Cats vs. Gators Part Deux, will Fox go, where does UK rank with other tournament teams in chances to win it all, big news for UK football, and more!
The first time the Kentucky Wildcats matched with the Florida Gators, it was in Gainesville for ESPN Game Day. Mike White’s team completely dominated John Calipari’s team in every facet of the game. In the end, the Gators defeated the ‘Cats by 22 points, the worst loss suffered by UK in the long series history.
Today ESPN isn’t in town but this game is even bigger than it was the first time around. It’s the last chance that Kentucky has to defeat a ranked team before the SEC tournament and it is for possession of the top spot in the SEC. If Kentucky wins, they own the tiebreaker and will be in good shape to win the regular season and get the top seed in the SEC tournament.
Oh yeah, and a two seed in the Big Dance may also be at stake. Kentucky hasn’t been very successful in these big game situations this season. Let’s hope that trent changes.
Tweets of the Day:
When asked who would start if Fox does not, Cal replied, "Who do you think?" Reporter said Dominique Hawkins. Cal: "That's not a bad idea.'
— Jerry Tipton (@JerryTipton) February 24, 2017
Dominique Hawkins has definitely earned it, but if De’Aaron Fox doesn’t play, I think Calipari would want his best offense on the floor and there’s not way he isn’t starting Isaiah Briscoe or Malik Monk.
De’Aaron Fox just sent out a snap chat of him walking; no crutches, no brace, no noticeable limp.
— Curtis Burch (@curtisburch) February 24, 2017
This is definitely a good sign.
NBA:Ben Simmon's hurts foot & skips work 4 a year
NFL: Best kicker of alltime didnt even have a foot pic.twitter.com/KeTK8eyMjS
— PFTCommenter (@PFTCommenter) February 24, 2017
PFT Commenter is one of the best follows on twitter.
Your Quickies
Even if Fox doesn’t go, Cal wants his team to have fun|LHL- The million dollar question is whether or not Fox will play. Kentucky was in a similar situation the first time around with Florida. Fox ended up playing sick but he was not 100%. Is it worth it if he’s not going to be his normal self?
‘Cats still working toward ‘A’ game | CoachCal.com- We’ve seen bits and pieces here and there, but I don’t think we’ve seen this team click on all cylinders together since their first SEC game at Ole Miss.
Big surprise coming for UK Football | KSR- Matt Jones has been tight lipped about this, but apparently he will have a big announcement concerning UK football that only he knows. He will unveil his secret tomorrow some time during his pregame show before UK takes on Florida.
Analyst predicting big things for UK Football | LHL- Maybe Jones’ cat is already out of the bag. A 247 analyst by the name of Steve Wiltfong predicts that Mark Stoops will land four four-star top prospects that will visit UK this weekend. Yeah, that’d be a big deal.
Josh Jackson charged with property damage, won’t miss games | Kansas City Star- In a story that I feel isn’t getting enough attention, the Jayhawks star isn’t going to miss playing time after being charged with vandalizing a young woman’s car. The same woman that Jackson’s Lagerald Vick likely committed domestic abuse against. Devonte Graham was also recently arrested for failure to appear in court. Oh yeah, and there’s a rape investigation still ongoing. But hey, 13 straight Big 12 titles!
UK Baseball earns first victory of the season | UK Athletics- Coach Nick Mingione finally got in the win column for the first time as the new head baseball coach. Hopefully this starts a streak because they really need it.
Former ‘Cats join effort in Special Olympics Event in Rupp | KSR- Goose Givens, Anthony White, Jon Hood, Jared Prickett, and Marquis Estill give their time for a worthy cause.
How Florida found Mike White and New Identity | SEC Country- After Billy Donovan left for OKC, many left the Gators for dead. In just his second season, Mike White has picked up where Billy D left off and the Gators are a dangerous team right now.
Cal plays for the tournament | SEC Country- Malik Monk says winning the SEC is nice, but Cal’s ultimate goal is to cut down some nets. I concur.
Ben Simmons out for the season | ESPN.com- Sixers rookie and number one draft pick Ben Simmons will not play this season due to a broken foot he suffered before he even played one game.
What the hell happened to Wisconsin | Barstool- The Badgers have lost three of four in a woeful B1G. Can’t say I’m too broken up about it. I’ll forever hate all things Wisconsin. Even the Packers. Yeah, that’s right.
UofL fan won’t receive $38,000 prize | Courier-Journal- A sophomore at UofL participated in a contest and won by hitting a lay up, a free throw, a three-pointer, and a half-court shot. But he won’t get his prize because there is a stipulation in the rules that the participant could not have played high school basketball within six years. It’s pretty lame. Even though I would love to blame and crush UofL for this, they are working with the young man to get him something and it’s not their rule. I’ll have plenty of chances to crush UofL for something else in the near future. Bank on that.
New NBA player vs. Commentator feud | CBSSports.com- It’s Shaq vs. KD! Too bad Shaq still isn’t in his prime or this would be REALLY interesting.
Demarcus Cousins blasts Kings trade | CBSSports.com- Boogie called it a “coward move”. I don’t think he will be exchanging Christmas Cards with the front office in Sacramento anytime soon.
Ranking the NCAA tournament title contenders | Sporting News- Kentucky comes in at number nine. Here’s the scoop:
9. Kentucky
KenPom ranks: Offense No. 9, defense No. 13
Area of strength: Even as they labor to establish an identity, the Wildcats still put out three players – guards Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox, center Bam Adebayo – who rank with the most talented in the NCAA.
Area of concern: The team’s lack of consistency at multiple positions, most notably power forward, has made it nearly impossible for the group as a whole to progress.
Better than not in the top ten.
Muhammad Ali Jr. detained at airport | USA Today- The son of the late boxing legend was detained at a Florida airport for two hours. He was asked multiple times about his religious affiliation. Ali, Jr. is an American citizen, has a passport, and was on his way home from a trip to Jamaica with his mother. Not a good look.
7 earth sized planets found orbiting a dwarf star | New York Times- So I’m actually really excited about this. Irrationally so.
And after the game, don’t forget to join me and Lachlan McLean for the UK postgame show on ESPN 680 if you’re in the Louisville area. If not, download the iHeartRadio app or the ESPN 680 app. We will have Cal sound, player sound, and we will take your phone calls. It’s a blast!