NCAA Bracket 2011: Ohio State vs. Kentucky Notes—John Calipari, Thad Matta, More

Drew Thurman (9:55 am)

Cal and Matta alike?

Ohio State fans have been clear all over Twitter and message boards that they don't have much love or respect for John Calipari. The feelings seemed to intensify from Buckeye Nation as Cal came out and said, "Teams want to be us" this week.

So I'm guessing no one wearing scarlet and gray has any desire to see Calipari and Thad Matta comparisons, but that is just what Alan Cutler has done.

In a fifth-grade sort of way, Cutler lists the things both coaches have done over the last decade, including wins and getting their players NBA contracts. He boils it down to say both guys are about defense, and defense wins championships.

More comparisons

While many Buckeye fans were outraged by the arrogance of Calipari's comment, others were levelheaded enough to remind everyone that it was the same attitude OSU fans show in football. Bruce Hooley of FoxSportsOhio.com echoes those sentiments in his latest piece:

"(Teams) want to be us,” Calipari said on his radio show this week. “Understand that: They want to be us, not beat us. Be us. So they're coming at you, trying to say, 'You win against Kentucky, it shows that we're them.'"
    
The kindest translation of that is a variation on what Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel has often said more diplomatically, that opponents preserve their best effort for when they play the Buckeyes, in hopes of landing a signature victory.
    
It is not wrong in either Calipari’s case, or Tressel’s, but it is arrogant in both.

Hooley goes on to show the deep comparisons between OSU football and UK basketball, going back to compare Woody Hayes and Adolph Rupp. From there he shows how the programs have very much mirrored each other over the last few decades, starting with their coaching choices.

As for this year though, Hooley is quick to point out that the roles have been reversed. It's OSU basketball that sits at the top, with the Wildcats playing the underdog.

Dickie V baby!

Dick Vitale breaks down all the action going tonight and gives his keys to victory for both Kentucky and Ohio State. It's some solid stuff. Ultimately, he picks the Buckeyes to win though:

"Wow, these are two heavyweights going at it! This could have been a Final Four showdown in other years. When it is all said and done, however, I am picking Ohio State to move on.

"Matta is quickly becoming the King of Columbus. Move over Jim Tressel, the name is Matta, baby!"

A Sea of Blue Part 2

A few days back we had Glenn Logan from A Sea of Blue answer some questions about the Wildcats here for us at TSB. Well, thanks to a mix-up, one of their other contributors, Ken Howlett, also answered them for us. He has some great analysis, so drink it in, Buckeye fans...

1) For the Buckeye fans out there that haven't watched a lot of UK basketball this year, what do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of this team?

Team strengths: The team's outside shooting, which hovers around 40 percent, is certainly an area that must be game-planned for by opponents. Not dissimilar to OSU, the 'Cats have four players capable of knocking down the trifecta with consistency in swing Darius Miller, "2" guard Doron Lamb, swing DeAndre Liggins and point Brandon Knight.  

Kentucky's perimeter defense (led by Liggins) is another area in which this team has excelled, particularly of late. They're holding the opposition to under 40 percent overall field goal shooting and to just a tad over 30 percent from beyond the arc. Like OSU, UK is long on the perimeter, making it especially difficult for most teams to get clean look.

Kentucky's interior defense, while not necessarily a great strength, has definitely improved since the pounding UConn and Alabama gave the 'Cats earlier in the season. UK's shot blocking, though, has been a consistent plus all year, with center Josh Harrellson and power forward Terrence Jones being the most effective shot swatters (Miller is also a capable shot blocker).

Finally, I think the way these guys execute the dribble drive offense can at times be a thing of beauty. Miller, Knight, Lamb, Liggins and Jones can all create off the bounce and because of their length are many times matchup nightmares for opponents.

The 'Cats also hold on to the ball very well. They average right at 11 turnovers per game, but unfortunately, they don't force many turnovers, rendering their great ball-handling almost a moot point.

Weaknesses: Opponents have been able to get into the lane on Kentucky at times throughout the year, which of course creates all types of problems for the 'Cats, mainly giving up too many points in the paint.

UK's short bench is a major issue for John Calipari. Having played six-and-a-half players for most of the year (Eloy Vargas averages about eight minutes per game), Cal has become very good at effectively rotating his players and keeping those in foul trouble off the floor for as long as possible by using players out of position (Miller has especially thrived when moved to the 4 spot when he replaces Jones)

But with that being said, foul trouble is UK's worst nightmare and something the team is very mindful of. 

Kentucky, while playing mostly outstanding defense, does not steal the ball very often, which tells me it isn't taking many chances on the defensive end.  

Finally, UK's lack of another big man, either at the 5 or 4, has been an issue all season, but Harrellson has come on of late and is performing at a very high level. But missing that extra body can cause the 'Cats to not be as aggressive, especially late in games, in defending the post.

2) The Wildcats are on an eight-game winning streak after struggling through their SEC schedule. What do you attribute this run to?

Maturation, pure and simple. The team's top three scorers are freshmen, and Harrellson played sparingly his first two seasons.  They've been through the fire and come out a better team because of the adversity they have experienced, especially on the road in the SEC.

3) A lot has been made of the Harrellson-Jared Sullinger battle by the media already. Obviously Harrellson hasn't seen a guy in Sully's league yet this year. Do you think he can hold his own?

Harrellson's job will be a) to not foul out, and b) not allow Sully to go for 25-plus. If Harrellson succeeds in doing that, and with UK's defensive emphasis on stopping the Buckeyes roaming the perimeter, the 'Cats will at least have an opportunity to win the game.

4) What other matchups do you find intriguing in this game?

Whoever DeAndre Liggins guards. Ligs has truly become a lockdown defender, evidenced by his SEC Defender of the Year honors. At a legitimate 6'6" and in possession of tremendous lateral quickness and long arms, Liggins is capable of putting the kibosh on most players not named Sullinger.

5) What do you think is the biggest key for the Wildcats on Friday night?

A) Keep OSU from making 10 or more three-pointers (and making more than 35/36-plus-percent), while shooting a solid percentage themselves, and hit the boards with a vicious, focused abandon. Kentucky, with Harrellson—the human offensive rebounding machine—could potentially make up for shortcomings in other areas with second-chance points.

B) Take care of the basketball. As I'm sure you know, the Buckeyes play great defense, and UK will be challenged to a great degree in that area.

C) I think Terrence Jones, who is averaging only about 11 points over the last two weeks, needs to have a good game, and Darius Miller, who at times will waver in his shot taking, has to be assertive on the offensive end.

6) What is your prediction on the outcome of the game and final score?

I believe the game will be close, with both teams getting their share of runs throughout the game, but I think the Buckeyes are probably the best team in the nation right now. I'll go with 76-71 OSU.