arizona way.

And, oh yeah, even my beloved, but flawed Louisville Cardinals.

It’s that kind of year.

Remember when the Orange jumped on Carmelo Anthony’s back all the way to One Shining Moment?

You tell me Marcus Smart can’t do the same thing, and I laugh in your face.

You going to discount Butler? That is, if they make it to the Dance. Or St. Louis, which has won 8 in a row in the A-10? Or, New Mexico, whose coach knows how to win the big one? Or, Vegas, featuring Anthony Bennett, the second best freshman in the land?

Some team you can’t now name will reign treys six games in a row. Some won’t. Some teams will inexplicably hit all key FTs. More teams won’t. Which contenda is gonna get jobbed by a woeful call?

I just see some strange doings ahead. Can’t wait.

Caveat: When you’re stocking up on chips, dip, DiGiorno and necessary meds, stay away from the Ablixa.

* * * * *

So, in anticipation of yesterday afternoon’s Champions League Round of 16 fixture between Barca and AC Milan, while heading in the cold to lunch with my pals, I donned my new FC Barcelona scarf the Film Babe brought me back from a recent sojourn to Europe.

It was to no avail. Lunch was much better than the match later in the afternoon.

Barca didn’t show up, especially superstar Lionel Messi. The good guys were waxed in Milan 2 nil.

Talk about an uphill climb to the quarterfinals. The way it works in the knock out rounds of the most splendid competition this side of the Big Dance, is the teams play home and home, total goals win and advance with away goals counting more than home goals. If Barca is up 2 zed at the end of 90 in the next match at Camp Nou, the two sides will stay on the pitch and keep playing.

If AC Milan scores a goal, Barca will need four to advance.

* * * * *

Okay, I’m not through talking about college hoops.

Given the cockamamie year that’s unfolding, I believe making FTs is more important than ever. IU won in East Lansing because Sparty missed some key charity tosses at the end which could have sealed the deal. Florida lost at Mizzou after missing 5 straight down the the stretch, including the front end of three 1+1s.

Allow me to beat a horse so dead, it’s already been turned into burgers at London McD’s.

Dickie V must go. Really. I’m serious. Immediately. Forever. No, not at the end of the season, NOW!!!

* * * * *

Before I’m outta here, I feel compelled to mention a couple of things you probably haven’t heard.

Michael Jordan turned 50.

Danica Patrick won the pole at Daytona.

– Seedy K

Think how the presence of Shabazz Muhammad might affect the chemistry of this edition of the Cats.

In a game recently, UCLA beat UDub on a last second shot by Larry Drew2. During that last possession, Muhammad kept calling for the ball, clapping, waving his arms, generally acting like a Biddy Basketballer, who is supposed to be the star of the team because he’s grown a couple inches taller than his peers.

When Drew’s game winner went in, the Bruins rushed the court to embrace the shotmaker in celebration with charming youthful exuberance. Except for Muhammad, who sullenly headed straight for the locker room.

Seems like he’d be a perfect fit for Goodwin, Poythress, Harrow and Cauley-Stein, who performed in Knoxville yesterday with all the maturity the 3d graders on a class field trip to the zoo, who didn’t get the flavor popsicle they wanted.

* * * * *

I’d forgotten how rotten things had gotten in Lexington when Billy Clyde roamed the sidelines. So, as I couldn’t take my eyes off of yesterday’s meltdown, I kept wondering if it was the worst loss ever for the Wildcats? Apparently not.

At least not by sheer numbers.

While I have not watched Kentucky as closely as I do my Cardinals through the decades, I do pay attention. And I cannot recall a UK team more immature, less ready to play, more petulant and downright disinterested as the Wildcats were yesterday.

If the Vols had hedged Wiltjer to the left when he had the ball with his back to the hoop, UK might not have made it to 40. Wiltjer, Mays and two Kentuckians, Polson and Hood, were the only ones who showed any willingness to win the game.

It was rather dumbfounding, frankly.

I’m not sure if there’s anything even a master psychologist like Calipari can do with this bunch?

* * * * *

It was probably just coincidence that the story ran in the this morning’s C-J, but the presence of Adam Himmelsbach’s puff piece on Andrew and Aaron Harrison, UK’s next saviors, was certainly prescient.

They can’t get to Lexington soon enough for the Big Blue Nation.

* * * * *

Given how splintered the Kentucky team seems to be, it was interesting to watch a BTN show on the 2000 Michigan State national champs. Mateen Cleaves. The Flintstones.

During the interviews with players, Izzo and writers who covered the team, all they could talk about was how close they were on and off the court, what a family they were. Including both players and their families and the coaching staff.

Izzo recalled walking out of the locker room, in a bad way, head down, after an early season loss. Cleaves mother called him out. “You think you’re gonna walk by me after a game, win or lose, and not give me a hug?”

* * * * *

Team connectivity is a necessary intangible for success.

Which is why I think this post-game locker room moment from Thursday night might be Russ Smith’s best play of the season. He gets all the players involved.

* * * * *

Of course, I rooted for Maryland last night.

The Terps were playing Duke.

And, their abdication to the Big Ten opened an ACC spot for U of L.

I also love what the school did when building the relatively new arena in which the team now plays. The student section behind the basket at one end is built appreciably steeper than the rest of the arena. Visiting teams who want to be at their bench’s end on offense in the second half, have to play into what appears to be a wall of sound.

Looks mighty intimidating.

* * * * *

If I had my choice of any player in college now to pick first in a shirts and skins game, I’d go with Okie State’s Marcus Smart.

This is a kid who plays with a maturity beyond his years. When he missed a shot yesterday that would have beaten rival Oklahoma in regulation, he merely shrugged, and moved on, leading his team to victory in OT. An assist for a game leading deuce. A blocked shot. Two FTs to close the deal.

Did I mention Smart’s a freshman?

* * * * *

Detroit won at Valpo last night.

By 10 points. After being down 15 with less than 10:00 to play.

Outscoring an opponent by 25 on the road in the last quarter of a game. Now, that’s a comeback.

* * * * *

Is there a more schizophrenic team in the land than Villanova?

* * * * *

The yin and yang for IU.

Will Sheehey went 9/9 from the field off the bench.

Victor Oladipo hurt his ankle.

– Seedy K

* * * * *

ESPN’s Andy Katz turned into Jim Boeheim’s whipping boy last night, after the coach’s Orange spit out the bit at UConn.

Seems Katz chatted up academically reinstated James Southerland during ‘Cuse’s shootaround, learning from the ultimate source that the suspension snafu was over a couple of paragraphs — one would assume plagiarized — in a term paper. Katz dutifully reported it.

When Katz asked Boeheim a question in the post game presser, the coach called the reporter “stupid” and “disloyal” and “other things” and refused to answer his question.

Tough luck, Andy. If you had done the same thing to a Louisville player, you wouldn’t have had to worry about a public dressing down. Many times, Rick Pitino doesn’t even show up to face the press after a bad loss. Like last Saturday night in South Bend. 

Plus there may be stuff simmering unseen underneath the surface with the long time Syracuse coach. On the one hand, he’s receiving kudos over all those career Ws. On the other, there was that Bernie Fine thing. Plus, perhaps, “other things.” I recall a conversation with a member of the national media early in the season, somebody plugged in to the hoops scene, who advised the shit’s gonna hit the fan after the season, which could well be Boeheim’s last.

According to that source, news will leak about failed drug tests through the years, and a systematic sweeping of that problem under the carpet.

Stay tuned. Especially to Katz. If something along those lines does indeed break, I trust Andy shall be the first to report it.

* * * * *

It was with some sadness that I read Russ Smith’s cybergalactic retort to his critics, who have been dissing his performance at crunch time against Notre Dame.

I’m one of the guilty parties.

While I’ve used some harsh words, I’ve tried to make it clear that he isn’t the main culprit.

It was his coach that gave him no in-game direction. Over and over and over and over and over again. It was his coach, who apparently hadn’t properly schooled his ball handlers and others on the floor about late game situations and how to execute. It was his coach who didn’t call any timeouts to set up possible game winning plays.

I trust you know the mentor of which I speak. Hint: He’s the one who didn’t show up to answer questions after the game.

As for Russ, keep on truckin’, dude. Try to learn from your mistakes. Raise up your head when you’re full throttle to the hoop, open your eyes, you may have company wearing the same uni with an easier shot than you.

* * * * *

The Flavor of the Month is Jim Larranaga and his Miami Hurricanes.

Last evening, the U won a tight one in Tallahassee. It may be the most telling W of the year, given it was over a tough league rival on the road, while riding a heretofore unknown wave of national adulation.

Seems Luke Hancock’s former coach is a technocrat. Loves Ken Pomeroy’s statistical analysis of the college hoops scene. Feels it is the only true measure of performance.

Miami ranks 8th at kenpom.com.

* * * * *

Which brings me back, as these discussions always do, to my Louisville Cardinals.

If you’ve clicked that link, you will note our homies, despite five losses, rank 3d.

To paraphrase grannie, “from the computer’s mouth to God’s ear.”

I hope it is a true assessment, but, as I’ve admonished before, computers don’t measure the will to win.

If you think the Cards would get the better right now of Michigan State or Indiana or Florida or Duke, raise your hand. I do not.

That negativitude stated, U of L does have a perfect slate to get well in the coming weeks. The Johnnies and Seton Hall at the Yum!. South Florida and hapless DePaul on the road. Then season-ending tests at Syracuse, and back home for the Bearcats and what history says will be an overtime season capper with those nettlesome Fighting Irish.

Last year, U of L finished the regular season, 2-4. The Cards have lost 4 of their last 7 this campaign. Let’s hope they kick it into gear . . . now.

* * * * *

You gotta feel for Nerlens Noel.

This is an unassuming kid with the classic “upside.” He never woofed. Always played hard. Improved steadily from game to game.

You gotta wish him a speedy and full recovery. And I do.

It will be fascinating to watch what develops for the Cats?

UK is still 18th in the Pomeroy rankings, but will surely drop out of the human polls.

The Cats are now 50-1 in Vegas to win it all. Lunardi has them a #9 seed. Some pundits, like Sporting News’ Mike DeCourcy, have them nip and tuck to make the dance. Their RPI is in the mid 40s.

UK travels to Tennessee (in new Nike unis), Arkansas and Georgia. The Cats host Mizzou, Mississippi State and Florida before the SEC tourney.

Can this diminished group get their act together?

* * * * *

I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to former Cardinal Jared Swopshire.

He also suffered a season-ending knee injury. In Swop’s case, it is also career-ending. Unless you count a Thursday night beer league at the Y.

* * * * *

The World Wide Leader made an interesting production decision last night.

Jay Bilas joined Dan Shulman and the ever hyperbolic Dickie V in the booth for Carolina at Duke.

It calmed down The Voice . . . somewhat. But . . . not nearly enough.

The Blue Devils came back to win the rivalry tilt. Hate Coach K and his teams all you want, rarely do they not perform to their maximum capacity.

* * * * *

Before I’m outta here, my dark horse report.

Larry Eustachy’s Colorado State Rams are 20-4 in the really tough Mountain West.

Last night, they bested San Diego State, 66-60. The Rams are ranked in a human poll for the first time in 59 years.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/14/thursday-hoops-report-cards-cats-boeheim-blisters-rams-rock-mo/feed/ 4 http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/01/ten-reasons-to-stay-home-saturday/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/01/ten-reasons-to-stay-home-saturday/#comments Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:34:05 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8233 Chips? ✔

Dip? ✔

Crudités (Eat at least one little carrot and piece of cauliflower, so you can dupe yourself into thinking  you’re eating healthy.) ✔

Beverages chilled? ✔

Impellizzeri’s on speed dial? ✔

These, my fellow hoopaholics, are not supplies for Super Sunday. The avocados will have to wait another day before they become guacamole.

I’m talking about tomorrow. A Saturday filled from before noon to bedtime with zesty matchups. Barcoloungers beware. Ye shall be occupied.

#1 Cincy @ Seton Hall. In the days of yesteryear, we had to wait until noon on Saturdays for opening tip. No more. The World Wide Leader, a benevolent dictator, has bestowed a favor upon us. Brunch with the Big East. The feisty Bearcats remain under the pundits’ radar. Kevin Willard’s Pirates are fighting for relevancy. A pleasant late morning tilt to enjoy with croissants and Eggs Benedict. Pass the Hollandaise s’il vous plait.

#2 Syracuse @ Pitt. The Orange are two games up in the loss column in league play. (Along with Marquette, which comes a callin’ to the Yum! Sunday, where they’ll be greeted by a hungry Cardinal squad in very stylin’ new white unis.) A loss at 17-5 Pitt would bring Boeheim’s bunch back to the field. The Panthers have a shot.

#3 Duke @ Florida State. The Seminoles always give the Blue Devils a hard time in Tallahassee. It’s a good thing. Always worth tuning in to see if Duke falls three games behind to surging Miami in U of L’s future conference. No better excuse to pop a fresh can open than Coach K walking off the court with an L.

#4 Colorado @ Utah. The Buffaloes have cooled a bit. They’re only 4-4 in league play, but have won their last 3. A W over the Utes will give them momentum to burst their bubble. Plus we’ll probably get Marques Johnson, a PAC homer if ever there was one, doing color. Unless it’s Bill Walton’s effusive exhortations on every play.

#5 Oklahoma State @ Kansas. Rock Chalk Jayhawk doesn’t lose at home much when it comes to conference play. This year, they haven’t lost at either at Allen or on the road. But the Cowboys have lots of potential, spelled Marcus Smart and Bryan Nash. I’m smelling upset here.

#6 Wichita State @ Northern Iowa. No reason to wait for Arch Madness to consider the MoValley. The Shockers lead the league (along with Creighton). The Panthers, standing at 11-11 are a might down this season. But this one has trap game written all over it.

Seedy K’s Dining Tip: Order your pizza during the first half of this one. Remember Bennie Impellizzeri doesn’t deliver. You’ll need to pick up your pie before the Cats tip off.

#7 Kentucky @ Texas A&M. Can you spell payback? They’re liable to be dredging the Rio Grande for blocked Aggie rocks Nerlens Noel has dispatched into the muddy. Maybe Francine will be in the house.

#8 Ole Miss @ Florida. Why aren’t folks talking about the Gators? Bill Donovan’s crew is 7-0 in league play. Average margin of victory: 28 points. That’s not a typo. The Gators have won by 33, 22, 19, 31, 17 (Must have had an off night in Athens.), 35 and 39. If his less than stellar performance against the Cats didn’t chasten Marshall Henderson, this one will shut his trap.

#9 Michigan @ Indiana. This is the big one of the day, the one we’re all waiting to watch, Digger and Dickie V’s presence on the soundtrack notwithstanding. Both legit top liners come tourney time. Both playing well. Be sure to get up and stretch before tip.

Feel free to wash down your day’s repast with some bedtime milk and cookies. Unless, you’re ready for more. And there is more. It’s too late to stop now.

#10 Gonzaga @ San Diego. Okay, I gotta admit. I confused San Diego with San Diego State. My bad. The Toreros are only 11-11, not 16-4 and ranked in the Top 25 like the crosstown Aztecs. But, hey, I’m punch drunk just from contemplating the morrow. One reason to tune in is to see if former future U of L superstar Angel Nunez is sitting on Few’s bench in civvies?

Remember there’s no reason to sit through any commercials. There are more than a score more tilts to check out when play stops in the game you’re watching.

Now, get some rest. The Cards play Sunday. Then there’s that little football game. And all that guac and chips to consume.

– Seedy K

In the dream, we’re in a small, very crowded galley kitchen. Noels is wearing blue jeans and a blue shirt, and is trying to score some food, while a whole lot of people are in his way. I grab his attention, and say, “You should be real proud. I’ve never seen a basketball player turn a game around by himself as quickly as you did tonight at Ole Miss.”

(That’s about it for the dream, just one of many wacky little scenarios I actually recall from last night’s slumber. In one, John L. Smith was contractor, doing work on my home. Don’t ask. I haven’t a clue where this stuff comes from?)

As for Noels, I believe the sentiment expressed.

I don’t know that I’ve ever seen such a deceptive stat line.

0/1 from the field. 2/8 at the FT line. An unremarkable 7 rebounds.

But he had a school record 12 blocks. At least four and possibly more came at crunch time. After the Johnny Rebs had cut UK’s not-so-commanding lead to a single digit on a 17 zed run. Most of Ole Miss’s damage came on drives to the hoop through UK’s swiss cheese D, after Noel picked up his fourth foul.

After Ryan Harrow stopped the run with a three, Noel said “Enough is enough.” The home team kept driving to the hoop. Nerlens kept saying, “Return to Sender.” It was dominating. Somewhere, if he sees the tape, Bill Russell is smiling. To Andy Kennedy’s discredit, he didn’t call timeout and alter his offensive strategy.

Noel is obviously no Anthony Davis, to whon he is always compared for obvious reasons. But I like his game. The kid hustles, always plays hard. He’s a work in progress, and he will progress.

* * * * *

I also like the way Kyle Wiltjer has amped up his game. When he makes those sweeping moves to the hoop, they are in slow motion. But he finishes somehow. And, yes, the kid can shoot.

* * * * *

Of course, I wanted to watch flavor of the week Marshall Henderson for a whole game. He didn’t have a good one, but still displayed all the wacky intensity for which he’s become infamous.

Actually, I’ve got a theory, which I will share with this caveat. I am not a medical professional of any sort. Not a psychiatrist, psychologist or licensed counselor. Nor do I play one on TV.

That admonition in place, I’ll opine this. It would no surprise me if Henderson is at some point diagnosed as bipolar. To me, his look and demeanor say he may very well be. The kid is a loose cannon. His emotions swing back and forth in an instant during a game. He seems incapable of controlling his moods.

He’s still a fairly talented basketball player. He was pressing way too hard last night.

* * * * *

How the world’s turned.

Kentucky’s W in Oxford is considered an upset of note. A “resume” win.

The Wildcats looked like an NCAA team to me. One some contender is not going to want to face in March.

* * * * *

Less is more. There’s one of my favorite theories in life.

No Willie Cauley-Stein. No problem.

Not with Alex Poythress balling pretty well, despite two early fouls. And Ryan Harrow playing steady at the point. Oh yeah, Archie Goodwin went for 24 and 6.

– Seedy K

Hey, I got the blog. I got the keyboard. I’ll do what I wanna.

My prognostication: If Indiana wins the NCAA basketball tournament, mentored by the brother-in-law of you know who and you know who, the Harbaugh Clan will be Sports Illustrated’s “Sports(man/men/persons/family) of the Year.”

Their whining and aggressive demeanor nothwithstanding, the success of Jim and John and Tom at the same moment is darn astonishing. The influence of former WKU football coach Jack Harbaugh and his bride is considerable and praise worthy. I’m not sure I can remember a similar situation.

* * * * *

Speaking of brotherhood, that version of the national anthem before the U of L game Saturday still resonates.

The Brotherhood Singers from Northern Kentucky are the deal.

So to honor them, brothers and sisters everywhere, and this truly special day in the history of our republic, a musical interlude.

* * * * *

Yesterday’s NFL games were certainly interesting.

The 49ers W in Atlanta was more exciting. The Ravens W in New England more stunning and exacting.

San Francisco has come back from considerable deficits two weeks in a row. It took a last moment Hail Mary for Baltimore to survive in Denver.

Unlike the BCS “Championship” Game, these teams earned their way to battle for the title.

* * * * *

Speaking of Indiana basketball, did you watch the Butler/ Gonzaga game.

A proverbial barn burner.

In case you haven’t seen the clip, or seen it enough, here’s Roosevelt Jones’ amazing play to win the game for the Hinkles.

Jones says he was eavesdropping on Mark Few’s instructions, and knew where the inbound pass was coming. So he stole it, took a couple of dribbles and floated in the winner.

College hoops. Love it.

* * * * *

One guy’s opinion: This could be the best NCAA tournament in years.

No school has started to separate itself from the pack like last year’s Wildcats. Though Rock Chalk Jayhawk is looking pretty steely.

The difference between #1 seeds, #2 seeds and #3 seeds will be miniscule. The luck of the draw is going to mean as much as it ever has. Matchups shall be very important, as we saw when Louisville couldn’t quite cope Saturday against Syracuse with its big guards.

So you got the Cards. And the Hoosiers. And the Jayhawks. And the Orange. And the Gators. And the Blue Devils. And the Wolverines. And the Wildcats (Arizona, though UK’s could spoil somebody’s dance.). And the Bulldogs (Take your choice.). And the Golden Gophers.

Plus the Spartans. And the Buckeyes. And the Runnin’ Rebels. And the Wolfpack. And the Badgers. And the Quack.

Oh, and those Shaka Smarts. And the Rams. And the Bearcats  . . .

* * * * *

Lance Armstrong is still an asshole.

* * * * *

Did you see the very late extra time goal by Tottenham’s Clint Dempsey at White Hart Lane, which knotted Man U? Didn’t think so. Dempsey, a legit star in the EPL, is an American you know.

* * * * *

If you have trouble keeping your abode warm during this cold spell, tune into the Australian Open. There’s plenty of Celsius down Melbourne way.

* * * * *

As hard as I try — okay, truth, I’m not trying at all — I can’t feel sorry for the travails of the LA LA Lakers.

Nor those of that Manti doofus. Hope Katie Couric does to him what she did to Sarah Palin.

– Seedy K

Fourteen teams in the Top 25 lost last week. And that doesn’t include not-in-Top-25 Wisconsin, who gave a Top 10 performance in Bloomington before going Bottom 150 in a loss to Iowa.

It’s conference play time. So much fun it is.

* * * * *

Loyal reader CookieMan called me on the carpet this morning for not mentioning in my blog on U of L/ Syracuse that the Cardinal football team — at least about 1/3 of it — was introduced. To the expected, raucous Standing O. The intro came during the fist media timeout of the 2d half. When, sigh, the Cards were up 48-40.

Five time MLB All-Star Fred McGriff was also in the house yesterday.

* * * * *

Manti Te’o spoke yesterday. Or, so it is said. To Jeremy Schap in a non-videoed conversation.

Apparently he said he “embellished” his romance, but was still the victim there.

Okay, Manti, whatever you say.

Truth, even I have had enough of this “scandal.”

But I’d be remiss if I didn’t use the bully pulpit the refresh your memories about a real tragedy in which Notre Dame football is involved. Not so valiantly either.

I’m talking about the suicide of Lizzy Seeberg, a young woman who really existed. And who is now really dead. She took her own life after allegedly being intimidated by Fighting Irish pigskinners after reporting a sexual assault by one of their teammates.

You can read more details here.

Dave Zirin, the Thomas Friedman of sports columinsts (usually astute, but always arrogant and self righteous) weighed in even more heavily here.

So, tell me Athletic Director Swarbick, does Lizzy’s tale bring you to tears like that of your hallowed linebacker?

* * * * *

Charles Barkley was in full form last night during the UK/ Auburn game.

He called pro agents, “scumbags.”

* * * * *

Now falling near the top of the list of Teams That Will Probably Make The NCAA Tournament That You Don’t Want Your Contender To Face: Colorado State Rams.

Larry Eustachy’s team is 15-3 after last night’s W over Vegas.

Eustachy could always coach. Now that he’s been clean and sober for awhile, he can really coach.

Also perched to prey in that category: Dana Altman’s Oregon Quack.

* * * * *

Atlanta and the 49ers are getting read to kick off.

I sure hope today’s games are exciting. Because I could care less who wins.

* * * * *

In case you haven’t noticed, and I’m sure you haven’t, the NHL opened play this weekend.

* * * * *

In case you haven’t noticed, and I’m sure you haven’t, Part Deux. FC Barcelona lost yesterday in La Liga. They blew a 2-0 lead to lose 2-3 at Real Sociedad.

They now stand 18-1-1 on the season.

* * * * *

Lance Armstrong is still an asshole.

* * * * *

Earl Weaver was such the grouch, he never got quite as much respect as a manager as he deserved.

The same fate came upon his passing.

He bought the farm on the same day as all-time all-star, all time Hall of Famer, all-time good guy, Stan Musial. How cool was the former St. Louis Cardinal who had one of the most unique batting stances ever? He alway carried a harmonica in his sportcoat pocket.

May you both rest in peace.

– Seedy K

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