February 28th: On this date...

... in 1970, your top-ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats outlasted a game Vanderbilt Commodore team, 90-86, in front of a sellout crowd at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington. The story of the game, though, was Kentucky All-American Dan Issel (31 points - 15 rebounds) crossed a barrier no other Wildcat had ever crossed. The Batavia, Illinois-native became the first player to score 2,000 points in the storied program’s history. Issel caught and blew past the top scorers on the career list halfway through his senior season and put enough distance between second place to let everyone know he planned on staying there a few years. Names such as Nash, Groza, Dampier, Beard, Hagan, and Riley were left in the scorer’s wake as he was making his own claim to be the best Wildcat ever. The victory moved the #1 Cats to 23-1 on the ‘70 season, leading to a top-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Rupp’s team would get upset in the Regional Finals by Jacksonville, letting a prime opportunity slip away in Issel final chance at a National Championship. Issel never made a Final Four in his three years at Kentucky, despite having some of the best teams in the nation.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.29 - Vols Hold Up Cats, Not With Guns Though

February 27th: On this date...

... in 1956, your #8 University of Kentucky Wildcats throttled the Georgia Bulldogs, 143-66, for the largest margin of victory in the basketball program’s history. The game was played at Louisville’s Jefferson County Armory, because even in the 50's there were more UK fans than Card fans in Louisville. By halftime, the game had been decided, as Adolph Rupp’s squad had built a 75-32 lead. The Cats made an absurd 60 field goals on the day, more than double that of the visiting Bulldogs. Of the 14 players seeing court action, 13 of them had at least two field goals. Jerry Bird (22 points), Bob Burrow (21 points), and Billy Ray Cassady (16 points) led the way for Kentucky, who moved their record to 18-5 on the season. The season was ended a few weeks later, as #4 Iowa upended Kentucky in the Midwest Regional Finals.......in Iowa City, Iowa, one game short of the bannerific Final Four. Once again showing the bias the corrupt NCAA has against our beloved program.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Craigslist, the dark alley off the internet superhighway

ATTENTION: Do not buy SEC Tournament tickets from Nashville's Craigslist!

I have been searching for SEC Tourney tickets for a little while now (good luck, right?). Anyway, I got the bright idea that instead of just cruising the Lexington craigslist page, I would check out the other SEC school locations. On an interesting side note, there are hardly any listings at any of the other schools.

However, I hit the jackpot on the Nashville Craigslist page! Hundreds and hundreds of listings. And great prices too! Who wants to pay thousands of dollars for a book of tickets in the nosebleeds on Stubhub when I can get great seats for about $300 per book on Craigslist? Right?

So, thinking I am the smartest man on the planet by successfully outsmarting thousands of other SEC tourney hopefuls, I send emails to a few of sellers. I am worried if the tickets are still available. Surely, at these prices, the tickets won't last long.

I get my first reply:

Hello,

The tickets are still for sale.. I am selling 4 tix for $1200. The price includes shipping, because i am located in Scottsdale, AZ. I will deliver the tickets via UPS overnight (UPS fees are paid by me).
I would like to do this transaction trough eBay for protection. eBay will send you the purchase confirmation with details how to purchase the tickets from me. You will be sending the money to an eBay Agent. eBay will send the funds to me ONLY AFTER you will have the tickets in hand and give the feedback for our transaction.
In order to start the official procedure, I will need you to send me: your full name, delivery address and your eBay id..

I will check my inbox for your reply later!

Thank you,
Bradley

Sweet! This guy is crazy for selling lower level seats, about 5 rows up, for just $300! Plus, he wants to use eBay! That's great. More protection for me!

Then, I get a reply from another seller...

Hello,
My Name is Lisa Wilcox and i am located in Seattle, Washington.I am selling 4 tickets for $900.If you are interested to buy these tickets i will do this deal only trough eBay.In order to start the transaction i will need your full name, address and your eBay id.They will send you an invoice how to purchase the tickets from me.(You will be sending the money to an eBay agent.After the payment is sent i will send the tickets to you.eBay will release the funds to me ONLY AFTER you will send them the confirmation that you received the tickets and they are real).I will ship the via UPS overnight.I will pay shipping.
I will wait your reply.
Thank You !

Wait a minute. That is odd. They have virtually identical responses.

Then I get another response from another seller...

Hello,
I live in Phoenix and i will ship the tickets via UPS Overnight so you can receive them in 24 hours ( with tracking # ).
The price including shipping.Because i am new on craigslist i will do this transaction only trough eBay.In order to start the transaction through eBay reply me with your full name, address and your eBay id.eBay will send you an invoice how to purchase the tickets from me.


I will wait your reply
Thank You

Uh oh.

So I do a search for "eBay agent", and find a page from eBay saying this is a major scam. There is no such thing as an eBay Agent, the money is actually going to the scammer, who keeps the money and never sends the "tickets" he probably never had in the first place.

So, be careful out there, fellow clueless UK fans. The internets are dangerous.

/end public service

Magic Doing The Y, Jordan Next?

We're putting together quite the list of Y participants during the 2009-10 campaign. Quick.....name one from the Billy Clyde Era?

February 26th: On this date...

... in 2005, your fifth-ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats stormed back from a 36-29 halftime deficit at #16 Alabama via the smoking hot shooting of Patrick “Booger” Sparks. The Western Kentucky transfer could do no wrong in the second stanza as he hit five three pointers (7-10 overall) to help Kentucky outscore Bama 49-35 after the break to win going away. Sparks ended the game with a season high 26 points, and the Cats as a team were a blistering 13-19 from behind the arc on the afternoon. One of the other highlights of the comeback was a Sparks’ assist on a fastbreak to the trailing Woo for a dunk I’m not even for sure Woo thought he had in him. It was a tomahawk slam from halfway down the lane that helped Big Blue Nation forget about the grenades he usually threw towards the backboard. Tubby’s squad shot 56% from the field, 68% from 3-point range, and 65% from the free throw line. Kelenna Azubuike had 15 points and super walk-on Ravi Moss was a perfect 3-3 for 10 huge points. But the day belonged to Sparks, as his NBA-range three’s will on point to get past the Elephants. The win clinched the SEC regular season title for the Cats, their 43rd overall, and our last.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Latest Mock Draft Has Cousins Going To Oakland....Uh-Oh.

Number 1?? Only if your lucky Boogie Man.

While I want to see the current Cats go on to have successful careers in the NBA, a part of me is scared to death to see where our beloved 2009-10 stars might be going. It's a foregone conclusion Freak Show is going number one overall to New Jersey unless the ping-pong gods have something to say about it.

The second Cat off the board is concerning me even more. The Big Lead has has put together a 2010 Mock Draft with Big Cuz going third overall to Golden State. Which is Oakland........you know...........Oakland. And I'm having trouble seeing this as the place Boogie will blossom into an all-timer.

The lottery can pan out a multitude of ways, but one has to think Cousins is a lock to be a top five pick. The season he is having is statistically amazing, as he can score and rebound at will. Granted the competition isn't professional, but I don't see too many other college guys, much less a freshman doing these things at the level the Big Cuz.

Most of the teams are in the lottery for a reason, but of all the markets to go to, Oakland has to be the worst. Over the hill coach who has a bad history with draft picks, along with a "volatile" youngsta is a recipe for disaster.

The last thing I remember about Oakland is................



Then again, "dat's only in da mornin'" and he's "supposed to be up cookin' breakfast". Bubb Rubb says it would kinda be like an alarm clock. Indeed Bubb Rubb. Indeed.

Cats Look For Revenge on Cocks, Little People

5'10" Darnell Dodson tries to guard the 2'3" Cock.

The last time these two teams met, it ended with a floor full of cocks trying to raise up on Big Cuz. Tonight, your university of Kentucky Wildcats try and avenge the only loss John Calipari has ever had in Lexington. Las Vegas says Big Blue should win by 16. And while I think that may be generous considering the opponent and its recent history against us, I have a ton of faith our Italian head coach is connected just enough to make those who gamble very uncomfortable as the clock winds down.

5 Game Notes

1. The gameplan is this: Keep Devan Downey from banking in 35-footers, or simply bring in John Hood to take the guy out. Nothing career threatening, just a liver shot to discombobulate him for an hour or two. Kidding aside, if we can get a committee to hold this guy in check, we should be OK, but we've known this for awhile now.

2. Big Blue Booyah Drinking Game: Take a drink every time Eric Bledsoe dribbles out of control or falls down. Take a drink every time they mention Darrin Horn and his association with Lexington/Kentucky.

3. Can Pat build on his past two solid performances? Coach Cal has called him out on it, let's see how he responds. Its getting to be crunch time, something all of our studs have never experienced. Who are we kidding, this guy needs a run to be considered among the elite-elite at this University. He's arguably the most important piece to the Indy puzzle.

4. As The 3-spot Turns: DeAndre Liggins seems to have solidified his role on this team. He knows what his limitations are. Will any of our other small forwards show progression as we get into March? Darius looked improved at Vandy. Darnell did not. Ramon is...........Is Ramon on the team still?

5. You might think I'm crazy, but I'd love to see Devan Downey get a standing O at the end of this game. We consider ourselves the greatest fans on Earth. If this is true, we should recognize greatness (or in this case greatness versus us) and not be afraid to give the Cat-killer his due respect. Now if the game is close, or we lose, screw that guy. But if the game is close to the Vegas spread, I'd love to see Darrin Horn sub for Downey when its out of hand and see Rupp give him some props. Of course, you'd have wake up everyone in the lower arena to do this, but its worth a try. That's why I'd argue we're the greatest. We recognize greatness.

Go Cats.

February 25th: On this date...

... in 2004, your ninth-ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats put a beating on visiting Tennessee, 92-60, in front a surprisingly average 23,201 at Rupp. The Buzz Peterson-led Volunteers didn’t even put up a fight, as the Cats had stretched the lead to 15 by intermission. No starter played over 29 minutes and fifteen of the sixteen players saw action. Freaky sophomore Kelenna Azubuike led the Cats with 17 points, with an efficient 7-10 shooting (3-4 from 3-point range). He was assisted by Erik Daniels (12 points - 4 rebounds - 6 assists), Chuck Hayes (14 points - 6 rebounds - 3 assists - 3 steals), Cliff Hawkins (15 points - 5 rebounds - 7 assists), and Antwan Barbour (16 points, 6-9 FG, 3-4 3PM). The win moved Tubby Smith to 10-3 in the SEC and 20-4 overall, the program’s 14th straight 20-win season. Big Blue would go on to win the SEC regular season and tournament titles, climb to #2 in the country, and earn a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. And then.....UAB.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

February 24th: On this date...

... in 1980, your #3 University of Kentucky Wildcats dramatically took out #5 LSU, 76-74 in overtime, as all-timer Kyle Macy hit a jumper as time expired. Macy, who was just 3-13 before the last shot, came through in the clutch with the final dagger. The point guard extraordinaire played the entire 45 minutes, finishing with 11 points - 5 rebounds - 8 assists. He also had the nerve to miss two free throws. The star of the game before the last shot was Fred Cowan, a 6'8" junior from Sturgis, Kentucky. The Union County-native tallied 27 points - 9 rebounds - 3 assists on 12-18 shooting. Freshman phenom and McDonald’s All-American Sam Bowie controlled the paint for most of the day, ending with 16 points. The victory would clinch the regular season title for UK and move the Cats to 26-4 on the season. The Tigers would get revenge a few weeks later in the SEC Championship, winning another squeaker, 80-78. Joe B. Hall’s team would still earn a #1 seed for the NCAA Tournament. You don’t want to know the rest.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

February 23rd: On this date...

... in 2003, your #2 University of Kentucky Wildcats won their 16th straight game with a 70-62 win over the #19 Mississippi State Bulldogs in Rupp Arena. The win pushed the Cats SEC record to a perfect 12-0 (22-3 overall), trying to become just the second team (1996 Kentucky) in SEC history to go undefeated in conference play. Big Blue came out on fire building a 19 point first half lead (32-13), before going into halftime with a 10 point lead. From there, Keith Bogans & Company controlled the visitors, fluctuating the lead from 16 points to five points during the second half. Bogans’ 18 points and seven rebounds led the way with Marquis Estill (10 points - 8 rebounds) and Chuck Hayes (4 points - 8 rebounds - 6 assists) providing some help. Cliff Hawkins was also an efficient 5-6 from the floor for 14 points and three assists. The difference in the game was how UK dominated the glass against the nation’s #2 rebounding team (37-25). At halftime, the University honored over 100 letterman, led by the fantasy five of: Kyle Macy, Tony Delk, Jamal Mashburn, Dan Issel, and Jack Givens. I’d take that team.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

February 22nd: On this date...

... in 2006, a 6'2" senior walk-on from Bourbon County had the game of his life during an 80-40 drubbing of the Ole Miss Rebels. Preston LeMaster, son of former Wildcat Jim LeMaster, played a career high 19 minutes and scored a career high 12 points as Big Blue had built a 40-17 lead by halftime. And not all of those minutes were second half minutes either. LeMaster actually helped build the Kentucky lead to 21-10 after hitting two three-pointers midway through the first half. He went on to hit two more in the second stanza for a perfect 4-4 on the afternoon. His fifth try rattled out, but the smile couldn’t be wiped from his face. The team as a whole was 9-21 on the day, LeMaster accounting for almost half. Sophomore Joe Crawford hit three of his own from deep, finishing with 17 points. Point guard Rajon Rondo finished the game with 12 of the team 18 assists, versus only seven turnovers. Fourteen players saw court action in the arguably the season’s most complete performance. LeMaster, though, was the man of the hour, as he lived out every Kentucky kid’s dream of ballin’ out in Rupp Arena. The twelve points were nearly half of LeMaster’s career total of 30.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Coach Cal, That's A Very Bad Question

From today's This is Kentucky Basketball.

The Road in Nashville

With yesterday's win at Vanderbilt, it essentially gives your University of Kentucky Wildcats a three game lead with four game remaining. And while I think we'll be tested in each of the remaining games, the magic number of two wins seems very reachable. With this information at our disposal, it looks as though Big Blue Nation won't be enjoying any evening games while

in Nashville.

The schedule for the top seed in the SEC East is as follows:

• Friday - 1:00pm EST
• Saturday - 1:00pm EST
• Sunday - 1:00pm EST

The current games currently look like this:

• Friday - South Carolina/Auburn
• Saturday - Tennessee/Arkansas
• Sunday - Whatever trash is left over (Vandy/Mississippi State/Florida, etc)

Obviously much of this can change as Florida and Tennessee are tied at 8-4, but the Vols hold the tiebreak. They play Tuesday night on ESPN and should give us a better look of how things will shake out. Arkansas and Mississippi State are also tied atop the West with the Bulldogs holding the tiebreak.

I'm not gonna lie, the late night atmosphere is always fun for the fans, but I'm sure the players would enjoy a routine the same time each day a bit more. This is the price we pay for having a 26-1 record. Suck it up.

Here is the 2010 SEC Tournament bracket from SECSports.com.

Go Cats.

February 21st: On this date...

... in 1970, your #2 University of Kentucky Wildcats spoiled Pistol Pete Maravich’s last attempt at beating Kentucky with a 121-105 victory in Baton Rouge. The Pistol went down swinging, though, busting the Cats up for 64 points on 23-42 shooting. Kentucky countered the LSU All-American with their own All-American, Dan Issel. The two went back and forth for much of the game, Issel finishing with 51 points (19-33 FG) and 17 rebounds of his own. The win raised Kentucky’s mark against Pete and the Tigers to 6-0. The average score in those six games were: Kentucky 112 - LSU 96. The Pistol’s career totals versus Kentucky were ridiculous (52 PPG - 7+ RPG), but each time he was sent home a loser. Current Big Blue Network analyst Mike Pratt added 27 points (11-15 FG) to help the Good Guys dominate most of the game. Forward Tom Parker chipped in with 18 points and 11 rebounds also. The nationally televised game went down as one of the most watched games in the history of television.***

*** = no confirmation of this, just a hunch.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Calipari 1.27 - Wall's Block Keys Win in Music City

February 20th: On this date...

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 1978, your #3 University of Kentucky Wildcats were close to unstoppable as they blitzed visiting Alabama, 97-84, behind flawless performances from all three starters in the frontcourt. A total of thirteen players saw court time, led by point guard Kyle Macy’s 39 minutes. The most impressive stat lines of the night, though, belonged to The Goose, Rick Robey and Mike Phillips. Their efficiency was off the charts.

Jack Givens: 25 minutes, 9-10 FG, 4-4 FT, 22 points - 4 rebounds - 2 assists.

Rick Robey: 25 minutes, 6-6 FG, 6-6 FT, 18 points - 6 rebounds - 5 assists.

Mike Phillips: 20 minutes, 5-7 FG, 1-2 FT, 11 points - 2 rebounds

The team as a whole shot 67% from the field (34-51 FG) and 85% from the free throw line (29-34 FT) as Kentucky built a 16-point lead by halftime. The reserves, along with Macy, did everything they needed to in half two to seal the victory. Joe B & Co went on to have a fine finish to the 1978 season.

February 19th: On this date...

Johnny Rondo and his catcher's mit hands.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 2005, your #3 University of Kentucky Wildcats defeated Mississippi State, 94-78, in front of a sellout crowd, featuring Ashley Judd and the ESPN Gameday crew. Kentucky blew open a very close game (UK up 46-43 at halftime) during a 27-6 second half run and coasted to victory. Big Blue forced 23 Bulldog turnovers, headlined by a Rupp Arena record eight steals by freshman Rajon Rondo. The eight steals also tied the program record for a single game set by Wayne Turner in 1997. Rondo went on to break the single season record for steals with 87. In just two seasons in Lexington, Rondo cracked the Top 10 on the career list in steals, swiping it 156 times in just 68 games. His pace would have broken the program mark (Turner) in three years, and would have destroyed it in a full four seasons. Back to the game, fourteen players saw floor action for the Cats, seven of which were in double-figures. Kentucky was paced by: Chuck Hayes (12 points - 6 rebounds - 4 steals - 4 assists), Randolph Morris (17 points - 6 rebounds), Kelenna Azubuike (15 points - 7 rebounds), Patrick Sparks (14 points), Ravi Moss (10 points), and Ramel Bradley (10 points - 5 rebounds - 5 assists). A well-rounded game from everyone involved.

French Skier Surrenders Seconds Into Run

Thought this was an SNL preview when it came on last night. Nope....just a French lady. Enjoy your next four years!

February 18th: On this date...

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 1903, your University of Kentucky Wildcats, officially competing as State College (Kentucky), got their first ever win as a “basket ball” program, an 11-10 beatdown of the Lexington YMCA. The head coach was the Administrator of Men’s Physical Education at the University, WWH Mustaine. He was a Centre College graduate (class of 1899) and was originally from Horse Cave, Kentucky. The win was the only one in season number one of Kentucky basketball, finishing the year with a 1-2 mark. The other games were played against Georgetown College (15-6) and Kentucky University (42-2). Are we sure we aren’t Kentucky University? I remember the ‘03 team being BAD ASS. The writeup of the game (according to Jon Scott’s never-ending site) consisted of the Lexington Herald-Leader saying, “The game was a most exciting one and well contested and the result was a doubt until the game had finally ended.” The contributor from the Herald-Leader that day..................Jerry Tipton.

Murray State Frosh Getting Attention

February 17th: On this date...

The Tickler.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 1934, your University of Kentucky Wildcats set a national record for college basketball with their 23rd consecutive victory in a 47-27 win over the Commies from Vanderbilt. The game was such a big deal, the rabid Kentucky fan base nearly rioted just to get into Alumni Gymnasium. Patrons crammed into the Gym any way they could, including climbing through windows and hanging from rafters. The Cats put on a display unlike any other and the city-folk had to see what the ruckus was all about. The star of the night was the first player to ever wear the #00 jersey, John DeMoisey. He finished the night with 25 points on nine made baskets and seven free throws made on ten attempts. No one else in the game scored in double-figures. Teammate Dave Lawrence was the next highest point total with nine. The win streak would end in the next game, a 38-32 loss to the Florida Gators in the SEC Tournament. It was after the following loss to Florida, though, that we would officially find out what we had figured all along....that the Gators did, in fact, suck.

Billy Clyde on Publicity Tour for Coach Cal?

In a recent interview with a cowboy newspaper in Texas, Billy Clyde Gillispie says he has no ill will towards the University and when asked about the firing said:

"It affected me a little bit, but I will bounce back."

Coach Cal is notorious for being able to sell anything to anyone, but to have your fired predecessor go on a nationwide book promotion tour for you is mind boggling. It is arguably his best coaching job to date.

Go Cats.

February 16th: On this date...

The 'Stache.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 1991, your #16 University of Kentucky Wildcats came from behind to beat the Ole Miss Rebels, 89-77, in front of a sellout crowd in Rupp Arena. After a hot shooting first half for both teams, Mississippi took a 52-48 lead into halftime. The second half was another story, though, as the pressure finally got to the visiting team. Kentucky methodically picked the Rebels apart, forcing 29 turnovers on the night, giving them 21 (81-60) more shots than Ole Miss. Big Blue was led that day by Super Frosh Jamal Mashburn (18 points - 13 rebounds - 4 steals) and wily veteran Reggie Hanson (17 points - 11 rebounds - 8 assists - 7 steals - 2 blocks). The line for Hanson almost gave the program its second ever triple-double and first ever quadruple-double. Head coach Rick Pitino finally got the message from the rabid fan base and started eastern Kentucky hero, Richie Farmer. The Mustache didn’t disappoint either (21 points - 4 rebounds - 4 steals, 4-9 3PM). The coaching staff consisted of Pitino, Herb Sendek, Billy Donovan, Tubby Smith, and Bernadette Locke. The probation-laden team finished the season as the 13th ranked team in the nation.

ESPNU Road Trip in Lexington

The In's & Out's of the New Uni

Cat Scratches has video of the new uniforms that tells about the intricacies of the design on the back. Something about freemasonry, secret passageways, hidden treasure, pentagrams, and the show Lost.

February 15th: On this date...

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 1994, Louisiana State University head coach Dale Brown pooped his pants a little, as his team relinquished a 31-point lead to a group of memorable Cats. Enough of me.

February 14th: On this date...

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 1938, your University of Kentucky Wildcats had one of the most memorable wins of the program’s storied history when Joe “Red” Hagan hit a 48-foot shot from the “mid-floor” area of Alumni Gymnasium to beat visiting Marquette, 35-33. Funny thing is, there was still 12 seconds remaining in the game. Marquette must’ve had the best defense during the era if a 48-footer was the best shot available for the game-winner with that amount of time remaining. In any event, the shot banked in and the 4,000 rabid Kentucky fans went ballistic, or whatever the equivalent was to ballistic during black-and-white times. The fans rushed the court, “and carried Hagan triumphantly to the showers.” Hello One of the people in attendance was Governor A.B. Chandler. Once the game concluded, Chandler called for a hammer and a nail, driving the nail into the spot where Hagan let loose of the ball. Marquette was considered to be among the best, if not the best team in all the land. Legend has it that the fans then took to the streets of Lexington, ending up at the intersection of Euclid and Woodland. The mob would cheer and dance until the wee hours of the night, when only the law and the lawless are out. Once the mob dispersed, students were seen walking to the SuperAmerica/Taco Bell for a late night snack. Some things never change.

February 13th: On this date...

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 1951, Kentucky legend/skyscraper Bill Spivey set a program record with 34 rebounds in a win against unranked Xavier. The top-ranked Cats were also paced by Spivey’s 40 points. Quite a night for the seven-footer from Warner Robins, Georgia, who was the first seven-footer in Kentucky history. Bill Spivey would later set the single season record for rebounds during the 1950-51 season with 567, a record that will never get close to being broken again. Spivey led the 1950-51 Cats (34-2) to the NCAA Championship (22 points - 21 rebounds) and was a consensus first team All-American. His two years in Lexington were arguably the most productive of any two year run in history by a player. He sat out the first half of the 1951-52 season with a knee injury and the second half due to an NCAA investigation. The investigation was for his role in a point-shaving scandal that rocked college basketball. The charge of perjury would not stick, as he was later acquitted of all charges. Spivey would never be allowed to realize his dream of playing in the NBA, as he was permanently banned from the league for his so-called role in the scandal. When he came to Lexington, head coach Adolph Rupp got Spivey a job changing fluorescent lights in a local drug store. He did not need ladder.

February 12th: On this date...

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 2008, your University of Kentucky Wildcats, led by General Billy Clyde Gillispie, got handed the fifth worst loss in their storied program’s history. The 93-52 beatdown by Vandy acted as a bit of revenge for earlier in the year. The Commies came into Rupp Arena undefeated at 16-0, but left with a double-overtime loss, blemishing the perfect mark. The second game was a completely different story. The tipsy General received a technical in the first half for not giving the ball back to the referees. If I remember, Gillispie simply crouched by the UK bench with a grin, twiddling his thumbs. The grin had one of those, “I have no idea what I’m doing” looks on it. Kentucky trailed by 30 at halftime, scoring only 11 points in the first 20 minutes. And we had to go a run towards the end to even get that many. A few key stats included Kentucky having fives assists and 17 turnovers, while Vandy had 20 assists too only 6 turnovers. The Cats went on a 12:22 drought in the first half until Joe Crawford made a leaner in the lane. Seldom used A.J. Stewart led UK in scoring at half with three points. The good news on the night was Ramel Bradley hitting a three-pointer to keep the streak alive. I’m guessing Pat will be looking for some revenge in Nashville with his new and improved squad. Big Blue Nation will not negotiate with Commies.

February 11th: On this date...

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 1963, one of the all-time greats in Kentucky basketball history was born in Lexington, Kentucky. His name? LeRoy Byrd. The one they called “Baby Magic” lived in Lexington and attended Bryan Station High School before choosing to play basketball at UNLV, under coach Jerry Tarkanian. After one year with The Shark and playing behind Tark’s son, Byrd decided it was time to come back home. He was also the Wildcats’ second player to ever wear the #00 jersey (John DeMoisey). Statistically, Byrd did not have the career as most Kentucky basketball legends, but I dare you to find someone over 30 who wouldn’t immediately recognize him. He was a basketball rockstar during his time in Blue. Part of this was due to his diminutive size, standing at 5'5 and weighing in at 145 lbs. “Baby Magic” played a total of 149 minutes in his 38 career games of floor action. This netted Leroy a total of 41 career points (2 pts. as a sophomore, 2 pts. as a junior, 37 pts. as a senior). Other career totals include: 14-24 FG (58%), 13-20 FT (65%), 15 rebounds, 29 assists, 15 steals, 1 block (not in my house), 19 fouls, 17 turnovers. Today is Baby Magic’s day, join me in wishing him a very happy birthday.

Calipari 1.24 - Cats Take Out Bama Via Boredom

Maybe it was the fact we missed the Bama run to start the game, or simply having to sit through another snoozy Rupp crowd, but last night's win over the Tide seemed like a rerun. The Cats, once again, came out flat and uninspired. That is until DeAndre Liggins came into the fold.

Saying this kid is a whole new player is the understatement of the year. Coach Cal was right, he wanted DL to come into the game and not even think about what he was doing when he was on the court. It almost seems like he tunes everything out when he's on the floor. The coach, the team, the fans, everybody. He constantly does his own thing all over the court, with the majority of those decisions being the correct one. Not to mention, he's becoming our most consistent three-point threat. In his 26 minutes, DL finished with 8 points - 7 rebounds. All day.

To the highlights:

• Freak Show (22 points - 10 rebounds - 3 steals - 2 assists - 6 TOs) has his highest point total since The Garden. He also went around the world one more time to make sure Bama knew he was the man.
• Freshmen had 12 of the 16 turnovers.
• Seeing Daniel Orton get to play with Pat instead of Big Cuz was very intriguing. If for no other reason than us being OK when Big Cuz gets tossed in the future.
• Speaking of Big Cuz, he seemed uninterested again, but still got a double-double (16 points - 13 rebounds). Dangerous combo.

All in all, a very boring game. Just the way we like it.

23-1. That's insane. Man.......I bet Memphis is PISSED.

Go Cats.

Roy Williams Thinks Haiti Needs to Quit Crying

I'm guessing this will be a topic of conversation on among every outlet possible tomorrow...........or not. Nothing to see here. Carry on.

New Unfiorms Inculde New State Spleling

I'm not gonan lie, the new state speeling is vrey frseh. Cheers to Nike sweatshops!

Coach Cal has now gone a PR run via Tittwer. We amdire the efofrt Cocah.

This Is Getting Ridiculous

These Wildcat fans were featured on Sports Illustrated's Hot Clicks via Straight Pinkie. This is possibly the greatest piece of construction ever.

Super Bowl Review

February 10th: On this date...

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 2009, your University of Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Florida Gators, 68-65, in dramatic fashion as Jodie Meeks drained an off-balance three as time was winding down. As dramatic as Meeks’ shot was, the remaining 4.7 seconds had fans even more on the edge of their seat as Nick Calathes was fouled on a three-point attempt as time expired. The Kentucky bench erupted as the clock expired thinking the game was over, but the referees sent everyone back to the bench for potential game-tying free throws. Calathes had dominated the Cats all game long, finishing with 33 points - 7 rebounds - 3 assists. He was also 11-12 from the free throw line before the last tries. Calathes then managed to miss all three attempts as the Rupp Arena crowd rose to its feet shake the building. The win moved Kentucky to 17-7 on the season, 6-3 in the SEC. Billy Clyde followed this up with an atrocious ending to the season, with the only other highlight being Perry Stevenson’s cram of a lifetime in the NIT. This was one of the few highlights of the 2008-09 season and is one of the only acceptable memories from an otherwise “voided year in the history books”.

SNOW-MG!! LOL!!! TTYL!!!

February 9th: On this date...

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 1994, your #4 University of Kentucky Wildcats were tripped up by new conference rival #3 Arkansas to snap a 33-game home win streak, the longest in Rupp Arena’s storied history. Coach Pitino and his Cats took a six point lead into halftime, but as any onlooker would know, six points is nothing in this high-octane matchup. Nolan Richardson brought his “40 Minutes of Hell” and won back-to-back games in Rupp Arena, winning three of four overall. The 33-game winning streak actually stretched from Arkansas loss (1-25-92) to Arkansas loss (2-9-94). The ‘Backs, who eventually beat Duke in the Championship game, were led that day by Scotty Thurman (26 points - 6 assists - 6 rebounds) and Corliss Williamson (21 points - 14 rebounds - 4 assists). The game was a statistical freak show as Kentucky shot 40 three-pointers, 76 shots overall, and assisted on 23 of 29 baskets. Some individual highlights were: Jared Prickett (11 points - 20 rebounds - 6 assists), Rodrick Rhodes (22 points - 3 rebounds - 3 assists), Travis Ford (8 points - 8 assists - 4 rebounds). Sophomore shooting guard Tony Delk (16 points - 6 rebounds - 4 assists) had trouble all day with his shot, hitting only 6-23 FG and 2-13 from behind the arc.

February 8th: On this date...

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 2005, your #5 University of Kentucky Wildcats rallied from a seven point halftime deficit to beat the visiting Florida Gators 69-66 in front of over 24,000 Wildcat faithful. Johnny Rondo was the leader of the comeback both on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. The Gators built a nine point second half lead before Rondo started locking down Anthony Roberson of Florida. After coming back and taking a 53-52 lead, midway through the second half, Roberson and Rondo got into a chest thumping contest that ignited the Rupp crowd. Apparently Roberson had some choice words and looks toward the Kentucky bench that didn’t sit to well with Tubby or the players. After the two were separated, Rondo went on a spurt of his own, scoring six of the next eight, to help UK take control of the game, 64-54. The 50% free throw shooter made 8-10 on the night and finished with 14 points - 4 assists - 7 rebounds - 3 steals. Along with Rondo, the Cats were led by Kelenna Azubuike (18 points - 3 rebounds), Chuck Hayes (11 points - 9 rebounds), and super walk-on Ravi Moss (7 points - 3 rebounds - 2 assists - 1 steal) who hit a crucial three-pointer late in the game.

Calipari 1.23 - Cats Dominant. Tigers Bleaux.

After spotting the Cajuns a few points (6-1) to start the game, Big Blue went on a ridiculous run (22-0) to put things away during the first half. The lead by the end of the first 20 was 42-14.

The highlight of the day included a three play stretch of a Big Cuz tip in, an Eric Bledsoe cram on a Big Cuz miss, and an around the world from Freak Show. Highlight number four was the fact Ramon made two separate shots.

No one played over 31 minutes and all 13 guys saw court time.

Liggins (7 points - 8 rebounds) balled again out in only 18 minutes of action.

Big Cuz (19 points - 13 rebounds) got his.

Pat (16 points - 5 rebounds - 2 blocks) played solid.

All in all, a very boring game. And that's just fine with me.

Go Cats.

February 7th: On this date...

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

... in 1990, your University of Kentucky Wildcats put a beating on the Vanderbilt Commodores, 100-73, behind a record-breaking performance by senior guard Derrick Miller. The Savannah, Georgia-native set multiple marks for Rupp Arena, many of which still stand today. Miller set Rupp Arena records for points, field goals, and field goal attempts, finishing the game 15-28 from the field for 40 points. When Miller graduated, he held program records for made three-pointers and three-pointers attempted. Of course, he was the beneficiary of being the first pure shooter and four-year player after the three-point shot was introduced. Nowadays, Miller can be found on a Clark County highway picking up trash for the community, as he currently resides in a Clark County Detention Center. What’s he doing there? Well......he tried screwing over Big Blue Nation by selling them phony season tickets and stealing over $40,000 Big Blue dollars, or as the authorities like to call it, theft by deception. How many counts? Miller was charged with 27 counts of theft by deception over 11 counties. Miller’s coach during the record-breaking night was Rick Pitino, who later would have sex on the floor of a Louisville restaurant.

Super Bowl Preview

HIGH-FIVE SUPER BOWL! - watch more funny videos

February 6th: On this date...

... in 2001, your unranked University of Kentucky Wildcats squeaked out a 71-70 win over rival Florida to regain control of the SEC East. The Cats survived a furious comeback by the #8/#11 Gators, as a 14-point halftime lead turned into a one-point deficit as time was winding down. Never fear, though, as Mr. Everything Tayshaun Prince saved the day when he drained a 10-foot hook from the elbow with under 0:04 seconds remaining to give UK the final margin. The win moved Kentucky to 14-7 on the year, 7-2 in the SEC. Big Blue Nation was slowly coming around on a team that had started the year 1-3, but showed some heart winning 10 of 12 going into the Gator battle. The final basket by Prince helped him pace the Cats with 19 points to go along with six rebounds. Jason Parker (10 points - 9 rebounds) and Gerald Fitch (12 points - 6 rebounds - 4 assists) were the only other players in double-figures. Tubby’ steam would regroup from the miserable start to the season to come back and win the SEC Tournament and go into the NCAA Tournament as the ninth-ranked team in the nation. They would fall in the Sweet 16 to Henry Bibby’s USC Trojans.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Class of 2010: Brandon Knight Drops 48

Kentucky target and top-rated point guard for the class of 2010, Brandon Knight, scored 48 tonight (15-36 FG, 15-15 FTs). It was a back and forth show between Knight's Pine Crest squad and Austin Rivers' Winter Park team. Winter Park ultimately won the game, 87-76, behind Rivers' 41 points.

Knight has long said he would wait until after the season to make a choice on where he will go to school. Hopefully meaning, if John Wall goes, he comes. Austin Rivers, on the other hand, is a Florida commit (2011), although some say it's not as strong as it once was. Duke is the other team involved with Rivers.

C'mon, no whammies.

Go Cats.

February 5th: On this date...

... in 2005, your #4 University of Kentucky Wildcats marched out to a 17-point halftime lead on their way to beating Vanderbilt, 84-70. The significance of this game is it’s the last time Big Blue came out of Nashville with a win. Five years, people. FIVE YEARS Vanderbilt. Seriously? And after dominating the first half, Kentucky still needed a 14-2 second half run to get the final margin. The win pushed UK to 17-2 on the season, along with an undefeated 8-0 record in conference. Big Blue was led by senior great Chuck Hayes (15 points - 13 rebounds - 3 assists - 2 steals - 1 block) and his new Hannibal Lecter mask. He broke his nose a few games earlier at Tennessee when I’m sure something dirty happened to our Modesto-native. Hayes said it was the first time he had felt completely comfortable in his new face garb. Kelenna Azubuike (15 points - 5 rebounds), Johnny Rondo (14 points - 8 assists), and Booger Sparks (15 points - 4 steals) helped Chuck put a hurting on the Commies in half one. Hopefully Coach Cal will have The Boys ready to break this disturbing streak a few weeks from now. If there was ever a team to......... (gasp)........... beat Vandy in Nashville, this is it. If not, then it might not ever happen again.......DUM-Dum-Dum.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

February 4th: On this date...

... in 2003, your #6 University of Kentucky Wildcats manhandled the newly annointed #1 team in the nation, the Florida Gators, 70-55, in front of a record-breaking Rupp Arena crowd. From the tip, Florida looked like a deer in headlights as anything and everything they did went woefully wrong. The Cats had one of the most complete 20:00 spurts of basketball in recent memory as they humiliated an “elite” team. At the end of the day, all Kentucky did was expose them for the frauds they were, building 45-22 lead by halftime. A suffocating defense, an endless barrage of three-pointers, and multiple fast breaks built the lead to 60-31 by the midway point of the second half. The Cats were called off, allowing the Gators to make the score respectable, but the damage was done. Kentucky was led by Keith Bogans (15 points - all in the first half), Gerald Fitch (14 points - 7 rebounds), Erik Daniels (12 points - 5 rebounds), Cliff Hawkins (4 points - 8 assists), and Chuck Hayes (9 points - 8 rebounds). The performance was so incredible, Tubby’s Cats only attempted three free throws all night. And remember..........DEFENSE TO OFFENSE, DEFENSE TO OFFENSE, DEFENSE TO OFFENSE. Enjoy.

Calipari 1.22 - Well-Rounded Cats Pounce on Rebels

Seriously? Seriously.

Kentucky got out fast and never looked back Tuesday night at Rupp to get past formerly ranked Ole Miss, 85-75, and run their record to an insane 21-1. Multiple first half runs pushed the margin to 18, but a game Ole Miss squad cut the lead in half by intermission. After the Rebels trimmed the UK lead to three in the second half, Coach Cal & Co. got the offense to perform when it was needed down the stretch.

To the highlights:

• The 26 NBA scouts that were on hand for the game got a little bit of everything and had to be impressed from nearly everyone they came to see, even the Ole Miss guys. Fast breaks, And-1's, blocks, step-back 3's, reverse alley-oop layups. Meh, just another day at the office.
• Big Cuz (18 points - 13 rebounds - 4 blocks) has single-handedly entered his name into the National Player of the Year discussion after absolutely destroying any SEC comers. Come to think of it, he's dominated everybody this year and it's not even close. The scouts have to LOVE this guy. Attitude be damned, you have to think there aren't five better players in the country at this point.
• Freak Show (17 points - 7 assists - 4 TOs) got back on track and hopefully silenced ESPN & friends for the time being after showcasing a complete game offensively and defensively. The four turnovers are hated, but it's become the norm for Mr. Wall. I repeat: He is a Freak.
  
• The missing piece seems to be Darnell Dodson (14 points - 3 rebounds, 4-5 3PM). He started off the game 4-4 from behind the arc and is exactly what we need from the three spot. Double D's defense isn't to be celebrated, as he gets abused by all comers, but the offense is sorely needed. I love Darius, but to see court time, it's apparent you have to offer something offensively. Right now, Darnell has the edge.
• DeAndre Liggins (5 points - 5 rebounds) put together another beastly game off the bench as he was all over the court doing anything the Cats needed. His energy off the bench is unmatched and it's easy to see how much more comfortable he is compared to 2008-09.
• I think it's safe to say everyone holds their breath when Eric Bledsoe (8 points - 8 assists - 4 steals - 7 TOs) is involved with any play. Sometimes good, sometimes bad.
• It almost seemed to me that something was wrong with Pat (12 points - 6 rebounds - 2 assists - 2 steals) tonight. Like he was keeping an injury on the DL. Something just didn't seem right. Coming out of the under 12 timeout, though, he played like a man possessed. They fed him the ball on back-to-back trips, he had some nasty rebounds, and filthy block to shut me up.
• Daniel Orton (4 points - 5 rebounds - 16 minutes) played some much needed minutes tonight and was able to give Pat a fairly long rest. He played solid, got some key rebounds when Ole Miss clawed back into the game and only had one foul!

All in all, another solid win for Big Blue as we lead the SEC, Big East, and whatever other conference you want to lead. Our tough stretch is around the corner, so rest up Big Blue Nation and get ready for Mardi Gras Saturday.

Go Cats.

February 3rd: On this date...

... in 2004, your #9 University of Kentucky Wildcats scored the game’s final 11 points to snatch away a win from the Florida Gators in Gainesville. Florida led 65-57 with under three minutes remaining and looked to be on its way to giving UK its first losing streak in two years. But the losing streak would have to be put on hold, as some veterans made some key plays to get us over the hump. Kelenna Azubuike drained a three-pointer after Erik Daniels got an offensive rebound, cutting the lead to five. After two Daniels free throws, a few poor plays from Florida’s Christian Drejer, and two more free throws via Chuck Hayes, the lead was down to one. Cliff Hawkins then picked off a cross-court pass and took it in for a layup to give Big Blue the lead for good. Daniels led the way with 22 points, Gerald Fitch added 10, Azubuike and Hawkins each had nine points, and Antwain Barbour added eight off the bench for the balanced offensive attack. And while the Cats were 19-39 from the field, much of the damage was done on the charity stripe (26-40). The Wildcat defense held Florida to only one field goal in the final 6:41 of the second half.

John Wall Sees Shadow, Minimum Six More Weeks of Happiness

The above photo comes from the Peddicord family here in Lexington as the John Wall phenomenon continues to grow. And if we have six more weeks of bad weather, as Phil says, you should get a few more chances to make your own. Send your pics to Big Blue Booyah (mmayes211@gmail.com) or post them on your Facebook page and I'll rip them from you.

Cats v. Rebels tonight at 7:00pm. Will this be the game for John Wall's first triple-double? Will DeMarcus Cousins clothesline an Ole Miss player? Will Andy Kennedy get a DUI on the way to Rupp? These things and more will be answered in a few hours.

February 2nd: On this date...

... in 2008, your University of Kentucky Wildcats led by phenom first year head coach Billy Clyde Gillispie used toughness and grit to squeeze out a win against perennial powerhouse Georgia, 61-55. The amazing thing about the win was that it was accomplished without three of its best players: Ramel Bradley, Joe Crawford, and Jodie Meeks. In essense we had no backcourt down the stretch, with the exceptions of Michael Porter and Derrick Jasper, who had a shredded up knee. Joe actually played 31 minutes (9-15 FG, 5-6 3PM - 26 points - 5 rebounds) , but his feet were giving him problems once again and had to sit down the stretch. Ramel got blasted on a fast break by Georgia’s goon, Dave Bliss, and left the game with a concussion. Poor Smooth was seeing all tweet-tweet. Jodie’s sports hernia left him out of action for the entire game. So what did we do to counter of all of the injuries? We told our all-world big man, freshman Patrick Patterson, to take over and end this nonsense. Pat finished his first trip to Athens with 16 points (8-13 FG) and six rebounds. Cat-killer Sundiata Gaines led the way for the Bulldogs.