UK Stunned by Gardner Webb College at Home

So much for Kentucky's new coach Billy Gillispie and his parade in Lexington. The pre season ranked #22 Wildcats lost to Gardner Webb College last night at home in Rupp Arena by 16. Yes, Gardner Webb College. It also happened to be Gillispie's 48th Birthday yesterday. I can't remember a worse loss to start the season. I think it's apparent now that the small schools aren't that far below the big schools in talent anymore. Well maybe in talent, but surely not in team play. Just look at the last two years NCAA tournament games as an example. This week Division II schools Findlay College and Grand Valley State also beat Ohio State and #8 Michigan State. Fortunately for them they were only exhibition games, Kentucky's loss last night was their second regular season game in the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic. This was the earliest that UK had ever started a season, and coach Gillispie had been saying that his team was not ready for real action. However, it was Gardner Webb not Louisville, or heck even Pikesville who they beat in an exhibition game last week. It seems as though some UK players were looking too far ahead to the trip to New York City and not focusing on the early games at hand. I can only imagine what will be heard around diners and coffee spots this morning in Lexington. I know there is a long way to go in the season, but this is no way to start your new regime in Wildcat Nation.