Tuesday, January 13, 2009
54!!!!
OK, I really wanted to leave "The Weekly Grind" at the top of the blog. And I have also tried hard to spare everyone of Kentucky Basketball propaganda.
That said, I just watched the greatest individual performance in college basketball I have ever seen, and I cannot help it.
Jodie Meeks--a junior who missed 20 games last season due to injury, and never had hardly anything you could say was a "good game" in the 2007-08 season--just scored 54 points AT Tennessee. The Vols and Bruce Pearl's ridiculous orange sports coat got their asses handed to them, 90-72. The Vols were 6 point favorites, and had won 16-straight SEC home games! (The last home SEC loss: I'll let you guess who that was, but I'll give you a hint: Tubby Smith coached them.)
54!!!!
In the words of Jim Rome: Jodie...FREAKING...Meeks. Do you guys understand what 54 points is in a college game? That's like 70-80 in an NBA game. He broke Dan Issel's--a basketball Hall of Famer, and considered the greatest player in the history of the greatest college program of all-time--39-year-old single-game record of 53.
Not to mention he broke his and Tony Delk's--perhaps the greatest 3-point shooter in NCAA history--single-game 3-point record, hitting 10 (!) 3's.
That was a stunning display of shooting. I mean, that was Michael Jordan-hot. Brad Nissler said that in 19 years of calling college basketball for ESPN, that was the best performance he had ever seen.
54!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And did I mention that it was at Tennessee?
God bless Jodie Meeks.
That said, I just watched the greatest individual performance in college basketball I have ever seen, and I cannot help it.
Jodie Meeks--a junior who missed 20 games last season due to injury, and never had hardly anything you could say was a "good game" in the 2007-08 season--just scored 54 points AT Tennessee. The Vols and Bruce Pearl's ridiculous orange sports coat got their asses handed to them, 90-72. The Vols were 6 point favorites, and had won 16-straight SEC home games! (The last home SEC loss: I'll let you guess who that was, but I'll give you a hint: Tubby Smith coached them.)
54!!!!
In the words of Jim Rome: Jodie...FREAKING...Meeks. Do you guys understand what 54 points is in a college game? That's like 70-80 in an NBA game. He broke Dan Issel's--a basketball Hall of Famer, and considered the greatest player in the history of the greatest college program of all-time--39-year-old single-game record of 53.
Not to mention he broke his and Tony Delk's--perhaps the greatest 3-point shooter in NCAA history--single-game 3-point record, hitting 10 (!) 3's.
That was a stunning display of shooting. I mean, that was Michael Jordan-hot. Brad Nissler said that in 19 years of calling college basketball for ESPN, that was the best performance he had ever seen.
54!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And did I mention that it was at Tennessee?
God bless Jodie Meeks.
Labels: Bruce Pearl sucks even more, Jodie Meeks, Kentucky, Kentucky Basketball, Tennessee Sucks
Friday, April 06, 2007
A Sight (Picture) For Sore Eyes...
This quote was probably my favorite from today's press conference at Kentucky announcing Billy Gillispie as the new head coach of men's basketball (when asked if the crazy fans and their expectations will be "tough"):
"When you talk about tough, I don’t think 24,000 fans caring about your team as being tough. I see the opponent having to play in front of that as a tough assignment. I look at having seven or eight thousand fans at a game - that is tough. When you have 24,000 fans, I hope that every one of them is a coach. I hope that everyone has an unbelievable passion like I do. Whether they are screaming at me or at the players, lets just all do it together. We are going to be working hard, and they are going to be working hard. We are going to call on the fans, as great as they have been for so long, let’s just take it up a notch and let’s make it impossible for anyone to come in here, we want to make the other team leave at halftime."
And as a newly married dude, this was really funny response to a question (and I'm paraphrasing, don't have the direct quote):
-Reporter: "Are you concerned with being frequently second-guessed by arm-chair coaches?"
-Billy G.: "Well, uh--you guys do know I was married, right? That's all that happened when I was married."
He is really funny, and great with reporters. I can certainly see why him and Doc Sadler are best friends.
Billy Donovan was obviously my first choice, but as anyone who cared to know knows, Billy G. was a very close second. After watching his press conference and pep rally today (where he started to tear up talking about how great of an opportunity this was for him), I could not possibly be more thrilled.
Labels: Awesomeness, Billy Gillispie, College Basketball, Kentucky
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Kentucky vs. Kansas: A live blog!
4:14: We are live, from Dundee! Welcome. That was quick…Big Randolph Morris with a nice low-post move. 2-0.
4:14: And followed by a KU three. Not a good sign, friends. Oh, that, and Billy Packer is calling the game. Of course. Wow, THANKS CBS!
4:15: Morris again! He looks motivated big time…and when he is motivated, he is among the best.
4:15: KU with another three. And a steal. Christ.
4:16: Ah, another announcer referring to a player as “long.” Is there a more disturbing buzz word in sports than this? Do the announcers check these guys out in the locker room before the game?
4:17: Nice three by March Bobby Perry. Hopefully regular season Bobby Perry stayed in Lexington. Because he sucks.
4:17: Mmmm. Love having a freshman point guard who has never played in this big of a game in his life. Working out well for Kentucky. At least the next great Kentucky player is in: Jodie Meeks! He is going to really good.
4:18: Another KU three. Sweet Jesus. 11-7, KU.
4:18: *Opens new Internet browser* Hmmm, Google: how fast can you find a listing for “pizza?” Apparently in about 2 seconds. I love the Internets.
4:20: Pete just sent me these two text messages: “Make sure to mention that I am eating Swedish Fish and Wild Bill’s Jerky right now. I love Bucky’s.” and “I could have done without these asshole announcers. Does anyone even like Billy Packer?” My responses to those text messages are “*Marv Albert voice* YES!” and “Literally, no.”
4:22: Billy Packer just said something factual for the first time in his life: “Mike Ditka is pretty much Mr. Chicago, isn’t he?” I emphatically answer “Fuck yes.”
4:24: Great follow by March Bobby. I hope Morris isn’t going to shoot just to shoot the entire game. Nice block by him, though.
4:24: The graphic: “Tournament History.” I don’t even know why they’re trying to compare Kansas here. The numbers aren’t even close. UK wins. Except for probably this game.
4:25: March Bobby again! Tie ball game, 11-11!!
4:25: My God. The make guarded threes, how about we not leave them wide open? Just a suggestion. 14-11.
4:26: GA Hill: “What are your specials?”
Pizza Hut: “A large single-topping Cheesy Bites pizza for $11.99.”
GA Hill: *silence*
GA Hill: (inner monologue) “Why fight it? You’re a sucker for gimmicks, especially unhealthy, food gimmicks.”
GA Hill: (out loud again) “That sounds great, but could I get two toppings?”
Pizza Hut: “Sure. That will be 45 minutes to an hour.”
GA: Aren’t you literally a block and a half from my house.
Pizza Hut: “Yeah, exactly.”
GA: “Point taken. I’ll pay with cash.”
4:29: Nice taken charge there by Sheray Thomas. Pretty incredible story. The guy comes back from a softball-sized tumor, and no one ever talks about it. J.J. Redick gets taunted by fans, and we have to see 15-minute stories on his poetry. Sounds about right.
4:30: Another charge foul on KU! The were both legit calls, but I hope this isn’t one of those games that every charge and ticky-tack foul is called. Unless, of course, it goes Kentucky’s favor. I will be totally OK with this.
4:36: I actually like how things are going here. UK is playing pretty solid defense. The tempo is a bit too fast here, though.
4:36: That’s great. Right when I say UK is playing pretty solid defense, they leave Sasha Kaun wide open right by the hoop. At least they’re making him earn his points on the line.
4:38: Wow, another ticky-tack foul on KU. I wonder if the NCAA is conspiring to make sure they win so Tubby is Kentucky’s coach next year.
4:38: Jodie Meeks, for three! Love this kid. 17-15.
how things are going here. UK is playing pretty solid defense. The tempo is a bit too fast here, though.
4:36: That’s great. Right when I say UK is playing pretty solid defense, they leave Sasha Kaun wide open right by the hoop. At least they’re making him earn his points on the line.
4:38: Wow, another ticky-tack foul on KU. I wonder if the NCAA is conspiring to make sure they win so Tubby is Kentucky’s coach next year.
4:38: Jodie Meeks, for three! Love this kid. 17-15.
4:39: Billy Packer just said of Meeks “I love this kid. He is going to be a really good player.” The future just went quite dim for Jodie Meeks. Sorry, kid! I was a big fan while it lasted.
4:40: 19-17, UK. Things could not be going better at this point. There’s a makeup no-call for KU.
4:40: God damn it, breakaway steal/dunk. KU is just too athletic. If they go on any kind of run, my day is going to suck. 21-19, KU. TV timeout.
4:47: Well, apparently the refs got tired of calling charges. What a horseshit call on my man Eddie Murphy; er, Ramel Bradley.
4:47: There’s the charge call! Jodie Meeks! Doing all the right things.
4:50: Pizza time! Back later (as if anyone is reading and/or cares)…. 28-25, KU.
5:03: And we're back...what a horseshit pizza that was. Oh my God, is it bad. I don't know how I keep falling for stupid Pizza Hut pizzas. The last time I ate Pizza Hut, I got that lasagna pizza. It tasted exactly like...poop. Also, Derrick Jasper is having one crap-tacular game.
5:04: That son of a bitch Papa John. With his bullshit smile and fucking Louisville red shirt on, taunting me with my pizza choice. I hate him.
5:06: UK 30, KU 36. Kentucky would have the lead right now if they could make layups. Literally.
5:07: Same score at halftime. Being down 6 at the half is not the end of the world, by any means. But it isn't good, either.
5:08: Being hammered with CBS programming commercials makes one think to themselves: "Is CBS the worst network television station in the world?" Yes. Yes it is.
5:10: I see that USC is beating Texas. Not coincidentally, Kevin Durant is not Texas' leading scorer. Coincidence? Uh, no. Not to sound like the Sports Guy (as I write a running live blog on the Tournament), but Rick Barnes really is one shit, shit coach. I don't care if Durant is getting triple-teamed, he is good enough to get out them. Clearly he is not getting the ball enough.
5:12: Nevada-Memphis is on now. Hearing Verne Lunquist and Billy Raferty makes me remember just how bad Jim Nantz and Billy Packer are. How do these guys keep getting the top games and the Final Four games? I literally have never heard or read anyone say anything remotely good about those two. I know Nantz is "Mr. Masters," but that doesn't mean he doesn't suck.
5:13: Just heard a small explosion. I think it was Seger's head after having read anything remotely critical of Jim Nantz. Sorry, buddy. The guy is clown shoes. And Billy Raferty just reminded us that basketball is supposed to be fun and entertaining to watch. God, I hate CBS.
5:15: Mrs. GA is almost home. Didn't really think about that when I started this thing. Might be signing off for good. Enjoy the rest of the game, and think of me when this game is over. It might be a rough night.
6:15: ...aaaand that should about do it for the Tubby Smith Era at Kentucky. Good God. 76-60 right now. It is unbelievable how out-athleted Kentucky is in this game. It is completely unexcusable. It's Kentucky, for God's sake! You should be able to recruit in your sleep there. It is very Solich-esque at this point.
It's too bad. Tubby has class for miles, and is, as stated many a time before, a great person. I'm a huge fan of his. That said, it's probably time to go.
A pretty appropriate end to the 2006-07. UK had ZERO wins against Top 25 wins this season; not really sure why I thought they could possibly beat the best team in the country. God, this sucks.
I guess at least the Cubs start soon. Don't want to go too long without cheering for a losing team.
4:14: And followed by a KU three. Not a good sign, friends. Oh, that, and Billy Packer is calling the game. Of course. Wow, THANKS CBS!
4:15: Morris again! He looks motivated big time…and when he is motivated, he is among the best.
4:15: KU with another three. And a steal. Christ.
4:16: Ah, another announcer referring to a player as “long.” Is there a more disturbing buzz word in sports than this? Do the announcers check these guys out in the locker room before the game?
4:17: Nice three by March Bobby Perry. Hopefully regular season Bobby Perry stayed in Lexington. Because he sucks.
4:17: Mmmm. Love having a freshman point guard who has never played in this big of a game in his life. Working out well for Kentucky. At least the next great Kentucky player is in: Jodie Meeks! He is going to really good.
4:18: Another KU three. Sweet Jesus. 11-7, KU.
4:18: *Opens new Internet browser* Hmmm, Google: how fast can you find a listing for “pizza?” Apparently in about 2 seconds. I love the Internets.
4:20: Pete just sent me these two text messages: “Make sure to mention that I am eating Swedish Fish and Wild Bill’s Jerky right now. I love Bucky’s.” and “I could have done without these asshole announcers. Does anyone even like Billy Packer?” My responses to those text messages are “*Marv Albert voice* YES!” and “Literally, no.”
4:22: Billy Packer just said something factual for the first time in his life: “Mike Ditka is pretty much Mr. Chicago, isn’t he?” I emphatically answer “Fuck yes.”
4:24: Great follow by March Bobby. I hope Morris isn’t going to shoot just to shoot the entire game. Nice block by him, though.
4:24: The graphic: “Tournament History.” I don’t even know why they’re trying to compare Kansas here. The numbers aren’t even close. UK wins. Except for probably this game.
4:25: March Bobby again! Tie ball game, 11-11!!
4:25: My God. The make guarded threes, how about we not leave them wide open? Just a suggestion. 14-11.
4:26: GA Hill: “What are your specials?”
Pizza Hut: “A large single-topping Cheesy Bites pizza for $11.99.”
GA Hill: *silence*
GA Hill: (inner monologue) “Why fight it? You’re a sucker for gimmicks, especially unhealthy, food gimmicks.”
GA Hill: (out loud again) “That sounds great, but could I get two toppings?”
Pizza Hut: “Sure. That will be 45 minutes to an hour.”
GA: Aren’t you literally a block and a half from my house.
Pizza Hut: “Yeah, exactly.”
GA: “Point taken. I’ll pay with cash.”
4:29: Nice taken charge there by Sheray Thomas. Pretty incredible story. The guy comes back from a softball-sized tumor, and no one ever talks about it. J.J. Redick gets taunted by fans, and we have to see 15-minute stories on his poetry. Sounds about right.
4:30: Another charge foul on KU! The were both legit calls, but I hope this isn’t one of those games that every charge and ticky-tack foul is called. Unless, of course, it goes Kentucky’s favor. I will be totally OK with this.
4:36: I actually like how things are going here. UK is playing pretty solid defense. The tempo is a bit too fast here, though.
4:36: That’s great. Right when I say UK is playing pretty solid defense, they leave Sasha Kaun wide open right by the hoop. At least they’re making him earn his points on the line.
4:38: Wow, another ticky-tack foul on KU. I wonder if the NCAA is conspiring to make sure they win so Tubby is Kentucky’s coach next year.
4:38: Jodie Meeks, for three! Love this kid. 17-15.
how things are going here. UK is playing pretty solid defense. The tempo is a bit too fast here, though.
4:36: That’s great. Right when I say UK is playing pretty solid defense, they leave Sasha Kaun wide open right by the hoop. At least they’re making him earn his points on the line.
4:38: Wow, another ticky-tack foul on KU. I wonder if the NCAA is conspiring to make sure they win so Tubby is Kentucky’s coach next year.
4:38: Jodie Meeks, for three! Love this kid. 17-15.
4:39: Billy Packer just said of Meeks “I love this kid. He is going to be a really good player.” The future just went quite dim for Jodie Meeks. Sorry, kid! I was a big fan while it lasted.
4:40: 19-17, UK. Things could not be going better at this point. There’s a makeup no-call for KU.
4:40: God damn it, breakaway steal/dunk. KU is just too athletic. If they go on any kind of run, my day is going to suck. 21-19, KU. TV timeout.
4:47: Well, apparently the refs got tired of calling charges. What a horseshit call on my man Eddie Murphy; er, Ramel Bradley.
4:47: There’s the charge call! Jodie Meeks! Doing all the right things.
4:50: Pizza time! Back later (as if anyone is reading and/or cares)…. 28-25, KU.
5:03: And we're back...what a horseshit pizza that was. Oh my God, is it bad. I don't know how I keep falling for stupid Pizza Hut pizzas. The last time I ate Pizza Hut, I got that lasagna pizza. It tasted exactly like...poop. Also, Derrick Jasper is having one crap-tacular game.
5:04: That son of a bitch Papa John. With his bullshit smile and fucking Louisville red shirt on, taunting me with my pizza choice. I hate him.
5:06: UK 30, KU 36. Kentucky would have the lead right now if they could make layups. Literally.
5:07: Same score at halftime. Being down 6 at the half is not the end of the world, by any means. But it isn't good, either.
5:08: Being hammered with CBS programming commercials makes one think to themselves: "Is CBS the worst network television station in the world?" Yes. Yes it is.
5:10: I see that USC is beating Texas. Not coincidentally, Kevin Durant is not Texas' leading scorer. Coincidence? Uh, no. Not to sound like the Sports Guy (as I write a running live blog on the Tournament), but Rick Barnes really is one shit, shit coach. I don't care if Durant is getting triple-teamed, he is good enough to get out them. Clearly he is not getting the ball enough.
5:12: Nevada-Memphis is on now. Hearing Verne Lunquist and Billy Raferty makes me remember just how bad Jim Nantz and Billy Packer are. How do these guys keep getting the top games and the Final Four games? I literally have never heard or read anyone say anything remotely good about those two. I know Nantz is "Mr. Masters," but that doesn't mean he doesn't suck.
5:13: Just heard a small explosion. I think it was Seger's head after having read anything remotely critical of Jim Nantz. Sorry, buddy. The guy is clown shoes. And Billy Raferty just reminded us that basketball is supposed to be fun and entertaining to watch. God, I hate CBS.
5:15: Mrs. GA is almost home. Didn't really think about that when I started this thing. Might be signing off for good. Enjoy the rest of the game, and think of me when this game is over. It might be a rough night.
6:15: ...aaaand that should about do it for the Tubby Smith Era at Kentucky. Good God. 76-60 right now. It is unbelievable how out-athleted Kentucky is in this game. It is completely unexcusable. It's Kentucky, for God's sake! You should be able to recruit in your sleep there. It is very Solich-esque at this point.
It's too bad. Tubby has class for miles, and is, as stated many a time before, a great person. I'm a huge fan of his. That said, it's probably time to go.
A pretty appropriate end to the 2006-07. UK had ZERO wins against Top 25 wins this season; not really sure why I thought they could possibly beat the best team in the country. God, this sucks.
I guess at least the Cubs start soon. Don't want to go too long without cheering for a losing team.
Labels: Kansas, Kentucky, NCAA Tournament
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