Kentucky’s Meltdown? | The Mecca Of College Basketball | Opinion

Opinion:  If you think the sun isn’t setting on the Kentucky basketball program then you must certainly believe in the Tooth Fairy or Santa Clause. Or, maybe both. But, facts are facts. The tradition of Kentucky basketball has been soiled and the fanbase has been sold a bill of goods for over a decade now with how great these teams should/will/might be “next year”. Kentucky basketball is starting to be the laughing stock of college basketball. As a fan, game after game, it’s hard to watch. It’s too late now.

First off, this isn’t a negative article about any player. Each year, I think these kids are good kids, talented, might make some in-game execution mistakes but are still trying to make it work.  No fault on the players. Zero.

These are random observations about tradition, observations of the past few years and what Kentucky basketball means to those of us that have lived it and breathed it for decades.  

After yesterdays loss to Vandy, you can rest assured that Bridgestone Arena will look a little empty today.  I’m sure yesterday, locals in Nashville, stuck on the 65 North, that don’t keep up with college basketball, were likely wondering, “Why do I see all these Kentucky license plates in a mass exodus heading north?” BBN travels well and packs the building at the SEC tournament. Have a look at the games on TV today and I’m guessing you won’t see the attendance you would if UK was still playing. And, I’m sure the SEC Tournament organizers are hating that UK lost.

Historically, meaning the last 10-12 years, unless Kentucky teams outplay their teams based on athleticism and get on a good run, these teams haven’t consistently beat anyone or made any deep runs because they are being taught a “one trick pony” strategy; man-to-man defense and let’s out score/out play opposing teams. And, when they do rely on athleticism to win games, which has been the case for nearly a decade now, then when the going gets tough, it comes down to coaching. And we all know, Kentucky consistently loses when it comes down to coaching. 

I will say, if there was a coach that recruited a team that could go deep into the bench and pressured the entire game then you would likely see some exciting basketball. I think I’ve seen that before somewhere. Maybe Pitino led teams? Maybe Denny Crum? Maybe I’m wrong. Or is that playing style like the Tooth Fairy; it just doesn’t exist. Call me old fashioned.

Enough with the “top 5 recruiting class this year/next year”. If the coaching staff can’t put together a cohesive unit from a recruiting class then they aren’t good recruiters or good coaches.  It’s nonsense. 

Why no zone? Why no full-court press? Stop with the “they don’t have enough time to teach it” B.S. That’s non-sense.  With 2 or 3 practices teams can learn this and execute it reasonably well during a game.  I’m not saying run a 2-3 zone the entire game. But, give the opposing team different looks for a few solid minutes a game to disrupt the opposing teams’ plan.  Show some tough-pressure-full-court zone presses occasionally.  Some man to man ball traps. SMH.

A few years ago, can’t recall the game.  (Maybe someone can leave it in the comments below.) There was a game, a road game, where Cal got ejected from the game. I wanna say it was Mississippi State or Ole Miss, can’t recall 100%.  After Cal’s ejection, Bruiser Flynt stepped up and “COACHED” the team to a come back win. He was running set plays and the players were following his strategy. I think it was a Dontaie Allen game where he went off? Maybe I’m wrong?  But, there was a moment when my eyes were opened to what could be. That was a blessing for Kentucky Basketball.  It showed what this program is really all about.  It showed what can be done when a good X’s and O’s coach steps in and takes the control. 

Blame it on free throws all you want.  Blame it on “this Vandy team knows us better than any other team”. Blame it on “were weren’t 100% healthy”.  Make up any story about whatever you want and throw the Tooth Fairy in to keep it interesting, it won’t matter; the results will be the same. Fact is, too many programs and coaching staffs getting far more done with far less.  They are building winning teams with players that compliment one another on the court.

At this point, Kentucky basketball fans are pretty much assured a bid for the NCAA tournament. And, I’ll hand it to him, Cal rallied his troops for yet another end-of-season run that got BBN pumped up. But at this point, they are also pretty much assured an early exit from aforementioned tournament. But that is acceptable for Kentucky basketball, right?

I hope I’m wrong.

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