Because Kentucky suffered a tear, Tennessee caught a break.
Writhing in pain, reaching for his mangled right knee on Tuesday night in Florida, star freshman Nerlens Noel changed the dynamics of not only the 25th-ranked Wildcats' season, but also Saturday's meeting with the Vols at Thompson-Boling Arena.
"We haven't gotten to play with Jeronne (Maymon) for over half a season — I can see, losing a key player, where their heads are going to be — but that's something you have to adjust to," said UT point guard Trae Golden, referring to Maymon's season-long absence due to a sore knee. "Injuries happen. That's part of the sport."
And it's now today's storyline.
A torn ACL has ended Noel's season.
Kentucky's adjustment will need to be dramatic. Noel, a 6-foot-10 telephone pole, is the nation's top shot blocker at 4.4 per game. He impacts the game all over the floor, altering shots and leading the Wildcats not only in rebounds, but steals as well.
"Someone like him, you know where he's at," said UT's Jordan McRae, who scored 23 points on 8-for-18 shooting in a 75-65 road loss to John Calipari's team on Jan. 15. "Even if he's not going to block your shot, you think he is. He affects the game in some kind of way every time down."
That can't be replaced.
The Wildcats (17-7, 8-3 SEC) have heard as much.
"People, our fans, were saying, 'Oh, our season's over,' blah, blah," UK center Willie Cauley-Stein said Friday, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. "We still have — what? — seven more games before we even get into a tournament. It can be whatever you want it to be. ...
"I mean, it's frustrating. A team is more than one player."
But that one missing player is guaranteed to be the focus of CBS's broadcast (WVLT locally) at 1 p.m. Prepare for cameras to zoom in on Noel's box-top haircut on the Kentucky bench as much as the action on the court.
Tennessee (13-10, 5-6), on the other hand, is feeling good about itself. Seems like the first time since a four-game December winning streak that can be said.
The Vols are coming off back-to-back road wins. To a man, they've argued a late-season surge is possible.
Noel or no Noel, a win over Kentucky could serve as a vault.
"It will be good to come home to our home court and have some fun," UT coach Cuonzo Martin said.
No player will be liberated by Noel's absence as much as Jarnell Stokes. Hampered by foul trouble, the Tennessee power forward played just 15 minutes and scored four points in the last meeting.
At 6-foot-8, Stokes sometimes has trouble scoring over taller, longer big men. The Wildcats still have two starters standing taller than 6-8 in Cauley-Stein, a 7-footer, and 6-foot-10 Kyle Wiltjer, but neither will be a top-three pick in this spring's NBA draft.
Noel surely would have been. And still might be.
There's no telling what solution Calipari, a mad scientist, will concoct. It'll need to be a good one. While the Vols are looking to use this game as a springboard, a Noel-less loss could crush the Wildcats' young psyches.
Calipari said he's just looking for Kentucky to "fight, battle and compete."
"If you don't, don't go in the game. Just stay out," he added.
Brendan F. Quinn covers Tennessee men's basketball. Follow him at Twitter.com/BFQuinn
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Comments » 62
Basketvol writes:
I think Trae Golden is saying it should be "next man up" for Kentucky the same way it was for Tennessee without Maymon and for all other teams.
I hope he has a successful recovery. Any chance he is playing for Kentucky next year?
AlexAndersonAAradio writes:
They'll beat us
born2ride writes:
Calipari is a cheating dog.
emailnodata (Inactive) writes:
BS.
What changes the dynamic of the game is the reffing. Can anyone at all recall an honestly reffed game at Rupp??
I've been a fan since before Ernie and Bernie.....a game at UK is sure to be a crapola-fest.
The games at Knoxville are more nuanced...if UK is good, and UT sucks, the calls go UK's way. If UT is good, too, it's about even. That's just the SEC way. For the very few years we were "good", with Bruce, we often got good calls at away games just as UK or UF will.
oddly, I enjoy UK basketball, but the officiating has nearly always been a thorn.
Vols4Ever writes:
The house that Rupp built intimidates the opposing team but more so the officials. Tough to make a balanced call when immediately occurring the wrath of 20K.
Thought that the national exposure provided by televised games might somewhat balance the nonobjective calls but after witnessing 'Cheating Cal being able to call a foul against us during a stoppage of play only elevated their home court advantage.
And yes, Ernie shot the free throws for his teammate.
ut4life05 writes:
Nothin official yet but accordin to ESPN the kid is still a top 3 pick... So my guess, if their word holds up, I would say no chance he'll return...
kyvol98 writes:
If Tony Green or "TV Ted" Valentine call the game, or God forbid BOTH, we are doomed. Tony Green needs to be investigated by the FBI as I think he has money on games he officiates.
SevenT writes:
There are no guarantees in life except Death, Taxes and Kentucky beating Tennessee
Just Saying
kyvol98 writes:
Woohoo! Immortality and tax free to boot!
Go VOLS!
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
Even a blind pig finds a root once in a while..Ref: 2011 when tucky finally cheated out a win against UT in fb.
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
At the start of conf. play there were some very badly called games like the Ole Miss game where they hit us for 27 fouls..Refs were all over the moving screen BS..Green called the last KY game and tagged our big men with plenty of fouls; 25 to be exact..We drew Green and Ted for the one point win over Vandy and had only 12 fouls
8inarow writes:
Maybe you should look at how reffing is at UT (or how the shot clock is managed) on your court before whining about Rupp.
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Hard to say how much it affects KY. Noel had 6 blocks on us last time but it was Wiltjer that broke our backs..Cal likes to play all three bigs at one time.>Wiltjer;Stein and Poythress but now that combo doesn't allow him to sub like he wants too.All 3 of his bigs at once is a match up nightmare for us..On the good side our guards should be able to go to the basket without fear of Noel blocking shots on the backside
Sir_Spanky writes:
Must agree, home cookin was a plenty in Rupp last month. I guess the Blue Boys and their punk coach need all the help they can get sometimes.
HtownVol writes:
I have been saying this for a few years now. When UK has talent they will get the calls in most games.
No one can argue that the NCAA does not make more money when UK is winning. It dont matter if UK is playing the Vols or any other SEC team, most times UK will get the calls.
The calls this year have been so frustrating against the Vols though. Lately they have been letting Stokes play but thats the most slack UT has or will be cut by refs.
I have seen a few games this season where UT was behind for most of the game and then they take a lead, as soon as UT gets a 5-6 point lead the opponent gets free throws. One game it was like 7 out of 9 possesions where the opponent got free throws after UT took a small lead.
I know its not his style but I wish to see more anger from Cuonzo. When UT is getting robbed by refs he needs to let them know.
Like the "flagrant foul" called on McBee a few weeks ago that was in no way intentional.
By the way. Is it me or is...
Bob Knight the "dumbest" commentator in the buisness? And is that smack talkerfrom Ol Miss the most annoying person ever?
The dumbest thing I have ever heard Knight say is during a UT game a couple weeks ago
"The turnover numbers usually reflect the team that turns the ball over less". really?
And that punk from Ol Miss, I just wanna punch him by just watching him. I know its wrong but man if I was Josh Richardson I would be ejected from the game vs Ol Miss.
GO VOLS
ProfessionalHandicapper writes:
Vegas now how UT as a 1 point favorite? Did Bruce Pearl come back last night?
orangecountyvols writes:
H Town,
I agree about some of these announcers. When they had the Duke vs UNC game on the other night, once I saw Vitale and Bilas sitting side beside each other at the mike, I immediately reached for the mute tutton. Vitale has been a long time Duke motor mouth, ( with his J J Redick love fest ) and Bilas played there in a tandem with Mark Alarie.........so you know who they are going to promote.
Let's say the Vols do lose to U K as the 2 trolls are blabbering ( 7 and 8 ). But..........if things don't turn out as they are blabbering, stay tuned Vol fans for some post game whining from them.
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
Agreed, I absolutely hate that Henderson punk..I know if I were playing him down low I'd smash his face with a Moses Malone/Elvin Hayes bionic elbow.
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
Hey, I'm not conceding anything..UT is playing it's best bb right now and UK is looking for chemistry. If UT can win these next few games at home they will be a bubble team or at least in the RPI conversation. I like UT's chances as long as Stokes&Golden don't foul out..GBO!!
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Against So Car 3 times we went up 6 points and had momentum but each time we got foul calls and FT's that pulled them back..Those FT's were the only thing that kept them in the game
mocsandvolsfan writes:
We'll need at least two games in the SEC tournament to get in the NCAAs. We might ought to just win it instead.hehe
underthehill writes:
Both teams can be pressed into turnovers by the guards..Fla took Ky out of the game by defending baseline to baseline..took time off the clock to get it over the half..then Ky rushed to get open shots and could not..Fla used their speed to defend and get charges called and not blocks..hope the Vols can do some of the same..will have to to win..
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
I did notice UT was not nearly as intimidated to see a 2-3 zone against USCe/Vandy. Maybe they are finally putting this together..They are still offensively challenged at times..GBO beat tucky!!
rbut5252#220065 writes:
The state snake of Kentucky (Chokipari) gets far too much credit for putting players in the NBA. He and his cheating pals are great at getting players in the program. But the players they buy are bound for the NBA regardless of what college they go to or for whatever coach they play.
jt45 writes:
Nope, but Stokes sure schooled your dores easily enough, sweep, sweep.
ProfessionalHandicapper writes:
Ha ha.. brag about beating a Vandy team that just lost Ezeli, Taylor and Jenkins to the NBA draft plus all 5 starters are gone and Martin almost lost on a last second tipin in Knoxville and UT scored 18 points in the second half in Nashville. Enjoy another NIT without Pearl. Vandy won their opener in Baseball yesterday, how did the Vols do? Vandy ranked in the Top 5 again. UT cant spell Top 5 without Fulmer and Pearl.
ReeseHallRelic writes:
And when can Vonnnnnderbilt spell Top Ten?
Ironcity writes:
Best half of Counzo ball at UT. I didn't recognize the attacking team that was in Orange early.
mocsandvolsfan writes:
wow WOW!! wow
volspaws writes:
Any other pearls of wisdom for us today, Lloyd Christmas?
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
WOW....just...WOW!!
Who are these guys and what have they done with our Vol??
VolGrad writes:
I don't remember how long it has been since we played this strong this long. Spanking the 'cats right now. Can we finish strong?
Go Vols! Skin those 'Cats!!!
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
You missed the guarantee of you making an arse out of yourself....again. Just sayin'.
tennrich1 writes:
Well Ole Alex, you probably need to take a loooooonnnnngggggg break!!!!!
PoPoizhere writes:
From a Memphis fan... I am having a blast watching UT absolutey dismantle UK. I'm also impressed with the improvement made from the last time I watched you guys. I undestand Noel isn't playing but he wouldn't have made up this gap. The big dance may not be out of the question playing like this. Congrats.
jamgod writes:
Keep coming with these moronic thoughts of yours seven t, its funny to see you get sh*t shoved back in your face.
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor say....SevenT,the man who saw tomorrow! lol
Bones never lie.
JSmith525 writes:
hahahahahaha, can you say, arsewhoooooop'n? Just Saying! :)
VolGrad writes:
Another home victory for our Vols... nice; handing Coach Cal a humiliating loss... sweet; 30 pt blowout over Kentucky... priceless.
volpreacher writes:
Oh really?????? 88-58
cltvol writes:
you suck,,just sayen'
kyvol98 writes:
Nothing better than going out to dinner in Lexington tonight dressed in BIG ORANGE!
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
Thx PoPo, you've got class..
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
Bring on Eddie Munster and the lizards!
johnlg00 writes:
I'm so sorry but there is NO WAY the Vols get NEARLY as much home-cooking from the refs as UK gets in Rupp. You UK fans just don't like it when the refs AREN'T calling it your way, you get so spoiled at home. Everybody complains about how their games are called at Rupp; except for the occasional odd call, hardly anybody has ever complained about UT anywhere nearly as much.
jt45 writes:
Thanks handicapper for the comedy once again. Vols 88, Cats 58. By the way did you take the odds on this game ? LOL!
PoPoizhere writes:
I've got something old buddy... they just haven't diagnosed what it is or if there's a cure... lol... anyway... that was one fun game to watch.
Worst beating Cal has taken as the UK coach. My only regret is they didn't win by a few more and give Slimeball the worst beatdown in his life.
mlynn1 writes:
I knew Tennessee was going to win when the refs wouldn't let Calapari officiate like they did in Lexington.
johnlg00 writes:
One real advantage about living in North Carolina is that nearly all of UNC's games are carried on local TV even if ESPN or CBS is also carrying it. That way, fans in this area don't have to listen to Vitale's annoying bloviation when watching UNC-Duke.
mocsandvolsfan writes:
hehe
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