Welcome

Welcome to my blog http://www.skegley.blogspot.com/ . CAVEAT LECTOR- Let the reader beware. This is a Christian Conservative blog. It is not meant to offend anyone. Please feel free to ignore this blog, but also feel free to browse and comment on my posts! You may also scroll down to respond to any post.

For Christian American readers of this blog:

I wish to incite all Christians to rise up and take back the United States of America with all of God's manifold blessings. We want the free allowance of the Bible and prayers allowed again in schools, halls of justice, and all governing bodies. We don't seek a theocracy until Jesus returns to earth because all men are weak and power corrupts the very best of them.
We want to be a kinder and gentler people without slavery or condescension to any.

The world seems to be in a time of discontent among the populace. Christians should not fear. God is Love, shown best through Jesus Christ. God is still in control. All Glory to our Creator and to our God!

A favorite quote from my good friend, Jack Plymale, which I appreciate:

"Wars are planned by old men,in council rooms apart. They plan for greater armament, they map the battle chart, but: where sightless eyes stare out, beyond life's vanished joys, I've noticed,somehow, all the dead and mamed are hardly more than boys(Grantland Rice per our mutual friend, Sarah Rapp)."

Thanks Jack!

I must admit that I do not check authenticity of my posts. If anyone can tell me of a non-biased arbitrator, I will attempt to do so more regularly. I know of no such arbitrator for the internet.

Monday, March 9, 2015

obama and islam ... Thx Victoria Jackson Liberty Alliance!

This website is a member of Liberty Alliance, which has been named as an image: http://libertyalliance.com/images/inc-5000-bw-small.png

company.

Read more at http://victoriajackson.com/9988/20-quotes-obama-islam

skegley.blogspot.com

Like ducks in a row ... Thx Ramey H!

Like "Ducks in a Row"....

Like "Ducks in a Row"....

The picture is of the five first line US nuclear carriers docked together in one place. Just

like Battleship Row, Pearl Harbor , December 7, 1941.

This picture was taken the February 2014 in Norfolk , Virginia. Obama ordered

5 nuclear carriers into harbor for "routine" (?) inspections. Heads of the Navy were flabbergasted by the directive but had to comply as it was a direct

order from their Commander-in-Chief.

The carriers were all pulled out from the MIDDLE EAST and the Afghanistan

support role leaving our land forces naked and exposed without the air support

needed to carry out their missions.!

NORFOLK, VA. (February 8, 2014). This is the first time since WWII that five

aircraft carriers were docked together. (These are all nuclear carriers).

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69),

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77),

USS Enterprise (CVN 65),

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75),

and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

are all in port at Naval Station Norfolk , Va. , the world's largest naval station.

Knowledgeable sources stated that this breached a long standing military

protocol in the Navy meant to avoid a massive enemy strike on major US forces.

(U..S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ryan J. Courtade/Released).

This ordering of most of the Navy's capitol ships into one place is

unprecedented since Pearl Harbor !

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following is a list of our military elite who

have been dismissed or fired under Obama

Commanding Generals fired:

ï¿½ General John R. Allen-U.S. Marines Commander

International Security Assistance Force [ISAF] (Nov 2012)

ï¿½ Major

General Ralph Baker (2 Star)-U.S. Army Commander of the Combined Joint

Task Force Horn in Africa (April 2013)

ï¿½ Major General Michael

Carey (2 Star)-U.S. Air Force Commander of the 20th US Air Force in

charge of 9,600 people and 450 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (Oct

2013)

ï¿½ Colonel James Christmas-U.S. Marines Commander 22nd

Marine Expeditionary Unit & Commander Special-Purpose Marine

Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Unit (July 2013)

ï¿½ Major

General Peter Fuller-U.S. Army Commander in Afghanistan (May 2011)

ï¿½ Major General Charles M.M. Gurganus-U.S. Marine Corps

Regional Commander of SW and I Marine Expeditionary Force in Afghanistan

(Oct 2013)

ï¿½ General Carter F. Ham-U.S. Army African Command (Oct 2013)

ï¿½ Lieutenant General David H. Huntoon (3 Star), Jr.-U.S. Army

58th Superintendent of the US Military Academy at West Point, NY (2013)

ï¿½ Command Sergeant Major Don B Jordan-U.S. Army

143rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command (suspended Oct 2013)

ï¿½ General James Mattis-U.S. Marines Chief of CentCom (May 2013)

ï¿½ Colonel Daren Margolin-U.S. Marine in charge of Quantico 's

Security Battalion (Oct 2013)

ï¿½ General Stanley McChrystal-U.S. Army Commander Afghanistan (June 2010)

ï¿½ General David D. McKiernan-U.S. Army Commander Afghanistan (2009)

ï¿½ General David Petraeus-Director of CIA from September 2011 to November 2012 &

U.S. Army Commander International Security Assistance Force [ISAF] and

Commander U.S. Forces Afghanistan [USFOR-A] (Nov 2012)

ï¿½ Brigadier General Bryan Roberts-U.S. Army Commander 2nd Brigade (May 2013)

ï¿½Major General Gregg A. Sturdevant-U.S. Marine Corps Director of

Strategic Planning and Policy for the U.S. Pacific Command & Commander

of Aviation Wing at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan (Sept 2013)

ï¿½ Colonel Eric Tilley-U.S. Army Commander of Garrison Japan (Nov 2013)

ï¿½ Brigadier General Bryan Wampler-U.S. Army Commanding General of

143rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command of the 1st Theater Sustainment

Command [TSC] (suspended Oct 2013)

Commanding Admirals fired:

ï¿½ Rear Admiral Charles Gaouette-U.S. Navy Commander

John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group Three (Oct 2012)

ï¿½ Vice Admiral Tim Giardina(3 Star, demoted to 2 Star)-U.S. Navy Deputy

Commander of the US Strategic Command, Commander of the Submarine Group

Trident, Submarine Group 9 and Submarine Group 10 (Oct 2013)

Naval Officers fired: (All in 2011)

ï¿½ Captain David Geisler-U.S. Navy Commander Task Force 53 in

Bahrain (Oct 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Laredo Bell-U.S. Navy Commander Naval Support Activity

Saratoga Springs , NY (Aug 2011)

ï¿½ Lieutenant Commander Kurt Boenisch-Executive Officer amphibious

transport dock Ponce (Apr 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Nathan Borchers-U.S. Navy Commander destroyer

Stout (Mar 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Robert Brown-U.S. Navy Commander Beachmaster

Unit 2 Fort Story , VA (Aug 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Andrew Crowe-Executive Officer Navy Region Center

Singapore (Apr 2011)

ï¿½ Captain Robert Gamberg-Executive Officer carrier Dwight D.

Eisenhower (Jun 2011)

ï¿½ Captain Rex Guinn-U.S. Navy Commander Navy Legal Service office

Japan (Feb 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Kevin Harms- U.S. Navy Commander Strike Fighter

Squadron 137 aboard the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln (Mar 2011)

ï¿½ Lieutenant Commander Martin Holguin-U.S. Navy Commander

mine countermeasures Fearless (Oct 2011)

ï¿½ Captain Owen Honors-U.S. Navy Commander aircraft carrier

USS Enterprise (Jan 2011)

ï¿½ Captain Donald Hornbeck-U.S. Navy Commander Destroyer

Squadron 1 San Diego (Apr 2011)

ï¿½ Rear Admiral Ron Horton-U.S. Navy Commander Logistics Group,

Western Pacific (Mar 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Etta Jones-U.S. Navy Commander amphibious

transport dock Ponce (Apr 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Ralph Jones-Executive Officer amphibious

transport dock Green Bay (Jul 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Jonathan Jackson-U.S. Navy Commander

Electronic Attack Squadron 134, deployed aboard carrier Carl Vinson

(Dec 2011)

ï¿½ Captain Eric Merrill-U.S. Navy Commander submarine Emory

S. Land (Jul 2011)

ï¿½ Captain William Mosk-U.S. Navy Commander Naval Station Rota ,

U.S. Navy Commander Naval Activities Spain (Apr 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Timothy Murphy-U.S. Navy Commander Electronic

Attack Squadron 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island , WA (Apr

2011)

ï¿½ Commander Joseph Nosse-U.S. Navy Commander

ballistic-missile submarine Kentucky (Oct 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Mark Olson-U.S. Navy Commander destroyer

The Sullivans FL (Sep 2011)

ï¿½ Commander John Pethel-Executive Officer amphibious transport dock

New York (Dec 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Karl Pugh-U.S. Navy Commander

Electronic Attack Squadron 141 Whidbey Island , WA (Jul 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Jason Strength-U.S. Navy Commander of Navy Recruiting

District Nashville , TN (Jul 2011)

ï¿½ Captain Greg Thomas-U.S. Navy Commander Norfolk Naval Shipyard

(May 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Mike Varney-U.S. Navy Commander attack submarine

Connecticut (Jun 2011)

ï¿½ Commander Jay Wylie-U.S. Navy Commander destroyer Momsen

(Apr 2011)

Naval Officers fired: (All in 2012):

ï¿½ Commander Alan C. Aber-Executive Officer Helicopter Maritime

Strike Squadron 71 (July 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Derick Armstrong- U.S. Navy Commander missile

destroyer USS The Sullivans (May 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Martin Arriola- U.S. Navy Commander destroyer

USS Porter (Aug 2012)

ï¿½ Captain Antonio Cardoso- U.S. Navy Commander Training Support

Center San Diego (Sep 2012)

ï¿½ Captain James CoBell- U.S. Navy Commander Oceana

Naval Air Station's Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic (Sep 2012)

ï¿½ Captain Joseph E. Darlak- U.S. Navy Commander

frigate USS Vandegrift (Nov 2012)

ï¿½ Captain Daniel Dusek-U.S. Navy Commander USS Bonhomme

ï¿½ Commander David Faught-Executive Officer destroyer Chung-Hoon

(Sep 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Franklin Fernandez- U.S. Navy Commander

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24 (Aug 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Ray Hartman- U.S. Navy Commander

Amphibious dock-landing ship Fort McHenry (Nov 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Shelly Hakspiel-Executive Officer

Navy Drug Screening Lab San Diego (May 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Jon Haydel- U.S. Navy Commander USS San

Diego (Mar 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Diego Hernandez- U.S. Navy

Commander ballistic-missile submarine USS Wyoming (Feb 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Lee Hoey- U.S. Navy Commander

Drug Screening Laboratory, San Diego (May 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Ivan Jimenez-Executive Officer

frigate Vandegrift (Nov 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Dennis Klein- U.S. Navy Commander

submarine USS Columbia (May 2012)

ï¿½ Captain Chuck Litchfield- U.S. Navy Commander

assault ship USS Essex (Jun 2012)

ï¿½ Captain Marcia Kim Lyons- U.S. Navy Commander

Naval Health Clinic New England (Apr 2012)

ï¿½ Captain Robert Marin- U.S. Navy Commander

cruiser USS Cowpens (Feb 2012)

ï¿½ Captain Sean McDonell- U.S. Navy Commander Seabee

reserve unit Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14 FL (Nov 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Corrine Parker- U.S. Navy Commander

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 1 (Apr 2012)

ï¿½ Captain Liza Raimondo- U.S. Navy Commander Naval Health

Clinic Patuxent River , MD (Jun 2012)

ï¿½ Captain Jeffrey Riedel- Program manager,

Littoral Combat Ship program (Jan 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Sara Santoski- U.S. Navy Commander

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures

Squadron 15 (Sep 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Kyle G. Strudthoff-Executive

Officer Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (Sep 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Sheryl Tannahill- U.S. Navy Commander

Navy Operational Support Center [NOSC] Nashville , TN (Sep 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Michael Ward- U.S. Navy Commander submarine

USS Pittsburgh (Aug 2012)

ï¿½ Captain Michael Wiegand- U.S. Navy Commander

Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (Nov 2012)

ï¿½ Captain Ted Williams- U.S. Navy Commander

amphibious command ship Mount Whitney (Nov 2012)

ï¿½ Commander Jeffrey Wissel- U.S. Navy Commander of

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 (Feb 2012)

Naval Officers fired: (All in 2013):

ï¿½ Lieutenant Commander Lauren Allen-Executive Officer

submarine Jacksonville (Feb 2013)

ï¿½ Reserve Captain Jay Bowman-U.S. Navy Commander Navy

Operational Support Center [NOSC] Fort Dix , NJ (Mar 2013)

ï¿½ Captain William Cogar-U.S. Navy Commander hospital

ship Mercy's medical treatment facility (Sept 2013)

ï¿½ Commander Steve Fuller-Executive Officer

frigate Kauffman (Mar 2013)

ï¿½ Captain Shawn Hendricks-Program Manager for

naval enterprise IT networks (June 2013)

ï¿½ Captain David Hunter-U.S. Navy Commander of Maritime

Expeditionary Security Squadron 12 & Coastal Riverine Group 2

(Feb 2013)

ï¿½ Captain Eric Johnson-U.S. Navy Chief of Military

Entrance Processing Command at

Great Lakes Naval Training Center, IL (2013)

ï¿½ Captain Devon Jones-U.S. Navy Commander Naval Air

Facility El Centro , CA (July 2013)

ï¿½ Captain Kevin Knoop-U.S. Navy Commander

hospital ship Comfort's medical treatment facility (Aug 2013)

ï¿½ Lieutenant Commander Jack O'Neill-U.S. Navy Commander

Operational Support Center Rock Island , IL (Mar 2013)

ï¿½ Commander Allen Maestas-Executive Officer

Beachmaster Unit 1 (May 2013)

ï¿½ Commander Luis Molina-U.S. Navy Commander

submarine Pasadena (Jan 2013)

ï¿½ Commander James Pickens-Executive Officer frigate Gary

(Feb 2013)

ï¿½ Lieutenant Commander Mark Rice-U.S. Navy Commander

Mine Countermeasures ship Guardian (Apr 2013)

ï¿½ Commander Michael Runkle-U.S. Navy Commander of

Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 (May 2013)

ï¿½ Commander Jason Stapleton-Executive Office Patrol

Squadron 4 in Hawaii (Mar 2013)

ï¿½ Commander Nathan Sukols-U.S. Navy Commander

submarine Jacksonville (Feb 2013)

ï¿½ Lieutenant Daniel Tyler-Executive Officer

Mine Countermeasures ship Guardian (Apr 2013)

ï¿½ Commander Edward White-U.S. Navy Commander Strike

Fighter Squadron 106 (Aug 2013)

ï¿½ Captain Jeffrey Winter-U.S. Navy Commander of

Carrier Air Wing 17 (Sept 2013)

ï¿½ Commander Thomas Winter-U.S. Navy Commander

submarine Montpelier (Jan 2013)

ï¿½ Commander Corey Wofford- U.S. Navy Commander

frigate Kauffman (Feb 2013)

Since Barack Obama has been in the White House, high ranking

military officers have been removed from their positions at a rate

that is absolutely unprecedented. Things have gotten so bad

that a number of retired generals are publicly speaking out

about the 'purge' of the U.S. military that they believe is taking

place. As you will see below, dozens of highly decorated military

leaders have been dismissed from their positions over the

past few years. So why is this happening? What is going on right

now is absolutely crazy especially during a time of peace. Is there

a deliberate attempt to reshape the military and remove those

who don't adhere to the proper 'viewpoints' ? Does someone

out there feel a need to get officers that won't cooperate out

of the way?

Throughout world history, whatever comes next after a military

purge is never good. If this continues, what is the U.S. military

going to look like in a few years? Perhaps you are reading this and

you think that 'purge' is too strong a word for what is taking place. Well,

just consider the following quotes from some very highly

decorated retired officers:

-Retired Army Major General Paul Vallely:

The White House protects their own. That's why they stalled

on the investigation into fast and furious, Benghazi and

Obamacare. He's intentionally weakening and gutting our military,

Pentagon and reducing us as a superpower, and anyone in the

ranks who disagrees or speaks out is being purged.

-Retired Army Major General Patrick Brady: There is no doubt he

(Obama) is intent on emasculating the military and will fire anyone

who disagrees with him.

-Retired Army Lt. General William G. Jerry Boykin:

Over the past three years, it is unprecedented for the number of four-star generals to be relieved of duty, and not necessarily relieved for cause.

-Retired Navy Captain Joseph John:

I believe there are more than 137 officers who have been forced out or given bad evaluation reports so they will never make Flag (officer), because of their failure to comply

to certain views.

A Pentagon official who asked to remain nameless because they were

not authorized to speak on the matter said even young officers, down

through the ranks have been told not to talk about Obama or the

politics of the White House. They are purging everyone and if you

want to keep your job just keep your mouth shut. Now this trend

appears to be accelerating.

General Vallely's comment

Coincidence? Every communist regime on the planet did this as

soon as they gained power. I am doing my part by sending this

email, I hope you will do the same.

Paul (General Paul Vallely)

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Holocaust tatoo 70 years later ... Thx Lyle S!

---------- Forwarded message ----------L - 70 YEARS LATER

Please read the little cartoon carefully - it is powerful. Then read the comments at the end.
I'm doing my small part by forwarding this message. I hope you'll consider doing the same.

It is now 70 years after the Second World War in Europe ended. This e-mail is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the six million Jews, 20 million Russians,
10 Million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests who were murdered, massacred, raped, burned, starved and humiliated.

Now, more than ever, it's imperative to make sure the world never forgets, because there are others who would like to do it again. Can you say, " ISIS/ISIL "?

This e-mail is intended to reach 40-million people worldwide! Join us and be a link in the memorial chain and help us distribute it around the World.

Please don't just delete it. It will only take you a minute to pass this along. Thanks

KSR PM 3/8/15 Page 1... Thx Kentucky Sports radio.com

Basketball

Basketball Season Coverage

Re-live the Entire 31-0 Season

By Kory Henry on ©March 08th, 2015 @ 11:00am

Want to watch an awesome video? The Herald-Leader has put together a complete season recap that’ll potentially bring a tear to your eye.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dbPHl1ihGQ

[comment 1] [Link]

Saturday Night News and Views

By Ryan Clark on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 11:04pm

photo by Chris Reynolds/CoachCal.com

Thirty-one and zero.
Part of me still can’t really believe what I’m seeing, and even though I’m paid to express my feelings in the written word I don’t really know what to say. I can’t describe what it’s like to watch this team. Not yet. Maybe someday, when I have perspective and wisdom on my side. For now, it’s just bewilderment. And awe. And pride.
What I try to do is think back to a year ago, pre-tweak, when everything seemed to be going wrong – probably because everything was going wrong. Then I think of how lucky we’ve been to see this run. Then I think about how these kids seem like genuinely good people, and I’m proud of how they play and how they love each other and that they’re in blue.
It’s been quite a season. And quite a year. Someday I think I’ll be able to write about it all.
Maybe.

UK to play winner of Ala/Fla in the SEC Tourney

Our beloved Big Blue Kentucky Wildcats could play Florida again Friday – if the Gators beat Alabama. Personally, I’m fine with either of them.

Women’s hoops lose to Tennessee 75-64 in the SEC Tourney

After an almost inhuman performance by Makayla Epps Friday night against No. 11 Mississippi State, where the UK sophomore scored 31 points in an epic comeback that was inspiring for all those who got to see it, Kentucky just didn’t have enough left in the tank tonight against the Vols. UK coach Matthew Mitchell says he expects his team to be a 3 seed in the NCAAs.

Belmont upsets No.25 Murray State in OVC Tourney final, 88-87

This was the game of the night. Can the Racers get an at-large bid? Here’s hoping so.

Duke and North Carolina are playing right now

And I don’t care. At all.

Cobb back to Green Bay?

A source from NFL.com is saying Randall Cobb is headed back to Green Bay for a four-year, $40 million deal. Thank God. I was afraid he’d end up a Brown or Raider.

Like Cats, J.B. trying to go wire to wire

Major props again to J.B. Holmes who is flat killing it in the early golf season. Going into Sunday he’s in the lead by five at Doral after a 2-under 70 round Saturday in the Cadillac Championship. Holmes even had a hole in one on Doral’s par 3, 207-yard 4th, which he aced with a seven iron. Holmes led after Thursday and Friday too, and he’s trying to become the PGA’s first wire to wire winner since Rory McIlroy at last year’s British Open.

Louisville somehow beats Virginia

Did the dirty Cards help Kentucky out in some way by defeating Virginia today in the Yum! Center? Who knows? Today is for the Cats and our undefeatedness. But I did notice – and from what I saw on Twitter dozens of others did too – how Pitino guarded the inbounds pass with 2.7 seconds left leading The Cavs by a point. Of course, Virginia threw their long pass out of bounds. Ah, Pitino. One thing you can bet for certain – UofL is going to be our four seed.
More tomorrow as we re-cap the 31st victory in 31 games!

[comment 2] [Link]

A Look at the SEC Tournament Bracket

By Nick Roush on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 9:45pm

UPDATE: That bracket was pending an Ole Miss win. Well, the Rebels decided to drop one to the ‘Dores, shaking things up a bit.

(@brandonbarca)

[comment 15] [Link]

The Cats Celebrate 31-0

By Nick Roush on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 7:45pm

When Willie is handed a mic, it’s worth linstenin’ to.

[comment 0] [Link]

7 Notes from a Historic Day at Rupp

By Mrs. Tyler Thompson on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 6:10pm

Photo by Barry Westerman, UK Athletics

Stop for a second. Stop, breathe, and appreciate what just happened. I’ll give you a minute.

Welcome back. First, some historical stats. With a 67-50 win over Florida today, Kentucky moved to 31-0, the best regular season in Kentucky basketball history (and that’s saying something). UK is the first Power 5 school to complete an undefeated regular season since Indiana in 1976. Thirty-one straight wins is the longest season-opening winning streak in SEC history, the second-longest winning streak in Kentucky history, and the longest winning streak for any team coached by John Calipari.

I’m not sure we’ll ever fully appreciate what happened in Rupp today. Right now, it’s too difficult; 31-0 is great, but there are nine more games to go until the ultimate prize, something that, as Kentucky fans, we can’t just ignore. Billy Donovan spoke as a former Kentucky assistant and not as the Florida head coach when he urged the BBN to slow down and soak in this moment. “I get the expectation level here, but people need to reflect on how special and historic this season is for their team.”

“What they’ve done may not happen again for a long, long time,” Donovan added. “There’s not going to be many teams that have a collection of talent like they have.”
You smiling? I’m smiling. Let’s go over it.

This was the starting lineup

That’s right, senior walk-ons Sam Malone, Brian Long, and Tod Lanter got to start on Senior Day, a very cool gesture by Calipari, who said he’s getting this picture blown up to hang in the Joe Craft Center. “The reason I started them is I wanted a picture of them starting,” Cal said. “We’re framing it. CBS is going to get me the starting lineups with their names on it. It’s going to be framed. I told them prior to the game, 35 years from now you can say you started. Who the hell knows?” [Insert swaggy Cal smile]
Of course, the three seniors only stayed in for 22 seconds, but for those 22 seconds, the entire bench was up cheering for them.

It wasn’t easy

Given all their struggles this season, Florida certainly pulled it together today. The Gators were gutty, slapping back at the Cats and refusing to lay down for the 31-0 party. Kentucky looked oddly flat at the beginning of the game, letting Florida take an 11-7 lead before Trey Lyles stepped in and established some offense. Lyles had six straight points to put Kentucky back on top, and after Florida took the lead again, Trey scored Kentucky’s last four points to put Kentucky up by three heading into halftime.
“Trey Lyles, I’m telling you is as good as anybody in the country,” Cal said. Trey finished with 14 points, the most of any Cat, and told Mike Pratt that he came into today’s game ready to prove his 2-point performance against Georgia on Tuesday was a fluke. With each mid-range jumper and nifty post move, the more and more I’m convinced that Trey will be playing a long time at the next level.

Devin’s three at 10:16 opened it up

Florida hung close until Devin Booker connected on a three point shot with 10:16 left in the game. Devin’s three sparked a 7-0 run to put Kentucky up by 10, and Florida didn’t get any closer than eight points after it.

On Senior Day, a freshman was the star

Devin’s three was huge, Tyler Ulis was clutch, and Trey Lyles was great, but Karl Towns was the MVP of the game for me. Karl finished with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 6 blocks, 3 assists, and one steal in 27 minutes. “Karl Towns is as a complete basketball player as there is,” Kenny Payne said afterwards. CBS Sports’ Ian Eagle had the line of the game when he said after a Karl block, “Florida cannot solve the Lexington skyline!” Billy Donovan said he was more impressed with Karl’s 19-point performance in Gainesville last month, but Karl did it all today, changing the game on both ends of the court. I am totally biased, but if you’re picking Jahlil Okafor over Karl Towns with the #1 pick, you’re a fool.
As if his on-court performance wasn’t enough, Karl stole the show in the postgame, giving his shoe to Matt Bunk, a fan from Pennsylvania who was paralyzed in a car accident as a kid. TJ Walker reports that Bunk visited practice yesterday and bonded with Karl, and the first thing Karl did when he came out for postgame interviews was find his new friend in the media horde. He gave Bunk, “the most special Wildcat I know,” his giant shoe as a souvenir:

@christianrich1

These kids are special. It can never be said enough.

It may have been goodbye for Willie as well

Everyone gets a little emotional during “My Old Kentucky Home” on Senior Day, but according to those there, Willie Cauley-Stein seemed to be especially moved by the ceremony. Willie’s just a junior, but with recent draft projections putting him in the top ten, it’s likely he played his last game in Rupp today. It wasn’t Willie’s best performance, only 8 points and 7 rebounds, but afterwards, he said he still has more to show.
“Words can’t describe it, I guess,” Willie said when asked about his progress from his freshman year until now. “It’s one of those things that you look back on later in life and realize you made history. Now, you’re living it. It’s not really history yet. I feel like, myself, I’m just now reaching the surface. I still have a lot left to show or to give.”
In true Willie style, he couldn’t help but get a bit reflective. “It’s probably one of the best things you’ll probably do in your life is playing here. Having the fans enjoy seeing you play and enjoy learning about you as a person. That never leaves here. You’re going to always be part of that family here, so it’s a great feeling.”
Before we break out the Sarah McLachlan and weep not for the memories, there’s still some basketball to play. During the mini-celebration after the game, Willie grabbed the mic and told the crowd, “We’re not done yet. We’re coming ready in Nashville.”

“You’re not stealing my joy”

John Calipari was at his swaggiest when he met with the media after the game, firing zingers at his haters and cracking jokes left and right. Cal told reporters he’s giving his team two days off to rest and appreciate the moment before the madness begins on Friday. “I think, again, the one worry I had prior to the game was I wonder if they’re feeling this,” Cal said afterwards. “I’ve been through the grind of this. They haven’t.”
“Only thing I keep telling them is I’m so proud and I respect them so much to able to deal with all this,” Cal said, motioning to the circus of media in the backstage of Rupp. Cal being Cal, he couldn’t help but take a shot at the Selection Committee. “I bet you they slide the Lakers in there,” Cal quipped.
The latest hater to try to steal Cal’s shine is Dan Shaughnessy, and from his remarks after the game, I think Cal’s seen the article, which I will NOT link on this site. “I’ll tell you, I would imagine ‑ just saying ‑ there will be some stuff written and said. I want to tell you all, no one will steal my joy,” Calipari said, glaring into the camera. “If you want to attack what we’re doing, be nasty about it, have at it. You’re not stealing my joy. Coaching this team, with these kind of kids, you’re not stealing my joy.”
Then he made this face:

Not Done

After the game ended, the team put on shirts that read “31-0, NOT DONE.” That’s this team’s new motto. “We’re in the history books. But we want to be in there for cutting down the nets, so we’re not done,” Karl Towns said. “I was surprised we got a t-shirt. I like it, though.” (Oh, Karl.)

“We take pride in it but our journey is not done,” Trey Lyles said. “We have a lot of work to do.”

But for now, just for today, let’s drink this in.

[comment 11] [Link]

Karl Towns gave his shoes to a young fan in a wheelchair

By Drew Franklin on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 5:39pm

@TWalkerRivals

Further proof that Karl Towns is the best human being in the world…
He signed his game shoes and gave them to a young fan in a wheelchair after the game. Karl powered through the insane media circus to find the young man before sitting down for his interviews. He called him “the most special Wildcat I know.”
It looks like the shoe says, “To Matt: We love you! You will always be a Cat.”
Awesome…

@bigblueexpress

[comment 4] [Link]

Calipari expects to meet the Lakers in the NCAA Tournament

By Drew Franklin on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 5:22pm

After today’s game, John Calipari was asked what he expects in the NCAA tournament and he told reporters he already knows the teams Kentucky will be grouped with.
Cal said, “Do you want to me guess (the bracket) for you? I bet you they slide the Lakers in the there.”
Jokes aside, he said he is going to try his hardest to keep the players in the moment and coach them to become the best they can be.
“If that’s not good enough, I can live with it.”

[comment 4] [Link]

Doug Gottlieb joked about Ashley Judd’s glasses

By Drew Franklin on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 5:13pm

Doug Gottlieb offended a lot of Kentucky fans during the game when he made a wise crack about Ashley Judd wearing glasses. Gottlieb called Ashley’s glasses “cheaters” and said, “That’s what all old people say” when Ian Eagle pointed out she doesn’t need them to see the game.
Watch it, Doug.

[comment 17] [Link]

Watch the highlights from the win

By Drew Franklin on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 5:02pm

[comment 0] [Link]

EJ Floreal dancing is a thing that needs to keep happening

By Drew Franklin on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 4:17pm

Me too, EJ. Me too.

[comment 0] [Link]

Postgame press conference LIVE STREAM

By Drew Franklin on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 4:13pm

[comment 0] [Link]

TURN DOWN FOR WHAT

By Drew Franklin on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 4:10pm

The UK Band needs to CALM DOWN!

[comment 0] [Link]

Kentucky 67, Florida 50

By Drew Franklin on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 4:08pm

[comment 0] [Link]

31-0. Not Done.

By Mrs. Tyler Thompson on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 4:00pm

@Bradley_Cn2

Kentucky just capped off a perfect regular season with a 67-50 win over the Florida Gators. Trey Lyles led the team in scoring with 14 points, but Karl Towns was the star, putting up 13 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 blocks, and 1 steal. Kentucky’s is the first undefeated regular season for a team in a Power 5 conference since 1976.
We’ll have more all afternoon, but for now, enjoy the perfection.

[comment 3] [Link]

What To Watch For Against Florida

By Andrew Cassady on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 1:30pm

30 minutes until game time!!! Let’s break down the 3 elements the Cats will need to have in order to send the Gators back to Gainesville with a losing SEC record.
Keying On Dorian Finney-Smith

Via Zimbio

Finney-Smith has made a career as being a Cat-Killer the past two seasons. Earlier this season he had the Gators in control by going 3-5 from beyond the arc and 6-10 overall en route to 16 points. He also went 3-4 from downtown Gainesville to end last season against the Cats. He’s normally a 35% 3-point shooter but against the Cats he turns into Steph Curry. If UK can keep Dorian cool from 3 then they should have little problem containing the rest of the Gator’s offense.
A Focused Willie

Against Florida last month Willie was MIA for most of the first half as the Gators built a lead. Then he dunked on the entire Gulf of Mexico and the game changed. If WCS is tuned in early then the Cats can burst out of the gate and put the game away. Florida is coming into this game with nothing to lose so you know they are going to try and spoil Kentucky’s perfect season. Willie can keep that from happening.
The Crowd
Playing Florida in Rupp has produced some of the loudest environments in the building’s storied history. Remember the Calathes free throws? The Matt Walsh game? #1 Florida coming to town? Today, as the Cats chase perfection, should be no different. Today has the chance to be an all time great Rupp memory and the crowd should be a big part of that.

Feel free to post your score predictions below.

Kentucky Sports Radio Page 2 PM 3/8/15

Basketball

Basketball Season Coverage

Should Kentucky Hang A Banner If They Have an Undefeated Season?

By Andrew Cassady on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 12:45pm

We all know what is at stake today. A perfect regular season. The first one in a major conference since 1976. The chance for this team to take a place in history that they may never give up. It’s a monumental event to be sure and if it is a task they are able to accomplish then there will a question that needs to be answered. How will this team be recognized among the legends of Kentucky basketball? Do they deserve a banner hanging in Rupp Arena?
For years Kentucky fans have prided themselves on the fact that we only hang banners for the Final Four. That our team’s goal is to compete for National Titles and to expect nothing less. But if this season has taught us anything it’s that the regular season can be just as special as a tournament run.
The NCAA tournament can be completely random. In a one-game scenario teams can get red hot and make a magical run to the Final Four. Look no further than Wichita State, VCU, George Mason, and Butler for examples of that. But the regular season is grueling and conference play brings opponents that you face year-in and year-out. Making it through that slate unbeaten is much harder than a 6-game winstreak to the National Championship. Kyle Tucker of the Courier-Journal interviewed Coach Hall, Billy Donovan, and others about the significance of being unbeaten and Joe was firmly on team banner. Here’s what he had to say:

“I think you could create another category deserving of having a banner, and that would be going through the regular season undefeated,” the former UK coach said. It’s that big a deal. “They’ve passed the eye test, regardless of what happens next. I think they’re the most talented, deepest team I’ve ever seen. Regardless of what their record comes out, I don’t think that diminishes what this team has accomplished as far as its place in the history of Kentucky basketball.”

Put me on Team Joe B and hang a banner on the other side of the arena next to the cheerleaders if they go unbeaten. The accomplishment is worthy of going up regardless of how the post-season plays out. But first they have to get this last W.
Beat Florida.

[comment 13] [Link]

Wayback Weekend: Senior Day Edition

By Andrew Cassady on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 12:00pm

Today is the day we’ll say goodbye to Kentucky basketball’s trio of walk-ons that have been through some of the highest highs and the lowest lows while in Lexington. As they take to the court to play their final game in Rupp arena let’s jump in the wayback machine for a look at their younger versions in the blue and white
Brian Long:

B-Long hasn’t aged a day from moment the babyfaced bomber was announced as a walk-on in 2011. Has the guard out of Dumont, New Jersey appreciated his time playing among the likes of Anthony Davis, Nerlens, WCS, and MKG? We may never know.
Tod Lanter

Tod “The Bod” Lanter joined the practice squad in 2012 as the short-handed Cats lacked the depth to have a competitive scrimmage. Tod’s father Bo played at UK back in the in early 80s and Tod was new to campus after playing his first year at Gulf Coast State in Panama City. The match was one made in biceps heaven.
Sam Malone

Sam Malone joined the team along with Brain Long and quickly began to ascend the ranks of the greatest bench reactioners in Kentucky history. You know it’s an awesome play if you look down the sidelines and see Malone absolutely losing his mind. Malone is a first ballot player to the Todd Svoboda Hall of Fame.
Willie Cauley-Stein

Today’s game in Rupp is truly bittersweet. While the Cats may complete the best regular season in the history of the school there is also a chance this is the final time we see many of these guys play inside Rupp Arena. Chief among them is Willie Cauley-Stein, a player who has grown into a man before our eyes. Who saw him developing into a contender for player of the year when he backed up Nerlens as a raw freshman?` If this is the final time we see him play in Lexington it has been one amazing ride.
Happy Senior Day!

[comment 0] [Link]

Josh Langford Is In Lexington

By Andrew Cassady on ©March 07th, 2015 @ 11:00am

I hadn’t heard of Josh Langford before today but I can tell you the kid is probably pretty smart. If you’re going to take an unofficial to Lexington then you may as well make it when history is on the line. That’s what Langford is doing today according to Evan Daniels:

Five-star 2016 guard Josh Langford (http://t.co/TWz8KbXIC8) is currently on an unofficial visit to Kentucky.
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) March 7, 2015

Langford is a 6’6 combo guard out of Madison, Alabama who is considering Florida, Michigan, Michigan State, Duke, and now Kentucky. 247 has him listed as the number 15 player in the class of 2016 and I think he’d fit right in alongside Malik Monk and Jayson Tatum in a monster junior class. Watch him work:

[comment 3] [Link]

30-0’s Friday Night News and Views

By Andrew Cassady on ©March 06th, 2015 @ 10:44pm

@WxorNotBG

Kentucky basketball fever has completely taken over the commonwealth as the Cats roll on through. Loyal reader and intrepid Kentucky weatherman, Landon Hampton, sent this photo of a snowman Devin Booker that popped up in a Bowling Green neighborhood. There must’ve been some magic in the reload shirt they found, cause when they put it on his chest Booker the snowman never missed another shot and was named MVP of the frozen four.
Today was they final day that the Cats will be 30-0. Let’s watch them make it 31 tomorrow. #Reloadx
On to the news and views:

Cats By -14.5

Kentucky needs the win tomorrow to become just the fourth program since 1976 to finish the regular season undefeated. Vegas considers them a virtual lock to do so as the Cats opened up as a 16-point favorite earlier today.
The Gators have struggled mightily since the two teams last met in early February. Florida had lost 4 of 7, including one to abysmal Missouri, before knocking off A&M earlier this week. The one bright spot for UF is that they are expected to have Michael Frazier back in the rotation tomorrow afternoon. Florida’s leading scorer missed the last seven games but Billy Donovan will take Frazier to Lexington and he expects the guard to contribute. Frazier averages over 13 points per game this season and had poured in 10 before getting hurt against the Cats.

Senior Day Festivities

There won’t be a dry eye left in Rupp tomorrow as Sam Malone, Tod Lanter, and Brian Long burst through the big paper circle for Senior Day. The trio of guards will be playing in Rupp for the final time and the biggest question facing the group is whether or not they will get the starting nod tomorrow. Here’s what the seniors had to say about their big moment:
Sam Malone:
“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to have a senior night with Brian and Tod and be out there with the fans cheering us on. It’s going to be great.”
Tod Lanter:
“I’ve grown up around this program,” Lanter said. “I’ve seen its ups and downs. “… Now I got to step into this role and experience something that most kids growing up here don’t get to do and it’s just been – every step of the way I’ve tried to take it all in one step at a time, one day at a time.”
Brian Long:
“I’m just glad to be in here day in and day out,” Long said. “Like you said, I knew it coming in, I knew what my role was and I’m just here to help anyway I (can), and it’s been a fun ride.”
Will this also be the final time we see Willie, Karl Towns, the Twins, Dakari, Booker, and Lyles as well? Of course not. We will see them in Rupp as they unfurl banner number 9 in April.

He’s Willie Athletic

Everybody and their mother has heard about Willie Cauley-Stein’s time as a wide receiver at his high school in Kansas but today Cal added another wrinkle to the legend of WCS.
According to Coach Cal, Willie was a star kickball player in high school. Cal was telling reporters about how he never saw Willie play basketball in high school, and then he dropped this gem: “I watched him play kickball. You could not believe.”
“He would spin ‘em,” Cal said, while flailing his arm.
Badminton was another sport Willie played. Because of course. I bet he would be an All-American in ultimate frisbee.

Orange is the New Black & Blue

After a ten-year investigation, the NCAA laid the smack down to Syracuse and Jim Boeheim for multiple infractions including academics and extra benefits. The NCAA suspended Boeheim for nine conference games next season and is taking away twelve scholarships, three a year for four years. Penalties also include a five-year probation and vacation of wins in which ineligible student participated.
“During the 10-year period of violations, the head basketball coach did not promote an atmosphere of compliance within his program and did not monitor the activities of those who reported to him as they related to academics and booster involvement,” the NCAA said of Boeheim.
So for the record. UNC, Kansas, and Syracuse have all been targeted by NCAA investigations while Duke and Louisville have players dismissed for misconduct. Yet, it is Kentucky that is ruining college basketball. Riiiiiiiiight.
We got bigger things to worry about. Like a complete beatdown of the Florida Gators. Let’s go!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OfxlhY2nUmI

[comment 10] [Link]

Kentucky – Florida Senior Day Battles, Ranked

By Andrew Cassady on ©March 06th, 2015 @ 9:30pm

W
1. Another ’94 Comeback
The 1 seed in the SEC East on the line. A good Florida team that would reach the school’s first Final Four. All the makings of an excellent game. Florida jumped out to a 33-14 lead and looked like they were going to run the Cats off the court. But just like the ’94 Cats did against LSU a few weeks prior they fought back to take the lead with just under 5 minutes to go. A classic in the series and a fitting send off for Rodney Dent, Travis Ford, Jeff Brassow and Gimel Martinez.
2. The Matt Walsh Game

The early 2000s games against Florida in Rupp featured some of the most raucous crowds I have ever been a part of. 2003 was legendary as Kentucky hosted #1 Florida for a epic beatdown. But Rupp may have been louder in 2004 when the Gators returned on the senior day of Erik Daniels, Cliff Hawkins, Gerald Fitch, Matt Heissenbuttel and Antwain Barbour. This one ranks as one of the best Florida games ever for one reason, Matt Walsh. From start to finish the Rupp crowd let Walsh have it in a way nobody has gotten before or since. Plus, the Cats won by 20. Hopefully, we see a similar performance tomorrow.
3. Fitch Finishes Florida
2002 senior day was a star-studded game. Florida’s roster featured Matt Bonner, Udonis Haslem, and David Lee who are still in the NBA today. Kentucky featured Tayshaun, Chuck Hayes, Bogans, and Gerald Fitch who have long pro careers as well. Both teams were ranked in the top 15 and the game came down to the final seconds. Fitch, who was just back from a 3 game suspension, buried the go-ahead three in the final minute as Team Turmoil came together to beat Florida for a share of the SEC East. What more could you ask for on senior day?
4. The Must Win

This game get forgotten because the Cats would go on to lose to Vandy and end up in the NIT but it is still one of the more gutsy wins of the Cal era. The Cats had lost Nerlens a month earlier in Gainesville and were on a two game losing streak going into this must win match-up. The eleventh ranked Gators appears to have the game won with a 57-50 lead with just over 7 minutes to go. But the Cats scored the next 11 points and Julius Mays sank two game winning sealing free throws for his final points in Rupp. A gritty win that is forgotten for what came after.
Final Four after the jump:
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[comment 1] [Link]

Kentucky Should Honor its Seniors With a Win Saturday

By John Wilmhoff on ©March 06th, 2015 @ 9:00pm

Photo courtesy of UK Athletics

With an undefeated regular season on the line, the best gift Kentucky can give its three seniors is a historic win on Senior Day. It’s not worth starting the three walk-ons.
It’s not in the team’s best interest, nor is it in the best interests of Sam Malone, Tod Lanter and Brian Long to be thrown into the fire at Rupp Arena as Kentucky tries to become the first major conference team to go undefeated in the regular season since Indiana in 1976.
“Let them play the first possession,” some fans are saying.
“Tell one of them to throw Willie a lob, then commit a foul (or use a timeout) so they can exit the game.”
Consider this scenario: Brian Long’s one foul with 19:30 to go in the first half eventually puts Florida in the bonus at the end of the half. Florida makes a free throw while in the bonus, and later wins the game by one point.
Yes, that’s a far-fetched scenario, but it’s possible. And the last three people in the world who would want that to happen are the three seniors.
When the seniors can tell their grandchildren about playing for Kentucky, they will talk about starting this season 30-0 — and hopefully ending it 40-0. If they were to be in the game for 30 seconds against Florida, it wouldn’t be the highlight of their UK experience.
Kentucky could win comfortably on its home court against a bad Florida team, but you can’t assume that every single possession won’t matter. The first meeting with the Gators, albeit in Gainesville, went down to the wire.
Coach Cal should use the seniors as motivation for the Cats to take care of business early so that Malone, Lanter and Long can get quality minutes in the second half with a big lead.
If they don’t get in the game, so be it. Wearing a Kentucky uniform in a special season like this one is a privilege not to be taken lightly.
For what it’s worth, the three of them aren’t worried about it at all:
Sam Malone:
“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to have a senior night with Brian and Tod and be out there with the fans cheering us on. It’s going to be great.”
Todd Lanter:
“I’ve grown up around this program,” Lanter said. “I’ve seen its ups and downs. “… Now I got to step into this role and experience something that most kids growing up here don’t get to do and it’s just been – every step of the way I’ve tried to take it all in one step at a time, one day at a time.”
Brian Long:
“I’m just glad to be in here day in and day out,” Long said. “Like you said, I knew it coming in, I knew what my role was and I’m just here to help anyway I (can), and it’s been a fun ride.”

[comment 10] [Link]

Behind Enemy Lines: Stegeman Coliseum

By Mrs. Tyler Thompson on ©March 06th, 2015 @ 8:00pm

(Photo via onlineathens.com)

Over the past few seasons, I’ve been fortunate enough to cover some of UK’s SEC road games for KSR. Along the way, I’ve also been reviewing the venues across the SEC, and earlier this week, I visited Georgia’s Stegeman Coliseum for the second time. The first time was in 2013 to see Kentucky lose pitifully, and I was too depressed to review the gym. The results were a little different this time around. Before we get rolling, here are my past reviews:

Vanderbilt’s Memorial Coliseum
Auburn Arena
Alabama’s Coleman Coliseum
Ole Miss’ Tad Smith Coliseum
South Carolina’s Colonial Life Arena
Florida’s O’Connell Center
Mississippi State’s Humphrey Coliseum

Stegeman Coliseum

Built: 1964
Seating capacity: 10,523

Exterior: 5

From 2010-2011, Stegeman underwent a major $13 million renovation in which the old facade was removed and replaced with a beautiful glass front. Like a lot of SEC arenas, Stegeman is small but classically designed, and I really love that the architects kept the original bones of the building while modernizing it. The effect is striking, and at night, lights illuminate a huge UGA mural:

This may be the best exterior renovation of an older gym I’ve ever seen.

Interior: 4

The inside of Stegeman has a great retro feel to it thanks to the unique patterned ceiling, which has thankfully remained intact throughout multiple renovations. The arena is small, with a capacity of only 10,523, and in turn, there are no bad seats. Interestingly, Georgia’s website says the Coliseum is actually two structures: the roof and the building beneath it. “The only connection between the two is an aluminum bellows which seals the joints and permits the rise and fall of the roof with temperature change.”
Neat.

Flow: 4.5

The 2011 renovation expanded the concourses, giving the arena an easy flow, even with a sellout crowd. In fact, sometimes there seems like there is too much room in the lobbies, but that’s never a bad thing. Throughout the concourses, there are trophy cases, large murals, and displays highlighting past and present Georgia legends.

Concessions: 3.5

Nothing spectacular, just standard fare of pizza, hot dogs, smoked sausage, BBQ, nachos, etc. I will give them half a point for offering an “extra cheese cup” for $1 because sometimes you just need extra cheese. Also, because South be the South, there were “bottomless” options for popcorn and soda.
Hot dog price: $3.50

Popcorn: 3 (incomplete)

Confession time: I did not sample the popcorn. Between the late tip, the press meal, and all of the distractions, I didn’t have time to get popcorn, so I’ll give it the industry standard 3. I noticed the popcorn was in bags, not boxes, so props for that.

Signature food: 2.5

I didn’t really see one. I guess boiled peanuts? That’s a Georgia thing. You can get that for $4.50.

Bathrooms: 2.5

Not impressed. The one I visited was small, had broken locks on the bathroom doors and the paper towel dispenser was broken.

Scoreboard: 2

What do Rupp Arena, the O-Dome, and Stegeman Coliseum all have in common? None have a center-hung scoreboard. Despite all the renovations to Stegeman, there is no big pretty scoreboard, just a cluster of speakers; in fact, there is only one large video board, and even it looks outdated.

PA System/announcer/music: 3.5

Typical pop/hip-hop blend, but I appreciated the old school hip-hop, which got the crowd even more hyped. Georgia must have known Charles Barkely was coming, because they had a whole clip reel ready. Sadly, they used ones that weren’t really that funny, which is kind of a crime because Barkley is hilarious.

Fun stuff: 3

Even though their scoreboard sucks, Georgia had plenty of “cams”: Kiss Cam, Dance Cam, etc. Lots of free t-shirts, giveaways, etc. Actually, Georgia’s t-shirt guns were the most impressive I’ve seen, sending some tees bouncing off the roof.

Pep band: 4

Great blend of new stuff and old stuff. They even did a rendition of “Uptown Funk” that made me really, really happy.

Halftime show: 3.5

The popular “Quick Change” act yet again. In case you haven’t seen it before, here it is at a Milwaukee Bucks game a few years back:
Meh. Maybe I’ve just seen it too many times, but they have nothing on the Firecrackers.

Souvenirs: 3

Posters and free t-shirts for the student section to promote their blackout.

Ticket price: 5

$15 for all seats, even for the Kentucky game. That’s a deal, my friends.

Ushers: 5

Very nice and helpful.

Press area/meal: 4

The press meal was fried chicken, green beans, and mashed potatoes, which I’ll never complain about. Sweet tea, water and cookies were also available, and there was a Coke fountain in the press room. God bless Georgia’s Coke monopoly.

Student Section: 3.5

The students got their early, and when the doors opened, they stampeded into the gymnasium:
They also heckled the players throughout warmups:
Oddly enough, I don’t think they used the cheers they came up with for the game, maybe because Drew publicized them on the site. While I was taking pictures of the students, one saw my KSR pullover and yelled “HEY, WHERE’S THAT DREW FRANKLIN” at me. “Because of him, I got cussed out by hundreds of UK fans.” Sorry, dude.
There was an older man in the crowd that obviously wasn’t part of the student section, but did jumping jacks for nearly the entire game in a crazy red and black sweater. He seems to be a bit of a celebrity at Stegeman, and someone in the student section even made a fathead of him that they showed on the jumbotron. I’d love to hear his story.

BBN Effect: 5

Kentucky fans always travel well, but they were out in force in Athens. There’s a big contingent of UK fans in Atlanta, and the Alumni Club even presented the MVP of the game, Andrew Harrison, with the Bill Keightley Mr. Wildcat Award. I met David Shelton, the past president of the Greater Atlanta UK Alumni Club, and he wanted me to spread the word about their campaign to get a UK license plate for Georgia. To help them out, visit ukfan.net.
Back to the crowd. From tip off on, Kentucky fans made their presence known with several LOUD “Go Big Blue” chants. Here’s one of them:
At the end of the game, Andrew Harrison and Tyler Ulis motioned to the crowd to thank them for their support, and a large group of Kentucky fans stuck around to send the team bus off from Stegeman Coliseum. I’ve already written about this, but Kentucky fans across the South have flocked to see this team play, and being able to witness the BBN presence at road games has been one of my favorite parts of this season.
GBB chant count: 10

Campus/town: 5

Athens is right up there with Oxford as my favorite SEC town. In fact, it may have passed it on this trip. Downtown Athens has plenty of great bars and restaurants, along with an excellent music scene (it is the home of REM and the B-52s, after all). My favorite haunt is Trappeze Pub, which has excellent food and tasty craft brews. Over lunch, I sampled Creature Comforts Tropicália, an IPA brewed right across the street. Two thumbs up.
Georgia’s campus is gorgeous as well, all brick and pine trees. It’s pretty much the ideal setting for a big school in the South, and if you haven’t been there yet, put it on your bucket list.

Overall atmosphere: 4

Stegeman was buzzing for Tuesday’s game, and at times in the second half, the atmosphere seemed prime for an upset; however, this Kentucky team was once again just too good. Props to the Georgia crowd for bringing it and the Georgia team for giving Kentucky a serious scare.
As for the building itself, the renovations to the exterior and the concourses are gorgeous, the perfect model for updating older small arenas without sacrificing character. Once Stegeman gets a new scoreboard, it will be one of the nicer arenas in the SEC. Combine that with an ideal college town like Athens and you’ve got one hell of a road trip.

Total score: 75.5/100

Previous scores:
Auburn Arena: 84/100
South Carolina’s Colonial Life Arena: 77.5/100
Alabama’s Coleman Coliseum: 76.75/100
Florida’s O’Connell Center: 74/100
Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium: 71.5/100
Mississippi State’s Humphrey Coliseum: 69/100
Ole Miss’ Tad Smith Coliseum: 68.5/100

[comment 1] [Link]

Give me Kentucky at -14.5 tomorrow

By Drew Franklin on ©March 06th, 2015 @ 5:59pm

The Cats are currently favored by 14.5 in tomorrow’s home game against Florida, the final contest of the regular season. The line opened at -16 and shifted to -14.5 this afternoon, according to VegasInsider.com.
I’ll take Kentucky to cover, please. I’ll also take a date with any of the three girls pictured above.

[comment 1] [Link]

Cauley-Stein, Johnson and Ulis before today’s practice

By Drew Franklin on ©March 06th, 2015 @ 5:23pm

Willie Cauley-Stein, Dakari Johnson and Tyler Ulis answered questions from the media earlier today before practice. Watch below as they talk perfection, Florida and being awesome.

[comment 1] [Link]

Grantland: “Towns is Godzilla and college basketball is Tokyo”

By Drew Franklin on ©March 06th, 2015 @ 3:22pm

The good people at Grantland.com have a must-read piece for Big Blue Nation on the website today. It’s called Karl-Anthony and Cauley-Stein: Kentucky’s Two-Headed Monster Is the Future of the NBA.
An excerpt:

Cauley-Stein is quick enough to cover insane amounts of ground on defense and stick with college players half his size, and he’s long enough to bother every shot within 10 feet. Karl-Anthony is big enough to ruin shots at the rim, and his offense is somehow dominant and raw at the same time. Seven-footers always have value, but given where the NBA is going, guys like these will be priceless. That’s what’s coming in June.
Until then, they’re college basketball’s problem.

Stop what you’re doing and go read it.

[comment 5] [Link]

Of course Willie was a star kickball player in high school

By Drew Franklin on ©March 06th, 2015 @ 2:40pm

This may be the most Willie Cauley-Stein nugget ever…
According to Coach Cal, Willie was a star kickball player in high school. Cal was telling reporters about how he never saw Willie play basketball in high school, and then he dropped this gem: “I watched him play kickball. You could not believe.”
“He would spin ‘em,” Cal said, while flailing his arm.
Badminton was another sport Willie played. Because of course.

[comment 6] [Link]

LIVE: John Calipari previews Florida

By Mrs. Tyler Thompson on ©March 06th, 2015 @ 1:45pm

[comment 2] [Link]

If the SEC Tournament started today…

By Mrs. Tyler Thompson on ©March 06th, 2015 @ 1:20pm

…we’d be watching Kentucky take on the winner of Vandy and Alabama. Here’s the bracket based on the latest standings. Because the SEC is a mess, only Kentucky (1), Arkansas (2), and Missouri (14) have clinched their spots so far. With one game left to go, a lot could change.
Meanwhile, here is the latest weather forecast for Nashville:

Not too bad, right?

[comment 3] [Link]

The latest KyWildcatsTV pump up video is awesome

By Mrs. Tyler Thompson on ©March 06th, 2015 @ 1:00pm

No “Uptown Dunk,” but I’M READY TO RUN THROUGH SOME WALLS. GIVE ME A SNOW SHOVEL BECAUSE IMMA DOMINATE THAT DRIVEWAY.

[comment 2] [Link]

NCAA hands down penalties to Syracuse, Boeheim

By Mrs. Tyler Thompson on ©March 06th, 2015 @ 12:24pm

After a ten-year investigation, the NCAA just handed down its penalties to Syracuse and Jim Boeheim for multiple infractions including academics and extra benefits. The NCAA suspended Boeheim for nine conference games next season and is taking away twelve scholarships, three a year for four years. Penalties also include a five-year probation and vacation of wins in which ineligible student participated. That does not include Syracuse’s 2003 title.
“During the 10-year period of violations, the head basketball coach did not promote an atmosphere of compliance within his program and did not monitor the activities of those who reported to him as they related to academics and booster involvement,” the NCAA said of Boeheim.
The NCAA did not hand down a postseason ban, although Syracuse self-imposed one for this season. According to Syracuse.com, the scholarship ban will keep Syracuse from adding Thomas Bryant, a 2015 big man that John Calipari and Slice Rohrssen have also been recruiting.
Ouch.
[NCAA]
[Syracuse.com]

[comment 24] [Link]

7 Notes from a Historic Day at Rupp
7 Mar 2015

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(11 Comments)
Behind Enemy Lines: Stegeman Coliseum
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(1 Comment)
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March 2015
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Monday, March 9, 2015

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Kentucky Sports Radio

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Basketball

UK to play winner of Ala/Fla in the SEC Tourney

Women’s hoops lose to Tennessee 75-64 in the SEC Tourney

Belmont upsets No.25 Murray State in OVC Tourney final, 88-87

Duke and North Carolina are playing right now

Cobb back to Green Bay?

Like Cats, J.B. trying to go wire to wire

Louisville somehow beats Virginia

This was the starting lineup

It wasn’t easy

Devin’s three at 10:16 opened it up

On Senior Day, a freshman was the star

It may have been goodbye for Willie as well

“You’re not stealing my joy”

Not Done

Kentucky Sports Radio

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Basketball

Cats By -14.5

Senior Day Festivities

He’s Willie Athletic

Orange is the New Black & Blue

Stegeman Coliseum

Exterior: 5

Interior: 4

Flow: 4.5

Concessions: 3.5

Popcorn: 3 (incomplete)

Signature food: 2.5

Bathrooms: 2.5

Scoreboard: 2

PA System/announcer/music: 3.5

Fun stuff: 3

Pep band: 4

Halftime show: 3.5

Souvenirs: 3

Ticket price: 5

Ushers: 5

Press area/meal: 4

Student Section: 3.5

BBN Effect: 5

Campus/town: 5

Overall atmosphere: 4

Total score: 75.5/100

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