Kentucky vs North Carolina…..A Preview….

Lwcat
Wildcats Thunder Administrator

Kentucky vs North Carolina
11/18/08 Tuesday at 9PM (ESPN)

North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC
Enrollment-27,700
Arena-Dean Smith-27,700
Coach-Roy Williams
Career-560-134 (.801) North Carolina-142-33-5 years (.811)
NCAA Titles-4
Final Fours-17
2007-08 Record-36-3
ACC-14-2
Currently Ranked #1 in nation

2008-09 (1-0)
North Carolina 86 Penn 71

Probable Starting Lineup

Deon Thompson…. F-6’8” Jr…..Penn game-17 points..(Last season PPG-8.4)
Danny Green…..F-6’6” Sr…..Penn game-12 points..(Last season PPG-11.5)
Tyler Hansbrough….C-6’9” Sr…..Penn game-Did Not Play…(Last season PPG-22.6)
Wayne Ellington…G-6’4” Jr…..Penn Game-13 points..(Last season PPG-16.6)
Ty Lawson….G-5’11” Jr…..Penn game-12 points..(Last season PPG-12.7)

Other Key Players

Tyler Zeller….C-7’0” Fr…..Penn game-18 points
Ed Davis….F-6’10” Fr…..Penn game-10 points
Marcus Ginyard….G/F-6’5” Sr…..Did Not Play..(Last season PPG-6.9)
Bobby Frasor….G-6’3” Sr…..Penn Game-3 points..(Last seasons PPG-3.2)

North Carolina is currently ranked number one in the nation and rightly so. The Tarheels return all five starters plus their top two reserves and have added a number of very talented freshmen. In short, this North Carolina team is loaded with great talent and experience. Last season they made it to the Final Four before a great Kansas team defeated them…this season the Tarheels have their sights not just on a return to the Final Four, but a 5th NCAA championship. Currently, Tyler Hansbrough, First Team All-American, is recovering from shin problems and did not play in the Penn game. His availability for the UK game is not clear at this date. Not to worry, Tyler Zeller, a heavily recruited freshman, replaced Hansbrough in the Penn game and was the high scorer. The Tarheel frontline will be potent this season with Hansbrough, Thompson, Davis and Zeller. Ginyard, who is injured, has been the Tarheels best defender.The backcourt has perhaps the fastest guard in America in Ty Lawson who is an outstanding PG. and Ellington is a terrific guard. Importantly, North Carolina and Kentucky are the two top programs in wins…..they are the greatest two college programs in America….and anytime these two giants collide….it’s big news in college basketball. In this game, it’s the Tarheels who are currently #1 while the Cats are are in the process of climbing back up to a top 10 team.

Unfortunately, UK’s opening game against VMI was an embarrassment as the Cats lost 111-103. Coach Gillispie was obviously very disappointed in the Cat’s performance which demonstrated poor defense, an abundance of TO’s and poor decisions coupled with a lack of intensity, softness and no leadership. Coach Gillispie took much of the blame on himself as he should. While losing to an inferior opponent in VMI is no way to start the season, UK fans must remember that this was just one game and the season is just getting started. UK must get improved play at PG and it appears that Liggins, despite his inexperience, can provide superior defense and offense than Porter. Meeks clearly demonstrated that he is going to have a great season….playing with great heart all over the court and carrying the Cats offensively. Darius Miller revealed himself to be a coming star….reminds me of a bigger version of the great ‘Goose Givens”. Patterson appeared to be shaking the rust off from last seasons injury, but look for rapid improvement as he gets back into recapturing his great play from last season. Patterson will be vital to UK’s success this season. Perry Stevenson continues to improve and should help make UK’s frontline vastly improved from last season.

There is no question that UK will be a solid underdog to #1 ranked North Carolina on their home floor, but never count UK out in any game. The talent is there….but, UK must vastly improve their defense and ball handling. This UK team is a work in progress and I’m sure that Coach Gillispie and the team are working hard to correct the many flaws and poor play of the VMI game. I look for some possible lineup changes and a UK team that shows significant improvement over the VMI game. Go Cats!