View Full Version : 2009 UK Basketball Thread - Part III
Darnell originally enrolled at Pitt but ended up not qualifying and was forced to spend a year at Miami Dade CC. He will have 3 years of eligibility.
His ESPN/RIVALS Scouts grade is 95.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=72369&season=2009
KSR is now reporting that Darnell Dodson will, in fact, announce for the University of Kentucky within the next day or so.
How bout Cleveland State?
They're ancient history so it's okay to bring them up.
High School All-America teams announced today.
5 players per each team.
1st team = Cousins & Wall
3rd team = Orton
WVRed
04-22-2009, 11:18 PM
Gotta love this (from KSR),
Cal's cross-country tour today:
Raleigh, NC: Visited CJ Leslie and John Wall. Apparently Coach K didn't have the time to meet with Wall, so he rescheduled the visit so he could attend a booksigning in New York. Cal managed to slip right in.
Birmingham, AL: Visited Eric Bledsoe.
Miami, FL: Visited a certain Brazillian PG by the name of Brandon Knight.
Not to mention Harrison Barnes earlier this week. The guy is on a mission.
dabvu2498
04-23-2009, 10:47 AM
Nolan Dennis is signing with Baylor. The music is starting to slow down. Has Pastner held onto or closed on anyone?
Nolan Dennis is signing with Baylor. The music is starting to slow down. Has Pastner held onto or closed on anyone?
He managed to keep Will Coleman.
WVRed
04-23-2009, 12:04 PM
I had mentioned in this thread about UK trying to get Barry Rohrssen as the next assistant coach. If that possibility opens up, Steve Masiello (former UK player and current Pitino assistant at Louisville) would likely be the frontrunner for that job.
He managed to keep Will Coleman.
Coleman would've left too, but Cal simply has no more room on the front court.
I think Pastner will ultimately regret his decision to take the Memphis job. He could've worked a couple more years for Cal at Kentucky and gotten a much better job than Memphis.
WVRed
04-23-2009, 12:12 PM
Coleman would've left too, but Cal simply has no more room on the front court.
I think Pastner will ultimately regret his decision to take the Memphis job. He could've worked a couple more years for Cal at Kentucky and gotten a much better job than Memphis.
Not to mention a rabid fan base that is expecting him to pick up where Cal left off.
With Cal at Memphis, they were the king of the conference. Without Cal, they are going to actually have to work to contend and do it likely with lesser players.
Scrap Irony
04-23-2009, 12:16 PM
No, they won't. Memphis, as is, is leaps and bounds better than any other program in Conference USA. They will continue to be that much better because they have great facilities, an outstanding fanbase, and a recruiting base-- in Memphis-- second to none.
Memphis will continue to be a Top Ten/ Top 20 program.
No, they won't. Memphis, as is, is leaps and bounds better than any other program in Conference USA. They will continue to be that much better because they have great facilities, an outstanding fanbase, and a recruiting base-- in Memphis-- second to none.
Memphis will continue to be a Top Ten/ Top 20 program.
I could see them still winning Conference USA since that conference is so pathetically bad but the last part of your post is way overboard.
They may occasionally crack the Top 25 but the days of the them being a perennial top 10 program are done.
WVRed
04-23-2009, 12:46 PM
I could see them still winning Conference USA since that conference is so pathetically bad but the last part of your post is way overboard.
They may occasionally crack the Top 25 but the days of the them being a perennial top 10 program are done.
Word.
The roster is practically decimated right now thanks to Cal leaving. Tyreke Evans going pro, Cousins, Henry, Dennis, and Dodson asking out of their LOI's. Outside of Wesley Witherspoon, Pastner is more or less starting from scratch.
That being said, Scrap does have a good point as far as recruiting. The Memphis area is going to have quite a bit of talent coming up, especially in Joe Jackson, who Cal is going to go after as well. If Memphis can keep them all in-state, they could make a run, but the days of being a top 10 team are likely over.
Word.
The roster is practically decimated right now thanks to Cal leaving. Tyreke Evans going pro, Cousins, Henry, Dennis, and Dodson asking out of their LOI's. Outside of Wesley Witherspoon, Pastner is more or less starting from scratch.
That being said, Scrap does have a good point as far as recruiting. The Memphis area is going to have quite a bit of talent coming up, especially in Joe Jackson, who Cal is going to go after as well. If Memphis can keep them all in-state, they could make a run, but the days of being a top 10 team are likely over.
The city of Memphis has some talent, but trying to put a fence up around the city in which your university is based is a far cry from the national STUD recruits that Cal was bringing in year after year to Memphis. That's simply not going to happen any longer.
New Fever
04-23-2009, 02:22 PM
I could see them still winning Conference USA since that conference is so pathetically bad but the last part of your post is way overboard.
They may occasionally crack the Top 25 but the days of the them being a perennial top 10 program are done.
Like a couple of other posters are saying the city of Memphis and the surrounding counties have 3 or 4 Top 100 players every year. Also Calipari didn't really recruit those players well, he didn't have a great relationship with the high school coaches in Memphis. He only signed two top 25 players nationally before this season in the last five years that came to Memphis, Rose and Evans. Coach Pastner can basically recruit the area and still be a Top 15 each year because he will win 25 to 30 games a season in Conference USA.
dabvu2498
04-23-2009, 02:55 PM
Unless Pastner is a real clown, and I don't think he will be, Memphis will still be solid. They have some advantages that still make them an appealing school for recruits. It will be interesting if UCF can make a run at them. They are certainly recruiting at a higher level than in the past.
Blimpie
04-23-2009, 03:01 PM
I think Pastner will ultimately regret his decision to take the Memphis job. He could've worked a couple more years for Cal at Kentucky and gotten a much better job than Memphis.As it has been told to me, Pastner actually was holding out for the Arizona job and eventually settled on Memphis.
joshnky
04-23-2009, 03:35 PM
I had mentioned in this thread about UK trying to get Barry Rohrssen as the next assistant coach. If that possibility opens up, Steve Masiello (former UK player and current Pitino assistant at Louisville) would likely be the frontrunner for that job.
If that scenario plays out then Masiello will regret this transfer:
Former Manhattan basketball player Chris Smith will transfer to the University of Louisville, his father Earl Smith said today.
Smith, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound sophomore guard, averaged 13.4 points and 5.7rebounds per game.
Smith, who is from Millstone, N.J., is the brother of Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith.
He will have to sit out a year and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
WVRed
04-23-2009, 03:41 PM
As it has been told to me, Pastner actually was holding out for the Arizona job and eventually settled on Memphis.
I had heard that too.
That's why I think Memphis possibly made a long term mistake in hiring Pastner even if he does do well. Lets say Memphis does stay competitive and he manages to keep the local talent in check. If Sean Miller doesn't live up to the expectations out in Tucson, Pastner will likely be the name popping up down the road.
dabvu2498
04-23-2009, 03:47 PM
From Pastner's perspective: when was the last time a job better than Memphis went to a first-time head coach?
Like a couple of other posters are saying the city of Memphis and the surrounding counties have 3 or 4 Top 100 players every year. Also Calipari didn't really recruit those players well, he didn't have a great relationship with the high school coaches in Memphis. He only signed two top 25 players nationally before this season in the last five years that came to Memphis, Rose and Evans. Coach Pastner can basically recruit the area and still be a Top 15 each year because he will win 25 to 30 games a season in Conference USA.
I'll believe it when I see it.
Reds4Life
04-23-2009, 04:18 PM
From Pastner's perspective: when was the last time a job better than Memphis went to a first-time head coach?
Yep, I think expecting the Zona' job with zero head coaching expierence is pretty unrealistic on his part. Even from a recruiting standpoint, he wasn't recruiting for himself, he got to use Calipari's name to do it. He was assisting with recruiting guys to play for John Calipari, not Josh Pastner.
John Wall unsure if he has scores to qualify
Blue chip point guard John Wall is unsure whether he has the college board scores to qualify as a freshman, according to the Charlotte Observer.
The score Wall needs to qualify is dependent on his final GPA in high school.
"I have great confidence that I'm going to get the score I need, if I don't have it already," Wall told the paper.
Wall, Rivals' No. 1 player in the class of 2009, is set to trim his list of seven potential schools -- N.C. State, Duke, Baylor, Kansas, Miami, Kentucky and Memphis -- to three or four on Monday, according to the report.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=541257
WVRed
04-23-2009, 04:25 PM
Yep, I think expecting the Zona' job with zero head coaching expierence is pretty unrealistic on his part. Even from a recruiting standpoint, he wasn't recruiting for himself, he got to use Calipari's name to do it. He was assisting with recruiting guys to play for John Calipari, not Josh Pastner.
Yep, except nobody in Memphis seemed to understand that when Pastner was hired. The players signed up to play for Calipari, not Pastner. Most notably, DeMarcus Cousins.
Arizona hiring Pastner wasn't as unrealistic as you might think though. If Sean Miller had stayed at Xavier, I believe you would have seen Pastner emerge as a top candidate. That's why I believe Memphis acted as quick as they did to keep him.
Yep, except nobody in Memphis seemed to understand that when Pastner was hired. The players signed up to play for Calipari, not Pastner. Most notably, DeMarcus Cousins.
Cousins' first choice was actually Mike Davis but UAB wouldn't give him the "out" clause if Davis were to leave for another job.
Reds4Life
04-23-2009, 04:32 PM
Yep, except nobody in Memphis seemed to understand that when Pastner was hired. The players signed up to play for Calipari, not Pastner. Most notably, DeMarcus Cousins.
Arizona hiring Pastner wasn't as unrealistic as you might think though. If Sean Miller had stayed at Xavier, I believe you would have seen Pastner emerge as a top candidate. That's why I believe Memphis acted as quick as they did to keep him.
Personally, I think Pastner was the wrong hire for Memphis. They tried to keep the current class together, which is very short sited. Given the shape and status of the program, Memphis could have easily hired someone else with actual coaching expierence and a more impressive resume. Money was not a factor either, look at what they were paying Cal.
dabvu2498
04-23-2009, 04:33 PM
I'll believe it when I see it. History says it is possible. See: Finch, Larry, The Early Years.
Derrick Rose called John Wall yesterday.
Personally, I think Pastner was the wrong hire for Memphis. They tried to keep the current class together, which is very short sited. Given the shape and status of the program, Memphis could have easily hired someone else with actual coaching expierence and a more impressive resume. Money was not a factor either, look at what they were paying Cal.
To be fair, Pastner was their 5th or 6th choice. They tried throwing gobs of cash at names like Pearl, Pitino, etc. and no one was interested.
Derrick Rose called John Wall yesterday.
To inquire about his GPA?
History says it is possible. See: Finch, Larry, The Early Years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX5jNnDMfxA
dabvu2498
04-23-2009, 04:38 PM
To inquire about his GPA? To encourage him to enter the draft?
dabvu2498
04-23-2009, 04:43 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX5jNnDMfxA :rolleyes: Just saying, Memphis had success before Calipari got there. 08 was not their 1st Final Four.
WVRed
04-23-2009, 04:47 PM
Derrick Rose called John Wall yesterday.
Ssshhhh.;)
To inquire about his GPA?
I heard the Hoosiers got a commitment yesterday.
I heard the Hoosiers got a commitment yesterday.
You talking about Williams? Everyone is a tad confused with that one.
:rolleyes: Just saying, Memphis had success before Calipari got there. 08 was not their 1st Final Four.
My response was to a poster saying that rookie head coach Pastner would have Memphis perennially ranked in the Top 15.
Once again: I'll believe it when I see it.
History tells us that the odds of that coming to fruition are slim.
You talking about Williams? Everyone is a tad confused with that one.
Did he actually commit? Is Crean giving him a scholarship?
Did he actually commit? Is Crean giving him a scholarship?
He gave a verbal. I assume Crean is giving him a scholarship. He managed to get 3 top 50 recruits and another in the top 100 for 09 and his first commit for 2010 is a two star? Yeah, I'm confused.
He gave a verbal. I assume Crean is giving him a scholarship. He managed to get 3 top 50 recruits and another in the top 100 for 09 and his first commit for 2010 is a two star? Yeah, I'm confused.
Yeah I'm amazed he gave that kid a ride.
What's his full name again?
Yeah I'm amazed he gave that kid a ride.
What's his full name again?
David Williams. He's from Jacksonville, Florida. Plays AAU ball for the Atlanta Celtics.
New Fever
04-23-2009, 05:02 PM
My response was to a poster saying that rookie head coach Pastner would have Memphis perennially ranked in the Top 15.
Once again: I'll believe it when I see it.
History tells us that the odds of that coming to fruition are slim.
I said if he recruits the area well and Memphis kids want to play for the University of Memphis. You don't think Memphis wins CUSA with Thad Young, J.P. Prince along with many others.
dabvu2498
04-23-2009, 05:20 PM
My response was to a poster saying that rookie head coach Pastner would have Memphis perennially ranked in the Top 15. Once again: I'll believe it when I see it. History tells us that the odds of that coming to fruition are slim. And that is because rookie head coaches rarely get a shot at a place like Memphis. The last two comparables I can think of have done ok: Mark Few and Sean Miller.
WVRed
04-23-2009, 05:42 PM
Just to add to the discussion,
Players who are from Memphis playing collegiately, professionally, or did play collegiately:
Terrico White (SG-Ole Miss)
Thaddeus Young (SF-NBA)
JP Prince (PG-Tennessee)
Derrick Byars (SF-Vanderbilt)
You can also add Leslie McDonald to that list who is going to UNC this fall.
That being said, there are also a lot of other top rated players from Tennessee that schools out of state have managed to poach. I've always been hard on Indiana for letting top players leave the state (Oden, Conley, McRoberts), but Tennessee is just as bad. If you are a top program and you have top talent coming out of your state, you get them to play for you. This is a knock against Bruce Pearl and Buzz Peterson as much as anybody else.
Elliot Williams(SG-Duke)
Brandan Wright(PF-UNC)
Corey Brewer(SF-Florida)
Jarvin Varnado(C-Mississippi St)
New Fever
04-23-2009, 06:00 PM
Just to add to the discussion,
Players who are from Memphis playing collegiately, professionally, or did play collegiately:
Terrico White (SG-Ole Miss)
Thaddeus Young (SF-NBA)
JP Prince (PG-Tennessee)
Derrick Byars (SF-Vanderbilt)
You can also add Leslie McDonald to that list who is going to UNC this fall.
That being said, there are also a lot of other top rated players from Tennessee that schools out of state have managed to poach. I've always been hard on Indiana for letting top players leave the state (Oden, Conley, McRoberts), but Tennessee is just as bad. If you are a top program and you have top talent coming out of your state, you get them to play for you. This is a knock against Bruce Pearl and Buzz Peterson as much as anybody else.
Elliot Williams(SG-Duke)
Brandan Wright(PF-UNC)
Corey Brewer(SF-Florida)
Jarvin Varnado(C-Mississippi St)
Elliot Williams is from Memphis and Varnado is from a county about 15 minutes away from Memphis. Also Shawne Williams (Mavericks) who was a Top 15 player in 2005 is from Memphis. Tennessee basketball recruiting is basically split in two if a player lives in Nashville or the eastern part of the state Memphis won't have a chance at the player. The western part of Tennessee, Memphis controls until recently when Coach Cal has recruited more players on a national level and has lost a lot of players (Reginald Buckner top 30 in 2009, Chism, Prince, Varnado, Delk twins) to the SEC.
I wasn't going to do the twitter thing but now that my boy Calipari is signed up and twittering updates I had to take the plunge. :D
I encourage other UK fans to do the same.
http://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari
Signing up takes about 5 mins.
Blimpie
04-24-2009, 02:08 PM
Arizona hiring Pastner wasn't as unrealistic as you might think though. If Sean Miller had stayed at Xavier, I believe you would have seen Pastner emerge as a top candidate. That's why I believe Memphis acted as quick as they did to keep him.What you have stated is 100% accurate.
It was not posturing on his part--Pastner was absolutely a serious contender for the Arizona job.
haha!
http://espn.go.com/chicago/columns/blog?post=4095926&name=friedell
Coach twitters on Tom Crean...
I am very coachable. Tom Crean did give me the idea. He's a great friend. He was first but KENTUCKY will always be bigger...
Coach twitters on Tom Crean...
I am very coachable. Tom Crean did give me the idea. He's a great friend. He was first but KENTUCKY will always be bigger...
The rivalry is going to be fun again.
Apparently Crean and Cal really like each other.
The rivalry is going to be fun again.
Not if you guys keep bringing in David Williamses.
Not if you guys keep bringing in David Williamses.
Recent 5 star recruits: Brian Zoubek, Donte Green, Beas Hamaga, Jamelle Horne. It's not always about the stars. Especially after their junior seasons.
Recent 5 star recruits: Brian Zoubek, Donte Green, Beas Hamaga, Jamelle Horne. It's not always about the stars. Especially after their junior seasons.
Glad you're willing to be patient.
BTW: Dook is where 5 star prospects go to die.
Although I think part of that is that early Dook commits get their ratings artifically inflated and are unable to live up to their five star billing.
Glad you're willing to be patient.
I've looked at Crean's 09 class. The guy is bringing in some legit talent. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt on this one 2010 recruit. He knows what he's doing.
dabvu2498
04-24-2009, 03:06 PM
Wasn't Liggins a 5 star recruit? ;)
Wasn't Liggins a 5 star recruit? ;)
DeAndre COULD end up being a monster in Cal's system.
The ball is firmly in his court.
dabvu2498
04-24-2009, 03:19 PM
DeAndre COULD end up being a monster in Cal's system. The ball is firmly in his court. Glad you're willing to be patient. ;)
Glad you're willing to be patient. ;)
Giving a five star kid until his sophomore season isn't anywhere close to being the same as what BRM and I were discussing in regards to Indiana and hoping that a no star/2 star kid will produce by the time he's a junior.
dabvu2498
04-24-2009, 03:32 PM
Giving a five star kid until his sophomore season isn't anywhere close to being the same as what BRM and I were discussing in regards to Indiana and hoping that a no star/2 star kid will produce by the time he's a junior. Yeah. Fans typically expect 5 star guys to contribute their 1st year.
Yeah. Fans typically expect 5 star guys to contribute their 1st year.
Considering what the team went through last season, I'm willing to give the kid a mulligan. Most reasonable fans would, I'd expect.
My point was don't get hung up on how many stars a recruiting service gives a kid. A highly touted kid can flame out. It happens a lot. A low profile, 2 star kid can contribute quality minutes to a winning team. Again, I trust Crean and his judgement. If he thinks Williams can be a contributor to the program, that's great. I'm behind him.
Anyway, I'd certainly take a 2 or 3 star kid with a great attitude and work ethic over a 4 or 5 star kid who's mental.
My point was don't get hung up on how many stars a recruiting service gives a kid. A highly touted kid can flame out. It happens a lot. A low profile, 2 star kid can contribute quality minutes to a winning team. Again, I trust Crean and his judgement. If he thinks Williams can be a contributor to the program, that's great. I'm behind him.
Anyway, I'd certainly take a 2 or 3 star kid with a great attitude and work ethic over a 4 or 5 star kid who's mental.
Stars are a great INDICATOR of potential but that's about it...
you're right, much depends on mental make-up as well as the coaching staff's ability to coach him up once he arrives on campus.
What I don't get is why Crean offered this guy so early... he seems like a kid a school like IU would EASILY be able to hold on the back burner.
Stars are a great INDICATOR of potential but that's about it...
you're right, much depends on mental make-up as well as the coaching staff's ability to coach him up once he arrives on campus.
What I don't get is why Crean offered this guy so early... he seems like a kid a school like IU would EASILY be able to hold on the back burner.
I do agree with your last point. Completely. I truly don't understand it. That said, I do think Coach Crean knows what he's doing. Unlike some of the IU fans on ITH, I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt on this one.
I saw this article on Calipari and his recruiting of John Wall. I thought you guys might find it interesting.
LINK (http://nationalsportsreview.com/sports/us/d-wil/2009/04/24/john-wall%E2%80%99s-very-special-visitor/)
dabvu2498
04-24-2009, 04:04 PM
I saw this article on Calipari and his recruiting of John Wall. I thought you guys might find it interesting. LINK (http://nationalsportsreview.com/sports/us/d-wil/2009/04/24/john-wall%E2%80%99s-very-special-visitor/) Makes you wonder what Cal was telling recruits about BCG. And btw, Billy D was a yeller and screamer a long time before they hired Urban.
I saw this article on Calipari and his recruiting of John Wall. I thought you guys might find it interesting.
LINK (http://nationalsportsreview.com/sports/us/d-wil/2009/04/24/john-wall%E2%80%99s-very-special-visitor/)
lol. funny comment:
#
The kid’s no Bobby Maze!
Comment by Bruce Pearl on April 24, 2009
lol. funny comment:
#
The kid’s no Bobby Maze!
Comment by Bruce Pearl on April 24, 2009
I was laughing hard at some of the comments at the bottom of that article. Some of those people are very funny.
Blimpie
04-24-2009, 09:33 PM
Considering what the team went through last season, I'm willing to give the kid a mulligan. Most reasonable fans would, I'd expect.Bingo. Liggins would have had a better chance developing his game last year if had he played on an inter-squad team at Gitmo.
WVRed
04-26-2009, 06:05 PM
Not really UK news, but word is Renardo Sidney could be backing out of his commitment to USC and committing to Mississippi State.
dabvu2498
04-26-2009, 09:31 PM
Starkville vs. Los Angeles. I know Sidney has Mississippi roots. But still.
WVRed
04-26-2009, 09:43 PM
Starkville vs. Los Angeles. I know Sidney has Mississippi roots. But still.
Word is he doesn't have the grades for USC.
dabvu2498
04-26-2009, 10:04 PM
Word is he doesn't have the grades for USC. That would be the only reason I could think of to explain that "decision."
For any Kentucky fans who haven't yet signed up for Coach Cal's twitters: You're really missing out. Cal gives daily updates about what he is up to as well as daily "words of inspiration."
WVRed
04-27-2009, 10:44 AM
For any Kentucky fans who haven't yet signed up for Coach Cal's twitters: You're really missing out. Cal gives daily updates about what he is up to as well as daily "words of inspiration."
Unless your Matt Jones, then all you care about is basketball.
GJ Vilarino has committed to Gonzaga, and John Wall expects to trim his list by Thursday or Friday.
dabvu2498
04-27-2009, 10:55 AM
Unless your Matt Jones, then all you care about is basketball. GJ Vilarino has committed to Gonzaga, and John Wall expects to trim his list by Thursday or Friday. My prediction on Wall's list: Cleveland St., Lipscomb and Northeastern.
cumberlandreds
04-27-2009, 11:00 AM
My prediction on Wall's list: Cleveland St., Lipscomb and Northeastern.
Wall would list any school if he thinks it would bring him attention. I would say he has known exactly where is going for some time and he's playing this recruiting game for all its worth.
My prediction on Wall's list: Cleveland St., Lipscomb and Northeastern.
Listen here, Hoosier Red respectfully asked you to not mention Lipscomb and Northeastern ever again.
Speaking of Coach Cal's twittering...
On that same note, Coach Cal, please get your twittering under control. I love your basketball updates but the motivational sayings and updates on dinner with your family might be a little much. It reminds me of when my dad discovered texting and started sending “Hi” and “Traffic in AZ is bad” for no reason. Not needed. Still love you, though.
Who said that?
I saw it on Kentucky Sports Radio.
I saw it on Kentucky Sports Radio.
Aww, it was Matt Jones.
Wow, what a jackass.
He is such a loser.
No surprise at all he went to DOOK.
He makes me sick. I will not give his page a single hit of my internet traffic and I encourage every UK fan to do the same.
Anyone who even remotely slights Cal is a jackass and a loser? Wow, tough crowd.
Anyone who even remotely slights Cal is a jackass and a loser? Wow, tough crowd.
You clearly don't know much about Matt Jones.
You clearly don't know much about Matt Jones.
No, I don't. I don't know anything about him. I thought that statement was kind of funny though so I posted it. Didn't realize it would rile you up. ;)
No, I don't. I don't know anything about him. I thought that statement was kind of funny though so I posted it. Didn't realize it would rile you up. ;)
haha.
Imagine someone who ran a supposed Indiana fan site who would willingly post things that would negatively affect the program if it would net his website more hits.
The fact that he would deride something as innocuous as Coach Cal's twittering--about his FAMILY and his DAY TO DAY activities nonetheless--was my final straw.
He's garbage.
Imagine someone who ran a supposed Indiana fan site who would willingly post things that would negatively affect the program if it would net his website more hits.
No Hoosier fan would do such a thing. ;)
That comment wasn't from Matt Jones by the way. It was from Thomas Beisner.
He cares more about web sites hits than he does the University that he supposedly supports.
He's a fake fan.
That comment wasn't from Matt Jones by the way. It was from Thomas Beisner.
If it comes from KSR it comes from Matt Jones. Period.
If it comes from KSR it comes from Matt Jones. Period.
I don't understand this. Are you saying no one on that website posts anything other than what Matt tells them to?
I don't understand this. Are you saying no one on that website posts anything other than what Matt tells them to?
Nothing goes on that site without his say so and/or approval.
WVRed
04-27-2009, 01:44 PM
No, I don't. I don't know anything about him. I thought that statement was kind of funny though so I posted it. Didn't realize it would rile you up. ;)
Just to give you some insight, KSR is the chief competition for TBK. It's actually kind of amusing watching Matt Jones and Marc Maggard getting into "nerd fights".
dabvu2498
04-27-2009, 04:01 PM
The latest post on ksr is in praise of Cal's tweets. I cant believe Osama bin Jones Stalin allowed this outrage.
WVRed
04-28-2009, 12:03 AM
This is a post from the TBK premium forum that has made its way to the front page. It is from Gerry Vilarino, GJ's father. If anybody here is looking for a good UK message board to post on, this is the reason you should look into TBK.
Hope that you guys are all doing well!
We're really excited about the Gonzaga opportunity. After being committed to Kentucky for so long, it was really hard for GJ to imagine playing for someone else, so when that was about to happen, GJ really had a difficult time going through that. Gonzaga, is probably the only school that could make him feel whole in all dimension, once the Kentucky opportunity was no longer available to him.
I'm really grateful to all of you for you warm wishes and for making GJ feel welcomed, when there were times, especially in other boards where his ability was always questioned. I will say, that all of the Kentucky fans we met along the way were special people. They showed up to his games here in Mckinney and because of our association with the program, we have made life-long long friends. So, while he never had the opportunity to wear the uniform all was not lost.. We gained valuable friendships.
I sincerly hope that you guys get all you want for your beloved program, except in the event Gonzaga ever had the opportunity to play Kentucky. I'll keep you all in our prayers and hope that you always have a little part of your heart reserved for GJ... I know how much some of you meant to him.
Best Regards,
Gerry Vilarino
Hoosier Red
04-28-2009, 09:13 AM
haha.
Imagine someone who ran a supposed Indiana fan site who would willingly post things that would negatively affect the program if it would net his website more hits.
The fact that he would deride something as innocuous as Coach Cal's twittering--about his FAMILY and his DAY TO DAY activities nonetheless--was my final straw.
He's garbage.
Wow, people on an IU board making negative comments to the detriment of the program. Good thing that Peegs guy didn't have a board between 2001-2006.
FWIW, I agree with you to a point, is Matt Jones purporting to be a fan site, or is it purporting to be an objective sports radio site.
On one hand, a fan site really should do what it can to support a program, especially a college program.
On the other hand, sports radio and the media in general only have an obligation to call it as they see it.
dabvu2498
04-28-2009, 03:41 PM
Tyus has decided not to transfer from Florida. Strange.
Yeah that Tyus situation is bizarre.
Good for Florida that he's staying, however.
Eric Bledsoe may be coming in for a visit this weekend. Can you imagine if they land Wall AND Bledsoe? :eek:
Scrap Irony
04-28-2009, 03:54 PM
I'm guessing one or the other, with the other going to UK.
Sigh. Rich get richer.
Meanwhile, my Toppers have quietly put together a fairly monstrous class of their own.
Should mean at least NCAA appearances aplenty and a chance at a couple upsets while there. (And, of course, another coach leaving, followed by a couple transfers, and questions about the program's health. Like Xavier in the Prosser days.)
dabvu2498
04-28-2009, 04:14 PM
I'm guessing one or the other, with the other going to UK. Sigh. Rich get richer. Meanwhile, my Toppers have quietly put together a fairly monstrous class of their own. Should mean at least NCAA appearances aplenty and a chance at a couple upsets while there. (And, of course, another coach leaving, followed by a couple transfers, and questions about the program's health. Like Xavier in the Prosser days.) McDonald is bringing in some dawgs. Last year makes me think he knows what to do with em when he gets em. Seems like a nice enough dude, too.
dabvu2498
04-28-2009, 04:21 PM
Yeah that Tyus situation is bizarre. Good for Florida that he's staying, however. Eric Bledsoe may be coming in for a visit this weekend. Can you imagine if they land Wall AND Bledsoe? :eek: Are they done with Spring semester there? I ask because I expect to hear about the dudes who will be leaving soon. (Other than Williams.) Cause the kids that will be staying will have to be getting into Summer courses here shortly.
Dunno. It's gotta be close if it hasn't happened already.
We should know more about which players are leaving very shortly, I would imagine.
dabvu2498
04-28-2009, 04:39 PM
Yeah, they won't want to pay for those dudes to get into Summer classes if they aren't gonna be back.
Javy Pornstache
04-28-2009, 05:04 PM
Bledsoe is having troubles qualifying. If he can qualify, I think it's a lot more likely than a lot of people realize that Wall and Bledsoe both come to UK, but not many people are reporting that. Not saying it definitely will happen... but if Bledsoe qualifies, I think there's a great chance of it.
Bledsoe is having troubles qualifying. If he can qualify, I think it's a lot more likely than a lot of people realize that Wall and Bledsoe both come to UK, but not many people are reporting that. Not saying it definitely will happen... but if Bledsoe qualifies, I think there's a great chance of it.
MM and his sources believe that the recruitment of one has nothing to do with the other. In other words, neither one would NOT come to Kentucky just because the other guy comes.
Also: Even if Bledsoe fails to qualify, he could still commit to UK and go to prep school for a year.
WVRed
04-30-2009, 09:52 AM
Should note that at a luncheon yesterday Cal mentioned that there is a top recruit who is begging to come to UK in this year's class but Cal refuses to offer him because the kid is a "taker" and not a "giver".
Lance Stephenson anyone?
Scrap Irony
04-30-2009, 10:03 AM
Sounds like Coach-speak to me. Cal strikes me as a guy, like Pitino, who really enjoys the sound of his own voice.
Not that I mind that. It's fun to watch WKU beat teams with coaches like that. Repeatedly. ;)
dabvu2498
04-30-2009, 11:33 AM
Sounds like Coach-speak to me. Cal strikes me as a guy, like Pitino, who really enjoys the sound of his own voice. Or his own tweets. ;)
WVRed
04-30-2009, 05:32 PM
The Jodie Meeks "Witness" T-shirts that were handed out to the players a few weeks ago are going to be sold by Nike now.
Also, TBK is now a Matt Jones free site thanks in large part to our very own WillyMoROCKS.:)
WVRed
04-30-2009, 09:41 PM
Big news coming out today...
Will Barton, the top SG prospect for 2010 and the 10th overall prospect according to Scout.com, will likely commit to UK per Kentucky Ink. MM broke the story on the insiders board about a week and a half ago about Kentucky getting two commitments within the next two weeks and that both would be studs. Barton and Dodson are those players.
Scrap Irony
04-30-2009, 09:54 PM
He's a good get for anyone and Kentucky is the hot name in college basketball right now. It'll be interesting if Meeks and/ or Patterson decide to stay. My money, right now, is that both leave. Meeks' interview with the LHL basically hinted at him going on despite speculation he would be no more than a second-round pick. Patterson's probably going in the late 20's.
Since that's right around the area where a good team would pick, it makes more sense, IMO, for him to leave now and find a winning organization rather than take the chance on injury (twice in two years he's been dinged up enough to miss multiple games with his freshman injury fairly serious) and/or a poor team snapping him up.
dabvu2498
04-30-2009, 10:31 PM
Wall is taking an official visit to NC Central tomorrow? I don't even know what to make of that.
WVRed
04-30-2009, 10:31 PM
He's a good get for anyone and Kentucky is the hot name in college basketball right now. It'll be interesting if Meeks and/ or Patterson decide to stay. My money, right now, is that both leave. Meeks' interview with the LHL basically hinted at him going on despite speculation he would be no more than a second-round pick. Patterson's probably going in the late 20's.
Since that's right around the area where a good team would pick, it makes more sense, IMO, for him to leave now and find a winning organization rather than take the chance on injury (twice in two years he's been dinged up enough to miss multiple games with his freshman injury fairly serious) and/or a poor team snapping him up.
My guess is that both come back.
1. Jodie's game is VERY inconsistent. I know the game in Knoxville comes to mind for everybody, but there were games that when he was off that he was a complete liability for the team (LSU in the SEC tournament). He also does not take care of the ball and is also turnover prone, which is something I believe could be corrected with a year under Cal.
It would be one thing if he had the raw talent to compensate, but when you are projected to be a second round pick, it is probably a good idea to come back to school for a year and work on developing your game.
2. I posted this on TBK, but I believe what could affect Patterson's decision to return is the fact that he had said prior to coming to UK was wanting to play in the NCAA tournament. Well, his freshman year was cut short due to injury and last season's team made it to the NIT.
On the other hand, this is an extremely weak draft class after Blake Griffin and Ricky Rubio, and Patterson could be guaranteed a first round selection unlike next season. Factor injury history and i'd say the odds are 50/50.
Everything I have read suggest both could be coming back, and if that happens, it will have a positive impact on John Wall's recruitment.
macro
04-30-2009, 10:35 PM
The Jodie Meeks "Witness" T-shirts that were handed out to the players a few weeks ago are going to be sold by Nike now.
What are the chances that the "free" tee shirts to UK were a marketing ploy from the get-go? ;)
WVRed
04-30-2009, 10:35 PM
Wall is taking an official visit to NC Central tomorrow? I don't even know what to make of that.
This is solely my opinion, but I think EVERYBODY (and I mean UK, Duke, or any team in the Wall hunt) should cool off on Wall. Let him go for one week where he isn't the center of media attention and you will see him cut his list down rather quickly.
I was defending Wall for awhile, but this is getting ridiculous.
WVRed
04-30-2009, 10:45 PM
What are the chances that the "free" tee shirts to UK were a marketing ploy from the get-go? ;)
They were originally handed out to UK right after the Tennessee game but our former coach decided to stash them in a closet in the Craft Center.
Originally they were meant for the team only but there was such a demand that Nike caved.
dabvu2498
04-30-2009, 10:53 PM
This is solely my opinion, but I think EVERYBODY (and I mean UK, Duke, or any team in the Wall hunt) should cool off on Wall. Let him go for one week where he isn't the center of media attention and you will see him cut his list down rather quickly. I was defending Wall for awhile, but this is getting ridiculous. He could drive it right back up with a visit to NC Greensboro.
FutureRedsGM
05-01-2009, 10:23 AM
They were originally handed out to UK right after the Tennessee game but our former coach decided to stash them in a closet in the Craft Center.
Originally they were meant for the team only but there was such a demand that Nike caved.
Where do we get one?
cumberlandreds
05-01-2009, 10:46 AM
Where do we get one?
Here's a link to get one. They are on pre order and won't be available until May 25.
https://www.ukteamshop.com/ukcart/customer/product.php?productid=17851&cat=295&page=1
Eric Bledsoe is only considering two schools apparently, Memphis and Kentucky. He's in Memphis for an official visit today before heading to Lexington tomorrow.
http://www.prepticket.com/battle/market/national/id/184
dabvu2498
05-02-2009, 09:33 AM
So Wall didn't take his visit to NC Central so he could go to "SAT class."
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/9524532/Updated-early-preseason-Top-25
Just beautiful.
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/9524532/Updated-early-preseason-Top-25
Just beautiful.
Havent seen this in awhile. :thumbup:
WVRed
05-02-2009, 11:40 AM
Still too early. Let's wait and see if we get Wall and/or Bledsoe and if Patterson and Meeks do come back.
I'm more confident about the latter happening than Wall or Bledsoe right now.
WVRed
05-02-2009, 11:20 PM
Another good interview by Cal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQopE3sj1k0
Notice who made the final four according to Jeanine Edwards.
WVRed
05-04-2009, 10:36 AM
Two interesting notes regarding John Wall:
1. Chris Fisher from Kentucky Ink is saying Wall to UK is a done deal. I'll believe it when somebody more credible comes onto the scene.
2. I guess he was doing a little more than SAT classes this weekend:
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/5075734/
Raleigh, N.C. — Local high school basketball standout John Wall, one of the nation's top uncommitted college prospects, has been cited with breaking and entering, Raleigh police said Monday.
Wall, a 6-4 playmaker, averaged 21 points, seven rebounds and nine assists for Raleigh Word of God Christian Academy this past season. He is the No. 1-ranked recruit in the country by both Rivals.com and Scout.com and among the last top players yet to commit.
Authorities said Wall, 18, was charged with misdemeanor breaking and entering in connection with an April 27 break-in at a home at 3924 Laurel Glen Drive in Raleigh.
An officer saw Wall leaving from the rear of the residence and was able to detain him, police said.
Two other people were also charged. Bria Renea Draughn, 16, was detained while walking along a nearby street. Reginald Leonard Jackson II, 17, was detained when he returned to the residence, police said.
Police said there was no forced entry at the residence and no indication that anything was taken from it.
1. Chris Fisher from Kentucky Ink is saying Wall to UK is a done deal. I'll believe it when somebody more credible comes onto the scene.
I find this hard to believe. Especially since the guy isn't even planning to trim down his list until sometime next week. He enjoys the spotlight way too much for this to end anytime soon.
WVRed
05-04-2009, 02:05 PM
I find this hard to believe. Especially since the guy isn't even planning to trim down his list until sometime next week. He enjoys the spotlight way too much for this to end anytime soon.
It will come down to May 20th (last day to choose).
Wall wants a "picking of the hat" moment. Could be a race between him and Stephenson since Bledsoe will decide on Wednesday.
Blimpie
05-04-2009, 02:42 PM
It will come down to May 20th (last day to choose).
Wall wants a "picking of the hat" moment. Could be a race between him and Stephenson since Bledsoe will decide on Wednesday.
Let me get this straight...
Duke is Slytherin and Kentucky is Gryffindor, right?
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/10_03/HarryHatWBRS_468x358.jpg
TeamSelig
05-04-2009, 02:49 PM
Wow... nice to see Wall has character issues :rolleyes: Figures
WVRed
05-04-2009, 03:09 PM
Wow... nice to see Wall has character issues :rolleyes: Figures
From what I have been reading, there is more to this story than is being let out.
There was no intent on taking anything from the property. If anything, it seems like they were just "hanging out" at an abandoned house and somebody called the police.
If I had to guess, this is probably up the same alley as the OJ ref flop. Somebody who sees talent and is trying to get in line for some money.
dabvu2498
05-04-2009, 03:28 PM
From what I have been reading, there is more to this story than is being let out. There was no intent on taking anything from the property. If anything, it seems like they were just "hanging out" at an abandoned house and somebody called the police. If I had to guess, this is probably up the same alley as the OJ ref flop. Somebody who sees talent and is trying to get in line for some money. It is still against the law. Would you want kids hanging out in a vacant house in your neighborhood?
It is still against the law. Would you want kids hanging out in a vacant house in your neighborhood?
I wish hanging out in a vacant house with a group of kids was the worst thing I ever did at that age.
It was a dumb move but the idea that it suggests that he has "character issues" is beyond ridiculous.
Kids do dumb stuff all the time and on the "seriousness scale" this one is wayyyy down there.
dabvu2498
05-04-2009, 03:48 PM
I am not saying they should rescind their scholarship offer, but just saying "he's young" doesn't wash either. I know nothing about the kid's character but this is not a good place to start.
I am not saying they should rescind their scholarship offer, but just saying "he's young" doesn't wash either. I know nothing about the kid's character but this is not a good place to start.
I agree with you. I wasn't really directing that at you, per se. More towards the people who are going overboard.
Hopefully this will be what they call one of those "MAJOR WAKE UP CALLS" for mister Wall. :D
Well, Eric Bledsoe will be announcing his college decision on Wednesday morning.
Many people seem to think Kentucky will be his destination.
TeamSelig
05-04-2009, 06:27 PM
Really? I've read that Memphis is the favorite.
As for Wall, what is he doing hanging with a 16 y/o girl in a vacant house?
Hoosier Red
05-04-2009, 07:02 PM
Really? I've read that Memphis is the favorite.
As for Wall, what is he doing hanging with a 16 y/o girl in a vacant house?
Hoping to be the next Shawn Kemp. Although he never actually played for Kentucky if memory serves.
Joseph
05-04-2009, 07:26 PM
As for Wall, what is he doing hanging with a 16 y/o girl in a vacant house?
Probably the same thing a lot of 16, 17, and 18 year old guys try to do with 16 year old girls in vacant houses and back seats and tents the nation and world over.
Javy Pornstache
05-05-2009, 01:06 AM
Really? I've read that Memphis is the favorite.
As for Wall, what is he doing hanging with a 16 y/o girl in a vacant house?
Teenagers trying to get away from their parents and get their groove on is my guess. It's a crime nearly every teenager who's ever lived is probably guilty of. :D
The top 3 players for the class of 2011 have all confirmed interest in Kentucky.
WVRed
05-05-2009, 08:37 AM
Teenagers trying to get away from their parents and get their groove on is my guess. It's a crime nearly every teenager who's ever lived is probably guilty of. :D
Wasn't there three people taken in?
TeamSelig
05-05-2009, 09:03 AM
Probably the same thing a lot of 16, 17, and 18 year old guys try to do with 16 year old girls in vacant houses and back seats and tents the nation and world over.
John Wall is 19 years old.
WVRed
05-05-2009, 10:00 AM
The top 3 players for the class of 2011 have all confirmed interest in Kentucky.
In order to get one of those three in 2011 (Michael Gilchrist), we need to land his teammate Kyrie Irving from the class of 2010. The good news is that Irving is the godson of director of basketball operations Rod Strickland, which should favor us immensely. Indiana is also in the mix as well.
Irving has already been compared to Rose and Wall, except that he is a better shooter.
Should also point out that things are looking really good for Bledsoe to UK right now. Michael Eaves had a really good commentary regarding Bledsoe and Wall. I especially agree about Wall.
http://michaeleaves.blogspot.com/
As I have stated several times, I am not a big fan of reporting on college recruiting. I think it's often way too much about possibly very little. Only a handful of 5-star recruits go on to be top-level talent in the college ranks, and even fewer carry that pedigree to the NBA.
And since it's almost like a crap shoot trying to figure out which kid will be ultimately live up to and eventually exceed his recruiting hype, I don't go out of my way to follow the decision-making process of the nation's top recruits.
Plus, they're kids! They change their minds more often than Lindsay Lohan changes her sexual orientation!!
However, when I first started this blog, I promised to give my readers as much inside information as I could share. Thus, here's what I know about a couple of UK recruits.
Let's start with Eric Bledsoe. As most of you have heard, he is expected to announce his college choice Wednesday. I read somewhere that it's down to either Memphis or Kentucky. I can tell you that the UK coaches are feeling rather confident that Bledsoe will choose UK. Maybe it's because the only reason Bledsoe is even considering Memphis is because John Calipari was recruiting him hard when he was coaching there, and former Calipari assistant, Josh Pastner, is the new coach of the Tigers.
Adam Zagoria quoted Bledsoe as saying that he will not base his decision on whether John Wall chooses UK or not.
"I’m going to play my position either if he do go or he don’t," said Bledsoe, who is fully aware that Wall is Kentucky's top choice.
Bledsoe thinks he and Wall would be great together on the floor, and believe me, UK would love to find out and happily sign both of them.
The other big UK recruiting news involves Wall being charged with misdemeanor breaking and entering after police found him walking out of a vacant house in his hometown of Raleigh. I have been assured that the incident sounds a lot worse than it really is.
Wall did something he shouldn't have done, but I am told that his intentions going into the house were not malicious, and perhaps more importantly, it will not stop UK from recruiting him. However, that may not be the case for Wall's other pursuers.
There are those within the Kentucky program that are actually hoping this incident will cause Duke to back off its recruitment of Wall. The thought being that Mike Krzyzewski wouldn't want to do anything to call into question his program's squeaky clean image.
As far as North Carolina is concerned, Roy Williams hasn't exactly seemed eager to sign Wall in the first place. He hasn't even offered him a scholarship. Williams and Wall's AAU coach Brian Clifton do not get along at all.
However, it is believed that Wall is not willing to distance himself from Clifton in order to get an offer to UNC. Clifton has filled a void in Wall's life since the passing of his father.
If it were not for Wall having grown up in Raleigh, some UK insiders believe that he would have already signed with Kentucky, calling it "a no-brainer."
As far as their confidence level of signing Wall is concerned, it's about 50/50. If Calipari has a feeling either way, he's not tipping his hand, and considering how his Derby picks turned out, that might be a good idea.
Maybe it's because the only reason Bledsoe is even considering Memphis is because John Calipari was recruiting him hard when he was coaching there, and former Calipari assistant, Josh Pastner, is the new coach of the Tigers.
That's not the only reason. This is from Commercial Appeal last week.
Bledsoe also has a strong relationship with new Memphis assistant Glynn Cyprien, who was on Billy Gillispie's staff at Kentucky. Cyprien was the key figure in Bledsoe's favoring Kentucky before the coaching changes, according to numerous reports.
New Fever
05-05-2009, 01:08 PM
John Wall is 19 years old.
Wall is 18 born September 6, 1990.
TeamSelig
05-05-2009, 05:57 PM
Oops. Almost 19.
Memphis Roar is reporting Eric Bledsoe to KENTUCKY!!! :D
WVRed
05-05-2009, 11:11 PM
Memphis Roar is reporting Eric Bledsoe to KENTUCKY!!! :D
None other than Brooks Hansen.
FYI for those not on TBK, Brooks is a really good inside source for Memphis and for Calipari. He broke the Cal to UK story well in advance.
Great news if it proves true ! :D
Bledsoe to UK is a done deal.
Freaking awesome.
A link to his Rivals page: http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=63746
Remember that this kid is the #3 PG and the #23 overall player in the class of 2009.
Massive, massive kid to add to the roster.
He will find plenty of time his freshman year, but he's also likely at least a 3 year player at UK. If Wall does end up picking the Wildcats, he'll be THE MAN next season, but Bledsoe will be ready to take the reins his sophomore season and never miss a beat.
After our point guard struggles of the past, who could have predicted we'd stand a decent chance at landing numbers 1 and 3?
Heady times right now in Lexington.
WVRed
05-06-2009, 11:20 AM
Just watched the press conference. I think he literally did say that he hoped Wall came to Kentucky, because "both of us will play at the same time and get it right." Add two more letters to the beginning or "it" and you have the right word.
In addition, I think he made mention that Patterson was coming back but Meeks was uncertain.
I honestly hope a public speaking course is in Mr. Bledsoe's future.
cumberlandreds
05-06-2009, 11:28 AM
Just watched the press conference. I think he literally did say that he hoped Wall came to Kentucky, because "both of us will play at the same time and get it right." Add two more letters to the beginning or "it" and you have the right word.
In addition, I think he made mention that Patterson was coming back but Meeks was uncertain.
I honestly hope a public speaking course is in Mr. Bledsoe's future.
Bledsoe completes the puzzle with him being a PG. If Wall comes to UK it will be a bonus,a huge bonus that is. But Bledsoe gives UK that last piece they so desparately needed. I don't know how it will turn out in the end but I feel a whole lot better about next season with a good PG coming in.
When Joe B Hall was the coach he made his players take a speech class so they could be more articulate in interviews and could go out in the schools and give good speeches. I hope Calipari would do that. It would make the players look that much better in the public eyes.
WVRed
05-06-2009, 02:12 PM
This is kind of a funny rumor going around right now from a Memphis board that Maurice Ford (Bledsoe's HS coach) is going to take a job as a high school coach in Kentucky.
It should also be noted that Scott County's job (home of our very own WillyMoRocks and the Cincinnati Bengals training camp) could be coming open with Billy Hicks looking to move back to Knott County.
Any chance Maurice Ford ends up at Scott County?:p:
This is kind of a funny rumor going around right now from a Memphis board that Maurice Ford (Bledsoe's HS coach) is going to take a job as a high school coach in Kentucky.
It should also be noted that Scott County's job (home of our very own WillyMoRocks and the Cincinnati Bengals training camp) could be coming open with Billy Hicks looking to move back to Knott County.
Any chance Maurice Ford ends up at Scott County?:p:
haha that's really interesting. I do wonder who Scott Co. will get to 'replace' Coach Hicks when he decides to hang 'em up. I think many thought he was going to retire last year but then he saw how good the team was going to be and decided to stick around one more year.
I hope they find a person who can continue the tradition of excellence that Coach Hicks helped establish (Scott Co. DID win one boy's basketball state championship in the 70's... 77 IIRC).
I dunno if Ford would be that guy or not?
WVRed
05-06-2009, 02:20 PM
haha that's really interesting. I do wonder who Scott Co. will get to 'replace' Coach Hicks when he decides to hang 'em up. I think many thought he was going to retire last year but then he saw how good the team was going to be and decided to stick around one more year.
I hope they find a person who can continue the tradition of excellence that Coach Hicks helped establish (Scott Co. DID win one boy's basketball state championship in the 70's... 77 IIRC).
I dunno if Ford would be that guy or not?
Here is a link you may want to add to your bookmarks for Kentucky HS sports:
http://www.bluegrasspreps.com
They have a thread on the speculation, although Maurice Ford isn't mentioned (that was on TBK). It's pretty amazing some of the names being mentioned for the Knott County job. Bill Mike Runyon from Paintsville surprised me. He has been there as long as I can remember.
Cousins: #2 (Rivals), #3 (Scout)
Orton: #22 (Rivals), #17 (Scout)
Bledsoe: #23 (Rivals), #37 (Scout)
Hood: #40 (Rivals), #45 (Scout)
Dodson: 4-star (Rivals), 3-star (Scout)
(Pilgrim)
Wall: #1 (Undecided)
Jesus.
Here is a link you may want to add to your bookmarks for Kentucky HS sports:
http://www.bluegrasspreps.com
They have a thread on the speculation, although Maurice Ford isn't mentioned (that was on TBK). It's pretty amazing some of the names being mentioned for the Knott County job. Bill Mike Runyon from Paintsville surprised me. He has been there as long as I can remember.
Do they think Billy is going to take the Knott Co. job? If he leaves Scott Co. it will be to retire, not take another job, IMO.
Oh yeah: MM said, and I agree, that Orton is definitely a top 10 player in this class. He got dinged--understandably--because of his injury in the rankings but he is a load.
cumberlandreds
05-06-2009, 02:24 PM
haha that's really interesting. I do wonder who Scott Co. will get to 'replace' Coach Hicks when he decides to hang 'em up. I think many thought he was going to retire last year but then he saw how good the team was going to be and decided to stick around one more year.
I hope they find a person who can continue the tradition of excellence that Coach Hicks helped establish (Scott Co. DID win one boy's basketball state championship in the 70's... 77 IIRC).
I dunno if Ford would be that guy or not?
From KHSAA.org here's a PDF page of state champions. Scott County was listed as winning it 1998 and 2007.
I can remember Hicks when he started coaching at Evarts and Harlan high school's in Harlan County. You knew then he was a good coach but to do as well as he has was unthinkable at that time.
http://www.khsaa.org/records/basketball/boyspastwinners.pdf
From KHSAA.org here's a PDF page of state champions. Scott County was listed as winning it 1998 and 2007.
I can remember Hicks when he started coaching at Evarts and Harlan high school's in Harlan County. You knew then he was a good coach but to do as well as he has was unthinkable at that time.
http://www.khsaa.org/records/basketball/boyspastwinners.pdf
Oh shoot, sorry, haha I just kicked myself. They won a FOOTBALL state championship in the 70s! Hahaha, my bad. :D
WVRed
05-06-2009, 02:29 PM
Do they think Billy is going to take the Knott Co. job? If he leaves Scott Co. it will be to retire, not take another job, IMO.
It's all speculation right now, but I think there are some drawing factors for Billy.
1.He is from that area.
2.More money.
3.I'm not 100% sure on this, but I think they have amended it recently in Kentucky to where you can coach and not have to teach.
I could be wrong on the latter though.
It's all speculation right now, but I think there are some drawing factors for Billy.
1.He is from that area.
2.More money.
3.I'm not 100% sure on this, but I think they have amended it recently in Kentucky to where you can coach and not have to teach.
I could be wrong on the latter though.
I would be flat out amazed if he left Scott County to go coach somewhere else... I knew he was from that area but he's lived in Georgetown for... over 20 years now at least?
WVRed
05-06-2009, 02:41 PM
I would be flat out amazed if he left Scott County to go coach somewhere else... I knew he was from that area but he's lived in Georgetown for... over 20 years now at least?
I would be more amazed if Bill Mike Runyon left Paintsville.
I would be more amazed if Bill Mike Runyon left Paintsville.
I'll be honest, my knowledge of Kentucky H.S. sports begins and ends with Scott County (asides from some individual basketball players, obviously).
I guess Pastner is finding out that playing with the big boys--KU, UK etc.--isn't easy at all.
WVRed
05-06-2009, 06:30 PM
I guess Pastner is finding out that playing with the big boys--KU, UK etc.--isn't easy at all.
I don't think it is so much Pastner finding out as much as it is Memphis fans.
I thought Kentucky fans were delusional, but some of the stuff I have read on Memphis message boards and seen from their media is on a whole other level. Watch the Bledsoe presser today and see the question asked comparing the two visits and asking him "how he could have let Memphis down like that".
Bottom line: Memphis is not going to have nowhere near the success unless they 1. get out of Conference USA or 2. keep some of the local talent in the area. Number two is where Pastner will ultimately keep his job if he can keep Joe Jackson in Memphis.
Memphis has the facilities (thanks to the Grizzlies), the talent base, and the fans. Conference USA will ultimately be their downfall if they start to struggle though.
Scrap Irony
05-06-2009, 06:52 PM
It's all speculation right now, but I think there are some drawing factors for Billy.
1.He is from that area.
2.More money.
3.I'm not 100% sure on this, but I think they have amended it recently in Kentucky to where you can coach and not have to teach.
I could be wrong on the latter though.
Some of my contacts make it out to be a Hicks/ Scott Co. superintendent power struggle. Knott has some serious facilities and will pay Hicks serious cash (relatively speaking) just to coach. No other job involved. (Interestingly, there are already rumblings of transfers both from Scott and to Knott.)
I'm guessing the 14th Region is a bit easier and Hicks would have an outstanding chance at another Sweet Sixteen berth.
WVRed
05-06-2009, 07:17 PM
Some of my contacts make it out to be a Hicks/ Scott Co. superintendent power struggle. Knott has some serious facilities and will pay Hicks serious cash (relatively speaking) just to coach. No other job involved. (Interestingly, there are already rumblings of transfers both from Scott and to Knott.)
I'm guessing the 14th Region is a bit easier and Hicks would have an outstanding chance at another Sweet Sixteen berth.
Wouldn't be Chad Jackson/Dakotah Euton would it?
WVRed
05-06-2009, 11:18 PM
Hicks is staying at Scott County:
Billy Hicks staying put at Scott County
Posted by Mike Fields on May 6, 2009
Billy Hicks won state titles in 1998 and 2007 at Scott County
When Billy Hicks visited Knott County Central on Tuesday, the rumors started swirling that Scott County’s two-time state championship coach might be heading back to the mountains. The story took on a life of its own thanks to TV and Internet speculation.
But Hicks killed the story on Wednesday, saying he’s not taking the Knott County Central job and is staying at Scott County.
“I’m sure I’ve got some detractors out there that had the champagne out, so I hate to spoil their party,” Hicks said. “But I’m happy where I’m at. I have no plans to leave Scott County.
“I guess swine flu got to be old news and they needed another story. Gosh almighty, these things take on a life of their own. I went to (Knott County Central), looked around, rode back home and that was it.”
Hicks, who is from Harlan and began his coaching career in the mountains, said he would like to return to that area someday. “I’m a mountain guy, I love mountain people, and I’d love to end my coaching career there, but that’s not right now,” he said. “I hope to coach at least another 10 years, so maybe that’ll happen down the road.”
Scott County was rated No. 1 in the state much of last season but was upset in the 11th Region tournament after senior star Richie Phares suffered a knee injury.
The Cardinals should be a state power again next season, returning stars Ge-Lawn Guyn, Chad Jackson and Dakotah Euton.
WVRed
05-06-2009, 11:26 PM
And of course, my new all time favorite video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1dKkOfrmQQ
I hope this gets played sometime at Midnight Madness.
Hicks is staying at Scott County:
Haha. Well, don't mind if I gloat a little bit on that one.
10 years? I love reading that.
cumberlandreds
05-07-2009, 07:48 AM
Some of my contacts make it out to be a Hicks/ Scott Co. superintendent power struggle. Knott has some serious facilities and will pay Hicks serious cash (relatively speaking) just to coach. No other job involved. (Interestingly, there are already rumblings of transfers both from Scott and to Knott.)
I'm guessing the 14th Region is a bit easier and Hicks would have an outstanding chance at another Sweet Sixteen berth.
The 14th Region was always one of the weakest in the state. I've been away from the state for a while now but I assume it still is weak. I thought Hicks was from Harlan but wasn't sure about that. He says he wants to end his coaching career in the mountains. He could end up back home at the new Harlan County High in the future. It's the new consolidated county school and that may attract him back home for one last go around someday.
WVRed
05-07-2009, 09:41 AM
Posted this on TBK, but here is the LeFore/Parker semifinal game earlier this year.
http://highschoolsports.al.com/boysbasketball/videos/4/
Divided up by quarters. Fourth quarter is on page 3.
Eric Bledsoe showed why he has moved up the charts lately. Blazing speed and excellent passing. Cousins was off in that game and the announcers made that perfectly clear.
With the addition of Bledsoe, Rivals now rates UK's recruiting class as #1 in the nation.
Just out of curiosity, who had the #1 class last year?
TeamSelig
05-08-2009, 11:11 AM
UCLA with
Holiday (2)
Morgan (25)
Anderson (37)
Gordon (46)
Lee (48)
Which "newcomer" are you guys most looking forward to see play?
For me it's gotta be Matt Pilgrim.
Jon Hood a close 2nd. But I'm excited to see them all. What a special class.
cumberlandreds
05-08-2009, 02:53 PM
Which "newcomer" are you guys most looking forward to see play?
For me it's gotta be Matt Pilgrim.
Jon Hood a close 2nd. But I'm excited to see them all. What a special class.
All of them. :thumbup:
I did see Orton and Cousins in the Jordan game. You really can't tell much in an all star game though. If you pin me down to one I would say Bledsoe since at the moment he would be the starting pg. Of course that could change if Wall signs with UK.
DAMN!
Marc Maggard is reporting that Patrick Patterson will return for his junior season!!!
WOW.
Meeks is almost certain to return. Meeks AND Patterson plus all the newcomers! Holy moly. Maybe the best news of the "recruiting season" so far.
Free audio blog entry: http://www.truebluekentucky.com/index.php/basketball/926-guest-basketball/1232-true-blue-kentucky-79.html
dabvu2498
05-08-2009, 05:10 PM
That is a crowded frontcourt. But much better that than a group of 3 guys that can play the 4/5 like last year.
That is a crowded frontcourt. But much better that than a group of 3 guys that can play the 4/5 like last year.
That's also one less available scholarship...
WVRed
05-08-2009, 06:24 PM
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090508/SPORTS03/90508031/UK+s+Patterson+withdraws+name+from+NBA+Draft
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky forward Patrick Patterson has withdrawn his name from the NBA Draft and will return for his junior season.
“I have the chance to graduate in three years, which is important to me and my family,” Patterson said in a release. “I want to help Kentucky compete for a national title, and even more than that win its eighth national championship. I’m also really excited about playing for Coach (John Calipari) and developing my game in the dribble drive offense.”
The 6-foot-9 Patterson, who averaged 17.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game as a sophomore, declared himself eligible for the draft last month, but did not sign an agent, leaving open the possibility that he could return to UK.
“In the month that I’ve been at Kentucky, I’ve been blown away by Patrick Patterson, Calipari said in a release. “He is one of the nicest individuals I’ve met and one of the fiercest competitors that I’ve been around. I’m thrilled I get to coach him next year.”
Two first-team preseason All-Americans?
:D
Where's the Final Four next year?
TeamSelig
05-08-2009, 10:19 PM
Where is everyone going to play???
Can Cousins play the 3?
Orton - Stevenson
Patterson - Cousins
Cousins - Harris?
Meeks - Liggins?
Bledsoe - Liggins
If not, where will we get the minutes down low?
5 - 40 minutes for Orton/Stevenson/Cousins?
4 - Patterson; 6 minutes for Cousins?
I know Stevenson isn't in the same category as Cousins or Orton, but he will be a senior and played 28 MPG last year.
Plus, I've heard some chatter about Pilgrim too. I know nothing about the guy so I didn't mention him.
Javy Pornstache
05-08-2009, 11:50 PM
^ Where's Miller in your lineup, TS? There's your 3. He'll be a pretty big cog in the UK roster from here on out. I think it's almost a lock that Patterson and Cousins will be starting alongside Miller, Meeks and the PG (whether Bledsoe or Wall).
UK would be smart to redshirt Stevenson. They're likely to lose Patterson and Cousins after next season, so having a (hopefully bulked up) fifth-year senior in Stevenson back in 2010-11 after a year of great practicing with Pat, Cousins, Orton and Pilgrim, would be very beneficial and soften the blow of potentially losing two post guys to the draft.
dabvu2498
05-09-2009, 12:12 AM
^ Where's Miller in your lineup, TS? There's your 3. He'll be a pretty big cog in the UK roster from here on out. I think it's almost a lock that Patterson and Cousins will be starting alongside Miller, Meeks and the PG (whether Bledsoe or Wall). UK would be smart to redshirt Stevenson. They're likely to lose Patterson and Cousins after next season, so having a (hopefully bulked up) fifth-year senior in Stevenson back in 2010-11 after a year of great practicing with Pat, Cousins, Orton and Pilgrim, would be very beneficial and soften the blow of potentially losing two post guys to the draft. Not a bad thought. But Cal may prefer to go ahead and have the scholarship for the 2010 class. It will be interesting to say the least. What I have heard about the Dodson kid makes me think he may get time at the 3 spot as well.
Javy Pornstache
05-09-2009, 01:50 AM
Yeah, I could see that as well, dab. A lot of thought that, other than Patterson, Meeks and Miller, Cal's going to be pretty quick to "cleanse" the program and get as many of his guys in there as possible, so I could see him going ahead and wanting the scholly for 2010. You're right, Dodson is the forgotten guy amongst all the big-name recruits coming in; had he been a high school senior entering his freshman year at UK, he likely would've been a four-star and perhaps even five-star player in his own right. He's a really athletic slasher type, and should fit in smashingly with this offense.
The lineup possibilities are just dazzling.
Cal can take this team in so many different ways.
Two first-team preseason All-Americans?
:D
Where's the Final Four next year?
Two? Are you counting Cousins as one? Surely you aren't inluding the overrated Jodie Meeks.
Scrap Irony
05-09-2009, 11:27 AM
I'm guessing, if Meeks stays, Calipari goes big:
Bledsoe/ Wall PG
Meeks SG
Patterson SF
Cousins PF
Orton C
Patterson slides down to the PF and Cousins to the C as fouls and shape warrant. Pilgrim and Stevenson are big guys with small minutes. Miller, Liggins, and Dodson (in that order) play the smaller three positions.
No Harrelson, no Stewart, no Galloway in this scenario
But I also think Meeks decides to stay in the draft. With that, Miller or Dodson start in his place and they still go big.
Epic battles between Mississippi St. and Kentucky in the SEC this season. Along with UNC, those are the best frontcourts in America.
WVRed
05-09-2009, 11:52 AM
I'm guessing, if Meeks stays, Calipari goes big:
Bledsoe/ Wall PG
Meeks SG
Patterson SF
Cousins PF
Orton C
Patterson slides down to the PF and Cousins to the C as fouls and shape warrant. Pilgrim and Stevenson are big guys with small minutes. Miller, Liggins, and Dodson (in that order) play the smaller three positions.
No Harrelson, no Stewart, no Galloway in this scenario
But I also think Meeks decides to stay in the draft. With that, Miller or Dodson start in his place and they still go big.
Epic battles between Mississippi St. and Kentucky in the SEC this season. Along with UNC, those are the best frontcourts in America.
Meeks is a projected second round pick right now. I doubt he stays in the draft. I also think we will get Wall as well.
My guess is this will be your lineup (with the bench):
C-Patrick Patterson/Daniel Orton
PF-DeMarcus Cousins/Matt Pilgrim
SF-Darius Miller/Darnell Dodson
SG-Jodie Meeks/Jon Hood
PG-John Wall/Eric Bledsoe
TeamSelig
05-09-2009, 12:20 PM
Duh, I forgot Miller and Hood.
So do you guys think Stevenson only gets garbage minutes?
I think maybe Orton comes off the bench.
I'm guessing, if Meeks stays, Calipari goes big:
Bledsoe/ Wall PG
Meeks SG
Patterson SF
Cousins PF
Orton C
Patterson slides down to the PF and Cousins to the C as fouls and shape warrant. Pilgrim and Stevenson are big guys with small minutes. Miller, Liggins, and Dodson (in that order) play the smaller three positions.
No Harrelson, no Stewart, no Galloway in this scenario
But I also think Meeks decides to stay in the draft. With that, Miller or Dodson start in his place and they still go big.
Epic battles between Mississippi St. and Kentucky in the SEC this season. Along with UNC, those are the best frontcourts in America.
No offense, but this is just wrong all over the place.
Cal isn't going to "go big" in the DDMO. You're much more likely to see Miller at the 4 than at the 2.
Meeks is highly unlikely to stay in the draft unless he absolutely blows up in the workouts.
Pilgrim isn't going to play "small minutes."
Meeks is a projected second round pick right now. I doubt he stays in the draft. I also think we will get Wall as well.
My guess is this will be your lineup (with the bench):
C-Patrick Patterson/Daniel Orton
PF-DeMarcus Cousins/Matt Pilgrim
SF-Darius Miller/Darnell Dodson
SG-Jodie Meeks/Jon Hood
PG-John Wall/Eric Bledsoe
I think that will make for an excellent Blue/White game. :thumbup:
Meeks is a projected second round pick right now. I doubt he stays in the draft. I also think we will get Wall as well.
My guess is this will be your lineup (with the bench):
C-Patrick Patterson/Daniel Orton
PF-DeMarcus Cousins/Matt Pilgrim
SF-Darius Miller/Darnell Dodson
SG-Jodie Meeks/Jon Hood
PG-John Wall/Eric Bledsoe
I think you've got it. :D
However: I could see Bledsoe techincally being ahead of Jon Hood on the depth chart this season.
In other words, I could see Bledsoe spelling Meeks and being on the court at the same time with Wall (with Hood coming in after that). Having Bledsoe and Wall on the court together would only lead to good things happening.
Biggest difference for this coming squad: EVERY POSITION MUST BE GUARDED! No more freebies! :D
dabvu2498
05-09-2009, 01:57 PM
If Miller is going to get much time at the 4 then Pilgrim may not see the floor and/or one of the bigs (Orton?) should redshirt. So should Hood if Wall comes. But I don't think Miller plays the 4 (rebounding) or Wall comes.
If Miller is going to get much time at the 4 then Pilgrim may not see the floor and/or one of the bigs (Orton?) should redshirt. So should Hood if Wall comes. But I don't think Miller plays the 4 (rebounding) or Wall comes.
I agree with all of that. Miller will get the lion's share of his minutes at the 3 because we have too many talented big men who are going to demand clock with their amazing basketball abilities. I'm just saying that Cal is much more likely to "go small" than "go big."
It's the basic nature of the DDMO.
joshnky
05-09-2009, 03:19 PM
Bledsoe/ Wall PG
Meeks SG
Patterson SF
Cousins PF
Orton C
Patterson doesn't have the jump shot or athleticism to play the three and will even struggle some at the four. He is a great player and I'd love to have him at UofL but the reason he is coming back is because he is prettily limited away from the basket now.
Also, Rick Bozich at the Courier-Journal speculated that if the Cats pick-up Wall he is hearing that the scholarships would come from Stewart, Liggins, and Pilgrim. I don't know how many they need to open up but apparently those are the three without a spot right now.
Patterson doesn't have the jump shot or athleticism to play the three and will even struggle some at the four. He is a great player and I'd love to have him at UofL but the reason he is coming back is because he is prettily limited away from the basket now.
Also, Rick Bozich at the Courier-Journal speculated that if the Cats pick-up Wall he is hearing that the scholarships would come from Stewart, Liggins, and Pilgrim. I don't know how many they need to open up but apparently those are the three without a spot right now.
I have thought the same thing in regards to PP playing the 3 for an extended period of time.
Also..I think Stewart would surely be the odd man out.
Patterson doesn't have the jump shot or athleticism to play the three and will even struggle some at the four. He is a great player and I'd love to have him at UofL but the reason he is coming back is because he is prettily limited away from the basket now.
Also, Rick Bozich at the Courier-Journal speculated that if the Cats pick-up Wall he is hearing that the scholarships would come from Stewart, Liggins, and Pilgrim. I don't know how many they need to open up but apparently those are the three without a spot right now.
Pilgrim is definitely not transferring.
He is perfect for the DDMO.
http://www.truebluekentucky.com/index.php/basketball/926-guest-basketball/1236-matt-pilgrim-is-not-going-anywhere.html
I wouldn't be surprised to see someone folks feel is "untouchable" end up transferring.
dabvu2498
05-09-2009, 03:55 PM
Pilgrim would lose a year of eligibility if he transferred to another d1 program. So I don't see that happening. He has already been out of high school 3 years also. I think it will be Harrellson, Stewart and Liggins. And Williams of course.
Pilgrim would lose a year of eligibility if he transferred to another d1 program. So I don't see that happening. He has already been out of high school 3 years also. I think it will be Harrellson, Stewart and Liggins. And Williams of course.
Yeah I forgot about JH and I had just mentioned to a friend this week how I cant see where his minutes will come from.
Scrap Irony
05-09-2009, 08:28 PM
Patterson doesn't have the jump shot or athleticism to play the three and will even struggle some at the four.
Which is why he's coming back. To work on his small forward skills. I agree that his jump shooting skills need serious work. I'm guessing Patterson recognizes that and that's at least part of the reason he stayed in school.
Mature decision by that young man, for sure.
As to the lineup, none of us really know what may happen. To insist you know at this point is silly. Like Henry-is-better-than-Meeks silly.
Calipari will do what he should for his team and make the offense work around his players rather than the other way around. (Unlike his immediate predecessor.)
To insist you know and to be able to reasonably predict are two very different things, thankfully. Sort of like spreading rumors about a multi-state championship winning high school coach not getting along with his administration.
joshnky
05-09-2009, 09:41 PM
As to the lineup, none of us really know what may happen. To insist you know at this point is silly.
But he won't even play the three in the NBA so why would he play out of position in college? And you can certainly make some logical guesses about the lineup construction and I think this is one. Can you imagine Patterson guarding some of the more athletic threes in college? I would have loved to have seen him matched up on Terrence Williams every time down the floor.
WVRed
05-09-2009, 10:37 PM
Patterson doesn't have the jump shot or athleticism to play the three and will even struggle some at the four. He is a great player and I'd love to have him at UofL but the reason he is coming back is because he is prettily limited away from the basket now.
Also, Rick Bozich at the Courier-Journal speculated that if the Cats pick-up Wall he is hearing that the scholarships would come from Stewart, Liggins, and Pilgrim. I don't know how many they need to open up but apparently those are the three without a spot right now.
Patterson is a perfect player to play the 4 if he is paired up with a big body inside (Orton). The reason he will likely stay under the rim is because Cousins has the versatility to play inside and outside aka Antoine Walker
If I had to run an all-big lineup, I would do this:
PG-Wall/Bledsoe
SG-Meeks
SF-Cousins
PF-Patterson
C-Orton
So many possibilities.
cumberlandreds
05-11-2009, 09:11 AM
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090508/SPORTS03/90508031/UK+s+Patterson+withdraws+name+from+NBA+Draft
Good to see Patterson coming back. I really thought he would go pro since it looked like he would be at about 20 in the draft. Just waiting on two more pieces of the puzzle to fall into place,Meeks and Wall. I think Meeks will be back but who knows about Wall. Everything points to him coming to UK but you never know what these guys are thinking.
It will be interesting to see how all these guys mesh together. That may be Calipari's toughest job will be to blend the chemistry of everyone together. Also be interesting see how long it takes everyone to learn this new offense. Those two factors will probably determine how far this team goes next season.
WVRed
05-11-2009, 11:31 AM
Good to see Patterson coming back. I really thought he would go pro since it looked like he would be at about 20 in the draft. Just waiting on two more pieces of the puzzle to fall into place,Meeks and Wall. I think Meeks will be back but who knows about Wall. Everything points to him coming to UK but you never know what these guys are thinking.
It will be interesting to see how all these guys mesh together. That may be Calipari's toughest job will be to blend the chemistry of everyone together. Also be interesting see how long it takes everyone to learn this new offense. Those two factors will probably determine how far this team goes next season.
Press conference with Cal and Patterson will be today at 1 PM.
Press conference with Cal and Patterson will be today at 1 PM.
Can anyone give a brief description of what was said ?
WVRed
05-12-2009, 12:54 AM
Can anyone give a brief description of what was said ?
Here is a synopsis by the evil Matt Jones. I'm too tired to summarize it myself.:)
http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/
One of these days, I am going to get around to writing about my Favorite 25 players to ever wear the Blue and White. Here is a secret, Patterson is in my Top 5. From the day we met Patrick in Indy for the Nike Camp until the press conference today, Patrick Patterson has yet to be anything but the epitome of a workhorse on the court and class off the court. Today was no exception. Handling the media as he announced his desire to return to Lexington, he did nothing but impress, causing the entire Jones and Bruce law office to swoon as we watched the feed. Some highlights from the press conference:
— Patterson said that there were three main reasons he chose to come back. Those three factors were his desire to get a degree, win a national title and improve under Coach Calipari.
— Patterson mentioned that he did no NBA workouts and that he actually had no desire to do any. “If I did do workouts, it wouldnt do anything because I knew in my heart I wanted to come back for next year.”
— The NBA folks said he would be somewhere between 14-20 in the draft, essentially the same view the media was getting as well.”
— Patterson is beyond optimistic for next year saying, “with all the weapons we have coming in, we are competing for a national title.”
— When asked what he could improve on, Patterson sounded like an NBA scout, saying ball handling, footwork, foot speed and a jump shot.
— Patterson again and again spoke of his desire to remain a kid again in Lexington and noted that “going for the NBA wasnt in my heart.”
— There was a great exchange in the press conference in which he was asked about his communication with Jodie Meeks. He said Jodie found out he was coming back, asked Patrick if it was true by text message, Patrick said yes and Jodie said “good.” Brevity is obviously their strength.
— One interesting part of the press conference was Patterson’s answer to the question of what would have happened if Gillispie were still here. He said that he didnt know if he would have returned under the previous coach. He said that in the workouts after the end of the year, they “had fun like during the NIT” and he knew he wanted to return and play for the new regime.
All in all, a slam dunk performance by a rock of the UK basketball program. While we all wanted what was best for Patterson, I cant help but say that it is beyond exciting that Patterson will be in Blue next year. Can Midnight Madness get here tomorrow?
WVRed
05-12-2009, 12:14 PM
John Wall's list is down to two according to Zagsblog.
Kentucky and Miami.
John Wall's list is down to two according to Zagsblog.
Kentucky and Miami.
I've read two articles today claiming it's down to Kentucky and Duke. Interesting.
joshnky
05-12-2009, 12:21 PM
John Wall's list is down to two according to Zagsblog.
Kentucky and Miami.
Interesting. If true, that shocks me that Miami would be in the running. Maybe he likes the idea of being the man at a school in an NBA town that also has a scenery advantage over Lexington.
Then I guess his decision comes down to better coaching and team at UK or fun and celebrity at Miami.
WVRed
05-12-2009, 12:24 PM
I've read two articles today claiming it's down to Kentucky and Duke. Interesting.
http://www.zagsblog.com/2009/05/12/sources-john-wall-down-to-two-fordham-releases-a-3rd-player-recruiting-notes/#more-16499
John Wall is down to two schools — Kentucky and Miami — according to multiple sources close to the situation.
“It’s down to the two of them, no question about it,” one source said. “It is Kentucky and Miami. The kid is leaning toward Kentucky. There is a little bit of a concern with the people closest to him that if he goes to Kentucky that they’re going to lose control.”
Said a second source at one of the schools: “That’s what we’re hearing.”
Wall has not publicly cut his list. Asked by text on Sunday when he might cut it, he said, “I don’t know.”
The 6-foot-4 Wall is the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2009 and has long considered Baylor, Duke, Florida, Kentucky, Memphis, Miami and N.C. State.
Kentucky coach John Calipari pursued both Wall and Alabama point guard Eric Bledsoe, with the idea that Wall would start at the point and Bledsoe would play 10-15 minutes as a backup. If Wall followed former Calipari guards Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans by jumping to the NBA after one season, Bledsoe would take over in 2010.
Calipari has already secured an impressive recruiting class that includes Bledsoe, DeMarcus Cousins, Daniel Orton, Darnell Dodson and Jon Hood. The addition of Wall could make the Cats a Final Four-caliber team, although the team would still need to jell together.
Last year’s Final Four teams — North Carolina, Michigan State, UConn and Villanova — all featured veteran teams whose core had played together for several years.
I think Brian Clifton is going to have a lot of sleepless nights if Wall goes to UK. Clifton want's to be Wall's handler so he can get some of the money once Wall goes pro. Of course, there's that Worldwide Wes guy who comes with Cal. It will be interesting to say the least.
WVRed
05-12-2009, 12:26 PM
Interesting. If true, that shocks me that Miami would be in the running. Maybe he likes the idea of being the man at a school in an NBA town that also has a scenery advantage over Lexington.
Then I guess his decision comes down to better coaching and team at UK or fun and celebrity at Miami.
OJ Mayo at USC.
I believe very, very little of what I read when it comes to Mr. Wall.
I think he's going to end up at Kentucky, ultimately, but "listening" to anything he or anyone around him says is a fruitless endeavor, IMO.
TeamSelig
05-12-2009, 05:28 PM
Man.... gotta give it to Calipari. He's really turned our program around even before our first game.
If Meeks stays, which I think he will, we basically have lost no one from last year. Our biggest downfall was PG play and we already have Bledsoe which is a significant upgrade. Even though his best role would be 10-15 minutes at point, he is 1000000x better than Porter.
This means we can actually get Patterson the ball. And when he gets it, there probably isn't going to be a double team. That alone makes our team a million times more effective than last year.
Now if Wall shows up.... yikes.
Puffy
05-13-2009, 10:36 AM
I believe very, very little of what I read when it comes to Mr. Wall.
Yeah, I said that a month ago and got lambasted. Anybody believe me now?
And I reiterate - Brian Clifton is scum.
WVRed
05-13-2009, 10:47 AM
Yeah, I said that a month ago and got lambasted. Anybody believe me now?
And I reiterate - Brian Clifton is scum.
I believe ultimately most handlers are. Just look at what is going on right now with OJ Mayo and his handlers. They are in it for themselves and not for the kids they are trying to guide.
JMO, but IF (and that is a big if) Wall were to distance himself from Clifton and cut him out, I could then see "Ole Roy" making a final push to get Wall. That being said, I see Clifton going wherever Wall goes, and if it ends up being Kentucky, he is going to lose out to Worldwide Wes.
Puffy
05-13-2009, 11:06 AM
I agree with you WV - all handlers are scum. Its truly horrible that these people latch on to kids who are impressionable and use them for a payday.
Anyway, Jerry Meyer seems to think that Wall won't decide bu may 20th (end of signing period). It comes down to Wall and those close to him are not yet on same page.
Selfishly, I think the kid should go to Miami (cause I don't want to see him at Duke or Kentucky) but I think he ends up at Kentucky.
Puffy
05-13-2009, 11:08 AM
Oh, and the rumor has always been that Wall would be welcome at Carolina but "Ole Roy" insists that he would have to drop Clifton before Roy will talk to him.
I don't see that happening, but again, Wall grew up a Carolina fan and lots of talk out there that he wanted that offer (and I used the past tense there for a reason).
Its not happening. Kentucky, Duke or Miami.
Selfishly, I think the kid should go to Miami (cause I don't want to see him at Duke or Kentucky) but I think he ends up at Kentucky.
Funny, I feel the exact same way.
cumberlandreds
05-13-2009, 01:42 PM
Calipari had a news conference today. Lots and lots of interesting things. Big Blue Madness may be in Commonwealth Stadium but lots of things to consider on that before that's decided. The schedule is nearly completed with just two games left to schedule. Sounds like they will play in Cancun against either Stanford or Virginia. May have game against Texas in Houston and he is going to continue the series with North Carolina. They haven't sorted out the scholarship questions of having too many. But it sounded like he will talking to some players about their playing time soon. It didn't sound good for Galloway.
http://johnclay.bloginky.com/2009/05/13/liveblog-calipari-press-conference/
Many of these kids with "handlers" have no father in their life, as is the case with Mr. Wall. I think you're oversimplifying his relationship with Clifton just a bit.
Anyone calling Brian Clifton "scum" or anything of that nature should read this:
http://www.truebluekentucky.com/index.php/forums/2-true-blue-hoops/385025-please-stop-talking-down-brian-clifton.html?pth=384880&nth=none
Lots of people are judging without having experienced.
WVRed
05-13-2009, 05:25 PM
Many of these kids with "handlers" have no father in their life, as is the case with Mr. Wall. I think you're oversimplifying his relationship with Clifton just a bit.
I understand that, but I also think it is a bit naive to assume that these people are always looking out for the kid's best interests.
The lack of a father makes it pretty easy for somebody who is manipulative enough to enter the picture and make a profit. I do not know John Wall or Brian Clifton personally, but with what is going on at USC right now and some of the shady dealings with OJ in the past if I am a little skeptical of handlers.
cumberlandreds
05-14-2009, 07:51 AM
I understand that, but I also think it is a bit naive to assume that these people are always looking out for the kid's best interests.
The lack of a father makes it pretty easy for somebody who is manipulative enough to enter the picture and make a profit. I do not know John Wall or Brian Clifton personally, but with what is going on at USC right now and some of the shady dealings with OJ in the past if I am a little skeptical of handlers.
I'm very leary of these "handlers". I have no idea about Clifton but it seems most of these are in it for themselves just get inside the wallet of these kids when they do strike it rich in the NBA. I think more often than not these handlers do not have the kids best interest in mind and are taking advantage of the situation. With Wall not having a father he could easily be lead down the wrong road by someone just looking for $$$$.
Puffy
05-14-2009, 10:19 AM
Anyone calling Brian Clifton "scum" or anything of that nature should read this:
http://www.truebluekentucky.com/index.php/forums/2-true-blue-hoops/385025-please-stop-talking-down-brian-clifton.html?pth=384880&nth=none
Lots of people are judging without having experienced.
Well, Wily, lets just say you and I are not gonna agree anymore. 4 months ago we would have have laughing at the Ba-babooey pitching incident together, but no more.
As a North Carolina fan I have heard more stories about Clifton than you probably have. He is scum.
There are plenty of good people out there who help kids who lost parents. Michael Oher's guardians are an example. Brian Clifton is not.
From SI.com.
It has been speculated that Duke is Clifton's preferred destination for Wall, in part because of rumors that Clifton hopes to become Wall's agent next season, and Duke would be the place where he'd be best insulated from outside suitors. Clifton denied this to SI.com last month -- "I'll be in John's life in some capacity, but it won't be as his agent," he said -- but Clifton does, definitely, like Duke.
He cited the fact that the Blue Devils had a clear opening at the point-guard spot as a benefit, and said that, of the teams Wall was considering, Duke had the best chance of competing for a national title next season, a fact that he felt should not be taken lightly.
Puffy
05-14-2009, 11:29 AM
Henderson hired an agent. I don't see how Duke is a National Title contender even with Wall.
PG - Wall, Nolan Dennis
SG - Scheyer, E. Williams
SF - Plumlee, Ryan Kelly
PF - Klye Singler, Mason Plumlee
C - Zoubek, Lance Thomas
I am not impressed.
Well, Wily, lets just say you and I are not gonna agree anymore. 4 months ago we would have have laughing at the Ba-babooey pitching incident together, but no more.
As a North Carolina fan I have heard more stories about Clifton than you probably have. He is scum.
There are plenty of good people out there who help kids who lost parents. Michael Oher's guardians are an example. Brian Clifton is not.
:laugh:
Puffy you are one strange cat! ;)
Maybe Clifton really is a scumbag, I was just posting another perspective. Also, I don't think it's fair to paint ALL handlers with that brush, with which you obviously agree.
What I don't understand is how this means that we're not going to agree "anymore" or why we can't make fun of bababooey for throwing like a girl? (Bababooey makes Mark Mallory look like Nolan Ryan. :D )
The bababooey vid is hilarious. One of the greatest epic fails of all time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdyXW_tqnaY
WVRed
05-14-2009, 01:28 PM
WillyMo, good information from MM's new audio blog if you can ever get on the website to view it. Looks like the board has crashed.
Yeah the site was up for a bit but appears to have crashed again. They're upgrading to a larger server today.
WVRed
05-14-2009, 01:56 PM
According to Dave Baker (WKYT) on his Twitter:
"Skies are gloomy but the sun ALWAYS follows the rain! Skies will clear & hopefully the Wall saga will as well. TODAY could be a BIG DAY!"
Cal also said last night at the governors mansion that there could be an announcement today that would make UK fans happy.
cumberlandreds
05-14-2009, 02:05 PM
According to Dave Baker (WKYT) on his Twitter:
"Skies are gloomy but the sun ALWAYS follows the rain! Skies will clear & hopefully the Wall saga will as well. TODAY could be a BIG DAY!"
Cal also said last night at the governors mansion that there could be an announcement today that would make UK fans happy.
Calipari twittered today that his big announcement was that he was closing on his house at 1 pm. I would take anything Baker says or twitters with a grain of salt. He's usually wrong.
Wow, looks like Bud Mackey may be headed to prison.
http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/44989352.html
Possession of a handgun by a felon.
Serious charge.
Just imagine, Mackey could be on the campus of Bloomington, living THE LIFE, and instead he's facing the prospect of a prison sentence. What a waste.
dabvu2498
05-14-2009, 04:09 PM
Just imagine, Mackey could be on the campus of Bloomington, living THE LIFE, and instead he's facing the prospect of a prison sentence. What a waste. It's a slow walk for some of those dudes.
WVRed
05-14-2009, 05:48 PM
Per Jody Demling, one of the schools in the Wall sweepstakes has given him an ultimatum to make his decision and there could be a decision as early as tomorrow.
I can't see Cal doing this. Has to be Duke in hopes that Clifton will panic and really try to sell Wall on a commit to Duke.
Per Jody Demling, one of the schools in the Wall sweepstakes has given him an ultimatum to make his decision and there could be a decision as early as tomorrow.
I can't see Cal doing this. Has to be Duke in hopes that Clifton will panic and really try to sell Wall on a commit to Duke.
I have a hard time believing this. Why would a school do that? He'll just remove their name from his list and move on. Not a smart move if true.
Wall has denied being given a deadline by any school, according to KSR.
MrsHammer
05-15-2009, 05:19 PM
Just read this article on Yahoo:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=ap-spectrumcourt&prov=ap&type=lgns
My current dream is that a bunch of us UK fans could buy this and have a big old campfire! hehe
Blimpie
05-18-2009, 12:09 PM
Been busy most of the weekend...
Have their been any developments to note?
TBK is spearheading an effort to buy the piece of the floor where Laettner hit "the shot" after which point the piece of floor will be fed into a wood chipper. :D
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