Kentucky Basketball

The 2006-07 Kentucky Wildcats finished the season with a 22-12 record, their second disappointing season in a row. Similar to the year before, the team entered the NCAA tournament as a #8 seed where they were able to win their 1st round game but came up short in the second round to a #1 seed. This time their opponent was a Kansas team that was just too deep and athletic for the Wildcats as the Jayhawks went on to a 88-76 victory.

The team was fortunate that center Randolph Morris chose to return to the team for a full season and at times dominated in the paint. They weren't so fortunate in that another player from the recruiting class of 2004, point guard Rajon Rondo opted to play in the NBA with the Boston Celtics. Despite this loss, the guard corps was relatively solid with Joe Crawford playing particularly well early in the season and Ramel Bradley providing leadership along with some young talent. An area of concern was the front-court where other than Morris, the team struggled both in terms of consistency and athleticism against top-tier opponents. Senior Bobby Perry tried hard (perhaps too hard) to recapture the magic he caught in the 2007 NCAA tournament but never became a consistent threat. Injuries and other issues made it difficult to establish a strong and consistent front-court rotation.

Despite the problems, the Wildcats did come out noticeably improved in conditioning and the team comraderie was also much improved over prior seasons. The team pulled together and played well at times, resulting in memorable moments during the season. The Wildcats participated in the Maui Classic in Lahaina Hawaii where they performed well but were beaten in the final minutes by UCLA and were thereafter outclassed by the athletic Memphis Tigers. In a rare Rupp Arena appearance, the Wildcats beat their old rival Indiana and later beat Louisville and former coach Rick Pitino in Louisville. The Wildcats played tough against SEC foes, but struggled to get over the hump against the defending national champion Florida Gators, the up-and-coming Tennessee Volunteers and an experienced Vanderbilt Commodores team. In the SEC and NCAA tournaments, the Wildcats looked to be putting things together, but their inconsistency caught up to them. They were beaten in their second game on Friday in the SEC touranment (the 2nd year in a row this happened) after a number of mental mistakes caught up to them, and later in the NCAA's fell to the #1 seeded Kansas Jayhawks in Chicago in the second round (after earlier beating a good Villanova squad).

Soon after the season was complete, head coach Orlando "Tubby" Smith announced his decision to assume the head coaching position at the University of Minnesota. Not unexpectedly, junior center Randolph Morris chose to sign a free agent contract with the New York Knicks and actually was able to join the team late in the season. (Morris had earlier gone through the NBA draft undrafted before choosing to return to UK, so he was no longer eligible for future drafts and was therefore considered a free-agent.) After flirting with the idea of taking the position in Lexington (along with the NBA's Orlando Magic), Florida coach (and former UK assistant) Billy Donovan, who had just won his second straight national championship, chose to remain in Gainesville. Kentucky proceeded to hire Texas A & M coach Billy Gillispie, an up-and-coming coach known for intense recruiting and excellent coaching.

This team continued a long tradition of outstanding teams which represent the University of Kentucky basketball program. Kentucky basketball is comprised of talented players and coaches who form together as a single unit to work toward a common goal. The team plays an exciting brand of basketball which looks to get out and run, but one that also looks to execute offensively whenever possible and minimize mistakes. Defense is Kentucky bread and butter, as they look to disrupt and shut down the opposing team's game plan. The team regularly faces some of the most challenging schedules in the nation against motivated opponents looking to make a name for themselves by beating the Big Blue.

There is no program in the nation with as devoted, knowledgeable or fanatical fans as the University of the Kentucky. It's no accident that Kentucky is generally considered the top college basketball program of all-time, or that Kentucky leads the nation in numerous statistical categories. To keep up with the Cats, check out the Associated Press Rankings, USA Today/ESPN Rankings, the RPI Ratings or the Sagarin Ratings to keep up with the Cats.


Wildcat Logo

"I just thought it was the Kentucky fans coming in." - Coach Billy Gillispie in Atlanta after a tornado slams into the Georgia Dome.

"Really, UCLA's a great place as well, but they don't have the kind of environment they have here. The fans here have a passion." - Dick Vitale on Kentucky fans, December 23, 1999.

"Apparently the University of Kentucky basketball dynasty is to continue forever." - Philadelphia Inquirer, December 23 1954.

"Turner ... Burner .... and one" - Jim Nantz

"Kentucky has found the secret of basketball, that it's five guys playing together." - former University North Carolina coach Frank McGuire

"I see no reason to end the basketball season in February just so some of these schools can start spring football practice early... Someday they are going to wake up and realize that basketball is here to stay." - Adolph Rupp on his Southeastern Conference brethren in 1934.

"I'd just as soon freeze to death." - Actress Ashley Judd relating a story of being offered a University North Carolina - Chapel Hill jacket on a chilly movie set. - Lexington Herald Leader, August 15, 1996.

"It's not wise to come to Kentucky and try to run them off their court. Not too many teams have ever done that." - Mississippi State Coach Babe McCarthy in 1962.

"When you see Kentucky's fans, you just wonder. You think how wonderful it would be to go to their school. You wish you could trade places for a day, just so you could experience that feeling." - UCLA player Kris Johnson

"They had it before you, they had it during you, they'll have it when you're gone"...." - Al McGuire on Kentucky Basketball Tradition

"In the next four or five years, Kentucky will be at its best. It has taken a lot of hard labor, but down the road we will be at our best." - Rick Pitino in 1995


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Looking Ahead

Gillispie Pep Rally
Billy Gillispie faces the Big Blue Nation
The 2007-08 season finds a young team looking to get a fresh start and make a mark on the program under their new coach Billy Gillispie. A handful of veterans are looking to fulfill their potential and cement their legacy at UK, while many of the younger players are looking to assume greater roles and still others are looking for a chance to demonstrate their abilities. Overall, the team appears to be one that is talented but unproven, and gets along well together. With the infusion of excitement from their new coach, this promises to be an important and memorable season to mark the beginning of the 'Billy Clyde' era in Lexington.

Gone from the 2006-07 squad is the starting front-court of senior forwards Bobby Perry, Sheray Thomas and junior center Randolph Morris (who left early for to join the NBA's New York Knicks as a free agent.) Perry was a solid, albeit inconsistent scorer for the team while Thomas was a reliable albeit unspectacular workhorse who made some important plays during the season. Morris was one of the top inside players in college basketball, although at times he was still foul-prone (a trait which dogged him throughout his career at UK) and Kentucky was never able to consistently capitalize on his talents. Also lost from the team was senior center Lukasz Obrzut who was able to show flashes of excellent play from the high post when given the opportunity.

The frontcourt will remain the strong-point of the team, led by seniors Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford, both of whom should enter the 1000-point scorers club at UK. Crawford is the leading returning scorer from last year's squad, often playing at the small forward slot. When healthy and playing within the team concept, Crawford was one of the more explosive scorers in the conference. He looks to continue to utilize his strength and experience for his final season. Bradley continued his clutch perimeter play and will be looked upon to continue to provide team leadership to a still-young team.

Providing support in the perimeter are a host of talented young players. Sophomore point guard Derrick Jasper started the 2006-07 season with a bang, but slowly regressed as the season wore on and as he lost confidence in his outside shot. Despite this, at 6-foot-5 he was a matchup nightmare for opponents and ran the offense smoothly at the point guard position where he started for much of the season. Jasper needs to recuperate from an injury which has sidelined him for most of the summer. How he responds to the injury and whether he can reclaim confidence in his shot under Billy Gillipie's coaching will determine how effective he will be as a player (and by extension the team).

Jodie Meeks had an excellent freshman season and promises to be one ofthe top players in the conference for this season. He has the build and athleticism to compete at the highest levels and demonstrated an urgency to his game not always seen, especially among freshman. Meeks also displayed a willingness and was successful in taking clutch shots and making key plays throughout the season. Michael Porter, from Modesto California, is another sophomore guard who was a pleasant surprise in his initial season in Lexington. Porter provided a steady, if unspectacular, presence to the offense where he demonstrated the ability to hit from the perimeter along with providing tough defense. Porter may never be a star at Kentucky, but he likely will be an important contributor to the squad in the years to come. Joining the team is freshman Alex Legion from the Detroit (MI) area who signed late after Gillispie was named coach at UK. Legion promises to provide additional athleticism and long-range shooting to the guard corps.

The front-court of Kentucky is very fluid with a number of possibilities but more questions than answers at this time. Given the number of talented back-court players, it would not be unexpected to see players like Joe Crawford or Jodie Meeks man the small-forward position with Kentucky going with a three- (or even four-) guard lineup at times. Even point guard Derrick Jasper played the position defensively.

There is some talent, albeit unproven, at the small-forward position in sophomore Ramon Harris and freshman A.J. Stewart. Harris came to Kentucky from Anchorage Alaska mid-way through the season and never got the opportunity to play in the normal rotation. In extremely limited time, he showed signs of having an innate scoring ability and reportedly is one of the more athletic players on the team. Time will tell. Stewart is another athletic player who is somewhat raw and will require seasoning to see how quickly he can become a regular contributor to the team.

At the power forward position, sophomore Perry Stevenson is looking to improve on an up-and-down season which saw him establish himself as a premier shot-blocker, but also exposed his lack of strength when competing in the SEC down low. Stevenson is an exciting and athletic player who moves well up and down the court and will be called upon to play major minutes. Also joining the team is freshman Patrick Patterson from nearby Huntington West Virginia. Patterson was a late-signee with Kentucky who was one of the most key recruits in the program's long history. Not so much because of Patterson's ability on the court but more because his signing helped fill the massive void left by the departure of Randolph Morris, along with the fact that signing Patterson established Billy Gillispie as a recruiter who could go head to head with the likes of Billy Donovan and Duke's Mike Krzyzweski and come out on top. (something Tubby Smith had found difficult to achieve.) Patterson provides a big body who can hold his position against tough SEC competition, which will be key for the team. He may well prove to be the top scorer and rebounder down-low on the squad. Providing support is walk-on Mark Coury, who played as well as could be expected in limited action.

The center position is the biggest question mark for the team. Sophomore Jared Carter (from nearby Georgetown KY) missed nearly all of the 2006-07 season as a red-shirt after reinjuring his shoulder after surgery. As part of his attempted come-back, Carter reinjured the shoulder yet again and had follow-up minor surgery. Whether he can return to the team and ever make a lasting contribution is a lingering question. After two years in the program, not much is known about Carter's game, even when healthy. Although when he did play in limited minutes, he didn't look out of place, showed some good skills and reportedly has grown to 7-foot-3 so there is hope. If he can return and contribute to the team, it will be a boon to the team's fortunes as he will give the Wildcats much needed size and also allow Perry Stevenson and Patrick Patterson to remain in their more natural positions at forward. Otherwise, one or both will see time at center which will result in the team going to a small lineup. Providing backup at the position is Mike Williams, originally from Great Britian (by way of Alexandria VA). At 6-11 and 270 lb, Williams has the bulk which is a welcome addition to the squad. However by all accounts he is still raw and will require further work, especially in his quickness and conditioning.

Overall, this team still has to contend with many of the same issues which have hampered them in the past, ie questionable talent and depth in the front-court to go along with inconsistency in the backcourt. The wild card is how the new coach will be able not only to incorporate the new talent, but also how he might be able to work with and hopefully improve on the returning players' games. The resolution of off-season injuries, particular to Jared Carter and Derrick Jasper will also go a long way in determining the fortunes of the team.

Regardless of how much success this team ultimately achieves, it will be a team to watch as it will provide a glimpse of the style and coaching of Gillispie, and will help shape the future years of the new era.

The schedule for Kentucky's 105th season promises a mix of old and new faces. After an exhibition against Pikeville College and another against Seattle (the latter to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1958 NCAA Championship game, Kentucky's fourth), the Wildcats will host the first two rounds of the Coaches vs. Cancer 2K Sports Classic. The first round opponent has not yet been named, but the field consists of Gardner Webb, Alabama A&M and Central Arkansas. None of these opponents has Kentucky faced in the past. If successful, the Wildcats will travel to New York City for the final two rounds. Teams in the larger field include Connecticut, Memphis and Oklahoma among others.

After home games against Liberty, Texas Southern and Stony Brook, the Wildcats will host the dangerous North Carolina Tarheels in Rupp Arena on December 1st, and then travel to Bloomington IN for a game against rival Indiana the following week.

Kentucky will face UAB and their new coach Mike Davis in Louisville followed by a return trip to Billy Gillispie's old recruiting haunts of Houston Texas to face the Houston Cougars. During the holiday period, the Wildcats will face Tennessee Tech, San Diego and Florida International.

After the new year, Kentucky will host the Louisville Cardinals in a rare January matchup prior to the beginning of SEC play.

The SEC once again proved to be one of the toughest conferences in the nation, and one that Kentucky will be hard pressed to dominate anytime soon. Florida repeated as national champion, and although most of the championship team has departed for NBA riches, the program still boasts an impressive array of talent. Tennessee was impressive under Bruce Pearl and returns sharpshooter Chris Lofton, to go along with a talented squad which is gaining experience and confidence with time. Alabama boasts a talented and experienced team which will be a difficult matchup in the West.

Other dangerous teams in the SEC include Georgia, former UK player John Pelphrey's always-athletic Arkansas team and the always-dangerous Vanderbilt Commodores. The 2008 SEC Tournament will be held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia, March 13-16.

The NCAA Final Four will also be held at the Alamodome (site of Kentucky's 1998 National Championship victory), April 5th and 7th. Regional sites include Charlotte NC, Phoenix AZ, Detroit MI and Houston TX. The nearest eligible 1st & 2nd round site to Lexington include the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center in Birmingham Alabama and the Alltel Arena in North Little Rock Arkansas (both held Friday March 21 and Sunday March 23).

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Statistics of past Kentucky Players and Teams

Here you will find the most complete statistical site devoted to any one college basketball program. Check it out, and let me know if there are any corrections or additions that should be made. - (Continually Updated)

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Top 10 Misconceptions surrounding UK and their basketball squad

I believe most every home page should bring something new to the internet rather than recycle the same information. In that vein, I have included my thoughts on some of the misconceptions that surround Kentucky basketball. Some have questioned me as to why someone would want to concentrate on what is sometimes negative or hard-to-defend areas rather than relive the many good aspects of the Kentucky Basketball program. My main answer is that while I generally don't like to dwell on the negative, I attempted to cover these topics because many of these issues simply are not covered anywhere else and some of the stories are important to tell. I could have put together material which illustrates the amazing accomplishments of such a storied program that is Kentucky Basketball, however much of this has been covered before in books, special edition memorabilia and videos spanning many decades. Most of this information is off the top of my head although I have gained much information from the Lexington Herald Leader Library along with other newspaper archives, magazines and books. If you have any facts or statistics to support or disprove me, I would appreciate .


Some Oldies but Goodies


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Kentucky Articles

From time to time, I might have something I want to write about or provide which doesn't fit into the 'detractors' format as above. So here is that place.

Kentucky Detractors

Every great program will attract its share of detractors and Kentucky has plenty of them. Whether they think UK is a bunch of cheaters, they don't like the coaches, the fans, the style of play or they just think UK wins too much, there's always going to be someone who roots against the Cats. I've put a list together of the top ten detractors of the basketball program. This page is intended to tell a little about the background of each person, the apparent reason for their dislike of the program and includes some anecdotes and quotes about the subject. All in the name of fun. A nationally known sports columnist loved it so much he was moved to pronounce it as "quite a list. An amazing list in fact." (More is available about that also.) Contributions to the Top-10 page are greatly appreciated.

I've also written two book reviews which I believed unfairly criticized Kentucky. The first review is of Raw Recruits from the perspective of a Kentucky fan. The second review is of a recent book And The Walls Came Tumbling Down which attempts to drag former coach Adolph Rupp's name through the mud.

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Historic Kentucky Rivals

From time to time, I will write up a short history of the rivalry between Kentucky and some of their historic foes in preparation for an upcoming game. The ones which are done are highlighted below. Hopefully someday the rest will be filled in.

Non-Conference Rivals

Conference Rivals

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NCAA Tournament Pools

While not directly related to Kentucky basketball, I do have a definite opinion about how to run an office pool when NCAA Tournament time rolls around. In the past, I've run a pool that is easy to maintain, fun and doesn't require that you buy any software you don't already have.

UK Media Outlet Links

Team Profiles

General UK Information Links

Wildcats in the NBA

For a list of former UK players playing overseas, check the following link. Also, don't forget to check out Tubby Smith's, Jamaal Magloire's or Kenny Walker's website. and Rajon Rondo's Blog. Also a fan website for Antoine Walker and Derek Anderson.

Wildcat Chat, Mailing Lists and other Discussion Groups

Talking about the Wildcats has been a tradition in Kentucky for over 100 years. With the internet, this tradition has taken on new forms with many different sites and formats popping up through the years. For fun, I put together a rough timeline of the various discussion groups, many which are included below.

Wildcat Blogs

General College Basketball Links

UK Merchandise Links

Miscellaneous UK Merchandise

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UK Homepages

Below are some home pages of other Wildcat Fans. If you think your page should be listed or know of others, .

More Pages - Mainly Links or not updated

| Johnny Hughes | William Schwert | Lisa Strong | William Houston | Jim Norber | Mark Manis | Colin Bruce | Shawn Maloney | Jeff Wittich |


Search Yahoo! or the venerable Webring for more Kentucky Wildcat Pages.

This site and others can be searched through the UKFans.net site at this link.

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Conference Information

Sometimes if the Cats aren't on TV and you can't get onto their radio site, you can catch them through their opponents broadcasts. For Kentucky, that would be the nasty Southeastern Conference.

SEC Logo

Radio Broadcasts - Broadcasts often require Real Audio RA Icon software. The games are free !


Athletic Home Pages

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Last Major Update May 20, 1996

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