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/
---
Sent from Zite personalized magazine iPad app.
Available for free in the App Store.
www.zite.com
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.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Kanter possible #1 pick?
Imagine being so good at what you do, that you could take a year off and STILL be one of the best in the country.
That is exactly what is happening with Enes Kanter in the NBA draft. After being ruled permanetly ineligible by the EVIL NCAA for receiving too much money playing over seas. Kanter had to set out the entire year and not play one minute of basketball. Now, even though this kid hasn't played an enitre year of any kind of organized team basketball there is talk of him possibly being taken with the #1 over all pick in this years draft. He is almost a lock for a top 5 pick, but to be taken #1 after no one seeing you play in a year (practice aside) is a testament to how good you are.
Thanks a lot N.C.A.A. for leaving Kentucky fans and Kanter thinking what might have been!
Trevor Lacey to decide tomorrow
2011 shooting guard Trevor Lacey will decide tomorrow where he will play college basketball, and by all accounts it's between Kansas, Kentucky, and Alabama in no particular order.
First you have Alabama, the home state where you know he is getting a lot of pressure from the locals and friends to attend to stay close to home. That kind of thing can and does weigh on a kids mind, but most of the time doesn't affect their decision. But we all witnessed what happened with Terrence Jones and Washington. So anything can happen, but I think Alabama is a long shot to land him.
Then there is Kentucky, a history rich program fresh off a Final Four trip and who has a coach who is known for getting players to the next level quickly. On the down side, Lacey would not get a lot of playing time this season considering the amount of talent Kentucky has coming in along with the returning players. But, if Cal could sell him on the idea of taking his time and wait till his sophomore year, Lacey would get all the playing time he can stand and them some.
Which brings us to Kansas. Kansas has one thing over Kentucky and one thing only,and that is playing time. Lacey could step in and get MAJOR minutes at Kansas from day one, and that is usually an excellent selling point for a program. And don't think for one second Bill Self hasn't told Trevor about the amount of talent at Kentucky and the limited minutes there is to be had. Any good coach would use that to their advantage, and I'm sure Bill Self is no different.
It will be interesting to see where Lacey ends up tomorrow, but count on one thing. Wherever he ends up, he will be a stud and fun to watch.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Updated 2011 Mock NBA Draft
The updated NBA mock draft has Brandon Knight and Enes Kanter going in the top 10, but still no DeAndre Liggins on the board. Makes you wonder about his decision to keep his name in the draft. Would his stock have gotten better next year? Probably not, but with Calipari anything is possible. I mean, he did turn a player who averaged 2ppg and 3rpg into a first rounder in Daniel Orton, so anything can happen.
Follow the link or copy and paste the link for the full mock draft.
http://thehoopsreport.com/draft.aspx
********UPDATE*********
After some looking around, there are some mock drafts that FINALLY have DeAndre Liggins on their boards.
Draftexpress.com has Liggins going 54th to Cleveland
NBADraft.net has him at 56th to the Lakers
MyNBADraft.com has him at 58th also the Lakers
It's good to finally see DeAndre Liggins' name starting to pop up on some of these mock drafts, although I would love to see him go a lot higher. Anything can happen, all it takes is one person to be impressed with Liggins' game to get him into the first round, and I hope it happens.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Kentucky players DO go to class!
The Kentucky mens basketball teams GPA for the Spring semester was a 3.14, making the team’s overall GPA for the Fall and Spring terms a 3.015. Out of 10 players on the roster 9 finished the Spring semester with a 3.0 or better. On Coachcal.com it seemed that coach Cal took a shot at Bob Knight with this quote "Our guys not only attended class during the 2nd semester, they thrived while doing so."
That has to be in response to Bob Knights claim that NONE of last years starting 5 attended class the entire last semester, which is a complete fabrication that Mr. Knight has never owned up to. So Mr. Knight you have the facts now, lets see how you can twist this around to fit a story you want to tell.
Knight,Liggins,Kanter in Chicago Draft Combine
Brandon Knight, DeAndre Liggins, and Enes Kanter will take part in the Chicago Draft Combine May 18-22. As Kentucky fans you gotta hope for a good showing by three Cats.
DeAndre to be at Lexington Sports Cards
DeAndre Liggins will be signing autographs this Saturday (May 14th) from 11am-1pm at Lexington Sports Cards.
1 8x10 photo=$10
Bring your own item for $10 for first item and $5 for other two (3 max).
UK Basketball (limited number available) = $30
Lexington Sports Cards
169 East Reynolds Road Suite 102B
Lexington, Kentucky 40517
Phone # 859.271.0207
Get out and show DeAndre some love!!!
Gilchrist & Davis on cover of SLAM
Three of the best high school players in the country, and two of them are going to Kentucky. Add to the mix, Marquis Teague and Kyle Wiltjer and things start to get insane. If Kentucky picks up a commitment from Trevor Lacey on May 18th, banner #8 is well within reach.
Robert "Tractor" Traylor Dead at 34
Sad to hear that former University of Michigan basketball player Robert "Tractor" Traylor was found dead in his apartment in Puerto Rico, his Puerto Rican basketball club confirmed Wednesday. Traylor died of an apparent heart attack, thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones he left behind.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Liggins to stay in draft
Just got home to find that DeAndre Liggins is apparently keeping his name in the draft and will forgo his senior season. One can not blame him to try and take advantage of a very weak draft, and try to better himself. Will he be drafted? More than likely not from the people I have spoken with, but anything can happen. I would love nothing more however than to see him go in the first round of the draft. And if anyone deserves it, it's Deandre. He has overcome a lot during his time at Kentucky, from refusing to go into a game (Vegas tournament freshman year) to not really playing to his potential.
Then came John Calipari who completely transformed DeAndre Liggins from a player trying to find his niche on a team, to a player who had regained confidence in his game and became one of if not THE best defensive players in the country. Liggins bought into to what Calipari was trying to get him to do, and became a major reason why Kentucky reached it's first Final Four in 13 long years.
So instead of being upset or angry at this youg man's decision to try and create a better life for him and his family, thank him for the PRIDE and EFFORT he gave to the team that we all love. Because without Liggins this season would not have been possible!
DeAndre we here at BBC wish you nothing but success wherever you go, and thank you for all that you done while you were here, and remember once a Wildcat always a Wildcat!!!
Rondo's love for the game
Last night during a much needed win in game three of the semi-finals against the Miami Heat former Kentucky point guard Rajon Rondo showed what it takes to make it at the next level. During a scramble for a loose ball Rondo and Miami Heat guard DeWayne Wade fell to the floor resulting in the nastiest replay of the NBA play-offs in recent memory. After watching the replay, one would have thought Rondo was done for the remainder of the play-offs. But after going to the locker room and having his elbow popped back into place, he returned to lead the Celtics to a much needed win in a series where they were down 2-0.
The most impressive part of Rondo's performance was the way he just dominated the game with one arm. He caught, passed, and even dunked with a stiff left arm, all while showing tremendous heart and passion for the game that is hard to find in today's players. So hats off to Rajon Rondo for the love he shows for the game.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
The Decision: Terrence Jones Edition
After making BBN wait a little longer than expected, Terrence Jones announced his decision to remove his name from the NBA draft with this tweet
" I've been enjoying being a college player & plan on striving to reach my goal of winning #8 here at UK. I can't leave BBN just yet".
With this announcement, this makes Kentucky the best and most talented team in the country next year ( yes even ahead of North Carolina) with the incoming freshman. Now we will have to wait and see what Liggins decides to do about the draft.
******* SMALL UPDATE********
Calipari on Jones' decision:
Cal- " I'm very happy for Terrence and his family because he did the right thing for his future but he had to come to that conclusion. He told me he wanted to continue enjoying the college experience, and I told him that was fine with me"
ASHLEY JUDD ON JONES' DECISION:
Ashley on twitter- UK fans rejoice! Jones returning for sophomore year!!! With our returning talent and #1 incoming class: is it October yet? GO CATS!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Terrence Jones to announce via Twitter tomorrow
By now I'm sure you all know that Terrence Jones is set to announce his decision tomorrow (no time was given) regarding the NBA draft, and doing so by Twitter one has to think his decision is to withdraw from the draft. I can't see him saying that he will remain in the draft via Twitter, usually a player will do as Brandon Knight did earlier today and call a press conference. However, this day and age it's hard telling what kind of media source kids will use to announce something. So tomorrow we will know the future of another Wildcat.
Knight to Stay in draft update
Knight announces he will keep his name in the draft.
Hate to see him leave, but I wish him well.
****** small update *******
Knight also announced that he will attend summer school this year. So much for the argument that Knight doesn't really care about education.
Draft Xpress on Brandon Knight
Write up on Brandon Knight by Draft Xpress, and don't forget about Knight's press conference at 10:15 this AM
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Finding-a-Niche-for-Brandon-Knight-3696
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Finding-a-Niche-for-Brandon-Knight-3696
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Knight to have presser 10:15am tomorrow
It seems that Brandon Knight will have a press conference tomorrow morning, and the smart money is on him announcing that he will remain in the NBA draft. Considering where he is projected to be drafted, he would be foolish not to leave. I would gladly welcome him back for another season, but since that don't seem to be the case I wish him well and hope he succeeds at the next level. Is it a for sure thing that he will announce that he is staying in the draft? No. But you would have to be insane to think otherwise.
So Brandon, thanks for all you done for the program and remember, ONCE A WILDCAT ALWAYS A WILDCAT!!!
So Brandon, thanks for all you done for the program and remember, ONCE A WILDCAT ALWAYS A WILDCAT!!!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Scout.com new 2012 rankings
Scout.com has updated their 2012 rankings, and Kentucky is on the list of a lot of the guys in the top 25.
| Pos | Nat'l Rank | Nat'l Rating | Name | Video | HT/ WT/ PPG | Schools of Interest |
| C | 1 |  | Andre Drummond (St. Thomas More School) Oakdale, CT | Connecticut, Duke, Georgetown, Louisville, North Carolina, Syracuse, Texas, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Rutgers | ||
| C | 2 | | Isaiah Austin (Grace Preparatory Academy, Inc) Arlington, TX |  | Committed to Baylor | |
| SF | 3 | | Shabazz Muhammad (Bishop Gorman HS) Las Vegas, NV | | Arizona, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Memphis, North Carolina, UCLA | |
| C | 4 | | Dajuan Coleman (Jamesville-Dewitt HS) Dewitt, NY | | Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio State, Syracuse, Louisville, Pittsburgh, West Virginia | |
| C | 5 | | Kaleb Tarczewski (St. Mark's School) Southborough, MA | Arizona, Duke, Florida, Georgetown, Kansas, North Carolina, Providence, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Boston College | ||
| C | 6 | | Cameron Ridley (George Bush HS) Richmond, TX | | Committed to Texas | |
| SG | 7 | | Ricardo Ledo (Notre Dame Preparatory School) Fitchburg, MA | | Providence, Boston College, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Syracuse | |
| SG | 8 | | Rodney Purvis (Upper Room Christian Academy) Raleigh, NC | | Duke, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Texas, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Xavier | |
| PF | 9 | | Brandon Ashley (Bishop O Dowd HS) Oakland, CA | | Arizona, California, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Stanford, Texas, UCLA, Washington | |
| SG | 10 | | Archie Goodwin (Sylvan Hills HS) Sherwood, AR | | Arkansas, Baylor, Kentucky, Louisville, Memphis, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee | |
| PF | 11 | | Robert Carter (Thomasville HS) Thomasville, GA | Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Ohio State, Texas, USC, Virginia Tech | ||
| PF | 12 | | William Goodwin (Southwest Dekalb HS) Decatur, GA | Georgia, Memphis, Miami (Fl), Tennessee, UCLA, Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, Providence, Florida, Kentucky, LSU, Texas | ||
| SF | 13 | | Alex Poythress (Clarksville HS) Clarksville, TN | Alabama, Cincinnati, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Memphis, Miami (Fl), Notre Dame, Ohio State, Purdue, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas, Vanderbilt | ||
| SG | 14 | | Gary Harris (Hamilton Southeastern HS) Fishers, IN | | Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Purdue, Vanderbilt, Xavier | |
| C | 15 | | Mitch McGary (Brewster Academy) Wolfeboro, NH | | Arizona, Cincinnati, Duke, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Marquette, Maryland, Purdue, Texas | |
| PF | 16 | | Grant Jerrett (Lutheran HS) La Verne, CA | Committed to Arizona | ||
| PF | 17 | | Kyle Anderson (St. Anthony HS) Jersey City, NJ | | Florida, Georgetown, Saint John's (NY), Seton Hall, UCLA | |
| SG | 18 | | Rasheed Sulaimon (Strake Jesuit College Prep) Houston, TX | | Committed to Duke | |
| PF | 19 | | Perry Ellis (Heights HS) Wichita, KS | Iowa, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, Memphis, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Stanford, Texas A&M, Wake Forest, Arizona, Wichita State | ||
| C | 20 | | Shaquille Cleare (The Village School) Houston, TX | Arizona, Baylor, Kansas, Maryland, Miami (Fl), Oklahoma, South Florida, Texas, Texas A&M, Utah, Washington, Wichita State, Arkansas, Marquette, Wake Forest | ||
| PF | 21 | | Amile Jefferson (Friends' Central) Wynnewood, PA | Georgetown, La Salle, Maryland, Miami (Fl), Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Saint Joseph's, Syracuse, Temple, Villanova, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Duke, Penn State, Stanford, Virginia Tech | ||
| PF | 22 | | Hanner Perea (La Lumiere School) La Porte, IN | Committed to Indiana | ||
| SG | 23 | | D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera (North Central HS) Indianapolis, IN | | Baylor, Florida, Georgetown, Kansas State, Louisville, Miami (Fl), Ohio State, Texas, UCLA, Wake Forest, Xavier | |
| C | 24 | | Robert Upshaw (San Joaquin Memorial HS) Fresno, CA | | Arizona, Arizona State, Florida, Fresno State, Harvard, Illinois, LSU, Tennessee, Texas, UCLA, USC, Utah, Maryland | |
| SG | 25 | | Torian Graham (Word Of God Christian Academy) Raleigh, NC | | Boston College, Clemson, DePaul, Kentucky, Louisville, Marquette, Miami (Fl), North Carolina State, Rutgers, Tennessee, UCLA, Wake Forest, Xavier |
Hard to believe 4 years ago Kentucky's name wasn't even mentioned when talking to a player in the top 25.
My how things have changed under Calipari.
click link for full top 100 rankings for the class of 2012
http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=4&cfg=bb&pid=88&yr=2012
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