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We've heard a bit about James Young in the past couple of days since he announced that he'd be making his decision today at 5:00 on ESPNU (expect it to come at 5:30). Young is a big piece of next years team, and if he chooses the Wildcats, it could cause another cascade like we saw in 2010-11 and another world-beating recruiting class.
Tweet of the Morning:
James Young will announce this evening around 5. Look for Kentucky to add their third top 10 recruit to their 2013 class.
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDanielsFOX) October 11, 2012
Anything else would be a major shock.
Your Quickies:
Shades of Nerlens Noel, only this isn't initial eligibility stuff. The NCAA is really cracking down on extra benefits from outside sources, which I think is a good thing insofar as their existing rules are concerned.
Next Cats: Top 10 recruit James Young to announce college decision // Kentucky.com
The trip to East Lansing didn't happen, and Michigan State quit recruiting him.
"He hasn't visited any other schools," Daniels said. "Michigan State has pulled out of the recruitment. I think they kind of saw the writing on the wall."
I think this is about as close to a lead-pipe cinch as we've had in a while.
Kentucky football's Blaylock twins get double shot for coach Phillips // The Courier-Journal
To most fans, that probably sounds like the 1-5 Wildcats — winless in Southeastern Conference play, already missing two quarterbacks and two tailbacks — are about to go on the road against future NFL quarterback Tyler Wilson with a secondary reduced to five true freshmen and one senior. And that’s true.
But to twins Daron and Zack Blaylock, it represents a “pretty cool” opportunity. The freshman lookalike safeties will likely start and play side by side Saturday. They got a taste of it during last week’s loss to Mississippi State when the veteran trio went down in quick succession.
At this point, why not just play every freshman we can that has promise? Oh, wait... we are!
Syracuse Basketball recruiting: James Young to announce commitment at 5 p.m. // SB Nation New York
It is doubtful the Orange will land the prized prospect as he's only made one on-campus visit and that was to the University of Kentucky in early Sept. However, if Syracuse is able to steal Young away from the Wildcats he will join a 2013 recruiting class that already features point guard Tyler Ennis, a five-star player from Newark, NJ.
He said it first... "It is doubtful..."
Top Five Basketball Prospect Expected To Commit To Kentucky // LEX18.com
You may not have heard as much about James Young as you have the Harrison twins, but Calipari has been in love with this kid for a long time. I was hearing about him last year, and that he was a player Coach Cal wanted.
Transfer Julius Mays passes on guaranteed minutes for opportunity to win championship // Our Sports
Calipari made sure Mays had no illusions about his role before he committed to become a Wildcat.
“We don’t make any promises,” he said. “Are you good coming off the bench? Are you good if that’s the case? ‘I’m good. I’m good. I’m good.’ He knew what he was walking into.”
I like this guy's attitude. It's got "Kentucky" written all over it.
As most of you know, I hold Mike DeCourcy in higher esteem than any other sports journalist. When he talks, I listen.
Pink Cleats - Article: Game Day Style: Kentucky/Duke // LockerDome
I just had to include this. For the ladies.
Harrison twins gone, what's next for Maryland? // Sporting News
Turgeon and his staff have recruited well to this point, going to Massachusetts for small forward Jake Layman and to Texas for big guy Shaquille Cleare. But it’s unlikely the Terps will commence the sort of renaissance imagined for them until the region resumes producing great players in abundance.
Since I was accused in another thread of belittling the Terps, I just wanted to point out that there is no truth to that. Reality is what it is.
The NCAA: Coaches can’t use Instagram to recruit // CollegeBasketballTalk
Byzantine, thy name is NCAA. Via Troy Machir.
3-point shot: Calhoun still a presence // ESPN
Really sorry to hear about the injury to Wisconsin's Mike Bruesewitz. Very scary, but fortunately he'll be back in 4-6 weeks.
Sources: Rochester star James Young to pick Kentucky over Michigan State // The Detroit News
There was never much doubt. Via KSR.
UK/UL rivalry stretches beyond hardwood, onto paddock // The Kentucky Kernel
Did you know that people played rugby in Kentucky? News to me.
Want to know why James Young is such an important piece to Kentucky next year? Watch this video:
Shootah! Yeah, this guy can stroke it, and forget all the mixtape BS -- you can tell by looking at his form that he is a potentially devastating outside threat. He also has size and can mix it up, and is a very good rebounder for a wing. With he and Andrew Harrison on the wings, assuming Wiggins stays in 2014, it's a matchup nightmare.
Add Julius Randle into this mix, and I don't know how you stop the Wildcats in 2013.