Read More Here
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Brandon Knight & Josh Harrellson visit Clark County Schools photo gallery
University of Kentucky basketball players Brandon Knight visited Strode Station Elementary School and Josh Harrellson visited Conkwright Middle School to encourage the students to do their best on the Kentucky Core Content Testing (KCCT) which begins Monday.
Read More Here
Read More Here
Friday, April 29, 2011
2011 NBA Playoffs "Black Dog" Intro
It's the Playoffs!!
This video was a masterpiece until... is that Ray Allen's mother at :19 seconds?? Why ?? :)
This video was a masterpiece until... is that Ray Allen's mother at :19 seconds?? Why ?? :)
Coach Cal Satellite Camp Information Now Available
This June, UK basketball coach John Calipari and his staff will travel around the state of Kentucky teaching the game of basketball to the youth of the Commonwealth with a series of instructional day camps.
Open to both girls and boys, in kindergarten through sixth grades, the camps will allow participants to learn the game of basketball through a fundamental, intensive environment and introduce drills that can be used at home.
Campers also develop positive attitudes and gain confidence on and off the court. In addition to learning the game, each will receive a Kentucky Basketball t-shirt, as well as opportunities for autographs and photos.
Read More Here
Open to both girls and boys, in kindergarten through sixth grades, the camps will allow participants to learn the game of basketball through a fundamental, intensive environment and introduce drills that can be used at home.
Campers also develop positive attitudes and gain confidence on and off the court. In addition to learning the game, each will receive a Kentucky Basketball t-shirt, as well as opportunities for autographs and photos.
Read More Here
UK target Shabazz Muhammad one of the nation’s top recruits in the class of 2012.
Shabazz Muhammad DESTROYS Competition In First 2 Events Of The AAU Season!
NCAA makes rules changes
The NCAA's Board of Directors adopted changes Thursday that will take effect next season and could have a significant impact on those in the two highest-profile college sports.
Football players could be suspended for up to four games, starting in 2012, if they fail to earn at least nine credit hours in the fall semester -- or eight on a quarterly system.
Basketball players must decide before the first day of the spring signing period, typically mid-April, to pull out of the draft and retain their college eligibility. This year, players have until May 8 to withdraw from the draft.
"For players, I just don't see how that helps them a whole lot," Butler forward Matt Howard said Thursday during a shootaround at Hinkle Fieldhouse. "It almost makes it pointless to put your name out and not sign with an agent."
The legislation wasn't intended to help players.
Coaches wanted the earlier date so they could find replacements for those making an early jump to the NBA.
Read More Here
Coach Cal Announces the 2011 Kentucky Combine
As many of you know the deadlines for underclassmen to both declare and withdraw from the 2011 NBA Draft (June 23) don’t provide adequate time to “test the waters.” The deadline to declare was April 24 and players only have until one week from Sunday, May 8), to remove their names from the Draft list.
Three of our underclassmen – freshmen Terrence Jones and Brandon Knight and junior DeAndre Liggins – have declared for the draft but none have elected to have any agreements with advisors or agents. A fourth Wildcat, senior Josh Harrellson, is preparing for the upcoming draft.
My preference, of course, is to again coach all three of these underclassmen but we also have the obligation to these young men and their families to help them make the best, most educated decisions for their futures.
With that in mind, I’m proud to announce the Kentucky Combine to be held May 2-3, 2011 at the state-of-the-art Joe Craft Center on the UK campus. All the NBA teams have been invited to the private workouts for our players that will be conducted by NBA personnel.
There are basically three things that led us to creating this first-of-it’s-kind combine:
1. NBA teams are prohibited from working out or having contact with any players until after the Declared List is released, which happened on April 28.
2. This means players have only just over a week in which to meet with and workout for teams before an ultimate decision must be made.
3. The players are not allowed to miss class during the week to travel to workouts or to visit with teams.
Because of these limitations and our unending desire to always be a players-first program, we have arranged for these two days of workouts and accompanying one-on-one interviews after classes so that NBA personnel can get a complete picture of the type of student-athletes in our program at the University of Kentucky.
My hope is this will allow our players to get direct feedback from NBA decision-makers and hopefully create a clearer picture of what their NBA potential may be. Instead of us telling them what we are hearing, they can hear directly from the clubs.
(All of the underclassmen are taking the necessary precautions to protect their future collegiate eligibility under NCAA bylaw 12.2.4.2.1.1 which would allow them to return to UK.)
I also think that for a player like Josh, these workouts will allow NBA teams to see the type of commitment, skill and determination he showed the Big Blue Nation all season long.
Lastly, I want to thank our Athletic Director, Mitch Barnhart and his staff for helping to formalize this unique combine and opportunity for our student-athletes. It is yet another example of how Kentucky basketball is the gold standard.
-RTL-
Read More on Caochcal.com
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Kentucky basketball again leads nation in attendance
INDIANAPOLIS — College basketball attendance across the three divisions has decreased slightly to 32.8 million. The NCAA announced Tuesday that it still ranks No. 5 all-time. Division I schools drew 27.6 million fans, an increase of more than 86,000 over the previous season. Kentucky led the nation in average home attendance for the 15th time in 16 years. The Wildcats averaged 23,603. Syracuse was second at 22,312.
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Monday, April 25, 2011
Draft Decisions: Which teams have the most hanging in the balance? Luke Winn
Now that the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NBA draft has passed, we look at the 10 teams with the most to lose between now and the May 8 deadline to withdraw. Teams are ranked in order of how much their players' decisions will impact the 2011-12 preseason poll.
1. KENTUCKY
Freshmen Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones have yet to hire agents, but they're close to gone. Knight's mother said it would take "something unexpected" to keep her son out of the draft, where he's projected to be either the second or third point guard off the board, and be taken in the top 10. Jones, also a lottery pick, is a long shot to return. In the unlikely event both players contract lockout-itis and opt to stay in Lexington, the Wildcats would overtake North Carolina as 2011-12's preseason No. 1.
Coach John Calipari has a better shot at keeping junior defensive stopper DeAndre Liggins, who's fishing for a guaranteed contract. "He's a mid-to-late second-rounder right now," one NBA scout said of Liggins, "but he could be a find for someone, because he has offensive talent that he hasn't been able to fully show while playing with ball-dominating guards, like John Wall, or [Eric] Bledsoe, or Knight." Liggins would be playing with another ball-dominating guard (incoming freshman point Marquis Teague) in 2011-12, but could elevate his profile by serving as the key veteran on a national title contender.
Remaining List Read More from Luke Winn SI
From Coach Cal to the Big Blue Nation.
There’s been some talk about what it means to be a “players-first program” and coming off the road from recruiting seems like a perfect time to discuss this.
Being a Players-first program means:
1. During the recruiting process, we don’t make outlandish promises about playing time, starting positions, minutes, shots, points or anything to these young men that we can’t keep. At Kentucky, you have to work for everything and compete every day at the highest level.
2. The second part is that once the season begins, we are teaching players to be the teammate they want to play with. Our whole focus is on team play. I want individuals to play well but I’m getting them to understand nothing of significance will be accomplished by themselves.
3. Lastly when the season is over, when our TEAM is done playing, my job is to help them make the best decisions, with the best information I can give them, for them and their families. I’m not trying to convince them to come back if that’s not in their best interest. Likewise, I’m never trying to shove anybody out the door.
The Truth is that these top players in the country want to play for a certain kind of coach in a certain kind of program. They are not playing for just any coach. They want to play with someone who has proven results.
The Lie is that because a player won’t go to a certain school, it’s impossible to win championships with that type of young, elite talent.
None of this takes away from our goal of winning championships. If you do right by these kids you will win championships and we have. It’s a ludicrous statement that you can’t win with players who earn a chance to pursue their NBA dreams early.
We’ve done pretty well in March. Winning a championship won’t change me one bit; but it would change me if it came after I told a young man to return to school for my own selfish reasons.
I’ll leave you with this, if we do right by these young people they will do right by us.
Read More Here
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Rajon Rondo has triple-double as Celtics blow out Knicks, take 3-0 lead
Rondo's jersey hanging with pride in the Wildcat Lodge.
NEW YORK -- No fantastic finish needed for the Boston Celtics this time.
They simply spoiled Madison Square Garden's postseason homecoming party right from the start.
Paul Pierce scored 38 points, Ray Allen added 32, and Rajon Rondo had a Celtics' playoff-record 20 assists as Boston beat the New York Knicks 113-96 on Friday night to take a 3-0 in their first-round playoff series.
Rondo had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Celtics, who pulled out two close games in Boston but never trailed in this one, dominating the first playoff game at Madison Square Garden in seven years. They will go for the sweep Sunday afternoon, and no NBA team has ever lost a series after winning the first three games.
Boston coach Doc Rivers said he rarely talks to his team about the crowd environment, but the former Knicks player made an exception Friday knowing the stage.
"My main concern is this was not entertainment coming in here today. This was a competition and I thought we came with that mentality," Rivers said.
http://scores.espn.go.com/newyork/nba/recap?gameId=310422018
Friday, April 22, 2011
UCONN Jim Calhoun could lose NCAA title bonus
From the New Haven Register:
UConn should learn in a few weeks whether it meets APR standards, but it’s a virtual certainty that the program will fall short of the standard score of 925.
That means Calhoun could suffer a double-whammy: Not only could his bonus be kept from him, but per his contract, he must also donate $100,000 to UConn’s general scholarship fund if the men’s hoops program fails to meet APR standards. Calhoun’s total loss would be $187,500.
Calhoun was not available for comment Thursday.
The Huskies would also lose at least one, and most likely two scholarships for next season (on top of the scholarship they’ve already been docked by the NCAA committee on infractions).
Read More on ESPN.COM
Kansas bad behavior beginning to add up
The Kansas Jayhawks are making unfortunate offseasons a habit. In 2009, players on the school's football and basketball teams got into a brawl, resulting in an on-campus investigation and an injury to hoopster Tyshawn Taylor. In 2010, Jayhawks brass were investigated for a massive basketball ticketing scandal.
The trend continues in 2011, this time thanks to Kansas sophomore forward Thomas Robinson. According to the Lawrence Journal-World, Robinson was cited to appear in municipal court by Lawrence police on a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from an April 10 incident outside a nightclub called The Cave.
According to the report, a 2 a.m. fight in the club spilled outside, at which point a bouncer reported being spit on and struck. According to one bouncer's account to the Journal-World, several Kansas basketball players were at the bar, Robinson among them. After a "person accompanying the players" got angry at the bouncers, things escalated, at which point Robinson reportedly threw the offending punch.
Read More on ESPN.COM
John Wall overcame injuries, changing roles in rookie season with Wizards
He also happened to join the league at a time when point guard is the league’s most prestigious position, with arguably more depth in talent than at any time. But the more frustrating part for Wall was that he couldn’t always reach into his bag of tricks and respond as he was slowed by injuries that forced him to miss 12 games. “I knew after the first couple of games I could play in the league,” said Wall, who had a triple-double in his sixth game. “I think I did good for my year. I wasn’t fully healthy and being myself, but I can’t hold nobody accountable for that. Things just happened. I just fought through it and helped my team out as much as possible.”
Read Hoops Daily Here
Is Kentucky's Brandon Knight Pistons' future starting point guard?
For Pistons fans who think restricted free agent Rodney Stuckey should not return as the team's point guard, there could be a viable replacement option in the NBA draft.
Kentucky freshman point guard Brandon Knight is testing the waters, and if he decides to remain in the draft, he could be available when the Pistons pick. Detroit will have a top-10 pick, with the number determined during the May 17 draft lottery.
Knight isn't hiring an agent and has until May 8 to withdraw from the draft, but given his likely lottery-pick status, Knight is probably done at the collegiate level.
http://www.freep.com/article/20110422/SPORTS03/104220405/Is-Kentucky-s-Brandon-Knight-Pistons-future-starting-point-guard-
CBS Gregg Doyle "Next college hoops season will make up for last one"
This past college basketball season was all well and good, but hardly great. Considering the talent staying and the rich load entering the scene, Gregg Doyel can't wait for the greatness to return next time around.
Kentucky, at a minimum, returns future NBA shooting guard Doron Lamb and senior Darius Miller, and adds a recruiting class that's as good as any John Calipari has ever signed. Any idea how impressive that is? It's impressive, but don't tell Bob Knight, because he'll start making up lies about Anthony Davis, Michael Gilchrist, Marquis Teague and Kyle Wiltjer, some or all of whom will be Kentucky's next batch of one-and-done players.
http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/14975594/next-college-hoops-season-will-make-up-for-last-one
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Michael Gilchrist All USA Boys Bastketball Team UK Signee 2011 Class
Michael Gilchrist
By Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
6-7, Forward
St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J.
College: Signed with Kentucky
The facts: Averaged 19.4 points, 14.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 5.2 blocks as a senior, leading team to a 26-1 record and No. 2 spot in the USA TODAY Super 25 boys basketball rankings. He traveled 154 miles round-trip every day to school from his home in Somerdale, N.J., near Camden. He was the MVP of the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla., and co-MVP of the McDonald's All American
Game.
Sports family: His father, Michael, Sr., played alongside Milt Wagner on a state championship team at Camden High in 1981. He was shot to death in Camden in 1996 when Michael, Jr., was three. Michael's favorite player is his cousin, former NBA player Dajuan Wagner.
Outside of basketball: "I'm into poetry. I'm not a rapper at all -- I just like writing and reading poetry. Sometimes it works with girls."
People don't know: "I'm just a humble guy. That's about it."
Favorite teacher: "Mrs. (Lisa) Padua for Math and English (in middle school). She's cool and I look up to her. Also Mrs. Debbie Halpin (from middle school)."
Super power: "I'd like to be able to fly." Season highlight: "Winning the championship at the City of Palms Tournament in Fort Myers (Fla.)."
Other favorite sport: "I like soccer. I played it when I was little, but I don't remember what position."
More:
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
UK 2011 Target Trevor Lacey attends the Derby Festival
Trevor Lacey has reduced his list of schools to UK, Kansas and Alabama. He is in Louisville for the High School Derby Classic game. Trevor Lacey is a basketball player who does a number of good things on the floor. He seems to always make the right play when not put in the position as the primary ball-handler. He never seems to hunt his own shot and always takes what the defense gives him. Over the course of his career he has shown his ability to knock down open and contested shots from the perimeter. Whether coming off screens, dribbling off ball-screens, or spotting up Lacey has a soft stroke with good range.
He talks about Kentucky, the recent annoucement of Knight, Liggins and Jones entering the draft.
He talks about Kentucky, the recent annoucement of Knight, Liggins and Jones entering the draft.
When an idiot speaks, starring Bob Knight
You don't like Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari? Fine. You have ammunition.
Calipari recruits kids he knows will spend one or two years on campus, kids interested more in pursuing the NBA than their college degree, and if that's the sort of thing that bugs you, complain about that.
Calipari has taken three schools to the Final Four, and two of them had to vacate that appearance because of NCAA violations involving a player -- not a coach, but a player. But if that's the sort of thing you want to lay at the head coach's feet, fine. Lay it there. Complain about that.
But what you can't do -- what ESPN commentator Bob Knight did do the other day -- is ignore the pile of facts at your disposal and make up your own. And come up with your own half-truth or even your own outright lie, and use that to attack John Calipari.
http://gregg-doyel.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/5881996/28650894
Calipari recruits kids he knows will spend one or two years on campus, kids interested more in pursuing the NBA than their college degree, and if that's the sort of thing that bugs you, complain about that.
Calipari has taken three schools to the Final Four, and two of them had to vacate that appearance because of NCAA violations involving a player -- not a coach, but a player. But if that's the sort of thing you want to lay at the head coach's feet, fine. Lay it there. Complain about that.
But what you can't do -- what ESPN commentator Bob Knight did do the other day -- is ignore the pile of facts at your disposal and make up your own. And come up with your own half-truth or even your own outright lie, and use that to attack John Calipari.
http://gregg-doyel.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/5881996/28650894
Three Kentucky basketball players declare for NBA Draft; Miller to return
University of Kentucky junior DeAndre Liggins and freshmen Terrence Jones and Brandon Knight have declared for the NBA Draft, the school announced Wednesday morning.
None of the three have signed or announced plans to sign with an agent.
Meanwhile, junior Darius Miller will be returning to UK for his senior season, Miller's father said later Wednesday.
Liggins, a 6-foot-6 guard from Chicago, averaged 8.6 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 39.1 percent from three-point range.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to enter my name into the draft, putting me one step closer to realizing my dream," Liggins said in UK's news release. "Growing up in a tough environment in Chicago, it's a pleasure to have an opportunity to do something special. This is another challenge I'm looking forward to, to have my game evaluated by pro scouts and see how I rank against some of the top players in the world."
Read More on kentucky.com
John Calipari discusses draft plans, possibilities for Knight, Jones and Liggins
When Kentucky coach John Calipari sat with star freshman point guard Brandon Knight to discuss the 2011 NBA Draft, he delivered his message emphatically ... and graphically.
“This makes me sick to my stomach, because I want to coach you again,” Calipari told Knight. “But I’ve got to give you the information.”
Knight smiled at his coach’s words.
And on Wednesday, Knight announced he was entering the NBA Draft. So too did U.K. freshman power forward Terrence Jones and junior wing DeAndre Liggins.
None of the three plans to immediately sign with an agent. Calipari still is in the process of compiling information, particularly regarding Jones and Liggins, so it remains prudent for them to keep their option to return to Kentucky next season. http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2011-04-20/john-calipari-discusses-draft-plans-possibilities-for-knight-jones-and-liggins
“This makes me sick to my stomach, because I want to coach you again,” Calipari told Knight. “But I’ve got to give you the information.”
Knight smiled at his coach’s words.
And on Wednesday, Knight announced he was entering the NBA Draft. So too did U.K. freshman power forward Terrence Jones and junior wing DeAndre Liggins.
None of the three plans to immediately sign with an agent. Calipari still is in the process of compiling information, particularly regarding Jones and Liggins, so it remains prudent for them to keep their option to return to Kentucky next season. http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2011-04-20/john-calipari-discusses-draft-plans-possibilities-for-knight-jones-and-liggins
Knight, Liggins and Jones declare
UK's Terrence Jones, Brandon Knight & DeAndre Liggins have declared for this year’s NBA Draft. None are expecting to hire an agent.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Bob Knight apologizes to Kentucky
ESPN analyst Bob Knight apologized Tuesday after making erroneous statements over the weekend about the academic record of Kentucky's basketball team.
At a speaking engagement in Indiana on Saturday, Knight criticized the policy allowing players to go to the NBA after one season and incorrectly said that during the 2009-10 season, the starters on Kentucky's NCAA tournament team did not attend class during the spring semester.
"My overall point is that 'one and dones' are not healthy for college basketball," Knight said. "I should not have made it personal to Kentucky and its players and I apologize."
The Wildcats started five underclassmen that year, four of whom went on to become first-round NBA draft picks last June. Another freshman, center Daniel Orton, also left early for the NBA.
Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart responded to Knight's comments on Monday evening, saying the school took "great offense" to Knight's accusations. He says all five starters last year finished the season in good academic standing.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=6390170
At a speaking engagement in Indiana on Saturday, Knight criticized the policy allowing players to go to the NBA after one season and incorrectly said that during the 2009-10 season, the starters on Kentucky's NCAA tournament team did not attend class during the spring semester.
"My overall point is that 'one and dones' are not healthy for college basketball," Knight said. "I should not have made it personal to Kentucky and its players and I apologize."
The Wildcats started five underclassmen that year, four of whom went on to become first-round NBA draft picks last June. Another freshman, center Daniel Orton, also left early for the NBA.
Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart responded to Knight's comments on Monday evening, saying the school took "great offense" to Knight's accusations. He says all five starters last year finished the season in good academic standing.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=6390170
Mother: Knight has made UK-or-NBA decision
The mother of Kentucky point guard Brandon Knight said Tuesday that her son had made the decision of whether to return to UK for his sophomore season or enter this year’s NBA Draft.
“He knows what he wants to do,” Tonya Knight said. “. . . It’s not for me to announce.”
UK spokesman DeWayne Peevy said that the school planned to hold a press conference or issue a news release when players have decided their basketball futures.
Read Here
“He knows what he wants to do,” Tonya Knight said. “. . . It’s not for me to announce.”
UK spokesman DeWayne Peevy said that the school planned to hold a press conference or issue a news release when players have decided their basketball futures.
Read Here
Lamb Announces He Will Return to UK
April 19, 2011
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky freshman Doron Lamb has decided to return to Kentucky for his sophomore season and will not declare for the NBA Draft.
Lamb, a 6-foot-4 guard from Queens, N.Y., was named to the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team by the league coaches and was also named Yahoo! Sports’ National Sixth Man of the Year. He averaged 12.3 points while shooting an SEC-leading 48.6 percent from 3-point range.
He was named ESPN.com National Player of the Week, USBWA National Player of the Week, Dick Vitale’s Diaper Dandy of the Week and SEC Player of the Week after scoring a then-freshman record 32 points vs. Winthrop on 11-of-12 shooting, including 7-of-8 from 3-point range.
“Last season was an unbelievable run for me and my teammates, winning the SEC Tournament and advancing to the Final Four,” Lamb said. “Losing the last game against UConn was tough and I don’t want to end my college career with that feeling. With the guys we have coming in next year, I know we have the talent to make another run at a national title. I want to help bring a national championship back to the Big Blue Nation because I know they’ve been waiting too long. I’ve enjoyed my time at Kentucky, playing for Coach Cal and his staff and I’m not ready for it to end.”
“Doron has the opportunity to improve greatly with an additional year in college,” UK men’s basketball coach John Calipari said. “A lot of players have opted to return to school which made it a tougher decision for him. Not only does he gain another year of maturity and school work, but he now has the chance to put in the extra work to elevate his game. I’m excited to have him back.”
Read More Here
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky freshman Doron Lamb has decided to return to Kentucky for his sophomore season and will not declare for the NBA Draft.
Lamb, a 6-foot-4 guard from Queens, N.Y., was named to the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team by the league coaches and was also named Yahoo! Sports’ National Sixth Man of the Year. He averaged 12.3 points while shooting an SEC-leading 48.6 percent from 3-point range.
He was named ESPN.com National Player of the Week, USBWA National Player of the Week, Dick Vitale’s Diaper Dandy of the Week and SEC Player of the Week after scoring a then-freshman record 32 points vs. Winthrop on 11-of-12 shooting, including 7-of-8 from 3-point range.
“Last season was an unbelievable run for me and my teammates, winning the SEC Tournament and advancing to the Final Four,” Lamb said. “Losing the last game against UConn was tough and I don’t want to end my college career with that feeling. With the guys we have coming in next year, I know we have the talent to make another run at a national title. I want to help bring a national championship back to the Big Blue Nation because I know they’ve been waiting too long. I’ve enjoyed my time at Kentucky, playing for Coach Cal and his staff and I’m not ready for it to end.”
“Doron has the opportunity to improve greatly with an additional year in college,” UK men’s basketball coach John Calipari said. “A lot of players have opted to return to school which made it a tougher decision for him. Not only does he gain another year of maturity and school work, but he now has the chance to put in the extra work to elevate his game. I’m excited to have him back.”
Read More Here
KU’s Robinson charged with misdemeanor after altercation
Kansas Jayhawks sophomore forward Thomas Robinson has been charged with misdemeanor battery in connection with a nightclub altercation earlier this month, Lawrence city prosecutor Jerry Little said Tuesday.
Robinson is accused of participating in a fight April 10 outside The Cave, a Lawrence nightclub popular with Kansas students.
Read more
Robinson is accused of participating in a fight April 10 outside The Cave, a Lawrence nightclub popular with Kansas students.
Read more
Bob Knight says Kentucky starters didn't go to class in spring of 2010
In the latest example of his longstanding distaste for Kentucky basketball, Hall of Fame coach Bob Knight said last weekend that UK's five starters in the 2010 NCAA Tournament did not attend class that spring semester.
The statement seemed a product of Knight's well-known dislike of so-called one-and-done players who turn professional after one college season. But it was easy to see Knight was mistaken in UK's case since one starter, Patrick Patterson, was a junior en route to graduating in three years. Another, then-sophomore Darius Miller, just completed his junior season for Kentucky.
"Kentucky, year before last, started five players in the NCAA Tournament games that had not been to class that semester," Knight said, according to the YouTube video shot at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, Ind., on Saturday. "And that's that one-and-done philosophy that we have now."
Read More Here
The statement seemed a product of Knight's well-known dislike of so-called one-and-done players who turn professional after one college season. But it was easy to see Knight was mistaken in UK's case since one starter, Patrick Patterson, was a junior en route to graduating in three years. Another, then-sophomore Darius Miller, just completed his junior season for Kentucky.
"Kentucky, year before last, started five players in the NCAA Tournament games that had not been to class that semester," Knight said, according to the YouTube video shot at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, Ind., on Saturday. "And that's that one-and-done philosophy that we have now."
Read More Here
Coach Bob Knight blasts Kentucky's 2010 Elite Eight team: They never went to class
Coach Knight Comments
“Kentucky, year before last, started five players in the NCAA Tournament that had not been to class that semester,” Knight said. “And that’s that one-and-done philosophy that we have now.”
Compliments to KSR for pic
The Twitter World response:
Tweet: Patrick Patterson
Ha I'm not even gonna comment on such #bullshit (excuse my French) think me graduating & teammates GPA's speak for themselves.. don't u?
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Mary Jo Perino
That's because Bobby Knight said Sat night at a speech that UK played 5 starters in last NCAA tourney that hadn't gone to class
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Tweet: UKMitchBarnhart Mitch Barnhart by ukcompliance
The Univ. of Kentucky, our student-athletes & their families take great offense to the blatantly erroneous comments made by Bob Knight. It’s unfortunate that, although every starter from the 2010 season finished the spring semester in good academic standing, these myths exist
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Tweet: boogiecousins demarcus cousins
All respect Coach Knight but I went to my spring classes at UK and finished out strong good gpa even after declaring for draft.
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Tweet: tsnmike Michael DeCourcy
How much incorrect information about Kentucky is Bob Knight allowed to disseminate before people stop listening to Knight about Kentucky?
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KySportsRadio Matt Jones
Mitch Barnhart responds to Bobby Knight's comments by calling them "blatantly erroneous".
***************
Monday, April 18, 2011
Pitino and Calipari on the road making the recruiting visits
Louisville coach Rick Pitino and Kentucky coach John Calipari were both on the road recruiting on Sunday.
Pitino spent some time in Atlanta on Sunday and met with former Tennessee commitment Kevin Ware, a 6-foot-4 guard also now considering Central Florida, Georgia, UCLA and several other schools.
Pitino is expected to make visits to 2012 commitments Rodney Purvis and Negus Webster-Chan sometime in the next two days and he’s also expected to make a stop in Indianapolis for junior Gary Harris.
Calipari was scheduled to make a visit to Alabama Mr. Basketball Trevor Lacey on Friday but it was pushed back until Sunday. He met with the family and word is there were several questions about what guys are staying and going. Lacey and Ware are both expected in Louisville on Wednesday for the Derby Festival
http://blogs.courier-journal.com/jodydemling/2011/04/18/pitino-calipari-make-visits/
Pitino spent some time in Atlanta on Sunday and met with former Tennessee commitment Kevin Ware, a 6-foot-4 guard also now considering Central Florida, Georgia, UCLA and several other schools.
Pitino is expected to make visits to 2012 commitments Rodney Purvis and Negus Webster-Chan sometime in the next two days and he’s also expected to make a stop in Indianapolis for junior Gary Harris.
Calipari was scheduled to make a visit to Alabama Mr. Basketball Trevor Lacey on Friday but it was pushed back until Sunday. He met with the family and word is there were several questions about what guys are staying and going. Lacey and Ware are both expected in Louisville on Wednesday for the Derby Festival
http://blogs.courier-journal.com/jodydemling/2011/04/18/pitino-calipari-make-visits/
Harrison Barnes To Return To UNC For Sophomore Season
April 18, 2011
CHAPEL HILL - North Carolina forward Harrison Barnes, the 2011 Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year, will return to the Tar Heels for his sophomore season.
"As an 18-year old, I'm in the early stages of my life journey," Barnes says. "I'm honored and blessed for the chance to play in the NBA. And because of my family, teachers, passion, and work, I have the ultimate dream of one day playing and experiencing a fulfilling career in the NBA.
"Opportunities, both beneficial and life changing, can seem to make the next phase of my journey an easy decision. But I am a student-athlete at the University of North Carolina. I'm here to experience college life, grow as a person, receive a quality education, and be part of the greatest basketball family in college sports.
"The experiences I've enjoyed on and off the court will be invaluable. These experiences will help fuel my journey in the NBA and beyond.
Read More Here
CHAPEL HILL - North Carolina forward Harrison Barnes, the 2011 Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year, will return to the Tar Heels for his sophomore season.
"As an 18-year old, I'm in the early stages of my life journey," Barnes says. "I'm honored and blessed for the chance to play in the NBA. And because of my family, teachers, passion, and work, I have the ultimate dream of one day playing and experiencing a fulfilling career in the NBA.
"Opportunities, both beneficial and life changing, can seem to make the next phase of my journey an easy decision. But I am a student-athlete at the University of North Carolina. I'm here to experience college life, grow as a person, receive a quality education, and be part of the greatest basketball family in college sports.
"The experiences I've enjoyed on and off the court will be invaluable. These experiences will help fuel my journey in the NBA and beyond.
Read More Here
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Top-rated Kentucky recruits get a head start
The Jordan Brand Classic All-American game Saturday night could almost be mistaken for a Kentucky Wildcats intrasquad game.
Four Kentucky signees - guard Marquis Teague and forwards Michael Gilchrist, Anthony Davis and Kyle Wiltjer - are among the 22 players divided among East and West rosters.
They come from a variety of locations: Teague is from Indianapolis; Davis is from Chicago; Wiltjer is from Portland, Ore.; and Gilchrist is from Elizabeth, N.J. But they'll be old friends by the time they arrive in Lexington, Ky., together later this year.
"We're always just hanging out, kicking it with each other and trying to make each other better," Davis said of his future college teammates.
This isn't the first weekend the four Wildcats have been together. They've been making a tour of national all-star games, which speaks to the quality of coach John Calipari's latest recruiting class.
If Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones follow through on their plans to enter the NBA draft, Kentucky already has another wave of incoming freshman to fill the various voids.
Teague and Davis are rooming together for a third time on the all-star circuit, creating a friendship that has them planning to room together at Kentucky.
"We have a bond now," Gilchrist said. "We have so much fun together. I can't wait to get there."
It's a class that has been rated No. 1 by ESPN, which has all four players in the Jordan Brand Classic ranked among the top 20. Davis is ranked first, Gilchrist third, Teague seventh and Wiltjer is 18th.
Davis is the one who has rocketed up the recruiting charts and the growth chart. A year ago, he was 6-foot-3. Now he's 2 inches shy of being a 7-footer.
"That's what makes (Davis) so good," East assistant coach Don Showalter said. "He has guard skills at that height and he has great hands."
Teague is the younger brother of former Wake Forest guard Jeff Teague, and the two bear a striking resemblance. Even their point guard styles are similar. "Marquis might be as good or better (than Jeff) as time goes on," Showalter said. Gilchrist is a classic scorer more than a shooter, Showalter said, and his ability to get tough rebounds is a rare skill that will pair well with the 6-9 Wiltjer. Beyond the skills the four will bring to Lexington, they will bring a basketball background built over the past few weeks - something few incoming recruiting classes will have. "They are all good friends," Showalter said. They will play for a coach who has used his aggressive recruiting approach to re-energize the Kentucky program, which has become a one-year pipeline to the pros for several players. That hasn't gone unnoticed by the soon-to-be Wildcats. "Coach Cal is amazing," Davis said. "He puts guys in the league. That's what we all want to do."
Four Kentucky signees - guard Marquis Teague and forwards Michael Gilchrist, Anthony Davis and Kyle Wiltjer - are among the 22 players divided among East and West rosters.
They come from a variety of locations: Teague is from Indianapolis; Davis is from Chicago; Wiltjer is from Portland, Ore.; and Gilchrist is from Elizabeth, N.J. But they'll be old friends by the time they arrive in Lexington, Ky., together later this year.
"We're always just hanging out, kicking it with each other and trying to make each other better," Davis said of his future college teammates.
This isn't the first weekend the four Wildcats have been together. They've been making a tour of national all-star games, which speaks to the quality of coach John Calipari's latest recruiting class.
If Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones follow through on their plans to enter the NBA draft, Kentucky already has another wave of incoming freshman to fill the various voids.
Teague and Davis are rooming together for a third time on the all-star circuit, creating a friendship that has them planning to room together at Kentucky.
"We have a bond now," Gilchrist said. "We have so much fun together. I can't wait to get there."
It's a class that has been rated No. 1 by ESPN, which has all four players in the Jordan Brand Classic ranked among the top 20. Davis is ranked first, Gilchrist third, Teague seventh and Wiltjer is 18th.
Davis is the one who has rocketed up the recruiting charts and the growth chart. A year ago, he was 6-foot-3. Now he's 2 inches shy of being a 7-footer.
"That's what makes (Davis) so good," East assistant coach Don Showalter said. "He has guard skills at that height and he has great hands."
Teague is the younger brother of former Wake Forest guard Jeff Teague, and the two bear a striking resemblance. Even their point guard styles are similar. "Marquis might be as good or better (than Jeff) as time goes on," Showalter said. Gilchrist is a classic scorer more than a shooter, Showalter said, and his ability to get tough rebounds is a rare skill that will pair well with the 6-9 Wiltjer. Beyond the skills the four will bring to Lexington, they will bring a basketball background built over the past few weeks - something few incoming recruiting classes will have. "They are all good friends," Showalter said. They will play for a coach who has used his aggressive recruiting approach to re-energize the Kentucky program, which has become a one-year pipeline to the pros for several players. That hasn't gone unnoticed by the soon-to-be Wildcats. "Coach Cal is amazing," Davis said. "He puts guys in the league. That's what we all want to do."
Jay-Z's $50,000 identity crisis
Let's give reasonable doubt some benefit.
Let's say that when Jay-Z visited the University of Kentucky locker room after the Wildcats earned a spot in the Final Four, it was innocent. He's cool with head coach John Calipari; he's a fan of the program; he was already at the game (it was in Newark). He offers congrats, blesses the team with some words, poses for pics in sunglasses with arms crossed. Roc star, inspiration.
Let's say the $50,000 fine the NBA laid on the New Jersey Nets (Jay-Z has partial ownership) for that stunt was a little unnecessary, but understandable. Only because Jay-Z went there representing the icon part of himself, not the minority-owner-of-a-professional-basketball-organization part.
The NBA has its own version of a restraining order. It states that no team owner or executive or coach or paid employee is to have contact or conversation with players who have remaining college eligibility. And if in 2007, the league fined the Boston Celtics $30,000 for GM Danny Ainge sitting next to and having a conversation with then-University of Texas star-in-the-making Kevin Durant's mother during the Big 12 tournament, then the $50K it put on the Nets for Jay's visit is easy.
Read More Here
Let's say that when Jay-Z visited the University of Kentucky locker room after the Wildcats earned a spot in the Final Four, it was innocent. He's cool with head coach John Calipari; he's a fan of the program; he was already at the game (it was in Newark). He offers congrats, blesses the team with some words, poses for pics in sunglasses with arms crossed. Roc star, inspiration.
Let's say the $50,000 fine the NBA laid on the New Jersey Nets (Jay-Z has partial ownership) for that stunt was a little unnecessary, but understandable. Only because Jay-Z went there representing the icon part of himself, not the minority-owner-of-a-professional-basketball-organization part.
The NBA has its own version of a restraining order. It states that no team owner or executive or coach or paid employee is to have contact or conversation with players who have remaining college eligibility. And if in 2007, the league fined the Boston Celtics $30,000 for GM Danny Ainge sitting next to and having a conversation with then-University of Texas star-in-the-making Kevin Durant's mother during the Big 12 tournament, then the $50K it put on the Nets for Jay's visit is easy.
Read More Here
All-star tour giving future Cats jump-start on college foes
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Jordan Brand Classic All-American game Saturday could almost be mistaken for a Kentucky Wildcats intrasquad game.
Four Kentucky signees — guard Marquis Teague and forwards Michael Gilchrist, Anthony Davis and Kyle Wiltjer — are among the 22 players divided among East and West rosters.
They come from a variety of locations — Teague is from Indianapolis, Davis is from Chicago, Wiltjer is from Portland, Ore., and Gilchrist is from Elizabeth, N.J. — but they'll be old friends by the time they arrive in Lexington together later this year.
"We're always just hanging out, kicking it with each other and trying to make each other better," Davis said of his future college teammates.Read more here
Four Kentucky signees — guard Marquis Teague and forwards Michael Gilchrist, Anthony Davis and Kyle Wiltjer — are among the 22 players divided among East and West rosters.
They come from a variety of locations — Teague is from Indianapolis, Davis is from Chicago, Wiltjer is from Portland, Ore., and Gilchrist is from Elizabeth, N.J. — but they'll be old friends by the time they arrive in Lexington together later this year.
"We're always just hanging out, kicking it with each other and trying to make each other better," Davis said of his future college teammates.Read more here
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Calipari wants Knight, Jones to enter draft without an agent
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky coach John Calipari thinks freshmen stars Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones should throw their names into the NBA draft. He's just not sure Knight and Jones should keep them there.
The two freshmen fueled Kentucky's first trip to the Final Four since 1998 and their names have vaulted up NBA Draft boards. Neither player has decided yet whether to return to Lexington or go pro.
Calipari said the decision to enter the draft is "a no-brainer" but suggested Knight and Jones should hold off signing with an agent, which would prevent them from opting out of the draft and coming back to school.
He pointed to the anxiety over the collective bargaining agreement between the NBA Players Association and the owners, which expires on June 30. If a new deal can't be reached, there's a chance league owners could lock out the players.
Read More Here
The two freshmen fueled Kentucky's first trip to the Final Four since 1998 and their names have vaulted up NBA Draft boards. Neither player has decided yet whether to return to Lexington or go pro.
Calipari said the decision to enter the draft is "a no-brainer" but suggested Knight and Jones should hold off signing with an agent, which would prevent them from opting out of the draft and coming back to school.
He pointed to the anxiety over the collective bargaining agreement between the NBA Players Association and the owners, which expires on June 30. If a new deal can't be reached, there's a chance league owners could lock out the players.
Read More Here
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
WNBA Draft: Dunlap goes to Washington, D.C.
Victoria Dunlap, a former standout for Kentucky, is taking her talents to Washington, D.C.
After being selected 11th in the first round of Monday's WNBA Draft in Connecticut, Dunlap became the highest draft pick in UK women's basketball history. The previous high was Shantia Owens, who was a third-round pick in the 2000 draft.
The 6-foot-1 forward and two-time Southeastern Conference Player of the Year was the only player in the league to rank in the top five in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots and steals.
In 31 of her 33 games this season, Dunlap scored double figures, including 12 games with 20 points or more. She helped lead the Cats to two straight NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since the 1982 and 1983 teams accomplished that.
The Nashville native will leave her mark on the UK record books, including No. 1 in games played (133), second in scoring (1,846), rebounding (1,099), steals (307), blocked shots (178), free throws made (445) and attempted (714) and double-doubles (31).
Dunlap is the first player in school history to finish with more than 300 steals, 100 assists and 100 blocks in her career and just the second behind all-time great Valerie Still to end with more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in her career.
Read More on Kentucky.com
After being selected 11th in the first round of Monday's WNBA Draft in Connecticut, Dunlap became the highest draft pick in UK women's basketball history. The previous high was Shantia Owens, who was a third-round pick in the 2000 draft.
The 6-foot-1 forward and two-time Southeastern Conference Player of the Year was the only player in the league to rank in the top five in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots and steals.
In 31 of her 33 games this season, Dunlap scored double figures, including 12 games with 20 points or more. She helped lead the Cats to two straight NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since the 1982 and 1983 teams accomplished that.
The Nashville native will leave her mark on the UK record books, including No. 1 in games played (133), second in scoring (1,846), rebounding (1,099), steals (307), blocked shots (178), free throws made (445) and attempted (714) and double-doubles (31).
Dunlap is the first player in school history to finish with more than 300 steals, 100 assists and 100 blocks in her career and just the second behind all-time great Valerie Still to end with more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in her career.
Read More on Kentucky.com
Kentucky's future on display in Portland
Kentucky freshman point Brandon Knight, who hit game-winning shots to beat Princeton and Ohio State in the NCAA tournament and led the Wildcats in scoring at 17.3 points a game, as well as classmate Terrence Jones, who averaged a second-best 15.7 points a game, haven't decided if they'll declare for the draft.
Calipari talked to both players last week after returning from the Final Four, and said he would meet with them again Monday or Tuesday. Underclassmen have until April 24 to declare and May 8 to withdraw from the draft.
"They probably need to test the waters and see where they are before they make a decision," Calipari said. "They have to find out where they would fall. But this [NBA] lockout looms. Normally I would suggest that you've got to do this, but if an agent is paying you [during the lockout] then you're going to have to pay him back and probably with interest.
"I'm not going to influence them -- I'm going to give them my opinion," Calipari added. "These kids have to live with any of these decisions. I don't want a player coming back if his heart isn't into it or thought he should have left. Daniel Orton chose to leave [last year]; no one forced him out the door."
Read More Here
Calipari talked to both players last week after returning from the Final Four, and said he would meet with them again Monday or Tuesday. Underclassmen have until April 24 to declare and May 8 to withdraw from the draft.
"They probably need to test the waters and see where they are before they make a decision," Calipari said. "They have to find out where they would fall. But this [NBA] lockout looms. Normally I would suggest that you've got to do this, but if an agent is paying you [during the lockout] then you're going to have to pay him back and probably with interest.
"I'm not going to influence them -- I'm going to give them my opinion," Calipari added. "These kids have to live with any of these decisions. I don't want a player coming back if his heart isn't into it or thought he should have left. Daniel Orton chose to leave [last year]; no one forced him out the door."
Read More Here
Knicks interested in UK coach John Calipari?
Another day, another rumor surrounding the New York Knicks front office. All the hot air stems from the fact that Knicks owner James Dolan, to this point, has not picked up the contract option for team president Donnie Walsh, leading to speculation that this will be Walsh's final season in the big apple.
Friday's rumor, courtesy of the New York Post, has Dolan considering college basketball's top recruiter and former New Jersey Nets coach John Calipari.
According to a team executive, who knows a thing or two about a thing or two regarding goings-on behind the screens, believes Dolan may have eyes for John Calipari….to run the front office and coach. Do I have confirmation on this? No. I unsuccessfully reached out to Calipari and left a message why I was calling. Does it make sense? Yes, especially in view of Dolan’s disinclination to do right by Walsh.
Read More CBS.COM
Friday's rumor, courtesy of the New York Post, has Dolan considering college basketball's top recruiter and former New Jersey Nets coach John Calipari.
According to a team executive, who knows a thing or two about a thing or two regarding goings-on behind the screens, believes Dolan may have eyes for John Calipari….to run the front office and coach. Do I have confirmation on this? No. I unsuccessfully reached out to Calipari and left a message why I was calling. Does it make sense? Yes, especially in view of Dolan’s disinclination to do right by Walsh.
Read More CBS.COM
UK basketball recruits shine in Americans' victory
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Austin Rivers, son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, had 20 points to lead the U.S. Junior National Select Team to a 92-80 victory over its international counterpart in the Nike Hoop Summit on Saturday night. Kentucky-bound Anthony Davis and future Wildcats teammate Michael Gilchrist each added 16 points in the annual showcase of young talent put together by USA Basketball. Davis also had 10 rebounds for the U.S. team, which led by as many as 20 points. Bismack Biyombo of Congo had 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocked shots for the World Select Team. Guard Mateusz Ponitka of Poland finished with 17 points. Davis averaged 32 points and 22 rebounds as a senior at Perspectives Charter in Chicago, after a growth spurt saw him spring up from 6-foot-3 to 6-foot-10 between his junior and senior years. Rivers, a 6-foot-3 guard who averaged 30 points per game last season as a senior at Winter Park (Fla.) High School, is headed to Duke.
The hometown favorite was 6-foot-10 forward Kyle Wiltjer, who played for state champion Jesuit High School. Wiltjer, also headed to Kentucky in the fall, holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada and was playing for the international team. He finished with 12 points.
Four players at the Hoop Summit were going ...
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The hometown favorite was 6-foot-10 forward Kyle Wiltjer, who played for state champion Jesuit High School. Wiltjer, also headed to Kentucky in the fall, holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada and was playing for the international team. He finished with 12 points.
Four players at the Hoop Summit were going ...
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Sunday, April 10, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Jay Z got his money's worth!
Jay Z fined $50 grand for visiting UK in locker room in Newark. As a part owner of an NBA francise it's apparently frowned upon.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
ESPNU 100 Cat's Anthony Davis the New #1
There's been a change at the top of the ESPNU 100. However, it's not as simple as moving one player ahead of another. This one requires an explanation because over the course of the year, we've been playing up "The Decision."
At ESPN Recruiting headquarters, "The Decision" has always been between Austin Rivers (Winter Park, Fla./Winter Park) and Anthony Davis (Chicago, Ill./Perspectives Charter). Rivers has been at No. 1 for most of the year but, through absolutely no fault of his own, will finish the year at No. 2.
Davis' story, to this point, has been well documented. The 6-foot-10 power forward was a 6-3 shooting guard a mere two years ago. That stunning growth spurt led to his meteoric rise last May and the rest is now the stuff of recruiting lore. The owner of a pterodactyl-like wingspan, Davis is the country's best natural shot-blocker and one of the nation's finest rebounders. His skill set as a 4-man allows him to face the basket and handle the ball, while he's learning the ropes inside the lane with very good success.
Davis doesn't have potential, he has "pro-tential." In our world, potential is a dangerous word to throw around but when a prospect has shown consistent improvement and the ability to maximize his potential, like Davis, then making the move and ascending him to the top spot makes sense. He's a full six months younger than Rivers -- which isn't a huge deal -- but it speaks to his youth and is a sliver of information in the profile of the nation's finest prospect.
Read More Here
At ESPN Recruiting headquarters, "The Decision" has always been between Austin Rivers (Winter Park, Fla./Winter Park) and Anthony Davis (Chicago, Ill./Perspectives Charter). Rivers has been at No. 1 for most of the year but, through absolutely no fault of his own, will finish the year at No. 2.
Davis' story, to this point, has been well documented. The 6-foot-10 power forward was a 6-3 shooting guard a mere two years ago. That stunning growth spurt led to his meteoric rise last May and the rest is now the stuff of recruiting lore. The owner of a pterodactyl-like wingspan, Davis is the country's best natural shot-blocker and one of the nation's finest rebounders. His skill set as a 4-man allows him to face the basket and handle the ball, while he's learning the ropes inside the lane with very good success.
Davis doesn't have potential, he has "pro-tential." In our world, potential is a dangerous word to throw around but when a prospect has shown consistent improvement and the ability to maximize his potential, like Davis, then making the move and ascending him to the top spot makes sense. He's a full six months younger than Rivers -- which isn't a huge deal -- but it speaks to his youth and is a sliver of information in the profile of the nation's finest prospect.
Read More Here
Kentucky celebrates Enes Kanter, Final Four
Enes Kanter is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday's Kentucky baseball game, as the school gets a chance to honor one of the members of the team that went to the Final Four.
The center from Turkey didn't play a single minute after the NCAA ruled him permanently ineligible for accepting impermissible benefits, but Kentucky is making sure he gets to be cheered as a "men's basketball student assistant coach."
Kanter, who is expected to be a lottery pick in this year's NBA draft, didn't make the trip with the team to the Final Four, but did make an impact as a practice player.
Read More at ESPN
The center from Turkey didn't play a single minute after the NCAA ruled him permanently ineligible for accepting impermissible benefits, but Kentucky is making sure he gets to be cheered as a "men's basketball student assistant coach."
Kanter, who is expected to be a lottery pick in this year's NBA draft, didn't make the trip with the team to the Final Four, but did make an impact as a practice player.
World Powers Collide: Kentucky Incoming Recruits headline Nike Hoop Summit
For high school hoops fans, avid and recreational alike, the Rose Garden figures to be the place to be this weekend considering the 2011 Junior National Select Team will be taking on the World Select Team at the 14th annual Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, OR. Make no mistake, Team USA will be tested from start to finish.
The World Select Team is absolutely loaded with talent. And some of the names you might have heard of, Kentucky-bound Kyle Wiltjer for one. The Canadian plays his high school ball at Jesuit in nearby Portland, OR and is one of the more high-profile players around. Another concern for Team USA is Kevin Pangos, also a Canadian who is heading to Gonzaga, where he’ll play point guard for the Bulldogs. Lastly, a pair of 7-footers, Brazilian Lucas Riva Noguiera and Przemyslaw Karnowski from Poland, could also cause problems.
Read More on Slamonline
The World Select Team is absolutely loaded with talent. And some of the names you might have heard of, Kentucky-bound Kyle Wiltjer for one. The Canadian plays his high school ball at Jesuit in nearby Portland, OR and is one of the more high-profile players around. Another concern for Team USA is Kevin Pangos, also a Canadian who is heading to Gonzaga, where he’ll play point guard for the Bulldogs. Lastly, a pair of 7-footers, Brazilian Lucas Riva Noguiera and Przemyslaw Karnowski from Poland, could also cause problems.
Read More on Slamonline
Calhoun says he offered to miss games this year
What if I told you, earlier this year Jim Calhoun offered to serve his three-game suspension from the NCAA as soon as possible, and the NCAA told him no? According to Calhoun, that's exactly what happened. The UConn coach went on the Dan Patrick Show this morning and stated he went to the NCAA, said he'd sit out three games this season rather than next (which is what the NCAA ruled as part of UConn's overarching punishment), only to be told he'd be punished next year.
ead more here from cbs sports
ead more here from cbs sports
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Reliant Stadium and the Final Four
Reliant Stadium might appear, for those inside, to be an oversized backdrop for the live audience watching the Final Four, but it will provide an intimate feel for those watching the games on television. The games will take place in a similar fashion to the 2008 and 2010 regional finals, with the court atop a 30-inch riser above the stadium's concrete floor at midfield. Stadium capacity has been expanded to about 76,500 with the addition of temporary seats in each end zone and several rows of sloped risers that overlay the bottom rows of the stadium bowl. (If you were wondering about safety issues in the wake of the Super Bowl seating snafu at Cowboys Stadium, a stadium spokeswoman said the Reliant seating plan has passed muster with the Houston fire marshal.)
For many fans, particularly those sitting in each corner at odd angles to the playing surface, the best view of the court might be the octagonal 16-foot by 24-foot monitors suspended 58 feet above the stadium floor. The monitors, which also are used during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, are slightly above eye level with fans sitting in the club seats (level 300) and at a comfortable viewing angle for the approximately 25,000 seats in the upper deck. Even the closest fans, though, will be at least 20 feet from courtside. Without tightly packed courtside seats, a lot of real estate is up for grabs in the 8-foot runoff area that surrounds the court, and some of it is going to CBS and its 22-camera contingent.
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UConn nips Kentucky to advance to national championship game
HOUSTON -- When the options boil down to winning or heading home, nobody's better than Kemba and Connecticut. Kemba Walker scored 18 points Saturday night to lift UConn to its 10th straight victory since finishing off a .500 Big East regular season, a 56-55 win over cold-shooting Kentucky that moved the Huskies a victory away from their third, and most improbable, NCAA title.
Walker, a quick-handed junior from the Bronx, added seven assists and six rebounds to help the young UConn team (31-9) extend a winning streak that started with a five-wins-in-five-nights leg-drainer at the conference tournament and now includes five more at the tournament that really counts.
The third-seeded Huskies -- lowest seed left in a tournament that has been as unpredictable as any in history -- will face No. 8 Butler, a 70-62 winner over 11th-seeded VCU in the first semifinal, on Monday.
Read More Here
Walker, a quick-handed junior from the Bronx, added seven assists and six rebounds to help the young UConn team (31-9) extend a winning streak that started with a five-wins-in-five-nights leg-drainer at the conference tournament and now includes five more at the tournament that really counts.
The third-seeded Huskies -- lowest seed left in a tournament that has been as unpredictable as any in history -- will face No. 8 Butler, a 70-62 winner over 11th-seeded VCU in the first semifinal, on Monday.
Read More Here
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Final Four: Kentucky's D'Andre Liggins has seen it all, wants second chance at stopping Kemba, UConn
HOUSTON - Throughout his career, Kentucky coach John Calipari has proven he could coach great point guards such as Dejuan Wagner, Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans and John Wall at Memphis and with the Wildcats - all of whom were NBA lottery picks - and another, freshman Brandon Knight, who should follow in their footsteps if he declares for the NBA draft.
Now, when Kentucky plays Connecticut in the NCAA Tournament semifinals Saturday at the Reliant Center, he will have to coach against one.
Connecticut's All-America junior Kemba Walker has proven his mettle against a number of great guards, scoring 30 or points in 11 games and making game-winning or go-ahead shots in the final three minutes of games against Pitt, Seton Hall, Villanova, Texas, Michigan State and Wichita State.
Walker launched his Player of the Year campaign during an early-season performance against Kentucky when he lit up 6-6 guard D'Andre Liggins, the Wildcats' best perimeter defender, for 29 points in an 84-67 victory in the championship of the Maui Classic. Walker shot 10-for-17, making three of four threes and all six free throws.
READ MORE HERE
Now, when Kentucky plays Connecticut in the NCAA Tournament semifinals Saturday at the Reliant Center, he will have to coach against one.
Connecticut's All-America junior Kemba Walker has proven his mettle against a number of great guards, scoring 30 or points in 11 games and making game-winning or go-ahead shots in the final three minutes of games against Pitt, Seton Hall, Villanova, Texas, Michigan State and Wichita State.
Walker launched his Player of the Year campaign during an early-season performance against Kentucky when he lit up 6-6 guard D'Andre Liggins, the Wildcats' best perimeter defender, for 29 points in an 84-67 victory in the championship of the Maui Classic. Walker shot 10-for-17, making three of four threes and all six free throws.
Final Four Tip-Off Tailgate
The UK Alumni Association is inviting alumni and fans to its Tip-off Tailgate Event on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. CT in the Reliant Stadium Blue Lot in Houston. The event will feature live music just outside Reliant Stadium and a performance by the band and cheerleaders from each participating school. The UK band and cheerleaders will perform at approximately 3:30 p.m. CT. There is no cost to attend but game tickets will be need to be presented in order to enter the event area. Food and drinks (including soft drinks, beer and margaritas) are available for purchase during the Tip-Off Tailgate. Parking is available on the grounds of Reliant Park and tailgating is permitted.
If Kentucky advances to the final game, alumni and friends are encouraged to attend Monday's Tailgate Tip-Off Event from 4:30 to 7:15 p.m. CT. The UK band and cheerleaders will make an appearance if the Wildcats are playing in the championship game. Also, the Final Four has designated gather spots for alumni and friends from each participating university around Houston. The designated spots for the University of Kentucky are:
If Kentucky advances to the final game, alumni and friends are encouraged to attend Monday's Tailgate Tip-Off Event from 4:30 to 7:15 p.m. CT. The UK band and cheerleaders will make an appearance if the Wildcats are playing in the championship game. Also, the Final Four has designated gather spots for alumni and friends from each participating university around Houston. The designated spots for the University of Kentucky are:
Calipari, Calhoun offer their take on rivalry
HOUSTON -- This week, former assistants of Jim Calhoun and John Calipari offered their opinions on a heated head-coaching rivalry that began in the early 1990s. Once Connecticut and Kentucky got to Houston, it was Calhoun and Calipari’s turn to explain the relationship between the two coaching giants. They coached against each other for the first time in 1989, Calipari’s first year at Massachusetts. Calhoun and the Huskies beat UMass in consecutive seasons before the rivalry took a six-year hiatus because UConn chose not to continue the series. But that didn’t stop the competition. Calipari signed the best player from the state of Connecticut in Marcus Camby and led the Minutemen to something UConn hadn’t achieved yet -- a No. 1 ranking and a trip to the Final Four (1996). “We were the first team to become No. 1 in New England,’’ Calipari told ESPN.com in Houston. “I wasn’t coaching against Jim Calhoun,’’ Calipari added. “I was just doing my own little thing there, driving everybody crazy. We were fortunate to have good players. We were a top-25 team and then we got Marcus Camby and became a top-five team.’’
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The wait was long, but UK fans still know what to do
HOUSTON — During the 1998 NCAA Tournament, Kentucky fan Claudia Blaylock got so discouraged when UK fell 17 points behind Duke during the second half of the Elite Eight, she quit watching and started doing her family laundry.
Which was the exact point when UK launched a historic comeback for victory. Ever since, Claudia hits the laundry room when Kentucky basketball teams need help.
For 13 long, barren years, the washer and dryer in Blaylock's Lexington home have sat silent on Final Four Saturday.
In Frankfort, Joyce Sturgill has had no reason to light a candle for the Wildcats, as she does for good luck during every UK game, in any national semifinal since Tubby Smith's first season as Kentucky coach.
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Which was the exact point when UK launched a historic comeback for victory. Ever since, Claudia hits the laundry room when Kentucky basketball teams need help.
For 13 long, barren years, the washer and dryer in Blaylock's Lexington home have sat silent on Final Four Saturday.
In Frankfort, Joyce Sturgill has had no reason to light a candle for the Wildcats, as she does for good luck during every UK game, in any national semifinal since Tubby Smith's first season as Kentucky coach.
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Friday, April 1, 2011
Kentucky Wildcat Fan wins the NCAA Final Four Reeses Challenge
Kentucky Wildcat fan Tyler Hisel wins the 2011 NCAA Final four Reeses Challenge.
Way to represent the Big Blue Nation in Houston!
Way to represent the Big Blue Nation in Houston!
Brandon Knight was key to Cats run
HOUSTON -- Down 11 points with three minutes left in a regional final game, Brandon Knight stood among his high school teammates. Their heads were hanging. Their dream of a run to the Florida state championship was evaporating and they looked like they had pretty much given up.
Instead of screaming or reaching for some bombastic fire and brimstone, Knight looked directly at his coach, David Beckerman. "He said to me, but loud enough for everyone to hear, 'What time is practice tomorrow?'" Beckerman recalled. After the huddle broke, Knight drained three 3-pointers, picked up a charge and a steal, dished out three assists and finished with 52 points. Pine Crest not only went to the state championship game; the tony school known for its academic muscle also won the thing. Brandon Knight saved Kentucky's bacon with the last-second shot that beat Princeton. That is how Knight does business. He sticks hard to Theodore Roosevelt's motto of speak softly and carry a big stick. Knight isn't going to overwhelm anyone with effusive or entertaining postgame interviews. He has Josh Harrellson to do that. He isn't going to hop on press tables and point to the crowd after a big win. DeAndre Liggins can handle that chore.
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Instead of screaming or reaching for some bombastic fire and brimstone, Knight looked directly at his coach, David Beckerman. "He said to me, but loud enough for everyone to hear, 'What time is practice tomorrow?'" Beckerman recalled. After the huddle broke, Knight drained three 3-pointers, picked up a charge and a steal, dished out three assists and finished with 52 points. Pine Crest not only went to the state championship game; the tony school known for its academic muscle also won the thing. Brandon Knight saved Kentucky's bacon with the last-second shot that beat Princeton. That is how Knight does business. He sticks hard to Theodore Roosevelt's motto of speak softly and carry a big stick. Knight isn't going to overwhelm anyone with effusive or entertaining postgame interviews. He has Josh Harrellson to do that. He isn't going to hop on press tables and point to the crowd after a big win. DeAndre Liggins can handle that chore.
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