Sweet 16: UK_num_1 vs. Miamigregory

The Miami Hurricane’s ascent to the NCAA tournament was a team effort. Every player contributed and did their jobs. There were games, though not wanted, in which the Canes needed a player to step up, a player to single-handedly take over the game. That player was Jack McClinton.

Jack McClinton has the stats to back up his MVP candidacy, as he led the ACC in three-point shooting (.442) and free-throw shooting (.900) for the second year in a row and finished fifth in the conference in scoring (17.4 ppg) this season.

But it’s not all about the stats. Being an MVP isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about being a leader- making shots and taking the momentum away from the other team.

Jack Attack, McClutch, The Dagger, whatever you want to call him, did just that. A perfect example of him doing so is the Saint Mary’s game. With Miami trailing by 5, he scored 10 straight points during a 13-3 run that put the Hurricanes ahead 40-35, with 16 minutes left.

After he made a 3-pointer during that stretch, McClinton shouted at the Miami bench, “LETS GO!.” The outburst energized Miami as it opened the second half with a decisive 25-5 run that crippled St. Mary’s.

Jack McClinton is a player that starts runs. Jack McClinton is a player that brings success. Jack McClinton is the player that led Miami’s turnaround. Jack McClinton is the Most Valuable Player on the Canes.

C-A-N-E-S CANES!!!

Kentucky’s two lone seniors, Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford, had to have had some serious doubts about their senior season when Tubby Smith left to take the head coaching job in Minnesota, and a new coach was named on Good Friday, 2007 edition.

By all accounts, Ramel bought into the new coach’s philosophy immediately. Joe resisted, however, and despite the lack of dire scenarios surfacing to the media, it’s clear now post-season that Joe and new coach Billy Gillispie had not hit it off.

They didn’t even like each other.

Gillispie’s practices were brutal. Ramel and Joe sometimes had to convince each other to even show up. But they persevered, and Ramel predicted, prior to the start of conference play, that the dismal preconference season was over, and the Cats were starting a fresh slate. Fresh hope.

His words proved prophetic. In their conference opener, the Cats beat a 16-0 Vandy team. First suspicion of a possible turnaround to a season that had begun hideously. Joe was playing great defense and liking it! Snapshot: Joe and Coach Gilispie walk off the court, arms around the other’s shoulder.

Joe then took the team on his back. He had help from Patrick and Ramel, but he basically was the Prodigal Son who came back into the fold and finally believed in the coach. He led the younger members of the team into a full validation of the coach’s philosophy: play tough, hard, EVERY play. Joe is Kentucky’s Most Valuable Player.

Nice essay UK.

This should be a close one!