Today, according to Harold Camping, the Rapture will happen and the world as we know it will end.  That would surely frustrate the Kentucky Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels fans to no end because of the great teams they are expected to put on the hardwood next year.

Also, I think perhaps this is what DeAndre Daniels is waiting for.  He could be the only player in recent memory to hold out for the end of the world before deciding on a college.  It kind of gives a whole new meaning to the old saying, "What are you waiting on, Christmas?"  Nope.  The Rapture.

Now, for the news:

• UK listed 13-to-2, U of L 17-to-2 to win 2012 NCAA title :: Rick Bozich
  Gamblers don't think much of Kentucky's chances next year.

• UK tennis reaches Elite Eight; USC awaits :: courier-journal.com
  The 'Cats lost to Southern Cal last year. This is the big rematch.

• DeAndre Liggins looks to prove all-around talent at NBA Combine :: Lexington Herald-Leader

  "He defined my game," Liggins said Thursday at a combine media interview session. "He told me who I was. 'This is how you'll get noticed.'"

  It worked.

• Is Kanter the draft's most intriguing prospect?
  Interesting that he turned down an offer to play in the Nike Hoop Summit again. Seeing him go against Davis would have been fascinating.

• Eloy Vargas scores 12 points as Reach USA wins :: John Clay’s Sidelines
• Car Salesman Says Deals To Ohio State Players Were Fair :: WBNS-10TV, Central Ohio News

• Future Lettermen: Futures Of Calhoun, Top Recruit Andre Drummond Linked – LostLettermen.com
  Heh. Interesting. I'd love it if Calipari landed this guy, just to see Calhoun turn all apoplectic again.

• UK Coach John Calipari honored at Vitale's charity gala :: Lexington Herald-Leader
  All the people at this event deserve credit for their outstanding, caring support of this worthy charity.

• Muhammad Probably Not Picking Carolina or Duke
  I'm not sure I buy this argument, but it can't be dismissed outright. Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski are known for persuading players to stay, and if Muhammad does not want to stay, that could be a problem.

• Combine no big deal to Shelvin Mack after facing NBA MVP last summer | University of Kentucky Sports News | Lexington Herald-Leader
  The Tubby Smith era made Mack a Kentucky fan. "Great teams year in and year out," he said. "That's when I really loved them."

• Combine no big deal to Shelvin Mack after facing NBA MVP last summer :: Lexington Herald-Leader

  The Tubby Smith era made Mack a Kentucky fan. "Great teams year in and year out," he said. "That's when I really loved them."

  Interesting comment, that.

• Morehead's Faried confident his game will translate to NBA :: Lexington Herald-Leader

  Paradoxically, the doubts about Faried do not dampen the comparisons to Dennis Rodman, an elite NBA rebounder despite being only 6-7. By the way, Rodman played college basketball for a nondescript school, Southeastern Oklahoma State.

  The difference, obviously, is that Faried is not a weirdo like Rodaman was.

• NBA draft: Despite layoff, teams impressed with Enes Kanter (with video) - news-herald.com

  "Once they made me ineligible I was so sad," he said. "I came to the United States for my education. When they told me I couldn't play because I'm a professional, it made me so sad because I didn't want to be a professional. That's why I came here."

  Believe me, Enes, it made the Big Blue Nation sad as well.

• Perry Ellis taking time with recruiting process - CBSSports.com
• UK softball routs Irish 8-0 :: The Courier-Journal
• 2011 NBA Mock Draft: What Happens to Enes Kanter?
• 5 For Saturday: UK Gets Clean Sweep Of Notre Dame In All Sports

• News and notes from Chicago NBA pre-draft camp - ESPN

  • Onetime Kentucky student Enes Kanter was the star of the first day. The reason? No one had seen him in a competitive setting since October, outside of a few Kentucky practices in October. Kanter was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA for accepting benefits while on a Turkish club as a teenager. His face-up game, ability to run the floor, and overall strength will continue to make him a hit among scouts. He carries himself well, too. He was also the one player who stayed after the workouts and continued to take shots. [emphasis mine]

  This just gets tougher and tougher.  Think the UConn game might have been a little different with this guy on the court?

• Enes Kanter skips out on three pre-draft interviews - Ball Don't Lie - NBA Blog - Yahoo! Sports

• Kanter eager to showcase skills at NBA combine :: courier-journal.com

  Kanter maintained that he never handled any money, receiving only what his father gave to him. He also expressed disappointment with Fenerbahce, his Turkish team, for not helping him become eligible. He hinted it may have been a backlash for not signing a long-term deal with the club.
  
  "They didn't try hard enough to make me play in the NCAA," Kanter said. "I think after I left there they try to make me sign like a six-year contract. … I said my dream was always NBA. After I left, I think they got mad."

  Yes, that's certainly what happened.  Fenerbahce not only didn't help him, they actively worked against him.

• The Hoops Report :: NBA Draft Chatter: Chicago Combine

  Two players that were relative unknowns coming into Chicago were Enes Kanter and Jeremy Tyler. And both helped their stock. Kanter participated in drills and proved that he was the top prospect to participate. He also measured at 6-foot-11 in shoes and did a wonderful job in interviews. Tyler had the longest wingspan at 7-foot-5 and impressed with his athleticism. Tyler also seemed to really mature since leaving high school to become a professional basketball player. NBA teams haven't seen these two big men play much at all, especially Tyler, but both did nothing but help their stock by showing the potential that they have.

  I keep reading this over and over.  Kanter has really helped himself, although I'm not sure that will translate to a higher draft pick than he would have had.

• Offense Erupts in 14-1 Win at No. 4 Florida - KENTUCKY OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
  Too little too late, but it could bode well for next season. Henderson needs to field a competitive team next year or face the hot seat.

• Why Did Will Muschamp Guarantee A Cocktail Party Victory? Because He Could - FairWeather Report - SB Nation Atlanta
  Heh. This game will be the undoing of Mark Richt if he doesn't bring home a victory soon.

• CoachCal.com :: Coach Calipari’s Dick Vitale Gala 2011 Speech Notes

• SEC Looking At Eliminating Basketball Divisions - Team Speed Kills
  I think this would be for the best, at least as far as the tournament is concerned.

• Biggest surprises from the 2011 class - ESPN
  Interesting comments about Kyle Wiltjer near the end of the piece. Hat Tip: Spam's.

• NBA Saturday: The Mystery Man - Basketball News & NBA Rumors