Reflecting on God’s Grace; Family, War, and UK Football

There was a two week period in the fall of 2007 that was one of the most fun times in my life. I was at home on leave during a 17 month deployment with the Army National Guard (5 months at Fort Dix, New Jersey and 12 months in Afghanistan). My leave fell during my wife’s birthday so I got to celebrate with her as well as see a lot of my family and friends. For the lamenting UK Football fan, there aren’t many special moments. But two of my favorite UK Football moments came in that two week period. The first was a triple overtime win over #1 LSU and a narrow loss the following week at the hands of the 14^th ranked Florida Gators. On October 13, the first Saturday of my leave, we had my dad and step-mom over to watch the LSU game. It was one of those scenarios in which I hoped the Wildcats could make a good showing, but let’s face it; it’s the #1 team in the country and for us to come out with a victory, we would have to play a near flawless game. I don’t remember many details about the game, but as the Wildcats and Tigers traded blows in 3 overtimes, I was exhausted from nearly 4 hours of anxiety that this game had produced. UK made its final stand and kept LSU from scoring one last time for the victory and a final score of 43-37.

One week later, my wife surprised me with tickets to the UK/Florida game. Now ranked #8 in the nation, confidence in the football program was the highest that it has been in my lifetime. The game was another shootout, but the Cats fell to the Gators 37-45.

The end result of the game did little to my jovial demeanor during those two weeks. I was at home with my wife and I only had 5 short months left before I could return home for good. My time in the military was good. It was a time of challenge and growth. Our marriage blossomed. But I was eager to leave that chapter of my life behind, finish school, and start a family. By God’s grace, he has allowed me to do all of those things.

Two Former Wildcats Fight for Their Playoff Lives

Two former Kentucky Wildcats face elimination from the NBA Playoffs tonight if they can’t figure out a way to extend their series to seven games. The Cavaliers will travel to Chicago to take on Nazr Mohammed and the Bulls at 8:00pm ET on ESPN and Terrence Jones and the Rockets will visit the Clippers for a 10:30pm ET tipoff, also on ESPN.

Nazr and Lebron aren’t the best of friends.

Nazr Mohammed is playing less than 6 minutes per game and averaging only 2 points, but still, how can you not root for a Wildcat? Besides, after 17 years in the NBA, how many more chances can the 6’10’’ center have?

Terrence Jones however, has become a major contributor for the Rockets. Playing over 24 minutes per game, the 6’9’’ forward is averaging over 11 points per game.

It may be an uphill battle, but I believe they can get it done. Bring on game seven. Go Cats.

 

Who’s In and Who’s Out; Cats Remaining in the NBA Playoffs

Who is left standing in the NBA Playoffs among the eight former Wildcats who began their run to the Finals two weeks ago? Here’s the run down.

Who’s In:

John Wall’s Washington Wizards (5 seed) against the Atlanta Hawks (1 seed)

GM 1:	WAS at ATL, May 3, 1:00 PM ET ABC
GM 2:	WAS at ATL, May 5, 8:00 PM ET TNT
GM 3:	ATL at WAS, May 9, 5:00 PM ET ESPN
GM 4:	ATL at WAS, May 11, 7:00 PM ET TNT
GM 5:	WAS at ATL, May 13 TNT | If Needed
GM 6:	ATL at WAS, May 15 ESPN | If Needed
GM 7:	WAS at ATL, May 18 TNT | If Needed

Nazr Mohammed and the Chicago Bulls (3 seed) against the Cleveland Cavaliers (2 seed)

GM 1:	CHI at CLE, May 4, 7:00 PM ET TNT
GM 2:	CHI at CLE, May 6, 7:00 PM ET
GM 3:	CLE at CHI, May 8 TBD ESPN
GM 4:	CLE at CHI, May 10, 3:30 PM ET ABC
GM 5:	CHI at CLE, May 12 TNT | If Needed
GM 6:	CLE at CHI, May 14 ESPN | If Needed
GM 7:	CHI at CLE, May 17 TNT | If Needed

Terrence Jones and the Houston Rockets (2 seed) against the Los Angeles Clippers (3 seed)

GM 1:	LAC at HOU, May 4, 9:30 PM ET TNT
GM 2:	LAC at HOU, May 6, 9:30 PM ET TNT
GM 3:	HOU at LAC, May 8, 10:30 PM ET ESPN
GM 4:	HOU at LAC, May 10, 8:30 PM ET TNT
GM 5:	LAC at HOU, May 12 TNT | If Needed
GM 6:	HOU at LAC, May 14 ESPN | If Needed
GM 7:	LAC at HOU, May 17 | If Needed

Who’s out:

Anthony Davis. His New Orleans Pelicans were out in just four games. But he went on a tear. He averaged 31.5 ppg in those four games.

Rajon Rondo. The Mavericks didn’t even finish their series before Rondo was out. You can read about it here.

Patrick Patterson and Chuck Hayes. Another quick exit for these Wildcats. John Wall and the Washington Wizards eliminated them in four quick games.

James Young. The Celtics couldn’t get much going either. Unfortunately, Young never made it into the game.

Now that there are only three Cats left? Who are you pulling for? Who is going to survive the conference semifinals?

Former Wildcat Already Eliminated from NBA Playoffs

Even before the end of the first round, a former Kentucky Wildcat has been eliminated from the NBA Playoffs. Rick Carlisle, Head Coach of the Dallas Mavericks, explained to the media that Rajon Rondo would be unavailable to play for an indefinite amount of time following a back injury. The coach also said that he doesn’t expect Rondo to ever don a Mavericks jersey again.

“No, I don't.”

Rick Carlisle seems certain Rajon Rondo won’t wear a Mavs uniform ever again.

(via @AmericasPregame) pic.twitter.com/4noEG6oybY

— FS1 (@FS1) April 22, 2015

Rajon Rondo has had public conflicts with teammates and coaches before, and since he enters into free agency this summer, it’s apparently time for the Mavericks and Rondo to part ways after only 5 months with the team.

Steve Bulpett shares about one such altercation with Michael Hurley, sports writer for NESN.com in December, 2011 after a film session in Miami during the 2011 NBA Playoffs.

Rondo’s errors were being pointed out when he arose and began discussing the mistakes of his teammates. Loudly. Using harsh language,” Bulpett wrote. “Coach Doc Rivers got up and fired back, and Rondo threw a bottle that shattered the video screen. He bolted from the practice facility and was prevented from returning when he tried later.

I write about this for two reasons. First, as a Kentucky fan, I like to keep track of what’s happening with former players. But more importantly, I write this as a warning that no amount of skill or talent can compensate for a bad attitude. I loved watching Rondo with the Wildcats. In most games, he was hands-down the best player on the floor, and he knew it. Yet while comparing his skills to other players inflated his ego, pointing out his errors resulted in a tantrum not fit for a grown man. And there’s the principal: Comparing your strengths to others will lead you to believe you’re better. Comparing your weaknesses to others will lead you to believe you’re not as bad. Both are an overflow of pride in the heart. On some level, we’re all guilty.

 

This is What Julius Randle Had to Say About a Kentucky/Lakers Matchup

These two clips of Julius Randle talking about Kobe Bryant and his Lakers are classic. How can you not root for this young man? I look forward to seeing him back on the court next year. By the way, there are several other Cats in the NBA that are making some noise in the playoffs.

Watch the Wildcats in the NBA Playoffs

If you’re like me, you weren’t ready to stop watching the Kentucky Wildcats play basketball when they lost to Wisconsin in the Final Four. The whole experience was like doing 80 down the highway with the top down and the wind blowing through your hair on a sunny day, only to blow a gasket, leaving your journey cut short and now you’re stranded on the side of the road. Oh, and your driver, the navigator, the guy who planned the trip, the guy who paid for the trip, the AAA member, the mechanic and the owner of the car have all left to find better cars that will pay them millions of dollars to ride. What’s a fan to do?

Well, don’t forget that there are several Cats in the NBA that have made it to the Playoffs. Here is a list of which Cats are playing and their matchups for the first round.

Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans against the Golden State Warriors. I hope to see more of this:

Game 1 – Sat. April 18, New Orleans at Golden State, 3:30 PM, ABC
Game 2 – Mon. April 20, New Orleans at Golden State, 10:30 PM, TNT
Game 3 – Thu. April 23, Golden State at New Orleans, 9:30 PM, TNT
Game 4 – Sat. April 25, Golden State at New Orleans, 8:00 PM ,ESPN
Game 5 * – Tue. April 28, New Orleans at Golden State, TBD
Game 6 * – Fri. May 1, Golden State at New Orleans, TBD
Game 7 * – Sun. May 3, New Orleans at Golden State, TBD

Terrence Jones and the Houston Rockets against Rajon Rondo and the Dallas Mavericks.

Game 1 – Sat. April 18, Dallas at Houston, 9:30 PM, ESPN
Game 2 – Tue. April 21, Dallas at Houston, 9:30 PM, TNT
Game 3 – Fri. April 24, Houston at Dallas, 7:00 PM, ESPN
Game 4 – Sun. April 26, Houston at Dallas, 9:30 PM, TNT
Game 5 * – Tue. April 28, Dallas at Houston, TBD
Game 6 * – Thu. April 30, Houston at Dallas, TBD
Game 7 * – Sat. May 2, Dallas at Houston, TNT

Chuck Hayes, Patrick Patterson and the Toronto Raptors against John Wall’s Washington Wizards.

Game 1 – Sat. April 18, Washington at Toronto, 12:30 PM, ESPN
Game 2 – Tue. April 21, Washington at Toronto, 8:00 PM, NBA TV
Game 3 – Fri. April 24, Toronto at Washington, 8:00 PM, ESPN2
Game 4 – Sun. April 26, Toronto at Washington, 7:00 PM, TNT
Game 5 *- Wed. April 29, Washington at Toronto, TBD
Game 6 * – Fri. May 1 ,Toronto at Washington, TBD
Game 7 * – Sun. May 3, Washington at Toronto, TBD

Nazr Mohammed and the Chicago Bulls against the Milwaukee Bucks. Can you believe this guy has been in the NBA for 17 years?

Game 1 – Sat. April 18, Milwaukee at Chicago, 7:00 PM, ESPN
Game 2 – Mon. April 20, Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:00 PM, TNT
Game 3 – Thu. April 23, Chicago at Milwaukee, 8:00 PM, NBA TV
Game 4 – Sat . April 25, Chicago at Milwaukee, 5:30 PM, TNT
Game 5 *- Mon. April 27, Milwaukee at Chicago, TBD
Game 6 * – Thu. April 30, Chicago at Milwaukee, TBD
Game 7 * – Sat. May 2, Milwaukee at Chicago, TNT

James Young and the Boston Celtics against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Game 1 – Sun. April 19, Boston at Cleveland, 3:00 PM, ABC/R
Game 2 – Tue. April 21, Boston at Cleveland, 7:00 PM, TNT
Game 3 – Thu. April 23, Cleveland at Boston, 7:00 PM, TNT
Game 4 – Sun. April 26, Cleveland at Boston, 1:00 PM, ABC
Game 5 * – Tue. April 28, Boston at Cleveland, TBD
Game 6 * – Thu. April 30, Cleveland at Boston, TBD
Game 7 * – Sat. May 2, Boston at Cleveland , TNT

Which Wildcat would like to see most make it to the NBA Finals?

*- If necessary

Watch the UK Football Team Play Tug O War

Spring Football is picking up, but Mark Stoops and company have not forgotten how to have fun. Some may say that this is a critical year for Stoops’ tenure as head coach. If the Cats don’t have a successful year, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be packing his bags. But it does mean that the upward momentum that UK has enjoyed will slow considerably. Success can sometimes be subjective, but most agree that in order for this team to be successful, it will at least need to attain bowl eligibility. Either way, as important as technical coaching and conditioning is, team cohesion and fun is also vital. Check out this video of Kentucky’s football team working on the latter.

End of the Road; Saying Goodbye to the Wildcats

I have never been more bummed about players leaving for the NBA than I am about this group. The combination of veteran players (think Dakari Johnson, Willie Cauley-Stein and the Harrison twins) and freshmen is just so special it seems like they’ve been with us forever. Karl Anthony Towns brought so much fun and good heartedness to the group. More than a few teen and pre-teen girls will be sad to see Devin Booker go. Trey Lyles was also fun to watch. Just when you thought he was going to drive, he’d stop short and teardrop a mid-range jumper. His smile was not because he put his opponents on skates (he did, often); he just loves the game. Even the trio of senior walk-ons are hard to see go. I can relate to Brian Long, Tod Lanter, and Sam Malone more than I can any of the other players on the team. These three embraced their role as bench warmers better than any I have ever seen. We would all be wise to follow their example. They’re not the most celebrated. They won’t play at the professional level. But they cheered on their more talented teammates with enthusiasm and gusto. It’s rare to see young people genuinely happy for their peers with more talent and opportunities.

This truly is a special group. And that’s why it’s so painful to watch them go. Maybe it would have been easier if they won the title. But they didn’t, so we have to move on. It helps that we can count on several returning. Tyler Ulis is one of the most fun players to come through the program. I’ve never seen a smaller player with less fear. Dominique Hawkins and Marcus Lee are expected to return. Derek Willis should see more playing time next year and EJ Floreal (or Flo Real, as I like to call him) will continue to dance at the beginning of games to get his team energized. For me, the most exciting of all is the return of Alex Poythress. I anticipate a HUGE season from him next year. His experience and maturity will give the team the stability they need to make a deep run in next year’s tourney. #9, here we come.

In the meantime, the heartbreaking end to the season and the mass exodus that has become the norm has left the BBN feeling dejected. All I can say is embrace it. It’s a testament to how good this season was (even if it was cut short) and the excitement that we have to look forward to next year. For now, I’ll leave you with a classic that will either help you find closure or send you to the corner weeping in the fetal position. And, you’ll likely be singing it the rest of the day. You’re welcome. 

What was your favorite memory from this season? Comment below.

4 Reasons the #BBN Should Cheer For Wisconsin

Let’s be honest, BBN. Saturday’s loss to Wisconsin hurt. It hurt real bad. It’s unfair to these young players that falling short of high expectations have overshadowed the fact that the 2014-15 UK Men’s Basketball Team had an historic year. There are a number of things that can be said about the game. I’m not basketball savvy enough to add anything that hasn’t already been said, but I would like to offer these 4 reasons to root for the Badgers on Monday night.

1. They’re not Duke. Even a casual Kentucky fan knows the history of Kentucky/Duke. In fact, the entire nation is reminded of their sordid history each March when they replay that heartbreaking last-second shot by Christian Laettner over and over and over. I won’t even bring up the fact that he stomped on Aminu Timberlake’s chest in the same game in the 1992 Elite Eight. Seriously. Let’s not even talk about that. It was over 20 years ago. Let it go. But teams have to have rivals. Duke is one of our big ones. It’s just as fun to root against rivals as it is to root for your team.

 

2. The Wisconsin players seem to be a genuinely fun group of guys. Frank Kaminsky is deceptively awkward looking. Sam Dekker is twelve. I didn’t see a press conference as they were preparing for the Final Four when this team wasn’t smiling, laughing and making fun of each other. For all of the publicity the Kentucky Wildcats received this year for their camaraderie and brotherhood, the Badgers seem to have it too. I think they genuinely care for one another. It’s hard not to like a group like that.

Francis Stanley Kaminsky III

3. Kentucky fans can’t stay mad at the loss forever. It’s a common cry to blame the referees or the poor performance of one of the players. These things can certainly affect the outcome of a game, but as we know from the infamous 1992 Duke game, people don’t get over things easily. The teams played. One came out on top. Congrats Wisconsin.

4. Kaminsky showed exceptional class toward Andrew Harrison. I’m sure you’ve heard of Andrew’s poor choice of words at the post game press conference. I’m not here to berate or excuse Andrew. But the fact is that this situation was handled quickly and with class. Apologies were quick and public (it was a public mistake) and so was Frank’s forgiveness.

Frank Kaminsky on Andrew Harrison: "He reached out to me, we talked about it, nothing needs to be made out of it."

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) April 5, 2015

Though extremely uncommon, I’ll be rooting for the boys in red. To the 2014-15 UK Men’s Basketball Team, thanks for a great year. Now go get ’em Francis.

Kentucky at Missouri; Scores and Highlights

Here are the highlights and box score from Kentucky’s 69-53 win over the Missouri Tigers:

Ugly win, but a win nonetheless. 20-0. Go Cats.