Billy G., Have a Drink on Me

As AC/DC front man Brian Johnson so eloquently put it:

So don't worry about tomorrow
Take it today
Forget about the tip
We'll get hell to pay
Have a drink on me

It looks like we got through the early session of Friday's games with no upsets. Georgia came closest, nearly knocking off 3-seed Xavier. It also brings me great pleasure to announce that despite their best efforts, the wildkitties of Kentucky have made their earliest tournament exit in over 20 years.

I think Billy (hiccup) Gillespie should be commended for piecing together and leading this record setting UK team. The early exit coupled with the program's worst conference defeat ever at Memorial Gym back on Feb. 12 in which Ross Neltner outscored the 'kitties in the first half 13 to 11 indicates that all the ills that had befallen the program were a direct result of Tubby Smith's Reign of Terror (except for '98) and everything is peachy-keen in the Bluegrass State. It really irks me that the committee has demonstrated an unwavering allegiance to the programs like Kentucky despite their inferior tournament resume. We are in the midst of a huge power shift in SEC basketball, particularly in the murderous Eastern Division. Kentucky, who for years dominated simply with their ability to land McDonald's All-American recruits on program prestige alone, suddenly finds itself woefully unprepared to keep up to this change in this highly competitive Division. This arms race began with Former Orlando Magic Coach Billy Donovan's challenge and eventual besting of the once mighty 'kitties. Not to be outdone, Tennessee upped the ante by bringing in Bruce Pearl who has further energized this once blue-tinted Division and created what could be this year, and most certainly will be in coming years, a national title contender in Tennessee. Kevin Stallings and Vanderbilt also appear to have answered the bell, as the SEC POY has been a Vanderbilt player for two consecutive years. Recruiting has also improved mightily as Vandy appears to be making headway in gaining name recognition among national recruits by consistently placing in the Sweet 16. The future is extremely bright for all of these teams except for Kentucky. Florida has taken a year off (thankfully) to reload after winning consecutive National Championships, Tennessee has emerged as consistent inhabitant of the Top 10 in all major polls, and Vanderbilt has transformed into a team you avoid playing at Memorial Gym at all costs. Unfortunately for Kentucky, it's back the drawing board. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Billy G. and the 'kitties. While Coach Gillespie was able to curtail the damage done in non-conference play with key victories at Rupp against Vandy, UT, and Florida, Tubby Smith, the man he replaced never coached a team that finished as poorly as the 'kitties did this year. Tough times appear to have struck the Bluegrass state, as their inability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment has left them in a precarious, and mostly unfamiliar situation.

The easy thing for me is, hindsight is 20/20. My well-documented, and ultimately incorrect, prediction that the 'kitties would not make the Field of 65 appears to not be so silly after all. This team did not demonstrate, to me at least, anything deeming them worthy of a bid to the NCAA Tournament. By receiving a bid, and subsequently blowing the big one on national TV against Marquette, Billy G. and this team of underachieving and selfish players have further tarnished the reputation of their University and themselves.

Now, as a Vandy fan, it brings me great joy to be writing this. Kentucky has owned us since Day 1, and we need to get our licks in now, because, if I know one thing, failure will not stand at a tradition-rich place like UK. I'm not sure if Billy G. stays or goes. I hope the powers-that-be at least give him a chance to recruit and assemble his own team, rather than working with what Tubby left behind. I'm not saying the cupboard was empty, but Tubby never brought in a Patrick Patterson type player.

To Summarize:
-Billy G. - bad first impression, but showed signs of potential
-Selection Committee- tradition ain't a factor for a tournament resume
-SEC East- At this rate, it's going to be like the SEC East in football
-Kentucky- sucks now, and I hate them, but unfortunately they'll turn it around


Sorry, I was feeling verbose today.

Tomorrow 6:20 PM CT Vandy vs. Siena at St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL on CBS. Catch all the games for free here. Here's hoping Shan drops 40 and the 'Dores roll through to the second round.

Who does everyone have winning the Villanova vs. Clemson matchup?

As Always,
Go 'Dores!