Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Goodwin makes Cats even more attractive (ESPN)
When Archie Goodwin took to Twitter Tuesday night to announce what he’d known ever since Kentucky coach John Calipari left his house less than a week ago, he expected that the response would be overwhelming.
“Any time someone commits it’s big news,” said Goodwin, a senior shooting guard at Sylvan Hills (Little Rock, Ark.). “But when you commit to a place like Kentucky, it can be a little crazy. There’s so much tradition there.”
Goodwin, who is ranked No. 13 in theESPNU 100, picked the Wildcats over Memphis and Arkansas, and estimates that he’s fielded “more than 100 calls” since 11 p.m. last night from reporters, friends, family and fans.
“When I woke up this morning I had 160 text messages, 40 voicemails and I had over 200 emails,” Goodwin said. “It’s crazy. I’ve got about 2,000 more followers on Twitter since Tuesday night at 11 p.m. I couldn’t get to a lot of the calls, there were just so many.”
http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/boys-basketball/post/_/id/337/goodwin-makes-cats-more-attractive
“Any time someone commits it’s big news,” said Goodwin, a senior shooting guard at Sylvan Hills (Little Rock, Ark.). “But when you commit to a place like Kentucky, it can be a little crazy. There’s so much tradition there.”
Goodwin, who is ranked No. 13 in theESPNU 100, picked the Wildcats over Memphis and Arkansas, and estimates that he’s fielded “more than 100 calls” since 11 p.m. last night from reporters, friends, family and fans.
“When I woke up this morning I had 160 text messages, 40 voicemails and I had over 200 emails,” Goodwin said. “It’s crazy. I’ve got about 2,000 more followers on Twitter since Tuesday night at 11 p.m. I couldn’t get to a lot of the calls, there were just so many.”
http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/boys-basketball/post/_/id/337/goodwin-makes-cats-more-attractive
Archie Goodwin picks Kentucky
Elite wing Archie Goodwin (Little Rock, Ark./Sylvan Hills), No. 13 overall, has become the Kentucky Wildcats' first commitment in the 2012 class.
Goodwin, the fourth-ranked shooting guard in the senior class, had his pick of programs. Recently he eliminated Connecticut and Kansas but kept in-state Arkansas and nearby Memphis alive. Big Blue Nation had been waiting to see which prime recruit was going to pop first and following an in-home visit, Goodwin could no longer resist the pull toward Lexington.
Goodwin took a measure of pride in being coach John Calipari's beacon for the rest of the class to follow. "He told me he wants me bad and I'm a top recruit for him," Goodwin said. "No matter what, he wants the ball in my hands and he feels like me committing will probably get the ball rolling for the rest of the class. It's got to start somewhere."
Big Blue Madness student ticket lottery set for Monday, Sept. 26
A lottery for student tickets to Big Blue Madness will be held Monday, Sept. 26 in Memorial Coliseum.
Doors will open at 8 p.m. and the lottery will start at 9 p.m.
1,100 tickets are available. Students will be given numbers when entering Memorial Coliseum, and those whose numbers are drawn can get two tickets to Big Blue Madness, which is set for Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Student IDs will be checked before receiving tickets.
Monday, September 19, 2011
UK 2011 Basketball Schedule
Date Opponent Live TV Time
Oct. 26 (Wed) BLUE-WHITE SCRIMMAGE / 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 2 (Wed) TRANSYLVANIA [EXH.] / 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 7 (Mon) MOREHOUSE [EXH.] / # 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 11 (Fri) MARIST / # 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 15 (Tues) Kansas 9:00 p.m.
Nov. 19 (Sat). Penn State Noon
Nov. 20 (Sun). Old Dominion/South Florida Noon
Nov. 23 (Wed)RADFORD / # 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 26 (Sat) PORTLAND / # 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 1 (Thurs)ST. JOHN’S 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 3 (Sat) NORTH CAROLINA Noon
Dec. 10 (Sat) at Indiana 5:15 p.m.
Dec. 17 (Sat) TENNESSEE-CHATTANOOGA 8:00 p.m.
Dec. 20 (Tues) SAMFORD 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 22 (Thurs) LOYOLA (MD) 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 28 (Wed) LAMAR 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 31 (Sat) LOUISVILLE Noon
Jan. 3 (Tues) Arkansas-Little Rock / # 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 7 (Sat) SOUTH CAROLINA 4:00 p.m.
Jan. 11 (Wed) Auburn 8:00 p.m.
Jan. 14 (Sat) Tennessee Noon
Jan. 17 (Tues) ARKANSAS 9:00 p.m.
Jan. 21 (Sat) ALABAMA Noon
Jan. 24 (Tues) Georgia 9:00 p.m.
Jan. 28 (Sat) LSU 4:00 p.m.
Jan. 31 (Tues) TENNESSEE 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 4 (Sat) South Carolina / 6:00 p.m.
Feb. 7 (Tues) FLORIDA 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 11 (Sat) Vanderbilt [ESPN College GameDay] 9:00 p.m.
Feb. 18 (Sat) OLE MISS 4:00 p.m.
Feb. 21 (Tues) Mississippi State 9:00 p.m.
Feb. 25 (Sat) VANDERBILT Noon
Mar. 1 (Thurs) GEORGIA / 9:00 p.m.
Mar. 4 (Sun) Florida Noon
Mar. 8-11 (Th-Su) SEC Tournament [New Orleans] / TBA
Check local listings • All times Eastern
Thursday, September 15, 2011
St. John's has 3 ruled ineligible for fall
UK's opponent for the Dec 1st gamewith St Johns receives word from the NCAA that three players will be ineligible for the fall semester.
NEW YORK -- A month before practice begins, St. John's was dealt a significant blow to their 2011-12 men's basketball season Thursday, when three members of its much-ballyhooed incoming class were declared ineligible for at least the fall semester.
Jakarr Sampson, Norvel Pelle and Amir Garrett -- all three among the top 100 players in the nation in their high school class, according to ESPNU's rankings -- will not be able to suit up for the Red Storm this fall, after failing to qualify academically.
"We will continue to work with the NCAA in an effort to review Amir, Norvel and Jakarr's cases regarding their eligibility," said St. John's coach Steve Lavin in a statement. "Our student-athletes and their families have been patient and cooperative throughout this review process. We are hopeful that Amir, Norvel and Jakarr will be able to join us on the court this winter, and in the classroom when the 2012 spring semester begins."
Dozen dazzling diaper dandies
Every season, one thing that excites me most is seeing the new kids on the block, the diaper dandies, coming aboard.
Many of these former high school All-Americans moving up to the college game enter with a great deal of hype. The question often is, will they live up to that fanfare?
The crème de la crème of this year's class will offer numerous impact players. Just look at Lexington, Ky., and the newcomers who will be called upon to shine in Big Blue Nation, baby!
Can they earn that ink and notoriety that they have received for years? A lot of these young men already have traveled to tournaments during their high school careers and have dealt with the added pressure of lofty expectations.
Often, they respond. It can take a while to adjust to the different level of competition, going from the BMOC (big man on campus) in high school to blending in with a different unit in college. Just look at Harrison Barnes down at North Carolina last season. It took a little while, as he started slowly, but the cream rises to the top.
Here is a look at my dazzling dozen diaper dandies for the coming season:
1. Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut
He is a genuine low-post threat who makes everyone else better. Drummond is a solid passer for a big man, and Hall of Fame coach Jim Calhoun has to be thrilled with this late addition to the Huskies.
2. Anthony Davis, PF-C, Kentucky
Name it, and this young man can do it. He can be a major force inside for the Wildcats. Davis also possesses great versatility.
3. Austin Rivers, SG, Duke
The son of Celtics coach Doc Rivers has a great basketball IQ and will fit in perfectly in Coach K's system. He can shoot the jumper from long range and has exceptional passing skills.
4. Cody Zeller, PF, Indiana
The Hoosiers are looking to move up the ladder in the Big Ten, and there is excitement galore in Bloomington over this big man. He will be called upon right away to make a difference for Tom Crean's club.
5. Michael Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
Gilchrist is a physical factor who must improve his range as a shooter. He can dominate on both ends of the court and has a winner's mentality.
6. Adonis Thomas, SF, Memphis
Thomas shows great athletic ability and quickness and should blend in nicely with Joe Jackson and Will Barton.
7. Myck Kabongo, PG, Texas
A lot has been made about the talent Texas lost in the draft (Tristan Thompson, Cory Joseph and Jordan Hamilton). The 6-foot-2 guard from Findlay Prep will help Rick Barnes' club bounce back quickly. This kid can score, dish the rock and rebound.
8. LeBryan Nash, PF, Oklahoma State
I recently spent some time in the Midwest, and a lot of fans told me that Oklahoma State will be a sleeper team. One key is Nash, an athletic and powerful player who is great at attacking the rim.
9. Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
Teague has great ballhandling skills and is a talent on the perimeter. His presence will be vital to the young Wildcats squad.Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Rajon Rondo cover of Kicks Mag
Even in a non-lockout year, taking a break after our annual Champs Issue to focus on shoes is a nice change of pace. This year, with the lockout news so depressing, it’s almost essential.
And sure enough, we’ve got all you basketball and sneakerheads covered (x 3!). This year’s edition, our 14th, has three covers: Rajon Rondo, Kemba Walker and Monta Ellis.
As always, we were looking for compelling players who also have unique footwear stories. Our man Rajon more than fits the bill.
On the court last season, Rondo averaged 10.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 11.2 assists and 2.3 steals (the latter two each good for second in the League), firmly establishing that in terms of Boston’s MVP, the “Big Three” now all take a backseat to the “Big One.” And that’s exactly what Rondo is: a big 1, blessed with long arms, serious athleticism and a fine-tuned court sense that allows him to complete plays at both ends of the floor that most PGs wouldn’t even try. As well as LeBron and Wade played at the end of last spring’s Eastern Conference Semis, Celtic fans rightly wonder if things might have gone differently if Rajon hadn’t suffered that gruesome injury in G3.Read More Here
Even in a non-lockout year, taking a break after our annual Champs Issue to focus on shoes is a nice change of pace. This year, with the lockout news so depressing, it’s almost essential.
And sure enough, we’ve got all you basketball and sneakerheads covered (x 3!). This year’s edition, our 14th, has three covers: Rajon Rondo, Kemba Walker and Monta Ellis.
As always, we were looking for compelling players who also have unique footwear stories. Our man Rajon more than fits the bill.
On the court last season, Rondo averaged 10.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 11.2 assists and 2.3 steals (the latter two each good for second in the League), firmly establishing that in terms of Boston’s MVP, the “Big Three” now all take a backseat to the “Big One.” And that’s exactly what Rondo is: a big 1, blessed with long arms, serious athleticism and a fine-tuned court sense that allows him to complete plays at both ends of the floor that most PGs wouldn’t even try. As well as LeBron and Wade played at the end of last spring’s Eastern Conference Semis, Celtic fans rightly wonder if things might have gone differently if Rajon hadn’t suffered that gruesome injury in G3.Read More Here
Kentucky's lack of Class (of 2012) nothing to worry about
Another weekend has passed and Kentucky still has zero commitments from the Class of 2012.
So Wildcats fans should be concerned, right?
"Not at all," Scout.com recruiting analyst Evan Daniels said. "At this point, it's hard to doubt John Calipari and what he's doing recruiting wise."
Exactly.
Which is why I joked last week during a podcast with my colleagues Matt Norlander and Jeff Goodman that worrying about when Calipari will land his next great prospect is akin to worrying about when George Clooney will land his next gorgeous woman. Just give it time. It'll happen, because it always happens.
Calipari is similarly great at landing heralded basketball prospects. He has enrolled at least one McDonald's All-American in each of his past five classes and had the consensus top-ranked recruiting class each of the past three years. He has secured elite point guards (Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, John Wall, Brandon Knight), elite wings (Doron Lamb, Mike Gilchrist) and elite bigs (DeMarcus Cousins, Enes Kanter, Terrence Jones, Anthony Davis), all of which allowed him to win 30 games in each of his final four seasons at Memphis, win a national-best 35 games in his first season at Kentucky, make a Final Four in his second season at Kentucky and garner a No. 2 ranking in this year's CBSSports.com preseason Top 25 (and one).In 2005, Clooney had a smoking hot British model. When that ended he dated a smoking hot Vegas cocktail waitress. When that ended he dated a smoking hot Italian actress. When that ended he got Stacy Keibler, and did I mention that George Clooney is awesome?Read More Here
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN WALL!
For the last few years, I had always thought John Wall would one day become the best point guard in the world, even better than Chris Paul, better thanDeron Williams and all of the rest. Now that Rose has taken the jump, and with CP looking like he might be back to his old self, that opinion is constantly shot down. But the future is too hard to predict.
It helps to have perhaps the greatest high school highlight tape ever on YouTube as your hook. But while that may draw someone in at first, it still takes game rather than hype to hold you there. And John Wall has a lot of that.
Wall wants to prove he’s a franchise star
HARBOR CITY, Calif. – In his first season in the NBA, John Wall(notes) was just one of three players to average more than 16 points and eight assists. The other two: All-Star point guards Deron Williams(notes) andRussell Westbrook(notes).
And yet Wall knows everyone – including himself – was expecting more from the top pick in the 2010 draft.
“I don’t think anybody respected it,” Wall said of his rookie season. “I don’t want to blame my injuries – things happen in this world – but I think I would have had a better rookie season. You see how I played when I started the season healthy. When I injured myself, I lost confidence. When I injured myself, I didn’t have the energy.”
Saturday, September 3, 2011
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