Here We Go!

In the words of the awesome 80's rock band Europe - 'it's the final countdown'. With eight games to go in the regular season, the recent upswing in the Wildcats' play has people wondering what the post season holds for Kentucky. As a fan, I have been unwilling to let myself believe the Cats have a chance to make the NCAA tournament. Yes, Kentucky's name is beginning to be mentioned as a possibly bubble team. And yes, others like ESPN's Jay Bilas seem to be campaigning to keep the Cats out of the tournament. But before you run off and start making anti-Jay Bilas t-shirts, remember that media folk are paid to talk. They are not paid to be correct.

Furthermore, I don't think it does our basketball team any favors to try to predict the future at this point. In the words of my spiritual leader Ramel Bradley "Now is not about making our record look pretty. We just have to keep winning basketball games."

Regardless of what the post season holds for this team, I am proud of what this basketball team has done so far. They have battled through injury and embarassing losses. The have persevered through a difficult coaching change and the transfer of players with lunatic mothers. They have bought in to Coach Clyde's system, and they have come together as a team.

However, there are eight games to go. Tomorrow we play the first. A win at Vanderbilt would be huge for this team, as it would provide the Cats with their first road win over a quality opponent. It will not be easy, but it is possible.

The My Old KY Gnome Game Day Prediction thread will be up in the morning. Have your guesses ready. More on the Alabama game contest winner later in the day.

"I may be bald, and we may not have an athletic department. But we have a funky gym and an Australian player, and that has to count for something."
Kevin Stallings