Quaker State 400 delayed; Louisville Still Doesn't Exist

Kentucky fans were disappointed to see NASCAR'S Quaker State 400 get rained out this evening as John Calipari was set to be the honorary pace car driver to start the race. Word around the track was "Kentucky fans turned out in droves" as they always do when anything to do with Kentucky Basketball is involved and Calipari being Calipari, took time to sign autographs as always. 

Notice the drivers jacket coach Cal is wearing above, ESPN NASCAR had this to say about that more than awesome jacket...

"Calipari got one perk, a specially-made racing jacket embroidered with the terms "eight-time" -- referring to Kentucky's eight national championships -- and his trademark "Refuse to Lose" slogan. Drivers also signed the jacket, which will be auctioned for charity."

Odd that nowhere on that jacket read the words "LOUISVILLE national champions" or Indiana "Sweet Sixteen" for the Hoosier  and Cardinal fans that claimed on Twitter they showed up just to boo Calipari. 

Sure it would've been pretty awesome to see Cal lead the pack down the track to the green flag, but auctioning off the jacket will have to do.

Oh, and Louisville fans, this makes about the 100th time Cal has been able to get your claim to fame "Papa John" in a Kentucky shirt.

Louisville STILL DOESN'T EXIST...

Calipari drives pace car; proves UofL doesn't exist

Kentucky head man John Calipari was chosen to drive the honorary pace car in tonights NASCAR Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway. 

With Louisville winning the 2013 National Championship, it makes one wonder why Lil' Ricky wasn't thought of when it came to the selection process. Since the Cards' championship has been one of the least talked about in years, it's understandable why NASCAR and Kentucky Speedway overlooked it. 

I guess Louisville REALLY DOESN'T exist. 

KY Pro Football Hall of Fame to Honor Current, Former Wildcats

PER MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY...

KY Pro Football Hall of Fame to Honor Current, Former Wildcats

Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame to induct UK great Irv GoodeFriday night in Louisville

 

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky football great KY Pro Football Hall of Fame to Honor Current, Former Wildcats

Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame to induct UK great Irv GoodeFriday night in Louisville

 

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky football great Irv Goode, who spent 13 successful seasons in the National Football League, has been selected as a 2013 inductee into the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame and will be honored Friday nightduring the organization’s induction ceremony in Louisville, Ky.

 

Four other Wildcats will also be honored Friday as former UK offensive lineman Larry Warford and current UK stars Avery Williamson, Bud Dupree and Landon Foster will be recognized for making the All-Commonwealth Team last season. All four players were named to the All-Commonwealth first team, while Warford was also named Co-Offensive Player of the Year by the organization.

 

This weekend is the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 11th Anniversary Celebration where the organization will induct five former NFL stars with Kentucky ties, including Goode. Also being inducted will be former EKU defensive end Chad Bratzke, Louisville linebacker Otis Wilson, Louisville offensive tackle Roman Oben, and Cadiz, Ky., native Coy Bacon. The induction ceremony will take place June 28th at the Louisville Palace Theater beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets for the induction ceremony are available online atwww.kyprofootballhof.org.

 

Goode had an exceptional career at Kentucky from 1959-61 being named an All-America honoree in 1961. The native of Newport, Ky., went on to be the 12th overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1962-71 before spending two successful years with the Miami Dolphins from 1973-74. While with Miami, Goode helped the Dolphins win Super Bowl VII in 1973 before retiring in 1974. Goode was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.

 

Warford, who was taken in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft a few months back, came to UK from Richmond, Ky., and did not allow a quarterback sack as a senior, grading at 90.3 percent for the season and totaling 48 knockdown blocks. He led the UK offensive line, being named game captain five times throughout the season. Warford helped UK tailbacks earn 4.9 yards per carry during the season, including rushing for 342 yards against Samford. Warford ended his UK career having played in 47 games with 37 consecutive starts. The senior was named SEC Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week after UK's win over Kent State, handling blocking responsibilities on KSU's star lineman Roosevelt Nix. In the game, Warford collected eight knockdown blocks and graded out at 91.7 percent, while limiting Nix to only two assisted tackles.

Williamson had a breakout junior season in 2012, earning All-SEC honors from Phil Steele’s College Football andCollegeSportsMadness.com. The native of Milan, Tenn., is the returning starter at middle linebacker after finishing second in the SEC and seventh nationally in tackles last season. Williamson, who has played in 37 career games, started all 12 games for UK last season, posting eight double-digit tackle games, including a career-best 20 against Vanderbilt. The physical linebacker had a streak of four games with a least 13 tackles, becoming the first Wildcat to do so since Randy Holleran in 1990. Williamson also had 4.5 tackles-for-loss, three sacks, four pass breakups, two fumbles caused, a fumble recovery and an interception last season. 

Dupree, who is slated to play defensive end this season after splitting time at defensive end and linebacker his first two seasons, had a great sophomore season in 2012. The native of Irwinton, Ga., earned Sophomore All-America Second-Team honors byCollegeFootballNews.com, while Phil Steele’s College Football andCollegeFootballMadness.com named him an All-SEC performer in 2012. Dupree finished top 10 in the SEC in tackles, quarterback sacks and tackles-for-loss last season, starting all 12 games. Overall, Dupree had 91 tackles in his sophomore season with 12.5 tackles-for-loss and 6.5 quarterback sacks. The junior set a career-high in tackles last season vs. WKU with 12, while he had double-digit tackles at Tennessee with a career-best three tackles-for-loss. 

Foster had an immediate impact for the Wildcats last season as a true freshman handling all of the punting responsibilities and posting a 42.9 yards-per-punt average – the best mark ever by a UK freshman punter. The strong season led Foster to Freshman All-America honors byScout.com andCollegeFootballNews.com, while SEC coaches tabbed Foster a Freshman All-SEC performer. The native of Franklin, Tenn., averaged a season-high 50.7 yards in UK’s win over Kent State, while his longest punt was a 58-yard blast against Arkansas. In all, Foster trapped UK’s opponents inside their own 20-yardline an impressive 13 times last season.

 

This is the third year for the All-Commonwealth Team, which was created to give recognition to youth at a local level and empower them to develop expectations of greatness. According to the organization’s release, student-athletes selected to the All-Commonwealth Team represent the best college football players that the state of Kentucky has to offer, while their dedication to the game has contributed significantly to their teams., who spent 13 successful seasons in the National Football League, has been selected as a 2013 inductee into the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame and will be honored Friday nightduring the organization’s induction ceremony in Louisville, Ky.

 

Four other Wildcats will also be honored Friday as former UK offensive lineman Larry Warford and current UK stars Avery Williamson, Bud Dupree and Landon Foster will be recognized for making the All-Commonwealth Team last season. All four players were named to the All-Commonwealth first team, while Warford was also named Co-Offensive Player of the Year by the organization.

 

This weekend is the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 11th Anniversary Celebration where the organization will induct five former NFL stars with Kentucky ties, including Goode. Also being inducted will be former EKU defensive end Chad Bratzke, Louisville linebacker Otis Wilson, Louisville offensive tackle Roman Oben, and Cadiz, Ky., native Coy Bacon. The induction ceremony will take place June 28th at the Louisville Palace Theater beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets for the induction ceremony are available online atwww.kyprofootballhof.org.

 

Goode had an exceptional career at Kentucky from 1959-61 being named an All-America honoree in 1961. The native of Newport, Ky., went on to be the 12th overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1962-71 before spending two successful years with the Miami Dolphins from 1973-74. While with Miami, Goode helped the Dolphins win Super Bowl VII in 1973 before retiring in 1974. Goode was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.

 

Warford, who was taken in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft a few months back, came to UK from Richmond, Ky., and did not allow a quarterback sack as a senior, grading at 90.3 percent for the season and totaling 48 knockdown blocks. He led the UK offensive line, being named game captain five times throughout the season. Warford helped UK tailbacks earn 4.9 yards per carry during the season, including rushing for 342 yards against Samford. Warford ended his UK career having played in 47 games with 37 consecutive starts. The senior was named SEC Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week after UK's win over Kent State, handling blocking responsibilities on KSU's star lineman Roosevelt Nix. In the game, Warford collected eight knockdown blocks and graded out at 91.7 percent, while limiting Nix to only two assisted tackles.

Williamson had a breakout junior season in 2012, earning All-SEC honors from Phil Steele’s College Football andCollegeSportsMadness.com. The native of Milan, Tenn., is the returning starter at middle linebacker after finishing second in the SEC and seventh nationally in tackles last season. Williamson, who has played in 37 career games, started all 12 games for UK last season, posting eight double-digit tackle games, including a career-best 20 against Vanderbilt. The physical linebacker had a streak of four games with a least 13 tackles, becoming the first Wildcat to do so since Randy Holleran in 1990. Williamson also had 4.5 tackles-for-loss, three sacks, four pass breakups, two fumbles caused, a fumble recovery and an interception last season. 

Dupree, who is slated to play defensive end this season after splitting time at defensive end and linebacker his first two seasons, had a great sophomore season in 2012. The native of Irwinton, Ga., earned Sophomore All-America Second-Team honors byCollegeFootballNews.com, while Phil Steele’s College Football andCollegeFootballMadness.com named him an All-SEC performer in 2012. Dupree finished top 10 in the SEC in tackles, quarterback sacks and tackles-for-loss last season, starting all 12 games. Overall, Dupree had 91 tackles in his sophomore season with 12.5 tackles-for-loss and 6.5 quarterback sacks. The junior set a career-high in tackles last season vs. WKU with 12, while he had double-digit tackles at Tennessee with a career-best three tackles-for-loss. 

Foster had an immediate impact for the Wildcats last season as a true freshman handling all of the punting responsibilities and posting a 42.9 yards-per-punt average – the best mark ever by a UK freshman punter. The strong season led Foster to Freshman All-America honors byScout.com andCollegeFootballNews.com, while SEC coaches tabbed Foster a Freshman All-SEC performer. The native of Franklin, Tenn., averaged a season-high 50.7 yards in UK’s win over Kent State, while his longest punt was a 58-yard blast against Arkansas. In all, Foster trapped UK’s opponents inside their own 20-yardline an impressive 13 times last season.

 

This is the third year for the All-Commonwealth Team, which was created to give recognition to youth at a local level and empower them to develop expectations of greatness. According to the organization’s release, student-athletes selected to the All-Commonwealth Team represent the best college football players that the state of Kentucky has to offer, while their dedication to the game has contributed significantly to their teams.

Kentucky's Night At The NBA Draft

Per Media Release From The University of Kentucky...

Noel, Goodwin Selected in First Round of NBA Draft

UK has had 13 first-round selections in last four years

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Two former Wildcats were selected in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft on Thursday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., led by Nerlens Noel, who was picked sixth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans, followed by Archie Goodwin who was picked 29^th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Following their picks, each player was involved in a proposed trade, Noel going to Philadelphia and Goodwin to Phoenix.

It marked the fourth consecutive NBA draft that Kentucky was represented by multiple players in the first round of the draft.

Player                          Drafted by                                Rd.       # Pick   # Overall

Nerlens Noel                  New Orleans Pelicans                1          6          6

                                    (proposed trade to Philadelphia) 

Archie Goodwin             Oklahoma City Thunder              1          29         29

                                    (proposed trade to Phoenix)

The duo mark the 107^th and 108^th Wildcats drafted in the history of the program.

In just four years of the John Calipari era, Kentucky has had two No. 1 picks, 13 first-round picks and 17 total players selected in the NBA Draft.

2013 NBA Draft Notes

·         Following the 2013 NBA Draft, Kentucky has had 108 guys drafted 110 times (Johnny Cox ’58 and Roger Newman ’60 both drafted in junior eligible draft, but returned for senior year and were drafted again).

·         As of 2013, UK has had 33 players selected in the opening round (13 have come in the last four years) of the draft.

·         Following the 2013 draft, UK has had 17 players selected in the draft over the last four years.

·         Following the 2013 draft, Kentucky has had seven players selected in the top 10, eight in the top 15 and 13 in the first round of the draft in the last four years.

·         With multiple picks in its fourth consecutive NBA draft, Kentucky joins Duke as the only other school to have two or more players selected in four consecutive drafts since 1992. Calipari is one of only two coaches to have four consecutive NBA drafts in which multiple players from his school were selected since 1992 joining Mike Krzyzewski from Duke.

o   Kentucky – 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

o   Duke – 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992

·         Coach John Calipari has had two or more players selected in six consecutive NBA drafts dating back to 2008 with Memphis. He has three players who have been taken No. 1 overall.

·         Following the 2013 draft, Calipari has had seven players taken in the top 10 of the draft in the last four seasons and 13 taken in the first round of the draft. 

·         Since 2000 only 10 coaches have had multiple players taken in the NBA Draft in three or more drafts. Here’s a breakdown of coaches who have achieved the feat in three or more seasons since 2000. Calipari is the only coach to have multiple players selected in seven drafts.

o   Rick Barnes (2011, 2010 and 2006 with Texas)

o   Jim Calhoun (2009, 2006, 2004 and 2000 with Connecticut)

o   John Calipari (2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 with Kentucky; 2009, 2008 and 2006 with Memphis)

o   Billy Donovan (2011, 2007 and 2000 with Florida)

o   Ben Howland (2011, 2009, 2008, 2006 with UCLA)

o   Tom Izzo (2006, 2001 and 2000 with Michigan State)

o   Mike Krzyzewski (2011, 2006, 2004, 2002 with Duke)

o   Mike Montgomery (2001 and 2002 with Stanford and 2008 with California)

o   Bill Self (2013, 2011, 2008, 2003 with Kansas, 2002 with Illinois)

o   Roy Williams (2010, 2009, 2007, 2005 with North Carolina)

Archie Goodwin selected 29th by the Oklahoma City Thunder; Kentucky Effect

Draft night started off somewhat depressing for Kentucky fans when Nerlens Noel, the perceived favorite for the #1 pick fell to number six, but that quickly changed when Archie Goodwin heard his name called.

Archie Goodwin was selected 29th in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder then traded to the Phoenix Suns surprising everyone that had been following Archie during the NBA workouts. Going into tonight, it looked as if Archie was at best going to be selected in the second round and even that was wishful thinking. Now he has a guaranteed contract with an NBA team, something everyone said would not happen. This just goes to show you the power John Calipari has when it comes to getting guys to the next level. This makes 13 Kentucky players taken in the first round in the last four years.

Congratulations Archie, BBN wishes you nothing but the best.

Noel ALMOST joins Davis in New Orleans

After being considered the odds on favorite to be the #1 pick in this years draft, Nerlens Noel slid down to #6 and was picked up by the New Orleans Pelicans and will be teaming with former Cats Anthony Davis and Darius Miller on Bourbon Street

I'm not real sure what happened to make Nerlens fall out of the top five, but if you listen to folks on twitter it had something to do with his injury or his agent, truth is no one knows what happened. 

Kentucky fans would've loved to seen Nerlens go #1, but the truth is by sliding down to the Pelicans, Noel ends up on a better team. 

So go out and buy your Pelican gear Cat fans as New Orleans becomes Kentucky's official NBA team. 

Congratulations Nerlens...

UPDATE.....

Now looks like Nerlens Noel may be headed to the 76ers. What could've been

NBA Draft Night; Where Will Archie and Nerlens End Up?

Tonight is the 2013 edition of the NBA Draft and for the second year in a row, Kentucky and John Calipari have a chance for a player hear to his name called with the first pick that belongs to the Cleveland Cavaliers. A few weeks ago it was generally thought that Nerlens Noel was the overwhelming favorite to go first in the draft. Now it seems that there is some uncertainty what the Cavaliers will do with their #1 pick, will it be Nerlens, Ben McLemore, Alex Len or Anthony Bennett? The Cavs' have also been trying to trade out of the top pick, but so far no one has accepted the offer with the last one being extended to the New Orleans Pelicans (dumbest mascot I've ever heard of, no offense New Orleans). It's also being rumored that if Cleveland ends up keeping their pick, they may trade whoever they pick for a current player and a future first round pick, so nothing is set in stone as far as the #1 pick in concerned. 

Besides the #1 pick and Nerlens Noel, theres a little more to keep Kentucky fans watching the entire first round of the draft and that's the destination of Archie Goodwin. Many said that Archie should have returned for another season, but there was a high probability of Archie seeing his minutes diminish considerably with the overly talented incoming freshman leading him to make the decision to enter the draft. If you look at mock drafts, they have our man Archie going late in the first round to late in the second, so it's safe to say NO ONE KNOWS FOR SURE where he'll end up. But, as a Kentucky fan you have to hope he hears his name called in the first round, because the second round does NOT get a guaranteed contract. That's not to say that Archie can't make a roster being drafted in the second round, just that it would take a lot of stress out of his life if he had a guaranteed contract instead of trying to earn one.

So, tune in tonight and see what happens with two former Cats and learn what new NBA hats or shirts you will have to purchase from the NBA Store.

Kyle Wiltjer picks new home?

Rumors a swirling that Kyle Wiltjer has decided to take his talents to Gonzaga. This falls in-line with the rumors from earlier in the year that Kyle would be a Zag.  If this turns out to be true, Good luck to Kyle, we wish you the best. 

Kyle Wiltjer to Transfer; Not Really a Surprise

After rumors early in the off-season about Kyle Wiltjer transferring,  yesterday news broke about his departure and I gotta say, I'm disappointed to see him go. Kyle was the type of player most teams would love to have had he just hit the gym, work on his body and speed two things that he had not improved upon during his time in Lexington. Kyle always struggled with his defense and rebounding to the point where if he wasn't hitting his outside shot he became somewhat of a liability.

However, Kyle had the potential to have a Darius Miller type of year being one of the most experienced players on this years team something that could prove very important with this incoming freshman class. Kyle had abilities that someone 6'10 usually doesn't have and the most prominent was his ability to shoot the ball from long range. It was a well known fact by opposing teams, if you leave Kyle open he would make you pay, but it was also known that if you go at him when he's on defense, you had more than a advantage.

There was several things that led to Kyle's decision to transfer, but the main thing was the fact that he was simply recruited over with this incoming class and rightfully so. Calipari gave Kyle his opportunity last season to prove himself when Nerlens Noel went down with an injury and I can only think of one game where Wiltjer took advantage of that chance, all the others where less than impressive. So, Calipari decided that he wasn't going to get caught depending on someone who wasn't ready to be "the man" hence the massive recruiting class this year. Now, that's not to say that Calipari forced Wiltjer out, as a matter of fact Cal and his staff tried everything they could to get Kyle to stay, but in the end Kyle decided that a transfer was in his best interest.

Once you really look at the situation, it's no surprise that Kyle decided a transfer was his best option. So on that note, I wish Kyle nothing but the best wherever he goes (no school has been selected as of this post) and I firmly believe with a little work in the gym, Kyle can be one of the best players on whatever team he decides to join.

UK Football: Alvin Dupree, Avery Williamson on awards watch list

Per a media release from the University of Kentucky...

Dupree, Williamson On College Football Performance Awards Watch List

Defensive end Alvin “Bud” Dupree, linebacker Avery Williamson on national watch lists

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Junior defensive end Alvin “Bud” Dupree and senior linebacker Avery Williamson were honored recently by being named to the 2013 College Football Performance Awards Defensive Awards Watch List after their strong play last season for Kentucky. 

Dupree was named to the 2013 CFPA Defensive Lineman Trophy Watch List, while Williamson earned a spot on the 2013 CFPA Linebacker Trophy Watch List. Former UK star Danny Trevathan, who is currently playing for the Denver Broncos in the NFL, won the 2011 CFPA Linebacker Trophy.

All CFPA recipients are selected exclusively based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their teams. All players are eligible for awards at their respective positions; players are not preemptively eliminated from consideration. More than 130 CFPA recipients have signed professional contracts, and twenty-one have been first-round NFL Draft selections. The full list of 2013 CFPA recipients will be announced on January 8, 2014.

Dupree, who is slated to play defensive end this season after splitting time at defensive end and linebacker his first two seasons, had a great sophomore season in 2012. The native of Irwinton, Ga., earned Sophomore All-America Second-Team honors byCollegeFootballNews.com, while Phil Steele’s College Football and CollegeFootballMadness.com named him an All-SEC performer in 2012. Dupree finished top 10 in the SEC in tackles, quarterback sacks and tackles-for-loss last season, starting all 12 games. Overall, Dupree had 91 tackles in his sophomore season with 12.5 tackles-for-loss and 6.5 quarterback sacks. The junior set a career-high in tackles last season vs. WKU with 12, while he had double-digit tackles at Tennessee with a career-best three tackles-for-loss.

Williamson had a breakout junior season in 2012, earning All-SEC honors from Phil Steele’s College Football andCollegeSportsMadness.com. The native of Milan, Tenn., is the returning starter at middle linebacker after finishing second in the SEC and seventh nationally in tackles last season. Williamson, who has played in 37 career games, started all 12 games for UK last season, posting eight double-digit tackle games, including a career-best 20 against Vanderbilt. The physical linebacker had a streak of four games with a least 13 tackles, becoming the first Wildcat to do so since Randy Holleran in 1990. Williamson also had 4.5 tackles-for-loss, three sacks, four pass breakups, two fumbles caused, a fumble recovery and an interception last season. 

Kentucky's Football Recruiting Class Ranked #1 in 2014; Who Would've Thought

If someone had told you last season that Kentucky would at one point have the Nations #1 recruiting class for 2014, you would've assumed they were referring to basketball and who could blame you. No way Kentucky Football could have such success on the recruiting trail especially after the horrendous season we were forced to witness last year. 

Well folks, don't look now because as of today, your Kentucky Wildcats have college football's #1 recruiting class for 2014 thanks to Mark Stoops and his staff's ability to land 18 commitments thus far including 5 four-star players with a few other high-profile guys yet to decide that Kentucky is HEAVILY involved with.

When Mark Stoops was hired, I thought that he was the best option Kentucky had at the time considering everything that had happened last season, but I never in my wildest dreams thought he would come in and completely turn the program around before he had even coached his first game. If he is able to translate this type of success onto the field, things could get very interesting to say the least.

Of course it's going to take some time before we start seeing the fruits of Stoops and his staff's labor as this season has the potential to be no better than last, but anything is possible. But, football isn't like basketball where a new coach can come in and in one year turn a dismal team into a top three team in the country by seasons end like we witnessed Calipari do in his first season at the helm. If I had to guess, I would say in three years, if everything stays like it is and the Cats don't lose any of their commitments, I could see Kentucky winning 7 to 8 games and possibly going to a BCS Bowl. There's a sentence I never thought I wold type when it came to Kentucky Football.

So, for now take pride in the fact that we are FINALLY battling top notch schools for top notch players and actually getting commitments from them leading to the #1 ranked recruiting class in 2014... If Stanley "BOOM" Williams can get excited so can you

                                                                     #BOOM

Orlando Antigua Named Dominican National Team Head Coach

Media release from the University of Kentucky....

Antigua Tapped to Lead Dominican National Team

Served as national team assistant for last two seasons, will remain at UK

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Kentucky assistant coach Orlando Antigua has been named the head coach of the Dominican National Team it was announced by the Dominican Federation on Thursday.

Antigua has spent the past two seasons serving as an assistant to John Calipari for the Dominican team which fell one win shy of advancing to the nation’s first Olympic appearance in 2012.

“I’m extremely excited to have this opportunity,” Antigua said. “Anytime you can coach and be a participant of a national team, it’s very special. For Coach Calipari and (UK Athletics Director) Mitch Barnhart to allow me to take part in this opportunity means a lot, on a personal level as well as professionally.

“I’m also thankful to the Dominican Federation, (Federation GM) Eduardo Najri and (Federation President) Rafael Uribe for their confidence in entrusting this program and team to me,” Antigua said. “It is my goal to build upon the recent success we’ve enjoyed and continue to make this a program the Dominican Republic can be proud of.”

A native of the Dominican Republic, Antigua suited up for the national team in 1994-95 and 1997-98. Antigua then served as an assistant coach with Calipari and helped lead the Dominicans to the finals of an Olympic qualifying tournament before losing to Nigeria. The loss prevented the Dominican Republic from reaching its first Olympic games.

Antigua will remain as an assistant at UK after having helped lead Kentucky to a national championship in 2012. Since arriving at UK, the Wildcats have advanced to a pair of Final Fours and reached the Elite Eight three of four years. Antigua serves as Kentucky’s lead recruiter and he has helped UK haul in five-straight No. 1 rated recruiting classes.

“I’m happy for Orlando and this opportunity to lead the Dominican Republic national team,” Calipari said. “I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish over the past two years, getting this country to the brink of its first-ever Olympic appearance. I’m confident with the experience he has that Orlando will build on the team’s success and take it to new heights.”

The Dominican Republic will report to training camp at the beginning of August before taking the floor for a pair of exhibition contests against Puerto Ricoon Aug. 14 and Aug. 16. Antigua will then lead the Dominicans into competition at the Jenaro “Tuto” Marchand Continental Cup from Aug. 22-26 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

#1 all purpose back in 2014, Stanley "Boom" Williams picks Kentucky

What Mark Stoops is doing at Kentucky is beyond impressive. Actually, there is no word to accurately describe what he and his staff have been able to do in their short time in Lexington. They have compiled commitments from 16 players in the class of 2014 with 5 of those being from 4 star guys, oh and did I mention the young man pictured above gave his commitment to the Cats today and that he is the #1 all purpose back in the country for 2014 giving Kentucky the #3 ranked recruiting class as of right now according to Rivals.com. Yes, you read that right, the #1 all purpose back in the country picked Kentucky over the likes of Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Mississippi State and Wisconsin just to name a few and Kentucky now has the #3 ranked recruiting class in 2014, that's BEYOND insane.

Stanley "Boom" Williams, the #1 all purpose back in the country (yes I know I've said that multiple times already, but how often does that happen to Kentucky so deal with it) just agreeing to visit Kentucky's campus was HUGE, but when I started hearing chatter earlier today that a commitment was possible by days end, I was stunned to say the least. This just goes to show you that given a little effort, recruiting talented football players to Kentucky IS possible, but you can't be afraid to battle the likes of Ohio State, Alabama or Florida for players like our previous staff was and expect to bring in SEC type talent. The class of 2014 that is committed already IS SEC TYPE TALENT no question.

To put it in perspective, Rich Brooks coached Kentucky for seven years and landed seven 4 star players during that time. Mark Stoops has landed five four star players and he hasn't even coached his first game of his career yet and if he is able to land Matt Elam, you may see a statue of Mr. Stoops be erected outside Commonwealth Stadium shortly there after.

Congrats Mr. Stoops and welcome aboard Stanley Williams...

Former Cats invited to USA National Team mini-camp

PER A MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Former UK men’s basketball All-Americans DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis and John Wall are among 27 players who have accepted invitations to attend the 2013 USA Basketball Men’s National Team mini-camp that will be held July 22-25 in Las Vegas, Nev.USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo announced Wednesday.

Davis heads the list of 20 players with USA Basketball experience having averaged 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds a game as the youngest member of the gold medal winning 2012 U.S. Olympic Team.

Cousins is one of 10 members of the 2012 USA Basketball Select Team that trained against the U.S. Olympic Team during its July 6-11training in Las Vegas.

Wall, in addition to Cousins and Davis, possesses USA Basketball team experience as a high school senior as members of the USA Basketball Junior National Select Team that competed in the annual Nike Hoop Summit.

The invited players will assemble in Las Vegas on July 21, and will conduct daily training sessions July 22-24(12:00-2:30 p.m. PDT) and close out the mini-camp with the 2013 USA Basketball Showcase, a blue-white intra-squad game on Thursday, July 25, 6 p.m. PDTat the Thomas & Mack Arena on the campus of UNLV. All USA practices will take place at UNLV’s Mendenhall Center and are closed to the general public.

Tickets for the 2013 USA Basketball Showcase on July 25 go on sale June 13. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased by calling702-739-FANS or atwww.UNLVtickets.com.

UK hires new Senior Associate AD for Compliance

Per media release from the University of Kentucky...

Newman Baker Named Senior Associate AD for Compliance

Former NCAA Managing Director of Enforcement joins UK staff

 

LEXINGTON, Ky. –Rachel Newman Baker, who serves as the NCAA managing director of enforcement for development and investigations, has been named the senior associate athletics director for compliance at the University of Kentucky, UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart announced Tuesday. She will officially begin her duties on July 8, 2013.

 

“As college athletics continues to change, it is important that we support and protect our coaches, student-athletes and program at the highest level.  Rachel brings a wealth of experience on a national level and a fondness to return home to Kentucky. We are excited to have her, Brandon and their girls join our family,” Barnhart said.  “To have Rachel work with one of the most respected compliance directors in the country in Sandy Bell gives the University of Kentucky great confidence as we move into these challenging times in college athletics.”

 

Newman Baker will report to Bell, executive associate athletics director for student services, and serve as the liaison between the athletics compliance office and the UK football and marketing offices. She will supervise the assistant athletics director for academics and assistant athletics director for compliance as direct reports. Newman Baker will also assist Bell with daily compliance administration.

 

“I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Rachel in her capacities at the national office for over a decade,” Bell said. “Her commitment to resolving issues in a manner that was in the best interests of the membership, the institution and the student-athlete has always impressed me. She brings a great deal of global perspective and knowledge to this position in particular and to the university as a whole. As my responsibilities have increased to encompass the area of student services at UK and the world of compliance has become more complex and demanding, the need to expand our staff was evident. Rachel will be a very valuable asset to add to an already excellent compliance staff.”

 

Newman Baker will represent the University of Kentucky athletics department at all Southeastern Conference and NCAA compliance meetings and workshops. She will also be responsible for developing and maintaining oversight of UK’s department-wide agent registration and education program.

 

"Over the past 12 years at the NCAA, I'm proud of the work we did to promote student-athlete well-being while upholding the integrity of college athletics," Newman Baker said. “I'm looking forward to applying my skills and knowledge in my new role at the University of Kentucky under the leadership of Mitch Barnhart and Sandy Bell. I have the utmost respect for the standards of excellence by which they and their staff operate the UK athletics program. My family and I are excited to return to our home state and I can't wait to be back on a college campus alongside the student-athletes, coaches and administrators."

 

Prior to her promotion to managing director in August 2011, Newman Baker was the NCAA director of agent, gambling and amateurism activities from 2005-11.  She began her time with the NCAA as an intern in enforcement services in 2001. In 2002, Newman Baker became an assistant director in AGA and held that position until accepting the director position in 2005. 

 

As part of her duties as managing director, Newman Baker oversaw approximately 30 staff members and managed the staff in development, investigation and processing of infractions cases. She was also responsible for ensuring that the enforcement staff had an established area dedicated to the development of knowledge, contacts, and actionable leads in the sports of football and basketball, as well as agent issues in the sports of baseball, men’s ice hockey, and track and field. She also oversaw the basketball certification, scouting services approval, officials’ background checks approval, and sports wagering programs.

 

During her tenure as director of AGA, Newman Baker was responsible for all activities associated with post enrollment agent, gambling, amateurism issues, including, but not limited to, investigations, the cultivation of relationships with external constituents, educational awareness and the development and communication of legislation. She also served as the primary liaison to the NCAA Division I Amateurism Cabinet and as liaison to the Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct Committee.

 

“Over the years, Rachel has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the values and beliefs of the NCAA,” NCAA Interim Vice President of Enforcement Jonathan Duncan said. “She has served member institutions and student-athletes with excellence and she will be a great asset to the entire university community. We will miss Rachel, but we wish her the very best as she returns to the state she loves.”

 

Newman Baker is originally from Berea, Ky., and was a former women’s basketball student-athlete at Berea College where she earned a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1999. Upon graduation, Newman Baker enrolled at The Ohio State University and received her master's degree in sports administration in 2001. While at Ohio State, Newman Baker was a graduate assistant in the athletics compliance office. 

 

She and her husband, Brandon, have two daughters, Kate and Riley.