what REALLY happens…….

First off, wassup! First time poster, several day reader. Love the site. Good stuff. Its a given that anything a recruiter tells you is 90% bs with 5% snakeoil salesmanesque charm, and maybe, God willing 5% truth to it. As a vet, I was conned like others. That being said, performance begets playing time begets scholarships. Kentucky is, was, will continue to be the upper echeleon of colligate basketball for as long as the fans demand perfection. And demand we do.

To simply cast that scrutinity upon a coach and not on the players as well (players that clearly aren’t the caliber of UK’s expectations) would be a greater injustice. The fact that UK is turning away talent (be it mediocre, good, or effing phenomenal) leaves me wondering if we have retaken the throne as basketball immortals too soon. I would suggest that of the 8 incoming freshman, Alabama and/or Arkansas (Sorry Pelfrey for the season ahead of you) would consider it a banner year to have one of them in their recruiting class.

Tubby Smith was a good coach. He wasn’t a UK coach. Billie G clearly isn’t a good person, his coaching skills being suspect. But still, definitely not a UK coach. Those players to receive scholarships should have to earn it. Cannot muster up? Louisville (cheap dig, I grant you) is right down the road. As UK fans, we demand perfection then championships. Above all else, we demand championships. But with that great scrutinity comes great love and adulation.

Beyond that, and far more outweighing than a petty squabble over the potential integrity involved, these kids are being given the opportunity, for however long they retain their scholarships via performance,allows them a great education and a wealth of opportnities to grow as athletes, scholars, and individuals. That alone, aside from the legacy and the pagentry of playing for the greatest colliegate basketball program should be their focus before assuming the next great chapter of their lives. All the more reason I am so proud of PPat’s decision to return. The NBA will be there. That is a given for someone of his, and Jodie’s talent. However, are you better served in not completing your education first? That argument goes both ways with valid points to be had by all. Just the same, I would encourage education first.

Keep up the great work. I’ll keep reading. Go CATS!

Isn’t it funny how if he’s a Wildcat’ he’s done nothing wrong. But it he plays for Tennessee or Louisville, he’s a hardened criminal and shouldn’t be in college sports? Others pee dirty and they’re cheaters, others get arrested and they’re outlaws. I feel for these young men on both sides of the fence. Maybe come from bad situations, broken homes, etc, but let’s look at it in the same light for everyone. They cheat, steal, invade someone’s home, etc. it doesn’t matter where they go to school. They did wrong.