Kansas Opens as 2.5-Point Favorite

[Joneslab]

I think its big if we win. Its also big if we lose by 30. But as young as we really are this time around--if we lose by 10-15 it doesn't really hurt us going forward. It just means everyone is right...we need time.

Still, its exciting to have early season premier matchups.

I agree.

I expect them to jump out to a big lead simply because we'll be terrified. After the first TV time-out I think we can hang in, though I think we'll be playing from behind pretty much the whole game.

Wouldn't be surprised to see the final margin up around 15 but you would hope UK will do some things that they can hang their hats on going forward.

[Joneslab]

Lawson.

The Lawson brothers aren't eligible this season.

[George]

The Lawson brothers aren't eligible this season.

Are they not? Why?

[Joneslab]

Are they not? Why?

Played for Memphis last year.

[George]

Played for Memphis last year.

Ah. That's right. I knew I recognized the names. Those are the dudes who cussed Tubby in their going-away video.

[Joneslab]

Ah. That's right. I knew I recognized the names. Those are the dudes who cussed Tubby in their going-away video.

One of them has already been suspended for Kansas. Ran up a pretty significant bar tab one night and just walked out.

Would be surprised if their careers go smoothly in Lawrence. Which would sort of fit right in with the way things usually happen there: Self has had his share of guys who are a little...rough around the edges.

[KCKUKFan]

Graham. Mykhailiuk. Vick. Lightfoot. Lawson.

Aside from Graham, who is a notorious Cat Killer, I can't say I'm terribly concerned about any of the rest of their roster, at least in comparison with ours.

[Jeff ROCKober]

The current line is Kansas favored by 4.5.

[catfaninin]

Aside from Graham, who is a notorious Cat Killer, I can't say I'm terribly concerned about any of the rest of their roster, at least in comparison with ours.

I agree, Graham is a big concern. And Mykhailuk making a bunch of three's as well. Not impressed by Vick the woman beater. And I don't think Azubuike will be able to keep up with the pace of the game so UK should dominate the boards.

[Joneslab]

When Washington is at the 5, which I assume he will be for a good portion of this game, his ability to draw Azubuike away from the basket is key.

If we get Sunday's Washington then PJ should tear him up. If we get the Washington we'd seen in the games before that, Azubuike will have his way.

That's going to be a huge part of this game. That and our ability to keep dribblers out of the paint are essential if we're going to have a shot to win this one late.

[catfaninin]

I'm not as concerned about driving the ball as I am about 3 point shooting. Kansas is really small. I don't imagine they want much to do with driving against UK's size. It's a barrage of 3 pointers that worries me. Otherwise I like the chances. And I would add I expect Cal to try to post Knox all night and take advantage of his size.

[Joneslab]

I'm not as concerned about driving the ball as I am about 3 point shooting. Kansas is really small. I don't imagine they want much to do with driving against UK's size. It's a barrage of 3 pointers that worries me. Otherwise I like the chances. And I would add I expect Cal to try to post Knox all night and take advantage of his size.

So far teams have set up the three with the drive.

We haven't been able to keep anyone out of the lane so far. Even Centre's point guard. Anybody who wants it has gotten it.

If Graham doesn't live in there tonight then we've made great strides since Sunday.

[J.Jennings]

I absolutely better not hear Dick Vitale say one thing about Rick Pitino or Louisville tonight, i absolutely do not give a flying blanK about either one of them, stick to the script Dick, KENTUCKY and KANSAS!!!!!!


With that being said, silver lining we are without Vanderbilt so not all will be lost , let's hope KNOX and DIALLO show up and play like stars. I mentioned the other day that we didn't have any true Superstars on team and it was a knee jerk comment, both KNOX and DIALLO can be big time players, just hope they intend on breaking out tonight once and for all no looking back...............

[KCKUKFan]

I absolutely better not hear Dick Vitale say one thing about Rick Pitino or Louisville tonight, i absolutely do not give a flying blanK about either one of them, stick to the script Dick, KENTUCKY and KANSAS!!!!!!


With that being said, silver lining we are without Vanderbilt so not all will be lost , let's hope KNOX and DIALLO show up and play like stars. I mentioned the other day that we didn't have any true Superstars on team and it was a knee jerk comment, both KNOX and DIALLO can be big time players, just hope they intend on breaking out tonight once and for all no looking back...............

Luckily for you, Dick Vitale won't be doing this game. He's not on ESPN's A team anymore. Jay Bilas will be doing color.

[Catatonic]

I don't expect a win against a more seasoned Kansas team, but I'm still excited to see us play against real competition. UK men's basketball season starts proper tonight!