Kentucky Preview

Well, it's Mississippi day at the SEC tournament again. The Rebels play the Wildcats, and the Bulldogs play ... the Bulldogs.

Ole Miss won the regular season game against Kentucky, due primarily to holding Jodie Meeks to 2-13 shooting until the game was out of reach. We were unable to keep Patrick Patterson in check, and he made us pay going 8-12 from the field and 8-9 from the charity stripe. The Rebels will have to contain Patterson in order to win today, but I think that's possible.

Malcolm White has emerged as a legitimate player since that game. Against Kentucky, Malcolm was also 8-12. While no one would argue that Malcolm is the player that First-team All-SEC selection Patrick Patterson is, he has been a good presence of late, playing great defense and putting the ball in the hole (though inconsistently). Malcolm scored 20 points against a Mississippi State team that boasts the best interior defender in the country. I think that Malcolm will provide the post presence needed to match up against Patterson in the zone. Of course, they don't really play the same position since Patterson is more of a 4. So a power forward will have to step up as a defender against Patterson. That's why I'm hoping Kennedy puts Murphy on Patterson.

While Patterson has three inches on Holloway, we don't have a player on our team that plays the game harder than Murphy. He will fight for every ball and come down with a load of rebounds regardless of who he's paired against. I can't comprehend why he isn't starting games right now. He leads our team in double doubles and is a force coming off the bench. He's our second best interior defender, and he's a good offensive threat as well (leading our team in field goal percentage by ten percent). I want Murphy Holloway on the court for 30 minutes a game. Not 22.

In the end, I think that Kentucky is a pretty good matchup for us. They have no depth whatsoever and only have two players who are serious scoring threats. If we can contain either of those, we've got a good shot of winning. If Zach Graham can hold Meeks to 2-13 shooting again, it's in the bag. That's a big if though.

Anyone else think this guy got juked out of his shoes?

Prediction:

Ole Miss 75 - Kentucky 78

OT Helps Rebs Get That Dub

How bad is Arkansas?  Bad enough to be unable to beat an Ole Miss team coming off two disappointing losses with only seven scholarship players and three guards in the rotation.  It is tough to say just how good of a job AK did here.  Yeah, I know it was Arkansas.  I know they are 2-13 in the SEC now.  I know I said they were awful in my last post.  But we just beat them in Arkansas, with seven players, and played 45 minutes of basketball.  

The Rebels won because of their fully loaded anemic back court.  Terrico White was phenomenal. Surprise, Surprise.  He went 9-16 from the floor, 6-9 from the charity stripe and 5-8 from three point land.  Ridiculous.  He is with out a doubt SEC freshman of the year and may get some consideration for national freshman of the year.  

Zach Graham did not let the fact that he has one knee hinder him either.  A good friend of mine once called him a "pussy."  While I didn't agree with him at the time, I didn't really refute the point.  However, after watching Showcase continue to be consistent with a bum knee I don't see how you can say that (this was before we knew the knee was as bad as it is).  Graham put up 20 points tonight and hit a big three in overtime which basically ended the game.  Hopefully his offseason knee surgery will not cause him to miss some time next season.

The final piece to the Rebel victory tonight was...  Will Bogan?  Will "Stand up for the champions" Bogan looked like an SEC point guard tonight.  16 points, 7 assists and a block for good measure on the night.  I did not see that coming and neither did you.

This team drives me insane with its inconsistencies and letdowns, but the heart it showed tonight says quite a bit.  It looks like the NIT is a real possibility, if not a certainty now, and I expect them to make a decent run in the SEC Tournament.  Who knows, maybe even host another NIT game during Spring Break that no one is going to attend.  

By the way, Pelphrey may want to hire an assistant who knows a thing or two about defense.  98 points?

Basketball Thoughts

I'm going to start off by congratulating Andy Kennedy on one helluva coaching job so far this season.  I know it is all anyone is saying lately, but it needs to be stated once more.  The injuries are one thing, but getting a team as young as we are to believe in themselves shows how good this guy is.  While I'm killing time before the USA game I figured I'd give my two cents on a couple of topics:

Dahveed Huertas:

I am going to politely disagree with Ghost and say he Huertas is overrated and inconsistent.  I don't like Dahveed and if you have ever sat around me at a basketball game it should not come as a surprise.  Yesterday was a perfect example of Huertas and how he hurts the team.  Kennedy decided to take Dahveed out early because Huertas was throwing up retarded shots.  The one that did him in was a drive to the basket when he was triple teamed and threw up a circus shot that hit nothing but backboard.  AK immediately went to the bench and when Huertas saw he was being taken out made sure the crowd and everyone on the court knew he was upset with AK's decision.  

It's clear that AK and Huertas have a strained relationship.  This isn't the first time they have got into it with each other.  I think it was the UT game when they were both yelling at each other, probably because Kennedy reminded Dahveed that he has teammates.  It drives me insane watching Huertas, who is not a very adept ball handler, waste 10 seconds of the shot clock trying to find his way into the lane or get a look at a three.  I know he puts up points, that's great, but it frustrates me to no end how he takes plays off, doesn't pass, blows up on his teammates when they do something wrong and disrespects his coach.  He's done good things for us, no doubt, but for now I am not going to miss him when he leaves.

Graham and Malcolm:

These two guys have been instrumental in our success so far.  White was a man against Georgia. That block he had against The Predator was disgusting.  He did a great job on the boards and was aggressive when he got the ball.  When he can play physical and stay out of foul trouble he is a menace to the opposition.

Graham's defense has been a huge asset to this team and he has got the job done offensively too.  I have heard some rumors that he may be the odd man out next season, but that's not going to happen.  Having him out there with EP is going to be huge for defense and he will provide us with plenty of versatility in lineups next season.

Murphy Holloway:

This is easily my favorite player on the team right now.  Holloway plays all out 100% of the time every time.  I believe he had his third consecutive double-double last night and had some ridiculous drives to the basket.  He is a freakish athlete and just has a knack for getting to the basket and always being around the ball.  He reminds me of a Jason Maxiell type player and definitely could find his way to the next level.

Terrico White:

I know they honored the All Century team yesterday, but they should have gone ahead and added Terrico to the ceremony.  He is going to be the best player in Ole Miss history, I'll go ahead and say it. 

Andy, What in the Hell is Going on? - A Bloggeur's Ramblings

Yeah, I don't know either.

After losing an All-SEC point, the team's best defender, and an oftentimes white-hot 3-point shooter to injury, most would have tossed this season aside. We all heard it:

"Ah, well, let's let the freshmen get some reps or something. When's baseball season, again?"

However, there were a few good men who didn't give up on this year. Malcolm White, Terrence Henry, Murphy Holloway, Terrico White and, most importantly, Andy Kennedy knew this team could win some games.

Take, for example, last night's pounding of Tennessee. There is no way you can sugarcoat this for a Volunteers squad who never came close to having a lead during the second half. They simply got their asses handed to them in the Tad Pad. Bruce Pearl with his waxy skin and beady eyes was stunned by Terrico White's 21 points and Murphy Holloway's double-double. Tennessee looked frustrated and lost against a team which has had enough off-court issues to cover for the entire conference. Ole Miss looked very, very good.

And, really, our Rebel roundballers are very, very good outside of their inexperience. The athletes that Coach Kennedy has been able to bring to Oxford have shown that they are worthy of their recruiting hype. It's not coaching and it's certainly not physical talent that is keeping out of the SEC basketball picture. It's our team's inexperience. Many of these freshmen simply weren't ready to have such responsibility thrust upon them so early.

Of course this inexperience has led to inconsistency. Having a losing record in conference while earning home wins against Kentucky and Tennessee and a very rare road win against Mississippi State epitomizes this inconsistency about as well as anything else this season has seen. However, those moments when the team is just clicking in all aspects of the game--shooting, rebounding, defense--really give we fans an indicator as to just how much potential these athletes have.

A few of these guys wouldn't have been able to see nearly as many minutes on the court if it weren't for these injuries. Furthermore, I don't think we're going to need to worry about Andy Kennedy's expected departure for a "bigger" program for a while now, what with that whole "punching minorities" thing hanging over his head. Yes, proverbial stars are aligning and that is giving this Rebel basketball fan an odd, odd feeling of cautious optimism.

We could realistically end the season with an 8-8 in conference record and have an impressive showing in the conference tournament. All things considered, that would be an incredible finish to this disaster of a season.

Yes, this is definitely way too early to be saying such things, but if Chris Warren and Eniel Polynice can return from injury without having lost any of their quickness, this team will be very, very good next season. I'm talking "in-the-running-for-the-SEC-title" good. We will have legitimate Kennedy-ball experience at every spot on the floor and halfway down our bench.

Perhaps the knee injuries and Andy's War on Terror will turn out to be blessings in disguise. Next season's prospects are exciting, Rebels. Get cha popcorn ready (you know, like 8 or 9 months from now).

Disclaimer: Early in the morning. Not enough coffee. Thoughts scrambled.

Ole Miss vs Auburn: Watch out for the 3's

Signing Day is nearly complete as thousands of middle to upper class alumni sneak around their offices getting updates on Ole Miss' class while waiting for the cash bar at a various event across the state. 

Meanwhile, at the Tad Smith Coliseum...

Our basketball team is going for a three game winning streak in conference play against the Auburn Tigers. The War Eagle Plainsmen have been great at home going 11-3, but only carrying two out of five games while staying in hotels in different cities. Their overall record is 13-8 with a 2-4 conference record. 

Auburn has a solid defense with Korvotney Barber grabbing nearly 10 boards a game plus averaging over a block a game. Barber has six double doubles, but the outside shooting of guards Dewayne Reed(35.5 percent), Tay Waller(35.3 percent) and Lucas Hargrove(37.1 percent) against our 2-3 zone could be a match-up nightmare.

Jeff Lebo and the Tigers basically shoot their way to victory or lose by throwing up too many deep shots. With their rebounding improved from last year, the Rebels will have to limit their second chance shots to keep the War Damn Eagles out of the game.

Ole Miss is 12-9 with a 3-4 conference record coming off two surprising wins against Kentucky and at Mississippi State. Terrico White was last seen walking across Sardis Lake, so if he can continue to play at the level he has in the three of the last four games, Ole Miss will have a chance in many of their remaining games. Malcolm White and Murphy Holloway have shown flashes where they are giving good minutes, but they aren't going to be the ones that win a game for you this year. Just try not to screw up too bad guys.

Zach Graham flat out balled outrageous against State in the first half and cooled in the second half. If he can put together an entire 30 to 40 minutes, Graham can be a better scoring option to get pressure off Huertas and White. 

Auburn swept the Rebels last season, and I'm pretty much worried that we might be overconfident after a couple good games.

Final prediction: Ole Miss 73 Auburn 68

Rebel Roundup - Post Superbowl Monday

Superbowl Sunday took a toll on me. I'm still scraping barbecue sauce out from under my fingernails and can't really get my eyes open more than halfway so pardon today's lazy blogging. As for the Superbowl, it was a helluva game. Larry Fitzgerald is somewhere between Hannibal Barca and Winston Churchill in the all-time "ballsiest baller" scale. I still hate the Steelers but, damn, you've gotta respect a franchise that has won six Superbowls. Also, I'm still laughing at that commercial where an animatronic Koala with a British accent got punched in the face.

Anyway, here are some interesting links that you've likely already seen:

Andy Kennedy's Arrest Video - Yes, it's all right here. You can see a visibly drunk Andy Kennedy futilely plead his case to the arresting officer, and a bunch of overly "cop-esque," smartassed comments. Seirously, what's the damn deal with every police officer out there thinking they're some kind of one-liner machine? The only quip that either cop gets out that is at all humorous is the "we deal with the Bengals" line in response to Andy Kennedy warning them that this arrest will make national headlines (or become an "international altercation..." eesh, that's drunk right there). You can also see Bill Armstrong lose his lid and angrily curse at the dirty motherfucking lying son-of-a-bitch cabbie accuser, leading to his subsequent arrest. Watch the video (kinda-sorta NSFW with all of the f-bombs) and comment below, Cup fans.

D.T. Shackleford: Smart, Charitable, Blue-Chipper - We're keeping the recruiting talk on the down low until Wednesday when we'll be live-blogging for signing day. Until then, enjoy this piece on a nice young man from Alabama who may or may not have committed to play linebacker for the Rebels this weekend. We're not following recruiting right now, remember? Anyway, if we were to perhaps recruit and earn a commitment from this young man on the weekend before signing day, snatching him out of the grasp of Lane Kiffin's staff of super-recruiters, we would be adding a heckuva linebacker and an even greater human being to our football lineup.

We Finally Defeated Wake at Something - Yes, we're still pretty good at tennis. Perhaps Ivory Tower or one of our more frilly, Victorian-era sports enthusiast readers could give you more info. Me, I'm too busy watching Die Hard and eating pork to pay attention to a bunch of European guys jump around in tight fitting pastels.

FINAL: Ole Miss 67 Miss. St. 63

Well, damn, I picked a four point win and look what happened. 

Hell, yeah, I'm bragging. Stansbury has never lost to Ole Miss at the Hump until today.

Let's let that sink in. The last time Ole Miss beat State in Starkville in the great game of basketball, Bill Clinton was in his second term as President of the USA. Good old 1998. I mean, just went into Starkghanistan, ripped the game away from them with less than 10 scholarship players. WOW. Get Andy Kennedy a new Cadillac for that game. At least another shirt, damn.

Terrico goes off for 18, Dahveeeed scores 16 and Zach Graham played one of his best games of the year with 13 points. The real story, however, as the score shows was the great defense that Ole Miss played: lockdown, condom-like defense. 

We stayed in a zone defense for the entire time most likely to save all our energy for the other end of the court. State played a good bit of man D, and our guys had to keep moving whenever on offense. 

Strangely enough, our height caused State a few problems as we got some hands/fingers in their eyes. For much of the game, Huertas(6'5''), Terrico(6'5''), Malcolm White(6'9''), Zach Graham(6'6'') and DeAundre Cranston(6'9'') were on the floor. Those are some damn long arms waving about and intimidating the 'Dogs.

Varnado was pretty much the only 'Dog beating the Rebels on the glass. He had 15 boards along with eight points. His inside presence was not dominant, but we didn't challenge him a lot with our big men. 

Our team is playing way above their heads, and no rational person could possibly think that the Rebels will continue on their streak all the way to the NCAA tournament. Personally, that's what I think it would take at this point. 

The NIT seems like a very real possibility for this team if they can edge out about five more wins. Surely, we can beat Georgia. Alabama should be a win as well. Maybe Auburn? State at home? 

The season has a long way to go, nine more games and then the SEC Tournament in Tampa. I'm predicting the Rebels win four more games and finish 16-14. Who knows? Georgia won the tournament last year, because no one really cares about basketball in the SEC. We might end up in the Big Dance after all. A broke clock is right twice a day, it could haaaaappen.

I'm just amazingly on fire with my predictions tonight, so Steelers by 12 tomorrow. 

Also, if you are in the area of North Mississippi, Memphis, basically less than three hours from Oxford. Get your ass in a seat on Wednesday. 

Egg Bowl: Basketball edition

Here at Le Cup, we try to push the envelope as far as our out of the box thinking in coverage of Ole Miss sports. 

However, there are two things I can guarantee I will never do while writing for this blog:

1.) Take the Lord's name in vain

2.) Pick Mississippi State to beat Ole Miss in a sporting event

That's right. Even though our basketball team has dealt with more health issues than an episode of ER, we played like we wanted to win against Kentucky and today I expect a similar effort. 

Not because Mississippi State basketball has as much prestige as Kentucky...that's a laughable notion. Terrico and Malcolm White saw their stellar play on Sportscenter during their last game and realized they can play and be dominant in this conference. Plus, I just really hate Mississippi State with every cell in my body.

Playing at the Hump is not easy, however. I've witnessed firsthand our Rebels get pounded in Starkville while the maroon and white fans made it deafening to play on their court. Our young players are going to get experience up to their necks today against State.

Their student section is planning to dress like Arabs with turbans, mustaches, etc. and the band is going to play "You've Lost that Loving Feeling" to poke fun at Andy Kennedy. Bring on the motivation, that's what I say. I would hope some of our students would do the same thing if Rick Stansbury was in the news. 

I've always felt basketball is a game about who wants to win. If you scrape and claw every play on defense, you can keep any game close enough to pull off an upset. State is 14-6 (4-1 SEC) in the SEC while Ole Miss is 11-9 (2-4 SEC). Two of the home losses the Bulldogs endured were to fundamentally sound mid-major teams: Charlotte and San Diego. 

Ole Miss played very fundamentally sound against the Wildcats, and they need every break to go their way to win today. 

Mississippi State's line-up:

F Jarvis Varnado- 13 ppg, arms like a windmill

F Ravern Johnson- 12.5 ppg, star of yet to be released sitcom "That's So Ravern"

G Barry Stewart- Jr. shoots nearly 36% from behind the arc

G Dee Bost- Frosh from NC has nearly two assists for every turnover

G Phil Turner- averaged 15.5 ppg against 'Bama and Vandy at the Hump

Terrico, Malcolm and DAHVEED need to go off for 60 again. If the three's aren't dropping though, we're in for a very long game.

Final prediction: Ole Miss 74 MSU 70

Ole Miss vs Kentucky: Could we just play HORSE?

Ole Miss is struggling on the court, and they're at the breaking point where postseason play is not a possibility unless the Rebels win the remainder of their games.

Obviously, a win over Kentucky would bring this team's confidence to a new level and could get things rolling. The Wildcats are running game on the rest of the SEC sporting an undefeated conference record. 

Lest we forget Big Blue basketball in 2007-2008 as they fell to teams like San Diego, Gardner Webb and UAB. These aren't your Dad's Kentucky basketball players. They lost to VMI for God's sake.

Winning at Tennessee by 18 was one of the most impressive games I have seen an SEC team play all season(yes, including our 12 point win against Nicholls State).

Wildcat lineup:

G Jodie Meeks- averages over 26 ppg and could go for 40 against any of our guards

G DeAndre Liggins- Freshman who has had streaks of turnovers

F Patrick Patterson- not the UM recruit, but second leading scorer

F Perry Stevenson- already tied his block total(46) from last season

F Ramon Harris- he's from Alaska, that's all the interesting information I could find; I searched for a picture of Tyler Hansbrough just to get a linked picture of the kid

Terrico White and David Huertas need to score a combined 60 points for Ole Miss to have a chance in the game. We'll most likely get out rebounded or "outphysicalled" by a veteran UK team. I'm prepared for a long night of ESPN commentators bringing up Andy Kennedy's horrible year off the court, our list of injuries which is at an inquisition like length, and how good Kentucky's fans travel on the road.

Our guys will give a great effort, because it's Kentucky, they're on national television and they'll have a decent crowd behind them. If it is close at half-time and they can keep Kentucky out of a transition game, the Rebels could keep it close.

Final prediction: Kentucky 83 Ole Miss 68

Btw, 25 days until baseball season. All praise Michael Guerrero.

Rebels Ready to Handle 'Cocks On the Road...WTF?

Seriously, South Carolina, change your mascot. It's fantastic to see COCKS on a hat with the small lettering underneath "University of South Carolina," but your name causes headline problems for the rest of the SEC. 

Here's a few suggestions for the South Carolinians. You could be the South Carolina Palmetto's, then we could entitle our post "Rebels Ready to Chop Down Palmetto's," or the South Carolina Salamanders, as they are the state amphibians or possibly even the South Carolina Peaches giving a nod to the movie "A League of Their Own" and the Rockford Peaches, but I know how the state of South Carolina is emphatic about their cock fighting. I've been in the smarmy, dusty halls of Charleston where brown fellows loudly proclaim the ability of their rooster. Okay, that was Afghanistan, but still...basically the same thing.

South Carolina basketball is much like the rest of the SEC: success marked with disappointment. The only somewhat embarrassing loss came to the College of Charleston in overtime for the 'Cocks as they tore through non-conference opponents like North Carolina Central, Presbyterian and Wofford.

The 'Cocks are ensuring their chances to live up to their program's tradition: NIT CHAMPS!!! The whistles go WOOO!!!! After losing a coach who looked like he opened the ark of the covenant, South Carolina is undoubtedly off to a great start including a buzzer beating victory against #24 Florida at the Colonial Life Arena.

Ole Miss is on cruise control with a 10-8 (1-3 SEC) record as even a NIT berth seems distant at this point in the season. Knee injuries have not been kind to this year's roster, but that's no excuse as the Rebels have a lack of depth during Andy Kennedy's third year as a coach. It's not to say that the Rebels should be to the point of a Duke or North Carolina program, but if there's a few injuries, Ole Miss fans should feel confident they will be able to make the postseason. 

I have seen Devan Downey, and he is good. The junior guard for the Gamecocks leads the team with nearly 20 points per game. There's four other South Carolina players averaging double digit scoring, which means the Ole Miss "zone defense"(see: shit that doesn't work) will be stretched to the brink as the home court advantage makes it a game that isn't close.

Final score prediction: South Carolina 80  Ole Miss 64

P.S. Gentleman Jack contributed to this report of Ole Miss basketball.

Loss of Consortium

Ok. I'm getting sick of hearing people talk about how Andy Kennedy's wife, Kimber, filed a lawsuit against a cab driver because "now Andy can't get it up. LOLLZZ."

That's just not true. Loss of consortium does not mean erectile dysfunction. It could be as simple as he has his mind in other places or just feels distracted. Loss of consortium is defined as "a term used in the law of torts that refers to the deprivation of the benefits of a family relationship due to injuries caused by a tortfeasor."

For those of you who are unable to understand that simple definition, what it's saying is that Kimber's claim of loss of consortium could mean Andy is just too distracted and stressed out to undertake the duties of a father and husband. Now, it certainly has been used with regard to sexual problems, and rightfully so. There's a ton of case law out there to support that. I guess I'm just saying that loss of consortium could also be a lot of other things. Maybe it's that he's having trouble dealing with emotions with his family or that he's too distracted to want to listen to his family members' issues that arise on a day to day basis.

I think it's a little funny to joke about him sexually, but can everyone just get it through their heads that Andy Kennedy isn't permanently "limp-dicked" and may not be "limp-dicked" at all.

Growing Pains: Rebel Basketball

In case you didn't know, the Ole Miss basketball team is victim of a rash of injuries not seen since Tonya Harding was skating in the Olympics.

We've heard it through our sketchy media sources that Zach Graham is out for the remainder of the season with a torn patella tendon. If this is true, we'll have Patrick Spach getting some serious minutes very soon. No offense to Spach, he filled out some minutes on Saturday without making the game any worse than it already was, so kudos to him.

Murphy Holloway told David Brandt at the Clarion Ledger that the game was "a total abortion." Well said Murphy, but at least this abortion was in the second trimester of the season, making it legal in most states.

Terrico White is the future of Ole Miss basketball, and Saturday showed why as he dropped 22 points on the Tigers with the next closest Rebel player coming in at 10(that'd be Holloway).

I'm already looking towards next season for basketball. This season is a chance for growing young players, and we'll probably get heckled somewhat mercilessly for the next couple months. 

The Rebels now stand at 10-7 (1-2 SEC) with 13 games left to play. Here's what the Rebels have left to play: 7 games on the road including all of the SEC West teams, Vandy and South Carolina. If we win more than one of those seven road games, I'll be impressed. Coming to Oxford, we have Tennessee(loss), Kentucky(loss), Georgia(win), Auburn(win), Alabama(loss) and Mississippi State(loss).

A mighty 13-17 record and a quick exit from the SEC tourney in Atlanta plus the drama from Kennedy's trial shortly after the season makes for an exciting spring for the roundballers. 

Even one of Mike Seaver's zany, wacky plans couldn't save this team

Tip-off: Ole Miss vs. LSU

Here are the starting line-ups for today's game at 3 p.m. CT or as soon as the Gators dispatch of what will be an 0-3 SEC conference Arkansas.

To make you feel more like you're at the game, turn up yo' speakers and click hurrr.

The Cotton Bowl trophy will be presented at today's game, so attendance might crack 5,000 in reality for one of the few times this season. Spirit fans will still bitch about our fans afterwards regardless. LSU is 13-3 in their first season with Trent Johnson at the helm after John Brady left him with a few above average SEC players. Basically, if we don't stop Thornton and Mitchell, we're going to get stroked by a more athletic team.

Starting for LSU:

G Marcus Thornton

G Garrett Temple

G Bo Spencer

F Tasmin Mitchell

C Chris Johnson

Starting for Ole Miss:

G Dahveed Huertas

G Terrico White

G Zach Graham

F Murphy Holloway

F Malcolm White

It's growing pain time for the Rebels. Terrico White played his last game against Arkansas like his life depended on it, so if back to back appearances are made by Terrico, we'll have some consistency and more scoring threats to keep us in the game.

LSU has three guys that can go for 20 on any given night, so an early lead means a long afternoon for the Rebels. Our team doesn't quite have what it takes yet to come back from an early lead to dominate in the second half.

Predicted half-time score: UM 35 LSU 41

Predicted final: UM 74 LSU 80

Post your in-game comments here over the next couple hours, then we'll have our post-game comments.

The Kennedys are having some, err, "issues."

SCENE: The Kennedy residence, Oxford, MS, 11:29 PM, master bedroom suite


Kimberly Kennedy - Oh, Aaaannnnddddyyyy....

Kimberly Kennedy sexily catwalks into the room, eyes fixed on her husband. Andy Kennedy, frustrated and tired, sits at the foot of their bed, head in hands with both feet planted firmly on the floor.

Andy Kennedy: Yes, dear...

KK: Why don't you take a look up here, big boy.

AK looks up towards his wife. She is wearing a colored tank top, panties, and high heels.

AK: Sexy... *sigh*

KK: Andy, what's wrong? You normally love my "field-hockey-player-undressing-in-the-locker-room" look?

AK: Ugh, damn dear, it's just, well, shit I've just got too much going on and I just can't really focus on anything right now.

KK: Not even.... me?

KK slowly raises her left leg high above the floor, and slowly slides it between AK's legs. She sits, straddling his knee, and looking him in the eyes. She places both of her hands over his shoulders and behind his head.

KK: Give it to me, Andy.

AK: Oh, baby...

Andy and Kimberly fall backwards onto their bed, grappled by the powerful eminence of their love. After several heavy minutes, their early attempts at lovemaking come to a sudden halt.

KK: Andy, c'mon, what's going on!?

AK: I'm sorry babe, it just won't go. It's not working right now I guess.

KK: What the fuck, Andy?

AK: I'm sorry, Kimberly! I'm sorry! I just don't know what's going on? I guess there's just too much on my mind right now, alright?!

KK: Andy, dear, what's on your mind. C'mon babe, tell me.

AK: Well, it's just that.. It's just

AK's eyes well up, his face turns red, and his words then become to loudly and quickly burst out of his mouth.

AK: I mean, with all of the shit that's going on right now I just CAN'T TAKE IT! My little Chris, Trevor, and Eniel... oh, my sweet Eniel... they're all going through so much right now and... *deep breath* ...and the young guys they're trying so hard and they're learning but they've just go so far to go and *deep breath* they just try so hard and it's just frustrating as a coach and that damn...

AK sits upright at the foot of the bed, head in hands.

AK: That damn IPF is taking for-fucking-EVER and I want it NOW! I want it, I want it, I want it NOW! And they booed him, baby, they booed him! He didn't deserve that!

KK: Who?! They booed who?!



AK: Houston! They booed him! Those damn Arkansas fans booed him! He's my FRIEND DAMMIT! He always talks about how special I am and about how he loves that headband and I LOVE THAT HEADBAND TOO! He's my friend and they were just so mean to him at the game!

The room goes quiet. KK slips next to AK and calmly begins to speak.

KK: But, Andy, this happens all of the time, remember. We are, Ole Miss? Remember?!

AK: I guess... But, I dunno, there's also that cab driver and that Colby Arceneaux looking motherfucker valet guy. I just can't get them out of my head! They think I'm a racist, Kimberly. I'm not a racist! I'm a motherfucking BASKETBALL coach! How in the hell can I be a racist? And, it's just, it was all on the news and they said I was a violent man and that I hit him when really, it was just all a confusing situation! And now, we've got all of these lawsuits and such and well, I just can't take it! I can't do my damn job anymore baby... I just can't do it. I'm sorry baby, I just can't find you sexy tonight, not with all of this on my mind.

KK jumps out of the bed and storms out of the room. AK jumps up and follows quickly behind.

AK: Where are you going?!

KK: That's IT! I'm calling our lawyer!

AK: Baby, dearie, Sweetie McBuns, this isn't worth getting a divorce over!

KK: Divorce? DIVORCE?! This isn't about a damned divorce, Andy! I'm going to sue that fucking [racial slur redacted], no good piece of [racial slur redacted] shit, [racial slur redacted], [racial slur redacted], [somewhat-clever-yet-still-insensitive racial slur redacted] Mohamed bastard for wedging his [racial slur redacted] bullshit in between our slim, sex-starved bodies! I NEED THIS, ANDY!


END SCENE

Rebs Best Hogs on Hardcourt; Result Surprising, Confusing

Until last night's satisfying, if unexpected, 74-65 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks, I was set to ask the readership how Andy Kennedy's troubles in Cincinatti last month might have been different if they had occurred after Chris Warren's season-ending injury. Nevertheless, a team with only one 2008 starter pulled off an energizing win over the non-conference undefeated 'Backs.

I am fully aware that State defeated Arkansas in Fayetteville last Saturday. I am fully aware that John Pelphrey put together no murderer's row before his SEC slate began. The Cup can also confirm that Andy Kennedy wins consistently and methodically at home but loses frustratingly and confusingly on the road. So, continuing the metaphor of the 2009 basketball mulligan, this is no deep shot on the fairway. It's more like the drop on the other side of the water hazard.

Still, congratulations are in order for the team and for Andy Kennedy, who has "implemented a slightly slower pace since Warren's injury[.]" And, I'll offer no predictions about this game and its effect on the rest of the season, but if, unexpectedly, 18 wins or better are found down the road, where will this rank among Rebel wins in the Andy Kennedy era?

Ole Miss vs FAMU Recap

Rebels had a good showing against FAMU, which is to be expected.  Concern over the game was legitimate given the events of the past few days, but the Rebels came out strong and buried the Rattlers 86-63. 

The Rebels also got encouraging performances from some players at positions that they desperately need to see increased production from. 

Will "The Lil Spud" Bogan did not play too bad.  From listening to Kellum in the second half it sounded like he played within himself and the offense ran smoothly.  The last I heard, he only had two turnovers and that’s all you can ask for from a true freshman point guard who is getting significant playing time for the first time in his career.  Maybe he'll become ridiculously ripped and be the next Todd Abernathy.  Because he can only be compared to a former white point guard since this is Ole Miss, right?  I know the nickname is incredibly gay, it is what I was going for with it.

Terrico White had a pretty good game tonight as well with a career high 18 points.  He shot well from the floor, above 50%, and even picked up a few assists.  White knows he has to become the second guy after Huertas now, and tonight he showed some signs of growth.

Post play continues to improve as Malcolm and my boy Murphy Holloway got their ball on.  White had 18 points and tore it up from the field going only missing three shots.  He also collected 9 rebounds and tallied three more blocks.  Granted, it was FAMU but that’s a great stat line for Malcolm and another game that can help give him more confidence.

Murphy Holloway continues to impress me.  In our first game I told a few people that I thought he would be the best of the freshman class and I still think that is a possibility, although Terrico has the most upside.  Holloway was everywhere on the boards this game, seemed like Kellum called his name on every other rebound in the second half as he finished with 16 on the night.  I also really like the way he finishes and is able to create for himself without the ball.  He moves better than any other player on the team without the ball, at least from my viewing. 

Terrance Henry is still very much a project and really needs to get in contact with our old friend Jared Foster.  

 For me, the stat of the game tonight has to be the rebounding margin.  Rebels – 47 FAMU – 22.

FAMU Preview

Ole Miss is set to usher in the Will Bogan era tonight against Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University, an era that Rebel fans hope is not going to last any longer than necessary. 

FAMU (2-8) has faced three other SEC opponents this season and have not fared too well.  They lost by significant amounts to Florida, Alabama, and what should be a hapless Arkansas team.  The game is set to tip at 7 p.m. and if you want to listen to it find it on the radio or sign up for RebelVision, I’ll probably stick to MNF.

Ole Miss Notes

It is going to be interesting to see how the staff handles the point guard position tonight.  I read some quotes from Michael White claming that Will Bogan had been having some good practices and it helps that he has been going against Chris in practice.  However, the staff also said I would be pleased with Kevin Cantinol, I am not.  Needless to say my expectation for Bogan are minimal right now.  

It is definitely going to have to be a point guard committee operation.  I know Terrico White played some point in high school, so he’ll get an opportunity, but beyond him and Bogan I don’t know who else is going to be running the point. 

Huertas has never impressed me with his ball control or handles, so I don’t know if we will see him bringing the ball up, but I guess Zach Graham is an option?  It is tough to say what the point guard rotation will be when your three-deep at the position is out for the season. 

These next few games will show us just how good of a shooter David Huertas is.  Kennedy is claiming he is the best shooter he has coached, and I will believe that if Huertas is able to maintain his numbers while fending off the double teams that are undoubtedly coming his way.

I thought the post game showed some improvement against Louisville.  Malcolm would have contributed if it weren't for foul trouble the entire game, Murphy Holloway was active on the boards and efficient from the floor, and Terrance Henry showed some good effort rebounding. The front court can also breathe a sigh of relief because with new weakness at point guard, they will no longer be the sole focal point of criticism regarding the team.

The Rebels need this game in the worst way.  The matchup against FAMU should allow the Rebels to do some experimenting with the lineup, while still being able to come away with an easy victory.  (I am knocking on wood)  Kennedy and his staff will use this game to figure out the point guard position and also hopefully continue the process of getting Malcolm White to multi task (think and play) while he's in the game.

Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University

FAMU holds a special place in my heart because it is one of my earliest memories of a live sporting event, when I witnessed them lose to Memphis State in basketball by 50 points and saw the infamous Scientific Mapp man the point guard for the Rattlers.

FAMU has become famous for its marching band, known as the “Marching 100” that has been featured at the Grammy's and played with Prince at the Super Bowl.

Scouting the Rattlers

Lamar Twitty, another good name, leads FAMU with 11.8 points per game and Brandon Bryant who is averaging just less than 10 ppg is another key player for the Rattlers.  FAMU, as a team, has shot poorly from the field and behind the arc shooting 37% from the field on the season and in the high 20s from beyond the arc.  They are also awful from the free throw line at 53.4% on the season.  Defense has not been much better as opponents are averaging around 77 points against the Rattlers defense.

Notable Alumni

Some of FAMU’s notable alumni in sports include Andre “The Hawk” Dawson, Marquis Grissom (one of the oddest looking players in baseball), Quinn Gray, Jerome James* (one of the signings that highlighted Isiah Thomas debacle with the Knicks), and Fox sideline reporter Pam Oliver.

Politically, the oft-troubled mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick is an alumnus. 

Another alumnus that caught my eye is Cannonball Adderley.  If you are into jazz at all you probably know who he is, but if you do not get the Somethin’ Else album.

**Here are a few Jerome James quotes I was able to gather from Wikipedia.  If you are a follower of the NBA, you know James does not exactly have a sterling reputation and is better known for his laziness and the fact that he is a walking personal foul than he is for his basketball prowess. 

 James, when asked about his legacy with the Knicks, replied, "that’s not me. I’ve always had a passion for basketball and unfortunately, due to me not getting playing time, I wasn’t able to show ‘em that side of me. I want to show them that side and then I’ll get my ass out of here. I’ll leave. But y'all still gotta pay me though."

Once, when asked if he was concerned about his former coach commenting that he has a selfish attitude, replied, "I don't even know what he's talking about, I just worry about Jerome."

What We've Learned

I have been disappointed with David Brandt's Ole Miss coverage before, but he has been a hawk today, and he is reporting that not only will Andy Kennedy be on the floor tonight, but that he will, furthermore, be cleared of all charged.

We also have, courtesy of Brandt, a statement from Coach Kennedy's brother, Steve, who tells us that Andy was out for a "late night dinner" with some old Cincy friends (after the teams' 11:00 pm meeting), that Kennedy and four other members of the staff hailed a cab, and that the cabbie called Torrey Ward that word that is colloquially used to describe the sheriff of Rock Ridge. I'm not ready to lock up AK for hate crimes. To me, though, it still all sounds a little fishy, and I bet Banker Pete is kicking himself on the chance that he didn't include some provision for this sort of thing in Kennedy's contract.

Finally, we have also been reminded, once again, that State fans blow. Here is a bad touch conversation between two of them on one of Brandt's posts:

NashvilleBulldawg: FIRST!
ethanoldawg: NB I knew I should have posted quicker. I'm proud of you !
NashvilleBulldawg: Thank you, good sir. Congrats on being second.
NashvilleBulldawg: Man, it's sad but true: the rebel board is a ghost town, even with a story like this.

Internet supremacy has come to Starkville. Huzzah!

More Information Regarding Andy Kennedy's Arrest

Would you like to see the police report? Click here (PDF).

Would you like to see a part of the police report already being proven untrue? Well that's right here.

Would you like to hear the coaches side of the incident? Here.

Here's an official statement released by the university this afternoon with regards to the situation.

In response to the charges made against Ole Miss Head Basketball Coach Andy Kennedy in Cincinnati, OH, Thursday morning, Athletics Director Pete Boone and Coach Kennedy issued the following statements:

"Clearly, this is an unfortunate situation. However, after a full discussion with Andy Kennedy and his staff, who were with him, I have the utmost confidence that once all the facts are known, Coach Kennedy will be cleared of all charges," said Boone, who is with the team.

"I regret this situation," Kennedy said. "The focus should be on the players and the game, not on me. I vehemently deny the charges levied against me, and am completely confident that I will be fully exonerated of all charges."

Coach Kennedy will continue his coaching duties.

I don't know what to beleive, so I'm not about to sit here and tell you what to beleive. I will say this though: Pete Boone and Robert Khayat would not in any way, shape, or form stand behind Andy Kennedy in this situation if they did not feel that he had a good chance of being acquitted. That is my glimmer of hope, dammit.

Andy Kennedy Arrested

Yeah. You read it right. Andy Kennedy was arrested when he arrived to Cincinatti for the Big East / SEC Matchup.

No comment on the story until we learn more.

I'll just say that I hope it's not true because I really do believe that Andy Kennedy is a good basketball coach, and I want to hold onto him.