How Good Will Kentucky's Basketball Team Be This Year?

He won a national championship. He lead them to two Elite Eights. Despite these successes Kentucky Basketball Coach Tubby Smith was forced out of the bluegrass state. Sure he decided to take a job at Minnesota but most real fans know he was basically forced out. Now Kentucky Fans have a new coach in Billy Gillispie. After having success at Texas A&M, Gillispie will try to revive a program that has not gone past the second round of the tournament in recent years. What will Kentucky's season look like? Here are a few points to ponder.

First off, expectations will be high at Kentucky. Kentucky Fans expect deep runs into the tournament and will expect an occasional run at the national championship. The Fans will not have much sympathy for new coach Billie Gillispie. Fans will want to see success and see it quickly. Gillispie will have to prove to the most passionate fans in America that he can get the job done. With the recent success of the university's football team, fans will want to continue the winning ways on the hardwood.

Kentucky's lineup will see some changes this year. Center Randolph Morris, the teams only true inside presence, signed with the New York Knicks and will be greatly missed this season. Seniors Sheray Thomas and Bobby Perry will also be gone as they have graduated. Their leadership on the floor will be greatly missed.

There will be some talent returning to the Wildcat's this season. Seniors Ramal Bradley and Joe Crawford are both experienced players who should be solid scores in SEC play. Crawford is expected to be ready by the beginning of the season as he recovers from a knee surgery. Sophomore Jodie Meeks really emerged last year providing an outside shooting threat and a solid ball handler. If he continues to improve he could emerge as an All-Conference player.

The biggest buzz surrounding Kentucky players is around Freshman sensation Patrick Patterson. Patterson was recruited by several schools and many thought he would not make it to Kentucky after Tubby Smith left. Patterson however eventually decided on Kentucky and the Wildcat nation is jumping with jubilation. Patterson is expected to make an immediate impact on the team. This McDonald's All-American should help the Cat's in the post with his tall 6-9 frame.

Last year was a disappointing year by Kentucky standards. The team finished middle of the pack in the SEC and lost early in their conference tournament and the NCAA tournament. Things appeared to be turning around though. If Gillispie can implement a solid offensive and defensive scheme, and if he can get production from his young players Kentucky could surprise many teams this year.