Wildcats VS. Hilltoppers

[dawgball]

To let everyone know, I am from Kentucky and will probably be a homer most of the year for them. I do think that they are overrated as of right now because of the loss of Jason Parker due to injury. With that being said, I can not believe the line tonight.

Pre-season hype for PRince and Bogans is credible. The Cats are going to struggle at point slightly when facing the upper-echalon (sp?) of teams. This will make it difficult to get the ball in the hands of their scorers unless Prince brings the ball down thus wearing him down in other areas.

Tonight the Cats face a Hilltoppers team that would love nothing less than put it on the mighty Cats who steal all of the limelight even in their hometown. With the talented 7 footer in the middle, a very capable supporting cast, and the in-state rivalry (definitely a stretch of the word, but you get my point) WKU should keep this one close enough to cover. Even if the lead is large, Tubby will use this game to get some playing time for his new boys. This leaves a good chance at a back do Joe.

X-factors that will make this play a loser: a. the return of Jules Camara, and b. the depth of UK's bench


Six-Five--I definitely want to hear your take on this game. You and DTB probably have a better read than anyone.

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Sic 'em
dawgball

 

[SixFive]

WKU returns all 4 starters except Nashon McPherson. I think they will start a 3 guard type set with Videnov (nice shooter, smart player, reasonably good defender), Robinson (a little on the short side, but a good decision maker), and Curry (struggled early last year with decisions, but much improved late last season, and SUPER FAST). Boyden will play forward. He is listed at 6'8" but not that tall, he is just a solid support kind of guy. Marcus is the one everybody knows about. He is a huge dude, has a very nice shooting touch, and great hands. He shoots around 70% from the stripe, so he is not a liability there. Marcus is relatively new to hoops though, and he is still learning a bit. He has worked hard on his little half-hook, and that should help his scoring. The thing he does not do consistently is finish hard. He doesn't have the mindset yet that when he is 5 feet from the goal, DUNK IT! Once he learns that, he should be unstoppable. He also is a tremendous rebounder and better than average shot blocker. He plays smart, and he doesn't hack on the defensive end meaning he should be in most of the game. He is recovering from a sprained ankle, however, so his conditioning will be a little off.

UK of course is loaded this year. Parker is out though, and that hurts him, because he is so strong down low. Estill and J.P. Blevins are also hurt, so I'm not sure what kind of pt they will get. Prince, Bogans, Fitch, the return of Jules Camara, an improving Stone, and newcomer Chuck Hayes will all be solid.

I played WKU +13.5. I think they will stay in it and compete. Really though, a first half play might be the way to go. Good luck, and go TOPS!

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It's far better to be LUCKY than good.

 

[SixFive]

WOW, OUTRIGHT!! Going nuts here, lol.

 

[Neemer]

I damn near chit in my pants when I saw the score! 12 friggin' points?????? I watched the WBKO highlights of the game and just sat there with my jaw hanging to the floor. By the looks of it, Hilltoppers pretty much controlled the game wire to wire. It's also hard to believe that Chris Marcus has only been playing basketball for THREE years!!! Think how good this 7 footer would be if he would've started at a younger age. Heard from a few people that if he keeps improving like he did last year, he would be a lottery pick in the NBA draft. Well, needless to say, I thought they were full of chit and actually laughed in their face! I don't need to tell ya who's laughing tonite!

This will be the top story in this state for quite some time. I guess if they had to lose to any team from the state, I'd have to go with the Toppers....vs. EKU, Ville, Morehead, Murray St., etc...etc... I still don't think it's registering in my noggin that this has actually happened. I fully expect a downtown parade next week in BG...

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Dawg Don't follow WKU much but Mr 6-5 always has the lowdown on them.Coat tailed him on WKU to tune of 6-1 last year and off to nice start this year.Thank ya Clint.

 

[dawgball]

Neemer--didn't mean to leave you out last night. haven'e seen your name around in a while. I guess now that hoops season is back, we can expect your to see your mug more often.

6-5--what a surprise is right. Let me know when the ticker tape is being thrown, I might come to witness it myself.

DTB--if your coat-tailing move over because I'm on-board.

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Sic 'em
dawgball

 

[snoozing]

Leaning towards UGA -12.5 playing Furman. What are your thoughts.

thanks,
Bill

 

[dawgball]

Bill

The dawgs are in a heap of trouble this year. We have some talent especially with the JUCO transfer twins. That will fill the void that was left by graduation. The biggest question mark is who is going to score? I have not witnessed them play in the pre-season. I have a feeling they will play the role that they always do. UGA is not a yearly threat to most of the SEC, but they do like making games interesting with the big boys.

12' is way too much to lay with this team with all of the question marks that they have. It would be more beneficial to handicap this game from the Furman side which I know nothing about. If they do not have an inside presence, that will play into Georgia's hands and UGA may pull the cover out.

So for my opinion--if you know this Furman team and they are very weak down low, you may have a small play on the dawgs. If you do not have a feel for Furman or if they are average down low, save your money for a better spot.

In closing, is D.A. Layne the biggest jackass in the country or what. I hope he enjoys bagging groceries the rest of his life.

Just my opinion and I hope it helps.

Good luck.

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Sic 'em
dawgball

[This message has been edited by dawgball (edited 11-16-2001).]