"Parting is such sweet sorrow ... "
The Cats return to action tonight looking to continue the positive vibes from the last two games -- the first two of the "graded practice" era. I'm curious to know whether Tubby Smith is actually still grading practice and whether he'll shuffle the lineup accordingly, or whether, his point now made, he'll run with some consistency. Truthfully, the pattern of shuffling Rajon Rondo, Randolph Morris and Joe Crawford in at the first sign of fumbling from the Woo-Stockton-Moss triumverate seems to be effective.
The loss to injury of sophomore guard Ramel Bradley is troubling in that it decreases depth. If there is a silver lining to it, though, it's that Bradley played a total of 12 minutes in the two recent wins, and losing a guard for the Cats -- a position of strength -- is much less costly than losing a "big" man. Bradley's freewheeling ways have put him solidly in the doghouse, which is a shame. I haven't really talked much about Smoov this season, and that's partly his own fault. For every 12-point first half outing, there are countless rushed shots clanging off the rim early in the shot clock. In true Brooklyn style -- and you'll have to trust me on this one since I spent 8 years living and playing pickup ball there -- he seems unabashed about being a creative and gifted scorer who regards defense as rest time until it's time for offense again. And it doesn't have to be this way. I just hope he'll stick around and see what being a beloved Wildcat can do for an already healthy ego -- just ask Cameron Mills.
There have been a slew of rumors and a healthy dose of innuendo that as many as 7 players are out the door after this year (not including the Tubster himself). For the sake of nothing, here's a quick look at some potential "departures" and how they might grade out. [Ed. note - this is satirical and, like Jared Prickett's college haze, has no basis in reality. ... All photos courtesy of UK Athletics.]
(1.) Shagari Alleyne, C, Jr. -- The former Rice high school standout has solidified his stranglehold on the end of the pine, playing only when fellow Junior Lukasz Obrzut runs out of two-handed layups or trips over the end line. Tubby's accolades of invisible freshman Jared Carter's progress bode ill for the onetime Gregg Doyel pet project Alleyne, and his brief stint on the NBADraft.net mock draft board have to seem to the big guy like the internet boom to a broken DotCommer working night shift at Arby's at this point. I never really want a kid to leave, feeling that (a) the UK experience is worth it and (b) not every kid becomes a star. That said, Alleyne once showed promise, and I have written here before that his career is wasting into nothingness before our eyes. At 7'3", the dude could help someone at a smaller school, and might even get a chance to hit a draft camp if he could manage to see more than 2 mopup minutes on the floor. But that's his doing, not Tubby's. If anything, UK fans cannot argue that Smith doesn't give guys many chances to prove themselves. Shagari has clearly proven something, all right. Just not in a good way.
Transfer likelihood: Aminu Timberlake's size 18s
Possible destination: Fordham
(2.) Adam Williams, G/F, Fr. -- A much-debated recruit to begin with, the high-hopping, rim-breakin' Williams hasn't really shown anything to the Big Blue Faithful as of yet. Kind of hard to do in 2 minutes against Iona, etc. A-Will, who committed to the Cats in 1987, was one of those kids who choked up at the chance to put on the uniform, something that melts most fans' hearts. Lacking a perimeter game and a Fast Food prospect pedigree, the coach's son is firmly 8th on the guard depth chart if you count incoming freshmen and likely early contributors Jodie Meeks and Derrick Jasper. Adam's father, West Virginia coaching legend Tex, seems miffed about his son's role and PT -- of which there isn't much -- and has hinted at various times a possible return to WVU and theoretical floor time. No one wants to see a kid who bleeds blue take off, but it's hard to imagine that Williams, who faced marginal competition in his prep days, is going to get another chance at a second chance, if that's his desire. For what it's worth, I think that he could be a contributor. Heck, none of us have seen him play enough to know for sure. But at Kentucky, you get recruited over sometimes within your own class (Bradley, ahem), much less year-to-year. Williams is already a prep year behind, and a transfer year adds another year to his age. Still, Tubby has been Marlee Matlin silent about Adam to the press. A change of scenery could be win-win or lose-win, depending.
Transfer likelihood: Oliver Simmons' surprisingly hot girlfriend
Possible destination: West Virginia
(3.) Ramel Bradley, G, So. -- Having already talked about Bradley's shortcomings, it should be noted that the kid is dynamite at times, and has a performer's mentality that UK fans love. There's such a fine line between a Fitch and a Carruth in terms of attitude, however, that it's hard to know which Smoov will become. That he possesses pro-caliber offense is undeniable. He's possibly ther best and clutchest long range bomber the Cats have. But in addition to lacking a conscience, Bradley hasn't grasped the defense yet, and his penchant for emotional outbursts clearly cost him (broken hand) as much as they help (Bogut confrontation, '05). Count me as among those who think an upperclass Bradley is an All-SEC lock, provided he lets Tubby do the jabbering and harnesses his talent on both ends. Some have said that the rumor mill posits a Rondo return could mean a Bradley departure, especially with three more guards entering the fold in the fall. I can't speak to that, but much like a major college football QB situation, if you wait your chance and study hard, sometimes that one year can make your career. Whether Smoov realizes this before his heart gets in the way, we may not know.
Transfer likelihood: Tony Delk's jumper
Possible destination: Cincinnati, St. Johns
(4.) Scott Rigot, Asst. coach -- Not unlike Keyser Soze, Rigot's reputation as a cancer and useless assistant are more prominent than any public displays of such things (or of actual life from the guy). Despite a host of message board "insiders" posting how Rigot bungled a recruiting trip here or there, there is no actual proof other than the fact that UK whiffed on a names last fall. That said, Rigot was supposedly brought on board for his skills with getting Juco and Euro players. Apparently, those skills were either oversold or underdeveloped. What Rigot does bring to the table, the average fan cannot truly know, despite the volume of Cats Pause readers who claim to. At some schools, this season's struggles would be cause for a staff shakeup, and of the prominent assistants, Rigot is the easiest target and the least known. His sunshine demeanor doesn't help much.
Leaving likelihood: Nate Knight's playing time
Possible destination: Indian Hills CC
(5.) Rajon Rondo, PG, So. -- All jokes aside, the possibility of Rondo heading to the next level is legit. Despite a clear lack of shooting prowess, Rondo's all-around game and ridiculous athleticism show the sort of potential that the NBA covets, figuring that shooting will come with dedicated instruction and a lack of Com 101 final exams to worry about. Rondo has been tight-lipped about his future thus far (as has his high school coach), and a recent slump may have his stock dropping a little. But scouts have seen him in action enough to have a pretty good idea what it is he excels at. A few nutjobs still think he could transfer to Louisville, and maybe he will for all I know. It seems an unlikely sccenario, given that he'd have to postpone the NBA for another two years (transfer + jr.). I happen to be one of those blind optimists who see a kid who understands he has limitations and wants to correct them, not a stuck up jerk who won't pass the ball. My best guess? Rondo returns for another year, and spends the summer shooting more jumpers and free throws in preparation for his final college season. A flirt with the draft process wouldn't be a surprise either.
Leaving likelihood: Keith Bogans' jump-stop
Possible destination: Boston Celtics
(6.) Joe Crawford, G, So. -- Given the prior dalliances with leaving that Joe C had, an exit isn't beyond conception. Having lost his starting job doesn't help, and Crawford's driving, penetrating game seems handicapped sometimes in the stand-around UK offense. But the Detroit native also has played 24 minutes a game and is averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds on the year. In other words, he's getting his shots. Another McDonald's All-American, Crawford would also have to put any pro ambitions on hold for at least two years with a transfer, and having worked his way back into Tubby's good graces, would seem hard pressed to see a move as anything but bad press. Crawdaddy's defense has also improved immensely, and a healthy season could mean major accolades at a high profile school like UK. A few rumors floated around that he might be on the way out, but I don't put much stock in that, especially as he is the clear starter when he returns, with Patrick Sparks and Ravi Moss graduating.
Transfer likelihood: Gerald Fitch's fake ID
Possible destination: Nike summer camp (counselor)
(7.) Tubby Smith, head coach -- On his weekly radio show, Smith put to rest rumors of his leaving. However, saying and doing are different animals, of course. Smith can say he has no intention of leaving, and a Bobcats or Mizzou could give him $4 million reasons to change his mind, who knows. This has been Tubby's most trying season. Even during his Team Turmoil year there was never the possibility of missing the tournament. In fact, that team was ranked the whole year. This year's team hasn't been ranked since January, and would have to sweep Florida, LSU and Tennessee as well as Ole Miss to have any realistic shot of grabbing a top 5 seed. His troops have struggled under his normally strong hand, and a few high profile recruiting misses (Brandan Wright, Thad Young) have Tubby still searching under rocks for a standout power forward. If nothing else, the pressure of the UK job has never been more evident, as talk shows, the internet and real life have coalesced into a mess of bad vibes. Tubby has won back a few fans with his new "my way" attitude, eschewing the talent for the passion among the starting five, and a late season run would quiet the storm somewhat, though not completely. A big recruiting haul comes in next year, but the senior class is still marginal, not to mention the possibility of a few departures forcing Smith to rely on freshmen again. Some believe a Tubby exit on his own terms would be win-win. I do not. As I've noted before, given the media climate (Glory Road) and the subpar season his team is having, Tubby would do better to leave on a high note. But money talks, as they say, and were a more comfortable situation to emerge, and the payday/opportunity intrigue him, he'd be silly not to listen. Besides, how many questions about Richie Farmer can you truthfully answer from "Earl in Lancaster" before your head explodes?
Leaving likelihood: Tom Izzo's 10-loss seasons
Possible destination: Atlanta Hawks ... or the Hall of Fame?
The loss to injury of sophomore guard Ramel Bradley is troubling in that it decreases depth. If there is a silver lining to it, though, it's that Bradley played a total of 12 minutes in the two recent wins, and losing a guard for the Cats -- a position of strength -- is much less costly than losing a "big" man. Bradley's freewheeling ways have put him solidly in the doghouse, which is a shame. I haven't really talked much about Smoov this season, and that's partly his own fault. For every 12-point first half outing, there are countless rushed shots clanging off the rim early in the shot clock. In true Brooklyn style -- and you'll have to trust me on this one since I spent 8 years living and playing pickup ball there -- he seems unabashed about being a creative and gifted scorer who regards defense as rest time until it's time for offense again. And it doesn't have to be this way. I just hope he'll stick around and see what being a beloved Wildcat can do for an already healthy ego -- just ask Cameron Mills.
There have been a slew of rumors and a healthy dose of innuendo that as many as 7 players are out the door after this year (not including the Tubster himself). For the sake of nothing, here's a quick look at some potential "departures" and how they might grade out. [Ed. note - this is satirical and, like Jared Prickett's college haze, has no basis in reality. ... All photos courtesy of UK Athletics.]
(1.) Shagari Alleyne, C, Jr. -- The former Rice high school standout has solidified his stranglehold on the end of the pine, playing only when fellow Junior Lukasz Obrzut runs out of two-handed layups or trips over the end line. Tubby's accolades of invisible freshman Jared Carter's progress bode ill for the onetime Gregg Doyel pet project Alleyne, and his brief stint on the NBADraft.net mock draft board have to seem to the big guy like the internet boom to a broken DotCommer working night shift at Arby's at this point. I never really want a kid to leave, feeling that (a) the UK experience is worth it and (b) not every kid becomes a star. That said, Alleyne once showed promise, and I have written here before that his career is wasting into nothingness before our eyes. At 7'3", the dude could help someone at a smaller school, and might even get a chance to hit a draft camp if he could manage to see more than 2 mopup minutes on the floor. But that's his doing, not Tubby's. If anything, UK fans cannot argue that Smith doesn't give guys many chances to prove themselves. Shagari has clearly proven something, all right. Just not in a good way.
Transfer likelihood: Aminu Timberlake's size 18s
Possible destination: Fordham
(2.) Adam Williams, G/F, Fr. -- A much-debated recruit to begin with, the high-hopping, rim-breakin' Williams hasn't really shown anything to the Big Blue Faithful as of yet. Kind of hard to do in 2 minutes against Iona, etc. A-Will, who committed to the Cats in 1987, was one of those kids who choked up at the chance to put on the uniform, something that melts most fans' hearts. Lacking a perimeter game and a Fast Food prospect pedigree, the coach's son is firmly 8th on the guard depth chart if you count incoming freshmen and likely early contributors Jodie Meeks and Derrick Jasper. Adam's father, West Virginia coaching legend Tex, seems miffed about his son's role and PT -- of which there isn't much -- and has hinted at various times a possible return to WVU and theoretical floor time. No one wants to see a kid who bleeds blue take off, but it's hard to imagine that Williams, who faced marginal competition in his prep days, is going to get another chance at a second chance, if that's his desire. For what it's worth, I think that he could be a contributor. Heck, none of us have seen him play enough to know for sure. But at Kentucky, you get recruited over sometimes within your own class (Bradley, ahem), much less year-to-year. Williams is already a prep year behind, and a transfer year adds another year to his age. Still, Tubby has been Marlee Matlin silent about Adam to the press. A change of scenery could be win-win or lose-win, depending.
Transfer likelihood: Oliver Simmons' surprisingly hot girlfriend
Possible destination: West Virginia
(3.) Ramel Bradley, G, So. -- Having already talked about Bradley's shortcomings, it should be noted that the kid is dynamite at times, and has a performer's mentality that UK fans love. There's such a fine line between a Fitch and a Carruth in terms of attitude, however, that it's hard to know which Smoov will become. That he possesses pro-caliber offense is undeniable. He's possibly ther best and clutchest long range bomber the Cats have. But in addition to lacking a conscience, Bradley hasn't grasped the defense yet, and his penchant for emotional outbursts clearly cost him (broken hand) as much as they help (Bogut confrontation, '05). Count me as among those who think an upperclass Bradley is an All-SEC lock, provided he lets Tubby do the jabbering and harnesses his talent on both ends. Some have said that the rumor mill posits a Rondo return could mean a Bradley departure, especially with three more guards entering the fold in the fall. I can't speak to that, but much like a major college football QB situation, if you wait your chance and study hard, sometimes that one year can make your career. Whether Smoov realizes this before his heart gets in the way, we may not know.
Transfer likelihood: Tony Delk's jumper
Possible destination: Cincinnati, St. Johns
(4.) Scott Rigot, Asst. coach -- Not unlike Keyser Soze, Rigot's reputation as a cancer and useless assistant are more prominent than any public displays of such things (or of actual life from the guy). Despite a host of message board "insiders" posting how Rigot bungled a recruiting trip here or there, there is no actual proof other than the fact that UK whiffed on a names last fall. That said, Rigot was supposedly brought on board for his skills with getting Juco and Euro players. Apparently, those skills were either oversold or underdeveloped. What Rigot does bring to the table, the average fan cannot truly know, despite the volume of Cats Pause readers who claim to. At some schools, this season's struggles would be cause for a staff shakeup, and of the prominent assistants, Rigot is the easiest target and the least known. His sunshine demeanor doesn't help much.
Leaving likelihood: Nate Knight's playing time
Possible destination: Indian Hills CC
(5.) Rajon Rondo, PG, So. -- All jokes aside, the possibility of Rondo heading to the next level is legit. Despite a clear lack of shooting prowess, Rondo's all-around game and ridiculous athleticism show the sort of potential that the NBA covets, figuring that shooting will come with dedicated instruction and a lack of Com 101 final exams to worry about. Rondo has been tight-lipped about his future thus far (as has his high school coach), and a recent slump may have his stock dropping a little. But scouts have seen him in action enough to have a pretty good idea what it is he excels at. A few nutjobs still think he could transfer to Louisville, and maybe he will for all I know. It seems an unlikely sccenario, given that he'd have to postpone the NBA for another two years (transfer + jr.). I happen to be one of those blind optimists who see a kid who understands he has limitations and wants to correct them, not a stuck up jerk who won't pass the ball. My best guess? Rondo returns for another year, and spends the summer shooting more jumpers and free throws in preparation for his final college season. A flirt with the draft process wouldn't be a surprise either.
Leaving likelihood: Keith Bogans' jump-stop
Possible destination: Boston Celtics
(6.) Joe Crawford, G, So. -- Given the prior dalliances with leaving that Joe C had, an exit isn't beyond conception. Having lost his starting job doesn't help, and Crawford's driving, penetrating game seems handicapped sometimes in the stand-around UK offense. But the Detroit native also has played 24 minutes a game and is averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds on the year. In other words, he's getting his shots. Another McDonald's All-American, Crawford would also have to put any pro ambitions on hold for at least two years with a transfer, and having worked his way back into Tubby's good graces, would seem hard pressed to see a move as anything but bad press. Crawdaddy's defense has also improved immensely, and a healthy season could mean major accolades at a high profile school like UK. A few rumors floated around that he might be on the way out, but I don't put much stock in that, especially as he is the clear starter when he returns, with Patrick Sparks and Ravi Moss graduating.
Transfer likelihood: Gerald Fitch's fake ID
Possible destination: Nike summer camp (counselor)
(7.) Tubby Smith, head coach -- On his weekly radio show, Smith put to rest rumors of his leaving. However, saying and doing are different animals, of course. Smith can say he has no intention of leaving, and a Bobcats or Mizzou could give him $4 million reasons to change his mind, who knows. This has been Tubby's most trying season. Even during his Team Turmoil year there was never the possibility of missing the tournament. In fact, that team was ranked the whole year. This year's team hasn't been ranked since January, and would have to sweep Florida, LSU and Tennessee as well as Ole Miss to have any realistic shot of grabbing a top 5 seed. His troops have struggled under his normally strong hand, and a few high profile recruiting misses (Brandan Wright, Thad Young) have Tubby still searching under rocks for a standout power forward. If nothing else, the pressure of the UK job has never been more evident, as talk shows, the internet and real life have coalesced into a mess of bad vibes. Tubby has won back a few fans with his new "my way" attitude, eschewing the talent for the passion among the starting five, and a late season run would quiet the storm somewhat, though not completely. A big recruiting haul comes in next year, but the senior class is still marginal, not to mention the possibility of a few departures forcing Smith to rely on freshmen again. Some believe a Tubby exit on his own terms would be win-win. I do not. As I've noted before, given the media climate (Glory Road) and the subpar season his team is having, Tubby would do better to leave on a high note. But money talks, as they say, and were a more comfortable situation to emerge, and the payday/opportunity intrigue him, he'd be silly not to listen. Besides, how many questions about Richie Farmer can you truthfully answer from "Earl in Lancaster" before your head explodes?
Leaving likelihood: Tom Izzo's 10-loss seasons
Possible destination: Atlanta Hawks ... or the Hall of Fame?
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