The Season from Big Blue Hell

Not even the sexiest UK alum Ashley Judd can save the Kentucky Basketball season

Now before everyone starts calling for the head of Billy Gillespie, let me set the story. Ever since I can remember, I have bled Kentucky blue. Through the good times (national champs in 1996 and 1998) and the bad (probation in the late 1980's -1991), I have never given up on my team. Number one winningest program in all of NCAA basketball (in jeopardy with each losing season and North Carolina keeping on a winning track), seven national championships in 14 appearances, the list goes on and on. But this season, the Wildcats are stuggling and it's leaving UK fans wondering what to do.

Billy Gillespie took over the Wildcats in 2007-08 and led them to the NCAA tournament for a 17th consecutive year and an 18-13 record (12-4 in the SEC). He earned co-coach of the year honors and looked to be the right fit even though the Wildcats got ousted in the opening round by Marquette 74-66. This season, the Wildcats and the SEC for that matter have struggled mightily.

Currently, the Wildcats are 19-11 (8-7 in the SEC; T-3rd place in East) and have seen signs of brilliance (Tennessee) and signs of disorganization (Georgia, LSU). With Patterson and Meeks, this is the best the Wildcats could do? Don't get me wrong, these are spectacular players but will they get drafted high if they left early? With how mediocre this team is, probably not. After last nights loss to Georgia, the Wildcats 17-year NCAA Tournament streak looks to be snapped as they will be lucky to inherit an NIT bid.

Most fans are crying for Billy Gillespie to be fired. I don't blame them. He has the team to do some damage in the SEC East but for some reason, he has the reverse effect that did Tubby Smith in: he can recruit but can't coach! Defense is a foreign subject to this team. Granted he has "Tubby players" until next season when his recruits come in but still, you can't keep using that as an excuse for this team. When you wear the blue and white it represents the state of Kentucky as well as Lexington. It symbolizes college basketball greatness. Sometimes I wonder if any of these players really get it.

My conclusion after thinking about it is this: let Billy coach one more season. His recruits start coming in so if he can't do anything with them, he needs to be shown the door. UK's going through growing pains and needs to take its lumps before it becomes a powerhouse again. Whether its with Billy G or someone else remains to be seen. But fear not Kentucky fans. Big Blue will once again stand loud and proud as the best of the best in the NCAA.