How does one defeat the opposition? By getting in to the head of the opposition of course. So, reason No. 2 the Badgers win it all – opposition research.
Bloguin’s own Kentucky site, Big Blue Digest, sat down and answered the six-pack of questions we threw their way. So, sit back and enjoy the answers.
MadTown Badgers: Willie Cauley-Stein, what does his absence mean…or in case Calipari is sandbagging us all, what would his presence mean for Kentucky?
Big Blue Digest: Cauley-Stein is a terrific defender. He’s Kentucky’s main shot-blocking presence, so Kentucky will certainly miss his ability to be a mobile defender. Cauley-Stein isn’t a terrific offensive player, but his presence on the defensive end makes up for his lack of offensive ability.
MTB: Calipari has been on the big stage of the Final Four before, do you see that as an advantage over a first-timer, at least at the D-1 level?
BBD: I certainly think that his previous experience will play a factor in Calipari’s favor. Will it play a major factor? I honestly doubt it. Calipari already knows what to expect and how to prepare his players for the moment, so that could be a slight advantage if there is one.
MTB: If you had to describe the defense for Kentucky, how would you do so?
BBD: Length, and lots of it. The Harrison twins are both around the 6’5-6’6 range, so Kentucky virtually has a size advantage over the majority of the players they compete against.
MTB: What should Badger fans traveling to the Metroplex know about Kentucky fans? We’re a social bunch, so chances are we’d like to mingle and talk so bball.
BBD: We’re crazy about basketball. Basketball here has been a huge thing for so many years. It’s a tradition. So if you want to discuss basketball, we’re the people to do it with. Most of us, admittedly, get carried away while watching games. Overall, there’s a diverse group of Kentucky fans. Some reasonable, and some are outright crazy.
MTB: What do you see as being the biggest key to Kentucky winning and why?
BBD: A couple of things. Kentucky must continue the trend of good three-point shooting. We’ve shot drastically better from the three-point line, so we must continue that. Also, the Cats must contain Frank Kaminsky. I think Kentucky has to limit his ability on the offensive end. He’s a terrific player that has proven that he can hurt your team if you don’t adjust defensively.
MTB: Prediction and why?
BBD: Kentucky wins by three. I think this will be a tight game from start to finish. That’s why I think that we will pull out the victory. We’ve played extremely well in close-game situations. Aaron Harrison has been clutch in the past two games, and I expect that to continue
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