The Big Blue Daily Mail -- Father's Day in Kentucky

by Truzenzuzex on Jun 21, 2009 9:25 AM EDT in News Comment 14 comments

More photos » by Chris Pizzello - AP

Happy Father's Day to Phil Mickelson and our prayers for the health of his wife, Amy.

Today is Father's Day, and I want to wish all fathers out there a very happy day, hopefully with family, friends, and maybe even a little early round of golf.

If Mother's Day is a sentimental observation, Father's Day is far less so, but still a chance for each of us to get together with or remember our dear old dad. Of course for some fathers, this day can take a lot out of you.

Maybe the biggest father's day gift today belongs to Kevin O'Neill, former Tennessee and Marquette head coach (among other stints). O'Neill was just hired as the new head coach of the USC Trojans, replacing Tim Floyd who recently lost his passion for the job amid accusations of paying off one of O.J. Mayo's "peeps." Reaction from around the sports world is decidedly mixed on this subject. Conquest Chronicles, the SBNation USC Trojans blog, is underwhelmed. But Rock Top Talk, the SBNation Tennessee blog, has a different take than most on Kevin O'Neill. In fact, I had forgotten that O'Neill had recruited some pretty good players to Tennessee, which subsequent coach Jerry Greene parlayed into NCAA tournament appearances.

O'Neill's record has been spotty as a coach, and it is fair for the Trojan faithful to question whether or not USC could have done better. But when schools are facing as many NCAA problems as USC is, the priority changes from finding a coach who is likely to get you into the tournament to finding a coach who won't get you into any more trouble. O'Neill seems to fill that bill pretty well, and with the fertile recruiting grounds in Southern California, it's hard to imagine he won't get some pretty good players as well as he recruits. My biggest question surrounding O'Neill is whether his coaching is up to his recruiting. Maybe it is now, after some time in the NBA. I guess we'll see.

Of course, today is also the (supposedly) final day of the U.S. Open golf tournament, which crowns it's champion on Father's Day. Unfortunately, due to heavy rain in the New York area, the third round of the tournament will be delayed until at least noon today. I foresee a Monday finish in this one, and it is not impossible it could go on until Tuesday, depending on if they get any golf in today or not. Right Now, Ricky Barnes, a young player from California who now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with a whopping $2,000.00 in Tour winnings so far this year, leads the tournament with a record-setting second round score of 8 under par. What a story it would be if he could even finish in the top eight, which would make him exempt from qualifying next year and also get him into the Masters.

It's hard to explain what a top eight finish would mean to a struggling pro like Barnes. Barnes has been a professional since 2003, and he has been on and off the PGA Tour and spent quite a bit of time on the Nationwide Tour. The most money he has ever earned on the PGA tour in any one year was $68,000 or so whole dollars, although he has done much better on the Nationwide Tour, earning $600,000 since 2005. That's been enough to keep the dream alive, and it's hard to imagine what a dream it would be for the young man if he were somehow to win the U.S. Open.

As for Kentucky golfers playing this week, Kenny Perry is, of course, in attendance, and right now he has done enough to hang around for the last two rounds at +4, and J.B. Holmes is still in the hunt at +1. Another amazing story is David Duval, who I thought was dead (to golf, anyway). At one time, Duval was one of the best players on the Tour with 13 total wins, and then had some injury problems and simply never recovered. Well, he is recovering right now, tied for 4th at -3 and certainly in the hunt. It's great to see Duval playing well again.

And now, for the news:

UK Basketball News

Does Darius Miller have amateurism problems from a pamphlet?
This sucks. I wonder if they could actually punish Miller for a violation created by somebody else? Hopefully not -- that would be the height of injustice.
A Cat Fans Dream Come True
Cool articles, and great pics from the father-son camp.
Antonio Anderson defends Calipari, Memphis.
"I know we did everything the right way. Coach always did things the correct way,'' Anderson said. "Coach is a great guy and the rest of the guys are great - Derrick, Robert, everybody.'' 'Nuff said.
Doron Lamb a top prospect for UK.
Oak Hill prospect Doron Lamb is commanding Coach Cal's full attention.
NBA.com: Draft preview: Closer look at the shooting guards
A look at the shooting guards in this year's NBA draft, including Jodie Meeks.
Jody Demling dishes on some more recruiting info.
Mychal Parker is apparently becoming a UK target for UK, and will make a visit.
Two players to look out for in 2011
True Blue Kentucky clues us in.
Could UK fans use some triumph and happiness?
Danny Jett thinks so. I think he's right.

UK Football News

Jarmon's shoes still unfilled.
Jeremy Jarmon's loss has left a hole -- and a big one -- in the defensive line. Who will fill it? DeQuin Evans (hopefully), Donte Rumph or Demetri Meritt (can they get eligible?). Lots of other names mentioned.
UK Bear Bryant Reunion
The players who played at UK under coach Paul "Bear" Bryant had a reunion recently. Some of you long-time Oakland Raider fans will immediately recognize one of the group.
Recalling 'Bear Bryant' for Father's Day
Thirty of Paul "Bear" Bryant's former University of Kentucky football players gathered this weekend at The Campbell House for their annual reunion to slap backs, catch up with friends, tell stories and do the expected general reminiscing about their old college days.

Other UK Sports News

None today.

NCAA Sports News

Into the Wild Edition
This one's a few days old, but hilarious. Recommended reading from our friends at Dawg Sports.
Florida's miseducation of college sports
I guess every school has its scold(s). Is "miseducation" even a word?
NBA draft should take page from NHL
Another proposal on how to fix one-and-done.

Other News of Interest

Jody Demling reports on the Derek Smith shootout.
Eastern seems to be full of talent this year.
Antwain Barbour and Matt Frieje changing nationalities?
Well, I think that's what this article is trying to say, but I confess, I'm not quite sure. It's a little confusing.
Historic Cave Hill estate in foreclosure
A pity to see this.

The Daily Schadenfreude

USC Gets Its Guy...It's 5th Guy - Bruins Nation
Heh. Well, you knew the Bruin fans were going to get a few digs in on USC's hiring of Kevin O'Neill.

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A report from father/son camp

i went as well – no pics, but some thoughts…..There were 265+ sets of father sons – close to 550 participants as some father’s had more than one son.

Cousins is otherworldly – not sure what they have him at height wise but to my untrained eye, he seems to be pushing 6 10 or 11. Saw him grab a def rebound, dribble the floor on the fast break and dish a no look pass to stevenson for a jam…..he looked like magic johnson in a melvin turpin body – strong.

Bledsoe was unbelievably fast. Incredible. In talking with another coach, he said if you think bledsoe is fast, you should see wall (wall is set to report next week). This coach went on to say if he coached against UK would not press us – personally, I can’t wait to see pearl try :)

hood reminded me a bit of darius. He did not hit very well from outside (was just one pickup game) but he did drive the lane well and had a nice pull up 8 footer several times.

Horton was out west – as WW reported and PP was not at camp but had been in CA..

watching harrelson, i can understand why he is still around.

perry is a leader even if he does not see the court

Pilgrim was around signing autographs as well as playing in pick up games. Word was pilgrim’s scholly ran thru 2nd summer term so he was taking full advantage. I will say that he did look like a beast in the pick-up game – especially on a monster put back jam. However, pick-up games and practice are two different things.

To me, I would say wall, bledsoe, miller, pp, and cousins will start. But if horton has the work ethic he seems to have (as evidenced by going to SF) he will be hard to keep out of the line up. I am also assuming millers time in new zealand will be hugely beneficial.

Freshman cannot work camps so only got to see them in pick up games after camp concluded for the night. also the coaches were very careful to be gone before the pick-up games got started.

You should have seen the line for cal’ autograph – will try to add a pic if i can figure out how to.

also, did not realize cm newton’s son was on staff – nice touch.

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

by memphis wildcat on Jun 21, 2009 10:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for that info.

I also have considered it entirely possible that Bledsoe and Wall will indeed play together.

Perry a senior leader regardless of playing time is good to hear.

(BTW, Daniel’s last name is Orton, not Horton. He and PPat are out at a commando conditioning camp in CA right now I hear. He is amazingly smart and articulate for a teenager. I hope he stays around long enough to become a real fan favorite.)

by Ken Pomeroy on Jun 21, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

sorry on Orton

i am at my parents and they still have dial-up (unbelievable) so i typed up the post on my palm.

i thought both pp and orton were in CA together, but it sounded like PP had finished – either way, its great to have two big guys with that work ethic. blake from oklahoma apparently went to SF last year so now that he is a number 1 pick, everyone wants to train with the guy.

also, i actually meant dwight perry as the leader – the guys seem to look to him and he was organizing things. the pick-up games are strictly voluntary and the coaches cannot watch (again, they were careful about leaving he gym). got to believe he will be a coach one day

stevenson was working the camp and is great. he joked he will be a good coach because he has had 3 coaches and learned a lot of different approaches to basketball…clearly he is the comedian on the team.

forgot to mention liggins – he looks like he has grown a couple of inches – not sure if he has, but that was my perception – and given his length, he looks more like a 4 than a 1….if he can get a shot, he will be an incredible asset. i know he is not a 4 – just his size amazed me – he looked almost as tall as harrelson and stevenson….two years ago at BCG’s first father/son camp, liggins was in town as a recruit. we all asked for his autograph and had no idea who he was – only that bradley said he was a guy we all wanted to come to uk. he has grown and filled out quite a bit since the first time i saw him. seems like a nice kid – hope he can get it going…

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

by memphis wildcat on Jun 21, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel your pain on dialup

My parents have always had it, and likely always will ;-) Fortunately I can go to my mom’s office when I visit and use the high speed there.

Thanks for the thoughts on the camp – most interesting.

There is no gravity - the earth just sucks.

by JLeverenz on Jun 22, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OH MY GOD.

he looked like magic johnson in a melvin turpin body

I hope you’re right!
The perfect basketball player.

by mrmondaynite on Jun 21, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who is the pre-season favorite in the SEC this year?

Linc Builds
louisville home
louisville home

by linc on Jun 21, 2009 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

F-ball or b-ball?

by Ken Howlett on Jun 21, 2009 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the report, MW.

Very interesting and much appreciated.

So you missed the news Martin Newton was on the staff? Heh. I’m still wondering about that decision, but I like him okay. :-)

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

by Truzenzuzex on Jun 22, 2009 7:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Happy Father's Day to everyone :-)

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

by a2d2 on Jun 21, 2009 10:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

thanks a2

by Bluehound on Jun 21, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any Spectators

Sell tickets next year and put 4 or 5 thousand in the stands? Is it legal?

"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.

by kydamcat on Jun 21, 2009 11:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

doubt it

technically, the pick-up games are not part of the camp. the camp ended at 9 or so with free time to follow. the players just happened to be in Seaton to scrimmage and we just hung around and watched. the pick-up games are not part of any literature advertising the camp. also, as i said before, the coaches were quick to exit the gym before any games took place as coaches are not allowed to watch any players right now.

the freshman cannot work the camps but the upperclassmen can. crazy as it means the freshmen work off campus, if at all, out of eyesight of coaches. seems freshmen should be working the camps more than anyone as they get used to being away from home – but it is the NCAA setting the rules so they make no sense. since the camp was over for the day, the freshmen could come play pickup games.

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

by memphis wildcat on Jun 21, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Darius Miller pamphlet situation...

Similar situation happened to a good friend of mine. He was/is a highly regarded amateur golfer and was put on a billboard with Greg Norman advertising his new course in Savannah, GA. Got a letter a few days later telling him he had forfeited his amateur status, but after a few letters and phone calls everything was reversed once they found out he didn’t know it was going to happen, and he wasn’t compensated in any way. I see something similar for the Darius situation. You can’t control when other people use your image.

by JRod1229 on Jun 22, 2009 9:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs