Kentucky Night Owl Sports News for Friday, April 3rd
by Truzenzuzex on Apr 4, 2009 12:00 AM EDT
in News
98 comments
Well, in case you have not heard today, it looks like Ol' Roy is trying to get involved in the John Wall sweepstakes along with Coach Krzyzewskzzryzkwizyzki from Duke and of course, Coach Cal. This is an interesting test of wills, and we will find out right quick what the Kentucky brand combined the Dribble Drive Motion Offense and the charismatic John Calipari can do. At this precise moment, I think Wall is the #1 remaining target for Kentucky, he is said to be undecided, and this is shaping up into an almost Pattersonesque battle.
Right now, it seems that all but three of Coach Gillispie's verbal or LOI commitments have either re-opened their recruitment, decided to look elsewhere, or requested a release from UK. The latest domino to fall is 2010 top 10 recruit Dominique Ferguson. Seems like Coach Calipari will be starting mostly from scratch, although Jon Hood and Daniel Orton are still on board so far.
On the former Memphis commit recruiting front, it is looking more and more like Xavier Henry wants to go to Kansas. Of course, there has been recent speculation that Lance Stephenson may decide to bolt the fold at KU if Henry decides to matriculate there.
And now, for a few more tidbits of news for you night-owls:
- Kris tucker of Collegehoops.net accentuates the negative of Calipari (and Rick Pitino) in this piece.
- Coach Cal meets the UK football team.
- What Calipari means for the Gators. Interesting take.
- Andy Staples at SI.com looks at some of the successes and failures of how coaches handle iconic programs.
- Mark Fox of Nevada is Georgia's new coach. I think this is a great hire for the Dawgs.
- Calipari's hire at Kentucky has reignited the salary escalation debate.
- The Cincinnati Enquirer calls the recent spate of decommitments a mass exodus.
- Calipari can walk away from UK without owing a penny after only four years.
- Calipari vs. Pitino is a compelling story. Very.
- Just a reminder that Kentucky isn't the only school recently looking for a coach.
- Did Bruce Pearl's success at Tennessee shorten the careers of some other SEC coaches, including Gillispie and Smith?
- Is Bruce Pearl the John Calipari of the SEC when it comes to getting raises?
- OU will not let Capel get out of town easy.
- Around the SEC with Team Speed Kills.
- Penn State wins the NIT. Good for the Nittany Lions.
- Tim Floyd decides that Arizona just isn't for him after all.
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Great post, Tru.
I also found the article tying Patino and Calipari very intriguing.
Thanks for the late night update! Night owls like me are united! ;-)
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 12:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My pleasure. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Apr 4, 2009 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
love the
Coach Krzyzewskzzryzkwizyzki
ahhhhh…..the coach that you have to sneeze to say his name correctly.
by uk1982 on Apr 4, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Friend Of Mine Down In NC
Calls him Coach Screws-A-Loose-ski.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 4, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've always been fond of "CrazyZewski"
It’s how I remember how to spell it. Screws-A-Loose-ski is good, I’ll have to remember that one.
I like important stuff just as much as the next guy, but please, for a little while, deliver us from meaning, baseball. That's your greatest glory, and we thank you for it very, very much. -- Craig Calcaterra
by JLeverenz on Apr 4, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good links
I wish I could find the Youtube video of Bruce Pearl on PTI today. It was pretty cool. They asked him what he thought of when he heard Cal(why is it Kentucky hires people with hard last names to type out) and he said “Oy Voi”! It was funny. He actually said some really cool things about the hire. He said that if Pat and Jodie return that makes Kentucky a automatic Final Four team. Pretty classy if you ask me. I also like how he was honest about the salary raise. It was a very good interview. I liked it.
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
by tenken on Apr 4, 2009 12:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If you find it
please post. he’s got a future in stand-up comedy if this coaching thing doesn’t work out
by hoboat33 on Apr 4, 2009 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I honestly thought Pearl would bolt for Memphis.
They were sure hungry to replace Cal with his “Italian persona clone.”
I thought they’d shoot straight for the checkbook to make it more of a national story.
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
SEC vs C-USA, Knoxville vs Memphis, TN all sports atmosphere, mountains nearby ….. the list goes on. He’d be happy to finish out his career at TN for whatever they will pay him. Seems like he looks at the TN position as his last coaching stop – until he retires or gets fired. He knows he will be snapped up by ESPN or CBS anytime he’s ready.
by hoboat33 on Apr 4, 2009 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. Agree.
I’m glad he was clear headed enough to not put his happiness and security over the “next big thing.”
And I’m sure he’ll have no problems with the pundit circuit, too.
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he’ll put the “color” back in color man.
by hoboat33 on Apr 4, 2009 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They Can NOT...
let him wear that orange jacket.
My TV picture tube would explode.
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just wonder if Memphis is really a better job than UT.
You don’t have that whole football thing, of course, but UT has a solid basketball tradition, great facilities and an athletic department that seems pretty committed to basketball, even if the fans are less that “all in” on the sport.
Memphis, of course, likely has equally great facilities and much better fan support. But moving on to a new challenge, I think, needs to be a distinct step up. I’m not sure Memphis is that, and I question whether or not it is seen as a “destination” job.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Apr 4, 2009 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure about Memphis' facilities, but they sure have a nice door.
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
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 Apr 4, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha!
Yeah, that will be a looooonnnng running joke around her, no doubt.:-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Apr 4, 2009 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Memphis vs Knoxville
I think in Tenn, in general, sports are kind of “diluted” if you will …. you have the Memphis Grizzlies, Tennessee Titans, Bristol racecway etc …. that keep fans interests spread out beyond college basketball. I know Cincy is close by and I’m sure fans in the Bluegrass have other interests as well but, in Kentucky, College Basketball is king …
Also, there’s that CUSA vs SEC issue …. don’t know if the opportunity was ever there, but Memphis could have done itself a favor by moving to a larger conference.
by ukcris on Apr 4, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I checked on PTI
website and it looks like they show the day befores videos……I will check tomorrow. If anyone finds it before me please post it! I have a day of softball/baseball tomorrow :)
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
by tenken on Apr 4, 2009 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully...
they are going to get it, two – three times a year.
by jpbluekat on Apr 4, 2009 6:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't believe...
That Wazzu is actually serious about Bobby Knight (albeit 5%) talk…
…but no BCG? Huh? Didn’t even make the survey.
Someone get on the phone!
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 12:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
More sarcastic comments about BCG. Surprise, surprise
by blue oregon on Apr 4, 2009 12:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sarcasm?
Gees, Blue.
Where do you find sarcasm in that? Can you not read that I’m being an advocate of BCG at WSU?
Maybe you can contribute to the top of the post somehow, instead of reading into things that aren’t there.
(I was going to respond with a STFU, but I’m really trying here. Move on from me if you don’t like my 2 cents. Please.)
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That ...
… was actually a fair observation. One might reasonably think that Gillispie would be considered for that job.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Apr 4, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Honestly Think G Will Sit Out A Year
It takes a while to count to 6 Million anyway.
He will benefit from having a year to scout, recruit, search his options.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 4, 2009 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just wondering something.....
how big of a hit are we taking by the decommitments? I don’t understand recruiting that much. Don’t have time to follow it but I am starting to get concerned about losing all these commitments.
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
by tenken on Apr 4, 2009 12:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Losing the commitments are a good thing.
Basically, that’s Coach Cal’s vernacular for saying, “Kid, you aren’t good enough to see the floor if you play on my team.”
In other words, kids like Euton, Valerino, Avery, et. al are not top prospects that Cal would typically go after. The names just mentioned are about 3 star players. Calipari likes the exclusive 5 star club.
Make sense?
So, de-commits now just frees up scholarships in the future. (for even better players)
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hopefully, he’ll finish it up quick for a number of reasons – give the players time to land at another good program, give our team some “quiet time”, let the NCAA get some press for some basketball thing they have going on, give fans time to give football a little love, ……..
by hoboat33 on Apr 4, 2009 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"7 o'clock show is the same as the 9 o'clock show"
“let the NCAA get some press for some basketball thing they have going on, give fans time to give football a little love, ……..”
You said Pearl had a future if coaching doesn’t work out…
Bravo!
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess
that I am seeing recruits leave and none coming in yet. Before I make us a preseason top five, I want to see what everyone is talking about. I am nervous about all this.
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
by tenken on Apr 4, 2009 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok
I know this is stupid…..seeing that he has only been here two days…….but so much mass exodus is kinda nervewracking.
Kentucky bretheren united once again! Thanks Cal!
by tenken on Apr 4, 2009 1:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cal's recruit records are pretty sound. Have faith. BCG's recruits
did not necessarily fit into the DDMO system
by blue oregon on Apr 4, 2009 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
as long as Jodie, PPat and seniors are not threatened, as well as fan appointed skill favorite Miller, the rumblings won’t get real loud. Considering the new coach, new offense the loudest to least rumble – Stevensen/Liggins, Galaway, Stewart, Harrellson, ? As to Porter, for what he’s been through he deserves whatever he wants.
by hoboat33 on Apr 4, 2009 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you think Cal will let Porter keep a scholarship?
by blue oregon on Apr 4, 2009 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Porter wants to play, he'll play.
That decision is up to him.
The talk with Porter though is his fatherhood, grad school, and other realities beyond playing basketball….especially for a coach, and a system, that has no real use for you.
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He should for all he's done
we not really expecting a national championship next season (no, this is not blasphemy). One scholarship to Porter is not going to make or break the team but pushing him out will cost Coach Cal some goodwill. He’s too sharp to let that happen.
by hoboat33 on Apr 4, 2009 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with your goodwill comment. I don't see Porter
gaining the DDMO skills to get much playing time.
by blue oregon on Apr 4, 2009 1:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cal won't push him out...
but don’t you feel there is a collective consciousness in the state hoping that Porter “does the right thing?”
Know what I mean?
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 1:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now that things are getting somewhat settled
people are looking to hold onto actions that honor the concept of “tradition”. If we bring in a substantial amount of the talent being talked about, having Porter on the team will provide an element of stability. We don’t have to have a cataclismic purge.
by hoboat33 on Apr 4, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course.
Not to do so would invite a backlash. Porter is a senior. You don’t pull scholarships from three year players.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Apr 4, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is more nerve wrecking?
Letting a high school freshman off the hook (i.e. Avery in California, who was offered a scholarship when in 8th grade)?
Or hustling for an All-American that you know is a sure thing?
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe that Coach Cal....
can take the nucleus of the remaining Cats, add Orton/Cousins and Hood, plus a quality point guard and make a splash in next years NCAA tourney.
by jpbluekat on Apr 4, 2009 6:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't really agree with a lot of what you said.
It does not mean that Coach Cal is saying that they “aren’t good enough”. A decommitment can mean any number of things. It can mean that they do not have the body type or the skill set that works best in his system (Vilarino). It can mean that the recruits are not comfortable committing to a coach with whom they have little or no previous relationship (Ferguson). It can mean that Coach Cal hasn’t seen the recruit play and does not know whether or not they are good enough or will fit into his scheme (Avery). It could mean that the recruit and their family feels it is unfair to make a new coach keep the commitments of a former coach. It is simplistic, and unfair, to characterize this as if Coach Cal is telling all of these kids that they aren’t good enough.
For the record, no one knows how good Avery is going to be. However, I know two people who know a lot about basketball who have seen him play, and they think he will be very good. Is he going to be a 5-star player? I have no idea. Even if he turns out to be a 5-star player, would he be the right type of player for DDM? I don’t know that either. Not every 5-star player will necessarily be the right fit for the Cal’s offense or defense.
Dominique Ferguson, a top 10 player in the class of 2010, decommitted because he doesn’t know Coach Cal. He has no relationship with him, so he decommitted. The decommitment definitely didn’t happen because Coach Cal told Ferguson that he isn’t good enough. I have no doubt Coach Cal will continue to recruit, evaluate, and develop a relationship with Ferguson, and in the end if he re-commits, both parties will feel much better about the commitment. The same thing could happen with the other recruits as well.
by BBallSophist on Apr 4, 2009 2:06 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Well said.
All great, valid points.
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice.
Very good comment.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Apr 4, 2009 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great work, BBall.
I almost posted something along those lines above—glad I found your post down here—saved me from time.
I am getting weary of the “they’re just not good enough” comments. Vilarino and Ferguson are the two that trouble me most. I realize Vilarino was likely a result of Cal’s “suggestion,” but he is also a solid PG. Ferguson is a great player and built for Cal’s system. I think Cal would like to have him badly.
Also, folks, we have to realize that EVERY player UK will get from now forward will not be a 5-star. Yes, I think with our new coach we’ll see a lot more 4 and 5 star guys coming in the door than we have since the Morris/Rondo/Crawford days, but there WILL be a lot of 3 and low 4 star guys that are necessary to fill out the team. Ross-Miller, Euton, etc., could be guys that could fill those rolls.
I trust in Coach, and so far I’m not concerned or upset about anything, but I’m also not going to blindly be “okay” when nearly EVERY commitment we have has run for the door. I’m sure everything will work out for the best for everyone involved, but I refuse to turn a blind eye.
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 Apr 4, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
UK Signed 4 And 5 Star Players In 2006 - 07 - 08 Too
Three 4 stars in 2006 – Meeks, Jasper, Stevenson.
One 5 star and one 4 star in 2007 – Patterson and Legion.
Two more 4 stars in 2008 – Miller, Liggins.
Plus 5 star and 4 star in 2009 – Orton, Hood.
That’s two 5 Star and seven 4 Star recruits in 4 years AFTER Morris / Rondo / Crawford days.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 4, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes. I Agree
Well stated … I also think that CAL will not be as agressive with the 8th, 9th, 10th graders as BG was … and I like that better. I think it allows him to keep his optioins open – so much can change in these kids from the time they enter high school to the time they are ready for college ball – both positive and negative. Seems to me that you kind of take a gamble …. and if that player doesn’t develop the way you think he might, then you are hamstrung as to what course of action to take.
by ukcris on Apr 4, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Recruiting First Hint
To me the first indication that all was not well with the UK-Gillispie relationship was the first recruit commitments. My reservations developed from concern in a couple of sectors: the quality of the players and, what I deemed premature, ever earlier commitments. Underlying was the nagging perturbation that Gillispie wasn’t quite able to leave behind the A&M/UTEP state of mind and conceptualize to the level required at UK. The current “mass exodus” — a journalistic hyperbole if there ever was one — is, more so than different playing styles I would opine, the result of Gillispie’s misconceptions and missteps.
Calipari’s recruiting history indicates that he locks onto (not to say he doesn’t evaluate earlier) players at a considerably later time in their development, usually not prior to their junior year, and then begins the all-out effort. Too, his efforts often continue to the bitter end (see Tyreke Evans last year and Wall, Stephenson, et al, this year) with usually favorable results.
Along those lines a question: Anyone heard or read anything recently regarding Harrison Barnes, the Iowa 5-star, who had UK on list but was thought to be leaning toward KU or Duke?
by Wild Weasel on Apr 4, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Barnes
One of only 6 underclassmen named to Parade HS A-A teams on Friday.
Going to play some summer games with Minnesota AAU squad.
Barnes may have Duke 1st on his list (now) but is a long way from deciding.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 4, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
its going to be a roller coaster couple of weeks concerning recruiting and current roster. some will leave and new recruits will sign. WHO is the big mystery and will make for good theatre.
Act I is getting under way on the recruiting of John Wall and should be interesting.
by hoboat33 on Apr 4, 2009 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm really perplexed
with the john Wall thing …. kind of like trying to eat a soup sandwich ….. If his AAU coach decides to leave Baylor – look out. I hope he’ll wind up here – if not anywhere but UNC …
by ukcris on Apr 4, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As long as Calapari is in the news and its positive
so is BCG. He’ll have to sit out a year just to get away from the negative association. Next year the story about Cal will all be associated with theteam and that will give BCG as better job search opportunity.
Plus, it doesn’t help that the numbers of decent openings is rapidly dwindling.
by hoboat33 on Apr 4, 2009 12:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We should know soon enough. 1st signing date is April 15th
by blue oregon on Apr 4, 2009 12:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And learn to use the "+ reply" function...
It adds a conversational flow.
Kinda like TYPING IN ALL CAPS (or something).
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 12:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought you'd learn to use the "reply" feature...
Instead of making this comment thread stiff as a 3 day corpse in record breaking time?
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
c'mon u 2
no Friday Night Fights. I’ll turn on Classic Boxing ,-)
by hoboat33 on Apr 4, 2009 12:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I love you, hoboat.
And you, too, blue.
Group hug.
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I give up.
You’re “reply feature” illiterate.
I get it.
I’m moving on now.
by thefakebillyG on Apr 4, 2009 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GN all
don’t forget to check the roster when you wake up
by hoboat33 on Apr 4, 2009 1:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
...
All your Wall are belong to us!
Is this a typo?
by the spork on Apr 4, 2009 2:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It's not
This might help explain: Warning: Internet meme ahead!
I like important stuff just as much as the next guy, but please, for a little while, deliver us from meaning, baseball. That's your greatest glory, and we thank you for it very, very much. -- Craig Calcaterra
by JLeverenz on Apr 4, 2009 3:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was in collge when the
“all your bass are belong to us” thing hit—amazing how many frat dance parties were hijacked with that . . . song (???).
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 Apr 4, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm Lost?
Happy Days are here again
The sky is all ways BLUE again
Happy days are here again
by oldcat70 on Apr 4, 2009 2:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Man ...
… You guys just aren’t creatures of the Internet I see. This is one of the longest running jokes in Internet history. I just substituted “Wall” for “base.”
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Apr 4, 2009 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tru...
I guess I too am not a creature of the Internet, since I am not into video games, I was totally lost also. Thanks for pointing out what the “all your base belong to us”, thing was about, and as always, enjoyed your post and all the links…A great read to go with my morning java.
Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!
by a2d2 on Apr 4, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was with you the whole way Tru
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Apr 4, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Late To The Party
Thanks for the link, Tru. Noticing the date, 2001-2, that was before the time I had the leisure or inclination to inhabit the Internet. Much to learn I see.
by Wild Weasel on Apr 4, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man...
You guys have a lot of catching up to do:
by BBallSophist on Apr 4, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm, new to me
I’ve been “on the internet” over 15 years and I thought I was tech-savvy, and this is the first I’ve heard of it. Maybe it’s more of a gamer thing. Or maybe I wasn’t paying attention.
by Gobe Igbloo on Apr 4, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you.......
Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!
by a2d2 on Apr 4, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with you Gobe
I been on the internet since early years of fttp and was completely unaware. Interesting stuff I missed. Thanks for the info folks.
by hoboat33 on Apr 4, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You Fellows are a lot Younger
than me. So I don’t feel as bad as last night when I didn’t know what was going on. I don’t do Facebook,Twitter or other new electronics. And I sure don’t do games! Too much change for a senior to take in.
Happy Days are here again
The sky is all ways BLUE again
Happy days are here again
by oldcat70 on Apr 4, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Calipari vs Pitino
Does anyone have an opinion on which corporate sponsor will likely be the first to produce a commercial for their product, promoting the rivalry….I am sure everyone has seen the vitamin water commercial with Pitino and C Laettner..
Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!
by a2d2 on Apr 4, 2009 11:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pratt On Board
Perhaps this should be a Fanshot but here’s an addition to links for information:
Mike Pratt didn’t have to be convinced that John Calipari was the right hire for the University of Kentucky.
by Wild Weasel on Apr 4, 2009 12:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pratt
He was the missing link in the 2007 job search.
Mitch listened to people who are clueless then (2007). He recognized his error by adding Pratt to the team in 2009.
Kudos to Pratt for helping UK target and land Calipari.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 4, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually mitch was the "missing link" in 2007
Cro-Magnon decision?
by hoboat33 on Apr 4, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mitch Listened To UK Alums In 2007
He listened to Pratt and other experienced professionals in 2009.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 4, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Top 2010 PG Expects UK Offer
Joe Jackson, Memphis, had offer from Gillispie and expects it to be renewed by Calipari.
NOTE: Calipari expected to be on tonight’s CBS coverage of The Final Four.
by Wild Weasel on Apr 4, 2009 12:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree Tru.......
…Mark Fox is a good get for UGA…soo he wasn’t their #1 choice, he should make UGA very competitive in the next 2-3 years
by teambeam on Apr 4, 2009 1:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bledsoe
let’s not forget Eric Bledsoe…when the new Rivals rankings come out, he is expected to jump into the 5 star category…and has a better chance of staying longer at UK than Wall (granted if Wall does decide to come to UK and we have a scholarship to offer)…don’t think Cousins is coming (Patterson/Orton will clog up his PT) unless one or both bolt (which would be bad in my opinion)…of course, I would love to be wrong on that one… Henry is as good as gone to Kansas…and although I have heard Lance Stephenson’s name being bandied about, he had never listed Memphis or UK as a choice…don’t see that happening either…Nolan Dennis, however, could certainly re-commit to UK (if we have the space) and stay longer than the one-and-done guys
there are plenty of 2010 and 2011 recruits out there with strong ties to Coach Cal already, so not really worried about the future…think Dominique will re-commit once he gets to know Calipari…
by fincity on Apr 5, 2009 2:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bledsoe
Unlikely to qualify academically.
Probably JuCo for 2 years first.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 5, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stephenson
Listed UK in his top 3 along with KU and UCLA at one point last summer.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Apr 6, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His Latest Top 3
Kansas, Maryland, St Johns.
by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 6, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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