This article was recently posted at UK Wildcat Country discussing the strength of UK's upcoming basketball schedule. You can read the original post here:

http://www.ukwildcatcountry.com/2008/08/quick-glance-at-2008-09-kentucky.html

"I thought it was an absolutely brilliant scheduling strategy to have the VMI game come immediately before the North Carolina game. I wouldn’t dare compare the two, but in case you didn’t know, VMI plays an insanely fast-paced style of ball that leads the country in scoring every year. There can be no better preparation for the North Carolina style than playing a team that plays even faster than Carolina.I’m a little surprised that the team is playing consecutive games in December against Miami and MVSU, mainly because that’s usually reserved for the preseason tournaments like the one in Vegas in November. It will be a good challenge for the guys because the Hurricanes will be a preseason top 15 team, possibly even top 10. Frank Haith is a Rick Barnes disciple, which means he’s a recruiting terror. I think that by the end of last season, Miami was playing better than any team in the ACC other than North Carolina. They closed the season well and it should carry over into this coming season. Having to play MVSU the next day is fine because if you’re going deep in the tournament, you’ll have to play on short rest, and that’s exactly what will happen.The stretch that concerns me the most is the five games after the conference opener where a home game against Auburn is sandwiched in between two road trips. It won’t be easy to come away with a win against any of those teams, even Georgia, who is expected to have a down year. Do you think Dennis Felton will switch to a style that is higher risk and could potentially lead to his Bulldogs being blown away? I didn’t think so."


He makes note of the Miami Hurricanes being a game to really watch besides the North Carolina game. I totally agree because the Canes will be tough this year and if my memory serves me right, I believe Leonard Hamilton is still coaching at Miami? I think the Cats will be improved this year under Gillispie.

Chad