A Sea Of Blue - 2013 Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Recruiting: Dakari JohnsonOnline Home of the Big Blue Nation: Kentucky Wildcats Sports for the Discerning Fanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46621/aseaof-fav.png2013-08-22T14:54:26-04:00http://www.aseaofblue.com/rss/stream/38073672013-08-22T14:54:26-04:002013-08-22T14:54:26-04:00Is Dakari Johnson Calipari's Hidden Gem?
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<p>Leading up to Big Blue Madness A Sea of Blue will be previewing each scholarship player on the 2013/2014 basketballl team. In this edition incoming freshman Dakari Johnson is profiled.</p> <p>With incoming freshmen scoring machines and stars such as the Harrison twins, Julius Randle and James Young, it's easy to forget Dakari Johnson. That is until you see him play, then forgetting him isn't an option. Johnson is a 6'11, 265 pound center that played a season of high school basketball with Wildcat favorite Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. He wasn't on the radar of many coaches until he exploded onto the scene in 2012.</p>
<p>Early on, Johnson was seen as a player with a lot of size and limited ability. His skill level quickly caught up with his height and he shot up the recruiting ranks. Schools with basketball pedigrees such as Kentucky, Georgetown, Kansas and Louisville all started showing strong interest in the big man from New Jersey. But Johnson chose Kentucky in a bit of a surprise announcement, adding to a class that was starting to become a juggernaut.</p>
<p>Dakari is unique in the fact that he is a true back to the basket center, whereas John Calipari has used athletic big men such as Anthony Davis, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175893/nerlens-noel">Nerlens Noel</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175897/willie-cauley-stein">Willie Cauley-Stein</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53436/josh-harrellson">Josh Harrellson</a> effectively in his dribble-drive motion offense in the past. The last time Calipari had a center like Johnson, it was <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101096/demarcus-cousins">DeMarcus Cousins</a>, and he flourished in Cal's offense. Although it was more of a variation of the DDMO with Big Cuz, no one can argue the results.</p>
<p>Johnson brings with him all of the accolades that one would look for in a Kentucky recruit: he is a high school All-American, he was a McDonald's All-American, he's won gold with Team USA, and he is a Rivals top ten player. It was thought that he would be the backup to Willie Cauley-Stein, but he has made an early impression during summer workouts and he may be more of a factor than previously thought.</p>
<p>Dakari Johnson might be the hidden gem in this recruiting class.<b><br clear="all"></b></p>
<p><b>Measurements:</b></p>
<p>Height - 6-11</p>
<p>Weight - 265</p>
<p>Position - Center</p>
<p>Recruiting Break Down*- #2 Center; #9 player overall (according to <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/rankings/rank-2752">Rivals.com</a>), <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rscihoops.com/">#9 RSCI</a> overall</p>
<p><b>Strengths:</b></p>
<p>Johnson's size and physicality are the first things that stand out when one watches him play. He is imposing to defenders and offensive players alike. He is a shot blocker and a ball hawk under the rim. His offensive game is more polished then one might expect; he averaged 17 points a game as a high school senior. Johnson is a player that has the potential to be a game changer if he comes in as ready as he is rumored to be.</p>
<p><b>Weaknesses:</b></p>
<p>Johnson isn't the prototypical Calipari center as was previously mentioned. He doesn't get up the floor with the speed of Willie Cauley-Stein nor does he have the ball handling skills of Anthony Davis. Will he fit Cal's system of play and will the ‘Cats have to switch styles when he is in the game? There isn't much to worry about in that regard. DeMarcus Cousins was an All American and a top ten draft pick. Johnson isn't Cousins by any stretch of the imagination, but it's been proven that a center with his particular skill set can play well in the dribble-drive offense.</p>
<p><b>Coach Calipari On Johnson:</b></p>
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<p><b>Dakari's improvement over the last year and a half has been phenomenal. His ability to be a true low-post threat adds an important piece to what our team will really need. He's patient when he gets the ball on the block and has a great understanding for how to use his size for a kid his age. Dakari is a great student and a great kid. He's won a high school championship, a world championship with Team USA, and he said he wants to win a national championship with us and an NBA championship. That statement says a lot about the type of winner he is.</b></p>
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<p><b>2013 Expectations:</b></p>
<p>Dakari Johnson is a wildcard at the moment. When Willie Cauley-Stein decided to come back for his sophomore season, it was thought that he would be the starter and that Johnson would come off the bench to relieve him. But things aren't playing out that way. Johnson has been absolutely working WCS in pick-up games and summer workouts. <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/87151/3-point-shot-calipari-finds-freshmen-leaders">John Calipari has even mentioned that Johnson is pushing his teammate/rival for the starting job</a>. Johnson has been somewhat of a pleasant surprise for the head coach.</p>
<p>Whether or not he he is the starter, Johnson adds depth and height to the best back court in all of college basketball. His presence will give Cal another chance to tinker with the Twin Towers line up (to the chagrin of some fans) and his presence in the middle will give opposing offenses fits.</p>
<p>He didn't commit to Kentucky in order to sit on the bench and watch another guy become a star. Johnson believes he can play well at the collegiate level against the best in the country. He may very well get his chance to prove it.</p>
<p><b>2012/2013 Recruit Mix Tape:</b></p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CWyAeJEVYFA" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1377046702252"></p>
<p><b>In the Next Preview: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53921/marcus-lee">Marcus Lee</a> is Cal's newest Spark Plug</b><b></b></p>
<h4>More from A Sea Of Blue:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/8/22/4647132/kentucky-wildcats-morning-quickies-football-camp-over-edition?utm_source=aseaofblue&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Kentucky Wildcats Morning Quickies: Football Camp Over Edition</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/8/20/4641428/where-do-they-stand-kentucky-wildcats-recruiting-cliff-alexander?utm_source=aseaofblue&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Where do the Kentucky Wildcats Stand with Cliff Alexander?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/8/20/4640854/kentucky-basketball-james-young-mocks-haters-basketball-schedule?utm_source=aseaofblue&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Kentucky Basketball: James Young Mocks "Haters," Basketball Schedule Released</a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/8/21/4643904/kentucky-football-2014-football-schedule-out-today?utm_source=aseaofblue&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Kentucky Football: 2014 Football Schedule Out Today</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/8/22/4642204/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-dakari-johnson-john-calipariJames Streble2013-04-18T14:04:30-04:002013-04-18T14:04:30-04:00Julius Randle & Dakari Johnson Sign LOIs
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<p>2013 power forward Julius Randle from Plano (TX) Prestonwood Christian and center Dakari Johnson from Montverde (FL) Academy signed their LOIs with Kentucky.</p> <p>2013 power forward Julius Randle from Plano (TX) Prestonwood Christian and center Dakari Johnson from Montverde (FL) Academy signed their LOIs with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a>, as announced by the program's Twitter account.</p>
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<p>.@<a href="https://twitter.com/ukcoachcalipari">ukcoachcalipari</a> announced the signings of three new members of UK’s 2013 class today: Julius Randle, Dakari Johnson and Dominique Hawkins.</p>
— Kentucky Athletics(@UKAthleticsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKAthleticsNews/status/324941823585943552">April 18, 2013</a>
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<p>Johnson was Kentucky's first commit following the Early Signing Period, becoming the sixth member of the 2013 recruiting class. The massive center <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/1/6/3842302/kentucky-basketball-dakari-johnson-13-player-in-2013-picks-kentucky/in/3807367">committed to Kentucky in early January</a>. He is expected to battle returnee <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175897/willie-cauley-stein">Willie Cauley-Stein</a> for the starting center position. Both players should get ample time in the big man rotation.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Randle is a relatively new commitment, pulling the trigger <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/3/20/4127414/2013-5-pf-julius-randle-commits-kentucky-wildcats-kansas-jayhawks-texas-longhorns/in/3188797">a little less than a month ago</a>. Arguably Kentucky's most heralded recruit in the class, Randle is penciled in to start at the 4 position from day 1. Both forwards join combo guard Dominique Hawkins <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/4/17/4236366/kentucky-wildcats-recruiting-dominique-hawkins-signs-national-letter-of-intent">as spring signees</a>. The Wildcats are still recruiting the uncommitted Andrew Wiggins, the consensus top prospect in the 2013 class.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/4/18/4239532/julius-randle-dakari-johnson-sign-national-letter-of-intent-kentucky-wildcats-recruitingjc252013-04-16T11:45:03-04:002013-04-16T11:45:03-04:00A Window Into The Future
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<img alt="Julius Randle really showed his competitive nature in the JBC." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5n1DbRKxefeu0jJZAgrE8jCvoY4=/0x353:3138x2445/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11611367/20130407_kkt_ss1_678.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Julius Randle really showed his competitive nature in the JBC. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Jordan Brand Classic, played this past Saturday night, was not your typical all-star game.</p> <p>We didn’t comment too much on the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jordanbrandclassic.com/">Jordan Brand Classic</a>, and I think it deserves a bit of discussion. The first rule of all-star games is that they don’t tell you that much that is useful about players. That’s the conventional wisdom, and generally, it is wisdom. But not always.</p>
<p>The McDonald’s All-American game did not really tell me much except that Aaron Gordon is a really good dunker. That’s not particularly helpful, because the opposition was generally not challenging him at the rim, as is the case with most all-star games. They kids go out there, play a lot of "basketball" with plenty of dunks and threes, and everybody’s happy. Defense isn’t just optional, it’s more or less frowned upon. In any case, there is very little of it.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>More</b>: <a href="http://www.jordanbrandclassic.com/images/stories/docs/2013/NationalBoxScore2013.pdf" target="new">JBC Box Score</a> <a href="http://nbadraft.net/2013-jordan-brand-classic-east-recap" target="new">NBADraft.net JBC East Recap</a> <a href="http://nbadraft.net/2013-jordan-brand-classic-west-recap" target="new">NBADraft.net JBC West Recap</a>
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<p>The Jordan Brand Classic this year was different, and significantly so. For whatever reason, the JBC is always a bit more competitive, and this year’s game was a remarkable thing for an all-star game. Defense was not only played, but in some cases, played very well. There were several amazing challenges at the rim that resulted in spectacular denials, some excellent defense of the arc, and a lot less ball-hogging and showboating than we are used to seeing.</p>
<p>What I liked is how competitive these guys were. In the McDonald’s game, if somebody got fouled or, in the rare instance it actually happened, challenged on a drive to the rim, there were laughs and high-fives all around. In the JBC game, there were some genuine <i>hard</i> fouls and several physical challenges that resulted in sharp looks. One even drew an outright glare from one of the Harrison twins, and that’s something you almost never see in an all-star setting. Most of these guys were getting after it.</p>
<p>I came away with this impression of the Kentucky signees and recruits:</p>
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<li>Julius Randle is as advertised. He not only seeks out contact on offense, he’ll go out of his way to get some. Randle is neither humble nor in any way retiring. When you put the ball into his hands, in general, he’s going to try to put it in the basket, and he’s really good at it.<br><br>Randle rebounds like a full-grown man, and although active and engaged on defense, needs refining in that area. Randle uses his body and athleticism as a weapon. His footspeed is very good for his size. He has range, but prefers to do his damage in the paint where he can put his body on people – not enough contact for his taste on the perimeter.</li>
<li>Dakari Johnson looks slow, but his footwork is good, his hands are excellent and he has already developed a significant repertoire of low-post moves. He is as strong as freshmen get, and his physical thickness will be a problem for every opponent. Think of a fully-developed Nazr Mohammed. Excellent rebounder. Good form, but not a good free throw shooter. Plays the game at or slightly below the rim. Johnson ignores contact, but since he's not an explosive athlete, he can be challenged at the rim.</li>
<li>The Harrison twins are both superior passers, and they are as competitive as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123991/ryan-harrow">Ryan Harrow</a> was passive. They don’t like it – ever – when a play doesn’t go their way, and they do not hide that fact at all.<br><p>They <b>never</b> overpenetrate like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175895/archie-goodwin">Archie Goodwin</a> used to do. They <b>never</b> put their heads down and launch themselves at opponents, and they <b>always</b> look for <span class="sbn-auto-link">the open</span> man. Aaron shot the ball poorly in both games I have seen lately, but his form is excellent, and so is Andrew’s. These kids are high-flying athletic marvels that will be a nightmare for smaller or less athletic guards.</p>
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<p>James young can shoot, and he can finish. He needs to work on that right hand. Young is also a potential defensive nightmare on the wing because of his rangy length, but didn’t show as much defensive intensity as you would like to see at this point. That will change, hopefully.</p>
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/53921/marcus-lee">Marcus Lee</a> is going to be an X-factor. He is quicker than you expect, and very bouncy. Has a nice touch around the rim, but few post moves. Solid rebounder for a slight kid, but struggles with more physical players. More intense than his carefree demeanor and faux-hawk suggests. He is an energy guy, similar to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175897/willie-cauley-stein">Willie Cauley-Stein</a>, at this point in his development.</p>
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<p>Andrew Wiggins, despite his skill, isn’t a dominant player. He plays a complimentary role, and if there is such a thing as a complimentary scorer, that’s what he is. He does not try to take over, but knows when he has a physical advantage and will exploit it fairly ruthlessly.<br><br>However, Wiggins just doesn’t dominate the ball, doesn’t demand the ball, and will not try to score on every touch. Wiggins is an athletic marvel, but doesn’t love contact. Plays the game from an altitude that only guys like LeBron James, Anthony Davis and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175893/nerlens-noel">Nerlens Noel</a> get to. Wiggins is an excellent free-throw shooter and a willing defender.</p>
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<p>The JBC was so much more valuable than the McDonald’s game, there is almost no comparison. This group of players is very much the best that John Calipari has brought in, and not just because of their number. Randle and the Harrisons are every inch as competitive as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145567/michael-kidd-gilchrist">Michael Kidd-Gilchrist</a>, and they are all three more highly developed skill-wise. They stood out in that department, and when a game gets physical, they begin to show why they are so highly regarded.</p>
<p>This group could not be more different than last year’s freshmen in terms of development, skill, physicality, and competitiveness. There is no comparison. Nobody, not even Nerlens Noel, compares to this group in terms of intensity, <b>especially</b> when challenged, and not one of last year’s players was as fully developed as the three from Texas. The Texans, in particular, crave physicality and challenge, almost to a fault.</p>
<p>The problem for this bunch is going to be the easy games. I have seen them relax and settle when the game got easy and nobody was challenging them. That’s got to change. At Kentucky, you have to put your foot on the gas and go from tip to horn, or Calipari will give you a chance to contemplate your lack of intensity on the bench of woe, and for once, he can actually do that without having to field an inferior team. But physical games next year are going to be a lot more fun, and "soft" will not be a word used in connection with this bunch. Trust me.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/4/16/4230254/kentucky-basketball-what-we-learned-from-the-jordan-brand-classicGlenn Logan2013-04-12T12:00:11-04:002013-04-12T12:00:11-04:002013 Jordan Brand Classic Preview
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<p>Just like the McDonald's All-American Game, six future Kentucky Wildcats will be participating in the Jordan Brand Classic this weekend.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.jordanbrandclassic.com/">2013 Jordan Brand Classic</a> will host some of the top high school prospects in the nation this weekend. The game will be played at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. eastern on Saturday, April 13, broadcast on ESPN.</p>
<p>For the Kentucky Wildcats, the Jordan Brand Classic (JBC) will be another show of recruiting dominance. Just like in the McDonald's All-American game, six future Kentucky hoopsters will play in the event. The East team features two UK-bound Texans, SG Aaron Harrison and PF Julius Randle, as well as uncommitted SF Andrew Wiggins. Four future Wildcats are on the West: PG Andrew Harrison, SF James Young, PF Marcus Lee and C Dakari Johnson.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/4/3/4175720/2013-mcdonalds-all-american-game-six-future-kentucky-wildcats">McDonald's game preview</a> already contains good descriptions of what to expect from these guys. In this preview, I'll focus on the new storylines.</p>
<h4>Harrison vs. Harrison</h4>
<p>The twins from Fort Bend, Texas comprised the West's starting backcourt in the McDonald's game. Their on-court synchronization was evident early, when Andrew found his brother on an easy backdoor alley-oop. In the JBC, the Harrisons will be on opposite benches, with Andrew suiting up for the West while Aaron plays for the East. Both brothers are incredibly competitive, and it'll be tons of fun to see them go head to head.</p>
<h4>Johnson Returns Home<br>
</h4>
<p>Dakari Johnson is a New York native, though <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/3/1/4043342/there-back-again-dakari-johnson-return-kentucky-wildcats-recruiting">he started his high school career</a> in St. Patrick in New Jersey before finishing up in Florida at Montverde Academy. He's excited to be home and should serve as an unofficial host for the high schoolers in town. Chicago's own Jabari Parker did something similar for the McDonald's game. Expect Johnson's background to be mentioned during the telecast.</p>
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<p>Heading back to my hometown tomorrow the big NYC for the jordan brand classic 👍👌</p>
— dakari Johnson (@dslowmotion22) <a href="https://twitter.com/dslowmotion22/status/321776518034509824">April 10, 2013</a>
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<h4>Will Wiggins Make a Decision?<br>
</h4>
<p>Uber-prospect Andrew Wiggins remains the only player in Top 100 prospect lists to remain uncommitted. There was speculation that his indecision weighed on him and affected his play during the McDonald's game. Since then, there's been further speculation that he might announce a decision at or around the JBC, only to have that speculation shot down as pure speculation. Speckled out yet? Wiggins is the most talented player in the game and tailor-made to dominate All-Star games. Will we see the best from Wiggins in Brooklyn? I'm hoping yes.</p>
<h4>New Faces in a Different Place<br>
</h4>
<p>A few players are at the event that didn't garner McDonald's invites. The most interesting name is Troy Williams, a silky small forward who might have almost committed to Kentucky last spring. He ended up delaying his decision, and eventually ended up signing with Indiana. Williams so happens to be the nephew of legendary AAU figure Boo Williams. Another player with a famous name is Kuran Iverson, a cousin of 76ers legend Allen Iverson. Kuran had interest in Kentucky that never appeared reciprocated; instead, he'll play for Memphis next fall. Two other players, PG Tyler Ennis and C Joel Embiid, are high-upside talents that will suit up for Syracuse and Kansas next year, respectively.</p>
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<b>More</b>: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/4/3/4181098/2013-mcdonalds-all-american-game">Complete A Sea of Blue coverage of the 2013 McDonald's All-American Game</a><a href="LINK%20LINK%20LINK" target="new"></a>
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</h4>
<h4>Uni Watch<br>
</h4>
<p>The camo uniforms from the McDonald's game <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/4/3/4181618/the-mcdonalds-all-american-game-what-did-we-learn-from-the-incoming">were generally considered hideous</a>, so the clean jerseys of the JBC <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/sbn/http://www.nike.com/jumpman23/index.html#blog/5697" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">already look like a winner</a>. Though I'm reserving judgment on those shoes until I see it on the television.</p>
<h4>The MVP Race<br>
</h4>
<p>Above-the-rim monster Aaron Gordon, Arizona-bound, led all McDonald's players in scoring en route to MVP honors. Wiggins ended with 19, while Andrew Harrison led the way with 6 assists. Two forwards, Randle and Parker, had well-rounded box scores (Randle had 11 points and 7 rebounds; Parker 10 and 8). Those five, along with Aaron Harrison, go in as amongst the favorites to take home MVP honors.</p>
<h4>Complete Rosters</h4>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph14"><b>East Team</b><br> Tyler Ennis | PG | St. Benedict's (NJ) | Syracuse<br>Aaron Harrison | SG | Travis (TX) | Kentucky<br>Kasey Hill | PG | Montverde Academy (FL) | Florida<br>Kuran Iverson | SF | Fishburne Military (VA) | Memphis<br>Rondae Hollis-Jefferson | SF | Chester (PA) | Arizona<br>Kennedy Meeks | C | West Charlotte (NC) | North Carolina<br>Bobby Portis | PF | Little Rock Hall (AR) | Arkansas<br>Julius Randle | PF | Prestonwood Christian (TX) | Kentucky<br>Wayne Selden | SG | The Tilton School (NH) | Kansas<br>Chris Walker | PF | Holmes County (FL) | Florida<br>Andrew Wiggins | SF | Huntington Prep (WV) | Undecided</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph15"><b>West Team</b><br> Joel Embiid | C | The Rock (FL) | Kansas<br>Aaron Gordon | PF | Archbishop Mitty (CA) | Arizona<br>Andrew Harrison | PG | Travis (TX) | Kentucky<br>Dakari Johnson | C | Montverde Academy (FL) | Kentucky<br>Matt Jones | SG | DeSoto (TX) | Duke<br>Marcus Lee | PF | Deer Valley (CA) | Kentucky<br>Jabari Parker | SF | Simeon (IL) | Duke<br>Troy Williams | SF | Oak Hill Academy (VA) | Indiana<br>Noah Vonleh | PF | New Hampton (NH) | Indiana<br>Nigel Williams-Goss | PG | Findlay Prep (NV) | Washington<br>James Young | SF | Rochester (MI) | Kentucky</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/4/12/4212976/2013-jordan-brand-classic-kentucky-wildcats-dominate-julius-randle-andrew-wigginsjc252013-04-06T15:48:03-04:002013-04-06T15:48:03-04:00Quickies: Final Four/Dakari Johnson Edition
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<figcaption>Dakari Johnson is now a high-school national chamion. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>News and commentary from around the Big Blue Internet. Final Four is tonight. Kentucky recruit Dakari Johnson leads Montverde Academy to national high school championship. LSU defeats the Bat Cats in Baton Rouge in first game. More.</p> <p>Just finished watching Dakari Johnson lead his Montverde team to the National High School Invitational Tournament championship. Heck of a game, decided on the last play by a 3-point shot from the corner by one of Dakari's teammates, Jalen Patterson. Montverde was down as many as sixteen points during the game, and won 67-65.</p>
<p>Of course, tonight is the Final Four featuring Louisville vs. Wichita St. and Syracuse vs. Michigan. We'll have the open thread around game time.</p>
<p>Tweet of the Morning:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="http://t.co/bsY6NfKaaj" title="http://twitter.com/UKCoachStoops/status/320562781571137536/photo/1">twitter.com/UKCoachStoops/…</a></p>
— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKCoachStoops/status/320562781571137536">April 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>We are looking like a football team!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Coaches are crazy. UCLA is paying Ben Howland $3.2 million not to coach but he wants the Rutgers job? Find a beach! <a href="http://t.co/1wpDQgIYQc" title="http://www.nj.com/rutgersbasketball/index.ssf/2013/04/former_ucla_head_coach_ben_how.html#incart_river_default">nj.com/rutgersbasketb…</a></p>
— Steve Politi (@StevePoliti) <a href="https://twitter.com/StevePoliti/status/320602875027935233">April 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Sounds like good advice.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>Your Quickies:</h4>
<h5>Kentucky football</h5>
<ul>
<li>A video from spring practice:<br><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/h5bOAb5ouIc" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1365273190089"><br>
</li>
<li><a href="http://vaughtsviews.com/rejuvenated-te-aumiller-appreciates-new-staff-having-clean-slate-giving-all-players-a-chance-to-earn-playing-time/" target="_blank">Rejuvenated TE Aumiller appreciates new staff having clean slate, giving all players a chance to earn playing time // vaughtsviews</a></li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.ukathletics.com/blog/2013/04/offense-answers-bell-at-saturday-scrimmage.html" target="_blank">Offense answers bell at Saturday scrimmage // Cat Scratches</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Mark Stoops said UK's third scrimmage was the offense's best day of the spring. Some of that can be chalked up to the natural "ebb and flow" of spring football - borrowing Brown's words - but Saturday marked a significant step forward as the Wildcats install a new offensive system.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Word is that Josh Clemons had a very big day.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.rantsports.com/ncaa-football/2013/04/05/kentucky-wildcats-why-patrick-towles-should-be-starting-qb/" target="_blank">Why Patrick Towles Should be Starting QB for Kentucky Wildcats</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>If Stoops and Brown make the decision based on potential, Towles could very well be the choice. A former Kentucky Mr. Football, Towles came to Lexington with outstanding credentials. He was a Parade All-American, the Gatorade Player of the Year in the Bluegrass and a four-star recruit from Highlands High School in Ft. Thomas, Ky.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Why would they do that? Seriously, what coach picks a starter based on "potential?"</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h5>Kentucky basketball</h5>
<ul>
<li>Kentucky recruits showing their stuff at the McDonald's game. A new mix, via <a target="_blank" href="http://everythingkentuckyonline.com/2013/04/more-kentucky-wildcats-mcdonalds-all-american-highlights-to-make-you-smile.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EverythingKentuckyOnline+%28Everything+Kentucky%29&utm_content=Netvibes">Sam Henson</a>;<br><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FS8ImdTtV9o" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> </li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://johnclay.bloginky.com/2013/04/06/nerlens-noel-is-at-final-four-rooting-for-syracuse/" target="_blank">Nerlens Noel is at Final Four rooting for Syracuse // John Clay's Sidelines</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Nerlens Noel is in Atlanta to root on his boyhood friend Michael Carter-Williams, point guard for Syracuse.</p>
</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=131055" target="_blank">Kentucky Sports Radio // Splash’s Saturday News and Views</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://johnclay.bloginky.com/2013/04/05/nick-wiggins-causes-a-stir-with-comments-on-brother/" target="_blank">Nick Wiggins causes a stir with comments on brother // John Clay's Sidelines</a></p>
<p>I'm none too pleased with the Big Blue Nation blaming Nick Wiggins and accusing him of "wanting attention." That's absurd. He was asked these questions directly, and he tried to answer them honestly. Just because we don't like the answers he game does not mean he was making self-serving commentary.</p>
<p>Kentucky fans really have to stop this absurd blaming of others when somebody says something they find uncomfortable. We are all a little paranoid, including yours truly, and we should respond harshly to absurdities. But I feel it's important we try to avoid the knee-jerk reaction, especially ones that accuse older brothers of our recruits of essentially being dishonest.</p>
<p>I'm sure Andrew has his own opinion, and it's quite likely they are not the same as his brother. But leave Nick alone -- he did nothing wrong, even if we may not like the message.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/04/05/2804614/mark-story-will-kentucky-fans.html" target="_blank">Mark Story: Will Kentucky fans cheer for Louisville? // NewsObserver.com</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>There has never been a better time to pledge allegiance to the Louisville Cardinals.</p>
<p>For those loyal to University of Kentucky sports, that means what exactly?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It means that some UK fans will pull for them and some won't. I'm pretty indifferent.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h5>Other UK sports</h5>
<ul>
<li>
<p><a href="http://kentucky.scout.com/2/1281204.html" target="_blank">Scout.com: LSU romps over Cats in series opener</a></p>
<p>Ouch. To be fair, LSU is a really good team and UK is on the road.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h5>College basketball</h5>
<ul>
<li>
<p><a href="http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/05/ncaa-forgot-about-a-legend-with-its-75th-anniversary-team/" target="_blank">NCAA forgot about a legend with its 75th anniversary team // CollegeBasketballTalk</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>With that said … what in the heck is he [Michael Jordan] doing on THIS list? Yes, Jordan at North Carolina made the jump shot that ended up as the difference against Georgetown in the 1982 championship game (though you will remember that Georgetown had the ball with a chance to win and Fred Brown threw the pass away). But Jordan was a freshman then and was probably the third best player on that team behind James Worthy and Sam Perkins. He averaged 13 points a game during that tournament. Not exactly legendary stuff.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This is exactly right. Moreover, he is right to bemoan the absence of David Thompson.</p>
<p>There are a couple of choices that, to me, are questionable. Magic Johnson for one, who competed in only two tournaments. Jack Givens competed in more, including two NCAA finals, winning one and scoring 41 points in the process.</p>
<p>Larry Bird is even more suspect, participating in only one NCAA tournament and not even winning it.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/05/mike-rice-fired-without-cause-means-rutgers-owes-him-a-million-dollars/" target="_blank">Mike Rice fired without cause means Rutgers owes him a million dollars over the next two years // CollegeBasketballTalk</a></p>
<p>I can't accept that this is a fact. If I were the Rutgers trustees, I would demand an explanation. There seems to have been plenty of cause under Rice's contract to justify a "with cause" finding.</p>
<p>Perhaps Rutgers' president is simply too incompetent to continue. I'm beginning to become convinced of that.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://deadspin.com/wichita-state-players-know-as-little-about-wichita-stat-470980076?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+deadspin%2Fexcerpts+%28Deadspin+excerpts%29&utm_content=Netvibes" target="_blank">Wichita State Players Know As Little About Wichita State As You Do</a></p>
<p>Heh.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/4/6/4190426/ben-howland-rutgers-basketball-coaching-search" target="_blank">Ben Howland 'intrigued' by Rutgers job, according to report // SBNation.com</a></p>
<p>That's an interesting possibility. Funny how fired UCLA coaches wind up in former Big East schools.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/4/6/4190830/eric-murdock-rutgers-mike-rice-scandal" target="_blank">Eric Murdock files wrongful termination suit against Rutgers // SBNation.com</a></p>
<p>From what I have read,this lawsuit will not succeed. His contract was not renewed, and no matter what Mike Rice said to him, the University did not terminate him. He is not entitled to an automatic renewal of the contract, and even New Jersey is an at-will state.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://deadspin.com/why-not-prosecute-mike-rice-470987260?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+deadspin%2Fexcerpts+%28Deadspin+excerpts%29&utm_content=Netvibes" target="_blank">Why Not Prosecute Mike Rice?</a></p>
<p>My opinion? No, Rice shouldn't be prosecuted. I think it would do little to advance the cause of justice and cost the New Jersey taxpayers more money than it's worth. Could he be prosecuted? Sure, but I think discretion, in this case, is not to do so.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h5>Other sports news</h5>
<ul>
<li>
<p><a href="http://vaughtsviews.com/ncaa-president-admits-he-does-not-understand-dynamics-of-transfer-issues/" target="_blank">NCAA president admits he does not understand dynamics of transfer issues // vaughtsviews</a></p>
<p>In Emmert's defense, it is a difficult issue.</p>
<p> </p>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/4/6/4190878/kentucky-wildcats-afternoon-quickies-final-four-dakari-johnson-editionGlenn Logan2013-04-04T18:04:43-04:002013-04-04T18:04:43-04:00How the Kentucky Six (Plus One) Did Last Night
<figure>
<img alt="Dakari Johnson (41) , Marcus Lee (24) , Andrew Harrison (5) , Aaron Harrison (2), James Young (1) , and Julius Randle (30)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nPb1fXKBcAaypjBkaBMSq2xl1e4=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10975709/20130403_jla_ss1_002.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dakari Johnson (41) , Marcus Lee (24) , Andrew Harrison (5) , Aaron Harrison (2), James Young (1) , and Julius Randle (30) | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How did the Kentucky commitments do in the McDonald's All-American game? Pretty well, actually.</p> <p>If you watched the McDonald’s All-American game last night, you got to see Kentucky newest additions on display. Generally speaking, you really can’t get too much from these events, but this year had some of the best talent on display we’ve seen in a long time.</p>
<p>Let’s take a quick look at how the Kentucky commitments did last night. Andrew Wiggins is also in there because he’s uncommitted with a UK offer:</p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="17">
<colgroup width="163"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="37"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="42"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="33"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="42"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="29"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="53"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="36"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="35"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="45"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="22"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="30"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="35"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="38"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="30"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="39"></colgroup>
<colgroup width="28"></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT" height="16"><b>Player</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>FG</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>FGA</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>3P</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>3PA</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>FT</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>FTA</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>OR</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>DR</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>Tot</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>PF</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>TP</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>A</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>TO</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>BLK</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>S</b></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT"><b>Min</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT" height="16">Andrew Wiggins</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">10</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">19</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT">24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF" height="17">Julius Randle</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">11</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF" height="17">Dakari Johnson</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">11</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">12</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF" height="16"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Aaron Harrison</span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF" height="16">Andrew Harrison</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">10</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF" height="16">James Young</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="LEFT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF" height="16"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Marcus Lee</span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #000000;" align="RIGHT" bgcolor="#E6E6FF">12</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><br>There’s really not too many important takeaways from this game, honestly – all-star games are always pretty useless for real evaluation. All Kentucky’s guys did some good stuff out there, with Dakari Johnson leading the way in points with 12 followed closely by Randle with 11. Randle also got 7 rebounds and showed exactly what we’d hoped to see out of him.</p>
<p>I was a little surprised to see Johnson get so many points, which speaks to the fact he was getting some good post position. Johnson is a traditional type of big post player that you don’t see that often out of college anymore, and although he’s not a high-riser or super athlete, he’s got very good fundamental skills, and he uses his big body really well.</p>
<p>One of the most surprising things to me was how few 3-point shots were made. Between both teams, there were only 7 made threes out of 39 attempts (18%), and I hope that isn’t representative of the kind of shooters this class has. The Kentucky guys took a total of six 3-point shots, and made … bupkis.</p>
<p>I did like the way that the Harrison twins took care of the ball. Together, they had 9 assists and only 1 turnover between them, which is really strong. Andrew, the point guard, wound up with the most points, going 5-5 from the field. Aaron had an off night, apparently.</p>
<p>I was really surprised that James Young only took one 3-point shot, considering his reputation as a knock-down shooter. He did take it to the rack several times from the wing, however, and went for six points.</p>
<p>Wiggins, of course, got the big minutes and the big points. The most interesting thing about his game was how well he shot it from the line, making 7 of 8 free throws, and every one of them was pure. Clearly, Wiggins doesn’t mind contact drawing all those fouls.</p>
<p>Randle is as advertised, and got the second most minutes on his team behind Wiggins. Randle let both squads in rebounding, which is consistent with what I’ve seen him do in the few games I’ve watched him play. He’s strong and craves contact.</p>
<p>I think this is an awesome bunch coming in, and I’d love to add Wiggins to the class and just make it indomitable. We’ll have to wait and see, but for those of us who wanted to see what these guys are all about, at least a little bit, we got a taste last night.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/4/4/4184626/2013-mcdonalds-all-american-game-looking-back-at-the-kentuckyGlenn Logan2013-04-03T23:56:22-04:002013-04-03T23:56:22-04:00The UK guys at the McDonald's All-American game
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<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
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<p>The 2013 McDonald's High School All-American was loaded with talent from top to bottom. Six players were already committed to the University of Kentucky.</p> <p>The McDonald’s High School All-American game has been an exciting blend of talent for a while but this year’s match up featured one of the best high school classes of the last decade. Scouts have already compared the group to the 2007 high school class that featured NBA players like Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, OJ Mayo, Derrick Rose, Blake Griffin, Evan Turner, and others.</p>
<p>Just some quick thoughts on the game, unrelated to UK:</p>
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<p>Those jerseys have got to go. Not the camo ones – those are slick. The red jerseys are rough on the eyes and it’s incredibly difficult to differentiate players (especially if you’re like me and had to watch the game without sound).</p>
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<p>Aaron Gordon! My man, remember, you have to finish in these events. You can’t take back a first impression and that missed dunk was a first impression for thousands of folks out there. <i>EDIT at 9:57</i>: <i>I wrote that first part in the first half. I apologize; that 360 windmill was insane. Do you, kind sir. EDIT at 10:28: That oop he just caught was amazing. I should have never said anything. EDIT at 10:30: Gordon just won the MVP, I apologize for ever laughing at your missed dunk.</i></p>
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<p>The hype around this high school class is real. Granted, the defense was obviously lacking but the overall athleticism and skill sets of these kids is unreal. It’s probably too early to heed to the comparisons of the 2007 class but it sure is fun.</p>
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<p>Andrew Wiggins is clearly a notch above everyone else. If he left this year, he’d be the No. 1 overall pick without a doubt.</p>
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<h3 id="what-did-we-learn-about-the-guys-coming-to-kentucky">What did we learn about the guys coming to Kentucky?</h3>
<h4 id="the-harrison-twins">The Harrison Twins:</h4>
<p>Apparently these twins enjoy playing with each other. Sources say they’ve played together for years and even to the untrained eye it becomes glaringly obvious. The second play of the game when Aaron slipped backdoor for the alley-oop from Andrew felt like something we’ll be seeing a lot next year.</p>
<h4 id="julius-randle">Julius Randle:</h4>
<p>Julius Randle is a freak. His combination of size, strength, ball-handling and athleticism is rare and will be a joy to watch next year. That 180 degree alley-oop he caught was the best play of the night and really highlighted his intriguing skill set.</p>
<h4 id="dakari-johnson">Dakari Johnson:</h4>
<p>An exhibition game like this doesn’t suit well for tradition low post scorers but Johnson had a few shining moment’s in Wednesday’s games. He found opportunities to show off footwork and his turnaround hook shot so that was nice. I’m a sucker for skilled low post big men so I especially enjoyed Johnson’s night.</p>
<h4>James Young:</h4>
<p>Young had a nice outing. He looks silky smooth from the perimeter (his left-handed jump shot only enhances that) and he was one of the few guys out there fighting on defense. He reminds me of a stronger Jeremy Lamb in the sense that he understands how spacing the floor works in basketball.</p>
<h4 id="marcus-lee">Marcus Lee:</h4>
<p>MARCUS LEE GOT A DUNK IN THE FINAL SECONDS. THAT’S ALL I CAN REMEMBER. But seriously, the guy’s a pogo stick and looks like he could compliment Dakari Johnson well with his knack for weak-side defense. He’ll need to add weight but hey that’s what college weight training is for.</p>
<h4>Overall:</h4>
<p>If you call yourself a Kentucky basketball fan and you aren’t excited then I highly question your fanship. This team looks, if anything, to be <i>extremely</i> athletic and will be a lot of fun within coach Cal’s dribble drive offense. If Wiggins chooses the Kentucky blue, then you can go ahead and shut down college basketball. It’ll be Kentucky’s championship to lose.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/4/3/4181618/the-mcdonalds-all-american-game-what-did-we-learn-from-the-incomingTyler Lashbrook2013-04-03T12:00:10-04:002013-04-03T12:00:10-04:00McDonald's All-American Game: UK-Centric Preview
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<figcaption>Andy Lyons</figcaption>
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<p>A UK-centric preview on this storied high school All-American game.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mcdonalds-all-american-game">2013 McDonald's All-American Game</a> is set for tonight. The game can be viewed on ESPN, starting at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time. For Kentucky Wildcats fans, the game is essentially a must-watch.</p>
<p>UK's 2013 class contains an astounding 6 (!!!) McDonald's All-Americans, listed below. In addition, the Wildcats are still recruiting a 7th, who so happens to be the uncommitted top prospect in the country. Get ready for a heavy dose of Big Blue.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2012/9/28/3424710/2013-kentucky-wildcats-basketball-recruiting-andrew-aaron-harrison">Andrew Harrison</a></h4>
<p>The more point guard oriented of the Harrison twins, Andrew should draw the starting 1 gig for the West squad. Strong point guard play normally makes for a more exciting exhibition (think the NBA All-Star Game), and if that's the case, Andrew is a great ring-leader for the West. There's only one other true PG on the West roster (Washington-bound Nigel Williams-Goss) but plenty of scorers. Watch Harrison dazzle with pretty passing and strong dribble penetration.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2012/9/28/3424710/2013-kentucky-wildcats-basketball-recruiting-andrew-aaron-harrison">Aaron Harrison</a></h4>
<p>If Andrew is the passer, Aaron is the scorer. He's one of three Texas wing players in the game, along with Duke-bound Matt Jones and Keith Frazier, who just committed to SMU. As for Aaron, he'll team with Andrew on the West squad, competing with Jones for starting shooting guard honors. When the Harrison twins are on the court, it's like they have ESP, which is even more fun to watch on ESPN. With Aaron Harrison and Matt Jones, the West squad might have the best two triggermen in the game. They're the best two shooters in Texas, in any case.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2012/9/28/3424756/2013-kentucky-wildcats-basketball-recruiting-julius-randle">Julius Randle</a></h4>
<p>Randle makes an astounding five Texans playing tonight. John Calipari was wise to breach the Lone Star State, snagging three of them. Due to a broken foot that sidelined him for most of his high school's regular season, Randle didn't make the cut when teams were initially announced. However, the selection committee added him after Randle came back to lead his HS team to a State Championship. Randle is an exceptionally versatile forward with almost no weaknesses (rumor is he played some point guard in practices with his East teammates sidelined by injury). He'll compete with a deep power forward rotation to start at the 4 for the East.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/3/1/4043326/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-recruiting-dakari-johnson">Dakari Johnson</a></h4>
<p>Johnson has a traditional low-post big man's game. Those guys tend to get lost in the flow of an exhibition game, but Johnson will do his best to make an impact. Though he's originally from New York, Johnson played his senior season at Montverde Academy alongside fellow McDonald's All-American point guard Kasey Hill. Both Johnson and Hill will play for the East squad. Johnson will compete for starting center honors with UNC-bound Kennedy Meeks, who also held a Kentucky offer.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2012/9/28/3424810/2013-kentucky-wildcats-basketball-recruiting-marcus-lee">Marcus Lee</a></h4>
<p>The raw but explosive Lee is part of the West Coast renaissance. There was consternation a few years ago that the West was underrepresented, but this year, four Californians made the team. Lee isn't a true center, but he's the tallest player on the West squad and could start at the 5. It'll be interesting to see how dominant Lee is defensively, and if he can live up to the "we must protect this paint" legacy set by Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel in Lexington.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-2013-recruiting-hub/2012/9/27/3419328/2013-kentucky-wildcats-basketball-recruiting-james-young">James Young</a></h4>
<p>Some people questioned why Young would pick Kentucky with the Harrison twins already aboard. Those critics will get their answer, as Young will suit up for the West alongside his future teammates. What the West lacks in size, it'll make up with a diverse and exciting array of wing scorers. Young can get buckets with the best of them, and will be pumped to show what he can do against top-tier competition.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2012/10/5/3461118/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-recruiting-andrew-wiggins">Andrew Wiggins</a></h4>
<p>The consensus top prospect in the 2013 class, Wiggins is the only remaining uncommitted McDonald's All-American. The uber-talented wing has no timetable to declare, but is considering Kentucky along with Florida St., North Carolina, and Kansas. Wiggins will start at the 3 for the East. He should be considered the favorite to win MVP Honors. Oh, and prepare to be dazzled.</p>
<h4>Interesting Match-Ups</h4>
<p><b>Andrew Harrison (West) vs. Kasey Hill (East)</b> - Hill reportedly had an offer from Kentucky, but committed to Florida so long ago it's hard to know whether interest was genuine. In any case, Harrison and Hill are the two top point guards in the class, and will face each other at least twice next season in SEC play. This will be a great sneak preview.</p>
<p><b>Aaron Harrison (West) vs. Keith Frazier (East)</b> - The McDonald's committee chose to split up the participating Texans, which should make for an interesting battle. Texas is a big state, and because their high schools played in different classifications, Harrison and Frazier never faced each other in a state-sponsored tilt. But both players, along with another Texan, Matt Jones, are pure scorers that can light up the scoreboard.</p>
<p><b>James Young (West) vs. Andrew Wiggins (East)</b> - If critics were concerned about Young stepping into a messy playing time situation with the Harrison twins, just imagine what they'll say if Wiggins comes aboard as well. Young remains unconcerned, which is a great attitude: to be the best, you gotta compete with the best. Whether Young starts or comes off the bench, and whether Wiggins picks the Wildcats or not, Young should have a major role on next year's Kentucky squad.</p>
<p><b>Julius Randle (East) vs. Aaron Gordon (West)</b> - It would've been nice to see Gordon don Kentucky Blue, but Randle's commitment essentially shut the door on Gordon heading eastbound and down. Both players are exceptionally talented, and should make their respective teams very happy next year. Anticipate a hearty battle.</p>
<p><b>Marcus Lee (West) vs. Dakari Johnson (East)</b> - Here's a glance at what Kentucky practices will look like next year. Throw in returnee Willie Cauley-Stein, and paint drills will be insane to watch. It's the explosive athlete versus the immovable object. And...go.</p>
<h4>Complete Rosters</h4>
<p><b>East Team</b><br> Anthony Barber | PG | Hampton (VA) | NC State<br>Keith Frazier | SG | Kimball (TX) | SMU<br>Isaiah Hicks | PF | Webb (NC) | North Carolina<br>Kasey Hill | PG | Montverde Academy (FL) | Florida<br>Demetrius Jackson | PG | Marian (IN) | Notre Dame<br>Rondae Hollis-Jefferson | SF | Chester (PA) | Arizona<br>Dakari Johnson | C | Montverde Academy (FL) | Kentucky<br>Kennedy Meeks | C | West Charlotte (NC) | North Carolina<br>Julius Randle | PF | Prestonwood Christian (TX) | Kentucky<br>Wayne Selden | SG | The Tilton School (NH) | Kansas<br>Noah Vonleh | PF | New Hampton (NH) | Indiana<br>Chris Walker | PF | Holmes County (FL) | Florida<br>Andrew Wiggins | SF | Huntington Prep (WV) | Undecided</p>
<p><b>West Team</b><br> Jabari Bird | SG | Salesian (CA) | California<br>Aaron Gordon | PF | Archbishop Mitty (CA) | Arizona<br>Isaac Hamilton | SG | St. John Bosco (CA) | UTEP<br>Aaron Harrison | SG | Travis (TX) | Kentucky<br>Andrew Harrison | PG | Travis (TX) | Kentucky<br>Matt Jones | SG | DeSoto (TX) | Duke<br>Jarrell Martin | PF | Madison Prep (LA) | LSU<br>Marcus Lee | PF | Deer Valley (CA) | Kentucky<br>Jabari Parker | SF | Simeon (IL) | Duke<br>Bobby Portis | PF | Little Rock Hall (AR) | Arkansas<br>Nigel Williams-Goss | PG | Findlay Prep (NV) | Washington<br>James Young | SF | Rochester (MI) | Kentucky</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2013/4/3/4175720/2013-mcdonalds-all-american-game-six-future-kentucky-wildcatsjc25