Anticipate The New Year; A Cat Fans Wish List

12/24/09

Kentucky enters the holidays with a 13-0 record and a #3 national ranking. What a turnaround from a year ago. This time last season we were 9-3 and unranked. Coach Gillispie roamed the sidelines and the Big Blue Nation was divided. Most people didn't know what happened behind the scenes, others didn't care, and many more wanted Gillispie shown the door as early as possible. For those who wanted him fired, they got their Christmas wish last year. So what about this season? Here are the Top-10 Christmas wishes for Cat fans:

10.) BEAT LOUISVILLE--When Rick Pitino brings his Cardinals into Rupp Arena on January 2nd, the Wildcat faithful will be sure to let him know how much he is disliked. I wouldn't be surprised to hear a few chants (Karen Sypher-ish), to mix in with a few cheers. My advice to Kentucky fans.....try to be respectful.

9.) JOHN WALL (POY)--John Wall IS the best freshman in the nation. No, it isn't Xavier Henry or anyone else that the national media will try to make people believe it is. Wall is dominant, and is a team-first player. It is easy to see that he actually holds back and looks to get his teammates involved before looking to score himself. Cat fans would love to see Wall be named National Player of the Year.

8.) SWEEP THE SEC--Orlando 'Tubby' Smith swept the SEC regular season and SEC tournament in 2003. The feat, as difficult as it may be, might not be out of the realm of possibility for this year's team. The talent is there, and if we get the right breaks, history might repeat itself.

7.) GET THE MEDIA OFF OUR BACKS--Some people like that the national media tends to take an interest at throwing insults our way. They say it is recognizing the fact that 'We are back!'. I say they need to lay off. Kentucky basketball at its best is good for all of college basketball. This program is the reason many people are even employed in the media. So stop the hate.

6.) JOHN CALIPARI REDEMPTION--Coach Calipari has been hated on by a lot of people. All you hear is Calipari this, Calipari that. He cheats, he puts teams on probation, he can't do it the right way, etc., etc., etc. I say Coach Calipari finds some redemption and shuts up his critics once and for all. That would be a great Christmas present.

5.) BOBBY KNIGHT TO GIVE IT UP--OK, this one is a personal one for me. I wish Bobby Knight would fade away from basketball. As a coach, he is one of the best that has ever existed. His record and achievements speak volumes. Why try to tarnish your own legacy even more by putting down others? Go away.

4.) TO PLAY DUKE IN THE TOURNEY--All I want for Christmas is to play Duke in the NCAA tournament and hand it to them royally. Why? I dislike Duke very much. I will always dislike Duke because of Christian Laettner. I dislike him for stepping on Aminu Timberlake's chest. I dislike them because Coach K believes he is above the game. I dislike them because ESPN loves them. I want to beat the team to a pulp come tourney time.

3.) DEMARCUS COUSINS GETS IT TOGETHER--He is big, mean, passionate, and sometimes overly emotional. Not that those aren't good traits, but he is much more useful on the court than on the bench. We don't need Cousins getting into foul trouble, arguing with the refs, picking up a technical foul, or anything else of the manner. What we need is for him to be on the court and play to his potential every possession. If he does, ALL-AMERICAN.

2.) JOHN WALL TO COME BACK--Kentucky fans have a gem in John Wall. That is well known, but the fanbase may go from the stratosphere in April to the cellar come summer. A big Christmas wish would be for John Wall to come back to Kentucky for his sophomore season, along with Patterson, Cousins, Bledsoe, etc., etc., etc. Could you imagine how good these guys could be with a year of experience playing together? It makes me think of the word.....dynasty.

1.) PATTERSON TO GET (MOP) HONORS AS CATS CLAIM TITLE--Jamal Mashburn was the recruit that saved Kentucky basketball from probation and helped spur the great 90's run. Patrick Patterson is the recruit that helped save Kentucky basketball from sinking away into the confines of mediocrity. A player that takes great pride in the university, I want to see him reach the pinnacle of college basketball success. Since Patterson has yet to play in an NCAA tournament game and is likely gone after this season, how great would it be for him to be named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Final Four? Just imagine it now, it is early April and Kentucky has made it to Indianapolis. Kentucky takes down Kansas to win National Title #8 and Patterson climbs the ladder to cut down a piece of UK basketball history. After going for a triple-double he is rewarded with the tournament's most prestigious individual honor. That sounds like the greatest of Christmas wishes.