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2011 Point guard Jahii Carson has UK number one on his List


Cats in the lead for a 2011 point guard

I realize we are a way off from the 2011 class, but it seems like the Cats are in good with 5-foot-10 point guard Jahii Carson of Phoenix, Arizona.

Carson may be small in stature but he is getting plenty of looks from around the country. UNLV, Oregon, Oregon State, California and Arizona have already offered with schools like UConn, Kentucky, Illinois, Memphis, UCLA and Oklahoma getting into the race.

According to Jerry Meyer at Rivals.com, Carson has the Cats number one on his list for the moment.



-----

Here is some more info:

Carson hearing from Kentucky

VIDEO: Jahii Carson 5'10 Sophomore in HS Dunking

2008-09 Season Stats for Carson

2008 Reebok All American Camp Breakout Camp Recipients

ESPN Profile

Rivals Profile



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I wonder how long it takes for HozeKing

to criticize his stature because UK doesn’t play zone. . .

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 10, 2009 1:28 PM EST reply actions  

Ha! I was going to say the same thing

5’10" He could never succeed at the D1 level.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Feb 10, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions  

Jai Lucas?

How tall was he? I honestly don’t remember, but I thought he was under 6 ft.

by the spork on Feb 10, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Jai Is 5-11

In his basketball shoes, 5-10 in socks.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 10, 2009 3:41 PM EST up reply actions  

Its a reference to a discussion in a thread from yesterday.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Feb 10, 2009 3:42 PM EST up reply actions  

Yep. It was. We covered Lucas with him.

Also note that the guy that the freshman that replaced Lucas at PG this season is 5’10".

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 10, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions  

Why would they ever want him????

Isn’t Liggins the answer? :)

It was never just the fact that the other kid was just 6’, but the fact that he hasn’t cracked the Rivals Top 150. Besides, did you ever look how his team is doing down in Texas? Not a very respectable W/L record and his stats are weak as well. This kid Carson looks legit, on the other hand.

One has to understand that just because a player signs with your program, doesn’t mean the player is automatically special. I use to think whatever coed showed interest in me on Saturday nights was gorgeous until I had a chance to sober up afterwards.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 10, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Liggins the answer?

He very well may be. But this kid won’t be here until 2011 (if he comes). Unless I am mistaken, that would be Liggins’ senior year and Villarino’s jurnior year. Ideally you would have your next point guard on the roster that year so they can step in and lead as a sophomore.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Feb 11, 2009 7:22 AM EST up reply actions  

Mistaken

I dont think UK fans automatically think a recruit is amazingly special just becuase a recruit signs with UK. I think in this case we actually think vilarino is going to be a good player. There are several players in the next few classes that have committed that many fans arent exactly high on.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 11, 2009 9:19 AM EST up reply actions  

Look Hoze

Main point:

Not all UK fans are sold on Vilarino, just as not all are sold on Euton, Miller, etc. You’ll find that it they player isn’t a clear 4 or 5 star, many UK fans aren’t sold automatically.

That being said, many UK fans think Vilarino will be good for UK, and will be better than his Rivals/Scout/HS team record show. And I simply do not agree with you that man-to-man defense will leave a short PG in the dust. Simply not true if the guard is a good defender with good foot speed and quickness – Vilarino is.

Andree McGee: 5’10", 155lbs. Scout 3 star, 19th ranked PG in his class.

GJ Vilarino: 6’1", 165 lbs. Scout 3 star, 30th ranked PG in his class.

Where’s your beef dude?

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 11, 2009 9:57 AM EST up reply actions  

Rivals

If I understand you correctly the main crux of your position is that because GJ isnt ranked highly in rivals ranking system he wont be a good player and isnt for high D1 competition. What I dont understand is why you are so hung up on ranking systems? Ranking systems have their strenghts and their weaknesses. i would agree that for the most part the mosty highly ranked players are probably the best in the nation but after you get through the first thirty or so comparisons become harder to make. So far what I get from you is that GJ is not good becuase he isnt highly ranked. There are plenty of players that fall through those cracks though and rankings by nature are subjective. Take Chris Lofton for example. Not highly ranked, not overtly super athletic or very tall, but a primetime college basketball player. Now dont miscontrue me, Im not saying GJ will be a Chris Lofton at all. All I am saying is that you place too much emphasis on rival ranking system and should know that there are plenty of players every year that become solid D1 players that arent on rivals radar.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 11, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions  

Look Blbskue

(darn, that opening didn’t give me the feeling of superiority that I had hoped).

You ae making my point, dude. Andree McGee is not a great point guard…I believe UofL should have a better player at this position and this Vilarano kid is rated lower than him.

UofL plays zone more than man-to-man…thank gawd. UK never plays zone. It is easier to hide a short point guard in a zone than playing man-to-man.

Given your background I would have thought you’d been exposed to some sort of logic classes. What’s so difficult to understand, dude?

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 11, 2009 10:19 AM EST reply actions  

I really am not following

your insistence that a short PG will fail defensively on a team that only plays man-to-man. At 6’1", he will generally be guarding guys that range from 5’10" to 6’4". He has a huge vertical, meaning that he’ll be able to guard jump shots from those 6’4" guys with no problems. He very quick with good foot speed (and fast hands), meaning that he’ll be as quick or quicker than the guys he’s guarding – he won’t get burnt. I don’t see that we NEED to “hide” him in a zone – I’d rather not “hide” him, to be honest. If anything, I see Vilarino as more of an offensive liability than a defensive one.

I never said McGee was a “great” point guard. He’s performed adequately. I was simply making a size comparison. I never said Vilarino will be a “great” point guard. In fact, my exact words were that “he will be good for UK and will be better than his Rivals/Scout/HS team record show.” I think he will be. I don’t see him being a star, but I think he’ll be a solid point guard that defends very well and makes smart decisions. Whether or not Gillispie decides to utilize a zone at some point is completely irrelevant to whether Vilarino is a good PG at UK, in my mind.

Finally: (1) I was not aiming for a “feeling of superiority” when I said “Look Hoze.” I’m sorry you took it that way, and felt the need to throw it back in my face. I strive to keep a positive attitude in my postings. (2) Yes, I went to law school (I assume that’s the “background” you’re referring to. There is no such thing as “logic classes” in law school. There is a “logic games” portion to the LSAT, which I did very well on, thanks for asking. “What’s so difficult to understand. . .?” Your reasoning, and your tone, to be sure.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 11, 2009 11:17 AM EST up reply actions  

What makes you think he will be better than his Rivals/Scout/HS Team record show?

I really don’t follow that logic. Thanks for the reply….we’re good.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 11, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions  

You all also have

5’11" Peyton Siva coming in next year. Yes, he’s VERY highly ranked (and from all indicators, has a solid chance to be a stud), but would he fail at a team that only plays man-to-man?

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 11, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions  

Again....

…it’s not that he is just short. It’s that he is short and NOT ranked…and not doing well his senior year. Comparing Vilarano to Siva is like comparing Jessica Biel to Rosanne Barr because they are both actresses and both about 5’4".

To paraphrase Dean Wormer:

‘Son…short, light, and without talent is no way to play SEC basketball.’

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 11, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions  

Why do you say he is not doing well his senior year?

His team won last night and improved their record to 22-9. They are tied for first place in their district. Vilarino is averaging almost 20 points per game, over 4 assists and over 5 rebounds.

GBB!!!

by OGETARTS on Feb 11, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions  

Are you talking about

Jessical Biel v. Rosanne Barr regarding physical appearance or acting ability? Acting ability-wise. . .

And no, I don’t think that’s fair. They’re different style players. Siva is primarily a scoring lead guard with questionable decision making. He’s got a great outside shot.

Vilarino, while scoring well this season, will primarily be used as a distributor. He is known for being a very good passer and decision maker.

I’m sure in the end Siva probably has more overall talent, and will be more likely to have a high-end college career. That doesn’t mean Vilarino won’t be an effective point guard and effective defender.

And YET again, the comparison was based on size only.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 11, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions  

If he will be used as a distributor..

…as mentioned above he is averaging only 4 assists per game. That doesn’t sound too strong to me. Lastly, the comparison was never based on size only…at least not from me.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 11, 2009 3:37 PM EST up reply actions  

Who...

else is on his team to distribute to? It was my understanding that he was being brought in for ball handling and distribution. With no real stat for ball handling and no info on the people he is trying to distribute to, you have very little ground to stand on.

by the spork on Feb 12, 2009 2:00 AM EST up reply actions  

I think you all make valid points.

I just think UK can do better in recruiting of a point guard. I just don’t think this CJV kid is the answer…doesn’t make him a bad kid or a bad person.

My thoughts are based on rankings, stats his senior year, record of his team, his height & weight, etc. It appears to me that counter thoughts are based on bringing up the rare comparative exceptions and trusting Gillispie’s decision on giving a scholly. You are right…he may work out. I just doubt it.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 12, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions  

He's 6'1", 165 lbs., with a freakish vertical. I think that's just fine for a PG.

His stats are strong this year (20 pts., 5 rebounds, 4 assists), and Scout gives him 3 stars and a top 30 PG. No, he’s not the best on the market, he’s not the next Rajon Rond, but he’s good, he’ll continue to improve, Gillispie’s coaching will benefit him, and I think he will better than many expect.

I don’t understand why you keep saying he won’t be the “answer.” The “answer” to what? Our turnover situation? Many of us have already said that he may go a long way to improving that, but we don’t see him playing that much next season anyway. No one is saying he’s the second coming of Allen Iverson, but I don’t think a team needs a PG that prolific to be successful.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 12, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions  

Rond = Rondo

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 12, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions  

What's the problem to my 'answer'?

Great question. To me, UK has the makings of not only a good team next year, but a great team. Of course, this forecast will be ‘strengthened’, if Patterson and Meeks comes back. They will have size, athleticism, depth, experience, etc. The only real problem I still foresee is the point guard, or lack of one (with maybe the slight additional concern of outside shooting).

Sure, every team has it’s weaknesses. I just see that the point guard position continues to be the continuing problem, and hence, I don’t see CJV as the answer. For that matter I don’t see Liggins as the answer either. Again, I could be wrong and I am not saying these guys can’t play the point. I just don’t see this position being filled by a current or prospective player that arises to the level of the rest of the team. Look at it this way….you could say I have high expectations for the team next year and are complimentary of the talent level at all the other positions….is that such a bad thing?

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 12, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions  

Who is CJV???

How can you determine already that Liggins won’t be the answer next year? It seems really premature to make such an assessment.

GBB!!!

by OGETARTS on Feb 12, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions  

i think he meant

GJ V(ilarino).

then again, he could be arguing about the merits of some other PG with initials CJV.

GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

by UKWildCatFanatic on Feb 12, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions  

Condescending

Could you be anymore condescending?

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 12, 2009 10:40 AM EST reply actions  

Dave, if you're writing about me...

…I could try harder, I guess. :)

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 12, 2009 11:30 AM EST reply actions  

I was

I was referrring to you. I understand your position and I disagree with it. I just get the sense from some of your comments that you cant disagree with someone without disparaging their opinion.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 12, 2009 12:28 PM EST reply actions  

Seriously? I am the poster child for having one's opinions being disparaged.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 12, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions  

OK

We’ll just have to disagree.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 12, 2009 2:04 PM EST up reply actions  

You know,

Maybe it’s a CHICAGO thing?

If anyone actually gets this, remember, I kid because I love.

: )

by BigSkyCat on Feb 12, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions  

I am missing out here. Clue me in.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 12, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions  

I believe its a reference to where you and certain other posters live

I find it funny.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Feb 12, 2009 5:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Well of course

…I found the source on the internet…cute.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 12, 2009 6:32 PM EST up reply actions  

Since everyone is talking about Vilarino....

Here is what Jody Demling said today during his live recruiting chat:

10:09 Well, Brad it will be interesting to see next year just what they can do with G.J. Vilarino. He’s not highly ranked but I am on the record as saying that I think G.J. will be a lot better at the college level than some might think. Of all the UK guys that have signed or committed – the ones that get criticized by folks (Vilarino, Euton, Ross-Miller) – I think G.J. has the most upside. He’s really quick and has good skills. It will be fun to watch him develop.

GBB!!!

by OGETARTS on Feb 12, 2009 5:52 PM EST reply actions  

Thanks, Ogre.

FWIW, if only Jahii Carson knew the debate he sparked here about another smallish PG coming to KY.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 12, 2009 5:55 PM EST up reply actions  

Geez...that's like braggin on who has the prettiest pig at the fair.

It’s a joke. It’s a joke. It’s a joke.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 12, 2009 6:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah ...

… just a really, really bad one. :-)

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Glenn Logan on Feb 13, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions  

Just...

noticed the recruit list at ESPN and they grade GJV an 89. Considering that they also gave Jon Hood an 89, thats not too bad.
You base your opinions of him off his size, stats, team W/L, and scout rating.

Size tells you very little about how tall a player can play, his team’s won/loss record is irrelevant. UK could have had a pretty bad season this year, but that would tell you nothing about how good Meeks is, would it? I see your criticism of his recruitment as a joke.

by the spork on Feb 13, 2009 6:17 PM EST reply actions  

Here...

is a link to what the scouts at, or affiliated with, ESPN think. Obviously they think he needs work, but it sounds quite promising to me.

by the spork on Feb 13, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions  

And They List Their Heights CORRECTLY

Vilarino at 5-11. Hood at 6-6. Both rated in Top 150 range by ESPN.

Orton is rated # 13 by ESPN about right for him.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 14, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions  

Maybe that says more about Hood than GJV.

And that’s probably not a good thing for good ole’ boy, Jon. Here’s the quote wrapping up the phenomenal potential of CJV:

With improved strength and shooting along with attacking more going to his right, his game will go to the next level.

1. Begs the question of asking: What level is he at now?
2. His needed improvements sound like my golf game: If I can hit the ball futher, keep it in the fairway, and putt better I can join the PGA. Sounds like CJV and me both sound quite promising.

Got to go the the driving range now, Spork.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 14, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions  

HS Level, Just Like The Rest

He (and they) have to step it up in college.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 14, 2009 4:15 PM EST up reply actions  

You mean there is a question whether or not GJ can even play in college then???

Wow…that’s really a concern.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 14, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions  

Nope

No more, no less than ANY OTHER HS recruit.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 14, 2009 7:13 PM EST up reply actions  

GJV, Hoze, GJV.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.

by blbskue on Feb 14, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions  

Heck, calling himself GJ should be a disqualifier in itself.

…I guess I’m even having a difficult time typing it…I’ll try harder because I don’t think this disagreement has an ending.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 14, 2009 5:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Hood

I’ve seen Hood play several times. He is going to be a very good four year player who can contribute on the offensive side of the ball immediately if he can play D like G wants. Hood is my favorite player in this class and will a very good player for UK.Do you know much about him?

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 14, 2009 4:31 PM EST up reply actions  

If you're asking me.

He’s a skinny kid from a town just south of my inlaws. He has good height, but I’d be concern about the level of competition he is playing. From what I have read he has been just about he tallest player on the floor pretty much every game. Granted some of this HS competition can be filled on club teams in the off season, though.

But still, everything being equal, I’ll take a well tested kid from a sizeable metropolitan area over a kid from the country. It’s just a safer bet.

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 14, 2009 6:00 PM EST up reply actions  

He Is From Suburban Dallas

McKinney TX plays some of the best HS teams in the Dallas area.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 14, 2009 7:13 PM EST up reply actions  

I think

they are talking about Hood now. Not Vilarino. : )

by BigSkyCat on Feb 14, 2009 7:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Hoze

seems to have something against every UK recruit questioning their ability to play at this level but hast seen any of them play.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 14, 2009 9:26 PM EST up reply actions  

Yea, I have nothing better to do...

…than to drive down to Madisonville. I get dragged down to Henderson enough to see the in-laws. :)

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 15, 2009 9:19 PM EST up reply actions  

All im sayin

is you dont know much about Jon Hood to be speculating on his ditness to play at a high level. I have seen him play several times against his future teamates.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 19, 2009 9:10 AM EST up reply actions  

fitness

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 19, 2009 9:10 AM EST up reply actions  

Forty....

You got to get your head out of the stat sheets every once in awhile and take a look around….there is a great big world out there!! :)

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 15, 2009 9:20 PM EST up reply actions  

BS

I forgot more basketball than you know.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 19, 2009 2:16 PM EST up reply actions  

LOL

Great one

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 20, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions  

Hood

I have seen him play several times against the UK team not against his high school competition. His jumper is SWEEET. He will contribute as a freshman if he can play the defense necessarry to get on the floor. Mark it down.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 14, 2009 9:25 PM EST up reply actions  

What?

if he can play the defense necessarry to get on the floor

That was the issue I brought up regarding GJV!?!?!?!?!?!

'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'

by HozeKing on Feb 15, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions  

Gillespie Effect

He has the physical tools to do so and do so well but you never know with Coach G.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 19, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions  

Nice find

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Feb 14, 2009 9:12 AM EST reply actions  

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