Pitino's latest website entry.

UNLV, UK, & USF Preview

UNLV – From a style standpoint the rebels were similar to Marquette and Villanova. Quick and challenged shots led to our early demise. We fought back with a chance to win at the rim. Hopefully lessons learned the hard way. Give UNLV all the credit!

Kentucky – Our execution was solid for thirty nine minutes. We came out of the last time out wanting to accomplish three things:

1)      Do not foul the 3pt shot

2)      Execute our press offense

3)      Use timeouts if needed

We were 0-3.

The big question – why?

1)      Fouling the jump shooter. Reason-poor interior block out led to the opening for a three.

2)      Earl should have called a timeout under our basket. Reason-Edgar never got to his press offensive spot.

3)      The last shot – It’s truly amazing how many of those shots have been made.

Reece Gaines vs. Marquette

Francisco vs. Marquette

Taquan vs. Notre Dame

Jerry Smith vs. Marquette

Truly unbelievable!!

Crucial stat – only 4 challenged shots taken (excellent). Give UK credit. They made big plays down the stretch.

Give our players credit. With Earl having a sub par game and Samardo playing little time the other players rose to the occasion.

Jerry Smith – solid as a rock

Edgar Sosa – much more given than that spectacular ‘3’.

Andre & Preston – Microwave defenders put good pressure on their guards.

George Goode – Solid inside presence. Must learn to hit people harder on block out.

Kyle & Will – Both hit big threes

Twill – Terrific 2nd half.

The dream game will prove to be a worthy victory down the road. UK is better than people think and should be a major threat to win the young SEC Conference.

Why?

Patrick Patterson – best low post player I’ve seen in a long time. Great seal in the post. Excellent passer. Good midrange jumper.

Jodi Meeks – Lightning quick jump shooter. Also takes it to the rim and finishes.

Dynamic duo will be tough to stop at crunch time.

Big East starts today.

The competition is scary!

USF- About 1/3 of their shots are threes. Quick in transition – can be very dangerous off of the bounce.

We have been practicing better and I see major improvement with Jared Swopshire and Terence Jennings. Also Jerry Smith. He is starting to pick up his practice intensity. It’s been fun to see the players work with purpose.

Recruiting news:

Stephan Van Treese – Playing strong on the backboard. Really well coached – Jack Keefer develops high school talent as well as any coach in the country.

Rakeem Buckles – Also from a great high school system. Putting up high scoring and rebounding numbers. Must gain strength and weight. Needs the Vinny Tatum eating program.

Peyton Siva – Played hurt, won MVP honors and secured the championship. Really impressed with his unselfish play.

Mike Marra – been running into double teams. He is working hard in other areas to become a well rounded player.