So today, we discover that Kentucky is currently 34th in the director's cup (with a bullet), Rocky Top Talk does not want John Calipari to go to the Knicks (or anywhere else), two Florida Gators basketball players should forget about a life of crime because they are no good at it, and former Kentucky victory cigar and Louisville assistant Steve Masiello is the newly minted coach at Manhattan.
Now, for the rest of today's news:
- Davis makes his mark at Nike Hoop Summit :: Vaught's Views
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Trevor Lacey Visiting Alabama Next Week
I agree that Alabama looks like the favorite for Lacey. -
Bat Cats swept; Two basketball targets go elsewhere :: John Clay’s Sidelines
Looks like my doubts about Gary Henderson back when Cohen left were well founded.
- John Calipari: You Have Our Blessings
- God's Gift Getting Calls from Kentucky
- Kentucky Sports Radio :: Stan Simpson to Memphis
- Examining the SEC’s finances :: Ole Miss sports
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UK offensive coordinator Randy Sanders put all of the backs and receivers on notice, saying if they don't step up their games they could lose time to the freshman newcomers who arrive this summer. Kentucky signed two tailbacks (Marcus Caffey and Josh Clemons) and six players (Daryl Collins, Rashad Cunningham, Nile Daniel, Josh Forrest, Demarco Robinson and Bubba Tandy) who could play receiver.
That ought to get somebody's attention.
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CARDINAL LAWS: Caliplagus
Lest we forget. - Daily Word: Kentucky Wildcats' future freshmen on display in Portland - ESPN
- John Wall Leads Wizards Past Rondo-Less Celtics
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Kentucky Sports Radio :: Three cheers for the Kentucky basketball All-Time Walk-On Team
This is pretty cool. -
No disrespect for UK, just passion for the Classic | Op-Ed | Kentucky.com
I've already blogged about Dan Owens a few times. In this apology, Owens basically regrets getting caught with his pants down by writing unethical things in an email when he should have written the same unethical things in, say, a traditional letter, or said them in person. So essentially, he's sorry his screed got published.
Owens claims that it's his passion for the Kentucky Derby Basketball Classic that provoked his outburst earlier this year in an email to the University of Kentucky administration. Maybe that's true, but in my view, it doesn't get him a pass for this:
I recognize that Coach John Calipari has the right to suggest or encourage where his recruits play, including the Jordan Brand Classic, sponsored by Michael Jordan. All coaches with whom I have been associated exercise that privilege.
Both Coach Calipari, the players and their parents have said that Coach Cal did not suggest or encourage where the UK recruits play. Does he "have the right" to do so? I guess that depends on who you ask -- Calipari either doesn't think so, or thinks he should not be exercising that "right" whether or not it actually exists. Apparently, Owens thinks otherwise.
My perception of undue influence by the shoe manufacturers in the college recruiting process, including the all-star games, has always been of concern. The NCAA should recognize that the two-game limit enhances this undue influence. I also firmly believe the NCAA has no jurisdiction to legislate how a high school senior spends extracurricular time. But for this pointless rule, there would have been no issue regarding the participation by the UK recruits in the classic.
I do agree the rule is not a good one, but the problem is that the NCAA has long asserted jurisdiction over the players in high school. Sadly for us all, it is what it is. Lamenting this reality is certainly worthwhile, but that's not Kentucky's fault.
I suppose it's better than nothing, but this really doesn't raise my opinion of Mr. Owens very much. I sympathize with his conundrum, as I've said before, but pressuring kids to play in one game or another seems to me to be outside the boundaries of good manners, no matter how important you hold that game.
Hunter Campbell at KSR has related thoughts.
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Draft stock of some rises by attrition - CBSSports.com
I think Matt gets this exactly right. I have to wonder if DeAndre Liggins might also be tempted, regardless of his fiance's recent comments. -
Making the Leap: Jones makes surprise return - CBSSports.com
No, not Terrence Jones. - Player Who Torched Kentucky Arrested for Point-Shaving
- UT details two free tickets given to player's mother " GoVolsXtra
- Hoops’ shady side pops up in game-fixing indictment :: Beyond the Arc
- UK running back Jonathan George moving up the depth chart :: centralkynews.com
- Cal Will Have Second Meeting With Knight & Jones :: LEX18.com
- A Closer Look at Knight
- Could the Cats give us an NBA draft surprise? :: John Clay’s Sidelines
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Kentucky Wildcat Basketball: Bringing Coach K screaming into the "one and done" reality while the media pretends it is not happening
Heh. I think Paul's right. -
Rush The Court :: Who’s Got Next? A Recruiting Notebook…
Always interesting. -
Rush The Court :: BYU To Fredette: Don’t Attend Classes
This is so thick with irony in the context of the academic/athlete debate that we may never see its equal. -
Kemba’s timing perfect as others pass on NBA draft :: Beyond the Arc
Indeed.