Friday Quickies: Big Man Decisions Edition

Kentucky is still searching for frontcourt players for the Class of 2019 and by all indications, two of the guys that they have been targeting will soon be off the board.

Aidan Igiehon and Oscar Tshiebwe, both of whom have been targeted by Kentucky, are set to announce their college decisions today and tomorrow, respectively.

By all indications, Igiehon will choose the Cardinals when he makes his announcement at around noon today. Kentucky is a finalist for Igiehon, but he never officially visited Kentucky, which all but eliminates them from being the final choice. Chris Mack has really zeroed in on Igiehon, and barring a surprise, his labors will pay off.

As for Tshiebwe (pronounced SHOOB WAY), his announcement is set for Saturday, and while Kentucky made the recruitment really interesting, the trending thought is that he will commit to the West Virginia Mountaineers, who have been recruiting him for several years. Kentucky got involved a little late, but made a huge push to the point several people thought Kentucky was the leader when he visited Lexington.

But another visit to Morgantown came a week later, and it looks like it may be enough to push the Mountaineers over the top. Baylor and Illinois are the other two finalists, but this decision will ultimately come down to Kentucky and WVU. Never say never with Kentucky; stranger things have happened. It would come as a surprise to a lot of people if WVU isn’t the pick for Tshiebwe Saturday.

If UK misses on both of them, Kentucky probably picks up the intensity with James Wiseman, Vernon Carey, and Matthew Hurt. Ideally the Wildcats want to lock down at least one frontcourt commitment in the fall, but that is far from a certainty. It will be interesting to watch how Kentucky moves forward recruiting if they lose out on both Igiehon and Tshiebwe, which as of now, seems like the most likely scenario.

Tweets of the Day

An awesome gesture for a true pioneer.

If you’re going to the game, make sure you get to the Cat Walk at 5:15.

Get ready for an NBA season full of former Cats doing big things in the league. #LaFamilia

Your Quickies

Which receivers are being targeted most in Kentucky’s passing game - Herald Leader

Lynn Bowden has been Terry Wilson’s favorite target during the first half of the season.

Which receivers could help bolster Kentucky’s passing attack? - Herald Leader

Ahmad Wagner and Zy’Aire Hughes seem like popular candidates to get more opportunities.

Vanderbilt Commodores Scouting Report - Kentucky Sports Radio

Ke’Shawn Vaughn will be a player to look out for on Saturday

Kentucky in final five for OG Kamaar Bell - Cats Pause

Kentucky joins Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and Missouri as finalists for the 25th ranked offensive guard in America.

Dear Senior Year: Dontaie Allen - Prep Circuit

The future Wildcat talks about his development and staying home to play for Kentucky.

PJ Washington and Reid Travis on preseason Karl Malone Award watchlist - UK Athletics

Kentucky’s two big men are set for stellar seasons and could be in contention for this award.

How UK’s 2011 Final Four loss to UCONN molded Wildcats PG Ashton Hagans- Courier Journal

An interesting read about how Kemba Walker’s performance instilled a pride in defense for Hagans.

Enes Kanter: The NBA’s man of many faces - Vice

Another really good Enes Kanter profile

The four biggest problems with the NBA’s plan to attract elite high school players - SB Nation

The question remains about who determines which players get paid the larger salary and how is it decided.

How could new rule impact Kentucky Basketball recruiting - Courier Journal

The G-League plans to target uncommitted recruits, which would likely include several Kentucky targets.

UK remembers Jonathan Hooker in new baseball stadium - Cats Pause

An excellent tribute to the late Wildcat.

Attorney argues that Bill Self knew of payments to recruit - Kansas City Star

Things just aren’t looking good for Bill Self.

Is Zion Williamson the new Cam Newton? - Yahoo Sports

There are some parallels when it comes to their situations.

The five most shocking revelations of the NCAA Basketball trial - NY Post

Zion Williamson, Kansas, NC State, Brian Bowen... this trial has given us a look at the inner happenings of college basketball.

The Ringer’s mid-season college football awards - The Ringer

Kentucky’s Josh Allen > Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen

Second-half storylines for Top 25 teams - ESPN

For Kentucky, it’s about finding offense outside of Benny Snell.

Bold predictions for the second half of the CFB season - Sports Illustrated

Two members of the panel predict the Wildcats to a New Year’s Six Bowl.

NBA teams already thinking about trades - Bleacher Report

Willie Cauley-Stein is a guy that could see his name floated around.

LSU to wear color-changing helmets - SB Nation

Thumbs up or thumbs down?