SouthEastern Wildcat Review

I would like to start off today's post by thanking all of you Wildcat internet junkies like me that have been visiting the site. You guys (and my extreme fandom) are the reason I do this everyday, and it has been well worth it. If there is anything extra you would like to see me post or comment on, or any new features I could add, I'm always looking for suggestions from fellow UK fans. Just click on the feedback or send me an email buttons and let me know what you would like to see. Now, on to the reason I hope you came, which today is going to start off on a football slant:
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I don't think most UK fans really appreciate how big an achievement three straight bowl wins is for the program. I understand that the 'Cats aren't quite ready to be mentioned in the same breath as the upper echelon of BCS schools, but at least the foundation has been poured and they are heading up instead of down. For example, even Vegas is giving Rich Brooks' charges some respect. But even after the recent success of the team, the stereotype that UK is one of the doormats of the SEC still prevails. Chris Low of ESPN insists that Kentucky must top Vandy, the other bottom feeder of the SEC east, in order to secure their 4th straight bowl bid. The worst part of this kind of thinking? That until UK breaks through and ends the Florida and Tennessee streaks along with finishing in the upper half of the SEC East, perceptions will continue that Kentucky is a basketball-first, football-second program.
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One ex-Wildcat player who has done as much as possible to change perceptions of the program is current Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard. His class was one of the winningest in UK football history, and in his heart he will always be a Wildcat. Wesley went undrafted, signed a free agent deal with Denver, and ended last season as a starter for the Broncos. The epitome of hard work and dedication. His story should serve as an example for all that can be accomplished when you have the desire to succeed. And in the south, where football is part of the culture, I hope many future 'Cats follow in his footsteps and show the passionate fans of the SEC that UK will not always be considered as an afterthought.
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It seems like more and more NCAA secondary violations are being found out by the media and reported everyday. With no real penalties to discourage schools from committing them, why would NCAA members voluntarily change their ways? "Papaw" and his staff have not reported one in over six months, and Brooks himself wonders just how "accidental" they are.
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Just had to throw that in real quick to keep you guys reminded of what kind of player is currently on campus honing his skills. And this is NOT actually him by the way.....
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I understand that Tipton has won many awards for his writings. Many of his colleagues hold him in high regard. But in my humble opinion, no beat writer should be as negative in reference to the team he covers as Tipton is. I know this point has been beaten to death by UK fans, but he continues to give us ammo against him. Michael Gilchrist, the mega-prospect many have long considered a lock for UK, was the target of his most recent rainstorm. First he lets us all know in his blog that Gilchrist is not a lock for Kentucky. Then follows it up with a full-blown column stating the same thing. Maybe Gilchrist commits to UK, maybe he doesn't. But PLEASE how about writing a few pieces that lift the spirits of Big Blue Nation rather than constantly raining on our parade? Can't be that hard can it?
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Since we are on a downward spiral anyway, Jody Demling has reported that Doron Lamb has more college visits scheduled. And of course Brother Tipton then tries to make it look like my previous paragraph meant nothing with a positive report about Doron. Typical.
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Some more recruiting news, Jeff Drummond has a wrap-up of Wednesday's action from the King City Classic. And more from Jody Demling about Wednesday's players and games. The Louisville HoopFest also got underway today, read all about it here.


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Seems like all news and articles right now are recruiting based, which shouldn't be a surprise, considering the time of year. Harrison Barnes, the #1 or #2 rated senior depending on which service you prefer, has long been considered a longshot to end up in Lexington. Especially after the roster comments he made a while back. He has now backed off of those comments, saying the whole thing was a "media misunderstanding." Now it appears that he will strongly consider the offer from Kentucky and that he is not going to rush his decision at all. However, PukeDuke and Kansas are still widely believed to be the teams to beat in landing Barnes. One last recruiting note, will Coach Cal be going head-to-head with new Florida International coach Isiah Thomas for the services of top ranked point guard Brandon Knight? According to Jeff Goodman of Fox Sports, it seems to be likely.

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I know this means nothing at all, and it is WAAAAY to early to be predicting things like this, but NBADraft.net has our incoming center almost a lottery pick in their 2011 mock draft. I would hate to be where he is right this moment by the way.


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Check out this rant about how ungrateful Memphis fans are to the man who put them on the map. Must say I agree 100%

Ex-'Cat and current NBA exec Bret Bearup tells the great Larry Vaught that Calipari is a "perfect fit" for UK as opposed to Clyde Gillispie.

Speaking of Clyde, here is a good read from Earl Cox about 'ol What's His Name?

Cal's fast start has encouraged UK fans everywhere. (You think??)
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And one final thing for today, as you know, Jodie Meeks was given a three-year guaranteed deal from the Milwaukee Bucks, and their website caught up with him after practice and asked him about it. As much as I wanted him back in a Kentucky uniform this fall, it is great to see him realize his NBA dream.

Frank Matrisciano. The mental and fitness expert that has earned the moniker of "Hell's Trainer." Who is he? What does he do? And why in the world would a highly regarded freshman center and arguably the best frontcourt player in the country seek out such a secretive man to prepare them for the season?

Because they want to experience the same results Blake Griffin, this year's #1 overall draft pick out of Oklahoma experienced.

I did a lot of research for this post, and it really amazed me just how little information I was able to find. But what I could find was very interesting. Either this guy is a complete basket case, which I do not believe, or he is one of the few innovators left. His methods are definitely different, but anyone who witnessed Blake Griffin terrorize the Big 12 and the rest of the country, realizes they bring results.

Matrisciano is half-italian, half-spanish, and was raised in northern New Jersey. (Couldn't find a town). He is the youngest of four, has no kids himself, and has never been married. Reportedly he is 43 years old but that hasn't been confirmed. Frank has been training basketball players since 1992, and though he doesn't like to talk about the athletes he trained, the list includes the Wizards' Gilbert Arenas, Celtics' Leon Powe, the Pacers' Kareem Rush, and Arron Afflalo of the Pistons.

"I look at them like robots."

"I take them to a level they've never been."

"I'm just a shadow in the background."

All quotes from a man that has coined a personal phrase "Law-7." What that means is for every ten athletes that enlist his help, seven of them leave within the first half-hour. He does not advertise his services, you must know someone within his training circle to get hooked up with him. Matrisciano addresses everyone "sir" and expects the same in return. He admits that in the past he was saddled with nicknames like "Mental Patient" and "Genetic Freak."

"You don't know how many say they want to do it," Frank says. "But it's easy to say when you're on the couch. It's another thing to get up at 5 a.m. and get out there on the sand hills." He does not accept payment from high school or college players. They are responsible for paying their living expenses and bringing the will and desire to follow through with what they started. Four to eight hours per day five days a week for four to six weeks is what the newbies have to look forward to. Basketball doesn't get neglected either as part of that time is spent in skills training under former NBA coach Bob Hill.

Survival of the Fittest training. Chameleon training. Two of the terms Matrisciano uses to describe his workouts. Stairmasters, ellipticals, treadmills, and even traditional free weights mean nothing to this man. His playground is San Francisco. Adapting to one's surroundings and overcoming any obstacle is the mantra he preaches as his charges labor up stairs carrying medicine balls, jog up sand hills in harnesses he tugs at from behind, and run in the soft, sandy beaches while wearing a 65-pound weighted vest. The workouts are held almost exclusively outside and never on a flat or hard surface.

Hell's Trainer has pushed many to their absolute limits which some say is his ultimate gift: the ability to identify exactly where each of his client's "limit" is. He has trained boxers, MMA & Martial Artists, Federal Marshalls, Firemen, Policemen, Pro Athletes, and Military Personnel.

So did Patrick and Daniel make the right choice? Only time will tell, but if Blake Griffin's domination last year is any indication, Wildcat fans will appreciate the time and hard work our two big men are putting into the team's success. After all, when you have ran stairs, sand dunes, and inclines of every sort, how hard could it be to sprint up and down a 94' basketball court?

Blake Griffin and Frank Matrisciano talk about their time together on ESPN:

As the video above shows, I really believe that UK will have the best frontcourt in all of college basketball next year. The experience and ability of Patterson and Stevenson, along with the natural talent of Orton and Cousins seems to me like a sure-fire receipe for success. I know there are a few "ifs" that must be mentioned, like, "Will Orton become more assertive and be the incredible player we know he can be?", "Will Patterson improve his jumper and be able to play effectively on the perimeter?", "Will Cousins lose the attitude problem that so many are reporting that he has?", and "Will Stevenson work hard enough to earn some playing time and not be stuck on the pine?" I believe in Coach Cal's motivational ability to get these things accomplished, and man it sure is going to be fun to watch it happen as the season progresses.
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Matt Pilgrim, the mythical practice and pick-up game "beast" is considering Memphis as one of his possible destinations. We mentioned that here yesterday, and I believe it could be a great choice for him and his future. If he is just half of the player that he has been made out to be, Josh Pastner will be getting one heck of a player. However, Pilgrim spoke to a group of reporters during his visit to the home of Graceland and let it be known that he wasn't happy with Cal's decision and that he hopes whatever school he ends up attending has UK on their schedule. "Revenge is a dish best served cold" I heard once upon a time, and it looks like Mr. Pilgrim has forgotten his microwave.
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Bluegrass State Basketball posted an excellent interview with Dan Wolken of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. In it Dan explains the effect that Cal had on Memphis, fan reaction during and after his tenure there, and his thoughts on Calipari in general. Great read, and congratulations to Bluegrass Hoopster on some thoughtful and engaging questions.
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Our sweaty, loud, and obnoxiously quotable neighbor to the south actually had a few flattering things to say about Coach Cal during the SEC coaches teleconference. Although I have to admit, I love have Pearl coaching in the SEC. With Donovan, Stansbury, Stallings, Grant, Johnson, Fox, Horn, and the rest of the fine coaches in the SEC now, I believe the league can do nothing but step up in the eyes of the nation. I for one am sick of all the talk of the Big East and ACC being head and shoulders above the level of competition in the SEC. With all these guys manning the sidelines this season, the SEC will get its rightful place in the upper echelon of BCS conferences and surely get more than 3 bids to the NCAA tournment.

Also from the teleconference, Kevin Stallings of Vandy said:

“(Last year) was just a year where a lot of people were caught in major years of transition, us being one of them,” Stallings said. “We just had a year where a lot of our programs we’re young, but I think you’ll see the exact opposite of that this year. With guys like (Patrick) Patterson and Tyler Smith and (Jarvis) Varnado and Devan Downey and all those guys coming back, I think you’ll just the opposite this year. We’ll have experienced teams that will raise the quality of our league and it will show come tournament time.”

He also had this to say about Calipari:

“John has had success every place he’s been,” Stallings said. "To think that he would not have success at Kentucky would be foolish. I think the perception of our league has suffered at times when Kentucky has been down. I think from that standpoint, the higher ups would tell you that it’s good for Kentucky to be good, but I don’t particularly want Kentucky to be good. We have enough good teams in our league already.”

Rick Stansbury, coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs added:

“It’s very obvious recruiting wise,” Stansbury said. “He’s got the best in the class in the country coming in with Patterson coming back. With the rest of that team coming back, I haven’t looked at any polls or anything, but I’ll be surprised if they’re not No. 1, 2 or 3 in the country. Calipari has done a great job everywhere he’s been and it’s pretty obvious he’s going to do a great job there. The perception in the SEC is if Kentucky and Florida is not as good as they normally are the league is down. Well I don’t know if that’s true or not, but if they would have been like they normally are, we would have had five teams in the NCAA Tournament and a question wouldn’t have been asked. I think when you have a program like Kentucky, the tradition they have and the standards they’ve set and the national championships they’ve won … I think it’s very obvious when they’re up where everybody wants them to be competing for national championships, the perception of them helps our league.”

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Jeff Goodman of FoxSports.com released his 2010 mock draft. (Ridiculously early might I add, but they are fun). If his prediction comes true, we currently have 3 first rounders on our roster for the upcoming year. If the Xavier Henry rumors turn out to be true (I will have a post later dedicated to this subject) and if this article quoting Daniel Orton comes to fruition, that makes 5 total possible 1st rounders, including 4 one-and-done players. Don't know if I like the direction this is going, but I will reserve my judgement until I see how it all pans out. As long as Cal keeps recruiting at such a high level and it doesn't affect our APR ratings, I suppose all will be well.
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Ramel Bradley, a polarizing figure in UK history to say the least, has signed a contract to play in France next season after a year in Croatia. Ramel had a very good career at UK marred by having to suffer through his senior year playing for "tough guy" Billy Gillispie. I wish "Smooth" the best and sincerely hope that the path he is on ultimately leads to the promised land of the NBA.
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Donald Williams, he of the one-year scholarship, has transferred to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. This one always puzzled me. Williams was added last minute to the surprise of everyone, was told his scholly was not going to be renewed past the 1st year, then reportedly redshirted and never saw the floor for a minute. More testament to the genius that was BCG.
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IT'S ABOUT TIME, but, Lance Stephenson has reportedly picked his one-year destination, Cincinnati. I'll leave the "Thuggins must still be coaching there" comments alone, but Lance and Bill Self both may regret this decision when Xavier Henry shows up in Lexington after the Henry Family decides what's best for Xavier's future tonight.
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And finally, for any of you guys out there thinking of getting married, please get to know your future wife very well so that she doesn't turn out like this: