Baker's Dozen > UK's Best Recruiting Classes (1966 Thru 2009)

by FortyYearCatFan on May 19, 2009 9:50 PM EDT

1. 2009 - Wall, Cousins, Orton, Bledsoe, Hood, Dodson

2. 1979 - Bowie, Hord, Minniefield, Hurt, Heitz

3. 1995 - Mercer, Turner, Mohammed, Simmons

4. 1974 - Givens, Robey, Lee, Phillips, Hall

5. 1992 - Rhodes, Delk, McCarty, Prickett, Dent

6. 1971 - Grevey, Conner, Flynn, Guyette, Smith, Lochmueller, Hale

7. 1966 - Issel, Casey, Pratt, Butler, Pool, Busey, Wheeler, Dinwiddie, Mills, Fraley, Spears

8. 1994 - Walker, Edwards, Padgett, Anderson, Mills

9. 2004 - Morris, Crawford, Rondo, Bradley

10. 1980 - Turpin, Bearup, Master, Beal

11. 1999 - Bogans, Stone, Stewart (Knight), Estill

12. 1988 - Mills, Kemp, Farmer, Woods

13. 1984 - Davender, Madison, Jenkins, Lock, Ziegler, Behnke

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I'll buy that

Well done, but who was Hall with James Lee, Rick Robey and Mike Phillips?

by chicagoblues on May 19, 2009 10:56 PM EDT reply actions

And the Goose

And I forgot to include Jack Givens.

by chicagoblues on May 19, 2009 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Dan Hall, Betsy Lane, 6-10

Transferred to Marshall after 9 games at semester in 1976.

"The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground." --Thomas Jefferson

by Wild Weasel on May 19, 2009 11:52 PM EDT reply actions

Correct

UK declined an opportunity to sign Kenny Higgs of Owensboro in 1974 despite his public declaration he wanted to sign with Kentucky.

Higgs was HS All-American who went on to stardom at LSU.

by FortyYearCatFan on May 20, 2009 6:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Forty -

what measures – subjective and/or objective – did you use?

if based on HS rankings, i would have to say your #2 choice would have to considered to have fallen short, based on hindsight.

that being said, based on potential coming out of HS, i might be tempted to move #9 – 2004 a bit higher….

i might move some classes around 1 or 2 spots, but we have had some good classes….

only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team

by memphis wildcat on May 20, 2009 9:54 AM EDT reply actions

HS Rankings At The Time

The 2009 class is 0-0 and hasn’t accomplished anything (yet).

I’d say 1974 and 1995 are the most accomplished classes in the modern era of recruiting.

The Beard-Groza-Jones (et al) class is the most accomplished class EVER at UK.

by FortyYearCatFan on May 20, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions

YET......lol....

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on May 20, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions

This is so cool to look at. A list of greatness, surely. If someone wants to change the list around, we can do that. But I just look at the list and say, WOW. Take the 1,2,3,& 4’s away if you want. The fact that we have such an impressive list is victory enough for me. I don’t think that it matters, especially when the list is so mind boggling as Kentucky’s. To me it is just a list compiled of greater years. Imagine that. A great new season with a new great list. WOW…
I like your stats Forty. I really do. You can always be counted on for stats. Also for a lot of insight on facts and trivia. Thanks for the post…. WOW….
:-)

Blue, there is no other color to Bleed !!!

by a2d2 on May 20, 2009 1:45 PM EDT reply actions

Best Nickname I've Seen For 2009 Class = Noah's Ark

Dave Telep of Scout coined the phrase “Noah’s Ark” for UK’s recruits.

2 of everything – 2 point guards, 2 wing players, 2 post players.

by FortyYearCatFan on May 21, 2009 6:46 AM EDT reply actions

sorry--

makes me think of a player from florida that i do not wish to think about ….

unless of course, the class of 2009 collects 2 more pieces – 2 NC’s…….

only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team

by memphis wildcat on May 22, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Ranking Recruiting Classes

The ultimate ranking comes after the recruits have performed. The 74 and 92 classes would have to be ranked higher based on what they accomplished if you based things on actual performance. The 79 and 04 classes would have to be classified as disappoitments. This years incredible recruiting haul could go either way especially if you factor in that some will be one and done.

by maysvilleblue on May 21, 2009 7:06 AM EDT reply actions

1992 Or 1995

1995 class made 3 FF appearances and won 2 NC.

1992 class made 2 FF and won 1 NC.

by FortyYearCatFan on May 21, 2009 7:18 AM EDT up reply actions

It Always Amazes Me When UK Fans Don't Give Enough Credit To 1995 Class

Clearly Pitino’s BEST class at UK in my view.

by FortyYearCatFan on May 21, 2009 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions

AMEN!!

I still say the 95-96 Kats were the best. That is as far as sheer,raw talent goes, but if you go on heart we would have to look at the 92 club (please 4 give me if my years are off) with Pelphry, Feldhause and those guys. man I can’t wait for Midnight Madness. can you imagine what it will be like this year???

Jeff Jones

by KyJones64 on May 21, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

95 Class

I was in no way taking anything away from the 95 class. It was truly a great class. The point I was making was that rating recruiting classes at the time of signing means nothing. It’s what they accomplish during their careers that matters most. Perhaps I overlooked the 95 class. At least you (Forty) finally gave RP some credit.

by maysvilleblue on May 21, 2009 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Your Last Sentence Is Inaccurate

Always have given him credit for 1990-97.

by FortyYearCatFan on May 22, 2009 6:29 AM EDT up reply actions

95 class

had the benefit of playing with the 94 class for that 1st one Forty….Walker & Co. made a pretty formidable group…and some of those were there for both champs.

Remember, we're having fun now!!!

by ALLBLUCAT on May 21, 2009 8:41 AM EDT reply actions