Looking back at the Derby game

Nothing fuels a partisan crowd better than a Jodie Meeks air ball to start the game. But 17 points and an overtime victory later, UK signee Meeks had the last laugh. The Adidas Derby Festival Basketball Classic played at Freedom Hall in Louisville had the feel unlike the typical All-Star games. The play was fast and furious to the point the players actually care that they wins the game and the play exemplifies that notion.

The white team featuring future Wildcats led most of the way until late in the game via some clutch three’s by Derrick Caracter and Edgar Sosa pull black team ahead at the wire. With 0.07 Jodie Meeks was fouled on an inbounds play. He calmly stepped to the free throw and sank both shots to tie the game at 99 and sent it into overtime. “I’ve been in pressure situations before,” Meeks said. I felt good going to the free throw line. I wanted to be there.”

The white team, who played much the better TEAM ball, outscored the black team 19-7 for a final victory 118-106.

The introduction is always an anticipatory time to see what innovation occurs and Louisville signee Derrick Caracter didn’t disappoint. After Duke signee Gerald Henderson came out and tapped danced on the Cardinal bird at center court, Caracter came with a spray-bottle and a towel and sanitized the bird.

Speaking of the defense that was played in the game, Tubby Smith is going to love Derrick Jasper for his defensive prowess. He was cast in the roll of defending Javarius Crittenton and Henderson most of the night and did an admirable job. The two McDonald’s All-Americans were a combined 14 of 35 from the field. Jasper also exhibited an all around floor game conducive to the team concept that Smith loves to coach. His likeness and style closely resembles that of Jason Kidd – no pressure, just something for him to reach for.

Perry Stevenson scored ten points consisting mostly of dunks. He spoke of how much he enjoyed the week and the game. “This is a very rare all-star game where the guards actually passed the ball,” Stevenson said. “He said the coaches they had were very good. They just said pass, pass, pass until you get a good shot and you can make a good shot a great shot.” Stevenson said he knew Jasper before the game because they played together at the NBA All-Star camp.

Halftime was spice by the finals of the slam-dunk contest and the finals of the tree-point shooting contest. Henderson walked away the three-point winner and Connecticut signee Stanley Robinson the slam-dunk championship.