Cal's Cats: Thanksgiving Edition

-Wow, we survived the Cancun Challenge... it wasn't pretty but we leave still undefeated. Cal said it would not be pretty until around January, and well, he continues to be right on that.

-I love our team's ability to fight through adversity. First we had a game where we were way behind and had to come back, then last night's game where we got a win in overtime. Our guys have to be growing up through these close games.

-I loved how Ramon Harris played. He not only continues to be one of our best defensive players, but did well on the offensive side of the ball too, and we all know that is just a bonus.

-Wall is clutch; he first hit the game winning shot against Miami and then against Stanford he hit a big shot with the shot clock down, then coolly stepped up to the line and sank two free throws to send the game to overtime.

-The shot that got me the most excited was Bledsoe's three close to the end of overtime that put us up by 4. Huge shot by the kid.

-Cousins is everywhere... usually he starts off bad, gets in foul trouble, and then comes out the second half rolling. Against Stanford, he started off well, hitting shots and seemed to be rolling early. But he started throwing up shots that were not even close, and it reminded me of how Orbzut (Woo) would shoot sometimes.

Then his free throw shooting... I know he is a big and many bigs can not shoot free throws, but it is hurting us. He has a way of attacking and ends up getting fouled in the process but getting fouled doesn't help if you miss your free throws, especially in a 1-1 bonus. Missing that first one is as bad as a turnover. He shot one free throw airball. That is a tell tale sign of someone who has some work to do in this department.

-But when the smoke cleared, we find ourselves sitting pretty at 6-0. If we beat UNC Asheville on Monday, we will have tied with the best start since the Eddie Sutton era. This would tie the 2003-2004 team who started off 7-0 before losing to Louisville. In the 92-93 season, we started off 11-0 before losing to Vandy in our 12th game.

-Also we are one more win closer to 2,000 and beating North Carolina to this bench mark. If North Carolina goes undefeated until they hit 2,000, we still get there first if we go 6-5 or better in our next 11 games.

-Good games to watch while you are resting from all the turkey:

See Tubby in action... #16 Minnesota vs. #10 Butler on ESPN2 at 8:30 EST.

Then on Friday, Florida (4-0) takes on #2 Michigan State (4-0). Who do you root for in this one? Florida, a team I despise thanks to Noah, versus a team who could help us in our rankings if they lose...tough choice.

Friday also has Duke against UConn in the NIT Championship. Good stuff... go UConn!

Go Cats!