OPEN SHOT: A few tidbits for fun

by Glenn Logan on Mar 31, 2008 4:44 PM EDT in Open Thread

According to this site, Paintsville's Landon Slone has decided to walk on at UK. Jodie Demling recently discussed this possibility.

While I believe the guy above, this right here is another matter. I think every UK fan would love to have a player like Stephen Curry at UK, but let's get real, guys -- Stephen is not walking through that door, and guess what -- Tubby Smith didn't recruit Curry while he was at UK (but wishes he had). Now, there's a shock. All this Curry angst is good for a giggle.

Update [2008-3-31 17:26:56 by Truzenzuzex]: Incorrect link fixed.

Then, there is the story that just won't die. Bleh.

Here's an Atlanta Falcons fan who thinks Woodson will fall to the third round, and thinks he would be a great pickup there.

This doesn't prove anything about my complaint below about semi-home games, but it does add a bit of fuel to the fire.

I neglected to mention that Darren Horn is expected to be announced as the new South Carolina Gamecocks coach tomorrow. It's hard to blame anyone for taking a 600K+ pay hike. Thanks to several readers for bringing this to my attention.

Comment away.

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Tubby Smith link

The link about Tubby takes me to the Sean Sutton story.

by chirop1 on Mar 31, 2008 5:06 PM EDT reply actions

Oops.

Fixed now.

by Glenn Logan on Mar 31, 2008 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Clipped The Meat Part...

...Gophers men's basketball coach Tubby Smith was familiar with former NBA player Dell Curry -- the father of Stephen Curry, who had a fantastic NCAA tournament, averaging 32.0 points per game in four games for Davidson. He was named Most Outstanding Player of the Midwest Regional despite the Wildcats' loss to Kansas on Sunday in Detroit. "His dad was an unbelievable shooter, too," Smith said. "I coached against [Dell] when I was at VCU, he was at Virginia Tech. He had some great games, he had unbelievable range. ... So, his son grew, and no one really -- I can't say no one, some people offered him [a scholarship] -- but he was about 5-11 at the time and now he's 6-2, 6-3." Smith said he didn't recruit Stephen Curry at Kentucky, but he added, "I wish I had."

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 31, 2008 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Unrelated

Once again the Hilltoppers get used as a stepping stone by a coach. To bad, they deserve more than a handful of years worth of consistency.

http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10751575

by wldcatsfreak on Mar 31, 2008 5:26 PM EDT reply actions

Horn and WKU

I honestly thought Horn would stick around Western a bit longer.

I don't think it's that big of a deal to the Hilltoppers. Selig and Ransdell will find a suitable replacement.

Horn has been underachieving a little since he arrived, except for this year, so it's not like they are losing Henry Iba.

It will be interesting and entertaining to see how he does in Columbia. He ain't in the weak arse Sun Belt anymore. Before, he had to beat maybe 3-4 good teams per year. Now he must play UK, Vandy, Florida, UT etc. twice a year, plus the non-conference.

I'm not hoping for him to fail, but I am skeptical of his prospects at winning consistently.

by Ken Howlett on Mar 31, 2008 6:17 PM EDT reply actions

This isn't fun...

...but KSR is reporting that WKYT is reporting that Bill Keightley fell at Great American Ballpark this afternoon and is in the hospital in critical condition at this time.

Hopefully the "critical condition" designation is a broad term used for people of advanced age when they enter the hospital in an emergency situation.

My prayers for Mr. Wildcat.

by Ken Howlett on Mar 31, 2008 7:56 PM EDT reply actions

Mr. Wildcat

According to WKYT's website Keightly fell while getting off of a bus.

They reported at 7:32 pm EST that he was undergoing surgery.

by Ken Howlett on Mar 31, 2008 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Cats Pause Poster Reporting The Worst News

Cannot confirm but TCP poster saying Mr Keightley passed away. DO NOT KNOW if true or not.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 31, 2008 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Tipton Confirming Mr Wildcat Passed Away

http://ukbasketball.kentucky.com/

Internal injuries from a fall getting off bus at Reds opening game...

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 31, 2008 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions

It's a sad day for Kentucky Basketball.

by Ken Howlett on Mar 31, 2008 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

true devotion...

Huge loss for the basketball world and UK. There will never be a more devoted and beloved figure than Bill Keightley. Thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Keightley's family and friends.

Rest in peace Mr. Wildcat, a true "Unforgettable"

by anton37 on Mar 31, 2008 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Nothing On Cincy Enquirer

But Lex TV stations are saying he is in surgery.

Perhaps that is Y the Critical Condition?

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 31, 2008 7:59 PM EDT reply actions

Let's hope that is right.

by Ken Howlett on Mar 31, 2008 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions

That Would Be My Guess

My father had surgeries in his 70's. They always put him in Critical Condition during surgery no matter what.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 31, 2008 8:20 PM EDT reply actions

ukathletics.com reports....

...that Keightley died of internal bleeding due to an undiagnosed tumor on his spine.

http://ukathletics.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=37&url_article_id=21871&change_well_i d=2

by Ken Howlett on Mar 31, 2008 10:20 PM EDT reply actions

cant believe...

there is nothing on ASOB about this yet... Wildcat Nation has lost its greatest fan

by anton37 on Mar 31, 2008 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions

agreed

I didn't experience the usual defeated and down mindset after this years loss in the tournament because after so many ups and mostly downs this season I was happy to make it in the tournament mostly for Crawford and Bradley who grew by leaps and Bounds this year as senior leaders. I had to work during the game anyways but the loss of a Kentucky legend Mr. Wildcat who has been around in Lexington so long, being for Adolph Rupp and every coach since. Which is amazing to me as a young 21 year old fan, Mr. Wildcat is as synonymous with Kentucky Basketball as the color blue-I've grown up with him in the seat next to the head coach for all my life-I think they should consider naming the new arena after him if they do get it built in a few years or at least the locker room.

by brianbman on Mar 31, 2008 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

He'll get something up, just give him some time.

by Ken Howlett on Apr 1, 2008 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Sorry ...

but I have a life outside ASoB, too, and didn't hear the news until this morning.

Very sad to lose one so dear. Things won't be the same on the sidelines at UK.

by Glenn Logan on Apr 1, 2008 7:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Sorry Tru...

Didn't intend to it to come off the way it did. All you guys at ASOB do a great job and the work is much appreciated. I was just in a really bad state and frustrated.

You guys are always my first stop for UK news and I couldn't figure why nothing had been posted. Real life pays the bills and it was just one of those time when everyone was doing what they have to do.

My post definitely wasn't intended toward any individual at all.. it was just out of frustration of the loss of the greatest UK fan ever...

by anton37 on Apr 1, 2008 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I understand ...

no offense taken.

We are all saddened by the passing of a great Kentucky fan, and a great man.

by Glenn Logan on Apr 2, 2008 7:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Sean Sutton resigns

ESPN is reporting that Sean Sutton has resigned at OSU.

I suppose Kansas and Kentucky can now wait while OSU throws money at their coaches in an ill-fated attempt to pull a coach away from one of the "royalty" schools.

by chirop1 on Apr 1, 2008 2:06 PM EDT reply actions

Probably ...

Although I don't really expect them to do that. I think the smart move would be to try to pry away a Sean Miller, or Mike Brey. Those are guys who might be tempted away for big bucks.

Or how about Frank Haith of Miami (FL)?

He has some connections out west, he was an assistant at both TAMU and Texas. And he is quietly doing a job at Miami. Would he trade the ACC for the Big 12? Maybe, if they talk sweet.

by Glenn Logan on Apr 1, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope....

you are right....but if OSU gets it in their head,or better yet T. Boone Pickens head, that they can get Self or Gillispie I would say both would have a hard time not looking at it because of the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ T. Boone Pickens can throw at them. ESPN was saying it could be as much as $5,000,000+ with an annuity. (that is all speculation I assume)

C....A....T....S CATS CATS CATS

by MartinGolf9 on Apr 1, 2008 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Coach Gillispie

I truly believe in my heart that Coach Gillispie is not a man driven by money.

Sure, he might listen to OSU, but ultimately I believe he wants the respect and adoration that he will most surely receive as an extremely successful coach at UK.

I just watched Coach's press conference about Mr. Wildcat, he appears genuine and was very emotional. Pretty hard to watch......

From the UK Athletics website...

http://www.ukathletics.com/20080401_bkm_pressconf_video.html

by BigSkyCat on Apr 1, 2008 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Can't take it with you

You certainly can't take the money with you when you go, but the respect you earn will last forever.

Maybe that is a lesson to be learned from the passing of Mr. Wildcat?

by BigSkyCat on Apr 1, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Coach Gillispie

Thanks for that link...I watched it twice and cried both times.

Just call me an emotional wildcat.

by kykat51 on Apr 1, 2008 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope you are right too

but just the other day everyone was "certain" that Horn wouldnt leave Western. I know that Western is a far cry from UK, its just the thought of Gillispie leaving (no matter how small) for ANY reason at all makes me more than a little nervous and sick to my stomach.

by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 1, 2008 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I was just ...

thinking about that.

But I am not worried.

by Glenn Logan on Apr 1, 2008 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Horn Stay?

The only thing I was certain about with Horn was that the first offer to come along that was better than Western he would take (Just My Opinion). My sister worked in Western's football office and had to interact with many of the other coaches on a regular basis and said Horn was always looking out for himself before any other. She said he never really "fit in" with the other coaches or staff around WKU. Take it for what it is worth, but that is one person's opinion. There were a lot of player grumblings in his first few seasons as well to that effect (while I was at Western).

To make a long story short, I never thought Horn would be at WKU next year. The first year he had any remote sucess and got a better offer I knew he would be off to somewhere else.

C....A....T....S CATS CATS CATS

by MartinGolf9 on Apr 1, 2008 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Anyone else read...

the article on Suttons resignation on cbsSportline? It talks about how Pickens "did not have a close relationship with the Sutton family" and how the AD was going to make a run at a big name coach "with the blessing of high pewered booster Pickens."

So let me get this straight, a booster wasn't close to the coaches family so he is gone AND the school is being very open that they are making desisions based on whether or not this guy gives his blessing.

Anyone else think that is seriously F'ed up?

by wldcatsfreak on Apr 1, 2008 5:50 PM EDT reply actions

Seems ...

T. Boone can't make up his mind.

by Glenn Logan on Apr 1, 2008 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Pickens

Seems to me that if Pickens really does have as much influence over big events/decisions as it sounds that would be a turn off for Gillispie anyway. Gillispie is rumored to have a hard enough time "taking orders" from ADs - why would he want to have to listen to "some rich old man" that has no tie to the program other than funding. It would kind of be like selling your soul.

by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 2, 2008 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions

I understand...

that this is all just speculation at this point, but if true, I think this may be one of the strangest situations I can remember with a school courting a coach. They actually say the booster is expected to target Self, not ok. state?

http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10753826

How can that not raise eyebrows with the almighty NCAA in regards to a booster having way to strong a connection to an athletic program?

by wldcatsfreak on Apr 1, 2008 7:29 PM EDT reply actions