Thursday, November 12, 2009
UK Basketball Preview - Know Your Enemy: Miami (OH) Redhawks
Meet the Wildcats: #54 Patrick Patterson
UK Basketball Preview - Know Your Enemy: Morehead State Eagles
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Former Wildcats in the NFL: Week 9 edition
As NFL Week 9 got underway, some of our most notable former Cats found themselves in a BYE week unable to take part in the glory that is NFL FOOTBALL! With that said, several others had some really nice games with a couple of wins to show for it. Let’s take a look at the action:Myron Pryor (Patriots)- Pryor saw significant time in an impressive win for the Patriots over AFC East rival Miami on Sunday, recording three tackles, two of them solo. New England now sits at (6-2) with a two game lead over the Jets with Pryor being a reliable back-up to starting defensive nose-tackle Vince Wilfork. The two are interchangeable and provide much of the same qualities. Both players pressure the opposing quarterback with a mix of speed and strength, something Pryor knows all too well. He continues to get quality minutes in a reserve role and the experience will help immensely for the rookie out of UK. Wilfork saw a little bit of injury time earlier this season so reliability on his part may be in question if something were to happen. Looking at all things positive, however, it looks like Pryor will lead a group of capable defensive reserves all season long.
Jeremy Jarmon (Redskins)-The Redskins and Jarmon had a rough outing with the Falcons on Sunday, losing to a tune of (31-17). Jarmon didn’t see a ton of time on the field as many of the regulars got time instead. An injury to defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin earlier in the season gave Jarmon the opportunity to step in and play a little more. With Griffin healthy once again, it appears as if Jarmon’s time may be cut into. It shouldn’t be discouraging for the rookie from Kentucky because he’s gotten quality time and experience playing in a position he’s just getting used to. Like Pryor, Jarmon is using this early season playing time as a positive moving forward. No one likes sitting on the bench but some players must bide their time. Jarmon is one of those. He’ll get plenty of opportunities down the road. The Redskins are hurting this season so anything is possible for Jarmon as Washington as lost four straight games. The team will continue to struggle for the rest of 2009.
Keenan Burton (Rams)- Keenan and the Rams were in a BYE week so he made his way down to Lexington to take part in the festivities for the Kentucky vs. Eastern Kentucky football game. Burton has made it known that he would like to be further involved with the Kentucky football program in the future, specifically to help out another fellow wide receiver. Head coach Rich Brooks noted the importance in saying, “it’s been a growing process for our program that now we have guys coming back on their bye weeks from the NFL.” That’s a good indication of what Brooks has been able to do with the players he coaches and Burton was one of those. He sits as the Rams #2 wide receiver and has been getting better as the weeks go on. He hasn’t dazzled anyone but it still learning the ways of the NFL. Burton needs to rely on instincts and stick to the basics. He still hasn’t scored a touchdown on the season, something all UK fans are looking for in the coming weeks. The lowly Rams take on the Saints next week which should be a blowout and might present some problems in Burton getting his first score on the year. Let’s hope for the best.
Wesley Woodyard (Broncos)- If anyone watched the Monday Night Football game, then they would have realized just how much time Woodyard spent on the field last night. He has become a mainstay on the Broncos defense and special teams units and has been spectacular throughout the season. Woodyard won’t blow you away with lighting quick speed or Superman strength, but uses his smarts and versatility to get the job done. The Broncos defense suffered all night containing the Pittsburgh offense, as Ben Roethlisberger kept plays alive using his feet. Woodyard was the second leading tackler last night for the Broncos with 8 total and six solo. He had one quarterback hit on Big Ben, a feat that is hard to come by. Woodyard has shown he is capable of playing sideline-sideline and that he is a solid tackler. The Broncos have lost two straight by way of inept offensive running and giving up a ton of points to their opponents. Last night as just another example as the Steelers and running back Rashard Mendenhall ran for 173 yards on 29 carries. If Woodyard and the Broncos want to get back to their winning ways, the defense must step up like it did at the beginning of the season.
Jacob Tamme (Colts)-As I’ve said all season, it’s been tough for Tamme to crack into the playing time of all the talented wide receivers the Colts boast. Tight end Dallas Clark isn’t going anywhere and the young wide receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon have created a playing wall Tamme can’t get over. He’s a versatile tight end, but he’s playing on one of the best NFL teams this season. There could be opportunities on special teams to get some tackles. He is however finding other ways to spend his time this season by participating in a Family Reading Night hosted by the Colts, which encourages spending time reading with your children. Hey, at least he’s getting it done off the field right?
Stevie Johnson (Bills) - BYE week
Garry Williams (Panthers)-reserve left tackle
Andre Woodson (Redskins)-practice squad
Braxton Kelley (Broncos)-practice squad
Rafael Little, Johnny Williams, Ventrell Jenkins -free agents
Some other former Wildcats are also playing football elsewhere in and around the United States and here’s a look at them:
Marcus McClinton- I had the pleasure of meeting Marcus while working this past Friday and got to chat with him about how things are going for him right now. The former UK safety is currently playing in the UFL alongside other former Wildcats quarterback Shane Boyd and wide receiver Glenn Holt. Both players, like McClinton had found their way into the NFL only to have their careers cut short. Having been waived after the combine by the New England Patriots, Marcus finds himself playing in the UFL for the California Redwoods as a rookie. Several other players on the team have found themselves playing in the NFL at one time or another. This league is much like what the NBDL would be for the NBA. A stepping stone type atmosphere, players are still able to play competitively against NFL players with an opportunity to play for a contract down the road. If Marcus continues to excel in the UFL another chance in the NFL might come knocking. Let’s hope for the best.
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Meet the Wildcats: #34 DeAndre Liggins
DeANDRE LIGGINSBEFORE UK:
After playing HS basketball in Chicago for his first three years, Liggins headed west to play his senior year at Findley Prep in Las Vegas. There he averaged 13.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists a game. Liggins special skillset had him considered a "point forward" and he was actually rated the 6th best PG and 28th best recruit overall by rivals.com and 13th best SF and #57th overall by ESPN.
FROM ESPN: DeAndre is a multi-dimensional prospect with point-forward skills. He can take the outlet pass and dribble it up the floor and score or make the pass that leads to basket. He is a very good passer who has tremendous peripheral vision. In the half-court set he can score in a variety of ways around the basket. He handles the ball extremely well in the open floor and can run the show and get his team in an offense. On his penetration he finds the open man. DeAndre pulled down a game high 11 rebounds (championship game) and would lead the break himself. As his jumper gets more consistent he will be one of the more special players in the class of 2008.
AS A WILDCAT:
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Meet the Wildcats: #33 Daniel Orton
DANIEL ORTONWE KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER:
Daniel spent most of the summer with Patrick Patterson training with Frank Matrisciano, otherwise known as "Hell's Trainer" in San Francisco. Matrisciano is a personal trainer who has pushed many to their absolute limits which some say is his ultimate gift: the ability to identify exactly where each of his client's "limit" is. He has trained boxers, MMA & Martial Artists, Federal Marshalls, Firemen, Policemen, Pro Athletes, and Military Personnel. And of course, he trains the occasional basketball player. Oklahoma's Blake Griffin trained with Hell's Trainer before dominating the Big 12 last year and one hopes that Orton can benefit accordingly.
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS SEASON:
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Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The race to 2000 wins: UK/UNC update
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Rondo, Azubuike continuing to represent the Cats in the NBA
by Andrew HardisonRondo has kept the Celtics rolling at the start of this long NBA season with a mix of everything. The first four games of the season saw Rondo dish out double-digit assist totals, giving him a 5-1 assist to turnover ratio. There wasn’t much scoring on his part but that also began to pick up as the games went on. He’s averaged nearly 14.5 points in his last four matchups, leading the Celtics to a 7-1 record. Rondo is one of the most versatile point guards in the league and is developing into one of the better defensive players in the game. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if he made the All-Defensive 1st team at the end of the season. He’s averaging 3.1 steals/per game and picked apart the New Jersey Nets for five on Saturday in East Rutherford.
Rondo is clearly backing up the contract extension he just signed, which will net him around $11 million a season. That’s Top-10 point guard money in terms of highest paid players at that position. The Celtics are looking very good at this point in the season and are already the East’s best team. The month of November looks promising for the Celtics as they only have three road games. Look for Rondo to continue to push the Celtics at full throttle well into the winter months.
Azubuike has found his way into Golden States starting lineup by stepping into the small forward position rather than the shooting guard spot. Here, he has outplayed veteran Corey Magette by way of getting aggressive and improving his rebounding totals. He’s averaging a solid 12.4 points on the season, giving head coach Don Nelson reliability from both the starting lineup and bench play. The emphasis on a smaller lineup by Nelson, allows Azubuike to step up in several different ways. He can start and come off the bench, rebound, and block shots as well. Through five games played, he leads the Warriors in blocked shots at 1.2 a game. He isn’t much of a distributor but that’s no different than when he was in college. Azubuike’s assist totals are going to be very low for the entire season. He’s not even averaging one assist after five games.
A rotation of Azubuike, Magette, and Anthony Marrow has been apparent for the past couple of games, as rookie Stephan Curry looks to have hit a mild rookie wall. His minutes are getting cut into and Azuibuike is getting some of those. If Azubuike is to continue his solid play, look for him to be in the starting lineup on a regular basis.
Chuck Hayes (Rockets)-7.7 PTS, 7.3 REB, 1.7 AST, 2.3 STL, 0.7 BLK
Jodie Meeks (Bucks)-8.3 PTS, 0.7 AST, 50% 3P
On Saturday, Meeks finally displayed some of his talents when he scored a season high 19 points to go along with 3 rebounds. He was 7/11 from the field and 5/7 from three-point land, showing many why the Bucks decided to draft him in the first place. Meeks will give the Bucks much of what he gave Kentucky during his college years. His high motor, constant activity on offense and light’s out shooting will give Jennings another option to look for on offense. Meeks has fresher and younger legs than Redd and could be just what the doctor ordered for the Bucks.
Tayshaun Prince (Pistons)-12.3 PTS, 5.0 REB, 2.3 AST
Keith Bogans (Spurs)-1.8 PTS, 1.3 REB, 0.8 AST
Jamaal Magloire (Heat)-
Nazr Mohammed (Bobcats)-
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Mid week basketball fix ... before the season gets in full swing
Monday, November 9, 2009
Randall Cobb should play, Mike Hartline may play vs Vandy
It's looking more and more that the UK football squad may be whole again heading into this crucial three game season ending stretch. Most reports are that WR Randall Cobb should play Saturday vs Vanderbilt. There is no ligament damage to the thumb he injured in practice on Thursday and by most indications, just a really bad sprained thumb. Coach Brooks also indicated that Derrick Locke and Trevard Lindley would be practicing tomorrow as well. Lindley's injury Saturday was not related to his previous ankle injury, which is a good thing.
From all indications, the jury is still out on Mike Hartline. He has been practicing this week and looked "pretty good" but there is no indication if that is game time "pretty good". If it is, Brooks has some decisions to make as QB Morgan Newton just received props as SEC freshman of the Week for his performance against EKU.
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