Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: Don’t let history repeat itself

Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t let history repeat itself

Kentucky’s two biggest losses this season have been to none other than the Florida Gators (beating us in Rupp by 10 points, and in Gainesville by 21 points). With that being said, the Cats definitely need to bring their “A” game tomorrow when we meet the Gators again in the SEC championship. Despite how the season started, it’s nothing new to Wildcat fans that we are ending up in the SEC championship game once again. This Kentucky team also has the potential to come out ahead tomorrow, but it will be a tough run.

"“We’re doing better.  We’re not the same team. You’ve seen us now, we’re not the same team we were two, three weeks ago. It took some stuff and tweaking some stuff and making us more physical in practice, because the games are becoming slugfest again. You got to be able to play that way. So you prepare for it. That doesn’t mean that you’re fouling, but you got to play through bumps and grinds. So you got to practice that way or they’re not used to it. The other thing I would tell you is they’re just starting to come together. It took time. We’re starting five freshmen, folks. Five freshmen (who are) trying to do something unique and special. This team, they’re starting to come together. We’re now one of those teams that you would hope we would have been two months ago, but so what. It took time. I’m good with it.” –John Calipari said in a post-game interview Saturday"

Gator Hater

True Kentucky fans, typically can’t stand the Florida Gators; hence the term, “Gator Hater.” In true Kentucky fashion, the Gator haters will be out in full force today as we take on the team. Ranked #1 in the conference, the Gators are maintaining a record of being undefeated in the SEC. Kentucky, however, is hoping to change that tomorrow with a win in the SEC championship. With Florida having only a 7-point win over #4 Tennessee on Saturday, #2 Kentucky should have more of a chance than it may seem.

"“I don’t (Laughter). I’ve had enough of Florida. For four years I’ve seen the same guys. Some of them I think five years. I think they got a special program down there where they keep guys for six years. But what a great team. What a great story. What a great coaching job. You’re talking about a team that it’s almost an honor to play a team like that. I understand when this game is close, they will not give you the game, and if you don’t fight like heck, they’re taking it from you. That’s who they are and that’s who they have been all year. I don’t see it changing.” –John Calipari talked Florida in an interview Saturday"

Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Willie Cauley-Stein

Did something happen to Willie Cauley-Stein? All season, Cauley-Stein has been one of the leaders on this team. He has seriously contributed to any win this team has had. In the 85-67 win against LSU Friday night, Cauley-Stein had 6 rebounds, 6 blocks, and a total of 8 points in 18 minutes. Yet on Saturday in the game against Georgia won, although we still won, he only came out with 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and no points in 13 minutes. Obviously he was still contributing, but with a difference of only 5 minutes and such a vast difference in stats, it’s hard not to wonder what was going on.

The Twins Strike Again

It was no surprise that when these two brothers came into the program together, the dynamic duo would be feeding off of each other all season. When you look at the stats and team leaders for any given game, both names are typically listed. Often, I’ve noticed that they’re leading in different areas of the game, which is all the more exciting and shows the teamwork and determination in both of these twins.

"“I mean, I just knocked down some shots, really. My brother got me some great looks, and Julius got me some looks, so I just tried to do what I could today for my team, which is knock down shots.” –Aaron Harrison said in an interview Saturday about whether or not he thought the twins were reaching their potential"

What we’ve all been waiting for…

It was evident from the last few days that Kentucky would have a good chance at winning Saturday if they remained unified. They ended up playing like a team, against Georgia, as they had against LSU and came out on top. Similar to Friday night, it was great to see how they moved the ball and were genuinely happy about the success of their teammates. In order to succeed today, we hope that this unity continues to show through for this Kentucky team.

"“Love this. Young tips in Aaron miss and at timeout, Aaron first to run over and congratulate Young.” –Sports writer, Larry Vaught, tweeted during Saturday’s game"