Kentucky Wildcats in a Can’t Lose Game Against the Georgia Bulldogs

March 2, 2013; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari coaches a player from the sidelines during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas defeated Kentucky 73-60. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports

And now for some recruiting news. Julius Randle officially cut NC State and Oklahoma from his list. The surprise here is that he removed NC State, which seemed to be a favorite of his. All that remains for the second rated player in 2013 are Kentucky, Kansas, Florida and Texas. Most people in the know do not think that he is taking Florida and Texas seriously and that Kentucky and Kansas will be down to the wire for his commitment. March 20th is the date for his announcement.

John Calipari and Orlando Antigua have been ramping up their interest in 2013 point guard Dominique Hawkins. There is mutual interest in the two and there may be even talk of a scholarship. Hawkins scored 25 points in a Kentucky high school tournament game last night for Madison Central. Hawkins also faced off against the Harrison Twins early this year and dropped 29 points.

"UK Coach John Calipari and assistants Orlando Antigua and Kenny Payne were courtside in Rupp Arena on Wednesday to see another solid performance from the senior guard, who led Madison Central to an 81-56 victory over Wayne County in the Sweet Sixteen opener. Hawkins scored 25 points and made 11 of 17 shots in his first game in front of Calipari. “It’s crazy. It’s definitely crazy,” Hawkins said. “It’s an honor to even play (in Rupp Arena) and for them to be here to watch us is an honor. I hope they come again to watch. I kind of like that pressure — it makes you want to do better.” Antigua made the half-hour drive to watch Hawkins practice last week, but this was the first time that any of UK’s coaches had seen him play in a game. The 6-foot-1 guard already has a walk-on offer from U of L, and he has received interest from Alabama, Tennessee and Purdue in recent weeks."

March 2, 2013; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Alex Poythress (22) reacts after fouling out of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas defeated Kentucky 73-60. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports

Sometimes it’s hard to remember that these players are young men and have stuggles just like everybody else. Alex Poythress’ time at Kentucky has been plagued by inconsistent play and questions of whether or not he has the heart to play big time basketball.

No one is more confused about his lack of production than his own father:

"Count Poythress’ father, Antoine, among those perplexed by his play, too. “I was so happy to see him have a good game (against Missouri),” Antoine Poythress said. “He finally seemed more relaxed. I talked to him, and he said it wasn’t that he did anything different against Missouri. He was just more relaxed the last few weeks. He always tells me everything is fine.” Poythress’ father thought his son played well and was more aggressive on offense during Kentucky’s three-game win streak. Sometimes I think he is just not aggressive enough. That maybe comes with having teammates capable of doing things, but he has to understand he is capable of doing things and has to stay aggressive on both ends, because that helps his teammates. He does not have the personality to just come down and jack it up. He does not care if he does not take a lot of shots. He just wants to win, and it’s not about personal accolades for him. But I tell him he needs to do well for his team, too."

Read the rest of Larry Vaught’s interview here. It’s well worth it.

Dec 29, 2012; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals fans cheer before the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at the KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Kentucky 80-77. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

And a bonus today. Kentucky will have well over 40,000 people attending their spring football game. The University of Louisville is coming off of a 10 win season and a Sugar Bowl victory but the brass at UofL is nervous that Kentucky, a lowly two win team, will eclipse them by a large amount in spring game attendance.

So what do the Dirty Birds do to entice their fans to come support their top 15 football team? Dollar beers of course. It’s not enough that they have a great team to go and watch, they have to have dollar beers as well. And you know what? Kentucky will still outdraw them.

$1 beers at the spring football game is the most Louisville thing ever. Pathetic.