Former Tennessee commit and top 100 prospect for 2011 Kevin Ware has committed to Louisville. This is a big get for the Cards. Now Pitino just has to hope Ware doesn't wise up and change his mind.
Kentucky Basketball Blog
Monday, May 30, 2011
Kevin Ware picks Louisville
Former Tennessee commit and top 100 prospect for 2011 Kevin Ware has committed to Louisville. This is a big get for the Cards. Now Pitino just has to hope Ware doesn't wise up and change his mind.
Derrick Jasper reunites with Billy Gillispie?
Finally having some time away from work to do some reading and I find one of the most bizarre stories I have read in a while. It is being reported by several well known blogs (KSR AMONG OTHERS) that Derrick Jasper has accepted a position on Billy Gillispie's staff at Texas Tech.
For those who don't recall, Jasper was rushed back prematurely by Gillispie from a knee injury, ultimately leading to Jasper's transfer to UNLV. After the transfer, it was reported that Gillispie and Jasper didn't have the best relationship, and Jasper had hard feelings towards Billy. Now to be fair, Jasper wasn't the only player to have a problem with Gillispie, there was the whole "don't let Jodie shoot" controversy involving Jodie Meeks, and Billy's general dis-like of A.J. Stewart. Not to mention the whole making Jorts sit in a bathroom stall thing, and having to wait to leave on the bus because a player (I wont give the name out of respect) was locked in his room crying because of Gillispie and his insane ways.
Gillispie was known for his "ruling with an iron fist" ways while at Kentucky, players and fans alike grew tired of his methods. The rest is history.
If the Jasper reuniting with Gilispie story is true (some say his Facebook says this is true) then I guess Jasper doesn't hold a grudge for very long.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Ryan Harrow
After some long hours at work, I have finally got some spare time to write on here. During my time away, N.C. State point guard Ryan Harrow decided to transfer to Kentucky. Since he is transferring he will not play until the 2012-13 season, and will have three years of eligibility remaining. This is a big get for Kentucky for several reasons, but let's start with the most obvious.
He will have the advantage of practicing against Marquis Teague for a whole year, and will have time to learn the system and what is expected out of a Calipari point guard. That is something that neither John Wall nor Brandon Knight had the benefit of doing and look how they turned out. Second, he is the first player for the 2012-13 class, which means you could start to see more guys who are considering Kentucky pull the trigger sooner than expected. Things like this usually start a domino effect, so that is something to keep an eye on.
During his time at N.C. State, Harrow averaged 9.3ppg and a little over 3apg, the only flaw he has is that he isn't that great of a shooter from long range (22%) and in my mind that is an area Kentucky will be deficient in come 2012-13. But with Calipari, things can change quickly so I wouldn't be to concerned about that.
The 2012-13 season could be some what of a down year for Kentucky as there is the chance of losing Anthony Davis, Marquis Teague, Michael Gilchrist, Darius Miller, Terrence Jones, Doron Lamb, and maybe Kyle Wiltjer (with Calipari it could happen). So now you start to see why the signing of Ryan Harrow is important, because if there is a mass exodus, it will be nice to have a guy who has been in the system for a year to run the team.
He will have the advantage of practicing against Marquis Teague for a whole year, and will have time to learn the system and what is expected out of a Calipari point guard. That is something that neither John Wall nor Brandon Knight had the benefit of doing and look how they turned out. Second, he is the first player for the 2012-13 class, which means you could start to see more guys who are considering Kentucky pull the trigger sooner than expected. Things like this usually start a domino effect, so that is something to keep an eye on.
During his time at N.C. State, Harrow averaged 9.3ppg and a little over 3apg, the only flaw he has is that he isn't that great of a shooter from long range (22%) and in my mind that is an area Kentucky will be deficient in come 2012-13. But with Calipari, things can change quickly so I wouldn't be to concerned about that.
The 2012-13 season could be some what of a down year for Kentucky as there is the chance of losing Anthony Davis, Marquis Teague, Michael Gilchrist, Darius Miller, Terrence Jones, Doron Lamb, and maybe Kyle Wiltjer (with Calipari it could happen). So now you start to see why the signing of Ryan Harrow is important, because if there is a mass exodus, it will be nice to have a guy who has been in the system for a year to run the team.
Harrow takes his talent to Lexington
As everyone by now knows Ryan Harrow has decided to attend Kentucky. I of course find out a day late for two reasons, 1. didn't check my email and 2. spending too much time at work.
I will try to have my thoughts on the pickup of Harrow later today, but in the meantime just remember that Kentucky beat out Louisville for another top notch player!
I will try to have my thoughts on the pickup of Harrow later today, but in the meantime just remember that Kentucky beat out Louisville for another top notch player!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
UCONN to lose scholarships
Sporting News is reporting that Uconn will lose 2 scholarships for the 2011-12 season for substandard APR scores. For those who doesn't know, APR scores are what the NCAA use to determine academic progress for student athletes. The NCAA set a mandatory number (925) that every university must maintain . The APR of 925 is considered by the NCAA to be equal to a 50% graduation rate. Uconns number was 893, and will cost them two scholarships for next season on top of the one they already lost due to infractions involving the recruitment of Nate Miles which will leave them with just 10 scholarships available. This could also spill over into the 2012-13 season with the loss of yet another scholarship and restrictions placed on practice time.
This also affects Jim Calhoun to a degree as his contact stipulates that he will not receive his bonus of $87,500 for winning the 2011 National Championship, and must donate $100,00o to the universities general scholarship fund.
Looks like when Kemba Walker admitted a couple of months ago that he didn't read his first book until college he wasn't kidding! Wonder if Bob Knight will mention this at his next public speaking engagement?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Top 10 Best College Basketball... (newsone.com)
Top 10 Best College Basketball Players
http://newsone.com/nation/casey-gane-mccalla/top-10-best-college-basketball-players/comment-page-1/
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Lacey to stay home
Well, so much for my "Alabama is a longshot to land him" theory as Trevor Lacey chose to stay home and suit up for Alabama. I really didn't think he would end up at Bama, with the likes of Kentucky and Kansas knocking at his door. But, this just goes to show you that when it comes to recruiting, one can never tell what will happen.
But hats off to Anthony Grant and his staff for getting Lacey to sign with the Tide. I have always said that Grant is one of the best up and coming coaches in the country, and this shows that he can recruit as well. I'm just glad to see a talent like Trevor Lacey play in the SEC, because over all the talent level in the SEC has been down for quite sometime compared to the other top conferences. I hope this is a sign of things changing for the SEC in regards of talent and coaching as Anthony Grant seems to be getting in done for the Tide.
So Congrats to Trevor Lacey and his family as I am sure it was a difficult decision to make, and I look forward to seeing him play next season.
But hats off to Anthony Grant and his staff for getting Lacey to sign with the Tide. I have always said that Grant is one of the best up and coming coaches in the country, and this shows that he can recruit as well. I'm just glad to see a talent like Trevor Lacey play in the SEC, because over all the talent level in the SEC has been down for quite sometime compared to the other top conferences. I hope this is a sign of things changing for the SEC in regards of talent and coaching as Anthony Grant seems to be getting in done for the Tide.
So Congrats to Trevor Lacey and his family as I am sure it was a difficult decision to make, and I look forward to seeing him play next season.
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