After an early season loaded with various tournaments and invitationals, the Kentucky Wildcats came into Saturday's battle with the North Carolina Tar Heels at Rupp Arena looking to make a big statement on the national stage. Behind a 17 point and 11 rebound effort from Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the Cats managed to squeak by the Tar Heels 73-72, running John Calipari's record to … [Read more...] about Blue Bowl: Kentucky Downs North Carolina in Classic Tilt
John Calipari
#2 Kentucky Wildcats: College Basketball 111 in 111
Welcome to The Sports Bank’s second annual college basketball season preview series. Last year we looked at 99 teams in 99 days. This year, we are being slightly more aggressive and expanding to 111 teams in 111 days. We will rank the 74 power conference teams and top 37 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order. We’ll break down rosters, non-conference schedules, and pick … [Read more...] about #2 Kentucky Wildcats: College Basketball 111 in 111
Possible NBA Labor Negotiators
Ever since the Casey Anthony trial has concluded, I have been trying to get my legal fix elsewhere. Obviously, I am following the NFL negotiations, and the Roger Clemens debacle resulted in a mistrial. Since I have read all of the John Grisham thrillers, I am of sound legal mind and I am an expert on all things regarding the law. Therefore, I will provide some possible … [Read more...] about Possible NBA Labor Negotiators
This Kentucky (and Calipari) Team is Different
There is one huge thing missing from Kentucky coach John Calipari’s coaching resume: a national championship. Kentucky Wildcat fans have seen this similar storyline- a freshman point guard leading a John Calipari team deep into the tournament and falling short at the end. It happened at Memphis with superstars Derrick Rose (he’s only the NBA MVP this year) and Tyreke Evans … [Read more...] about This Kentucky (and Calipari) Team is Different
Ohio State Upset in Sweet 16 for Second Straight Year
For the second straight year, the Buckeyes advanced to the Sweet 16, only to be upset by an SEC team. Last year it was Tennessee who knocked them out, this year it was Kentucky, beating the Buckeyes 62-60. By: Justin Mertes-Mistretta … [Read more...] about Ohio State Upset in Sweet 16 for Second Straight Year
99 in 99:#11 Kentucky Wildcats
John Calipari was hired away from Memphis to put the Kentucky Wildcats back on the national map. In just one season in Lexington, Calipari has done that that and so much more. The Wildcats lose eight players from last year’s team including five that were selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. In what seems like it will become a yearly cycle at UK, the program brings … [Read more...] about 99 in 99:#11 Kentucky Wildcats
Is Tyreke Evans the next Big Thing?
By Paul M. Banks and David Kay I wouldn’t call it “love at first sight”, but when I was in Milwaukee for the 2008 McDonald’s All-American High School Basketball game, I was enamored by what I saw. At the time, Tyreke Evans was undecided as to where he would play his college basketball, but I knew that his impact at whatever University was fortunate enough to land him would … [Read more...] about Is Tyreke Evans the next Big Thing?
Top Ten College Hoops Teams for ’09-’10
By: David K. The 2008-2009 college basketball season has only been wrapped up for a week, but it is never too early to start looking ahead to next year. Several elite college players are still sorting out whether or not they will return to school which obviously has a major impact on how loaded some teams might be next season. I have taken into account which players appear … [Read more...] about Top Ten College Hoops Teams for ’09-’10
Top Ten Coaching Jobs in College Basketball
By: David K. Billy Gillespie gets the boot at Kentucky after not meeting expectations in his two seasons. John Calipari is attempting to pick up the pieces in Lexington as he bolts from Memphis to help re-build UK. Tony Bennett leaves Washington State for Virginia while VCU’s Anthony Grant makes the jump from mid-major to major conference by taking the reigns at Alabama. … [Read more...] about Top Ten Coaching Jobs in College Basketball
Big Ten & Memphis Match Made in Heaven
By Peter Christian About a week ago I had a revelation. A true vision that was so perfect it nearly made me cry in my car while driving into work. I have no idea why the thought penetrated the gray matter that is my brain, but the fact remains, it did. For at least the last fifteen years there has been rumblings and whispers about the Big Ten athletic conference wanting … [Read more...] about Big Ten & Memphis Match Made in Heaven