Kentucky Basketball: John Calipari Surprises Everyone, Lands Wiltjer
by Glenn Logan on Aug 29, 2010 9:57 AM EDT
in Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
Email
PrintKyle Wiltjer, a 2011 6' 9'' 225# forward from Portland, Oregon ranked #25 on Rivals and 21 on Scout, verbally committed to Kentucky last night.
Wiltjer had UK on his list, but there was relatively little buzz around the Big Blue Nation about him until this weekend. Wiltjer is the kind of player any school would want -- a big, smart team player who can shoot. There is speculation that Wiltjer has not finished growing yet, to boot.
The Wiltjer situation was all the Twitter rage yesterday, but he has long been considered a likely player for Gonzaga and Mark Few. Needless to say, the Gonzaga faithful at SB Nation's excellent Gonzaga blog, The Slipper Still Fits, are very much less than pleased.
I notice a few members of A Sea of Blue over at TSSF defending Calipari's honor, and as one of the leading Calipari defenders on the Internet, I can hardly be surprised. What is surprising is how many west coast players are suddenly bound for Kentucky. Over the last ten years or so before Calipari came, we have gotten a few west coast guys, notably Tayshaun Prince, Chuck Hayes and Michael Porter, but the 2010-11 classes are simply stiff with players plucked from the hands of Great Northwest schools. That's just unexpected, at least to me.
Needless to say, Fans of schools in the states of Washington and Oregon have been dismayed at the sudden movement of their talent to Lexington. With Tony Wroten still out there uncommitted, there is at least a technical possibility of yet another highly-ranked Great Northwest recruit playing for the Blue and White. That would be a staggeringly successful invasion of an under-appreciated and talent-rich region of America.
I suspect, but do no know, that the Wiltjer commitment had something to do with the recent offer Coach Cal made to Chane Behanan, another highly ranked player out of Kentucky. Of course, that could merely be a coincidence. But the message now seems to be that if you want on the Kentucky train, space is limited.
Let's see what we currently have lined up for 2011 so far:
| Committed but unsigned | ||||||
| S/N | Name | Pos | Location | Ht | Wt | Rivals Rank |
| 1 | Anthony Davis | PF | Chicago, ILPerspectives Charter | 6'10" | 220 | 6 |
| 2 | Mike Gilchrist | SF | Elizabeth, NJSt. Patrick | 6'6" | 190 | 3 |
| 3 | Marquis Teague | PG | Indianapolis, INPike | 6'2" | 170 | 2 |
| 4 | Kyle Wiltjer | PF | Portland, ORJesuit | 6'9" | 225 | 25 |
Not bad at all, if you ask me. Adding Behenan to this list would make the class by far the best in 2011, and arguably the best recruiting class, rankings-wise, in Kentucky history. For that matter, we may well already be there if these rankings continue to hold.
Here is some reaction to the Wiltjer commitment:
- Cal lands another 2011 top prospect
- Kyle Wiltjer Picks Kentucky - SB Nation Seattle
- Kyle Wiltjer says Kentucky basketball will be 'a great fit' | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
- Kyle Wiltjer Story Stream -- SB Nation
- No. 19 recruit Kyle Wiltjer commits to Kentucky at Elite 24 All-Star game - CBK News - FOX Sports on MSN
- Is Portland's Kyle Wiltjer The Most Skilled Power Forward In The Class Of 2011? - SB Nation Seattle
- Wiltjer’s commitment locks up another No. 1 class for Calipari | Vaught's Views
- UK Recruiting is Like "Nuclear Bombs Compared to Rifles"
- Wiltjer joins Cats' 5-star parade
- Frustrated Sparty Reacts
- Kentucky scores another star 2011 prospect - Beyond the Arc - NBC Sports
- Wiltjer to Kentucky - GU Board Forums -- Gonzaga Fans react.
Mostly sane comments here. - Kyle Wiltjer Will Attend Kentucky !!! | Flagrant Fouls
- UK adds fourth top 20 prospect - CBSSports.com
- Kentucky Lands Wijiter " Coast 2 Coast Recruiting
- Kyle Wiltjer to Kentucky | ZagsBlog.com
- Kentucky Sports Radio " Blog Archive " Wiltjer picks the Cats
- Kansas fans react with accusations of payoffs
- Ballin' is a Habit: Kyle Wiltjer commits to Kentucky
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Comments
Need SG Then On To 2012 Class
I don’t see room for Behanan now.
by FortyYearCatFan on Aug 29, 2010 10:23 AM EDT reply actions
Even if there is no return for Dodson?
I Shall Always Be The Cat......In The Hat!!! The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Aug 29, 2010 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
We shouldn't hold our breath waiting to land Austin Rivers ... great player - just don't think he'll wind up here
Then who’s next logically … maybe no one? maybe Behenan?
Not Benhanan
UK already has 2 PF in 2011 class.
He’s 6-8 and 255 PF. No room for 3rd one.
by FortyYearCatFan on Aug 29, 2010 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
No rule against carrying an extra PF ... like to see Cal give Kentucky kids a shot
what SG will we go after? Rivers? Like to see that happen, but if not wouldn’t be upset to have Behenan on the squad.
FortyYearCatFan
Why not “gray shirt” him? Most all the football dudes indulge in the practice. LOL
Of course I really don’t think GS is ethical.
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Not Gonna Happen
He’s Top 25 recruit. He’ll get a scholarship somewhere.
No such thing as Grayshirting in basketball.
by FortyYearCatFan on Aug 30, 2010 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I am outside KY so have never heard his name pronounced
How does he say it? This is a very exciting recruit, I believe.
Don't Need 3 PF In Same Class
Behanan is PF too.
by FortyYearCatFan on Aug 29, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Under DDM, I think Cal only has 3 positions - PG, Wing, Post player.
After watching videos, both Davis and Wiltjer look like Wings and both can shoot the 3. Behanan is a classic though short, wide bodied post player. Call them what you will, but if Behanan is Barkleyesque in ability to control the paint despite his height, he would not compete with Davis and Wiltjer.
That said, we could probably get a classic 7 footer post player and be fine before all is said and done.
Unfortunately
There is a dearth of dominant post players in 2011. Expect Cal to play with sizable and versatile PFs until he can land a dominant center in 2012, someone of Cuz-like proportions.
If true, that could mean there is a place for Behanan...
… cause what I’ve read he does not sound like a wing. He sounds like a post player.
Hey Forty, I’m a little confused. Is Davis a 2010-11 committment or 2011-12?
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Davis Is This Year, Not Next Year
He and Wiltjer play the same PF spot.
by FortyYearCatFan on Aug 29, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks Cat.
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
No
He is 2011 HS class just like Wiltjer.
by FortyYearCatFan on Aug 29, 2010 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Then that means Davis is a 2011-12 player. Stil confused.
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Very Simple
Both Davis and Wiltjer are PF recruits in UK 2011 recruiting class.
Third time’s the charm?
by FortyYearCatFan on Aug 29, 2010 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions
40,
This class of Knight and company is the 2010-2011 class. That makes Davis class 2011-2012. Time flies when you are having fun. You are correct in the 2011 class but that is next years class not this years.
by Grasslands1 on Aug 29, 2010 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
40 is right when he says 2011 class
most media and fans call recruiting classes by ..listen close.. THE YEAR THEY BECOME COLLEGE PLAYERS … calling it the 2011-2012 class isnt technically wrong but considering most people call the following class the 2012 class.. well you are just asking for confusion
"UK ....enough said"
by kentuckywild on Aug 29, 2010 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve always done it just the opposite for many, many years. Hard to teach an old “dog” new tricks, I guess. But some old dogs respond
eventually. Anyway you’uns have all helped me’uns. LOL
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Actually Not
They are 2010 class.
All but Vargas are HS graduates in 2010. He is JuCo graduate in 2010.
by FortyYearCatFan on Aug 30, 2010 6:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Mine too. I’m keeping a record of this years freshmen and next years committments. Davis is the only one I wasn’t sure of because of the situation of his grandfather.
It was my understanding that he made up the time he lost taking
care of his grand dad so making him eligible in 2010-11. Phew!
Thanks guys.
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Blame It On Earth's Rotation
The Earth rotates west to east, thus there is EST and PST, thus max TV is 3 hours earlier, thus far less media exposure for west coast players, less media exposure means less NBA acknowledgement, so now you know why west coast players want to ply their talents at UK, and to a lesser extent at other schools east of the Mississippi.
The best possible addition to the 2011 class would be Austin Rivers but highly unlikely.
"People unfit for freedom -- who cannot do much with it -- are hungry for power. The desire for freedom is an attribute of a 'have' type of self. It says: leave me alone and I shall grow, learn, and realize my capacities. The desire for power is basically an attribute of a 'have not' type of self." — Eric Hoffer
Are the Cats out of available scholarships for 2010-11?
Don’t want to get into an LSU football situation.
No.
We have 11 on scholarship today, and should have four available scholarships next year.
That assumes the following:
- Dodson does not come back
- We don’t lose anyone to the NBA
- We don’t sign anyone else
- Polson is on a 1-year deal
If we lose people to the NBA, we will obviously have more scholarships available.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
A question about that.
Do you think Orton not finishing classes will hurt our APR enough to lose a scholarship?
by Clint Phelps on Aug 30, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
actually that one got answered a couple months ago, Clint. No, he did not hurt us enough to lose
a scholarship, but he did put a dent in our numbers. It would have been so much better if he had done what he was supposed to, but under the circumstances it could have been worse.
I Shall Always Be The Cat......In The Hat!!! The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Aug 30, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Ah.
I thought we wouldn’t find out until next year because the APR had a delayed affect or something like that. Maybe I need to research how it works better.
by Clint Phelps on Aug 30, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
If we have no more problems, then it is a moot point. But should another similar situation crop up, it
will factor in for a specific period of time, the length of which I am not sure.
I Shall Always Be The Cat......In The Hat!!! The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Aug 30, 2010 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
The answer to that ...
… is not this year. But in years to come, maybe.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
No.
Tru, why would Polson be on a one year deal? Is he expendable? I don’t want to read anything into this but it’s, “Thanks for being here one year but we’ve got better players in here next year so we won’t need you anymore.” ?
Polson has waited all his life to go to UK and it would be the pits if he got done that way.
After all, Cal has given him a schlorship. I realize that is one year at a time but it would still be cruel. My opinion.
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Polson was a walk-on originally
And Cal went ahead and gave him a scholarship. The reason is pretty obvious, I think - UK has open scholarships and Cal figured that Polson was deserving.
I think it’s very, very, very likely that the scholarship was extended with full knowledge that there would be no guarantee after year 1.
Of course, I don’t know for sure. But this seems to be an extremely likely scenario.
Polson was a walk-on....
Thanks guy. I knew he was a walk-on and also there is no guarantee for any scholarship player. It’s been a one year at a time for many years. I THINK. Seems like I read that somewhere.
Anyway if it happens, getting the scholarship will probably help him get one somewhere else. Mabye not at a major school but somewhere that he can play. He’s too good a player to be left out. I’m sure Cal knew this. He’s very intelligent.
The fact that he played at UK and got some exposure in Canada and a nice compliment from Cal himself, won’t hurt him.
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
I think ...
… Polson will stay at UK, scholarship or no. If the scholarship goes to someone else, then he will just walk on, and I suspect Calipari will welcome him in that role.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I think...
Good. Glad to hear that that is a possibility. Can’t help it, I like the kid a lot.
Because he’s one of our own, I guess.
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Coach Cal just keeps reeling them in....
this is no longer called “recruiting”….in Calipari’s world its called “signing”
From the highlight clips I have seen of Wiltjer, he does not look like a 5-star player but he does have a sweet jumper for a 6’9" guy.
Slower Traffic Keep Right!
Yeah,
he looks a little slow and gangly. But, he put up 20 against some pretty good players and we can certainly use a guy that can SHOOT.
by bigbill992001 on Aug 29, 2010 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Coach Cal just keeps.....
What a fisherman. And just think, the only bait he uses is, “Come play for us at UK.” Don’t need any more than that. Hee! Hee!
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
What was it Cal said at Big Blue Madness??
Something like, returning UK back to the top of the mountain ?
I love it!
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
What was it Cal said....
Oh yeah! And that mountain is high and hard to climb. Adolph started at the bottom, and
now look at us. Hee! Hee!
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Actually Not
John Mauer won 75% of his games in 1928-29-30 and left a talented roster for Rupp to coach in 1931.
by FortyYearCatFan on Aug 31, 2010 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks Forty. I knew about coach Mauer and the squad he left for coach Rupp. I am speaking of the era just 11 years before I was born. When Coach Rupp took over, UK was not exactly considered a national power. That “honor” went to the northeastern schools.
Didn’t take coach Rupp long to get them up there though. He won several NC in the mid ‘30s. I know most sports guru,s don’t consider anything but the NCAA. I expect that from that snobby bunch. But I’m hardheaded about it. That was the way it was done back then and who but a bunch of snobs would dare say that they shouldn’t count?
Actually UK has won 12 national championships. The reason they aren’t given the credit they deserve for them is because of John Wooden. And the “johnny come latelys”, the ducks of dixie. You know who.
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
His 1933 Team Was Later Awarded Helms Trophy
That was his only “NC” team prior to WW2.
I consider UK to have “won” 10 “NC” namely 7 NCAA, NIT in 1946, and Helms Trophy in 1933 and 1954.
by FortyYearCatFan on Sep 1, 2010 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Move along, nothing to see in the northwest.
In all seriousness, Wiltjer’s a great pickup for Kentucky. Kid can flat play.
Another day, another 5 star recruit
I’m happy…..now win a title.
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
@btcoop71
Sometimes
It’s much harder to win a title with a roster full of 5 Star players.
UK in 1998 had just 1 of them – Wayne Turner.
1996 Cats had several – Delk, McCarty, Walker, Mercer, Turner.
1978 squad had a few – Givens, Robey, Macy, Williams, Shidler.
by FortyYearCatFan on Aug 30, 2010 6:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Early And Mid 1980's
Those UK teams typically had 7 or 8 players who would be 5 Star (Top 25 rated) recruits today, yet none won a title. Few got close, really only 1986 team did.
by FortyYearCatFan on Aug 30, 2010 7:10 AM EDT up reply actions
1984 team
The 1984 team made the Final Four losing to G-town in the semifinals. The 1986 team lost to LSU in the regional final. No other 1980s team got as far.
1984 team.
That team broke UK fans’ hearts. The worst 2nd half of basketball in UK history, I’ll
be bound. I loved that team and thought they were the best, that season, and still do.
A book entitled, “Bury My Heart In Seattle” would be appropriate.
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Yep
i was thinking more of 1980-81-82 and 1986-87-88 teams.
Most of the UK teams in the 1980’s had 7 or 8 “5 Star” type players on the roster.
by FortyYearCatFan on Aug 31, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I was also heart broken by the '86 team.
Sutton left not only disgraced by scandal but also the only UK coach since the 1930’s or whevenver Rupp started to not win a NC or make a FF, and ‘86 was his year to do that. Kenny Walker may still be my favorite UK player. A thin 6’8" playing with his back to the basket and leading the SEC in points and rebounds 2 years in a row. I haven’t seen anyone shoot the turn around jumper from 15 feet like him at UK since (Mash came closest but usually played facing the basket).
But we had to play Alabama and LSU 4 times in the same season, and the 4th game against LSU was just too much. That is another bitter Elite 8 loss for the Cats for me.
JackBluto
I totally agree. I watched all 4 of those LSU games that year and kept telling my son how hard it is to beat a very good team 3 times in one year much less
four times.
I believe Dale Brown finally figured out how to use Ricky Blanton away from Walker. He killed us in the end.
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Sometimes....
Righto. History speaks for itself. No argument here.
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Wiltjer IS a 5 Star Player....
Don’t know which videos you have watched, but, did you see him in the Boost Mobile Elite 24 All-Star game?
The kid can play the game, can shoot the 3, rebound, and played smart around the basket. Don’t know what you expect?
Wiltjer could play and would be a great pickup for any Program in the Nation!
He looks to have a solid jumper in what I've seen easily to the 3 point line.
I hope that is legit and not just the occasional jump shot that made it to video.
Let the good times roll-
Life is good, but like Coop said, now win a title!
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
What is the deal with this ad on the right about the dog-human hybrid?
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
@btcoop71
thats karen sypher's and rick pitino's
love child that was thought to be aborted
"UK ....enough said"
by kentuckywild on Aug 29, 2010 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
oh god, that is offensive
…and yet, hilarious ;)
by blue kentucky girl on Aug 30, 2010 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions
The poll on the front page is extremely non-descriptive
I am thinking it is SBN generated?
Anyway, one guess as to how I voted! Easy breezy. ’-)
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
I read earlier that Gilchrist committed to UK then de-committed. Then Cal talked to him and he re-committed to UK. Is this true, old news I missed or did I have a nightmare?
Forty? Anyone?
Happy days are here again,
The skies are Wildcat Blue again,
We've got the best recruits again,
Happy days are here again.
Apparently
he posted on his Twitter account that he was going to take 3 official visits. This led to some speculation that he was wavering in his commitment to UK, but he denied that. Apparently, Cal did call him, but he never officially de-committed. That’s what I’ve been able to gather, anyway.
his momma straightened him out......lol....been there myself.....lol
I Shall Always Be The Cat......In The Hat!!! The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Aug 30, 2010 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah.
It is a new SBN feature. I have not had time to look into it.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
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