Florida vs. Kentucky: Game Thread

[Catsrock]

We protected Rupp and got the win. I’m pleased. But after a miserable first couple months of the season it felt like Cal had figured out who needed the minutes. The season started looking up. Since then it feels to me—in wins and losses—that Cal is just determined to revert back to searching for lineups. Yes, Wheeler was downright good yesterday. Collins contributed. Livingston got minutes. But down the stretch there was no Reeves. There was Collins in place of Livingston. Cal definitely doesn’t trust Chris at the end of games. Just seems like he figured out the season with a scaled back unit then changed his mind.

I’d like to see primarily Wallace, Reeves, Oscar, Toppin, Livingston and CJ (if hitting shots) with less Wheeler (unless CJ is not hitting shots). Spot minutes from a couple others especially if there’s foul trouble. And let your core guys play at the end and get used to it before March.

And back to CJ—I think you can always tell pretty early in the game what he’s bringing for that night.

[Joneslab]

I actually didn't really think the lineups were part of that last night. Oscar couldn't guard Castleton. That's what it pretty much came down to. He probably could've just sat Oscar in the last 4+ minutes and we would've won by more but you always worry there's going to be a tough rebound we can't get when he's out.

Oscar screwed up several plays last night. I think he made it a grudge match against Castleton and the game sort of got vortexed into him trying to prove he could score. I actually think Cal didn't show enough respect to Castleton because a lot of those plays to Oscar seemed to be called from the bench.

Oscar needs to be more of a passer. There was an interesting play in the first half where he threw a really nice pass to Toppin and Toppin scored, and on the way back downcourt Toppin looked at Oscar as if to say, "See? Easy."

Oscar got spoiled a little by what a behemoth he was last year and at times tries to do things This Year's Oscar seems unable to do.

[lilproUK98]

Why is Reeves on the bench?

Because he gave up back door layups. That's the death sentence for Cal

[lilproUK98]

Wallace was incredible and I think it goes under the radar because he's so relaxed out there and rarely shows any emotion. He made about a dozen incredible plays defensively and offensively but since he doesn't draw attention to himself and jump around and flex and scream he doesn't even get noticed or celebrated as much as others. He is all about business. He makes All American plays all over the court on both ends and it's just like "wow, that was an incredible play, did you all just see that? Oh, what a block!" "what a clutch shot!" Then you look at his face and he looks like he's just out for a stroll in the park lol

[Joneslab]

Wallace was incredible and I think it goes under the radar because he's so relaxed out there and rarely shows any emotion. He made about a dozen incredible plays defensively and offensively but since he doesn't draw attention to himself and jump around and flex and scream he doesn't even get noticed or celebrated as much as others. He is all about business. He makes All American plays all over the court on both ends and it's just like "wow, that was an incredible play, did you all just see that? Oh, what a block!" "what a clutch shot!" Then you look at his face and he looks like he's just out for a stroll in the park lol

Good post. Was just gonna post something similar.

What an unreal player.

[Catsrock]

Because he gave up back door layups. That's the death sentence for Cal

Unless you are Wheeler, Toppin, Oscar or any of Cal’s other favorites over the last 10 years. Automatic bench for some. Do it all year with consequences for others.

[Catsrock]

Wallace was incredible and I think it goes under the radar because he's so relaxed out there and rarely shows any emotion. He made about a dozen incredible plays defensively and offensively but since he doesn't draw attention to himself and jump around and flex and scream he doesn't even get noticed or celebrated as much as others. He is all about business. He makes All American plays all over the court on both ends and it's just like "wow, that was an incredible play, did you all just see that? Oh, what a block!" "what a clutch shot!" Then you look at his face and he looks like he's just out for a stroll in the park lol

Yes. In fact when we talk about who played well in a game—like Oscar’s monster game, Reeves several games recently , but not last night—it’s usually who played well in addition to Wallace. Barring back spasms he’s always solid. And, yes, I love the blue collar/opposite of an NFL receiver, old school approach of doing your job as if it’s what you’re supposed to do. Hope it doesn’t cost him $ next year.

Just last night I was thinking about best case scenario for next years squad. Specifically was wondering if anyone would be in the mold of Wallace. I don’t want to judge Dillingham with no more than I’ve seen of him, but physically at least he’s not made like Cason. Much more the wiry type.

[Joneslab]

Just last night I was thinking about best case scenario for next years squad. Specifically was wondering if anyone would be in the mold of Wallace. I don’t want to judge Dillingham with no more than I’ve seen of him, but physically at least he’s not made like Cason. Much more the wiry type.

In fairness, I'm not sure we've had a guy like him in hardly any of Cal's classes. He's truly unique.

I'd put him up against pretty much anybody Cal has brought in with the exception of the otherworldly few--Davis, Wall, Towns, Cousins.

[KCKUKFan]

Oscar needs to be more of a passer. There was an interesting play in the first half where he threw a really nice pass to Toppin and Toppin scored, and on the way back downcourt Toppin looked at Oscar as if to say, "See? Easy."

I noticed that at the time, too. Telling.

[KCKUKFan]

Wallace is going to be an NBA All Star in a few years, and we'll think back on how his year at Kentucky was wasted.

[Lighthouse]

Two things determined Oscar's game on offense. One, he missed some outside shots he usually makes. Second, he put up a shot at the rim and Castleton blocked it easily. Oscar wasn't the same offensive player after that. On defense in the beginning, Castleton was posting up down low and Oscar was able to out muscle him. Then Florida adjusted and Castleton starting getting the ball higher and used his quickness to the rim and Oscar had no answer.

And when an athletic 7 footer is constantly allowed to change pivot feet and take an extra step, success follows. Not real familiar with the other two but Anthony Jordan is usually better than that. The NCAA is ruining college basketball.

[Joneslab]

That three-point play he got to cut the lead to 4 was pretty outrageous.

He came back down on their next possession and hit a spinning shot that I didn't think was a walk. Or at least my untrained eyes couldn't see it if it was. That second one happens at about 20:30 of this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFqHaAPAdxw

[KCKUKFan]

That three-point play he got to cut the lead to 4 was pretty outrageous.

He came back down on their next possession and hit a spinning shot that I didn't think was a walk. Or at least my untrained eyes couldn't see it if it was. That second one happens at about 20:30 of this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFqHaAPAdxw

The walk at 12:45 that led to the three was the most egregious.

[Lighthouse]

The walk at 12:45 that led to the three was the most egregious.

I don't know what egregious means, but if this was the play I'm thinking about, it was definitely a walk and was so obvious I couldn't believe 3 SEC officials missed it. Embarrassing.

[Wamcat]

That three-point play he got to cut the lead to 4 was pretty outrageous.

He came back down on their next possession and hit a spinning shot that I didn't think was a walk. Or at least my untrained eyes couldn't see it if it was. That second one happens at about 20:30 of this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFqHaAPAdxw

Agree that play was clean. One of the exceptions to the “strolls through the park” he took all night. And the one at the 12:45 mark is gawd awful. Only redeeming part of that in is it could have easily been called a foul too.