Big Cuz: ‘Starting to see a new me’
February 5th, 2010 | 
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Kentucky forward DeMarcus Cousins celebrates in the second half against Georgia at Rupp Arena in Lexington. One scout suggests Cousins would be the second pick of UK players for an NBA draft. (Clay Jackson photo)
By LARRY VAUGHT
Sometimes DeMarcus Cousins even surprises himself.
It might be when he makes a spectacular offensive move or unbelievable block. It can also be when he loses his poise and does something to draw a technical foul or irritate an opponent.
However, it seems like that he’s not only becoming a more productive scorer and rebounder each week, but he’s also learning more and more about how to control his emotions even though it is obvious opponents are doing their best to frustrate him or even provoke him.
“I am starting to see a new me. I am even starting to improve more than I imagined game to game. That is why I came here. I knew Cal would do this for me and my mother knew the same thing. He is just helping me get to where I want to go,” said Cousins.
He played about eight minutes to start the game against Ole Miss Tuesday, a longer stint than normal, before he was relieved by Daniel Orton. Coach John Calipari has noted that Cousins is in better physical shape even though it needs to continue to improve. However, Cousins says he was winded long before Calipari took him out that game.
“To be honest, tonight I was so tired. I was tired 30 seconds in and Cal left me on the floor,” Cousins said after the game. “I didn’t want call for a sub because I knew he would be like, ‘What is wrong with you?’ I was so tired. I felt very sluggish all night. It had nothing to do with the running. I just started off that way. I don’t know what was wrong. Sometimes I just didn’t run like I should have because I didn’t feel right.”
That’s Cousins. Always honest, always entertaining.
He even pretended to be a bit miffed when someone tried to praise him for taking a charge.
“I have been doing that a long time. A lot of people think all I can do is block a shot, but I can take the charge instead if I need to,” Cousins said.
He’s not shy about demanding the ball. Calipari jokes that he never stops telling teammates to give him the ball. He did pass more against Mississippi — and says he intends to keep doing that because of the defensive schemes teams are using against him.
“They all have a good defensive scheme — beat the heck out of me. I guess it is not working, but it seems like every team keeps trying,” Cousins said.
Yet unlike just a few short weeks ago — remember the incident against Louisville — he seems to be much more in control of his emotions.
“I am just growing up and trying my best to do it,” he said. “I have to think and try to go out and do it. I will not say it is easy, but because it can be pretty physical. I talk to the ref and ask him, ‘I know you are doing a great job and I am not trying to complain, but I am getting beat up.’ They tell me they will look after me and I just try to let him do his job, but they let those guys beat on me.”
Posted in UK Basketball
I have never seen a Big Man at UK quite like DeMarcus. He is a special talent and personality. Even though his stay at UK will be very short, he has quickly become my favorite player on this year’s team. I am always trying to find the DeMarcus Cousins’ interveiw after the game because he is so funny. Thanks for making UK your stop in college DeMarcus and Good Luck with your bright future!
The “old me ” wasn’t that bad, but the “new Me” is looking fantastic. Thanks to COSINS for being coachable, and thanks to Coach CAL for taking the time (He gets it!)
Go Big Blue!
What a TEAM!
The new me is unbelievable
Remember how much I told you we liked him at the Women’s Clinic. He was Mister Personality – fun, dynamic – you knew he would be fun to watch play ball. I am glad he is maturing and improving every game. Kudos to Coach Cal and DeMarcus for the great improvements. Kudos to Larry for another great article.
Denis House, sports editor of the Sentinel-Echo in London, KY, disagrees that Cousins is much more in control of his emotions since the Louisville game. He says Cuz once again committed a flagrant foul in the Vandy game by throwing an elbow and “clocking” an opponent, and could have seriously injured the player if it had landed full force. Mr. House calls Cousins a thug.
I invite you to read this story (“Direct Kick: With Cousins throwing another elbow …” at http://www.sentinel-echo.com/opinion/local_story_034102618.html), and to join me in e-mailing Mr. House with your thoughts (sports@sentinel-echo.com). The more, the merrier.
Then whoever wrote that article obviously didn’t see the play where Kevin Stallings sent a player off of his bench to just come in and elbow cousins, his only reason for being in the game and cousins didn’t react. Coaches of other teams should be fined as well as players suspended for commiting a fight act in a game. They can’t stop him obviously, cousins is a level above any other player he’s played all year and the only way they game plan for him is by trying to hit him elbow him to try to get him to retaliate which is their fault.
I wonder why these writers never mention when Cousins takes an elbow to the face like he did in the vandy game.I guess because the Refs did not call it makes it O.K.
Love Cuz, his play, his attitude and his sense of humor. It has been sheer joy watching him play this year. This year has been so short and there are only 9 regular season games left. I don’t know what I am going to do after March. I think I’ll hibernate until Oct. GO CATS! 21-1
No way I could call Cuz a thug. Aggressive, zealous, fun-loving, physical. I can do with all those. And dominating. Like most of you, I have enjoyed watching him play
And Moose and Slone, I agree with both of you. Teams are going after Cuz — and I can understand why. But don’t act like they are blameless if there is contact or an incident. Cuz has rights, too
Thanks Larry! Cuz attacks the basket better than any college player I have ever seen!
Its All about footwork and feeling your man..BIG CUZ has figured that out early in his career, he will be a top 5 pick someday,, The selfish fan in me hopes that it is after next season, But I know better..GO BIG CUZ!!! GO BIG BLUE!!!!
Cuz’s obvious intentional foul on Ezeli in the Vandy game was in retaliation for Ezeli’s high elbow under his chin on the previous play (Bledsoe’s 3 pointer). Nothing wrong with that. You have to protect yourself. Cousins biggest need is instruction in subtlety. I wish Issel was around to give him some pointers.
I agree. Cuz goes to the basket with authority like James Lee used to and I love that. And he takes nothing. Smack him and he smacks back. That’s not all bad and has been missing in recent years
Go get them Boogie…I honestly think Cuz is the best low post player UK has ever had. We all know he’s gone after this season but could you imagine how good this guy could be in 3-4years at UK under Cal..He’d break every record in the books. Heck he might even be playing point guard in couple years, lol..Well maybe not, lol.
Big Cuz has quickly turned into one of my favorite Cats of all time, just a shame him & Wall and PPat cant hang around for a few more years from a UK fans standpoint, but you cant blame them for going to the NBA and making the money.
I saw Cousins in the team hotel last night in Baton Rouge (Marriott). I didn’t realize how gigantic he really is. Wide body and so big he’s nearly non-human (in a good way). A student manager made him take his own luggage. Cuz didn’t look too happy.
Don’t worry big fella, next year somebody will carry your luggage for you.
In both cases, the Louisville player and the Vandy player walked away seemingly unharmed after the incident. If Boogie had really been trying to hurt them, they would probably need help off the court.
Big Cuz is the man. I love him so much. I know we only have him for a short time but he represents.
To get a sense of just how good DeMarcus has been, just think back to Randolph Morris and Jamaal Magloire, players of similar physical stature who both took much longer to become reasonably effective as players. Dan Issel will always have the numbers to lead the pack for UK centers, but I’m not sure that Cousins isn’t the better player.
Jason, you could be right. Hard to argue right now. And Ken B. you are right about Morris and Magloire. Neither was in Cuz’s category as freshmen. Leviathan, coach Cal is with you and Jim Barr we need a report from you about your LSU experience and the game.
I’ve been a solid Cats fan since 1978 when as a junior high student I had a huge crush on Rick Robey. I honestly can’t think of a big man who has come in and had the impact that Boogie has had on the court as a freshman. Even Patrick, as good as he is, struggled at times as a freshman. I liked the “old me” but I love the “new me.”
I can’t either Karen
Maturity is taking our boy away from us, but look what we are getting in return. Marvelous…Karen, I had a crush on Louie Dampier when he played at UK and for the Colonels…that tells you how old I am! (I only admit to 42!) GO CATS! 22-1
Linda, my guess is that a lot of gals had a crush on Louie then
Linda–
I met Louie Dampier a few years back, along with some of the older Cat players, including Ralph Beard and Dan Issel. Mr. Dampier was still handsome and very gracious, we were all the former Cats I met that day. I had the privilege of sitting beside Goose Givens, and talking about how Keith Bogans might do in the upcoming NBA draft. One of the coolest days of my life, without a doubt.
I hate how if Cousins bats an eye at someone he is quick to get a whistle and they run to the monitor like he is a convicted felon, yet four people can hammer him on the way to the rim and it’s a no call. What’s that about???