Big Blue Linkapalooza: Three To Test The Waters Edition

Well, now we have the news that we have all anticipated, and no doubt dreaded to some degree.  Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones, and DeAndre Liggins will all put their names into the draft without hiring agents.

I think this is wise, and really the only advice Calipari could give based on the number of high-profile withdrawals we have seen recently.  This could be the weakest draft in decades, and Brandon Knight looks for all the world to be a top five pick in this year's group.  Hard to blame him for putting his name in.

Jones also figures to be a lottery pick, and Liggins right now looks like a second-rounder, although that didn't stop Jodie Meeks from going.  But there is the specter of the lockout, and that means that going in the first round might not even garner you a paycheck next year, let alone millions.  That will figure in to the decisions.  But for us, we will be forced to stand, and wait...and hope.

Now, for the news:

• Bob Knight's Kentucky 'apology' not good enough :: al.com
  Kevin and I are on some kind of brain wave here.

• Commentary: Disgruntled Knight stuck in another era

• Eric Crawford | Knight apology doesn't admit inaccuracy :: The Courier-Journal

  It's good that he apologized, but it's not enough. If Knight is going to be a part of the punditry for an outlet that calls itself the "worldwide leader in sports," he not only needs to acknowledge that he made his point the wrong way but that what he was saying was wrong.

  I agree with this.

• NCAA Audacity Cares Not For Your Fighting Sioux Law, North Dakota - Rocky Top Talk

  Joel is absolutely right, from my layman's perspective -- the NCAA's contract with UND became void the moment the law was officially placed on North Dakota's books.

  The North Dakota law directs the Attorney General to consider federal antitrust litigation against the NCAA if the NCAA attempts to enforce its edict.  I think UND will win such a suit, but then again, perhaps it won't come to that. 

  Still, it seems unavoidable unless UND is simply willing to swallow the NCAA penalties in hopes that the legislature will eventually change its mind.  That's always possible.  For my money, this is a public relations mares-nest for the NCAA that they would be smart to avoid.  It will harm them far more than UND in the end.

• Linebacker Ratliff kicked off UK's team :: The Courier-Journal

• Kentucky Visits 2012 Recruit Kaleb Tarczewski :: The UK Nation
  A Kentucky-UNC tussle buiding for this guy?

• SEC: Mike Slive sounds off; Mallett admits drug use :: John Clay’s Sidelines

• Kentucky Sports Radio :: The blame lies with ESPN

• Pine Crest alum Brandon Knight declares for NBA Draft - Broward High Schools - MiamiHerald.com
• Three Kentucky basketball players declare for NBA Draft; Miller to return :: Lexington Herald-Leader

• SEC Rushing Yards Adjusted for Sacks - Team Speed Kills
  Very interesting graphical comparison. Check out UK at 2004-06 and compare to the last few years.

• Web Wednesday: return of Doron Lamb edition
• Wednesday: We're Talkin' 'Bout Footbaww
• No way Calipari could say no to Brandon Knight entering draft :: Vaught's Views

• Will Vanderbilt live up to its talent level in 2011-12? :: Beyond the Arc
  This will definitely make the SEC East tough next year.

• John Calipari discusses draft plans, possibilities for Knight, Jones and Liggins - NCAA Basketball - Sporting News

  "If (Lamb) gains 15 pounds, does what he’s supposed to do, he’ll be a lottery pick next year. I believe that," Calipari said. "His feel for the game is as good as anybody I’ve ever coached. Now, it’s just adding that roughness to your game."

  Far be it from me to gainsay a coach who could put as many as eight players in the NBA first round in two years.

• Joker Phillips on SEC Teleconference
• Kentucky Signees and Recruits are ESPN Rise 1st Team All Americans

• Parrish: Kentucky Fans' Reaction Matches Knight's Stupidity
  Heh. Parish is part of the Memphis Gang of Three that used to cover Calipari. He can say what he wants, and we'll all pretty much agree that he's a douche. That's a fair trade.

• Ballin' is a Habit: 2011 Early Entry List

• DeAndre Daniels out of Derby Festival game — Jerry Tipton on UK basketball

  I just heard a loud pop. I wonder if that was Dan Owens' head exploding?

• Draftexpress.com's Kamalsky: Gilchrist, Teague, Wiltjer all terrific players with unique abilities | Vaught's Views
• SPORTSbyBROOKS :: ESPN Hoops Analyst: Knight "Owes an Apology"

• John Calipari and Bobby Knight: Two men with everything and nothing in common | masslive.com

  If Knight wants to improve college sports — and I think he genuinely does — he ought to try taking the high road and shying away from the types of bombastic confrontations that got him fired in the first place. Learning from one's mistakes is always a nice way to lead by example.

  Very even-handed and thoughtful post out of Calipari's former state of residence.  Read the whole thing, it is worth the time.

• Calipari would love Kentucky trio back - College Basketball News | FOX Sports on MSN

  Just imagine a starting lineup that looks like this: Knight and stud freshman Marquis Teague in the backcourt with, let’s say, Liggins, Jones and the top-rated frosh in the country, Anthony Davis, in the middle.

  Just when I'm getting comfortable with the idea of hating Jeff Goodman again, he writes an article like this.  Pretty good read, and I have to say that I think he nails it.