The Big Blue Daily Mail -- Sam Houston State Edition
Tonight, the Wildcats take on the Bearkats of Sam Houston State, a team I know absolutely nothing about, as their opening round game in the Cancun Challenge. Rumors have been swirling about the availability of Darnell Dodson and John Wall, but I have heard nothing definite. The closest I can come is:
- Calipari is very unhappy with Darnell Dodson at the moment (that could explain why it took him so long to get into the game on Monday).
- Calipari is getting happier with DeAndre Liggins. Happy enough to play him?
- John Wall's uncle passed away earlier this week. Our sympathy goes out to his family. I have no idea if he will play or not, but I suspect he will.
In other news worth highlighting, UK just secured another football recruit, Avery Williamson, a Rivals 3* linebacker out of Milan, Tennessee. Willimson impressed at Lane Kiffin's Tennessee Camp and is one of the very best in the Volunteer state. Even though UT was not heavily recruiting Williamson, UK has had great success with the overlooked players from Tennessee and Georgia.
And finally there is this item about one of my favorite players, Chuck Hayes. I somehow missed this when it come out (I'm sure somebody linked it, though) but I think it deserves special attention. I love Chuck Hayes, and when he gets accolades, I like to put it on the front page.
The news follows the jump.
- Rich Brooks & the SEC Teleconference « Over The Pylon
- Blogpoll Week 11 - CBSSports.com
- Cats aren't fooled by Georgia's sub-par stats | KentuckySports.com
"Georgia's still Georgia," sophomore offensive tackle Brad Durham said. "They're still big and athletic and, defensively, they're huge up front."
I think the "Georgia is Georgia" part was all that needed to be said. - Wildcat Blue In a Sea of Orange: Rich Brooks is making the bowls despite the absence of "star recruits"
- Calipari's Cats Get Taste Of Kinder, Gentler Coach
Calipari had been hoping for a moment like this early in the season, a chance for him to see how his talented but largely inexperienced squad reacted to adversity for the first time.
"I was ecstatic," Calipari said.
I'm thinking Gillispie would have done this ... ah ... a little different. And his team was shocked.
"I’ve not really seen anybody be positive when you’re down 18, but he was," Miller said.
Calipari evenly — but not harshly — challenged his players to prove themselves. - Basketball recruiting: The strength of Memphis' class was a major statement by first-year coach Josh Pastner - ESPN
With a few players graduating and a few anticipated early departures, the Wildcats are going to have a few need areas to fill. Look for UK to make a push to get a point guard, a shooter and some size. The Wildcats could get a head start on filling these needs if they get a commitment from Tobias Harris (Brookville, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills), who plans to announce his decision on Thursday. They also are in the running for unsigned prospects Brandon Knight (Coral Springs, Fla./Pine Crest), Josh Selby (Baltimore/Lake Clifton), Doron Lamb (Laurelton, N.Y./Oak Hill Academy) and Terrence Jones (Portland, Ore./Jefferson), among others.
With Calipari at the helm, I'll worry about recruiting when he gives me a reason to. Until then, I expect a top five class every year. - Tobias Harris! Tobias Harris! Tobias Harris! - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician
Kentucky will not get Harris, IMO, but here is some info in how his recruitment is going. - Don't Bet On It!: Around the SEC - Dawg Sports
- Texas Overwhelms Western Carolina 73-41 - Burnt Orange Nation
* And yes, I hope Kansas fans see this, and react to this. Not because I want a chest-thumping war, but because I think this is our rival in basketball. Rick Barnes and Bill Self see it the same way, and I'm all for it. The Texas-Kansas back-and-forth over the last 6 years has been the best kept secret in college hoops, and I absolutely love that we have a powerhouse like Kansas to constantly measure ourselves against. They're smart fans: I think they see it, too. This should be the most fun season to date.
I think Peter's right. The Kansas-Texas rivalry has really been heating up over the years. Who knows, one day it may be as recognized as it deserves. - Rush The Court " Blog Archive " Memphis Learns Its Fate, Can’t/Won’t Tell Anyone the Results…
Does the NCAA not understand that operating in this manner in no way engenders public trust and faith in the fairness and equitable nature of the system? Do they not see that, regardless of the strength of their argument on the merits, John Q. Fan reads this and can only conclude that the NCAA is hiding the ball so as to get its way in the end? Are they too dense to realize that a simple and consistent application of rules and policies are the first step toward removing much of the thinly-veiled cynicism that those still following big-time college sports have for it?
I'm afraid I can't improve on this at all. Must read. - StraitPinkie.com Previews Sam Houston State at Kentucky | straitpinkie.com
- Cats say Miller fits dribble-drive | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
Two weeks ago, Calipari said, he noticed that Miller's shoulders were leaning back on his jump shot. Instead of going straight up with a shot, he was fading away from it. The result was a flat shot.
But the observation slipped Calipari's mind.
Let's hope Miller has it working now. We need a bit more out of him. - A healthy dose of Patterson, sound defense keys to Kentucky's 2009-2010 seasons
- " SEC links: Can Georgia stand a little praise? John Clay’s Sidelines
John Clay's SEC links - Jeff Sheppard Podcast: Titans of Kentucky – LostLettermen.com
- What Everyone Needs to Know About The DDMO
A really nice set of principles for the DDM offense. Very interesting. - " Video: John Calipari before today’s practice John Clay’s Sidelines
- Cobb may not play at Georgia | Vaught's Views
Uh-oh. I hope that shoulder can heal in three days. - ZAGSBLOG " Doron Lamb Weighing Options; Pitt Signs 3
- Tom Leach - Kentucky Football, Kentucky Basketball, UK Football, UK Basketball
Tom has a several new podcats up you will want to listen to. - Miami Coach Not Impressed By Lexington Reporter's Question - Media Meltdowns - Deadspin
A reporter asked Miami of Ohio coach Charlie Coles (a 17.5-point underdog last night) how he let the Kentucky game "get away from him." He was not amused. - Memphis Tigers Fall (Barely) to Top-Ranked Kansas | Tiger Blue | Memphis Flyer
If you’re a college hoops fan, you gotta love Dick Vitale’s enthusiasm. But objectivity? His unbridled defense of the Memphis program in respect to the allegations that Derrick Rose had a proxy take his SAT for him was hardly a broad assessment of the matter. Long tied to the mast of college basketball, Vitale should show greater concern for the shortcuts players are bound to take to skirt the NBA’s draft restrictions. Whether or not Rose is guilty, the allegations are serious. And whether or not they impact programs competing for a national championship, such transgressions have to be fought by the NCAA.
I didn't hear Vitale's comments, but I do agree that the allegations are a serious matter, even if I don't agree with the disposition of the case. We cannot allow rampant academic fraud in college sports, and the NCAA is the last bulwark against that. So while I disagree with how the NCAA handled the Memphis case, I do agree that allegations of fraud are of grave concern. - About What You Expected: Louisville 96, Arkansas 66 - Arkansas Expats
As the second half dragged on, I found myself begging for the game to end, but overall, it's hard to get too upset up about the outcome. The Hogs played hard, but they are severely short-handed right now, and Louisville is a Top 20 team. Anybody who didn't think the game had a strong likelihood of playing out this way is living with a healthy dose of denial.
Big win by Louisville. But Pitino's Sypher woes continue. - LSU Tigers defeat Western Kentucky in men's basketball | LSU Tigers Central - - NOLA.com
A bit of a surprise. Western has a good team, this was a solid win for LSU. - Kentucky sophomore one of SEC's most dangerous players || OnlineAthens.com
"He [Randall Cobb] might be the most talented player in the Southeastern Conference today," said Georgia coach Mark Richt, gearing up for Saturday's game against Kentucky. "We know what he did last year. He just about single-handedly beat us himself."
High praise from the Georgia coach.
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Whaaaaat??
The NCAA makes a decision on the Memphis appeal, but we can’t know about it?? That’s such a foul… I think ABC’s “NCAA Conspiracy Theory” is proving itself true! What BS…
If your wings don't sweep....
Far be it from me to make a case for the NCAA being an
underhanded, backstabbing,cutthroat, biased,no good, low-life group of pseudo-dictators with an axe to grind against everything we hold dear here in the Commonwealth.
I wouldnt do that. At least not without evidence…… that’s the NCAA’s way of doing things, not mine. Next thing you know we will be doing “double-secret probation”, and they wont be able to tell us why.
When are Universities and Coaches going to wise up and learn that the NCAA has lost not only it’s credibility, but the public’s trust when it comes to them and their decisions that have been handed down as if they were decrees from the Gods on Mt Olympus?? Zeus himself would call this exactly what it is, send down a lightning strike and fry them all.
If I am Memphis, I still file suit……
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
The more I think about this, the madder I get!
As has been well documented, the NCAA Clearinghouse declared “x-player” (insert your favorite name here) eligible, then reverses it’s decision based on evidence any level-headed judge would throw out of any court, jerks a season’s worth of wins away from Memphis and then declares, in a “holier than thou” voice, we aren’t going to tell you the results of the appeal?? Asinine, just plain asinine…
I’m if the CEO of the lead newspaper in Memphis, I’m in court this afternoon to have the results of the investigation brought out into the public domain…
If your wings don't sweep....
Just makes you want to reach out and slap someone right upside the head, don't it?
hehehe……We have allowed Caesar to become God…all to save Rome. To save the city, we must destroy it……..
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Why yes...
As a matter of fact it does!! LOL
I will now step down off my soapbox and put it back in the closet.
If your wings don't sweep....
Hmmm
Looks like the powers that be in the NCAA have been reading Kafka lately.
the REAL fake Mr. Bob Dobalina
Formerly known as "senowen"
So what
If the NCAA has lost credibility, that hasn’t hit it in the pocketbook. People aren’t watching less or going to games less often (at least, not b/c of their views of the NCAA. It simply doesn’t care. It’s actions have no impact on its bottom line b/c it doesn’t actually play the game.
Sam Houston State
One thing jumped out at me looking at their last boxscore… 34 assists and 14 turnovers. I know they were only facing an NAIA school, but that is pretty impressive.
Didn't know where else to put it
Last night Buffalo ran the triple reverse pass (successfully) in thier victory over Miami (oh!). Hope ABC finds the highlight – maybe on ESPN somewhere, it made the #1 play of the day.
I did enjoy that one soooooo.......
Hope Coach Brooks saw it too…..lol
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
RE: Kentucky Football
Cobb’s shoulder – uh-oh. Would hate to lose 1/3 of our offense in such an important game. He’s such a gamer, he’ll probably play if the arm is still attached.
Nice summation of past few years of recruiting by Wildcat Blue in a Sea of Orange. I’ll sleep a little better tonite.
Color me Happy
about the Memphis/Kansas game. I think all of us despise Kansas and we have to love Memphis due to what we got and they lost. :). I like Pastner, he will be a good coach for them but he will leave too for a BCS program. Memphis needs to get a clue.
On the Arkansas game……I am proud of JP for stikcing to his standards and not letting those kids play. Hope the AD there gives him a break.
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
Not all of us...
I dont despise Kansas. Dont love Memphis either.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Nov 19, 2009 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
Me 'neither, Tink.
Don’t hate or love either program. Respect what they’ve done, but “despise” in the same sense that I do Puke, nah!
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
In theory...
I agree that it’s hard for the non-BCS schools, but Gonzaga (WCC) doesn’t seem to be having much problem holding on to Mark Few.
GO BIG BLUE!!
by bluebloodtoo on Nov 19, 2009 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
I think
its location. I have heard many saw that area is wonderful.
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
Spokane?
It’s decent but hardly spectacular.
Gonzaga is a very good program and a great school, too.
by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 21, 2009 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
Talent isn't the only measyre of a recruiting class
It is always great to see U.K. players doing well, but especially guys like Chuck Hayes. He is one of my favorites as well. One of the downsides, admitedly there are only a few, to having top recruiting classes is players like Hayes are’t going to come to U.K. The program is better when those kids are brought in. They teach the more talented players how to work hard and what can be accomplished with limited talent and maximum effort. I think Tubby had a real talent for finding these sort of guys. Unfortunately he missed on the other have of that equation, getting the top notch talent.
Hayes Signed In 2001
UK classes (as rated by RSCI consensus) were #6 (1998), #3 (1999), and #12 (2000) in the 3 years prior to him signing with UK. His 2001 class was also rated #12 by RSCI. Those 4 classes had a combined 7 years with 184 W only 54 L for average W-L record of 26 W and 8 L.
Hayes was Calif HS POY and Parade HS A-A – hardly a sleeper in 2001 class.
by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 21, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
Top Notch Talent
UK/Tubby signed 5 Star players Prince, Bogans, Stone, Parker, Carruth, Morris, Crawford, and Rondo – 8 in 9 years.
UK/Pitino signed 5 Star players Mashburn, Delk, Rhodes, McCarty, Walker, Mercer, and Turner – 6 in 8 years.
Who missed Getting Top Notch Talent?
by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 21, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
You got the wrong impression
I think Tubby was an under rated recruiter. I think he didn’t get enough credit for players like Hayes that are worth more than their scouting report. My top notch talent comment was for the real difference maker type of player. I don’t think any one can agrue that his 5 star guys were that sort of player. Maybe Prince and Rondo, but not in my opinion.
C'mon, finkgolf,
put some info in your profile so I can figure out why you use the mud Eagle as your avatar. I’ve got a little time in the “other” version.
FWIW, I agree completely with you about players like Hayes. Sometimes there aren’t enough balls on the floor for a bunch of stars, but the guys who don’t mind doing the dirty work don’t much care as long as they can contribute.
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
Also meant to say...
finkgolf’s avatar looks like an Edwards bird to me…
If your wings don't sweep....
Probably right, but, with age comes bad eyes, so . . . .
Yeah, an old air-air type dating all the way back to the 106 and E-model Phantoms. Wouldn’t trade those days for anything, but the Eagle was a world apart. FWIW, I loved it, and still would except for old age, clogged arteries, etc, etc, etc. I spotted your avatar, too, but hadn’t had time to comment.
BTW, Wild Weasel is a Thud-G guy from the VN era.
Ck6
No moral victories--it's all about Ws and Ls!!!
The strike is just like C. Hayes
We don’t mind doing the dirty work and let the air-air talent get all of the glory. I’m an E-model guy, but I got out of the cockpit for a while to get an AFIT assignment and teach at USAFA. Finishing a PhD this summer.
Williamson
Is from Milan, just twenty minutes up the road from me and we have played them the last three years…………..POWERFUL kid let me tell you. He gave our team nightmares. He will be good for Kentucky.
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!

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