Kentucky Senior Day 2012

Tonight we get to watch our two seniors play their last game at Rupp. Senior day is usually a very emotional day for players and fans and this one should be even a little bit more emotional as we not only send off a great UK player but a Kentucky boy as well.

Miller
There is no doubt that most players who wear the UK uniform get to the point where they 'get' what playing at UK truly means. They see the history and what this program means not only to a state but to a large group of fans all over the globe. But you know someone who is born and raised in Kentucky has an understanding that outside players won't ever quite have.

Kentucky has basketball players graduating every year with many watching UK and dreaming about having the opportunity to play here. Most unfortunately never get the opportunity but every now and then some do and make a huge impact like Miller has. At times it is easy for him to get lost in the stars around him everyone wants to focus on but no one on the team is as dependable as Miller with things on the line. He has UK pride running deep in his veins and he knows he can't let the team fall and will takeover when things start coming apart.

In an earlier post I wrote about MKG and Teague being wildcards more than Miller because he always does what he is supposed to. Miller has kind of found a role on the team that is almost like a silent assassin. He may sit back for most of the game letting the stars make their plays which causes the opposing team to forget about him and let him slip into the background then he strikes and unleashes threes and makes layups and dunks and before they know what hit them Miller has started or secured the comeback for UK.

Miller's averaging 9.9 pts, 2.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game. He is shooting 47.1% on his field goals, 38.2% from 3 range and 74.5% on his free throws. His 2.1 assist average is tied for second on the team with MKG, behind Teaque. On the shooting end, excluding decimals, Miller is tied for third best field goal percentage with Lamb and MKG behind Davis and Jones (Davis-65.8%, Jones-50.2%, MKG-47.4%, Lamb 47.2%, Miller 47.1%). Miller is our second best 3 point shooter behind Lamb (Lamb-48.3%, Miller-38.2%). Finally for free throws Miller is tied with MKG for third (excluding decimals again) behind Lamb and Wiltjer (Lamb-83.7%, Wiltjer-81.5%, MKG-74.8%, Miller-74.5%). Of course Wiltjer's high percentage is based on far, far fewer shots attempted.

Overall, Miller's stat line may not stand out as much as some of the other players frequent double-double games and Davis's block line but there is no doubt the contributions Miller makes are huge to this team. Miller has stuck with the program for 4 full years, something we may not see again for quite some time outside of walk-ons and made consistent contributions during his time here. If there is one word that may best match Miller it is dependable. His consistency has been up and down and times but especially now more than ever he has the position of doing what you need him to do and fill in whatever role he needs to meet to get the team to win.

We're going to miss you Darius and wish you all the best once your ride at UK has finished (after you help bring home banner 8!)

Vargas
While there isn't as much to say about Vargas, you cannot say he hasn't stepped in when needed and made an effort to help the team. Vargas played a year for Florida before sitting out a year and ended up playing for us starting last year.

We haven't got to see as much of Vargas this year with Davis burning up the interior but he provided some major relief last year without Kanter. Harrellson ended up being the big man in the front last year but Vargas was there to provide some valuable minutes and give our man Jorts along with Jones and others breaks when needed.

If Calipari keeps with senior day tradition we should see Vargas in the starting line up and hopefully getting some good minutes and stats in. Calipari claims NBA people have contacted him about Vargas so we here at KSO hope he can find a spot on a good team after this season ends and he can continue to do what he enjoys.