With Terrence Jones joining the roster for 2010, Cal brings in his 2nd Number One Class in a row.  2nd Number One Class in two years at the helm of UK.  2 Years, 2 Number One Classes.  More than likely, next year will see the Number One Class as well.

Now, he needs to build continuity for the decade and I need to secure some Final Four tickets for the Next Few Years.

GO CATS!!!

And then there is John Wall

Jimmy

#1 Draft Pick of the 2010 Draft

Attended the game today.

UK and UF.

UK  Smoked ‘em.  I dig it.  Loads of fun…

“To the entire Big Blue Nation.. Do not talk to me or message me about the performances of myself & my teammates OR question our talent, pride, or love for this University.”  ~ Patrick Patterson

Established.  Some UK fans are retards.  Idiots.  Morons.  Call them what you will.  Anyone who would go on the board/page of a UK player and talk smack to one of the Athletes on the team or any team for that matter is a low life piece of  human trash.  They deserve their trailer park lives.  If you know the guy(s), it’s one thing.  If you’re a fan, get off the stalking vibe and let these dudes live their lives.  Give ‘em room.  Let them breath.  Especially after a loss.

I’ve got a few choice words that I’d like to use to any moron who went onto Facebook and was talking smack to Patrick Patterson or any of the team.  I like to keep this site PG rated, so I’ll not post it here.  Gimme some face time with one of these cyber-tards and I guarantee I’ll make the little punk cry.

Peace!

Kentucky is getting all the great press lately.

Unanimous #1 College Basketball Team in the Nation.

Cousins, Patterson and Wall ~ One of them is either Player or Frosh of the Week almost every week of this season.

Wall and Patterson are front runners for National Player of the Year.

Wall is frontrunner for SEC Player of the Year.

Cal puts together “Hoops for Haiti” on a moments notice.  He and the Cats raise over 1,000,000 USD in less than a week.

Now, the President of the United States of America wants to thank them for their efforts.  Put aside politics for a moment and hear those words.  THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IS GOING TO THANK THE CATS! This is an honor of the highest order.  It matters not whether you voted for the man or not.  He’s the President.  He is the human embodiment of the Nation.  He wants to either meet with the Cats or in some manner convey his and the nations appreciation for their efforts.

Aside from the honor associated with receiving this magnanimous gesture, it’s publicity of the highest order.  This is a publicity bonanza.

Coach Cal is a master.  I’m not saying that he did this for the press that it’s garnered.  It doesn’t matter.  What matters is that the University of Kentucky is getting a public lift that is amazing in scale.  It’s unbelievable what Coach Cal has done.

I have to admire the man.

He’s amazing.

UK has not seen this kind of public adulation since…well, not in my memory.

Congratulations Coach Cal and to the Cats are in order.  This is incredible.  I love it.

It’s awesome to be a Cat fan right now and to be associated with this incredible team and its Coach.

GO BIG BLUE!

A friend on WildcatNation wrote a timely piece on the decaying spirit of sportsmanship across America today.  Really, it’s a global phenomenon.  From the Football Hooligan of Europe to the assassination of sports stars who fail on the world scene such as the Olympics and the World Cup.    In America, we have Soccer Moms fighting with each other.  Fathers berating their sons on the Football field and fighting with other Fathers and Coaches over playing time and Coaching Tactics.  Fans fighting in their seats in every Stadium across the Nation.  There was the big brawl during the Pacers~Detroit game.  The infamous Knicks~Miami brawls.  Football players and Basketball players carrying guns into the Stadiums and Arenas across America.  The list goes on and on.

Lighthouse touches on all of this and gives a few suggestions as to how to improve this dynamic for the future in the following article:

Sportsmanship, What Happened?

---

Who’s at Fault?

Webster describes sportsmanship as, “a fairness, courtesy, being a cheerful loser etc.” How far have we come from the time in our country when that was a meaningful description? I’m ashamed to say, too far. Who’s to blame? Again I’m ashamed to admit, me, you, parents, coaches, administrators, rules makers, officials, in other words, we are all guilty in one way or the other.

We in Kentucky are very fortunate to have many outstanding athletes at all levels who compete each year in a multitude of sports on the gridirons, fields and courts. These student athletes are coached by a dedicated group of professionals and are supported by thousands of parents and fans. However, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association reports that approximately 700 players and coaches are ejected from high school contests each year due to unsportsmanlike conduct. (The breakdown is 80% athletes, 20% coaches. No statistics are kept on fan ejections, which could easily surpass those of players and coaches). When you add in the NCAA in all sports and levels, it’s mind boggling.

During my nearly 30 years of officiating basketball, football, baseball, and softball, I have seen the decline in sportsmanship in all sports at all levels. I have had the privilege of officiating every level, especially basketball, from small children to the old ABA professional level. I felt blessed to officiate every game, but have personally experienced several upsetting situations. One was at a peewee football game; a dad ran out of the stands and yelled at his son that he would whip him if this much bigger kid knocked him down again. At a DII basketball game; police had to be called to control a coach who the next day was fired because of his behavior. I had to remove a scorekeeper and have fans escorted out. We had to stop a college basketball game because four teenagers were using thick rubber bands to shoot nails at the opposing players. Finally they were arrested. And I could go on and on. I feel very fortunate to have only ejected a few players or coaches.

As you can imagine, I’ve endured a lot of verbal abuse. I guess I’ve heard every vulgar name you can think of. I once had a school administrator threaten me on my way to the locker room at halftime. One of my friends received a very nasty letter, anonymously of course. One official was shot at with a BB gun, they missed. Some of this stuff you expect, but some of it, certainly not. One fact I’m particularly ashamed of, Christian schools are among the worst. I heard this comment from a High School official, “Those Christians, they pray before the game and then all hell breaks loose.” And I have to admit it’s true because I witnessed it myself.

I strongly believe the underlying problem is the lack of respect that individuals have for each other and for authority in our society. Many people feel they can say whatever they want to whomever they want. This particularly seems to apply to individuals in positions of authority. All you have to do is ask school teachers, policemen, even parents. And, the problem is widespread.

We recently witnessed trash talking used to get in the heads of opposing players, and it seemed to be supported by the coach. We hear vulgar chants from fans, and they are not all students, but it is never addressed by school administrators. Hence, a message of support. This language is allowed in the classroom, so why not in the gym. Our students learn in the gym just like they do in a science lab. This lack of respect detracts from the otherwise positive benefits derived from sports participation.

I challenge everyone associated with athletics to make good sportsmanship a priority. Set a positive example to reinforce these critically important values associated with interscholastic sports participation. I propose the following specific measures to improve sportsmanship and the student athlete experience.

UCLAs Aaron Afflalo comforts Adam Morrison after a loss in the NCAA Tournament

ATHLETES
Just play the game! Concentrate on your performance, not on putting down your opponent. Whether you’re a professional or in middle school, realize you are a role model, and you have someone looking up to you, so set a good example.

COACHES
Hold your players accountable for their conduct. Remember, you control your players’ most precious commodity-playing time. Don’t allow your players to engage in unsportsmanlike behavior. Set the proper example with your own conduct. Your players will take their lead from how you behave. Never allow your players to abuse opponents under any circumstances. Never berate the officials. If you disagree with a call, ask (in a gentlemanly manner) for an explanation of what the official saw. If you feel you can “bait” an official, simply scratch him, because the other coach probably feels the same way. If you’re both right, that official has no business on the court anyway.

ADMINISTRATORS
Create an atmosphere at your athletics where good sportsmanship is expected. Don’t allow your students to engage in vulgar chants or demean the other team. Have zero tolerance for any act that is not in the interest of good sportsmanship. Use athletic contests as an opportunity to teach positive values. Control your coaches, after all, they are teachers of young adults and you would never allow a science professor to act like some coaches do.

FANS
A spectator’s ticket for admission must be considered an opportunity to watch the performance of highly impressionable athletes from children thru college and even into adults. It’s not a license to abuse coaches, players, officials or other fans. Fans must understand that attending a game is a privilege and should be treated as such. Fans should focus on positively encourage their teams and not engage in demeaning conduct toward opponents. Fans need to understand they are subject to removal from the premises if they exhibit inappropriate behavior. Officials are going to make bad calls, players are going to make mistakes, and coaches are not always going to play the players fans think they should play.

OFFICIALS
We must shoulder some of the blame for the deterioration of sportsmanship. When we fail to address unsportsmanlike actions by coaches and players, we do a disservice to the game. We must have the courage and conviction to address those situations. When it comes to dealing with unsportsmanlike acts, we have broad discretion in our responses, from verbal warnings to ejections. Remember, enforcing rules related to poor sportsmanship, and all rules, is our job. The game is there for you, you are not there for the game. You know the rule for walking so, call it whether it happens in the paint or 30 feet out. It does have an effect on the game. If you allow a coach to “bait or work” you and you turn a deaf ear because you’re worried about your rating, please for the betterment of the game, turn in your stripes!

Everyone associated with athletics must take responsibility for improving sportsmanship. From player to coach to official, we are all equal partners in promoting the positive values inherent to interscholastic participation. No matter what your role is in the game, do YOUR part to support good sportsmanship.

I’ll admit that I’m guilty of some of these activities.  I’ve heckled the refs in my time.  Mostly in fun.  To get a laugh from the crowd.   However, I can see how it can be taken too far.  I’ve heckled fans as well.  Coming close to physical altercations a time or two in the past.

I reckon it’s time to modify my behavior so as not to countenance this behavior in the future.

It’s a great piece Mr. Lighthouse.  Thank you for taking the time to highlight this issue.

One man practicing good sportsmanship is far better than 50 others preaching it.
— Knute Rockne, football coach

I never thought about losing, but now that it’s happened, the only thing is to do it right.
— Muhammad Ali, boxer

Always imitate the behavior of the winner when you lose.
— Anonymous

“In the end, it’s extra effort that separates a winner from second place. But winning takes a lot more that that, too. It starts with complete command of the fundamentals. Then it takes desire, determination, discipline, and self-sacrifice. And finally, it takes a great deal of love, fairness and respect for your fellow man. Put all these together, and even if you don’t win, how can you lose?”
-Jesse Owens

When the Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, He writes not that you won or lost, but how you played the Game.
— Grantland Rice, sportswriter

“It’s good sportsmanship to not pick up lost golf balls while they are still rolling.” Mark Twain

With the Gators and Wildcats being down for the last several years, the SEC has struggled to gain its footing nationally. Tennessee and Bruce Pearl make a nice story, sure, but they are nothing compared to the vaunted Wildcats.

This is the cold, hard truth that the rest of the SEC doesn’t want to acknowledge.

When it comes to basketball, UK is the SEC.  The SEC needs a dominant Kentucky in order to be relevant.  Much like the ACC needs FSU in order to remain relevant in the BCS of Football.  It’s the natural order.

Get used to it.

Kentucky is back.  Coach Cal will keep UK at the top. More than likely, Cal will stay 8 to 10 years which means that Mitch Barnhart should should be keeping an eye out for a successor.  It’s too early to bring in an assistant.  Two or three years down the line, Cal should start looking for someone to whom he can hand the reins.  Recruit this young and talented  coach to the bench at UK and start his training to take over.  Unlike Tubby Smith, Cal selects young and enthusiastic talent for his bench.  No re-treads on the bench under Coach Cal.  Keep that bench full of young hungry assistant and associate coaches.  Hopefully, Cal finds a few ex-players from UK teams to carry the torch after he leaves.

2018 or so, Cal can hand the reins over to a pre-selected individual.  No coaching searches.  No guessing.  Simply a seamless turn over.  This is how it should be done.

UK reloads and keeps rocking the SEC and the NCAA.

Box Score vs Arkansas

Cats blow out the Hogs to earn debut at #1 in 2010.

No. 2 Kentucky dominates Arkansas 101-70

LEXINGTON, Ky.(AP) Darius Miller had a career-high 18 points and DeMarcus Cousins got his 10th double-double as No. 2 Kentucky coasted by Arkansas 101-70 Saturday.

The Wildcats kept alive the nation’s only unblemished record and a near certain return to the top of the college basketball rankings.

Kentucky (19-0, 4-0 SEC) hasn’t topped The Associated Press poll since 2003, but that streak is almost certain to end Monday courtesy of its dominating victory over UK alumnus John Pelph

rey’s Razorbacks and top-ranked Texas’ loss to Kansas State earlier in the week.

This one was practically over by tipoff. Kentucky scored the game’s 10 points, stretched the lead to 30 by halftime, then added the first 14 points of the second half.

With that much margin for error, the Wildcats easily avoided the kind of second half letdown that made recent wins over Georgia and Auburn much closer than anticipated. Arkansas (8-11, 1-3) did make an 18-3 run midway through the second half, but by that time, Kentucky had plenty of cushion to withstand it.

The Wildcats’ largest lead was 46 after John Wall hit a jumper with 14 minutes left. The Razorbacks got it no closer than 92-62 with under 4 minutes to go.

Arkansas was led by Courtney Fortson ‘s 21 points, but it wasn’t nearly enough to keep up with the Wildcats’ scoring barrage.

They ended the first half and began the second on a 21-0 run, including a 3-pointer by Ramon Harris at the halftime buzzer and later consecutive 3s by Miller.

Miller connected on four of six attempts from long range.

Cousins, who finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds, secured his double-double just seconds into the second half. He probably would have gotten it even sooner but was sidelined for all but nine minutes of the first half with a minor injury.

Calipari tried to keep expectations low going into the Arkansas game, joking, ”What’s going to happen the next day, we go to the electric chair?”

One thing that did concern him was the Wildcats have been vulnerable against 3-point shooters this year, and Arkansas has one of the nation’s best of those in Rotnei Clarke . However, Clarke was just 2-of-9 from beyond the arc and the Razorbacks managed just one other 3.

It was Kentucky’s third 100-point effort of the season and first in SEC play.

Pelphrey has now lost all three meetings against his alma mater as an opposing coach.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/ncaa/men/gameflash/2010/01/23/58835_recap.html#ixzz0dTybSb3A

Kentucky should be ranked #1 on Monday.

Darius Miller was stroking it from the outside hitting 4-6 from the Trey.  Stevenson got in early and had a killer dunk.  Wall and Bledsoe played like Siamese Twins out there.  Cousins got a double double and lost a tooth.  Patrick Patterson had his normal outstanding game.

Kentucky remains undefeated.  Is soon to be ranked #1 and is on their way to the Top #1 Seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Less than two months until the SEC tournament.  I can’t wait to get there and see it.  Live and in person.

GO BIG BLUE!

BONUS: Mich St defeats the Gophers in their house. TLT strikes again. Double Bonus: UL and UNC lost this week.

GO CATS!

Beat the Hogs!

In other news, both UL and UNC are on three game skids.  Pitino must be pulling at those plugs and you just know Roy is crying into an ice cold Coca Cola right now.

Today was my last Graduation ceremony at the Regional Police Headquarters in Herat.  Seems like I’m doing a lot of “lasts” these days.

The ceremony started about like most of them have.  It ended like no other.  I’ve graduated around 30 classes in the past 2 1/2 years.  Each course had about 20 students.  Pretty good.  That’s not counting individual one to three day classes and seminars and our Work Shops on Camp Zafar.  We’ve held our classes mostly in Herat.  Either at Zafar, the MRI/RHQ or at the Park Hotel when it was the RHQ.   We’ve also held classes at Shoust, Shindand, Ghalla Attar and Chaghcharan.  We tried to edge into other locations, but, were unsuccessful.  Eventually most of the students from the areas to which we could not visit made it to one of our classes in Herat and Shoust.

The Graduation started with prayer.  In the beginning, this practice made me feel awkward.  Today, though, without consciously realizing it, I found myself participating.  Surprised myself.  At the end of the prayer, the Afghans simulate cleansing themselves by holding their hands in front of themselves palm facing inwards and “washing” their hands over the faces.  They don’t actually touch their faces but raise their hands up to their foreheads and then sweep their hands down their faces from forehead to chin.

After the prayer, MG AK rose to give his speech.  He tore into the Regional Logistics folks.  Really let them have it.  I chuckled at first.  As he ran on for 30 minutes, I began to wonder if he’d ever come to a conclusion.  He’d come to low rumble and then return to a blood curdling crescendo and do it again.  30 minutes passed and finally COL Zahir called Shoaib up to the front.  That was the hint that people were about to pass out from his screeching.  We could take it no longer.  It’s funny, but, the General tends to keep it going long past the point wherein folks start to drown him out.

Finally, he reached his conclusion.

COL Zahir called me up to start the Graduation Ceremony.  I hadn’t intended to make any sort of speech.  I’ve said my speech.  Going so far as to do my own screeching a time or two.  Since AK had touched on the Logistics Cadres shortcomings, I reiterated the simple correction for said shortcomings stating that “they’re one indispensable guide is the Log Policy which had been issued by the MoI.”  Therein are instructions and guidance for any task that an ANP Loggie is expected to carry out.  Easy policy guidance and step by step instruction to the MoI Logistics Program.  I didn’t add “GET OFF YOUR DEAD @** AND READ IT!”  As I’d stated that two days previously for the millionth time during our course.

I finished my little talk and it was time to get down to business.  I’d planned this last course as a kind of friendship tour.  I was able to get around and visit with old friends.  Greg gave most of the course and I was free to socialize.  The Graduation was the final step in cementing a life long friendship in Herat.  I had purchased the carpet that I posted last week as a parting gift for MG Akrummudeen.  Part of was a show of appreciation for support that he’s given me since I’ve been here.  He’s always treated me like a long time friend.  Since day one actually.  I convened the graduation and then stated that before we recognized the graduates that I had a gift for the General and for COL Zahir.

I called the General to the front and presented him with the carpet.  He seemed to be genuinely touched and blushed at the gesture.  A few folks remarked that they’d never seen anyone get a reaction out of him.  Apparently, I had set a new mark in Afghan~US relations.  It’s part of the job, I reckon.  It was a nice feeling to see genuine gratitude in his eyes and smile.  I was told that it was a fairly touching scene.

MG AK took over at that.  He really talked us up.  He told them that I was one of the top Mentors in the region and that I had worked tirelessly to mentor and train the Logistics Cadre.  I wish I had been able to have been properly utilized for the whole of my time in that manner.  As it was, I probably was only able to do about 30% of that which I should have accomplished with the proper logistics/transportation support from MPRI and the Military.  It’s not the local Military’s fault, though.  Herat Region has always been underfunded, under-supplied, under-equipped and undermanned.  It’s how it is and with the Italians taking over, it will only get worse for whoever replaces me.  MG AK then presented me with a Certificate signed by the Deputy Minister of Interior.  That was pretty cool.  After MG AK handed me the cert and we shook hands, the loudest applause that I can remember broke out.  It shocked me.  lol  It was probably the size of the room.  We were in a small conference room.   MG AK then presented Greg and Milton with their certificates.

Afterwards, MG AK handed the event back to me.  I called COL Zahir up to the podium.  Faced the crowd and told them that I had one more presentation before we could move onto the the graduates.

I stated:

Since I started working with COL Zahir, he and I have developed a great friendship as well as a professional relationship.  As I am a fan of the Big Blue, I always try to spread the faith.  With that in mind, I want to take this time to present this #54 Patrick Patterson Kentucky Jersey to COL Zahir as a small token of thanks for both his friendship and for his support during his tenure.  GO BIG BLUE!

I, then, presented the Jersey to COL Zahir.  We shook hands and, hell, we might have hugged.  I can’t remember.

Then that same loud applause broke out.

We handed out the certs to the students and the ceremony was brought to a conclusion.

After the ceremony, I explained to COL Zahir the whole Big Blue hysteria and talked a bit about
Patrick Patterson.  Compared him to Pele and David Beckham in soccer.  I told him that this time next year, Patterson would be playing in the NBA with the likes of Kobe and Lebron.  We chatted for a bit longer and then it was time to get ready to roll back to Camp Stone with the Army.

Later on, Milton and I were talking and came to the conclusion that it was the most emotional and sincere ceremonies in which we had participated in Afghanistan.

It was damn fine day.  Another day of being blessed with a simple happiness and contentedness.  Days like this make me feel privileged to be alive and to be part of all of this.

And to top it off, I was able to bring the BIG BLUE into it.  Ya gotta love that.  Spreading the Gospel.

GO BIG BLUE!!!

……

…..

As Kentucky fans, we have been bountifully blessed this year with Coach Calipari and this outstanding Kentucky Basketball team. I know that many of you, like me, are very grateful for this program’s return to prominence as we have endured the longing for success now for several years.

I believe that Kentucky fans are the most loyal, passionate and generous fans of any sports team in America. And, I think I have a way that we can share who we really are with the rest of the world.

There are extremely cold temperatures throughout America now and will be next week as well. Even Florida has had a series of record low, freezing temperatures. Most of us are blessed to have warm clothes and a warm enough place to sleep to endure the arctic air that surrounds us.

But not everyone in America will have what they need to stay warm tonight. They need things that most of us already have in our closets, under our beds, or in our attics. I believe that everyone reading this has something, even just one thing, that they could share with another human being to help keep them warm.

Since Kentucky has the most dedicated fans in the world and we are a caring group of good people, I have an idea how we can show the rest of the world.

Between now and next Friday, January 15th let’s each find some way, small or large, to make a difference in the life of one single homeless person. Let’s choose to unite in belief, for one moment in time, that every homeless person can’t help where they are in life right now.

Let’s look throughout our homes for anything extra we have that we can share. The economy is too tough for many of us to go out and buy new things to give away. So, let’s simply share what we already have with just one other person

Look for blankets, sweatshirts, sweatpants, warm socks, gloves, hats, scarves, candles, or anything else you can share to keep someone warm.

Next, write in permanent ink on the label or somewhere discretely this one simple phrase, “Kentucky fans care.”

Finally, go find a homeless person and give it to them directly or take the items to your local homeless shelter for distribution to those in need. Sadly, there is no shortage in our country today.

Let the message resound throughout America that indeed, “Kentucky Fans Care”.

Feel free to share this message in any way or any place that you can. Post it on other boards. Send it in email to friends and family that bleed blue like us. Print 50 and hand them out at the game Saturday. Just try and help to spread the word in any way you see fit.

I know what good and kind hearted people we have in this Big Blue Nation of Kentucky fans. Just think of how many lives we can touch for the better. It’s a very small thing for each of us to do. But together, we will shout this message to the rest of the world. Let’s help one other human being trying to simply survive, one night at a time.

CurlyCat in Tampa

I think this is a fine idea.  Please feel free to copy this and pass it on and use it.  I’ll find a way to do it here in Afghanistan as well.  I’ll post pics later.

Thanks, Dave