Post by Administrator on Jun 6, 2002 18:49:41 GMT -5
With the lingering, bitter taste of last season all too memorable to the legions of Wildcat basketball fans around the Bluegrass, it is time to swallow that magic, Big Blue Pill. You know the one. Kentucky’s pharmaceutical shops are all well stocked with this essential remedy at this dull time of year in the basketball off-season. Just swallow, nap, and forget Team Turmoil. The 2003 Cats will be different. Expectations are renewed. Expect greatness.
After all, the Big Blue Hoard was depressed following the breakdown of Rodrick Rhodes and company in 1995. Yet only a few short months later, the Rupp Arena faithful witnessed an assembly of talent, the kind of goliath display of roundball expertise seldom seen in the history of the college game.
Before you laugh, make sure to take your pill.
You remember the preseason questions swirling around that ‘96 team that would only later be fondly known as the Unbelievables. The team had lost its number one gun, Rodrick Rhodes, amidst a lot of uncomfortable unhappiness on the team. Could Tony Delk thrive as a senior without him? Who would step up in Rhodes’ place? Would it be talented transfer, Derek Anderson? How about promising freshman, Ron Mercer? Neither of them had played a game in a Wildcat uniform. Anthony Epps lacked experience. Could he mature enough to run the show? Raw, egotistical talent, Antoine Walker, had shown only flashes of his potential. What would he do as a sophomore? Pitino had trouble recruiting a dominant, athletic center. Would slow-of-foot Mark Pope and skinny Walter McCarty be enough in the middle? Most importantly, would Pitino’s team be able to put the disappointments of the previous season behind them and come together to achieve their considerable potential?
Sound familiar?
If you have taken that pill, it should.
After all, Tubby Smith just rid himself and the team of all the negative vibes surrounding Rashaad Carruth. Do-it-all Tayshaun Prince is on his way to the league. How will a senior Keith Bogans respond in his absence? Who will fill the void? Will it be dynamite JUCO sensation, Antwain Barbour? How about freshman stud, Kelenna Azubuike? Both have yet to play in Wildcat Blue. Cliff Hawkins was at times erratic last season running the show. How will he respond as a junior? Chuck Hayes flexed his muscles as a freshman. Will he take his game to the next level? With Marvin Stone transferring to hated rival, Louisville, and Jason Parker injured, last year’s Cats were thin in the paint, Will the return of Parker overpower opponents on the blocks? Priority one, will Tubby’s team overcome the chaos of ‘02 and unite to reach their goals as a team?
Some interesting parallels.
If you are one of the faithful, why not believe? …
After all, the Big Blue Hoard was depressed following the breakdown of Rodrick Rhodes and company in 1995. Yet only a few short months later, the Rupp Arena faithful witnessed an assembly of talent, the kind of goliath display of roundball expertise seldom seen in the history of the college game.
Before you laugh, make sure to take your pill.
You remember the preseason questions swirling around that ‘96 team that would only later be fondly known as the Unbelievables. The team had lost its number one gun, Rodrick Rhodes, amidst a lot of uncomfortable unhappiness on the team. Could Tony Delk thrive as a senior without him? Who would step up in Rhodes’ place? Would it be talented transfer, Derek Anderson? How about promising freshman, Ron Mercer? Neither of them had played a game in a Wildcat uniform. Anthony Epps lacked experience. Could he mature enough to run the show? Raw, egotistical talent, Antoine Walker, had shown only flashes of his potential. What would he do as a sophomore? Pitino had trouble recruiting a dominant, athletic center. Would slow-of-foot Mark Pope and skinny Walter McCarty be enough in the middle? Most importantly, would Pitino’s team be able to put the disappointments of the previous season behind them and come together to achieve their considerable potential?
Sound familiar?
If you have taken that pill, it should.
After all, Tubby Smith just rid himself and the team of all the negative vibes surrounding Rashaad Carruth. Do-it-all Tayshaun Prince is on his way to the league. How will a senior Keith Bogans respond in his absence? Who will fill the void? Will it be dynamite JUCO sensation, Antwain Barbour? How about freshman stud, Kelenna Azubuike? Both have yet to play in Wildcat Blue. Cliff Hawkins was at times erratic last season running the show. How will he respond as a junior? Chuck Hayes flexed his muscles as a freshman. Will he take his game to the next level? With Marvin Stone transferring to hated rival, Louisville, and Jason Parker injured, last year’s Cats were thin in the paint, Will the return of Parker overpower opponents on the blocks? Priority one, will Tubby’s team overcome the chaos of ‘02 and unite to reach their goals as a team?
Some interesting parallels.
If you are one of the faithful, why not believe? …
;D