UK Drops to No. 3 in Polls

In the new polls (both the Coach’s Poll and the AP Poll) Kentucky has fallen from number 1 to number 3 after Saturday’s loss to Indiana in Bloomington.

So, we’re down to three.  Not so bad.  I’m a little confused about how Ohio State holds their spot at number 2.  I know that Jared Sullinger was out for that game, but shouldn’t they drop at least one spot?  Not even one?  We were without Terrence Jones.  Doesn’t that mean something? (rimshot)

I’m not going to pile on TJ, though.  I yelled at the guy quite a bit during the game and I’m sure Cal will be giving him a fair amount of punishment this week in practices.  4 points, 1 rebound and 6 turnovers.  Poor.  Very poor.  He did have 1 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks but it was nowhere near enough to compensate for his lackluster contribution to this team.  He should have dominated and instead he just disappeared…  Okay, so I guess I’ll pile on, too, but I’ll add that TJ is still the same player that stepped up against UNC and Kansas and St. Johns.  He’s still that guy.  He just wasn’t against Indiana.  As long as it doesn’t become a habit, which is the fear of many UK fans, then all will be forgiven.

The last play was also baffling, with poor defense and the lack of a crucial foul.  Free throws were an issue, though to be honest, I’ve learned that anytime we lose under Cal, you will always be able to point at free throws.  I don’t see that changing, and considering all of the pro’s we get with Calipari (no pun intended), poor free throw shooting is a sacrifice I’m willing to make.  Don’t forget that Billy Gillispie’s teams shot free throws very well.

MKG is the perfect fan favorite.  He can’t really shoot… and that’s about all I can think of that the guy can’t do.  He can take it to the rim, he can dunk, he can pass, he can press, he can defend the quickest guy on the other team, he pushes on every play and he never, ever gives up.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Kidd-Gilchrist leads the team in rebounding this year.  When you think about the fact that both our four and five are lottery picks, that makes it even more impressive. 

Darius was a no show until some crucial moments in the second half.  We’d be in big trouble without Lamb, but everyone still gets scared when he runs the point.  Anthony Davis looks like he might be adding a jump shot to his repertoire which would be lethal.  Vargas is no longer a joke.  Teague really does have it in him to be one of the best point guards in college basketball, if he can only stop having complete half’s when he is non-existent.

All in all, a disappointing weekend, but it’s not the end of the world.  Indiana is now a game we’ll look forward to just a little bit more, players have a chance to deal with defeat and improve upon their shortcomings.

I’m still pissed though.