Okay, we all know that Duke stands for everything that is good about college basketball- tough admission standards, high graduation rates, careful compliance with all NCAA regulations, team basketball, and overachieving players.

     Kentucky, by contrast, exemplifies NCAA violations, coaches arrested for DUI, graduation rates? are you kidding me – and mercenary one and done players who spend a year at best on campus and play little role in the university besides being B-ball players. In fact, the only good thing I can say about Big Blue is Ashley Judd in the stands.

     So it’s good for America when Duke wins and bad if Kentucky wins. We all agree on that, right?

      But who is going to win tomorrow night? Here’s the problem – Duke has no great players, maybe one late first rounder at best. Kentucky is loaded with the number one overall high school player and three other top 20 high school recruits- all are first round picks. Even so, Duke SHOULD win bc it has three seniors, two juniors, and two sophomores to mentor its two freshmen. Kentucky is basically all freshman with only a sophomore and junior starter. So its age and experience vs elite talent.

      Despite this talent, the Maryland- Kentucky game shows some significant flaws – no blocking out, poor rebounding, and no production from the starting point guard.  But Duke likewise showed poor outside shooting, no post play, and mediocre defense. I think it’s a toss up.  But, if Duke can just hit some threes, I’ll give Duke the nod – Duke 72, Kentucky 69.

about Duke which is far from always innocent as seen from Corey Maggette to Lance Thomas. KY hasn't had an NCAA sanction since Eddie Sutton coached there either. Duke has had plenty of one and done players and wishes it could have more. The UK players under Calipari have had high GPAs in school, whether they turned pro afterwards or not. Don't blame KY for using the system the NBA and NCAA created.
As far as the game Tuesday, Vegas has Duke a 3-1/2 pt favorite with a 140-1/2 over under, so I guess your Duke education enabled you to use that for your prediction, too. Is that plagiarism?
No matter the outcome of this game, I'm willing to bet UK will be the better team at the end of the season and advance farther in the big dance.

69 is too good for KY
I love 69
I love Duke
I'll say Duke 69 KY 63
I'm for Duke every day and 69 twice a day!!

I'm a Kentucky guy through and through but I think Duke's gonna win. Later on in the season, I think we spank their asses. Ryan Harrow, the starting point guard, had the flu last week which is why he didn't play more and better against Maryland. Calipari is recruiting within the NCAA rules and if more schools would "get on board" and accept that the one and done is a part of the game now, they might excell as well. But...I will tell you that unless you've lived up there and experienced what Kentucky Basketball means to the entire state, then you can't understand it. Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, UCLA, and all the others can talk all they want, but there's NOTHING out there that approaches UK Basketball. There are no professional sports in Kentucky and UK is the only game in town. Sorry, but Lousiville is the "little brother."

who'll pick up some freebies from the Saint over last night's win. I must admit I had heavy doubts but kudos, you were right on.
First of all, having been around sports for many decades and having known many, I'd say the Kentucky basketball fans are the classiest, most knowledgeable and supportive of any in any sport. And it's always a dogfight whenever our teams get together.
I recall Duke getting a buttkicking courtesy of UK  in the title game in 1978 and was there for the torching of Wojo in the debacle in the regional final in 1998.
The Wildcats after losing most everyone from last year title squad are super talented and just young. I certainly expect great things from them in the future. Noles is a real force inside and Poythress is a beast. They needed a little better outside shooting-Wiltjer looks like he can shoot but didn't take many- and made some mistakes down the stretch which cost them. But theyll be a force deep in the season..
The Devils came out on top primarily IMHO because Seth Curry shot the lights out. Plumlee, whom I criticize religiously, played an excellent game and looks much improved though he made some less than intelligent fouls. Soulaiman hit a few 3's which helped.
It was another knockdown drag out between our two squads and two incredible coaches and an exciting game.
So take heart, 'Cat fans-you've got a really fine young team.
And BTW, didn't Christian Laettner look great last night?! smile
1rob....sorry, gang, the devil made me do it.....out   8-)

Now don't get all cocky and try to become the next Jimmy "The Greek", but your pre-game analysis was spot on. I will now refer to you as the resident TER b-ball expert. So how would you like your "wine" delivered? (lol) Respond and let me know how you want to conclude our little arrangement.



-- Modified on 11/14/2012 1:52:07 PM

When we all get together for our dinner at Emerald’s Delmonico Steakhouse in Vegas, I will order the Bone in Rib Eye and his signature Truffle parmesan potato chips which are to die for.

      Dinner is on you, and GaGambler will pour a bottle of Krug nonvintage that he owes me for our bet to wash it all down. (Sorry, GG you can’t bring your drinking buddy Jeff). I, of course, will provide the wit and answer all basketball-related questions.

     That way, the “bet” should be fun for all three of us. What do you think?

The answer is definitely yes, but seriously Truffle parmesan potato chips. I've never had them. First time for everything.

I'm definitely in Vegas for Super Bowl weekend, and March Madness (the sweet 16 and elite 8 weekend). I  am hoping and praying that UCLA can at least make it that far, but I don't have a lot of confidence in Howland. But I can be flexible with Vegas dates since it's only a 40 minute flight or 4 hour drive.

GG has both of our contact info, so let's make this happen OK. And yeah, it would be a lot of fun. And as difficult this might be for me, I will even publicly toast your knowledge of basketball as part of you winning the bet.

Would you need KY for 69 ?


Thank you
XLVII = 5