One year after turmoil, tubby has wildcats humming

dwilson

Tubby Smith has been to the edge of chaos and confusion and looked into the abyss.

One year ago Smith was knee-deep in suspensions and struggling to hold his team together. Perhaps the only thing that drowned out his critics was the shouts of fighting players.

But they were heard.

Loud and clear, fans and media locally and nationally were calling for Tubby's head. Yours truly was no different.

Since then, four players have left, and Smith has taken the artist formerly known as Team Turmoil from the edge of implosion to the brink of elation.

Kentucky is significantly less talented than Team Turmoil, but no one is as fundamentally sound as the 29-3 Wildcats.

It's funny that this team's strongest facet is chemistry. Last year's Wildcats couldn't solve simple heat capacity and nomenclature problems that they should have learned in high school.

The 'Cats showed their ferocity and potential in the SEC Tournament this weekend. While other potential No. 1 seeds were falling, Kentucky was busy crushing. And it's no coincidence that the Wildcats cut down the nets after the SEC Tournament in New Orleans -- the same place as this year's Final Four.

They don't call it March Madness for nothing. That's evident by your week ahead:

Tuesday

Southeast Missouri State University won't be dancing in basketball uniforms on TV this Thursday, but they could be dancing in baseball jerseys this summer. The Indians' quest to repeat as OVC champs continues with a double-header against a non-conference team, Lipscomb, at 2 p.m. at Capaha Field.

Wednesday

Shane Battier was one of the greatest college players in recent memory. He was a special with a capital "S," and without him Duke would never have won its title two years ago. So it's fitting the Grizz would give him a promotional night on the eve of the NCAA Tournament. The first 5,000 fans will receive a Shane Battier CelebriDuck when Memphis hosts Cleveland at 7 p.m.

Thursday

Lenny Kuper called this a rebuilding year for Notre Dame girls' swimming. In that case, this is where the healing begins. Notre Dame hosts Poplar Bluff in its home opener at 4 p.m.

In the biggest reach for sponsorship in the history of promotions, the Blues will give away Sea World lunch boxes to the first 5,000 fans age 16 and under. Sea World lunch boxes? In St. Louis? Before a hockey game? The Blues host Anaheim at 7 p.m.

Saturday

If you don't have tickets for this yet, there's still hope for you: Thank goodness for scalpers. You'd better call friends to pull some strings because you won't want to miss this one. The Blues host the Red Wings at 2 p.m., but first: The Blues are teaming with Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville to provide St. Louis-area children with books. Volunteers will be there before the game collecting new children's books and donations. Fans who donate will be eligible to win Blues stuff. Proceeds benefit A Book in Every Home and head start programs.

Down the road

The weather isn't the only thing heating up, you'll be sweating just to keep up with your busy schedule in the weeks to come. High school baseball begins next week with a full slate of action.

David Wilson is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian and student at Central High School. His column "The Week Ahead" appears every Monday.