Willie Cauley can't help but stand out

                                                   

Kentucky commit never looks for spotlight, but it always seems to find the two-sport star.

OLATHE, Kan. -- For a guy who doesn't like to stand out, Willie Cauley continues to make decisions to separate himself from the crowd.

The latest? His pledge, confirmed Monday by Cauley, to sign with Kentucky next week as the early period opens for basketball.

"They have everything," Cauley said. "My thing was, do I have the confidence, right now, to be successful there? Standing up to the hype is the hardest thing about Kentucky."

Cauley, a 6-foot-10, 215-pound center ranked No. 32 in the ESPNU 100, picked the Wildcats over Kansas State, Alabama and Florida, accepting an offer to play in a pressure-filled environment on one of the sport's biggest stages. He joins guard Archie Goodwin (Little Rock, Ark./Sylvan Hills), No. 13 in the ESPNU 100, in this Kentucky recruiting class.

Still raw as a basketball player, Cauley wowed recruiters with his apparent room for growth and athleticism -- much of it groomed, improbably, on the football field.

UK coach John Calipari and assistant Orlando Antigua, in fact, got a final look at Cauley before his decision Friday night as his Olathe Northwest team clinched a playoff berth with a 56-28 win over rival Olathe North. Cauley caught a 57-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, surpassing the 1,100-yard mark in his ninth game to lead all receivers in Kansas' largest classification of football.

The choice of Kentucky represents another sign of growth for Cauley, who has spent much of his life simply trying to blend in. Cauley stood out because of his height and his skin color in Spearville, Kan., population less than 800. Raised there by his white grandparents, Val and Norma Stein, Cauley said he didn't realize he was black or that he was tall.


Read More on ESPN.COM

Willie Cauley is a CAT!

After taking a handful of college visits Willie Cauley made his college decision.

According to multiple sources, Cauley, a 7-footer out of Olathe (Kans.) Northwest gave the Wildcats a verbal commitment late Sunday night becoming their second commitment of the 2012 class.

Cauley, Scout.com's No. 28 prospect, took official visits to Kentucky, Kansas State,Alabama and Florida. Cauley visited Kentucky for their midnight madness festivities the weekend of October 15th.

Cauley caught the Wildcats in July on the summer circuit. Playing for Spiece Mo-Kan Elite, Cauley showed an ability to run the floor and block shots.

With this commitment Kentucky now holds pledges from Archie Goodwin, a five-star prospect, and Cauley, who is regarded as a four-star player.

Terrance Jones Transformation

        

        No doubt about it Terrence Jones has manned up big time. All the extra work in the weight room over the summer along with the long nights in the gym has definitely paid off for the 6'9" forward. Jones exploded for 52 points and 16 rebounds in Wednesday nights Blue-White scrimmage game in Rupp Arena witnessed by 12,134 fans. I believe each and everyone in attendance will attest to the "new" Jones and his determination. It seems so far Cal's insistence of changing your habits truly work. Josh Harrellson is positive proof that if you want to get better you have to work hard and it will come.

        Jones is striving to be a lottery pick in the 2012 draft this season and with what we saw on Wednesday night he should have no problem. Even though he was playing against his own teammates it was still obvious the effort that was put forth. It is going to be so exciting seeing this young man play with burning fire that wasn't always there last season. That's not saying Jones didn't try or care last season its just everyone knew their was so much more left on the table. He is naturally talented but now he sees you can't just walk through to the next level.

        Terrence will be a stat machine this year and a handful to deal with. I would hate having to be the one tasked with dealing with him and as you seen Wednesday night there was no mercy shown on his own teammates. It makes you wonder what will happen to the likes of UNC and anyone else who stands in his way.

Scott Peercy

Kentucky All-Stars vs The Villains

   

        On Monday night Rupp Arena played host to a bevy of the Big Blue Nations most beloved Wildcats. The Big Blue All-Stars as they were called which included such stars as Rajon Rondo, Jodie Meeks, Nazr Muhammad, Chuck Hayes,  Josh Harrellson, Brandon Knight, Keith Bogans, Enes Kanter,  and Demarcus Cousins. Also on the bench but not playing in the game were John Wall and Tayshaun Prince. The coach of the All-Stars was former UK great Rex Chapman. 

        Rudy Gay, Tyler Hansbrough, Terrence Williams, Corey Brewer,  were a few players who made up the opponents team "The Villians". They were coached by the most notorious Villain of all time Christian Laettner. Not all Villains were received by boos. Two home State favorites Shelvin Mack and Kenneth Faried were given a loud welcome.

        The game was played like an NBA All-Star game with little defense and plenty of showboating. Jody Meeks was the leading scorer making three after three, kind of reminiscent of the Tennessee game in which he went for 54 points. This also marked Enes Kanter's first game on the Rupp Arena floor. Kanter seemed a little tense on the night but did manage a few good plays. I feel he was just happy to be on the floor in front of the Big Blue Nation.

       One of the most funny moments of the game was when Coach Laettner acted as a towel boy wiping the sweat from the floor.  Fans had been calling for Laettner to take over the duty, so on the next trip down court Laettner obliged and on his hands and knees. Even though it may not of quelled the pain of yesteryear fans still found it fitting. Jodie Meeks was the star of the game with 42 points.

         Fans got a bonus when Laettner was hit with a double technical after disputing a call by the refs and subsequently ejected from the game. Even though the fans got a good laugh from this.Coach Laettner may have gotten the last laugh. His Villains defeated our All-stars in overtime 152 to 149, but I don't think the final score mattered to any one.

Scott Peercy

Kidd- Gilchrist documentary tonight on HBO 9PM

The highly anticipated HBO documentary of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s high school team will debut Tuesday at 9 p.m.

Kidd-Gilchrist led his St. Patrick’s team on a mission for an undefeated season. St. Patrick’s was the top-ranked prep team in the nation for much of last year.

The documentary, “Prayer for a Perfect Season,” not only covers the team’s on-court success, but also features the story of Kidd-Gilchrist’s tragic childhood journey.  After the passing of his father in 1996, Kidd-Gilchrist lost another father figure when his uncle Darrin Kidd died on the same day he signed with the University of Kentucky.

Read More Here

Coach Cal with Media today

Enes with his moment in Rupp 14 point 10 rebounds

Enes Kanter is back in the Bluegrass

Enes Kanter returns to Lexington to play in the Kentucky Pros vs Villains

  Could we see another entrance of the UnderKanter on Monday night in Rupp?

The work in the Lab continues for the Wildcats

Coach Cal's Coaches Clinic was held today. It was a great opportunity to see some of what coach Cal has the
Cats focus on early on in practice #12 of the season. The team has been having two a day on the weekends. Two hours in the morning and another two hours in the afternoon. This team seems to be grasping the offense very well. Coach continues to praise Terrance Jones and his transformation from last year. Marquis Teague gathered the most praise. Coach Cal stopped practice to speak directly to Teagues. He told him he was learning to offense quicker than any guard he has coached. That's pretty high praise for the freshman and has to do wonders for the young mans confidence. Darius Miller's presence and leadership was very visible today. Side line chats with the new fellows on many occasions as well as vocal directions during practice. Coach Cal worked a few extra plays for Doron Lamb a point facing Marquis Teagues defensive pressure. Coach Cal  referred to Teague on several occasions as the Bulldog defender.

The tradition of presenting the football helmet to the player who received the dunk of the day continued. Anthony Davis delivered another "Spiderman"  dunk,  this time on Twany  Beckham. Twany gets the helmet for now.

Anthony Davis claims the funniest man on the team title.

Why the Kentucky Wildcats Will Win the National Championship

As Lewis F. Powell once opined about pornography, when you know, you know. And when it comes to Kentucky winning the national championship this season, I know. The last time I was this certain of the Wildcats' fate was in the fall of 1995. Going into that season with Antoine Walker, Tony Delk, Ron Mercer, and a pre-Porcini's Rick Pitino, I was sure UK was ready to fulfill its destiny and give me the first UK title of my lifetime. That 1996 Kentucky team had nine future NBA pros on its roster, and its demolition of opponents throughout the season was magical to watch. The Wildcats lost twice that season — once to UMass and once to Mississippi State, both of which were loaded enough to eventually make it to the Final Four. It was an exhilarating ride for a Blue-obsessed teenager, made even more special by the knowledge from the beginning of the inevitability of our final destination.

Sixteen years later, this Kentucky team is headed for a similar date with destiny. Just as the 1996 group had a coach considered to be among the game's best but without the national championship to confirm it, the 2011-12 version has John Calipari desperately yearning to finally have his face close the "One Shining Moment" montage. The roster is once again loaded with talent, as Calipari has stacked the deck with seven future pros and five potential NBA lottery picks. Early performances have showcased a team whose length and athleticism cannot be matched by any team outside of Chapel Hill. This is the year Kentucky hangs banner no. 8, and no treatise on the emergence of Kendall Marshall or the majestic beauty of Austin Rivers can sway me from that conclusion.

READ MORE HERE

College Basketball's 50 Can't Miss Non-Conference Games For 2011-2012

A monumental showdown between likely No. 1 North Carolina and likely No. 2 Kentucky highlights the 50 best non-conference college basketball games of the upcoming season.

 Just a note that the only games eligible for this list were ones guaranteed to take place. Like the double play, potential preseason tournament semifinal and championship games can never be assumed.

Anyone who watches all 50 gets a Red Lobster/The Expendables dinner/movie date with yours truly. The Expendables is still playing, right? It's not? That's still the deal.

Kentucky involved in 3 of the top 5.

5. Kansas vs. Kentucky (Nov. 15)

The second Legends Classic game will provide the finale for ESPN’s 24-hour college hoops marathon.

4. North Carolina vs. Michigan State (Nov. 11)

If the likely No. 1 team in the nation taking on one of the sport’s top programs wasn’t enough to pique your interest, then maybe the fact that the game will be played on the deck of the aircraft carrier where Osama Bin Laden was buried at sea is. Oh yeah, and the President will be there watching.

3. Duke at Ohio State (Nov. 29)

Easily the best matchup of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The big question for the Blue Devils is whether or not they have enough of an inside presence to compete for the national title. It’s a question that will be asked early and often in a game featuring Jared Sullinger.

2. Louisville at Kentucky (Dec. 31)

The rivalry was already college basketball’s most contentious before Rick Pitino and John Calipari decided to spend a significant chunk of the offseason lobbing shots at one another. Rupp Arena may spontaneously combust from hate a half hour before tip.

1. North Carolina at Kentucky (Dec. 3)

Arguably the sport’s two biggest names and the two runaway preseason favorites to cut down the nets in 2012. As far as non-conference games in recent memory are concerned, I can’t think of one bigger.

Read More on link below

http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/2011/10/18/2497917/college-basketball-best-non-conference-games-2011-2012

Madness Highlights continue

Big Blue Madness

Big Blue Madness not all about freshmen

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- They came out to flashing lights and pulsing music, the highlight exclamation point of a two-hour show rehearsed and timed better than a Broadway hit that was equal parts pomp and party.

Welcome to Big Blue Madness, an idol-worshiping of teenagers that would make Justin Bieber jealous. There was a countdown clock, pyrotechnics, dancing, locked-out NBA stars, spotlights, and even a little basketball tossed in. This show, though, wasn’t about unveiling Kentucky’s new offensive options -- pick and roll, anyone?

It was about unveiling the latest-model Wildcats. (Honestly, Apple would be wise to steal from UK’s debut programs as it searches for a new launch model post-Steve Jobs). 


http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/36880/big-blue-madness-not-all-about-freshmen

Big Blue Madness Darius Miller

Big Blue Madness Anthony Davis

UK to wear the LeBron9

What happens when three kings of industry team up? You get a spectacular launch for a basketball shoe unlike anything ever seen before on the hardwood.

LeBron James (a.k.a. King James) and Nike (the king of the shoe industry) have teamed up to create LEBRON 9, James’ ninth signature shoe. With the help of John Calipari and Kentucky, the winningest program in college basketball and a Nike Elite school, Nike will debut the UK-colored version of the shoe on Friday at Big Blue Madness in front of a sold-out crowd at Rupp Arena. Players and staff have the option of wearing the shoe Friday and throughout the season.

http://www.coachcal.com/7425/2011/10/kentucky-to-help-launch-nikes-new-lebron-9/

Michael Media Day

Anthony Media Day

Darius Media Day

KSTV Special Interview with Marquis Teague

Big Blue Madness Coverage Oct 14th

From UK Athletics:

Big Blue Madness, the first open practice opportunity for Kentucky’s 2011-12 men’s and women’s basketball teams, is Oct. 14. This will be the seventh time Madness has been held at Rupp Arena. Fans will be allowed to enter Rupp Arena beginning at 6 p.m. the night of Big Blue Madness.

Madness Timeline:6 p.m. – Doors open
7:30 p.m. – Event begins
9:30 p.m. – Event concludes

Madness on TV: UK fans without tickets to Big Blue Madness have a variety of TV options for watching Kentucky’s first open practice opportunity. The UK IMG Sports Network will televise the festivities live from 7-9:30 p.m. on WYMT-TV in Hazard, Ky., WKAG-TV in Hopkinsville, Ky., WSAZ-DT in Huntington, W.V., WKYT-TV in Lexington and on WMYO-TV in Louisville. Fans can also view Big Blue Madness live for free on the University of Kentucky website at www.ukathletics.com or ESPN3.

http://www.coachcal.com/6806/2011/10/big-blue-madness-tv-coverage/

Shabazzzzzzzzzzzz

Wildcats 2011-12

Seeking last place for No. 1

Shabazz Muhammad will admit this much, that when he got to school Wednesday morning he wondered what schools would show up on the last day of the NCAA’s contact period.

After all, college coaches had been coming to Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) in droves since the period began on September 9 vying to make lasting impressions on the top-ranked player in the ESPNU 100.

But while nearly every major college coach in the country is dying to be first on Muhammad’s wish list, the coveted slot during the contact period is the last one.

“It makes sense,” said Muhammad, a senior small forward. “I definitely think coaches want to come on the last day on purpose so we’ll keep thinking about their school.”

This year’s last word winners?

Kentucky coach John Calipari and Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. 



“There were definitely a couple students hanging around after school that don’t normally stay after,” Muhammad said. “They’re two of the best coaches and programs so it was good to see them again.”

Calipari and his assistant Orlando Antigua were on the scene first and focused on how Muhammad could flourish in Kentucky’s dribble-drive offense with his athleticism and skill set.

“I liked what Coach Cal had to say,” said Muhammad, who will see Calipari in a week when he attends Kentucky’s Big Blue Madness season kickoff event. “They talked a lot about how they could use me there. It was perfect timing because when Coach Cal was leaving, Coach K was coming.”

Krzyzewski along with associate head coach Steve Wojciechowski and assistant Jeff Capel talked more about branding and exposure.

“They talked about the experience as a whole,” Muhammad said. “Just how it could benefit me to come there. It was a really good talk. They both really showed me how much they wanted me.”

Especially since Muhammad wasn’t even running basketball drills; he was just, well, running. 


Read More on ESPN

ENES RETURN'S TO RUPP OCT 24TH, AWESOME BABY!!!

"Remember Me?" Big Blue All Stars vs The Villains

Enes Kanter Added to Big Blue All-Stars Roster

Jeff Shepperd announced this afternoon that former Kentucky big man Enes Kanter has been added to the Big Blue All-Stars roster for the game against the "UK Villains" at Rupp Arena on October 24.

Kanter was declared ineligible by the NCAA and never appeared in a game for the University of Kentucky.

He was drafted by the Utah Jazz and is currently working out in Chicago while the NBA works on ending its lockout.


http://www.allkyhoops.com/2011/10/enes-kanter-added-to-big-blue-all-stars.html

UK Releases Statement About Herald-Leader, Kidd-Gilchrist

The University of Kentucky has released the following statement regarding the Lexington Herald-Leader and men's basketball player Michael Kidd-Gilchrist:

Statement from UK on Michael Kidd Gilchrist 

After a recent interview session with UK men’s basketball player Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the Lexington Herald-Leader took the liberty of rewriting a question from the transcript in a way that we feel sensationalizes the story and was unfair to Michael and his family.

While the Herald-Leader thought their actions warranted a clarification, the newspaper has not issued a public apology to Michael or his family.

Because it is our responsibility and duty to protect our student athletes and we feel an apology from the Lexington Herald-Leader was necessary, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will no longer be available for interviews with the Herald-Leader.


http://www.allkyhoops.com/2011/10/uk-releases-statement-about-herald.html

Kentucky villain Christian Laettner to coach in Rupp Arena

Christian Laettner, perhaps the most hated man in the state of Kentucky, has agreed to face his foes on their home court in a charity basketball game next month.

Laettner is the Duke All-American who hit the game-winning shot in what is called by most as the greatest college basketball game ever -- the Blue Devils' 104-103 overtime victory over Kentucky in the Elite Eight of the 1992 NCAA Tournament.


Christian Laettner will coach against a team of Kentucky legends. (AP photo)
Laettner, 42, has agreed to coach the "villains" team in an Oct. 24 charity game at Lexington's Rupp Arena. Laettner's team -- to consist of players from rival schools -- will play a team of former Kentucky stars in a game to benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Kentucky All-American Rex Chapman will coach the former UK stars.

"It should be standing-room-only for the fans to get a chance to boo the hell out of me and to boo Rudy Gay, Kemba Walker and Tyler Hansbrough," Laettner told Kentucky Sports Radio on Wednesday. "And I hope it's an earth-shattering boo they all get with me getting the biggest one."

Sheppard said both teams' rosters will be announced Thursday.

"It's a great opportunity for Kentucky fans to come out and tell Christian Laettner exactly how they feel about him," game organizer Jeff Sheppard, a former Kentucky guard, told the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Laettner scored 31 points, hitting all 10 field-goal attempts and all 10 free-throw attempts, in that famed East Regional final at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. However, he almost wasn't around for game's climax. He was assessed a technical foul in the second half for stomping on the chest of UK center Aminu Timberlake, in retaliation for an earlier shove, as he lie on the ground under the basket. Kentucky fans hate Laettner as much for that incident as for the shot that ended the Wildcats' miraculous season.

"I made a mistake and I thought it was Timberlake (Kentucky guard Richie Farmer had done the shoving), so when Timberlake was underneath me 30 seconds later or a minute later, I had a bad reaction," Laettner told KSR. "It was just from the emotion of the game. There was maybe too much adrenaline flowing, but it was a big mistake.

"It's worthy of a technical. I don't think it's worthy of getting kicked out of the game even though all the Kentucky fans will disagree with me on that. But it looks horrible. It's one of the things that I'm embarrassed about in my Duke career. There aren't many things, but that's one of them. Coach K was not happy with me about doing that. And he made a point to let me know about it a few times the following week going into the Final Four."

Read more at www.sportingnews.com

Chris Farley as Christian Laettner

UK Pros vs the UK Villians. Oct 24th 2011 Rupp Arena. At this time it's being reported that Rex Chapman will coach the UK Pros and that Christian Laettner will coach the UK Villians. Cat fans will most definitely give Laettner his well deserved welcome to Rupp Arena! How cool will this be... Proceeds to the V Foundation.. The first question I have is will Dickie V be in the building?

Trailer for "Prayer For A Perfect Season"; HBO documentary that will include Michael Gilchrist

Prayer for a Perfect Season from Blowback Productions on Vimeo.

ESPNU Midnight Madness Returns Oct. 14, Tips Off NCAA Basketball Season

Network Gives Viewers First Look at 11 Schools; Full Live Event Coverage of Seven on ESPN3

ESPNU Midnight Madness tips off the basketball season for the sixth year on Friday, Oct. 14 with more schools than ever before, including both the men’s and women’s defending NCAA National Champions and nine teams ranked in ESPN.com senior writer Andy Katz’s Preseason Top 25. Beginning at 9 p.m. ET on ESPNU, the four-hour special will preview top college programs in whip-around coverage of 11 basketball events across the nation. In addition, seven sites will be featured live on ESPN3.

ESPNU Midnight Madness 2011 highlights:

• In-studio coverage and analysis provided by ESPNU host Dari Nowkhah, college basketball analysts Hubert Davis, Doug Gottlieb and Katz, as well as contributions from Dick Vitale and Jay Bilas
•  Katz expectations for this year’s Midnight Madness:
  “The meaning of this night is that it tips off what should be one of the best seasons in college basketball, with NBA-level talent in a potential NBA-less fall and early winter,” said Katz. “Get ready for the college basketball regular season to have more meaning than it has had since four No. 1 seeds reached the Final Four in 2008.” More from Katz on each team here  
• ESPN analysts on-site: Stephen Bardo, Doris Burke, Dan Dakich, Jimmy Dykes, Sean Farnham, Fran Fraschilla, Carolyn Peck, Bill Raftery and more…
• On-site commentators will provide coverage of various elements including scrimmages, player introductions, skill and dunk contests, team skits, head coach and player interviews, along with season previews
• No. 1 North Carolina, No. 2 Kentucky, No. 4 Syracuse, No. 5 Duke, No. 6 Connecticut, No. 9 Louisville and No. 20 Texas A&M will be featured live on ESPN3
• Additional team spotlights with coach interviews from No.3 Ohio State, No. 7 Vanderbilt, No. 8 Memphis, No. 10 Arizona, No. 11 Wisconsin and No. 12 Florida from Katz’s Preseason Top 25, as well as New Mexico and UCLA
• Be a part of the Midnight Madness action on twitter with #ESPNUMadness; become a fan of ESPNU on Facebook or follow @ESPNU all season long for daily updates and behind-the-scenes photos and videos

http://www.espnmediazone3.com/us/2011/10/04/espnu-midnight-madness-returns-oct-14-tips-off-ncaa-basketball-season/

Scouting the Wooden Award watch list

ESPN.com has the list of 50 players the Wooden Award has recognized on its preseason watch list. It's important to note that freshmen and transfers are not eligible for this list but can be added during the season with other standout performers who didn't make the initial cut.

ESPN.com played no part in the selection of this preseason watch list by the Los Angeles Athletic Club, but after we got the roster of nominees, we asked opposing coaches to break down the skill sets of each of the 50 players on the condition of anonymity. Each coach is from the conference of the nominee.

Here is what they had to say:

Terrence Jones, 6-8, So., F, Kentucky
"Jones is a dynamic player who does his damage in a lot of ways. The added year of experience will make him a player of the year candidate."


Read More Here

Anthony Davis sits down with KSTV

Ryan Harrow

Cats photo Day

http://cdn.coachcal.com/videos-2010/uk-photo-day-2011.mp4

John Wall BEHIND THE BACK DUNK!