Evening Newspaper for May 10th -- Big Blue Mothers Day Edition
by Glenn Logan on May 10, 2009 6:05 PM EDT
in Kentucky Wildcats News
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PrintHappy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there in the Big Blue Nation. I hope everyone had a chance to be with their families and enjoy the beautiful day.
All the current talk is about John Wall and the scholarship crunch, and that is to be expected. We have no real idea how all this will work out, but I think we can anticipate that there will be at least two more players on UK's current roster that will find it in their best interests to transfer to another school. I won' rehash the names here, there is no need for that, but there is still an awful lot to be decided before we know the shape of next year's men's basketball team.
Now that Patrick Patterson has decided to return for his junior year, all eyes are on two players -- John Wall and Jodie Meeks. While most believe that Meeks is likely to return, it is notable to point out that he has not withdrawn from the NBA draft, at least not officially. If you had told me back earlier in the spring that Patterson would have been the first of the two to withdraw his name, I would have been skeptical.
There are now ten more days before the end of the fall signing period. John Wall does not have to sign a National Letter of Intent at all, and there is virtually no doubt that almost any school would hold a spot open for him if he told them he was coming and declined to sign an NLOI. I say, "almost," because I am not so sure Duke would, but I am confident that Miami, Florida and Kentucky would. But at this point, we just have to wait and see what happens.
UK Basketball News
- Joseph Goodman thinks that Nick Calathes must return, or John Wall must sign with the Gators for them to compete with Kentucky next season.
- John Clay can't wait to see some, "real-live, honest-to-goodness basketball" this fall. I think we can all agree with him on that, and I also think the chances of Kentucky dropping an early game to an over-matched foe are practically nonexistent next year. That will sure be nice for a change.
- Calipari and Pastern are mixing it up in recruiting, and Pastner is not backing down. That could become a rather interesting dynamic. Pastner is definitely at a disadvantage, but unlike some others in Calipari's coaching tree, he doesn't seem inclined to avoid crossing swords with Coach Cal on the recruiting trail. That should force at least a grim smile from Memphis fans.
- Kentucky rising to early pre-season top ten. With Patterson coming back and the #1 recruiting class in the land, you have to think UK might just belong in there somewhere.
- John Clay's Big Blue Links. Got to admire Mr. Vilarino's spunk. He may even be right, we'll have to see.
- Bluegrass State Basketball on the chances of various players being at Kentucky next year. I don't think there is any chance the seniors will be going anywhere, but everyone else is up in the air, in my opinion.
UK Football News
- Recruiting and camps fill the agenda for the UK football team this summer. I am really excited about the football team this year. I really believe we will be improved over last year.
Other UK Sports News
- UK baseball swept Auburn yesterday to keep pace with Vandy for the last spot in the SEC conference tournament field.
NCAA Sports News
- Three Georgia football players suspended for the start of the season. The dreaded "Violation of Team Rules" penalty. One of them may not return.
- Four of John Calipari's recruits at Memphis graduated this weekend.
- Rick Pitino looks doomed to fight the ghosts of NBA rumors, and possibly others of a more personal nature. I find it fitting and just that Louisville should have to live with the same rumors as UK fans did all those years when it comes to the NBA. I'm glad Pitino isn't leaving, but I must say that I have experienced some pleasant schadenfreud at watching the Louisville fan base spin tight over these rumors. Now, they know how we felt.
For the other stuff, I wish it would all go away. But it won't. - Bozich says Pitino's name is no longer coming up in connection with the Sacramento job.
Other News of Interest
- Rest in peace, Chuck Daly. You were truly a great coach, and you will be missed.
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I kind of liked the poetic justice
comment there Tru….unfortunately for them, he may leave BEFORE they get their next NC. If the rumors are not true, then someone needs to have their hat handed to them, and their backside too.
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Tell me Tru that it isn't
a sign that the Final Four is soooooo close to Lexington next year? I had completely forgotten that in my bliss about what may be….
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
Patrick Patterson
It should be noted that Patrick’s parents have said from day 1…that they wanted him to graduate…They are a great example of excellent parenting….He has and will continue to do well at whatever he pursues in the future …the NBA or anything else for that matter..He is a joy to watch!!!!!!!!
That is absolutely true.
I am sure that had some impact on his decision. Personally, based only on the little I know, I think he has taken a bit of a risk by coming back. But I sure am glad to have him on the team. He will go down as one of my favorite players ever to play at UK.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
What's the book
on Calathes? Anyone know where he is projected vs. what his stated goal is? Gators are truly in trouble if he goes.
Calathes
most likely a second round pick if he is even drafted. There are also rumors of him being interested in playing in the greek league which are somewhat credible. He played for Greece last summer in the olympics and the greek league is one of the best euro leagues. Can you imagine pulling down about 700,000 tax free and living on the mediterranean or living in Gainsville?
Florida is going to be hurting without Calathes next season but even were he to come back I dont see them competing with UK at all.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
I know we've discussed his NBA worth before ...
… and I don’t necessarily think he’ll be a star in the NBA, but I do think that he would make someone an able back-up.
Like you, I’ve seen him profected to go in the second round. Looking at the players projected to go in front of him makes me think that the NBA GM’s and scouts don’t believe in his ability, at least as much as I do.
I’ve never been a Calathes hater as some UK fans are, because I like his game so much (even though two years ago I thought he acted bush league in that dustup with Ramel, or whoever it was).
If he isn’t drafted he will, as you note, have a pretty nice alternative in playing in Greece, especially if he’s familiar with the customs and people.
I hope he does well (members: please send your emails of descent to Tru:)
by Ken Howlett on May 10, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Calathes
so disregard the tax fee part.
I dont question his skill level. I question his athleticism. I think he may well get a shot with someone in the league but until i see it im not convinced that he will be able to guard opposing NBA points.
DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!
Uh ...
… Money earned overseas is not tax free. This has been discussed in here before at substantial length.
But to the rest of your point, I think that would be a great place for Calathes, and I think he would do well there. Frankly, if I were a college player, I might well prefer Europe to anything but a first round NBA pick. The quality of basketball is good, I think living overseas for a while, especially as a well-paid basketball player in a country like Greece would be cool.
I think that strategy has a lot to recommend it.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I am pretty sure Calethes holds Greek citizenship.
If he moved there as a Greek citizen, I don’t think he does have to pay taxes here. Not 100% sure though.
It’s a different situation than a US citizen playing in Europe without being a citizen of the EU county.
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
--O.W.
UK Football
Incoming JUCO WR Chris Matthews looks good paper (215 #; 4.35 sec 40). Coupled with Cobb should provide for some much needed speed at the receiver position. Throw in Derrick Locke (if healthy, status post knee surgery) and you should have some of the most speed on offense I’ve seen in a while.
So the big question is, who throws them the ball?
by Thomas Hunt Morgan on May 10, 2009 9:26 PM EDT reply actions
Ol' Will Fidler ...
… made a pretty good impression in the spring game. Let’s not rule him out completely. He has a stronger arm than Hartline.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Sorry, I forgot
about Fidler. From what I’ve read about his progress this spring he could be in a good position for starter at the beginning of the year. I’m just curious why Brooks/Joker keep belittling his success.
FB First At UF
Quite illustrative of the priorities in Gainesville when the lead story is FB players returning for summer school and weight training with Calathes, etc. secondary.
Classless act
I still remember watching a Charlie Rose interview with RP. He was on talking about his book. He looked casual and cool. Talked well. He said (and these are almost quotes) I have more money than I ever thought I could earn…I have the biggest house I have ever had…I have the best job in the country…I love Lexington. My family loves Lexington. My restaurant is doing so well. lThree days later he was gone. He was either the fastest coach to ever move to the NBA or a liar as he sat there -casual-cool and glib. That is my lasting image Rick Pitino. That is my last measurement of how I hear him when he says anything.
A basic psychological principle is that we all have and need limits. Under many circumstances we test those limits, we push those limits and we often reset those limits. If we are not careful we push too hard or cross too easily. Then we forget to reset them…and then we have no limits. Truth is one of these. The person simply adapts to the thrill of getting over, getting by or the individual can love having no constraints or just forget the old rules. Sometimes even convince oneself that rules are for lesser folks. I see Coach Pitino as a skilled, talented, intelligent coach who is unfortunately a smooth talking narcissistic man with an inflated sense of self. Hey" What rules? Depends on the meaning if “is”.
I was as disappointed
as anyone when Pitino left UK to take the Boston opportunity. But I can’t get too worked up the the whole “liar” issue. Look, all of us have to play the game of balancing public perception vs. personal goals/needs. In the corporate world, we hold a position where our bosses look to us to exhibit leadership and loyalty and our subordinates look for us to provide confidence and direction. It would be unrealistic and unproductive for anyone in a similar leadership position to discuss publicly their personal desires to look for a different job that better suits their needs.
Pitino is no more a liar than most other successful people. And “smooth talking narcissistic man with an inflated sense of self” can describe most successful coaches, actors, musicians or corporate executives…
Good comments.
My concern was not that he looked to better his positions in any way. My concern is that he was spontaneous in the comments I referred to. He could have talked basketball and book without those points being in the conversation. He was the only one who knew – at the time- that he was not being straightforward. He would have spared himself that later. I have always wondered why he was so positive about Kentucky that night. Perhaps Freud was right again.
Disagree
You don’t have to lie to be successful.
He is among the MINORITY of successful people who lie.
by FortyYearCatFan on May 11, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
The word lie ...
… is such an ugly word. And not really accurate — it implies malicious intent, and there is no malicious intent in either the Pitino to Boston case or in the formerly rumored Pitino to Sacramento case.
The fact of the matter is, the parties to such discussions must often be vague or dissemble to avoid a press feeding frenzy and conduct negotiations. If you had been contacted by another company that you might be interested in working for, and one of your co-workers asked you about it, you might be tempted to dissemble in order to avoid poisoning the negotiations before you had the time to make a decision, or putting your current employer on notice that you were being wooed. It is what is called an ethical dilemma — to do the ethical thing and tell the truth conflicts with a powerful non-ethical consideration — the desire to progress, earn more and provide better for one’s family.
As a factual matter, asserting that the majority of successful people do not lie, as you implied above, is a significant deviation from your normal argument. You do not know that, you cannot prove that, and the statement therefore has no meaning. I would say, in fact that is is objectively false. Research has proven that most people at one time or another.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
UK In NCAA Softball
UK is one of 9 SEC teams — most of any conference — to qualify for NCAA D1 Softball Championships. First ever for Lady Cats who open with BYU.
The regional site is hosted by No. 11 Ohio State (44-9). Kentucky (32-21) and Canisius (27-22) will also join BYU in Columbus.
1:00 p.m. press conference monday afternnoon . . .
featuring coach cal and pat patterson.
we can all watch it live on whas11.com!
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price. "
Vince Lombardi
Lindley Pre-season All-American
Trevard Lindley came back for his senior year and earns 1st Team A-A honors. Micah Johnson honorable mention.
Is Newton Next Woodson?
Morgan Newton listed as one of five freshman impact QB’s in SEC.
Wall-To-Wall Wall
It’s Sunday morning and there’s an intense throbbing in my temples. It’s as if Rosie O’Donnell decided to crawl between my ears and tap dance for a couple hours. With Adam Lambert providing the soundtrack.
After a full week of Googling, pointing and clicking, researching, reading and reacting, this I’ve learned: like Jack Daniels or Captain Morgan, too much John Wall inevitably produces a debilitating headache.
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