Closing the Book

Welcome to the time of the year that every Kentucky basketball fan dreads. Yes, it's the time of the year where March Madness turns into March Sadness. It's been nearly 24 hours since the roller coaster game that is sure to haunt many fans for the rest of eternity. Today, let's celebrate a memorable season, and begin to look ahead to the next. 

At the beginning of the season, it was nearly a sure thing that the Wildcats were poised to be there at the end. The only other sure bet was Duke (HaHa!). Aside from close losses to UCLA and Louisville, Kentucky looked like a dominant team that could very well win it all. 

Then, the late-January skid happened. Losing three out of four that late in the year is usually a death sentence for any team. A 26-point loss to Florida was the breaking point for many fans when they began to write off the team and look ahead to the 2017-18 campaign. Following the stretch, they struggled initially. They would find their groove again and avenge losses to both Tennessee and Florida. The Cats ran off 11 straight wins and sealed up both the SEC regular season and tournament titles. 

Kentucky came into the tournament playing some of their best ball of the season. They were one of the hottest teams in the country before they sizzled out in the Elite Eight on Sunday. In a game that had the back-and-forth action and atmosphere of a National Championship game, Kentucky ended up on the short end of another remarkable late game shot that decided the game. This being the most recent incident, it is bound to sting for quite a while. 

If you are like me, the NCAA Tournament ended last night. I find myself far less interested each year after Kentucky makes it's exit. Today, for the Cats, is the start of a new season. The 2017-18 season has tipped off as we prepare for our next run. In the coming days and weeks, we are going to get you ready for next year. We are done looking back. Go Big Blue. 

-Dug

@chansm1th

Looking Past the NBA Lottery

Last night, the NBA Draft Lottery took place will Philadelphia gaining control of the first overall pick. Now, we turn our eyes towards the NBA Draft. Underclassman now have one week to return to school should they not wish to enter the Draft. Be on the lookout for a few of these players to come back, but there shouldn't be any surprises when it comes to that. 

Having the number one pick is good for Philly, but now they have a big decision to make. There are really only two players who are seriously being considered for the pick: LSU's Ben Simmons and Duke's Brandon Ingram. Whichever way the organization goes, they are going to have a solid player. 

Ben Simmons

Freshman

Louisiana State University

6'10"  240 lbs

19 years old

Ben Simmons was undoubtedly the best college player this past season. He is long and very athletic. At 6'10", Simmons is a versitile post player who can square up nicely from mid-range. He also handles the ball like a top-notch point guard. The few times that I saw him on TV, and in person, he would dazzle you with his ball handling ability. Multiple scouts are comparing him, often, to both Magic Johnson and LeBron James. Anytime your name is thrown in with those two, you are very highly thought of. 

The only real issue with Simmons could be his attitude. He decided to skip the NBA Combine, which isn't common for players who will be highly selected. But one thing that stands out was in his lone year at LSU. Simmons apparently did not wish to play in the post season if the Tigers did not make the NCAA Tournament. This was a decision that drew a lot of backlash from the media. While the Tigers did not make the tournament, they were invited to the NIT. They declined. Just imagine if Ben Simmons had any other coach besides Johnny Jones!

Simmons has a lot of potential. He's an oversized point guard who can post you up, or posterized you. The attitude issues are flaws that can be easily fixed. Don't expect teams to overlook him based on that alone. If he isn't picked first, he would be a great fit in LA.

-Dug

@chansm1th