Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Coach Cal makes the right call when it comes to charity, too.
SARASOTA, Fla. -- John Calipari can turn a press conference into a filibuster. Larry Brown has known Calipari for 30 years and is well versed on his "communication skills." "He talks nonstop," Brown said.
Yet the unthinkable happened recently: Calipari was at a loss for words. On May 20 at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, Calipari was asked about what his mother, Donna Mae Calipari, would think about her son being honored at the Sixth Annual Dick Vitale Gala, benefitting the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. "She would be proud, she's happy my dad's here," Calipari said. "She told me toward the end I want you to take care of your dad so he traveled with us to all the NCAA tournament (games) ..."
Calipari stopped talking. His eyes welled. The emotion of losing his mother, 74, in November 2010 to lung cancer overcame him. A reporter broke the silence. "You're not going to make it through tonight?" Calipari replied: "No."
But Calipari did. In the process, Calipari and co-honorees Roy Williams of North Carolina and tennis coach Nick Bollettieri helped the V Foundation raise $1.5 million in one evening for pediatric cancer research at Vitale's annual gala. Just this year the V Foundation surpassed more than $100 million in donations and has awarded $80 million in research grants to more than 100 institutions in 38 states.
Calipari has been involved with the V Foundation for Cancer Research since its inception. Vitale knows if he needs anything -- anything at all -- Calipari is only a phone call away.
Read more about Coach Cal on CBSSPORTS.COM
Yet the unthinkable happened recently: Calipari was at a loss for words. On May 20 at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, Calipari was asked about what his mother, Donna Mae Calipari, would think about her son being honored at the Sixth Annual Dick Vitale Gala, benefitting the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. "She would be proud, she's happy my dad's here," Calipari said. "She told me toward the end I want you to take care of your dad so he traveled with us to all the NCAA tournament (games) ..."
Calipari stopped talking. His eyes welled. The emotion of losing his mother, 74, in November 2010 to lung cancer overcame him. A reporter broke the silence. "You're not going to make it through tonight?" Calipari replied: "No."
But Calipari did. In the process, Calipari and co-honorees Roy Williams of North Carolina and tennis coach Nick Bollettieri helped the V Foundation raise $1.5 million in one evening for pediatric cancer research at Vitale's annual gala. Just this year the V Foundation surpassed more than $100 million in donations and has awarded $80 million in research grants to more than 100 institutions in 38 states.
Calipari has been involved with the V Foundation for Cancer Research since its inception. Vitale knows if he needs anything -- anything at all -- Calipari is only a phone call away.
Read more about Coach Cal on CBSSPORTS.COM
Monday, May 30, 2011
The Cat Daddy and NBA TV team up to bring you the Enes Kanter profile.
This NBA Draft Player profile includes the footage of the Big Blue Madness introduction of Enes Kanter as the "UnderTaker". NBA TV presents this video in cooperation with the exclusive footage provided by The Cat Daddy.com .
Happy Memorail Day! Proud to be an American
Thanks to all that have served and their families. Past and present.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
NCAA approves hoops rules changes
INDIANAPOLIS -- The NCAA has approved adding an arc three feet from the basket, inside which a defender cannot take a charge.
The organization said Thursday its Playing Rules Oversight Panel had approved several recommended rules changes for college basketball during a conference call Monday.
The women's 3-point line will move back a foot to 20 feet, 9 inches next season, the same distance the men have used since 2008-09. In both the men's and women's games, the terminology for fouls will be changed to match the NBA. Intentional fouls will now be called Flagrant 1 and flagrant fouls will be called Flagrant 2.
Women's teams will also test a 10-second half-court rule in exhibition games next season.
The men's and women's basketball rules committees recommended the changes earlier this month.
The organization said Thursday its Playing Rules Oversight Panel had approved several recommended rules changes for college basketball during a conference call Monday.
The women's 3-point line will move back a foot to 20 feet, 9 inches next season, the same distance the men have used since 2008-09. In both the men's and women's games, the terminology for fouls will be changed to match the NBA. Intentional fouls will now be called Flagrant 1 and flagrant fouls will be called Flagrant 2.
Women's teams will also test a 10-second half-court rule in exhibition games next season.
The men's and women's basketball rules committees recommended the changes earlier this month.
Friday, May 27, 2011
State of the Cat's Part1
As I did last year around this time, I want to give you a “State of the Cats” as we mark the official start of summer and look forward to the Fall when we begin preparation for the 2011-12 season. Over the next several days, I will briefly address some of the topics that I know are of interest to the Big Blue Nation. Check back regularly here at CoachCal.com for these overviews and let your voice be heard in the comments section below (by using your Facebook account).
First and foremost, I want to thank all of you in the Big Blue Nation for your undying loyalty, your passion and, as we have seen during this recent spate of horrific weather, your unmatched compassion for others. It’s an honor to represent all of you day in and day out and it’s a responsibility I do not take lightly.
Before I wish you all a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend and remind you to honor all those who serve this great country, I’d like to begin with some closing comments on the 2010-11 Final Four season we experienced. I’ve finally had some time to sit back and reflect on what a magical season it was and I want to thank everyone associated with our program for their support and dedication. Our guys grew up in so many different ways both on and off the court and it was a pleasure for Ellen and I to watch them mature and truly become each other’s brother.
Read More Here
First and foremost, I want to thank all of you in the Big Blue Nation for your undying loyalty, your passion and, as we have seen during this recent spate of horrific weather, your unmatched compassion for others. It’s an honor to represent all of you day in and day out and it’s a responsibility I do not take lightly.
Before I wish you all a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend and remind you to honor all those who serve this great country, I’d like to begin with some closing comments on the 2010-11 Final Four season we experienced. I’ve finally had some time to sit back and reflect on what a magical season it was and I want to thank everyone associated with our program for their support and dedication. Our guys grew up in so many different ways both on and off the court and it was a pleasure for Ellen and I to watch them mature and truly become each other’s brother.
Read More Here
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Ryan Harrow makes college choice, picks Kentucky
John Calipari has been turning out NBA point guards at a high rate. And that recent success played a big role in Ryan Harrow's recruitment. After contemplating a number of schools including Georgia, Louisville and Texas, Harrow picked the Wildcats late Wednesday. "I just felt like they had everything that I needed as far
Read More Here
Read More Here
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Point Guard Ryan Harrow Transferring To Kentucky
John Calipari has landed another one. Point guard Ryan Harrow announced late Wednesday night that he is transferring from N.C. State to Kentucky.
Pleased by the APR and Proud of the Program
Coach Cal speaks about the greats new regarding the Basketball Cats APR scores. On Tuesday, we received our annual Academic Performance Rate from the NCAA. It gives me great joy to see Kentucky’s name alongside Vanderbilt’s atop the SEC’s APR standings. This is a reflection of what teamwork throughout our program and within our exceptional athletic department is capable of producing off the court. It truly is as important as our on-court success over the past two seasons (trips to the Eilte 8 and the Final 4).
Coach Cal.com
Coach Cal.com
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Kentucky Tops Ryan Harrow’s List, Decision By Friday
Just a year ago, Ryan Harrow was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Georgia after averaging 32.4 points, 6.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game at Walton High School (Marietta, Ga.). But after a season in Raleigh, N.C. at NC State, the rising sophomore point guard decided to take his talents elsewhere and transfer to another program. By this Friday, Harrow will make his decision.
Harrow is reported to have narrowed his final four choices they are Kentucky, Louisville, Texas and Georgia.
http://dimemag.com/2011/05/kentucky-tops-ryan-harrows-list-decision-by-friday/
Harrow is reported to have narrowed his final four choices they are Kentucky, Louisville, Texas and Georgia.
http://dimemag.com/2011/05/kentucky-tops-ryan-harrows-list-decision-by-friday/
Monday, May 23, 2011
Enes meets the Press at the NBA Draft Combine.
BBN, don't miss the last question on the video. He didn't hesitate. I love this kid!
America meets Enes Kanter, coming soon to an NBA court near you!
The Big Blue Nation knows that Enes Kanter is about to shock the world. The UnderKanter has been chained down long enough. I can't recall a kid that has waited and worked so hard to get his chance to being the best basketball player he can be. America meets Enes Kanter coming to an NBA court near you!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Dick Vitale's Gala has very special meaning for Calipari
The Gala is Dick and Lorraine Vitale’s premiere fundraising event that annually raises money for the V Foundation in honor of Dick’s good friend, the late Jim Valvano. The event will take place on May 20th, 2011 at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, FL. Net proceeds from the contest and the Dick Vitale Gala will go to fund pediatric cancer research. View pictures from last year's Gala here as well as the party at the Vitale residence here. All Final Four coaches, Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari and North Carolina Head Coach Roy Williams.
Here's guessing just a little hoop chatter will be exchanged when Connecticut's Jim Calhoun, Kentucky's John Calipari, Butler's Brad Stevens and VCU's Shaka Smart convene on May 20 at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. "But instead of battling to get a win on the basketball court,'' Vitale said, "they're going to be battling now to help us raise cash because of their love for kids.''
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110409/COLUMNIST/110409454
Here's guessing just a little hoop chatter will be exchanged when Connecticut's Jim Calhoun, Kentucky's John Calipari, Butler's Brad Stevens and VCU's Shaka Smart convene on May 20 at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. "But instead of battling to get a win on the basketball court,'' Vitale said, "they're going to be battling now to help us raise cash because of their love for kids.''
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110409/COLUMNIST/110409454
Kanter relishes chance to showcase self at pre-Draft combine
CHICAGO -- Long story short? There is no such thing.
The strange saga of Enes Kanter is a long, complicated story with a long, disappointing wait, stretching from Kentucky to Turkey in a tangled tale of personal frustration and maybe professional setback.
It was then, in a private gym just west of downtown, Kanter resumed his NBA dream in earnest by participating in a group workout on the first day of basketball activity at the pre-Draft combine. He was easy to spot on the courts crowded with hopefuls. He was the guy who pretty much needed the jaws of life to get his smile through the door.
"Today was, like, so great," Kanter said later, surrounded by a couple dozen media members in a hotel ballroom. "I just tried to do my best. I just ran hard and I just tried to play hard. I hope I showed people something."
http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/scott_howard_cooper/05/20/enes-kanter-draft-combine-feature/index.html
The strange saga of Enes Kanter is a long, complicated story with a long, disappointing wait, stretching from Kentucky to Turkey in a tangled tale of personal frustration and maybe professional setback.
It was then, in a private gym just west of downtown, Kanter resumed his NBA dream in earnest by participating in a group workout on the first day of basketball activity at the pre-Draft combine. He was easy to spot on the courts crowded with hopefuls. He was the guy who pretty much needed the jaws of life to get his smile through the door.
"Today was, like, so great," Kanter said later, surrounded by a couple dozen media members in a hotel ballroom. "I just tried to do my best. I just ran hard and I just tried to play hard. I hope I showed people something."
http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/scott_howard_cooper/05/20/enes-kanter-draft-combine-feature/index.html
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Kentucky 3-Peat
For the third consecutive year, coach John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats have the No. 1 class in the country. Led by four players in the top 18 -- all four are McDonald's All-Americans -- Calipari has reloaded his roster yet again. Anthony Davis (Chicago, Ill./Perspectives Charter), who is the No. 1 overall player in the class, highlights the group with his tremendous upside as a 6-foot-10 power forward with perimeter skills.
http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/classrankings?&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb%2frecruiting%2fclassrankings
http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/classrankings?&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb%2frecruiting%2fclassrankings
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Obama gives a shout out to Adolph Ruff
President Barack Obama is soaring in the post-Osama world with a 60% approval rating and a legion of medicore Republican candidates seeking to replace him. But there are still pockets of America where the Obama magic does not translate well. One of those is Kentucky, where Obama did little to help himself recently after incorrectly pronouncing the name of its most famous coaching legend.
At the White House celebration honoring the UConn men's basketball team and its national championship, Obama suggested that Huskies' coach Jim Calhoun had entered into a legendary grouping of coaches. The president noted that Calhoun was now one of only five coaches to win three national championships during his career. He then referenced the other five, naming John Wooden, Bobby Knight, Mike Krzyzewski and "Adolph Ruff."
Read More Here
At the White House celebration honoring the UConn men's basketball team and its national championship, Obama suggested that Huskies' coach Jim Calhoun had entered into a legendary grouping of coaches. The president noted that Calhoun was now one of only five coaches to win three national championships during his career. He then referenced the other five, naming John Wooden, Bobby Knight, Mike Krzyzewski and "Adolph Ruff."
Read More Here
Sporting News NBA Mock Draft. Liggins up to #24
This looks like a prediction that has some solid logic. It considers the top teams specific needs, now that we know the selection order. I haven't seen Harrellson's name yet but I'm going with the dark horse Jort's in the 2nd round based on his solid inside game and the pro's recognition that he can shoot the ball from outside.
2. Minnesota. Enes Kanter, C, Kentucky. GM David Kahn likes to roll the dice, and Kanter is a bit of a gamble. Plus, the Wolves need a big man.
7. Sacramento. Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky. The Kings will keep G Tyreke Evans at shooting guard, so they are in the market for a point guard.
24. Oklahoma City. DeAndre Liggins, SG, Kentucky. Liggins could slip into the first round with good workouts—he is an ideal defensive stopper off the bench.
http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/feed/2011-03/2011-nba-draft/story/2011-nba-mock-draft-cavs-likely-to-snag-irving-with-top-pick
2. Minnesota. Enes Kanter, C, Kentucky. GM David Kahn likes to roll the dice, and Kanter is a bit of a gamble. Plus, the Wolves need a big man.
7. Sacramento. Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky. The Kings will keep G Tyreke Evans at shooting guard, so they are in the market for a point guard.
24. Oklahoma City. DeAndre Liggins, SG, Kentucky. Liggins could slip into the first round with good workouts—he is an ideal defensive stopper off the bench.
http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/feed/2011-03/2011-nba-draft/story/2011-nba-mock-draft-cavs-likely-to-snag-irving-with-top-pick
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
NBA Draft Lottery : Cleveland wins both #1 and #4 spot
The 2011 NBA Draft lottery order…
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
3. Utah Jazz
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Toronto Raptors
6. Washington Wizards
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Detroit Pistons
9. Charlotte Bobcats
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Golden State Warriors
12. Utah Jazz
13. Phoenix Suns
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
3. Utah Jazz
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Toronto Raptors
6. Washington Wizards
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Detroit Pistons
9. Charlotte Bobcats
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Golden State Warriors
12. Utah Jazz
13. Phoenix Suns
NBA Columnist David Aldridge ranks the Big Man in the NBA Draft
Enes Kanter is perhaps the most physically mature center prospect, but he has the lowest ceiling.
Josh Harrelson vastly improved his game last season and could be a pick-and-pop big man.
Said a Pacific scout: "I really love the kid. He's not the greatest athlete in the world, but neither is Marc Gasol. He is really skilled. His upside is off the charts. And he's Lithuanian, so he really likes to play. He is so talented, and the first to practice and the last to leave every day. He's probably not as ready to play as Kanter because Kanter is physically more mature, but Kanter has a ceiling."
Speaking of which, Kanter has taken his own circuitous route to the NBA, having been declared ineligible by the NCAA last November before playing a game for Kentucky, a ruling twice upheld on appeals by the school. Kanter's family had accepted $33,000 in benefits while he played for the Fenerbahce club in his native Turkey in 2008-09. Kanter and Kentucky argued that most of that money went for the school he attended while playing. The NCAA wasn't moved.
That decision has created a schism between NBA types, who haven't seen Kanter play since then, other than his star turn at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland last year.
"To take a kid that high who essentially hasn't played in a year and a half, and the last game he played in was a JUCO game, it will take a very strong GM to draft him," a Central division personnel director said. "I don't know how many of the GMs with top 10 picks have ever seen this kid play. At the end of the day, he might be a riskier pick than Valanciunas."
Kanter was allowed to practice this season with Kentucky, however, and NBA scouts were allowed to attend many of the workouts. Many days, Kanter worked out against senior Josh Harrelson, another top center prospect. That has alleviated the concerns of a few teams.
"Me personally, I wouldn't be concerned," said a Pacific division exec. "Most of the people who have done their homework have been able to see him in person. I did. Anybody who thought they may have been interested should have been there. I bet you anybody in the top five was in those practices more than once. And (Kentucky coach John) Calipari practices most of the time. He went against Harrelson. But you could have seen him go against Vanderbilt or Florida and you might not see him go up against a guy better than Harrelson. Sometimes there's a roadblock that says, 'We shouldn't draft this guy.' There's none of that here."
Another scout says the rust is a concern. "But again, you look at him, the one time we could look at him, at the Hoops Summit, and he dominated the game," said the scout, who evaluates Kanter like other European prospects in recent years that didn't play very much for their teams but were able to demonstrate their skills to NBA scouts in practices before the Draft.
Harrelson wasn't much of a prospect last year, playing just 88 minutes for the Wildcats and never breaking into Calipari's rotation. He could sprint for only 45 seconds before getting winded. But Harrelson underwent a transformation last summer under the eye of Kentucky assistant coach and former 76ers swingman Kenny Payne. Working out up to three times a day, Harrelson lost weight and was able to go end to end for three minutes by the start of the season. And his increased workload from 1.2 rebounds a game to 8.8 per game this season was the largest jump in the country.
Read More on the NBA.COM
NBA Draft Lottery 2011: ESPN 8:30e
The 2011 NBA Draft Lottery is tonight (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.) in Secaucus, N.J., meaning the fates of 14 NBA franchises hang on the bounces of some ping pong balls. The New York Knicks don't have a dog in the fight here, as they pick 17th in the Jun 23rd NBA Draft. Our Chris Celletti details how that might be a good thing, considering the Knicks' history in the lottery. The New Jersey Nets will also on the sidelines tonight. They traded their No. 1 pick to Utah in the Deron Williams deal, and will pick 27th in the first round.
How do those ping pong balls work? Well, there aren't 1,000 of them placed in a big hopper and pulled out at random. The NBA uses a complicated mathematical formula I can't explain. If you have a need to know the deep, dark secrets of the formula, you can find an explanation here. Then again, maybe that will just make your brain hurt.
Maybe you should just tune in to find out what happens. Or come back here later this evening and we will tell you.
How do those ping pong balls work? Well, there aren't 1,000 of them placed in a big hopper and pulled out at random. The NBA uses a complicated mathematical formula I can't explain. If you have a need to know the deep, dark secrets of the formula, you can find an explanation here. Then again, maybe that will just make your brain hurt.
Maybe you should just tune in to find out what happens. Or come back here later this evening and we will tell you.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Future Cats put summer classes ahead of USA hoops
"They were invited, obviously," said Sean Ford, the Men's National Team director for USA Basketball. "They were at the top of our list. You're not talking about guys who would be invited. You're talking about guys who would start on the team."
Read More Here Kentucky.com
Read More Here Kentucky.com
Kentucky Class of 2011
Michael Gilchrist (14), Marquis Teague (30), Anthony Davis (32) and Kyle Wiltjer (14) will all attend Kentucky in '11.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/highschool/?eref=sinav&sct=cb_nv_a
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/highschool/?eref=sinav&sct=cb_nv_a
NFL receiver Chad Ochocinco meets Deja Blu. The fastest 1.5 seconds in sports!
NFL receiver Chad Ochocinco backed up his promise to ride a 1,500-pound bull on the Professional Bull Riders circuit Saturday night, earning $10,000 for making it out of the chute atop Deja Blu.
Ocho "only" lasted 1.5 seconds though. Actually, 1.5 seconds on a real, live bull is pretty good. But don't expect to see Ocho hopping back in the saddle. "One and done," he said.
Ochocinco acknowledged that the Bengals probably weren't pleased that he was risking a career-threatening injury. "I'm sure my coach was probably (upset)," Ochocinco said. "I mean, I would be, too. I'm sure the NFL is (upset), but I don't follow their rules anyway."
Ocho "only" lasted 1.5 seconds though. Actually, 1.5 seconds on a real, live bull is pretty good. But don't expect to see Ocho hopping back in the saddle. "One and done," he said.
Ochocinco acknowledged that the Bengals probably weren't pleased that he was risking a career-threatening injury. "I'm sure my coach was probably (upset)," Ochocinco said. "I mean, I would be, too. I'm sure the NFL is (upset), but I don't follow their rules anyway."
Wildcat's thrive in classroom, Calipari says
Coach John Calipari's second UK team made it farther into the NCAA Tournament than his first one did. It also did better in the classroom. Coach John Calipari's second UK team made it farther into the NCAA Tournament than his first one did. It also did better in the classroom. Calipari announced on his website last week that the Wildcats posted a 3.14 grade-point average in the spring semester, the highest yet for a UK team under him.
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20110514/SPORTS12/305140079/1029/rsslink
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20110514/SPORTS12/305140079/1029/rsslink
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Rondo video clip from Eastern High School in Louisville Ky
Check out Rajon Rondo back in high school adding insult to injury as he sits on a defender's back after he threw down the alley-oop dunk.
Draft Express NBA 2011 Mock Draft
First Round
1 Timberwolves -Kyrie Irving PG
2 Cavaliers- Derrick Williams PF
3 Raptors- Kemba Walker PG
4 Wizards -Jonas Valanciunas C
5 Kings- Brandon Knight PG
6 Jazz- From- Nets Jan Vesely SF
7 Pistons Bismack Biyombo PF/C
8 Cavaliers - From -Clippers Enes Kanter C
Second Round
24 Cavaliers -Thunder DeAndre Liggins PG/SG/SF
1 Timberwolves -Kyrie Irving PG
2 Cavaliers- Derrick Williams PF
3 Raptors- Kemba Walker PG
4 Wizards -Jonas Valanciunas C
5 Kings- Brandon Knight PG
6 Jazz- From- Nets Jan Vesely SF
7 Pistons Bismack Biyombo PF/C
8 Cavaliers - From -Clippers Enes Kanter C
Second Round
24 Cavaliers -Thunder DeAndre Liggins PG/SG/SF
UK, Texas court Tony Woods; immediate play an issue
Former Wake Forest big man Tony Woods visited Kentucky earlier this month as he looked to move past the publicity of an off-court incident and resume his college basketball career
Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2011/05/14/1740784/uk-texas-court-tony-woods-immediate.html#ixzz1MM8pUGxs
Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2011/05/14/1740784/uk-texas-court-tony-woods-immediate.html#ixzz1MM8pUGxs
Holdovers carry Kentucky basketball's title hopes
“They all love the game, and they're all gym rats,” Calipari said last month of his incoming class. “We've had one or two guys at 11 o'clock at night that are in (the Joe Craft Center working on their games). Now we may add five or six.”
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20110512/SPORTS03/305120099/Holdovers-carry-Kentucky-basketball-s-title-hopes?odyssey=nav%7Chead
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20110512/SPORTS03/305120099/Holdovers-carry-Kentucky-basketball-s-title-hopes?odyssey=nav%7Chead
Friday, May 13, 2011
Davis and Gilchrist making the cover of SLAM
Davis is a Hollywood story. He was a 6-2 guard on nobody’s radar before his junior season and now he’s a 6-10 stud headed to Kentucky and widely considered the best high school player in the country. But he’s also humble, appreciative of the moment and still a kid in every way except his lengthy frame.
Gilchrist, Davis’ future teammate at Kentucky, is a quiet, thoughtful and passionate person, who in a five-minute conversation can make you wonder how some one could flip the switch so easily to become a ruthless, do-it-all, unstoppable force on the hardwood.
Read SLAMONLINE Here
Gilchrist, Davis’ future teammate at Kentucky, is a quiet, thoughtful and passionate person, who in a five-minute conversation can make you wonder how some one could flip the switch so easily to become a ruthless, do-it-all, unstoppable force on the hardwood.
Read SLAMONLINE Here
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
SLAM ONLINE: NBA Pre-Draft Tour: Enes Kanter Workout
Since Kentucky lost to UConn in the Final Four, Enes Kanter has been a bit of a mystery. Keeping a low profile, Kanter has been stashed away in Chicago for a month now at Attack Athletics training with the man who trained MJ, Kobe and DWade, Tim Grover, and his staff. Coming away impressed after checking him out a little over two months ago in Lexington, SLAM and CityLeagueHoopsTv were invited to come in and check out Enes before anyone else. We walked out of the gym in Chicago pondering whether or not Enes could ultimately wind up as the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Grover’s right hand man, ATTACK Director of Basketball Operations Mike Procopio, put Enes and the rest of the players in attendance through a series of rigorous workouts that took us from 10 a.m. to past 4 p.m. with a small break in between to grab some grub. Florida State’s Chris Singleton, Illinois freshman Jereme Richmond, Michigan State’s Durrell Summers, UIC’s Paul Turner, Purdue’s JaJuan Johnson, and Providence’s Marshon Brooks joined in the action.
Read Article on Slam here
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Terrence Jones: The Tweet that the Big Blue Nation was waiting for!
Twitter::: TerrenceJones1 Terrence Jones
"I've been enjoying being a college player & plan on striving to reach my goal of winning #8 here at UK. I can't leave the BBN just yet.
"I've been enjoying being a college player & plan on striving to reach my goal of winning #8 here at UK. I can't leave the BBN just yet.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Brandon Thanks for the memories.
Brandon's great run in the NCAA Tournament was really amazing: Princeton last second shot, dropping 30 big ones on West Virginia, the Ohio State game winner will live in Kentucky highlights forever. Brandon set a new freshman season scoring record at UK. A great student an true role model for the kids of Kentucky and around the basketball world. Wishing you a great career, happiness and a successful future. The Big Blue Nation appreciates your contributions and will support you as you follow your NBA dreams.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
John Calipari invites John Wall back to Kentucky in case of a lockout
John Wall hasn’t made a final decision about returning to Kentucky to take summer school courses, but his former coach, John Calipari, has already extended an invitation for the Wizards point guard to work out in Lexington if the league, as expected, has a lockout.
Come on back to Lexington, John. (Rogelio V. Solis - AP) “I told him, if there is a lockout. You come back with us,” Calipari said on Wednesday in Chicago, where he watched another former pupil, Derrick Rose, accepted the Maurice Podoloff trophy as the league’s most valuable player at age 22. “I said, ‘Use our building. We’ve got facilities here. Whatever you want, if you need to, if there is a lockout, stay here. Be here in the mornings.’ ”
“He can be on the court with us. He can be a student assistant going back to school, you can put him on the court. I’m going to invite all of our guys, John, [Bulls guard and District native Keith] Bogans,” he said after watching Rose score 25 points and dish out 10 assists to lead the Bulls to an 86-73 win over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal. “I even said to Derrick, you didn’t go there, but if you want, you can come down. But hopefully, there isn’t a long stoppage, but if there is, I want to make sure our guys know they can come back with us.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/post/john-calipari-invites-john-wall-back-to-kentucky-in-case-of-a-lockout/2011/05/05/AFEB8V0F_blog.html
UK 2011 Catspy Intro Production
The one take lip dub, Dynamite made its debut at the 2011 Catspy Awards as the video intro. The video was performed by student athletes from the University of Kentucky and shot at the Joe Craft Center in Lexington, Kentucky by the sports video dept. with a sony ex3 and a gopro. About 200 athletes from all 22 sports were represented including our talented cheer and dance teams. The video was recorded all in one take, with careful coordination between all of the students to ensure an exciting and entertaining production.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Louisville loses Rodney Purvis Commitment: Class of 2012
Rodney Purvis, the No. 10 ranked player in the 2012 class, decommitted from Louisville over the weekend. The decision came as a result of Cardinals former assistant coach Tim Fuller, a North Carolina native like Purvis, taking a position at Missouri.
"It was hard losing [assistant coach] Tim Fuller and then having to focus," Purvis said. "I talked it over with my family and we came to the conclusion that I would open up my recruitment."
Now coach Rick Pitino is going to do everything he can to re-recruit the Super 60 shooting guard this summer, as Purvis takes a spin around the country surveying his options.
"I've heard from a couple of schools already," Purvis said Sunday afternoon.
North Carolina State, Duke, Kentucky, Florida, Baylor and Missouri are expected to enter the fray and recruit Purvis, but Louisville isn't completely out of the picture.
Read More Here http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=6464816
"It was hard losing [assistant coach] Tim Fuller and then having to focus," Purvis said. "I talked it over with my family and we came to the conclusion that I would open up my recruitment."
Now coach Rick Pitino is going to do everything he can to re-recruit the Super 60 shooting guard this summer, as Purvis takes a spin around the country surveying his options.
"I've heard from a couple of schools already," Purvis said Sunday afternoon.
North Carolina State, Duke, Kentucky, Florida, Baylor and Missouri are expected to enter the fray and recruit Purvis, but Louisville isn't completely out of the picture.
Read More Here http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=6464816
Trevor Lacey Visiting UK
Mr. Basketball Alabama Trevor Lacey is in Lexington for a visit to UK, according to multiple sources who have confirmed the visit.
Lacey, the top unsigned player in the Class of 2011, will stay through early Wednesday morning on the visit.
After already visiting Alabama and Auburn in recent weeks, Lacey is also expected to visit Kansas and North Carolina State before making his decision on May 17.
Read More Here http://www.lex18.com/news/trevor-lacey-visiting-uk
Lacey, the top unsigned player in the Class of 2011, will stay through early Wednesday morning on the visit.
After already visiting Alabama and Auburn in recent weeks, Lacey is also expected to visit Kansas and North Carolina State before making his decision on May 17.
Read More Here http://www.lex18.com/news/trevor-lacey-visiting-uk
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Harrellson Thinks Liggins And Jones May Return To UK
A former teammate of Terrence Jones and DeAndre Liggins say he would not be surprised if both players returned to play for Kentucky next season.
Three Wildcat players - Liggins, Jones and Brandon Knight - have entered the NBA draft but have not signed with an agent, leaving open the possibility of returning to Lexington next season.
"I think two of them might come back," Harrellson said, while admitting that his opinion comes from spending the season with the players, not from any recent conversations.
I think DeAndre [Liggins] has a good chance of coming back. He's great, I think with one more year he could be a first round draft pick, and I think Terrence [Jones] if he came back, could be top five next year," he said.
http://www.lex18.com/news/harrellson-thinks-liggins-and-jones-may-return-to-uk
Three Wildcat players - Liggins, Jones and Brandon Knight - have entered the NBA draft but have not signed with an agent, leaving open the possibility of returning to Lexington next season.
"I think two of them might come back," Harrellson said, while admitting that his opinion comes from spending the season with the players, not from any recent conversations.
I think DeAndre [Liggins] has a good chance of coming back. He's great, I think with one more year he could be a first round draft pick, and I think Terrence [Jones] if he came back, could be top five next year," he said.
http://www.lex18.com/news/harrellson-thinks-liggins-and-jones-may-return-to-uk
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