UK’s Heart and Soul

Player of the Week

Tyler Ulis – Kentucky

The Wildcats didn’t come out of Lawrence with a win, they fought hard in a hostile environment and almost pulled the upset. Most of that had to do with the play of Ulis. He scored 26 points to go along with 8 assists in what was his best game of the season. He was all over the place on Saturday night. His dribble penetration, mid-range game and ability to stop on a dime and do whatever he wanted with the ball was the reason the Wildcats were in the game. He did his best to match Wayne Selden but in the end it just wasn’t enough. Ulis is without a doubt UK’s most important player and he showed it in both contests last week notching another 20 point and 8 assist game against Missouri earlier in the week. He tried to do a little too much late in the game and ended up with a few costly turnovers, but his team wouldn’t have been there without his heroics anyway. He’s gaining confidence by the minute and is becoming more and more vocal with his teammates. He played all 45 minutes on Saturday night, the fifth time he hasn’t come out of a game this season.

Who’s Hot

Kevin Punter – Tennessee

Similar to Stefan Moody of Ole Miss, Punter just doesn’t get the attention he deserves because he plays for a bad team. The Vols are 10-11 overall and 3-5 in conference play. They aren’t going to make the NCAA Tournament this season and so Punter’s performances get lost in the shuffle. Punter is a mere .6 points behind Moody for the points per game lead in the SEC. The senior from New York has been the lone bright spot for this Vol’s team. He’s failed to top 25 points just five times this season. He’s got a knack for getting into the paint and getting to the free throw line and it has been his play that has been the only thing between new Head Coach Rick Barnes and a potentially disastrous season. Punter is a gifted scorer and a guy who has had to deal with a lot to get to where he is. Sam Vecenie of CBS Sports had a terrific piece on Punter a week or so ago.  If you haven’t yet, I suggest you give it a read.

Who’s Not

Auburn

Two weeks ago, there probably wasn’t a team riding higher than Auburn. After a home win against Kentucky followed by a trip to in-state rival Alabama, where they took down the Crimson Tide, the Tigers looked like they were finally turning the corner under Bruce Pear. At 9-8 over and 3-2 in the SEC, they looked like a team that could go on one of those runs that would get them into NCAA Tournament conversations. Just a week or so and three straight losses later, things aren’t looking so good for Auburn. The team has lost its last three games by double digits, including a 32 point drubbing at the hands of Florida. Kareem Canty has come back down to Earth, Cinmeon Bowers has played poorly and is now hurt again and while Tyler Harris is still putting up decent numbers, this team just hasn’t been the same. I thought that Bruce Pearl would be able to get this bunch playing good basketball down the stretch and knock on that NCAAT door, but it looks like another down season for the Tigers.

Top 5 Disappointments

1. Skal Labissiere – Kentucky

Much has been made about the big Hatian’s play this season.  And while I think it is way to early to think that he won’t turn into what he was touted to be, his play this season has been disappointing. His 7.5 points and 2.8 rebounds have been pedestrian at best.

2. Auburn

Not to beat a dead horse, but Auburn’s play this season hasn’t been what I expected.  With a trimmed down Bowers to go along with newcomer Tyler Harris, Canty and Lang, this was the year I expected the Tigers to make a little noise in the SEC.

3. Alex Murphy – Florida

Injuries have kept him on the bench for most of the season.  He was one of my breakout candidates this season and if not for the injury, who knows. But one thing is for sure, the clock is ticking on his career that is beginning to look like a big disappointment after being a highly recruited prospect coming out of High School.

4. Alex Poythress – Kentucky

Another player that I expected to take a big step forward this season.  Poythress has been somewhat of a disappointment since he stepped on campus due to the fact that he possesses all of the physical tools one needs to succeed at this level. While his numbers are up from the last two seasons, that modest increase is simply a result of more minutes.

5. Mississippi State

I wanted to put Malik Newman here, but I’d be lying if I didn’t think that this entire team would be better than this.  Not top tier, mind you, but not cellar dweller.  He and Craig Sword should be worth more than two SEC wins alone. Newman had his choice of colleges and seems to have chosen the wrong one in terms of playing meaningful games.

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