Former Cat: Rondo named to All-Rookie squad

by JL Blue on May 8, 2007 2:28 PM EDT in Kentucky Wildcats News

Tayshaun Prince and Chuck Hayes aren't the only Wildcats showing well in the NBA. There's a youngster on the horizon, too.

Just a quick update, but much-maligned former Wildcats -- and current Celtics -- point guard Rajon Rondo was named Tuesday to the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team.

He is joined on the second team by Utah's Paul Millsap, Charlotte's Adam Morrison, Chicago's Tyrus Thomas, Minnesota's Craig Smith, Charlotte's Walter Herrmann and New Jersey's Marcus Williams. The latter two tied with Rondo for honors with 10 votes each.

Congrats to Rajon. I am not one of those who bought into the unfounded rumor that Rondo killed the 2006 team's chemistry. In retrospect, there was a lot more going on in the basketball office than just Rondo. Without him, there's no telling how badly that season finishes.

At any rate, a former Cat who left on good terms is always due some accolades. Besides, when he's tossing up triple-doubles, something tells me those haters are going to be quick to claim him as one of our alums in the League.

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Rondo

I am glad Rondo is doing well in the NBA. during the regulare season I would check box scores on Celtics.com often to see how he was doing and am more than willing to claim him as a UK alum but I have to disagree with you about his last season here.

I think most fans of the program would agree that he had his eyes set on the League the second he stepped onto campus and I dont think running Tubby's system properly was real high on his list of priorities. Without we would have been much worse but with a Rondo that was willing to run Tubby's system and not sit at the half court line pounding the ball into the wood rather than pass to a teamate we could have been much better.

by davw83 on May 8, 2007 4:13 PM EDT reply actions

Indeed

It is always great when a former Wildcat succeeds, and I love it dearly.

I have no idea why Rondo wasn't more successful at Kentucky, although he was pretty darn good. Some say it was Smith, others say conflict within the team, who knows and who cares? As far as I am concerned it is in the past, and I am all about moving forward these days.

We have lots to be proud of in our former players. Lots.

by Glenn Logan on May 8, 2007 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I concur

Rondo deserves more love than he's getting. He has the potential, with his speed and quickness to be a star in the Association. I wish more UK fans would get behind him.

by Clandestine on May 8, 2007 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Good For Rondo

Glad to see him getting some rookie honors. He started off hot in the beginning of the season, then the Celtics as a whole just kinda collasped, but I always loved the magician, he's one of my favorite Cats ever. The kid is special and someday he will be also in the NBA.

Loading ... checking memory card ... press Start and enjoy the game.

by giddyupwcb on May 8, 2007 4:19 PM EDT reply actions

Wish him well

I too agree Rondo did pound the ball too much (whether looking for an opening to exploit or for an open teammate.) I posted about Rondo a few days back. The reason I think their was trouble with teammates, especially his last year, is he ran into far too many screens. (I'm not talking about little ones, I am talking about ones that clean everything from the old memory bank.) I would complain that his teammates should help him by calling out "screen"! They did not. It seemed it happened once a game. Maybe guys being jealous of his talent, who knows? ( I don't even know that their were team problems, just one man's observation.) But Rondo was and remains an extremely talented player. Here's hoping he can help resurrect a once great franchise back to were it belongs.

Go Cats!

by Blueman2000 on May 8, 2007 5:39 PM EDT reply actions