By LARRY VAUGHT

Eventually I knew there would be someone to defend Bobby Knight, or at least partially defend him.

Obviously, I blasted the former Indiana and Texas Tech coach for not having the courage to show up with the ESPN GameDay crew Saturday at Rupp Arena after he ripped UK coach John Calipari earlier this season.

While others have agreed with my stance on Knight, Mike Campbell has a different perspective. Since I know Campbell and respect his opinion, I wanted to use his post here to make sure everyone did see it to give a different perspective on Knight’s absence.

Here is what Campbell posted:

“I will be the exception here. I do not have a problem with Knight not being at GameDay. Bobby Knight has won three National Championships, is the NCAA all-time winningest coach and has never been investigated by the NCAA. He has earned the right to make comments that many across the nation would agree with, including Rick Pitino with the one and done players (which brings up the point that the NCAA should go with the college baseball rule of either go pro after high school or stay in college for three years, but that’s another topic for another day).

“It is no secret that Knight is not a fan of the University of Kentucky. Truth be told, I would say that has nothing to do with wins and losses against the Cats, but that UK has had its share of NCAA investigations, going as far back as the point shaving scandal in the 40’s. While I do not like his comments about Calipari, there is no denying the fact that, indeed, Calipari’s two Final Four berths have been vacated.

“Larry you make some valid points in your article and certainly, ESPN ‘bailed’ out Knight by excusing him because of scheduling conflicts. And while I did not care for his coaching methods and his undeniable ‘bullying’ of his players, media and opposing coaches, Bobby Knight has the earned the right to make controversial comments. While others on this board are upset with Knight about showing up, personally, it does not bother me. As Mom always said, if you are going to say something bad about someone, then don’t say anything at all. ESPN has control over Knight and his comments, and for that I am grateful.”

Maybe Campbell is right and we all should be grateful Knight is not coming. After all, who needs the bully.

By LARRY VAUGHT

Kentucky coach John Calipari wants freshman guard John Wall to now add one more thing to his game — a great defensive presence.
“He is finally understanding he doesn’t have to play up to the hype. He is running our team the way he needs to run it. He had seven assists last game. He is not trying to make as many fabulous plays.” Calipari said. “Because he went 2-for-9 (from the field), everyone says he didn’t play well. What if he was 7-for-9, then all of the sudden you would have said he is out of his [...] Continue Reading…

By LARRY VAUGHT

For months, DeMarcus Cousins has said playing against home-state rival Alabama would be his biggest game of the season.
Monday the talented Kentucky freshman center, who was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week again, changed his approach to tonight’s game.
“It is just another game. I can say that with a straight face, no big deal,” said Cousins.
He controlled his emotions well earlier this season when UK played at Auburn. He had 16 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots in 30 minutes.
“It will be the same. Like I said, it is just another game. That is the [...] Continue Reading…

By LARRY VAUGHT

First-year Alabama coach Anthony Grant will make his first trip to Rupp Arena as a head coach — he was on Billy Donovan’s staff at Florida — Tuesday when the Crimson Tide takes on No. 3 UK.

Here are some thoughts Grant shared about the Wildcats during his press conference Monday.

On facing a tough Kentucky team following close losses:
Grant: “I think Kentucky, when you look at the talent and the way they’re playing, that’s a very tough opponent to play, regardless of the situation, so I don’t think one has to do with the other.  For me right [...] Continue Reading…

By LARRY VAUGHT

Trent Johnson was impressed with Kentucky before his team lost to the Wildcats. Now the LSU coach is even more impressed.

“We ran into a good team in Kentucky. Now that I saw them up close and personal, they are pretty good and have a chance to win it all as long as they listen to the coach. They are very nasty and competitive in a good way. We were completely overmatched. It was men versus boys,” said Johnson.

That kind of blunt honesty from a coach is rare, but maybe part of the reason is because Johnson appreciates [...] Continue Reading…