What do you want first - the good news, or the bad news? let's start with the bad.
Basking in the warm afterglow of the flood of UK mens basketball news, I was shocked and disturbed to read this story:
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity pending the 9:30 a.m. announcement, said the resignation was not ``university-initiated'' but didn't indicate the reason behind it. DeMoss planned to meet with her players first at 8 a.m., the person said.
Folks, I sure hope somebody got this wrong. I will keep you advised.
Good news to come in updates shortly.
Update [2007-4-11 8:48:27 by Truzenzuzex]: More on DeMoss from the Herald-Leader. Still don't know why. Press conference @ 9:30AM today.
Update [2007-4-11 9:33:12 by Truzenzuzex]: Just reported on WHAS that she "wants to step away from the game for a while." Nothing more yet.
Update [2007-4-11 10:12:37 by Truzenzuzex]: DeMoss has resigned. No reason given other than she "needs a break". I'm betting there is more, but it isn't forthcoming from DeMoss.
Update [2007-4-11 15:40:9 by Truzenzuzex]:The Herald-Leader has an article on DeMoss' resignation on its website.
Update [2007-4-11 7:49:42 by Truzenzuzex]: Matt Jones has some very interesting recruiting news, including:
- An interview with Jai Lucas that gives me great hope.
- GJ Vilarino teammate Shawn Williams, a promising 4-star 2009 wing forward, has been offered by UK and is showing considerable interest.
- An interview with DeAndre Jordan's grandmother, which suggests Jordan may have already asked TAMU for a release from his NLOI.
The E-town News-Enterprise reports that Steffphon Pettigrew is in no rush to commit. That should give us time to sort out the Lucas/Patterson/Jordan/Pettigrew thing.
This is what I call "backhand compliment" news about Mike Williams, the 7' center Smith landed before he left:
"Held his own?" That can only mean Williams played as well or better, and that is a potential sign that this Williams might be better than many people expect.
Looks like a game of "liars poker" between Donovan and Gillispie for Jai Lucas' services, and I think Gillispie has an advantage:
The elder Lucas also said his son has met with Gillispie.
"They are going to give the ball to Jai from Day One, and Billy said he was going to get some players," John Lucas said.
Billy D. may get some players, but if Taurean Green comes back (as is widely expected), he will certainly be the liar. [editor's note, by Truzenzuzex] I originally attributed the quote above to Billy Donovan, but further research shows it was made by Gillispie. All these Billys, I'm so confused ... Anyway, apologies for the error.
Toward the bad news side, Bob Gibbons sees Patterson and Lucas heading to Florida. Hope you're wrong, Bob.
Finally, good news for Travis Ford. He has signed a five year extension with UMass.
Update [2007-4-11 15:38:5 by Truzenzuzex]:Romero Osby, a 5-star PF out of Florida is telling Scout he is interested in UK now that Gillispie is the coach. {subscriber only}