Tennessee and Barnes

[Joneslab]

I love the fact that Pope had the balls to say, "Illinois will eat Travis Perry alive and we cannot risk that at this time." Sucks for Perry, but, again, so refreshing to know the coach will make decisions based on what's best for the program, and not an individual player.

Kasparas Jakucionis's size was probably the deciding factor here. Butler was able to bully him and pester him with Jackucionis's high dribble, but he would've likely given Perry massive problems.

[justafan]

I'm sure the Perry situation was as described above. I read somewhere (here?) that Perry was nursing an injury. I wonder if that was "coach protecting the player" speak or if he is/was really injured.

[George]

I'm sure the Perry situation was as described above. I read somewhere (here?) that Perry was nursing an injury. I wonder if that was "coach protecting the player" speak or if he is/was really injured.

Probably a bit of both. There was some talk before the Troy game, I think (or maybe in the SEC tourney?) that he'd injured his shooting hand, but I want to say he has played since then.

[EKYCat]

Yeah, some scuttlebutt about Perry's hand came out after the Alabama game. He played against Troy. I think Pope for sure looked at the game as it was going and played who he thought could help. Unfortunately for Perry, his name was not in that hat.

[Mr.Nezzer]

Both Ford and Sparks (and Farmer) had more of a strong, stocky build. Think that helped them in the strength department.

Perry is very slight, which means he'll have to be a truly lethal offensive player to play here.

It does need to be said though that he *has* helped Kentucky this season. He was all in that last Tennessee win, for instance. He's just not consistent...but a lot of freshmen aren't consistent. He has also been jumped by Chandler, which makes sense given Chandler's athleticism and his size.

If he stays at UK, Perry will have to fight for a spot. As it should be.

Ford was 5'9" and 165/170 playing stats
Sparks was 6' 180 playing stats

Perry(depending but as listed) 6'1" 188 vey similar build to the two mentioned

This whole discussion reminds me of the talk around Tayshaun Prince....oh he's too skinny for an SEC post player, he runs like he can't keep up and we all remember how he turned out. We all know Kentucky has had players come in with accolades and flop....it happens. My take is, I'm gonna let the kid have a season or two to see what happens...

[George]

Ford was 5'9" and 165/170 playing stats
Sparks was 6' 180 playing stats

Perry(depending but as listed) 6'1" 188 vey similar build to the two mentioned

This whole discussion reminds me of the talk around Tayshaun Prince....oh he's too skinny for an SEC post player, he runs like he can't keep up and we all remember how he turned out. We all know Kentucky has had players come in with accolades and flop....it happens. My take is, I'm gonna let the kid have a season or two to see what happens...

180 seems like a very conservative estimate for Sparks.

[Mr.Nezzer]

180 seems like a very conservative estimate for Sparks.

Maybe but prolly depend when height and weight are recorded. I'm assuming the update each season?

[Joneslab]

180 seems like a very conservative estimate for Sparks.

LOL. Yeah, try about 215… and even that’s being generous.

Those guys were nothing like Perry in terms of build. But with Ford, you’re talking one of the best outside shooters to ever play point guard here. If Perry can be that lethal from out there, it doesn’t matter if the kid’s anemic. He’ll play.

This season, like most freshmen, he’s shown to be inconsistent shooting the ball. One reason Chandler has jumped him.

[Joneslab]

Brandon Ramsey
@BRamseyKSR
12h
Bart Trovik Metrics Since February 8th

Tennessee: #11 overall, 10-3 record, 14th adjusted offensive efficiency, 26th adjusted defensive efficiency

Kentucky: #12 overall, 9-4 record, 22nd adjusted offensive efficiency, 10th adjusted defensive efficiency

Vols are -4.5 favorites.

[EKYCat]

I don't hate this game. Am I nervous? Yeah I guess as nervous as I would be about any other NCAA Tournament game. But, for some reason, I'm not more nervous because it's the 3rd meeting or anything. I like our chances.

[Spiritof96]

I don't hate this game. Am I nervous? Yeah I guess as nervous as I would be about any other NCAA Tournament game. But, for some reason, I'm not more nervous because it's the 3rd meeting or anything. I like our chances.

I need the whole fanbase to believe we have no shot. That's when we win.

So take heed, it's IMPOSSIBLE to beat a team three times right...

[George]

I don't hate this game. Am I nervous? Yeah I guess as nervous as I would be about any other NCAA Tournament game. But, for some reason, I'm not more nervous because it's the 3rd meeting or anything. I like our chances.

I'm strangely calm about it all. I'm sure that'll change in the hours before the game, but for now, I've settled into happiness and satisfaction with making it to the S16, which I always predicted as this team's ceiling - and which then seemed like a lofty goal once we started losing and getting hurt.

I'm also pretty confident, given that we were beaten up during both of our previous wins, and recent metrics show that we're playing like a much-improved team since those days.

One look at social media will tell you UT fans are WAY more freaked out about this game than we are.

[EKYCat]

I need the whole fanbase to believe we have no shot. That's when we win.

So take heed, it's IMPOSSIBLE to beat a team three times right...

My buddies and I have an ongoing text thread. Every time I dog a player he immediately does something good. In light of that, Amari DUNK THE BALL! Lamont, MAKE A LAYUP!!! Brea, YOU'RE HERE TO HIT THREES! MAKE ONE! WHY IS HE PUTTING CHANDLER IN THIS GAME RIGHT NOW?!?!?!

[Joneslab]

I'm strangely calm about it all.

Same.

At this point, this team has accomplished everything you can ask of them. Doesn't mean I won't be disappointed if we lose, but given what he had to deal with as far as injuries, to ask anything more would be absurd.

That's all you can ask for from a team, that they reach their potential. And this team has.

For me personally, there was WAY more pressure on Troy than there will be on this game. This is house money.

[justford]

Has anyone came up with a cool nickname for this group? Seems one should be given to them being they are Pope’s first UK team.