ATLANTA, Ga. — Xavier, Indiana, Baylor, and Kentucky all practiced at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the first time Thursday in preparation of the two South Regional Sweet Sixteen games Friday evening.
Xavier and Baylor do battle at 7:15 p.m. with Kentucky and Indiana to follow around 9:45 p.m.
Here’s my take on Indiana’s time at the dome Thursday:
Maurice Creek works out
He has suffered two injuries that have taken him off the court for the majority of the last two years at Indiana. But he refuses to quit on himself or the team.
During the early part of Indiana’s practice, Creek was going through the drills just all the other active players. He shot well and you could see he was having fun. Although he can’t play, Creek has kept a positive attitude and has tried to use this time wisely. He displays a very positive attitude for a competitor you know is dying to hit the court.
After practice, he told me he’s just “staying connecting to my teammates at all times. It’s something you have to do to be successful. I love these guys to death.”
Contrasting styles
The Hoosiers have treated every moment of this trip superbly. They looked focus walking into the arena, went hard every play in practice and thoughtfully answered every question.
I heard about Indiana’s intensity in practice last week in Portland, but I finally saw it for myself. They were sweating, working hard with purpose and there was a clear plan in place.
Meantime, Kentucky looked disinterested. They went through the motions and were seen joking around. There’s no doubt teams need some of that, but I’m surprised how they acted in front of hundreds of fans. It came across disrespectful, knowing how many teams would love the opportunity to be here.
They practiced sets, shot free throws, and ran a few drills. Nothing spectacular. Nothing entertaining.
I certainly can’t knock the way Kentucky went about it compared to Indiana’s because they are 33-2. But I did think it was very telling.
Both Indiana and Kentucky basketball are alive and well
And that is great for college hoops.
I was very impressed with the media turnout covering both teams. I’d give the edge to Kentucky but there were at least two dozen media covering each squad.
This game has a Final Four feel to it and neither team is taking it lightly.
No film
Both Crean and IU players talk a lot about diving deep into film to critique their play and analyze their next opponent. That’s not the case for Kentucky. The Wildcats, I’m told, watching little-if-any film before games. Shocking.
No matter the level, it’s very useful to find your opponents tendencies, and be familiar with their play sets. They do go over what their opponents like to do but it certainly is quite a different approach used by head coach John Calipari.
Kentucky players on Christian Watford’s buzzer-beater now turned ESPN ad:
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – “It was everywhere. It was on TV a lot. It was just a tough shot. I turn it off (if it comes on TV). I don;’t know about them (my teammates), but I turn it off. That’s the firs tthing I do. I turn it off.”
Terrance Jones on how many times he’s seen the commercial: “Just once. Every other time I turn off the TV when it comes on.”
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I’ll have even more stuff tomorrow here from Georgia and follow me on twitter for more observations.