The Big Blue Lowdown

Thoughts from the BBL’s UKHomer43 in the wake of Kentucky’s 72-58 victory over Notre Dame Wednesday night:

Is Terrence Jones the best UK frosh ever?

Sure we had John Wall last year and he was amazing for what he did and is now doing in the NBA, but fellas...umm...errr...This kid is a freak show.

What doesn't he do? He is the best rebounding UK player since.......??? I haven't seen anybody rebound better.

He is a 6-8 man child. He plays like Shaq around the goal. He has the ability to take ANYBODY off the dribble, cross over, shoot runners or straight dunk over your entire team.

His absolutely uncanny threes tonight were daggers. They weren't good shots within the framework of the offense but he is just a kid who wants to make the big shot.

At this point in the season, pundits and scribes have to take notice. Right now he is in the top 3 players in the NCAA.

I know he had a poor game against UNC last Saturday, but other than that game, this kid has been unstoppable. Oh and what about his defense and shot blocking? SICK.

UK is one player short. They completely live and die by the perimeter jump shot. Their spacing is poor and as talented as Brandon Knight is, I'm awestruck he still can't dribble with his left hand. Please take notice when watching him pound the ball with his right hand. UK's offense goes right almost every single possession save for ball reversal.

The blessing is Miller, Liggins, Lamb and Knight are all seemingly shooting better than 38% from three point land. Knight and Liggins had off nights tonight (as did Miller) but UK won through their quickness and tough denial, help and recover defense.

If UK can gain the services of the Turkish Mercenary, I have no doubt they could make a run to the Final Four. I think Cal needs to develop Stacey Poole a bit more. It's obvious he is talented as evidenced by his huge 3 point shot he hit tonight in the first half. After that he disappeared. 

I just don't see John Hood being quick enough to contribute at UK's talent level. Just not explosive enough off the dribble. He is athletic and rangy and apparently is making some perimeter shots now but with the kids coming in, he would do best to transfer to Western Kentucky or somewhere he'll see more playing time.

Whatever happens the rest of the way (if UK loses a couple players to injury they could finish 15-15), this is one hell of an exciting brand of hoops. I look forward to every time they lace ‘em up.

Is there any kind off time table as to when the Sham known as the NCAA rules on Kanter? Stay tuned.