Thursday, April 28, 2011

Brandon Knight NBA Decision Update

Photo Courtesy of NationofBlue.com


According to NationofBlue.com , during an interview at Conkwright Elementary School in Winchester, he told the students that he was 50/50 right now in his decision to go the NBA or stay with the Wildcats.  I'll take this as a grain as salt, as he was doing a public speaking to grade school students, and he surely would not tell them he was leaving. 

Joesph Uchebo narrows his list to 3

Joesph Uchebo has cut his list of schools down to 3, Wake Forest , Florida State, and last but not least the Cats. Also keep an eye out on Ryan Harrow, a 6 foot, 158 point guard out of Marietta, Georgia. according to rivals he is ranked 19 in the 2011 class and was once a commit to NC State and doesn't have a list of schools to narrow down from at the moment but Kentucky might be a school that might be interested in the kid. Both could be a great pick up for next years cats.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Update On The Recruiting

It's took me awhile for me to gather myself after the final four loss and get back to the recruiting trail but I've done it. Since the season ended, Cal leaving to the NBA rumors, The freshmen along with Liggins have kept us on the edge with their draft decision but the most important thing that happens during the off season for UK fans is recruiting. Even though UK has secured themselves with the #1 recruiting class, with the likes of Anthony Davis Jr., Michael Gilchrist, Marquis Teague, and Kyle Wiltjer...Coach Cal hasn't quit. With the chances of Knight, and Jones leaving and Liggins returning, opens the possibility of new players coming in along with those four. Pictured above Trevor Lacey, a 6'3, 200 pound guard out of Huntsville, Alabama, who is considered the best player left that is not signed in the 2011 class. Lacey would be a replacement for Knight if Knight were to leave. Lacey wouldn't start right away but as another guard on the roster that can be productive, he'd be it. Lacey who has made it clear that he's down to 3 schools, Kentucky, Kansas, and his home state Alabama. He's going to visit those 3 schools in May and then decide where he attends. Lacey, played in the Derby Festival Classic, and said that he felt the love from the UK fans...hopefully that's a good sign. The recruiting doesn't stop there. Calipari was caught in a mess last year with the Kanter problems and was left with a very thin front line...that's not gonna happen again. Joseph Uchebo, a 6'9, 240 pound center out of Raleigh, North Carolina who was once committed to NC State and then decommitted and attended the same high school as John Wall has said that Kentucky has been recruiting him. Never lose confidence in the grand poobah which is Coach Cal. Expect more posts and updates from me as the recruiting season winds down. Good night folks.

Friday, April 22, 2011

The Sporting News on Knight, Jones, and Liggins decision


Sporting News: 'Cats Trio Enters Draft by CineSport

The Boston Celtics and Rajon Rondo play tonight !

Make sure to tune in at 7 PM as former Kentucky Wildcat Rajon Rondo and his Boston Celtics take on the New York Knicks

Photo of the Day - Josh Harrellson at Manchester Elementary in Clay County

Photo Courtesy of Manchester Enterprise























Here is a picture of my son Cory, as he pops is head up just in time to grab this snapshot with Josh Harrellson with his classroom at Manchester Elementary, in Clay County Kentucky .

ESPN makes Bob Knight apologize for Kentucky comments

"My overall point is that 'one and dones' are not healthy for college basketball," Knight said. "I should not have made it personal to Kentucky and its players and I apologize."


That's it.  After Bob Knight made false accusations about Kentucky and freshmen John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Eric Bledsoe, he makes an attempt to apologize.  Wow, not much there is it.

Josh Harrellson - NBA Agents Knocking on his door

LA Times article on Kentucky Big 3

Exerpt from LATIMES.com



Kentucky freshmen Terrence Jones and Brandon Knight and junior DeAndre Liggins are heading to the NBA. Maybe.

The school announced Wednesday all three players have declared for the
NBA draft but will not sign with an agent, clearing the way for them to return to school next fall if they change their mind by May 8.

Jones and Knight are considered middle to high first-round picks, and Liggins is a defensive stopper who hopes to play his way into the first round after being evaluated by scouts.


The trio helped the Wildcats to their first Final Four appearance in 13 years this spring. Kentucky fell to eventual champion Connecticut in the national semifinals.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Player Comments about NBA Draft Decision, Brandon Knight, DeAndre Liggins, and Terrence Jones

Via. KSR
Liggins:
“I’m excited about the opportunity to enter my name into the draft, putting me one step closer to realizing my dream,” Liggins said. “Growing up in a tough environment in Chicago, it’s a pleasure to have an opportunity to do something special. This is another challenge I’m looking forward to, to have my game evaluated by pro scouts and see how I rank against some of the top players in the world.”

Knight:
“Playing in the NBA has always been a dream of mine and this is the next step,” Knight said. “All season long coach has been tutoring me on the fine points of being a point guard, and now I have an opportunity to put my game on display in front of NBA scouts as a result of my hard work.”

Jones:
“Coach Cal and the rest of the staff pushed us all year long and helped us develop every part of our game to help prepare us for this point in our lives,” Jones said. “This will be a great chance for me to measure my skills against some of the best in the country and receive additional information on where I fit into this year’s draft.”

Calipari:
“I support the decision these three have made to take advantage of the process of putting their names in the draft,” UK men’s basketball coach John Calipari said. “They were a joy to coach this year and I would love the opportunity to continue to coach them again next season. I will always support my players in weighing their options and doing what is personally best for them and their families.”

John Calipari Comment on Brandon Knight , Terrence Jones, and DeAndre Liggins NBA Draft Decision

On John Calipari's Facebook, he had this to say about Kentucky's Big 3's decision :

As you have heard, 3 of our guys have declared for the NBA Draft, but NONE have signed w/an agent. They will each gather as much info as possible & take advantage of the process. They were a joy to coach this year & I would love the opportunity to continue to coach them next season. I will always support my players in weighing their options & doing what is personally best for them and their families. Go Big Blue!
 
 
I really like how he put the emphasis on "NONE" in his quote. 

Brandon Knight, DeAndre Liggins, and Terrence Jones all declare for the NBA Draft

UKAthletics.com announced today that all three, DeAndre Liggins , Terrence Jones, and Brandon Knight, have declared for the NBA Draft.  The only hope for optimism that I have is that neither of the 3 have signed an agent.  They have until May 8th to back out of the Draft and return to school.  More waiting until then :(

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones, DeAndre Liggins will announce NBA intentions tomorrow

Reported by the New York Daily news, the three amigos Brandon Knight, DeAndre Liggins and Terrence Jones will make an announcement tomorrow, Wednesday.  Lets' keep our fingers crossed on their NBA Draft decisions !

Photo of the Day - Josh Harrellson on tour in Manchester Kentucky

Photo by Barb Lipps











































Josh Harrellson is spotted here walking out of Wendy's in Manchester with Jeff Shepard !

Doron Lamb NBA Decision



































Doron Lamb made an official announcement today, he WILL be returning for his sophomore season at Kentucky. Great news for the Big Blue Nation.  Now, we wait the decision from Knight, Jones, and Liggins and whether or not they will test the NBA Draft waters .

Monday, April 18, 2011

Bob Knight Kentucky Comments - Another reason not to like Bob Knight

Coach Calipari takes a visit to Trevor Lacey

Coach Cal is trying to land one more recruit before the season begins.  He took a visit yesterday with Trevor Lacey from Alabama !

Weird Kentucky Wildcat Gear


$19.95


Harrison Barnes Decision - He coming back next year

UNC fans got some good news, as Harrison Barnes will not be entering the NBA, and will be returning to UNC next season.  Come on Knight and Jones, let's hear the same good news !

DeAndre Liggins Draft Decision - Wildcat NBA Feber

Of the three names rumored to be thinking about a entry into the NBA Draft, Liggins is the one I think will return for sure.  Catspause.com is predicting Liggins would be taken 50th overall in the draft.  That is late in the second round.  I think a NCAA title, and possibly a NCAA Defensive player of the Year award could help his NBA draft stock next season !

Brandon Knight NBA Draft Decision

BLEACHERREPORT.COM has Brandon Knight going 6th overall in it's latest mock NBA Draft.  There has been no official announcement as of yet from anyone in the Brandon Knight camp, however it would be hard to pass up on a lottery pick.  Then again, Coach Cal did make a couple of comments that the potential NBA lockout would play a factor in their decision as well.

Terrence Jones NBA Decision















I am hearing rumblings that a Terrence Jones NBA Draft decision could come as early as today.  He had until the 24th to declare, however with him going home the past weekend to discuss it with his family, I think we may be reporting a decision soon

Anthony Davis

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Who were the most important players for the Kentucky Wildcats in the last 5 years?


A Loaded Question

Over the last 5 years, what player has had the most positive influence to the Kentucky Wildcat men's basketball program?  That question has the potential to unleash a number of answers, as the programs has been up and down during the last 5 years.  I want to give it a shot , however, and give you my top 5 most influential players in which have put on a Kentucky jersey in the last half decade.  Here we go:


5. Joe Crawford
 During a period of time when the Big Blue Nation were questioning the ability of Tubby Smith to recruit, he put together one his best classes, which include Ramel Bradley, Rajon Rondo, Randolph Morris, and Joe Crawford.  Morris and Rondo decided to leave early and test the NBA water(in which turned out pretty good for Rondo), leaving Bradley and Crawford to lead the Cats during their junior season.  In my opinion( Joe took it upon himself to be the leader of that period. Take away the scoring ability that he had, and the Cats may have been NIT bound, instead of playing Michigan St. in the Great 8.

4. Jodie Meeks

We were all witnesses , as Jodie Meeks placed Kentucky back in the national media eye when he scored 54 points against arch rival Tennessee.  Throughout the remainder of the season, he had to play agains an onslaught of defenses that tried to contain him, in hopes that Patrick Patterson and gang would have to beat them.  I think Meeks play helped keep the Cats in light just enough to help the Big Blue Nation stay afloat. 

3.John Wall


I know, John Wall was a one and done player.  You are most likley saying, "Sam, how can you put John Wall on the list, he was only there for 1 YEAR?"  No matter your stance on one and dones, John Wall brought the program back to the top of basketball, where the Kentucky Wildcats belong.  He was the most talented player in the entire NCAA last season, and as we all know went on to the the first ever Kentucky player drafted # 1 overall in the NBA draft. 

2. Josh Harrellson


Last season was all about Jorts Mania.  The man has now became a Kentucky legend.  He went from being locked in the bathroom during halftime of a game in his freshman season, to becoming a producer in Kentucky's Final Four run.  With Enes Kanter ruled ineligible, Josh Harrellson took the lead as our go to big man, working hard to become a prime time player. 

1. Patrick Patterson

Patrick Patterson was a staple for the Kentucky Wildcats.  He could have took the high road and left town, after the Billy Gillespie debacle.  Instead, Patrick stood true and stayed with the Big Blue Nation.  His presence alone helped keep Kentucky in the main stream during much of the ho hum Billy G years. Thank you Patrick for sticking it out !

It's your Turn

Now that you have read my thoughts on the most influential players from Kentucky during the last five years, I want to know what you think.  Do you agree with me?  Who do you think I snubbed?  I will never know unless you tell me.  All you have to do is leave a comment below with your opinions.  


Friday, April 15, 2011

Coach John Calipari NBA Rumors started by UK Rivals?

According to the SportingNews, Coach Calipari believes that all the rumors about himself heading to the NBA have been started by Kentucky rivals. Calipari says most of the rumors are started to mess with recruiting.  If a recruit hears a story or reads an article about the coach leaving, that puts the school at a disadvantage to recruiting him. Coach Cal goes on to say, 

"Part of it is to screw up your recruiting. I laughed when the newest rumors came out because I said, 'You're not screwing up our recruiting because we already have these kids signed.' Those rumors are going to be out there. I've got a great job, one of the best in our sport. I can't stop the rumors."


Thursday, April 14, 2011

Josh Harrellson Shirts / Josh Harrellson Hats / Josh Harrellson Tour - It's Jorts Mania




Coach Cal says its a " NO Brainer" for Knight , Jones, and Liggins to put their name in the draft

 Coach Cal had an interesting quote about the Wildcats freshmen leaving early for the NBA Draft :


We’re not there yet to be able to tell you (if they’re staying or going) but I think putting their names in is a no-brainer, if that’s what they choose to do,” Calipari said. “The lockout really kind of screws everything up because a lot of kids are pulling their names because what if the lockout goes the whole year? What kind of mistake did you make?

Anthony Davis Jr. Jordan Brand Classic Interview

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Josh Harrellson will be at Wendy's in Manchester, KY

Show your support to the Kentucky Wildcats and Josh Harrellson by coming by and saying hello to Jorts ! He will be at Wendy's in Manchester on April 19th from 5 to 7 PM.  Wendy's is located just off the parkway in Manchester,  See you there ! Go Jorts !

NIke Kentucky Final Four Cap, ONLY $4.95


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ONLY $ 4.95 Through AMAZON.COM !

John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Kentucky Coach Matthew Mitchell featured in segment of Comedy Central Show

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Terrence Jones Twitter - Random Tweet of the Day

Terrence Jones
Great day in the pool won 3 games of jackpot and I never was pollo o yea and @ @ pee in the pool lol jk

Brandon Knight Jersey , ON SALE NOW -


BUY your Brandon Knight Jersey now from AMAZON.COM

John Wall Rookie of the Year ?

Enes Kanter Throws First Pitch

Anthony Davis Interview at Nike Hoops Summitt

Patrick Patterson blocks and denies Blake Griffin

Clay County Tiger Cheerleaders on National TV - ESPN

The Clay County Tigers (Eastern Kentucky) Cheerleaders will be on national television today.  Tune into ESPN 2 at around 12:55 PM! Go Tigers !

Friday, April 8, 2011

Coach John Calipari to New York Knicks ? More Calipari NBA rumors ! Dick Vitale says to "Stop it Baby" !

Dick Vitale is tired of all the John Calipari to the NBA rumors.  He tweeted the following last night :

"Please lets stop the @UKCoachCalipari rumors with NBA as he will not leave this class. Just spoke to him & he is excited about 2012!"

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Jay - Z has 99 problems but Kentucky ain't 1 ..... Not so fast : The NBA has confirmed an investigation into Jay Z meeting Kentucky players in the locker room

Remember the video of Jay - Z celebrating the Kentucky victory over North Carolina a couple weeks ago?  Apparently, this was against the rules as Jay - Z is part owner of the New Jersey Nets.  Below is taken from CBS Sports.com , 

The NBA plans to investigate contact between Nets part-owner Jay-Z and members of the Kentucky basketball team after the Wildcats beat North Carolina Sunday to advance to the Final Four, a person with knowledge of the situation told CBSSports.com. The hip-hop mogul's visit was documented in photos and video showing him congratulating players in the Kentucky locker room, which happened to have been occupied by two potential lottery picks -- Brandon Knight and Terrance Jones. As noted here, this offense would seem to be comparable to Celtics GM Danny Ainge sitting with Kevin Durant's mother during the 2007 Big 12 tournament. Ainge was fined $30,000, a slap on the wrist in exchange for the opportunity to schmooze a top prospect's mom. But given that standard, Jay-Z should be docked $30K for each college player who was in the locker room.



What does this mean for the Kentucky Wildcats ?  Is John Calipari in trouble?  Do we have to give up our Final Four banner?  No, it means nothing in terms of Kentucky.  This is an NBA rule, not a NCAA one.  Jay -Z will have to pay a fine, I'm sure he'll survive.

A little Gus Johnson Goodness - If only he announced the title game, it may have been better !

Rumors Begin to Fly - John Calipari New York ? John Calipari to the NBA?

I personally don't believe that Coach Calpari would leave UK to go back to the NBA.  He didn't do so well last time, plus he calls UK his dream job.  Still, I have compliled a list of writers who feel there is a chance he'll leave our Old Kentucky Home and head over to the Pros.  Here it is :




Calipari Mulling Return to the NBA?

 

Tweet Ties John Calipari To Miami Heat

 

 

 

 

Josh Harrellson withdraws from Portsmouth Invitational, which is a Pre-NBA Draft Camp

According to the UK Athletics website, Josh Harrellson will not be attending the Porthsmouth Invitational due to flu like symptoms.  He released a statement that he was very upset he couldn't attend this prestigious camp.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

UConn defeats Kentucky

DeAndre Liggins takes a three to win but it doesn't go down as Kentucky's Final Four run is over.  It's was a great run by an over achieving team.  Proud of our Wildcats.

Patrick Patterson in a Brandon Knight Jersey and Jorts !

Wildcat on Wildcat Hate ? DeAndre Liggins DeMarcus Cousins exchange words

Taken from USAToday.COM

"Last year's freshmen were great freshmen," Liggins said, according to Rick Bozich of the Courier-Journal. "But I just think, personally, too many egos. Everybody wanted to be the man.
"This year, everybody doing their role and everybody knows what they gotta to in order for us to win."

That was DeAndre Liggins comment yesterday about how this year's freshmen are different from last year's freshmen.  This sparked alot of controversy and offended one former Wildcats.  Below is DeMarcus Cousins tweet in response to DeAndre's comment: