Wall makes history again for the Cats!

The Cats improved to 14-0 on the basketball court with a 104-61 dismantling of Hartford last night at Rupp. There was one reason, and one reason only, that this game was broadcasted on ESPN2 on national tv: ESPN, and almost everyone else, thought that we would lose to UNC and UConn and would be a 2 loss team, with Hartford projected to be the victim of our 2,000th win. Feels pretty good to prove them wrong and force them to show such a one-sided game that they would normally not show, doesn't it? However, ESPN did get to show a piece of UK history after all, as John Wall broke Travis Ford's single game assist record with 16 assists.

The game marked the 2nd this season that Wall has had 14 or more assists, and he continues to make every player on the floor better with his presence. Wall had another unselfish game against a team that he could easily score 30 on if he wanted to, but only finished with 9. He is exactly the type of player that last year's team lacked. Jodie could put up 40 points occasionally, and Patterson would give us plenty of double-doubles, but the team lacked someone who could effectively get other players involved as well. Wall was tabbed by many of his critics to be a streetball-type, selfish player as he committed to Kentucky. He has proved to be the exact opposite of everything he had been stereotyped to be, from the way he plays the game, works in the classroom, and conducts himself off the court. As Kentucky fans, we should enjoy every second that we witness this kid play in the blue and white, because I can't confidently say that he is not the most talented player to ever put on the storied uniform.

We all know who and what awaits the Cats on Saturday, but before then (sometime on the evening of New Years Day), I will break down the year that was 2009 for University of Kentucky Athletics. It has been quite a ride this past year on the basketball floor, hasn't it? It's truly incredible how so much has changed in the past year and makes me feel so grateful and appreciative of this year's team. Pictures of the Bowl Game trip to Nashville are posted on facebook, and I'll also give you any updates, if available, on the status of Rich Brooks. Until then, be safe and have a very Happy New Year!