This has obviously been one of the strangest years in recent past for Kentucky basketball, maybe ever. The season started with the hype of the incoming freshmen but some skepticism about how the veterans may not step up, for many reasons. People had concerns with the lack of playing time the vets had last year, especially our inside presence, Josh Harrellson. Most people had Kentucky at a probable 22-10 mark and maybe a sweet 16 team, but for many reasons, this team has taken UK and BBN back to the final four....13 years is over, we're back.
The Veterans: Josh Harrellson, Darius Miller, and Deandre Liggins have all had their ups and downs this year, especially during the middle of the conference season. But as it is for now, they have decided to "take control" over the freshmen and want the win more than the other teams. Jorts has been called by two of the best coaches in the country the most underrated player, Darius Miller won SEC tournament MVP, and Deandre Liggins was names all East Region team for his stellar performance. Who would have predicted that at the beginning of the year, especially considering Jorts was almost kicked off of the team.
Diversity: Yes, I know we only play six guys, but for some reason this year all six of those guys have been the all-star on our team. At times it was Jones dropping 20 and 15, or Jorts against UL, or Liggins hitting big shots and making steals, Miller exploding late in the year, and Lamb being the best 3point shooter in UK's history, and we all know what Brandon Knight has done. When you throw six players, all of whom are willing to spread the wealth and not all try and "get theirs" that can lead to tons of wins. The freshman have accepted a secondary role and are letting the veterans lead.
The Underdogs: Very rarely (well excluding the few years before Cal) is Kentucky an underdog. But after slumping in the middle of the season our team figured it out. No one had expected this team to make a final four, so what the hell? Let's go get it. They are all having fun as a unit and playing as underdogs for the wins. Ohio State and UNC are prime examples of how when the other team has "everything to lose" then the underdog can swipe that win away. Even though we are "2 point favorites" against UConn everyone is anticipating Kemba Walker to beat us....literally by himself...hmm, I would have to say Deandre wants another shot at him.
Mr. Clutch: Can anyone think of a more clutch player in recent past than Brandon Knight? Yes early in the year he missed a couple of shots, but as of late is making some of the most clutch shots in our schools history. He started in the SEC tourney, taking teams over, then he beat Princeton with a few seconds left, beat Ohio State, and his last game hit a dagger to untie the game at 67. But perhaps his most clutch moments have come at the free throw line, where he looks like he literally has ice water in his veins. He constantly puts this team on his back late in games, and keeps coming through. Every winning team needs a Mr. Clutch, just ask the Bulls in the 90s.
Execution: I have said this all year but it is worth repeating, this team simply knows how to play the game, both at the offensive and defensive end. We rarely turn the ball over (credit Knight) and we have become possessed on defense. Being smart with or without the basketball wins championships, well, so does playing better defense than anyone else. Even our "in-bounds" plays score easy baskets almost every time, Roy Williams looked like he was going to pass out because of so many easy baskets we got from executing.
These plus many more reasons obviously are why this Kentucky team has made an "improbable" run to the Final Four, and will hopefully bring number 8 back to Kentucky. Man I love this team.
Go Cats, 2 more.....
No comments:
Post a Comment