Tag: Kentucky Wildcats

Wisconsin, Kentucky and Duke, 5 years later

Wisconsin’s 2015 Final Four

It is a simple question to ask, but not an easy one to answer. It is a simple A or B choice (with the possibility that one could say “neither” or “both”), but it contains very complicated and competing emotions.

The question is this: Five years later, on what would have been the weekend of the 2020 Final Four, which game lingers more in your memory as a Wisconsin Badger fan — the 2015 Final Four semifinal win over Kentucky, or the championship game loss two nights later against Duke?

Take your time. This is a big question.

It might seem like a stupid question, from both sides of the debate.

Well, DUH, Wisconsin beat a 38-0 team at the Final Four and won its first Final Four game since the 1941 championship game against Washington State. OF COURSE the Kentucky game mattered more!

Well, DUH, Wisconsin had a nine-point second-half lead and was SO CLOSE to winning a national championship in front of 70,000 people on national television… and it was F***ING DUKE we lost to! GRAYSON ALLEN BEAT US! OF COURSE the Duke game mattered more!

Wisconsin made history and gained immortality on Saturday night in Indianapolis. Wisconsin almost made history and almost gained immortality on Monday night in Lucas Oil Stadium.

The 2015 Badgers will always be remembered for ruining Kentucky’s dream of a 40-0 season, which would have been college basketball’s first perfect season since Indiana under Bobby Knight in 1976. Yet, the 2015 Badgers will never be remembered as national champions… because Duke stood in their way and wrested that title from UW’s grasp.

It’s a very complicated question, and there is no definitive right — or wrong — answer. It is very personal, very individual, very much dependent on your story, your lived experience, your journey with the 2015 Badgers and with Wisconsin basketball in general.

The win over Kentucky, in addition to being historic on a national scale (stopping UK’s unbeaten season), gained revenge against the Wildcats for their 2014 Final Four semifinal win over Wisconsin. That made the victory extra sweet for the Badgers and their fans.

The loss to Duke, in addition to denying Wisconsin a first national title in 74 years, occurred to the college basketball team America loves to hate more than any other. The other player — in addition to Grayson Allen — who led the Duke rally down the stretch was Tyus Jones, who was Minnesota-born and almost certainly relished, as a Minnesotan, dealing a Wisconsin team a stinging loss.

The side details of the Saturday victory and the Monday loss are both rich and straight out of a Hollywood script. There were Biblical emotions in both games, a cocktail of boiling hatreds and soaring versions of euphoria. The win over Kentucky could not have been more delicious than it actually was, and the loss to Duke could not have unfolded in a more brutal fashion.

Do you remember the Kentucky win or the Duke loss more, five years later?

Simple question. Complicated emotions. As March turns into April and we contemplate a weekend without the Final Four this year, every Wisconsin fan can think about how the past five years have — or haven’t — changed their minds on this topic.

2020 NFL draft: Logan Stenberg scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Kentucky offensive line prospect Logan Stenberg

Logan Stenberg | OL | Kentucky

Elevator Pitch

Stenberg is a nasty finisher and mauler from his offensive guard spot. A multi-year starter for Kentucky is a plug and play offensive lineman for a team that like to run power football. In close quarters, Stenberg can be a factor in establishing dominance in the trenches.

Vitals

Height | 6-6

Weight | 317

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Strengths

Stenberg does a good job of latching onto his defender and is able to sustain his blocks well. His hands can be like vice grips in that when he locks onto a defensive lineman, odds that a defender can shed his block are very minimal at best. Plays with a mauler like attitude and demeanor. When he gets pushback with a bullrush, Stenberg is able to sit down and anchor. He shows tremendous strength.

He can be a stonewall at the point of attack in his pass sets. Does well to keep pass rushers at bay even when trying for quick moves inside. Shows good footwork and doesn’t get beaten much with twists and stunts. Good football IQ and understanding of his assignments and what the defense is trying to do up front.

Weaknesses

His biggest weakness might be his flexibility or lack there of. He doesn’t provide the ability to be much in terms of getting out in space when asked to pull. His lack of balance is on full display. Moving lateral is virtually non-existent for him.

Stengerg is very stiff as an athlete, so again, it will really limit what he can do at the NFL level. Coming out of his stance, he stands straight up at the line of scrimmage most often. There is absolutely zero bend from his stance which can cause him problems with leverage.

Projection: Day 2

[vertical-gallery id=615330]

Texans WR Randall Cobb developed his work ethic from his father

New Houston Texans receiver Randall Cobb says that he developed his work ethic from watching his father work long work weeks in Alcoa, Tennessee.

Randall Cobb is bringing an intense work ethic to the Houston Texans, who signed him to a three-year contract worth $27 million.

Though the former 2014 Pro Bowler is on his third team in as many seasons, the 5-10, 192-pound wideout won’t let up in his pursuit to be a better receiver. Working hard is all he has ever known as a native of Alcoa, Tennesseee.

“My pops [Randall Cobb, Sr.], he worked at a manufacturing company there in town, and then he would come home and do handyman work for people,” Cobb told Houston media on a conference call on March 27.

The elder Cobb may have worked 14-hour days and on weekends, but he still found time to spend with his son. Cobb’s father, who worked at a car parts manufacturing plant, would take him on his side jobs installing ceramic tile floors, building basements, mowing lawns, and plowing driveways in the wintertime.

“We would go out in the little bit of snow that we got, but when we did get it we would go out and shovel snow for other families in the neighborhood that couldn’t,” Cobb said. “He’s always been one that was always working, always doing something to keep busy, and I kind of picked up that trait from him.”

The former 2011 second-round pick from Kentucky was productive for the Green Bay Packers in his 105 games over eight seasons. Cobb collected 470 catches for 5,524 yards and 41 touchdowns.

What motivated Cobb was the same visual that motivated Larry Bird, who won three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics from 1979-92: the visual of someone else in the world outworking him. Cobb’s father instilled that in his son.

Said Cobb: “He always taught me if I wasn’t working, there’s somebody out there who’s working to get better than me. That’s kind of how I’ve always looked at it, and sometimes it’s been my gift and my curse.

“Some of the injuries I’ve had have come from overworking, so it’s important for me to make sure that I find that balance and continue to grow as a player.”

Cobb will have one of his greatest challenges in his 10th professional season to remake the Texans’ receiving corps now that three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins is with the Arizona Cardinals. Cobb and the rest of the receiving corps will have to develop their chemistry with two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson, who will be playing without a true No. 1 for the first time in his four-year career.

[vertical-gallery id=47461]

Karl-Anthony Towns watched one of his old Kentucky games and got extremely hyped

Karl-Anthony Towns lost it after watching himself score a go-ahead bucket against LSU.

Karl-Anthony Towns has been socially distancing himself during the coronavirus crisis and passing the time playing video games and watching classic Kentucky Wildcats games.

Towns, who generously donated $100,000 to the Mayo Clinic to aid coronavirus testing, caught a broadcast on Wednesday night of the then No. 1 Wildcats playing SEC rival LSU on the road during the 2014-15 college basketball season.

Kentucky, as usual, was loaded with NBA talent that year, and boasted a starting five featuring Towns, Willie Cauley-Stein, Trey Lyles and the Harrison twins Andrew and Aaron, with future NBA All-Star Devin Booker coming off the bench. Kentucky would win the game 71-69, and Towns absolutely lost it while watching the final few minutes.

The Wildcats would eventually advance to the Final Four, but were knocked out by Frank Kaminsky and the Wisconsin Badgers in the national semifinal.

[vertical-gallery id=903936]

Mychal Mulder records career-high from beyond the arc in first NBA start

Still on a 10-day contract with the Warriors, Mychal Mulder made his first career NBA start.

While the world is waiting on the return of Stephen Curry, one of his new teammates is quietly earning a roster spot with the Golden State Warriors. Breaking into the rotation can be a tough task for a player on a 10-day contract in the NBA — getting your name in the starting lineup is even more difficult.

The Warriors signed Mychal Mulder to a 10-day contract from the G League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce on February 26. Four games into his deal, Mulder got the starting nod for the Warriors against the Denver Nuggets.

Before earning the start in Denver, Mulder scored in double-figures off the bench in the past two games while eclipsing 30 minutes in each contest.

The Kentucky product continued his impressive play as a starter in Denver. Mulder scored 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting with all his points coming from beyond the arc. The Canadian guard added three rebounds and three assists in 35 minutes. Mulder’s shooting played a key factor in Golden State’s 15 point comeback win against the Nuggets.

The 25-year-old rookie’s career-high five 3-pointers were more than any amount of long-distance shots he made in a game while at the University of Kentucky.

Mulder has received praise from Steve Kerr during his time in Golden State and is now impressing in a starting role — two positive signs for a player on a 10-day contract. Mulder will have two games left on his deal to build off his notable play.

Mychal Mulder is ‘excited’ for the chance to play with Steph Curry

Mychal Mulder believes a healthy Steph Curry can make him better on and off the court.

During the final stretch of the Golden State Warriors 2019-20 season, Stephen Curry’s return from injury remains the most important date on the calendar. Curry has only played in four games this season since suffering a broken hand in late October, but his return is expected in March.

Warriors’ fans aren’t the only ones counting down the days till Curry is back on the court. Members of Golden State are also awaiting the return of the two-time Most Valuable Player.

Golden State recently signed Mychal Mulder from the G League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce to a 10-day contract with the club. The newest Warrior is excited for the opportunity to potentially play alongside Curry.

Via 95.7 The Game:

Coming in on a 10-day, just to have an opportunity to play, is a great opportunity in itself. I know a lot of guys on 10-days, and they might not get so many minutes or so many reps even in practice. It’s been a really good chance for me to showcase myself here — but as far as Steph getting back, I’m super excited about that. I’m really hoping he gets back while I’m here. Wishing him the best of health and a speedy recovery right now. To have him back during my time here would be huge for me. Obviously, he would make me better on and off the court. I’m excited to get to work with a little bit during games. Hopefully, we can get him back during my time here. I’m really looking forward to playing with him, honestly.

Mulder is averaging 11 points on 42.9 % shooting while grabbing 4.0 rebounds in three games with Golden State. The 6-foot-3 guard has scored in double-figures in the Warriors’ past two contests while eclipsing 30-minutes in each game.

The Kentucky product has three games remaining on his 10-day deal with the Warriors. If Mulder wants the opportunity to play with Curry, he’ll have to build off his impressive play to solidify his spot with Golden State beyond 10 days.

Meet Logan Stenberg, Kentucky’s mauler of an OL prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Kentucky offensive line prospect Logan Stenberg

The NFL’s best offensive linemen have traits like physicality, tenacity, versatility and a motor that never stops running.

All of those words apply to Kentucky’s Logan Stenberg, one of the top interior blockers in the 2020 NFL draft class.

Stenberg recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience playing for the Wildcats against SEC competition, which NFL quarterback he’d most like to block for, and what kind of impact he’ll have at the next level.

JM: You leave Kentucky for the next level as an experienced interior offensive linemen. You really were one of the leaders of that offense. How does that experience serve you well going forward?

LS: I learned a lot about football throughout my time at Kentucky. There are a lot of intangibles that simply can’t be taught. There are some traits you either have or you don’t. That experience should help me a ton at the next level.

JM: What do you enjoy most about playing on the offensive line?

LS: I love the brotherhood of it. You’re really a unit as an offensive line. You have four other guys next to you with the same goal in mind. We’re basically one. Being able to work in a unit like that on a daily basis is very rewarding for me.

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

JM: Most of your experience has come at left guard, but you’ve played all over the line. You even have a little experience at tackle. What do you feel is your best position at the next level?

LS: I do currently believe that keeping me on the interior makes the most sense for all parties involved. Left guard, right guard or even center would be best for me. That’s where I expect to play in the NFL.

JM: Those experiences have exposed you to many different schemes. Is there one that fits you best?

LS: I just love to run the ball. Any scheme that’s run heavy, that’s the one for me. I enjoy offenses that run the ball between the tackles. I’ll fit well within that. I can pass protect as well. I can adapt to any scheme though. It’s pretty simple for me.

JM: Playing at Kentucky afforded you the opportunity to play against some of the best competition college football has to offer. Who are some of the best interior defensive linemen you’ve gone up against?

LS: I played against Javon Kinlaw from South Carolina this past season. He was by far the best defensive tackle I’ve played against. He’s a powerful, long guy. It’s tough to get his hands off of you when he locks them down. He was a very good opponent.

JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?

LS: I love finishing blocks. Finishing a guy into the ground and putting him on his back before the whistle is blown is one way for me to show that I’m better than he is and that I got the best of him on that play.

JM: How do you react if someone delivers a late hit on your quarterback?

LS: That’s not something we take lightly (laughs). Me and four other big dudes are definitely gonna remember what number you’re wearing. We’re gonna get you back at some point.

(AP Photo/Butch Dill)

JM: Do you have a preferred pass set?

LS: Yeah, I like a quick pass set. Two kicks and I don’t like creating too much separation between myself and my opponent. I can get my hands on him and block him out of the play. That’s the best way for me to do that.

JM: Is there an NFL quarterback that you’d love to block for?

LS: That’s a tough question. I’d love to block for Tom Brady. He’s obviously been a great quarterback in this league for many years now. I think you could learn a lot from him. It would be beneficial for my future if I could learn from a guy like that. I’d love to pick his brain and ask what he thinks about offensive line play.

JM: What kind of impact is Logan Stenberg going to make at the next level?

LS: Logan Stenberg is a hard worker, first and foremost. I’m gonna come in with a lot of determination. I’m a smart guy that understands offensive line play. I plan on doing things the right way at the next level. I’m gonna block my man until the whistle gets blown. I’m gonna come in every day ready to put my best foot forward and give it my best shot. I’m gonna work hard to be a great player.

[vertical-gallery id=613832]

Mychal Mulder is proving himself as a competitor to Steve Kerr

Steve Kerr praised Mychal Mulder’s defense and competitive toughness after scoring in double figures in back-to-back games.

Trades and injuries have opened up Golden State as a destination for players on 10-day contracts. Since the NBA trade deadline, the Warriors have circulated through a handful of 10-day players in their rotation.

Currently, Golden State has three different players on 10-day deals. Dragan Bender, Mychal Mulder are both with the Warriors on 10-day contracts with Chasson Randle expected to sign a deal with the team soon.

Over the past two games, one player is proving he belongs in the NBA longer than 10-days. Mulder, a former member of the G League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce, has made an impact since joining the Golden State Warriors.

Mulder started his NBA career against the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring only two points. However, in the Warriors 18 point comeback against the Phoenix Suns, Mulder tallied 14 points and six rebounds while holding Devin Booker to 21 points on 6-of-16 shooting.

Mulder followed up his impressive game against the Suns with a 17 point effort against the Wizards. The Kentucky product added two rebounds, an assist, block and steal with Washington in town.

After the Warriors 124-110 loss to the Wizards, Kerr praised Mulder as a competitor.

Via Warriors SoundCloud:

He’s a really good player. I’m impressed by not only his shooting but his defense. Last night he took on a really good challenge with Devin Booker. Tonight we out him on Beal at times. He accepts the challenge. Plays bigger than he is. When you’re on a 10-day, it feels like every play is important, every shot is important — it’s not easy to relax and just go play. I thought last night was a really good indication of what kind of competitor he is. He was 0-fo-4, 0-for-5 in the third day of his contract and the clock is ticking and he just kept shooting, kept firing, kept defending and helped us win the game. Came back and had a great game again today. He’s a competitor and a really good player.

Through shooting, defense and praise from his head coach, Mulder is earning more playing time in Golden State. The 6-foot-3 guard will have three more games on his contract before the Warriors have to decide if they want to keep him past 10 days.

Mychal Mulder providing spark off the bench during Warriors 10-day contract

Mychal Mulder scored 14 points off the bench in Golden State’s comeback road win against the Suns.

Injuries and trades have opened up opportunities in the Golden State Warriors rotation. The Dubs have used the back end of their roster to take flyers with 10-day contracts.

The Warriors have rotated through four different players on 10-day deals with the latest being Mychal Mulder. Golden State plucked the 25-year-old shooting guard from the G League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce, where he averaged 17.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 45.1 % from the field and 39.9 % from long distance.

Mulder made his Golden State debut against the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring two points while grabbing four rebounds. Against the Suns, with a limited Golden State bench, Mulder took advantage of his extended playing time.

The Kentucky product scored 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting in 34 minutes off the bench. Mulder was able to knock down three timely shots from beyond the arc while grabbing six rebounds in Golden State’s 18-point comeback victory.

After the win, Steve Kerr credited Mulder as a significant factor in the Warriors’ comeback.

Via Warriors SoundCloud:

I thought Mike Mulder played a big role in that. He came off the bench and missed his first four or five shots and very easily could’ve hung his head. He’s on a 10-day, and things weren’t going his way, but the job he did defensively on Booker and then getting a couple of shots to go late in the first half in the second quarter. I thought Mike really sparked us.

Defensively Mulder was matched with fellow former Kentucky Wildcat Devin Booker. The Suns All-Star scored a modest 21 points on 6-of-16 shooting with six turnovers.

Making a strong impression on the head coach while on a 10-day contract is a positive sign for Mulder’s future in the NBA. The 6-foot3 shooting guard’s performance against the Suns should earn him more playing time in the remaining days on his 10-day deal. Mulder will have four more games through the remainder of his contract with Golden State.

Auburn at Kentucky college basketball odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Auburn Tigers at Kentucky Wildcats college basketball matchup, with NCAA betting odds, picks and best bets

The Auburn Tigers (24-4, 11-4 SEC) battle with the Kentucky Wildcats (23-5, 13-2 SEC) at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington at 3:45 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Auburn-Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

The Wildcats are the No. 9 team in the recently released USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll. The Tigers are ranked 15th.

Auburn at Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. The Wildcats can lock up the No. 1 seed in the SEC Tournament and win the regular-season conference title with a victory.

2. Kentucky is looking to pay Auburn back for a 75-66 win by the Tigers on the Plains back on Feb. 1 as the under (145) easily connected in that one.

3. After a two-game losing skid on the road, the Tigers have rattled off wins and covers in the past two. However, they’re 2-4 SU/1-5 ATS in the past six on the road, and they haven’t won in regulation away from home since Jan. 4 at Mississippi State.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Auburn at Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Kentucky 76, Auburn 67

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. Kentucky (-295) should be able to polish off Auburn (+230) in this one, claiming the regular-season SEC title along the way. However, it’s never good business to lay nearly three times your potential return. Look to the Wildcats against the spread instead.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Wildcats returns just a $3.40 profit. A wager of $10 on the Tigers returns a profit of $23.

Against the Spread (ATS)

KENTUCKY (-6.5, -110) likely has had this game circled on their calendar after losing in the first meeting to Auburn (+6.5, -110). The Tigers have been very good at home, but they’ve struggled mightily on the road. You can expect Big Blue nation to be partying another conference championship at Rupp with a resounding win.

Over/Under (O/U)

The lean in this one is to the Over 141 (+100), but I wouldn’t bet it. This one will be too close to call, and likely the total will be decided in the final minute of regulation. AVOID, or go very lightly on Over.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=11866]