Quick-Hit Wednesday

by Truzenzuzex on Apr 12, 2007 8:35 AM EDT in Basketball Comment 9 comments

I'm swamped today and still recovering from a wretched cold, so blogging is likely to be light from my side. Here are a few things of interest that I found in my morning perusal:

Scott Hagerman of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer thinks Gillispie is a lock to bring Kentucky back to national prominence, and he thinks Meeks will wind up being The Man next year.

The Courier-Journal covers the DeMoss departure. I can't help but believe there is something more to this situation than we know right now. But then again, maybe we should just take her at her word, thank her and wish here well. She certainly rescued our moribund women's basketball program.

The Cincinnati Enquirer's Hoops Blog has a post today on the advent of Billy Gillispie as UK's basketball coach, and his recruiting progress. The author decides it's time to open fire on, of all people, Patrick Patterson.

With all due respect, couldn't he have saved this until after Patterson commits?

The Herald-Leader interviews Mitch Barnhart about the vacant women's coaching job at UK, and declares it to be "wide open", and gender isn't an issue:

In the history of its women's basketball program, Kentucky has never hired a man as head coach. This time, will the "open box" approach allow men to at least be considered?

"Yes. Absolutely," Barnhart said. "It's wide open."

Good luck, Mitch. Your track record so far is excellent. Keep up the good work.

Finally, a non-Kentucky related basketball story - it is reported that Karl Malone, former Utah Jazz and Louisiana Tech grad, could become assistant coach at his old school.

Updates as they become available.

Update [2007-4-12 11:8:38 by Truzenzuzex]: OK, this is just hilarious. TCP has taken over TCU's Rivals message board. I suppose their basketball program is so near death that nobody vists there anymore. Absolutely priceless.

Update [2007-4-12 12:16:24 by Truzenzuzex]: Garry Parish has an absolutely fascinating article about how he saw the whole Gillispie hire go down. If he is right, Gillispie is sharper than a Ginsu knife. If he is wrong, Gillispie is as lucky as a leprechaun in an Irish casino in Las Vegas.

Update [2007-4-12 12:25:24 by Truzenzuzex]: Gillispie excited about UK's current players.

PM UPDATES

Patrick Patterson and Jai Lucas are said to be nearing thier decision. Rivals West Virgina site has the scoop.

Billy Gillispie said in his press conference today that his assistants won't specialize (i.e. recruiting, offense) and that Kentucky's returning players are "Better than [he] thought." As you said, Billy, UK has been "fixed a long time ago."

From the Diaries: Boobs laments the likelihood that DeAndre Jordan will be staying at TAMU.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are coveting Jai Lucas as well.

Wondering what happened to Shawn Finney? Marshall has him.

Sources say Oden, Conley and Cook all likely to declare for the draft.

Update [2007-4-12 18:14:36 by Truzenzuzex]: Oh, dear ...

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Comments

Someone on kentuckysportsradio site

stated someone on the Girls basbetball team told them Demoss found out about some health issues in the middle of the season. It's only a rumor but if it turns out to be true the Demoss departure makes sense.

by boerwinkle on Apr 12, 2007 9:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I had suspected this ...

if it turns out to be true, I pray it isn't serious.

by Truzenzuzex on Apr 12, 2007 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well ...

What's done is done. Certainly, we hope it's not health related, but evne if it is, she clearly wanted to keep her reasons to herself.

We move on. I was surprised at how mediocre her team last year was. I hope that whomever they get can take the next step DeMoss did a great job turning the program around.

I think Barnhardt, at this point, has shown his chops in hiring.

Interestingly, unlike in men's hoops, the in-state talent in women's hoops could make UK a monster. Given the new practice facility, there's absolutely no reason Kentucky shouldn't be a Final Four caliber program in women's basketball.

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Apr 12, 2007 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Candace Parker

I know she's Tennessee.

I just think she's hot, iz all.

by catlanta91 on Apr 12, 2007 11:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Moolah

She's a pretty girl, and could finally be the "Jordan" of women's hoops they've been looking for for years.

Was supposed to be Holdsclaw, but she didn't really have the game in the pros they thought.

Parker's "street" game and athletic ability combined with her looks should make her a LOT of money.

The Online home of Big Blue Nation ...

by JL Blue on Apr 12, 2007 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Candace Parker

I dont get how someone as ugly as Sheldon Williams lands Candace Parker. I guess having a couple million in the bank helps.

by davw83 on Apr 12, 2007 12:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

DeMoss Departure

I hate to see her go because I think she was great for the women's program... If Barnhart is serious about the field being wide open, then I think he should look at Rick Insell (women's coach at MTSU)...he has taken that program to great links in one year. The MTSU women got beaten by Marist in the NCAA...Marist was beaten in the next round (quarter or semifinal) by UT (the eventual NCAA Champ). Rick Insell is the former coach of the famed Shelbyville, TN high school girls team that has delivered SO many top 10 high school girls recruited by top colleges that it is embarrassing for the rest of the state.

So, if your reading this Mitch...go for Rick Insell!

ukkrazy...you can take the girl out of KY but you cannot take the KY out of the girl

by ukkrazy on Apr 12, 2007 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs