By LARRY VAUGHT
Kentucky will find out later today if it makes the NCAA Tournament field after Friday’s disappointing loss to Vanderbilt.
But do you think Kentucky belongs in the NCAA field? If you were on the selection committee, could you overlook the losses to Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia and Vanderbilt since Nerlens Noel went down? Would you give UK credit for what it did before Noel was hurt and overlook the 4-4 stagger to the finish that included huge wins over Florida and Missouri along with a 30-point loss at Tennessee?
And if UK does not make the NCAA, how do you feel about the NIT? Based on the effort UK gave against Vanderbilt with a NCAA bid on the line, is there any reason to think the Cats would care enough to go all out in the NIT?
Convince me why you think UK belongs in the NCAA — if you do — or why you believe UK would actually play like it mattered in the NIT.
49 Responses to Does Kentucky belong in NCAA? Would Cats give any effort in NIT?
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This team without Noel cannot win away from Rupp and therefore does not belong in the NCAA tournament. If they decide to play in the NIT, I will watch and support them but am afraid it will lead to another disappointing performance
My position has tempered a little in that I don’t think we deserve to go to any tourney but apparently we would be going to NIT if offered. These guys haven’t shown any REAL interest and consistency and wanting to play and try to win with confidence and passion. Still hard to connect the dots with what goes on in their minds when they consistently get called out by the fans, press, and even own family.
I believe they belong in the NCAA tournament because I still don’t think there are 65 or so D1 teams out there that are better than them. But if they get in I don’t expect them to go very far. Maybe one and out.
As to the NIT, I hope they don’t accept as I think it will be further embarrassment.
Doug….Very good point, and I don’t believe there are 65 other teams better than us either, but I do feel there are probably a min. of 30 that are. Sad part is that most of them were 5* Mickey D’s and preseason #3 because of that. The fans and coaches seem to “want it” more than most of the team members.
I certainly think they are an NCAA team. Inconsistent or not. To be expected with the loss of a star player on a young team. That being said, the chance for those across the country who vote teams in, will certainly take this opportunity to strike out against Cal by keeping him (and UK) out of the NCAA Tournament.
From the explanations on how they do the brackets, that’s what it comes down to in the end: a bunch of people voting on whether they think you deserve it. So it’s a perfect time right now to take out their disagreements with Cal’s philosophy, Cal and UK in general. UK has put us in this position by not closing the deal throughout the season. And in the coin flip situation we are in, animosity will win out with a perfect cover.
Now, the NIT. I hate to say it but I have nothing for the NIT. If you go to the NIT you are just prolonging a season that is over. If I watch an NIT game, or read up on one, then it won’t be until UK is in the finals or wins the thing. I won’t care but will at least say to myself well “at least they won it, I guess”.
The NIT tournament, proves nothing. The value of it is nothing. Other than these are the teams who couldn’t make the Tournament Field of 68. So, essentially, you are playing for 69th place? I know of no sport where there is a recognized prize for 69th place. Sorry.
After Vandy, no this team does not deserve a NCAA invite. Yet, I believe that they will get in. I totally disagree with those who say that every commentator, every NCAA official, and every college coach despises Calapari and Kentucky and relishes the opportunity to find a way to hurt the Big Blue. I think that college basketball is big business. I think that the NCAA loves money. I think that host cities loves money. I think that when UK plays TV ratings are high and ESPN and sponsors make money. I think that the NCAA would love to put in the tournament. So, when they make their decision this afternoon, I would not be surprised to find UK in a play in game close to home…say Dayton.
Now for the NIT. If UK does not go to the NCAA, they will accept a NIT game. The first game will be in Rupp against a no name team and the place will be rocking. I don’t know where it will go from there, but there is money to be made and UK will not turn it down.
Most likely UK’s NIT games will be played at Memorial because the first two rounds (after the play in games of course) of the NCAA tourney are at Rupp next week (unless UK declines to host and elects to play on lower seed’s home court due to the conflict).
Karen, UK has apparently said no first round game at Memorial. So we’ll see
Uh oh. Not to be a gloomy gus, but that’s not good considering the way we play away from Lexington.
and Cal is right, this season is on him. If he would step back some from his desire to set records in players sent to the NBA, NBA after first year, largest draft classes, largest back to back draft classes, and all of that. He might fill his roster with enough mixing of talent to ensure at least 2 three-year players each season that have had playing time to ensure some calmness on the court.
I understand young team. I understand, in general, the problems Cal faces with having to bring them along. But, at the same time I can only find two half court sets that we run right now AT THE END OF THE SEASON. And one of those sets is just a variation of the first. So at the end of the season, this team cannot even run a consistent half court offense. When they “show” in response to a pick on defense to force an opponents guards from rolling into their set plays, they do not get the angles or spacing right which nullifies the attempt which breaks Cals whole defensive philosophy down from the get go.
No excuse for any of that. None. Freshmen or not.
At least there is next year. I’ll be happy again. And at least we now have a budding football program and I can’t wait.
Well,you may have your wish with few if any of this years group getting drafted by an NBA team.Problem is,there are’nt many of these guys i would like to see return.With the attitudes they had this year and not buying in to Cals way,can’t see them being contributors at all with the guys Cal has already signed.And there could not be room on the roster if Cal gets a commit from Randle ,or Wiggins.
I don’t think they are bad kids, at all. I think they are just young. I have a 19 yr. old daughter, and between her and her friends I can see just how frustrating life must be for Cal. The majority of teens, well, it just takes them longer to “get” things. We have been very fortunate in years past, this yr was just a reminder of the reality of freshmen. These kids are great kids, and I’ll love to have em all back. They are just young, and all over the place.
These kids are the reason everyone in the country, before last year, said you could not win a title with mostly freshmen.
A lot of very valid points above. the bottom line is very simple We did not take care of business and do what we had to do to remove all doubt and that’s Win games!! Too many losses to bad teams have sealed our fate. The no show at the SEC tourny was the KO punch. No fight, no desire and no resistance to a challenge. It is what it is. We reload and look to next year, I do believe Cal learned a lot this season. A 5* recruit does not guarentee heart, passion and the will to win.
sadly if the Cats played as hard and as relentless as UL they would be a lock. I bleed blue but my eyes tell me that the Cards play the way your supposed to.
A couple reasons they should get in. #2 in the conference and they did beat Florida.
Defending national champs and they bring a lot of fans where ever they go. But I don’t expect them to go far.
The NIT they will except.This team dosen’t want to end the season on this sour note. A couple home games at Rupp are a few more wins.
Actually, I think the home games would be at Memorial, since Rupp will be unavailable due to the NCAA second and third round games.
Sadly, no, I don’t think Kentucky belongs in the NCAA tournament. Based on their record after Nerlens went down (which I believe is what the committee chair said UK’s chances would be based upon), they simply don’t pass the eye test. They can’t win away from Rupp Arena, even at a so-called neutral site when Kentucky had a huge fan contingent.
As for the NIT, yes, they should go and see this as a start for yet another new beginning. Hope springs eternal. Maybe they will see this as an opportunity to prove the naysayers wrong. Maybe not. I will support them every game of the tournament.
Go Cats.
One word TRAVEL is why we should get in.
If the committee uses the eye test we are in big trouble because watching this team play is like having an abscessed tooth.
This teams nickname is “the unwatchables”
We don’t deserve to get in and we won’t get in. I actually would be upset if we did get a bid because we would be ripped by everyone for getting in. We deffinatly should accept an NIT invitation. I just hope we show more heart than we have all season. Wednesday is the day I am looking forward to. Hopefully Julius Randle gives us good news. That is the only thing that will get me out of this depression right now.
I believe it is an insult to the team to ask anyone if they think the Cats care enough about anything to go all out. Of course they do.
Helpful comparison of bubble teams:
http://www.ukathletics.com/blog/2013/03/comparing-ncaa-bubble-teams-uks-resume-still-stacks-up.html
It all depends on the basis of the selections. We have an advantage in rankings/ratings in the RPI, BPI, Sagarin, and Pemeroy. We have comparable good wins and bad wins. We’ve beaten two of the other bubble teams. The best argument against KY making the field is our record over the last ten games. However, we did have two big wins during this span, albeit both at home. We shouldn’t be surprised either way. If we do make it, can image being 1-5 seed having to play KY (likely a 12-16 seed) and not knowing which KY team will show up (one who may easily be beaten by a couple of dozen points or one who is capable of winning by double digits)?
Name me a team from 68 down that is better. Look at teams that are mentioned as 14 seeds that are better. Are we a great team? No. Are we going to win the championship? No. We lost league 11 games. No team has beat us twice. Florida is the only team in the league that won all of their home games. We beat Florida and Missouri without Nerlans. We beat Vandy 2 out of 3. Bama beat us on their court single digits. Our big losses were on other teams home court. I could go on. I believe we are in. Will we win any games on the road, probably not. I’ve been a Big Blue Fan since 48, the first championship. I an’t quitting now. I know most of you are very disappointed at this time but if there is another game and I have the chance to see it, you can bet you sweet A**, I’ll be rooting my off. Go Big Blue.
Bill is right – We are one of the best 68 teams in the nation – Probably in the top 40.
I will defer to ProfessorT for that. However as most people know the best teams do not always get in.
Will we get in – Probably.
Will we show up to play – Who knows? (As prof. said above)
It amazes me how much Joe Looney-tardy’s brackets have changed in just the last few days.
My opinion:
Florida is the best team in the nation & he has them at # 2 seed.
Kansas is barely in the top 10 & they are a # 1 seed.
Miami is barely in the top 15 & they are a # 2 seed.
Larry also asked, Will they show up if they go to the NIT?
That’s just it – No one ever knows which team will show up.
They give their best effort & they go deep in the NCAA – They give their best effort & they win the NIT. Who knows?
It has certainly been a frustrating season but I think that we should still be playing.
Best 68 teams? WE barely put up 50 against Vanderbilt. I think thats 3 times now we have either barely hit the 50 mark or fallen below it Let perception meet reality based on merit. Ole miss proved they may not be the best team but they are a team of 68 that is willing to compete on the road and they proved that in beating FL today. If the committee welcomes us, thats great, but i am not holding my breath.
Pomeroy and other systems over value this team at year end because the pathetic play of the last 4 weeks is masked by the reasonably good performance values for the first 24 games. The way this team has finished the season is anything but NCAA quality, and I am good with them being left out of the big dance.
The NIT is another matter. I believe that the NCAA now owns the NIT, and therefore, the NCAA requires NCAA members to accept a bid. I don’t see opting out as a choice. I also understand that UK officials have made it clear to the NIT officials that if the NIT is this team’s destiny, it will have to start (and probably end) on the road, not in Lexington.
“Pomeroy and other systems over value this team at year end because the pathetic play of the last 4 weeks is masked by the reasonably good performance values for the first 24 games.”
True to some extent, but two things must kept in mind: 1) The same applies for other teams who didn’t finish their respective seasons as strongly 2) Few teams finish the last month of the season better than they finished the first month of the season because the strength of schedule is inevitably greater during conference play and true away games are not negotiable – nevertheless, these ratings actually account for as much.
The one thing that the ratings can’t account for is the (in)ability of team to consistently and show up.
Pomeroy’s numbers are adjusted throughout the year for changes in schedule strength. This team collapsed relative to the field after the big guy went down.
The current #47 ranking is generous given the Adjusted NGE for the last 8 games is in negative territory (about 170th overall)
Normally I’d be happy to argue the merits of Net Game Efficiency in determining the best teams in college basketball, but considering our tournament “snub” it’s irrelevant (at least for me).
I think you both are arguing a moot point. It’s just like the porn argument when the surpreme court was taking up that case – you know it when you see it!! Without Nowell KY just cannot (has not) compete on the road. Not a good enough team to compete with the nation’s best. Moreover, while some of the KY players will go pro, it’s doubtful that they will be premier players in the pro ranks. They need another year to develope.
Oh, well. Next year a new crop of freshmen…. Let’s talk football!!!!!
Have to give Ole Miss Props for that Win…Now Florida and Ole Miss make the NCAA Tourney…” Kentucky Beat Them Both ” ! Can the Kentucky Effect Prevail ?
Why not host an NIT game at Freedom Hall? If we can get a home game in Ky plat it in Louisville instead of on the road.
I think we belong in the tournament. We have beaten Ole Miss on the road who just one the sec tourney. We beat a Florida team who won the regular sec season championship and was ranked in the top ten when we beat them. We gave Louisville, probably the No.1 overall seed, all they wanted on their home floor in a close loss, We beat a Missouri team who had been ranked, we beat a Maryland team who just beat Duke. Some of these wins came after we lost our star defender and shot blocker at the rim NN. Besides, I think the defending national champions should get an automatic invite IMO. We are still the defending champs are we not. If we don’t go win the NIT. It means something to me.
This team is not ready to play in the NCAA. We just can’t play road games, plain and simple. The tournament in nashville was all blue but the team just couldn’t play. They should accept the NIT and I highly doubt we could win that as well.
Kentucky will not make the tournament. Resume is not good and RPI and SOS is high. With that said, we don’t deserve to play in NCAA .
Based on the entire season UK is good enough to be in. Based o their performance the last 3 or 4 games they dont deserve to be in. Fortunately the chairman of the committee said they look at all games equally. If that is true we should be in. #2 in the SEC regular season, beat Florida and Missouri without Nerlens. KenPom ratings say we should be in. If money talks (it usually does) then we are in. Unfortunately we will probably get blown out in the first round as a play in team.
First NIT game should be held at the Pikeville arena since Rupp is not available.
I respectfully disagree with Larrypup an NCAA bid is earned not an entitlement, that is how this team played all year! Like they were entitled and spoiled from past success. I do agree with Andy, this team is not ready for the challenge of an NCAA tournament. It takes physical and mental toughness. We have neither
Am I on a IU or Louisville blog? Are some of you a bunch of pseudo UK fans!? I never have in all my days heard so much doom and gloom!!!! Hey! UK deserves to be in the big dance! One stupid game does not completely destroy an entire body of work in my mind. If they get in they have a chance to win it all. Stranger things have happened. I don’t ever give up rooting em on! They are my team. They have done as much or more than some that will get an invite. I say we deserve it but probably won’t get it.
Larry, you can look at what transpired after Nerlens went down and comment realistically without being a pseudo fan. The committee chair, as reported by Mr. Vaught, noted that the committee would judge Kentucky on its play after Nerlens’ injury. While we had two very good wins over NCAA tourney teams, our play on the road was abysmal. Read my posts. I am a solid UK fan, but even I do not think that we played nearly well enough to get in the tournament, especially with the double-digit losses suffered on the road in the last few weeks. Respectfully, please don’t call other UK fans pseudo fans for being realistic. The double-digit loss to Vandy, a team that didn’t finish the year above .500, put the final nail in UK’s coffin.
Go Cats!
Like Karen said, the Vanderbilt game did us in. Lets not make excuses as to how abysmal we played on the road and at times home. The NIT is where we belong.
Quit making such good sense…
Sorry, Larry T. I am trying to bury my disappointment in bringing out my inner Mr. Spock!
um, “in” in the above sentence should be “by”
The Kentucky Basketball Documentary on tonight was, ” Awesome Therapy, for the NCAA let down…I’ll watch it ten times, til Draft Day, Then recruiting, then first practice and to the Season Opener, Then I should be Fine…!!! “
Lets talk football,why not.
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I think that there are many teams that they would beat with out a doubt, but that’s not the way its done so the answer 1 is no question2 is a no brainier… they should not even go to the music city bowl I mean NIT.
what tf are you talking about? Now UK has spam bots for fans?
NO anf Heck NA