Hypothetical matchups are about as useful as Rick Pitino's wrinkle cream, but nevertheless, they give us some fun offseason debates. Everyone's favorite "What if" aggregator, PredictionMachine.com, highlights one of the more hot topics in the Bluegrass since Louisville won their title:
who would win between 2012 Kentucky and 2013 Louisville?
While the question seems laughable to most Kentucky fans, as the 2012 Cats beat a younger version of the 2013 Cards twice, the site argues that another year of experience would give the Cards a fighting chance. But when it comes to talent, Kentucky was clearly superior, with six draft picks from the 2012 team to Louisville's one in Gorgui Dieng (Peyton Siva is currently projected 70th by Chad Ford). For that reason, John Ewing, Director of Research and Analytics, says
the Cats would win two of three matchups, with the Cards winning at home by one point:
2012 Kentucky vs. 2013 Louisville, Rupp Arena
Kentucky wins 63.2% of the time by an average score of 61-57
2013 Louisville vs. 2012 Kentucky, KFC Yum! Center
Louisville wins 60.8% of the time by an average score of 61-58
2012 Kentucky vs. 2013 Louisville, neutral site
Kentucky wins 51.3% of the time by an average score of 59-58.
If both teams were matched up after the season ended, I don't see any way Louisville could win. By the end of the season, Anthony Davis, MKG and company were a force none could reckon with, even in enemy territory.
Discuss This Article
Comments have moved.
Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.
KSBoard