7:00 PM EST – RUPP ARENA
MIAMI (OH) REDHAWKS (0-1)
TV – FOX SPORTS SOUTH, BIG BLUE SPORTS NETWORK
UK LEADS SERIES 21-4
RECENT MEETINGS:
11/15/2006 : UK 57 MIAMI (OH) 46
The Redhawks could have had a post season run in it last season had they not lost G Kenny Hayes for the season just eight games into the campaign. Without him, the Redhawks finished 17-13 and out of any postseason get togethers. One thing for sure is that the Redhawks will not be intimidated headed into Rupp Arena as they were early season fodder for three big programs last season and played pretty well in two of those “mismatches”. They played pretty well at then #4 UCLA, losing 64-59 and at #20 Xavier, falling 60-53. In between, they were blasted by #6 Pitt 82-53.
The Redhawks have the task of replacing two players off that squad and trying to find some offense in their lineup. The forte of the Redhawks has always been a gritty defense and points have been at a premium. It looks like their D may even be suspect this season as they lost their only upset this 81-72 to Towson (12-22 last season). Let’s see what those Redhawks may try to throw at us.
THE STARTERS
G- RODNEY HADDIX – JR – 6’3 – 216
5.0 ppg, 2 reb, 4 steals
G- KRAMER SODERBERG – SO – 6’0 – 172
8.0 ppg, 3 reb, 4 assists
G- KENNY HAYES – SR – 6’2 – 183
17.0 ppg, 4 reb, 6 assists
F- NICK WINBUSH – JR – 6’7 – 213
11.0 ppg, 5 reb, 3 blocks
C- ADAM FLETCHER – SR – 6’8 – 226
11.0 ppg, 7 reb, 1 assists
The main thing that sticks out about Miami is how much height they will be giving up against the Wildcats. The “center” Fletcher is just 6’8 and he averaged just 4.6 points and 4.0 rebounds last season as a starter. The other big, Winbush, was a role player last season and is moving into the starting lineup. Winbush is a threat for an occasional three pointer, but he looks to be horribly outsized here. Hayes is the star of this lineup. He is a versatile do everything type of guard with an occasional mean streak and he represents the best threat from outside the 3 point line. The other two guards, Haddix and Soderberg were unproven bit players last year that are stepping into the starting lineup this season. 6’8 F Julian Mavunga and 6’4 G/F Antonio Ballard will be the first two bodies off the bench and they scored 6 and 8 points vs Towson. The Redhawks do have some unproven size on the bench, in the form of 6’9 freshman Vince Legarza and 6’11 freshman Drew McGhee. Only Legarza played 2 minutes vs Towson.
OUTLOOK
I think the only drama in this game will be to see if the Redhawks can keep the margin closer than 42 points, which was the number of points the Wildcats football team beat the Redhawks by. This is not a good matchup in any area for the Redhawks as they were exposed by Towson, a team with bigger size and quicker guards. Towson lost 22 games last season.
Tomorrow’s game marks the debut of John Wall to the Kentucky lineup and that can only mean broken ankles for the Miami guards. Team that with Eric Bledsoe and you have a long evening on defense for Towson . Expect the Warhawks to be plodding on offense as they will probably work the shot clock in an attempt to keep the clock slow but this game will be a mismatch from the tipoff. Look for UK to cruise to a 81-48 victory.
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