As we all start our final day of work before the glorious weekend, a few stories of interest have popped up.

First is this post by Chris Diggs at the Courier-Journal fan blog.  This article is just what Cat fans need to get our blood pumping and thinking about the annual clash between Kentucky and Louisville on the hardwood.

Apparently, some benighted Louisville fan made a comment that attracted Chris' eye:

Chris takes the opportunity of this poor fan's misplaced zeal and completely fisks him.  I know, I know ... not much of a challenge in this particular case, since the fan apparently is heavy on passion and light on intellect.  Still, it's a fun read, and a perfect example of how you disagree with a person without being disagreeable.

Next, the Peoria Journal Star has an article on how Billy Gillispie's recruiting zeal has put a bit of a hurt on his old buddy and mentor, Bill Self.  Just take a look at the opening couple of paragraphs:

Read the whole thing.  It is too good to miss.

Mike DeCourcy, a fine sportswriter who often actually writes something someone might be interested in reading, has this article today on MSNBC.  It talks about how college basketball coaching has changed in the last 15 years, and gives some pretty interesting insight and examples on just how that change works.

He briefly touches on the heinous NCAA directive of the 1990's, which, more than anything, just further illuminates the cluelessness of that august body (as if further illumination were actually needed):

DeCourcy goes on to discuss the continuance of the careers of such worthies as Cliff Ellis and Rod Barnes, two names familiar to those of us in the SEC.  I always liked both of those guys, and I am glad to see them continue their careers.

Then, we have news that DeMarre Carroll (remember him in a Vanderbilt uniform?) got shot in the foot outside a Columbia, Missouri nightclub.  I was unaware that Carroll was the nephew of Mike Anderson, now coach of the University of Missouri.  Carroll apparently transferred to Missouri after his freshman year at Vandy.  I hope he will be OK.

Rivals gives us ten to watch for 2010.  Unfortunately, neither of UK's 2010 recruits currently appears on that list.

Finally, also on the subject of recruiting, the Big Blue Blog looks at their recruit of the day, Willie Warren.  Support the UK blogosphere and have a look, he is a new blog just starting out.

Happy Friday!