Head to Head Comparisons . . . Are Ellington and Henderson really better than Meeks?

by Blueobsessed on Feb 22, 2009 9:12 AM EST Comment 14 comments

Coming out of high school, Meeks was seen as a combo guard and was a 4* (7th SG 2006 Rivals 39th overall) behind several players. While all three of the above players are outstanding balll players and most certainly play at the next level, Meeks is now getting asserting himself on the national scene. Meeks' numbers this year put him IMO ahead of each of the other two players. He has done this playing though trick defenses with which the other players have not had to deal.. When Jodie has an "off night", he scores 15 points which is what Ellington and Henderson (5* players) are averaging. Jodie is now third in the nation in scoring and could very well move up. This is what a shooting guard is expected to do . . shoot and score.

Another point against the star system and for good recruiting.

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Hard To Compare

Meeks is having a better SEASON in 2009 than either of them.

Both of them play on teams with deeper rosters.

Meeks was very underrated as HS player.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 22, 2009 9:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Different teams ...

… and different teammates have a lot to do with that. Could Henderson or Ellington score like Meeks for UK? Maybe. I don’t think either of them have the combination of athleticism and shooting that Meeks has.

I do think Meeks was underrated coming out of high school, but not wildly so at 39th. He probably should have been in the low 20’s, as he is obviously better than either Zoubeck or Ramar Smith.

Another thing is that scouting services are boosting UNC and Duke recruits these days after their commitment. Not really sure why, but it looks obvious to me. Ellington, for example, went from #23 to #5 a month after UNC signed him. He wound up at #8.

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

by Truzenzuzex on Feb 22, 2009 1:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

When the 5* are 1-25 and you have a 18 point swing in position, it does cause you to ponder.

by Blueobsessed on Feb 22, 2009 2:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Henderson

scored at least thirty five tonight-I am not sure what the final was for him…….I turned it off with two minutes left. But like Meeks against Tennessee-he barely missed and was in a zone.

by tenken on Feb 22, 2009 10:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Meeks as a Freshman

When I saw Meeks as a Freshman I thought he was going to be one of those players that I would remember. He is just so fast! His shooting numbers may have improved this year but he has always had a nice stroke. He plays defense and can jump. He has seemingly-unlimited stamina. He needs to work on his ball-handling skills which frankly is more important in college than the NBA where the dribble is somewhat optional. My opinion is that he is underrated still. I see him as a future NBA starter if not all-star.

by LyricSmith on Feb 23, 2009 10:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree

with you on this. Meeks is an amazing athlete. He reminds me of a horse. Will not stop working until he has fallen over. I think BG even said that last week his numbers were down but he just never stopped working the ball. He has amazing stamina. I so hope he returns next year….not just for us but for himself. I think he has the potential to be the first Kentucky Wooden award winner. And Forty before you check that I am right on this………..know that I already did :)

by tenken on Feb 24, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Terrific Recruit By Scott Rigot

Rigot was the primary UK recruiter on Meeks. Got him away from FLORIDA among others.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 24, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

wasn't

he going to go to Georgia Tech. I dont’ know why that is sticking in my head.

by tenken on Feb 24, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No

Meeks picked UK over Florida and Alabama. His teammate (the following year) went to GT.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 24, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That

is why I kept thinking that. I remember in his first SEC tourney, the announcers were talking about it. I don’t follow recruiting much. So I didn’t know where he considered just that Georgia Tech was brought up at some point while he was playing.

by tenken on Feb 24, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I would like to see even a little more muscle/weight on Jodie. IMO

he could carry 220 next year for UK or the pros. Consider a Jamont Gordon with speed. Those radically harsh cuts with a body in the 220s would be impossible for even big guys to defend around the basket. With his speed, he would blow past most guards.

by Blueobsessed on Feb 24, 2009 8:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Meeks With Lawson

Just imagine how proficient Meeks would be with Tywonne Lawson — or Downey, or Collison, or Collins, well, you get the point — to get him the ball in the right position.

by Wild Weasel on Feb 24, 2009 2:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Or Jai Lucas

Lucas and Meeks would be UK starters in 2009 had things worked out differently.

by FortyYearCatFan on Feb 24, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Meeks

I wouldnt take anyone in place of Meeks. He is a fantastic all around player and has the heart of a champion. He has a strong work ethic and dedication to his team. He is a presence both on and off the court. Players like Meeks are very hard to come by.

by kentuckygirl0724 on Feb 24, 2009 3:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs