Kentucky Basketball: Draft History is Made -- Five Wildcats Go in the First Round
by Glenn Logan on Jun 25, 2010 5:11 PM EDT
in Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
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PrintAs expected, last night delivered a remarkable set of new milestones for Kentucky as well as college basketball in general.
For Kentucky, it was their highest ever draft pick, with John Wall becoming the first player chosen in the 2010 NBA draft. Sam Bowie represented the previous high player for Kentucky at # 2 in the draft.
For college basketball, it was the first time ever that five players from one college team were drafted in the first round. The previous high had been set by Duke, North Carolina and Connecticut at 4.
So what does all this mean? Well, I may be in the minority here, but I think not that much as far as UK milestones are concerned. It does mean that John Calipari has radically revamped the talent level in Lexington, but we knew that already. I suppose this serves as a kind of validation that Calipari really can develop talent, because only Patrick Patterson and John Wall were considered a lock for a first round pick at the beginning of the season. DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton were all players that figured to need at least two years in college, but that turned out to be wrong.
For the players, I want to say that I am proud of them all, and I am sure the Big Blue Nation as a whole is as well. We wish them all long, healthy and productive careers wherever they eventually wind up playing, and we thank them all for being Kentucky Wildcats.
I think it's safe to say that virtually everyone wound up going pretty much where they should have, although Ekpe Udoh being picked over Patrick Patterson or even Ed Davis is a bit of a head-scratcher. So is Ed Davis being picked two places ahead of Patterson. I really cannot see what the pros see in Davis -- he has narrow shoulders and is not likely to be able to carry much more weight, he lacks a perimeter game altogether, he has no handle and limited post moves. He is, in my view, a marginally better prospect than Brandan Wright, and all Wright has done is average 6.2 points and 3.3 rebounds in the NBA in two years, although to be fair, he has been hurt a lot.
But whatever. I would probably get fired after my first draft as an NBA GM, because some of these guys either don't know basketball or are making "political" picks. This is not to suggest Udoh isn't a good player -- I think he will have a long and successful NBA career, but there are many big guys more polished than him, and with a similar upside.
As for winners and losers in the draft, I am not really qualified to say, so I'll defer to those who know better than I. To wit:
- Mark Spears of Yahoo.com says that Sacramento, who drafted Cousins, and Kentucky are big winners in the 2010 draft.
- Matt O'Brien of SB Nation says the Washington Wizards (Wall), the Sacramento Kings (Cousins) and the Los Angeles Clippers (Al-Farouq Aminu) were winners, and the Indiana Pacers (Paul George), the New York Knicks (Andy Routins), and the Minnesota Timberwolves (Wesley Johnson) were losers. Guess he doesn't think much of Syracuse guys.
- Frank Burlison says that Kentucky was the big winnner:
But Thursday night's results will only serve to help fuel a Wildcat recruiting machine that is rolling over all of its competition under Calipari.
Do you think there is a player Kentucky is recruiting — be it high school freshman, sophomore or junior – who wasn't watching the draft unfold Thursday night? - Tom Lorenzo of SI.com says all the UK guys except Daniel Orton were winners.
So there you have it. Draw your own conclusions, but for me, this was a relatively new experience. I have not watched a draft for a long time where I didn't have to worry that UK might not have a draft pick in either round. This was not a question of if, but how high, and the answer was pretty darn high.
This is undoubtedly great for the UK program, but really, UK doesn't seem to need much more help right now. Everyone Calipari wants, he seems to get. That's all you can ask of a recruiter, and as many predicted when Coach Cal came to UK, the days of having zero first-round picks at UK are probably over.
Congrats to the new pros and their teams.
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Great night
Cousins, Patterson, and Orton all ended up in places where they have an excellent chance to succeed. Head over to SBNation’s Sacramento Kings blog to know how happy they are with Cousins and how badly they needed a big man. Patterson could see quality time next year, as Yao seems to be hurt a lot, and Scola is getting a little older and could head back overseas. Orton goes to a team where he doesn’t have to contribute immediately, and he can learn from Dwight Howard and Patrick Ewing (the Magic’s big man coach).
The Wizards really need to find a way to dump Arenas now, but that will be tough. Wall won’t reach his full potential until they do. Poor Eric got traded to the Clippers. He can be a good player there, but he probably won’t win much in the near future. At least he’ll be getting paid well, and we believe that was a large part of the reason he went pro this year anyway… his family needed the money. So good for him and them. I’m glad he didn’t have to go the Kelenna Azubuike route to get there.
Congrats to all the guys. Once a ’Cat, always a ’Cat, indeed.
Acdixon
I believe your assesment is accurate. Eric was concerned for his family like Nazr Mohammed was for his. I was really happy for Eric and the Thunder but totally forgot that some NBA teams draft players for trading stock. Appears that is what the Thunder did.
My heart just goes out to him. However he is a real competitor and has a big heart, I think.
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
So where is the over/under on number of games next season
Before Orton or his dad tells the media he (Orton) should be starting ahead of Dwight Howard?
Exciting that all 5 UK guys went in the first round as expected. I’m also excited that Trevor Booker surprisingly went in the first round – one of my favorite players. I hope he gets a chance to play and prove he belongs.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
These players from Kentucky want be in the NBA in three years.They`re losers like the state they play for.
by Clarence Lamar on Jul 9, 2010 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Players supposed to be chosen in the first round...
I respectfully disagree that Cousins wasn’t a first round lock coming to Lexington. He was a huge recruit coming out of high school (#4, ahead of John Wall, in the ESPNU100 and #2, behind Wall, for Rivals). These rankings were from before he played a college game. He didn’t get the same press as Wall, but experts had him as a one and done coming to school (if you subscribe to the rule that around the top 7 freshmen leave).
Going into his senior season, Orton was nearly as high profile as Wall (maybe more) until he hurt his knee and couldn’t play. While he was a bit of a surprise, looking at his history it’s not completely unexpected.
Impressive nonetheless.
by ebwithsomefeedback on Jun 25, 2010 5:57 PM EDT reply actions
I think reasonable people can disagree on that.
I saw him play in some all-star games, and I was thinking he wasn’t ready. I didn’t watch him all year, though, so it’s fair to say that my judgment was based on a fairly limited exposure.
I was even more convinced he wouldn’t be ready after his first few games at UK, but then something seemed to click. At midseason, I had to reverse that opinion.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
No one expected Orton, who didn't even play his senior year, to be one and done.
I agree that Cuz was at least considered a possibility, though I did not think he was considered a lock. Bledsoe was never considered one and done.
True guys.
But we must remember that what “clicked” was that Cuz started believing in what Cal was telling him all along. He had a couple of weaknesses that he had to correct. Getting upset and even angry at the officials and at his coach who had his well being in mind.
Once Cuz began to come around , his game really improved. He bagan to concentrate on playing basketball instead of getting mad. I think it was that simple.
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
I tuned in to the beginning of every NBA Finals game this year just to hear...
AT GUARD…
6’1"…
FROM KENTUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RAJON!!!!!!!!!!!!
RONDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
So on that metric, its exciting to see players in the league now.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
We'll be hearing ...
… “From Kentucky” a lot more next year. A lot more.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Speaking of 6'1"....
At 6’1" from Kentucky, Eric Bledsoe the shortest player in the 2010 draft.
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
Lyric Smith
I’m sure you’re aware of this but Eric plays a lot taller than 6’1". He’s not JW but is a very close resemblance. EB was just a step behind JW. I believe his potential is unlimited.
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
I think he too needs to be aware of his head (ie, his temper)
It was worse that Cuz’s during the season despite the press Cuz got. Bledsoe has as much potential as Cuz to meltdown.
I do wish him the best though.
Jack
True, but everyone of us has a limit, when reached that can cause an explosion of our temper. Of course that can also be viewed in a more detailed perspective. Anger,
rage and loss of reason. The latter having been displayed in the collegiate arena as well as the NBA. The NBA almost weekly.
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
chirop1
Man you are right on. I don’t watch a lot of NBA until the playoffs but when the annoucer does that it makes a little chill go down my back. Same for all UK NBA players.
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
Wasn't Patrick slated to be a Top Ten pick last year?
I’m just glad (although he slipped), he got through the year without any real difficulties. Good for him.
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
No, In Fact
A number of mock drafts didn’t even have him in the first round.
(So U.S. voters did) "The gazing populace receive greedily, without examination, whatever soothes superstition and promotes wonder." - David Hume
My recollection is nearly all (I think only 1 or 2 did not) had him in the first round
But most had him at 20-25 I thought. So he lost a year of money but he improved his status.
Correct
Patterson WOULD have been drafted in 2009 also.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't know, Hoze.
What I do know is that he gave up the possibility of being a # 10 pick to very unselfishly play a lesser role than his first two years to help UK go 35-3.
CLASS ACT!!
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
You take every possible opportunity to be negative
I haven’t been on these blogues for very long, but my goodness, all I ever see from you is negative, negative, negative. I have never seen Pat projected as a lottery pick until this year. Why do you even come over here anyway?
by craftyno1catfan on Jun 29, 2010 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
ILncredible evening, even though I went to bed fairly early.
I absolutely love it that five Wildcats were chosen in the first round. It will no doubt solidify Coach Cal’s already-locked position as the best recruiter around. And now, there are five more reasons for me to read about the NBA in the sports section.
But, as much as I respect Coach Cal and love what he’s done for the program, I must disagree with one thing he said last night. (This might be a repeat of what went on in the draft thread last night, but I haven’t been able to read all I’d like lately.) Last night was a great night for UK, but it wasn’t the “greatest night in Kentucky basketball” or whatever Coach said.
We’ve had seven “greatest” nights and last night wasn’t one of them. Sorry if I offend, but getting players in the NBA isn’t the goal of the program. Legally winning NCAA championships is. Let’s not confuse the two.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena . . .who spends himself for a worthy cause . . ."
With you on that one
But I don’t think Cal really believed it was the greatest night, just some hyperbole to go along with what is one of the 2 most hyperbole-filled days of the year (Day 1 of the NFL draft being the other)
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
You're right, oldcat'69
.
And Cal knows that too. Since last night became a sort of 90-minute infomercial for UK basketball, Cal took that opportunity to make a statement that was clearly (as in 100%) intended for… all of the…. recruits…. that were undoubtedly watching all of the UK guys hugging their coach and becoming millionaires. He was saying, “Come and join the party— you can be like these guys!”
Not everything that Coach Cal ever says is intended for us (the fans). We can share him with other audiences.
The guy knows his business, 24/7. Even when he is admittedly saying something that is kinda silly.
.
-- Tim . http://HomeSalesLexington.com/barn
by HSLex on Jun 25, 2010 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That was my statement as well.
No doubt its the greatest night for those players, but not in UK history.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
Cal statement could come true
if it plays a role in getting us the top recruits for the next few years which leads to numbers 8,9 etc. Looking at the past, not the greatest but definitely a major milestone.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
wineman
you’re right, it was a MILESTONE…………..NOT a greatest moment. But, hopefully it will lead to another great moment.
by bigbill992001 on Jun 26, 2010 3:46 AM EDT up reply actions
oldcat69
There’s my buddy chipping in. Once again I have to agree with you but it is wonderful to see these guys achieve. I’m proud of all of them. I’m not in the least offended. You are always honest in your opinions.
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
Cats' New Jobs
Mark Story looks at employment conditions for the DraftFive.
(So U.S. voters did) "The gazing populace receive greedily, without examination, whatever soothes superstition and promotes wonder." - David Hume
I gotta echo Tru here
“For the players, I want to say that I am proud of them all, and I am sure the Big Blue Nation as a whole is as well. We wish them all long, healthy and productive careers wherever they eventually wind up playing, and we thank them all for being Kentucky Wildcats.”
Go Big Blue
Matt O'Brien of SB Nation.
I heartily disagree with Mr. O’Brien on Andy Routins. I watched him play many times on
TV and am convinced that he is hard nosed enough to to compete in the NBA. He puts me in mind of Chris Mullins and he can shoot the ball. Guess time will tell. I’ve been wrong before.
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
Historic,yes
But it also leaves me wondering how a team that has it’s entire starting lineup drafted in the 1st round of the NBA draft not make it to the Final Four?? Sorry,I’m not trying to be a wet blanket. Just askin’.
Potential
The NBA bases its draft on potential. As in "if they had stayed a few more years they could have “potentially” hung a few banners. You really can’t win them all. Don’t worry, one day the League will be called The University of Kentucky Basketball Association.
Potential
+1 LOL
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
Historic, yes...
I don’t know all of it not being personally involved with the team. It seemed to me that Cousins and Patterson did not touch the ball near enough against WVU.
Since the players do not coach the team, the reason seems obvious. I love Cal but why he didn’t stop all of that 3 point shooting is a mystery to me.
I know that the fans are not required to look into Coach Cal’s soul and try to find the reason. He
has to do that himself and I’d bet a bottle of kywineman’s Chardonnay that he already has.
Even so I will always believe that we would have won it all had WVU been defeated. Just my opinion.
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
I just wish
you could get a picture of Coach Cal soul searching with a glass of my Chardonnay in his hand!
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
kywineman
Yep. Me too. I’d just like to get close enough to get his autograph. LOL
You do know that my comment was with tongue in cheek? Anyway I love to take a little wine every once in a while myself.
I like Chardonnay and also a German wine, which of course you’re familiar with, named Liebfraumilch or Sweet Womans Milk. The name is odd though because this wine is rather sour.
The Roman general returning from battle, had a slave chained to his chariot; the slave would whisper in his ear that, "ALL GLORY IS BUT FLEETING."
I would have lost $$$ on the bet
that our football would beat the basketball team to a No. 1 draft pick by 11 years… guess I never really thought about the fact that we had never had a No. 1 in basketball before.
I have to give Washington credit for taking the John Wall Dance to a whole new level with some pretty good production values. Even the team’s new owner at the 1:30 mark. At first I wasn’t very thrilled about Washington, but the youtube video won me over. I must be easy.
The Kings just got a whole lot better. And they know it. For UK fans with insomnia and a NBA games package, Cousins playing west coast basketball could become a habit.
Patterson and Hayes representing us on the same team? How perfect is that?
.
-- Tim . http://HomeSalesLexington.com/barn
5 Taken In First 29 Picks = UK Record Too
UK had 4 players taken in Top 45 Picks in 1978,
And 4 players taken in Top 52 Picks in 1996.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2010 10:01 AM EDT reply actions
If you spread it out over a few years --
’96 had 6 first round picks I think and 9 that played in the NBA (for a day at least).
If You Do It That Way
So did the 1978 team.
I know everyone think 1996 >>> the rest of UK teams, but not really.
It’s one of several teams.
One of the late 1940’s teams had 10 NBA players. The 1978 and 19975 teams also had 9.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
1947
That UK team actually had 12 players drafted by NBA teams.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jun 26, 2010 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Congrats to the five players for realizing their dream.....
I wish them all the best even though I can not root for some of their teams. I will root for them individually but that’s about it.
Everybody wants to go come to UK and this draft tells everyone why!
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
Thoughts from vacationland....
The one thing that I was truly proud of for this draft is that I would not hesitate to invite any of these young men into my home, oranywhere else I was. This group of kids represent something special in this day and age. Even with a couple of whacks in the back of the head I would like to have given a couple of them during the season and even afterwards, there is not one true " headcase " among them, in spite of popular opinions.
There have been more successful squads, and there may even be more talented squads, but there will not be a group of kids who have a better outlook and attitude than this team has. They were unselfish to a fault, and had fun from their first day to their last. My kind of kids.
I AM THE CAT......The Cat In The Hat!!!
by ALLBLUCAT on Jun 26, 2010 3:28 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
PPat article
Nice article about PPat in the Houston online news, although having read the author’s articles for the last several years sometimes I think he and Tipton may have been brothers but this is mostly positive but I tend to read between the lines on his writings.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/7081456.html
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