Kentucky pulls out a win over Georgia 66-60

  Kentucky won what turned out to be a hard fought win against a scrappy Georgia team last night in Rupp Arena. The first half saw Kentucky playing like a top 25 team, but the second half was a different story.

Kentucky lost a 17 point second half lead and squeaked by what I think is a top team in the SEC eastern division.  A lot of mental mistakes led to the close finish from head scratching turnovers to miscommunication on defense. In my mind Georgia got too many easy shots in the second half because Kentucky's defense was lacking the same energy that it had in the first half.

  But there was some positive to take away from this game. One being the play by Darius Miller, he was aggressive and drove the lane like he should have been doing since his freshman year. The one play that comes to mind was Miller driving the lane with the mind set of ripping the rim off with a one handed dunk, but a foul prevented him from blowing the roof off Rupp. I have said it time and time again, Darius Miller is the most athletic player on this team by far. There is no reason he is not averageing 20 and 10. He was the second most athletic last year behind John Wall.

  The other positive from yesterdays game was the presence of Ashley Judd in the crowd! I mean come on, who doesnt like looking at Ashley Judd.  Her reaction to Eloy Vargas getting a block was second to Coach Cal's reaction. Cal went into a frenzy of disbeliefe on the bench when Eloy got the block, and is worth a second look if you have it saved to TiVo.

  But all in all, it was a good win over a quality opponet and it kept the nation's second longest home winning streak alive.  But this team is going to be in a lot of close games this year, and if they meet a team with even a decent inside game there is going to be trouble.

Perry Ellis vists Kansas

   2012 Kentucky target Perry Ellis was in attendance Saturday night to see Kansas crush Kansas State by the score of 90-66.  His mother Fonda Ellis told me they had a great time at the game, and that Perry spent some time with the players, coaches and other recruits after the game in the locker room.  I asked her if Perry had named a favorite in his recruitment, and she said "Perry is still saying the same 6 no favorites at this time."  " He is just trying to learn about them all before he puts them in order."
  
  Those of you who read my blog know that I am a big big fan of Perry Ellis and his game, and from my little bit of experience of talking to his mother, he comes from a great family.  You would be hard pressed to find a nicer person than Mrs. Fonda Ellis.  And I wish nothing but the best for Perry and his mother!!!

GC

2012 UK targetPerry Ellis video clip

http://www.kake.com/sports/headlines/Ellis_Leads_Heights_Past_Southeast_113160164.html

On Jan 9th 2012 UK target Perry Ellis put on a show and led his Wichita Heights team to a 66-58 win against Southeast. He was the games leading scorer with 25 points. This video shows he knows how to finish around the rim! Wherever he goes to college he will be a STUD on the court!!! Mark it down!!!
Thanks Mrs. Ellis for the link to the video

Recruiting update on UK recruit Perry Ellis

I just had a conversation with Fonda Ellis mother of 2012 UK target Perry Ellis about his recruitment. I asked some question and here are her answers: Q: What schools are currently involved with Perry at this time? A: " Perry has cut his list to 6 schools in no order they are Kentucky, Kansas, Kansas State, Memphis, Oklahoma & Wichita State." Q: Is there a leader in his recruitment? A: "All 6 are recruiting hard and have been for a long time since he was 8th-9th grade." Q: is he going to take anymore visits if so where will they be? A: " He has already visited and has trimmed his list already this fall and plans to attend Wichita State's game tonight against Missouri State. It will be on ESPN. We will also be attending the Kansas vs. Kansas State game on the 29th. That is all we have scheduled at this time. It is tough to travel when his season has started. We did most of the visits before his season started." Q: What will be the deciding factor in picking a school? A: " He just wants to feel comfortable." Q: Will distance from home be any kind of a factor? A: " No not at this time, it isn't an issue." Q: What school or schools has been recruiting Perry the hardest? A:" I think Kansas and KState recruited him the hardest this summer, but I think Kentucky, Memphis, Oklahoma, and Wichita State have really stepped it up lately. Coach Cal has been to Wichita State twice, once in November to watch a practice and once in December for a game." Q: Finally, what does Perry like most about UK and Head coach John Calipari? A:" He likes the fan base, the atmosphere at the game, and likes how Coach Cal let's his freshman play, and the way they play." Perry's team Wichita Heights is 7-0 right now. They are ranked #1 in the state and ESPN Rise has them at # 16 and Rivals has them at #7. Perry is averaging 21 ppg. If Mrs. Ellis is reading this I want to thank her for giving me the chance to conduct my first interview. She was great. Thanks Again. Now it's going to be hard for Kentucky to pull Perry Ellis out of Kansas but if anyone can do it Coach Cal can. And he would be a HUGE get for coach cal in 2012! I mean a 6'8 forward who can run the floor and finish around the rim the way he does is something hard to find.