Another week, another plea for attention from Kent Sterling at ESPN1070 the Crap in Indianapolis. Here are a few excerpts from Sterling's latest garbage:
Opening paragraph (might as well lose all credibility up front):
Indiana University will beat Kentucky. There it is. I say it, and I mean it. How in the world would anyone in his right mind pick Indiana to beat that supposedly special group of freshmen?
After losing credibility, we might as well try to stir the pot of controversy:
Kentucky is overhyped and likely overpaid - at least Calipari is. College athletics is one of the few places in education where a coach can be openly acknowledged as - at the minimum - shady, and continue to get jobs where the money gets bigger and bigger.
Calipari is the Bernie Madoff of college basketball. He has delivered everywhere he's gone - wins and shame in equal doses. He'll deliver the players needed to compete at Kentucky, and then he'll look to all the world like he's coaching as the kids outplay most teams on their schedule with their sheer athleticism and individual excellence. Don't try to coach too much, or you wind up with a Joe B. Hall scenario.
Then, of course, let's sprinkle in a lie or two:
Derrick Hord, Charles Hurt, Sam Bowie, Melvin Turpin, Dickie Beal, Dirk Minniefield, and Jim Master were together for three years ('81-'83), and what did they get for all of Hall's leadership? Zero. In '81, UK lost to UAB. In '82, they lost 50-44 to Middle Tennessee State. I was there that night in Nashville, and enjoyed the result but hated UK for costing friends of mine and I the bounty that scalped UK vs. U of L tickets would have fetched. In '83, they lost in OT to Louisville in the first meeting between those two teams in a generation. I had tickets to that game in Knoxville, and got $65 for a guy at the Hyatt. We spent our money on expense beers at the Fabulous Sunsphere.
And, the grand finale:
Indiana will slow it down, frustrate Wall with physical play, and prevail 62-59 in another sad chapter of Kentucky's checkered basketball history. Potential Untapped, Chapter 2.
My Thoughts: Kent Sterling, you are an absolute joke. If you are the man, I want to see you lay $100 on the Hoosiers to win straight up Saturday. Please post proof that you made the bet on your garbage blog for the world to see. Will you be man enough to do that? Of course not. You know that you're just trying to stir the pot. You don't actually think Indiana will beat Kentucky Saturday.
Boston University? George Mason?
Here is Kent Sterling's "Article"
Monday, December 7, 2009
Ex-Cat Joe Crawford and Teammates Distribute Turkeys
Former Kentucky Wildcat Joe Crawford distributes turkeys in Los Angeles
On Saturday, November 22, the Los Angeles D-Fenders took part in a community initiative to provide nearly 2,000 families from inner-city Los Angeles with Thanksgiving dinner. D-Fenders players, Ryan Forehan-Kelly, Joe Crawford and Longar Longar, along with Head Coach Chucky Brown gathered to help distribute the turkeys just in time for the holiday season.
Approximately, 1,800 frozen turkeys were distributed in the courtyard of the Los Angeles Dream Center. Members of these families began waiting in line at 2pm the day prior to the event, to ensure that they would receive a turkey before they ran out. In feeding numerous needy families in the inner cities of Los Angeles, the second annual Turkey Giveaway was said to be a huge success.
Poverty in Los Angeles is overwhelming, and many hard workers have been laid off of their jobs. The D-Fenders, in partnership with the Dream Center understands that there are many people who simply cannot afford to celebrate Thanksgiving and are doing their part to help. With the help of the Dream Center and volunteers like the D-Fenders, these families were able to enjoy a holiday feast that they deserve. (Source: NBA.com)
Murray State Climbs Three Spots in Mid-Major Poll
Murray State has climbed three spots to #13 in the latest Mid Major Top 25 by CollegeInsider.com. Western Kentucky dropped nine spots to #18. Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky each received a single vote.
MID MAJOR TOP 25-COLLEGEINSIDER.COM
Record Points Previous
1. Butler (18) 6-2 754 2
2. Gonzaga (11) 6-2 736 1
3. Northern Iowa (1) 5-1 671 4
4. Illinois State 7-0 609 5
5. Cornell 7-2 582 10
6. VCU 5-2 577 6
7. Old Dominion 5-3 518 7
8. St. Mary's (1) 6-1 506 13
9. Siena 5-3 505 8
10. Portland 5-3 463 3
11. Niagara 6-3 372 15 12. Rider 6-3 351 14 13. Murray State 7-1 345 16 14. Wright State 5-2 316 20 15. Western Carolina 7-1 294 25 16. Akron 4-3 261 11 17. Detroit 6-2 241 22 18. Western Kentucky 3-3 233 9 19. Long Beach State 4-3 202 19 20. William & Mary 6-2 195 NR 21. Missouri State 7-0 171 NR 22. Northern Colorado 8-1 153 23 23. Bradley 5-2 128 24 24. George Mason 4-4 123 12 25. Wisconsin Green Bay 8-2 71 NR
MID MAJOR TOP 25-COLLEGEINSIDER.COM
Record Points Previous
1. Butler (18) 6-2 754 2
2. Gonzaga (11) 6-2 736 1
3. Northern Iowa (1) 5-1 671 4
4. Illinois State 7-0 609 5
5. Cornell 7-2 582 10
6. VCU 5-2 577 6
7. Old Dominion 5-3 518 7
8. St. Mary's (1) 6-1 506 13
9. Siena 5-3 505 8
10. Portland 5-3 463 3
11. Niagara 6-3 372 15 12. Rider 6-3 351 14 13. Murray State 7-1 345 16 14. Wright State 5-2 316 20 15. Western Carolina 7-1 294 25 16. Akron 4-3 261 11 17. Detroit 6-2 241 22 18. Western Kentucky 3-3 233 9 19. Long Beach State 4-3 202 19 20. William & Mary 6-2 195 NR 21. Missouri State 7-0 171 NR 22. Northern Colorado 8-1 153 23 23. Bradley 5-2 128 24 24. George Mason 4-4 123 12 25. Wisconsin Green Bay 8-2 71 NR
Union College Basketball Receives Votes in NAIA Poll
Union College garnered three votes in the second regular-season edition of the 2009-10 NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 poll, the NAIA announced Monday.
The Bulldogs (5-6 overall, 3-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) are tied for 35th with Central Christian (Kan.) College. Union received only one vote in last week's poll.
With a perfect 10-0 record, defending national champion Oklahoma Wesleyan holds as the No. 1 team in the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 poll. The Eagles notched all 14 first-place votes and 374 total points. Recently, Oklahoma Wesleyan broke the all-time NAIA Division II record with its 28th straight win against Hillsdale Free Will Baptist on Dec. 4. The Eagles have not lost in almost a year dating back to January, 2009.
Through 10 games, Oklahoma Wesleyan leads the country in 3-pointers made (13.1 pg) and is fourth in scoring offense (93.8 ppg). The Eagles have hit 95-plus points on four occasions.
Off to its best start since the 1997-98 season, No. 2 Walsh (Ohio) moves up one spot. The Cavs are 8-0 on the year and earned 361 total points. Ranked No. 1 in the NAIA in scoring offense (109.3 ppg), Walsh has notched 100-plus points in four games including a school record 154 points (Dec. 4).
Next in line is No. 3 Northwood (Fla.), No. 4 Bethel (Ind.) and No. 5 Oregon Tech.
The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences and independents. The third regular season Top 25 poll will be announced on Monday, Dec. 14.
Union returns to action Saturday at Cincinnati Christian (Ohio) University at 3 p.m.
Press Release by Union College
Complete Poll
The Bulldogs (5-6 overall, 3-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) are tied for 35th with Central Christian (Kan.) College. Union received only one vote in last week's poll.
With a perfect 10-0 record, defending national champion Oklahoma Wesleyan holds as the No. 1 team in the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 poll. The Eagles notched all 14 first-place votes and 374 total points. Recently, Oklahoma Wesleyan broke the all-time NAIA Division II record with its 28th straight win against Hillsdale Free Will Baptist on Dec. 4. The Eagles have not lost in almost a year dating back to January, 2009.
Through 10 games, Oklahoma Wesleyan leads the country in 3-pointers made (13.1 pg) and is fourth in scoring offense (93.8 ppg). The Eagles have hit 95-plus points on four occasions.
Off to its best start since the 1997-98 season, No. 2 Walsh (Ohio) moves up one spot. The Cavs are 8-0 on the year and earned 361 total points. Ranked No. 1 in the NAIA in scoring offense (109.3 ppg), Walsh has notched 100-plus points in four games including a school record 154 points (Dec. 4).
Next in line is No. 3 Northwood (Fla.), No. 4 Bethel (Ind.) and No. 5 Oregon Tech.
The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences and independents. The third regular season Top 25 poll will be announced on Monday, Dec. 14.
Union returns to action Saturday at Cincinnati Christian (Ohio) University at 3 p.m.
Press Release by Union College
Complete Poll
Pikeville College Moves Into NAIA Basketball Top 10
The Pikeville College Bears, who are off to a tremendous 8-1 start, have been rewarded for their excellent early-season play with the #9 spot in this week's NAIA DI basketball poll.
"This is a great honor for the hard work that has been put in during the last three years, as well as this year," head coach Kelly Wells stated about the new ranking.
Moving forward, Wells explained, "We are proud of where we're at, but this will only add motivation to out team for the rest of the season."
He admitted that reaching a higher level of play has taken more than just the team and coaching staff.
"It is really a credit to the hard work from everyone in our program, the school and the community of Pikeville."
The Bears are joined in the top 25 this week by #11 University of the Cumberlands and #19 Georgetown College. Campbellsville University and St. Catharine College each received votes in the new poll.
2009-2010 NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll
(Rating #1 – Dec. 7)
1. Mountain State University (W.Va.) 12-0
"This is a great honor for the hard work that has been put in during the last three years, as well as this year," head coach Kelly Wells stated about the new ranking.
Moving forward, Wells explained, "We are proud of where we're at, but this will only add motivation to out team for the rest of the season."
He admitted that reaching a higher level of play has taken more than just the team and coaching staff.
"It is really a credit to the hard work from everyone in our program, the school and the community of Pikeville."
The Bears are joined in the top 25 this week by #11 University of the Cumberlands and #19 Georgetown College. Campbellsville University and St. Catharine College each received votes in the new poll.
2009-2010 NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll
(Rating #1 – Dec. 7)
1. Mountain State University (W.Va.) 12-0
2. Concordia University (Calif.) 10-0
3. Oklahoma Baptist University 8-0
4. Oklahoma Christian University 9-0
5. Biola Universtiy (Calif.) 6-0
6. Lindenwood University (Mo.) 8-2
7. Louisiana State University-Shreveport 9-0
8. Fresno Pacific University (Calif.) 7-1
9. Pikeville College (Ky.) 8-1
10. Union University (Tenn.) 8-3
11. University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) 8-2
19. Georgetown College (Ky.) 7-2
SEC Basketball: It's a Wall World After All
Kentucky's John Wall has captured his third consecutive Southeastern Conference Freshman Player of the Week honor.
Excerpt of Article from WTVQ.com:
The honor was the third straight SEC Freshman of the Week honor for Wall. The Wildcats have won all four weekly freshman honors from the conference office this season, beginning with Eric Bledsoe in the first week and Wall the last three weeks. Junior Patrick Patterson was also named the league’s Player of the Week in week two, giving the Wildcats five SEC Player/Freshman of the week awards this season.
Additionally, Dick Vitale named Wall his “Diaper Dandy of the Week” and named Kentucky as his “Team of the Week”. It’s the second national weekly honor for Wall after he was named National Player of the Week by ESPN.com earlier this season.
Excerpt of Article from WTVQ.com:
The honor was the third straight SEC Freshman of the Week honor for Wall. The Wildcats have won all four weekly freshman honors from the conference office this season, beginning with Eric Bledsoe in the first week and Wall the last three weeks. Junior Patrick Patterson was also named the league’s Player of the Week in week two, giving the Wildcats five SEC Player/Freshman of the week awards this season.
Additionally, Dick Vitale named Wall his “Diaper Dandy of the Week” and named Kentucky as his “Team of the Week”. It’s the second national weekly honor for Wall after he was named National Player of the Week by ESPN.com earlier this season.
Survey Says: Kentucky Wildcats are #4
The new college basketball polls have been released and the Kentucky Wildcats have moved up a spot in both polls to #4. The Louisville Cardinals have dropped out of the rankings following a disappointing 22-point loss to Charlotte.
AP Top 25
1. Kansas (62) 7-0 1,621
2. Texas (1) 6-0 1,514
3. Villanova (1) 8-0 1,460
4. Kentucky 8-0 1,417
5. Purdue 7-0 1,409
6. West Virginia 5-0 1,272
7. Syracuse (1) 8-0 1,270
8. Duke 7-1 1,058
9. Tennessee 6-1 1,047
10. Florida 8-0 1,024
11. North Carolina 7-2 985 12. Michigan State 6-2 876 13. Ohio State 7-1 806 14. Connecticut 6-1 787 15. Georgetown 6-0 723 16. Texas A&M 7-1 512 17. Washington 6-1 495 18. UNLV 7-0 429 19. Cincinnati 5-1 334 20. Wisconsin 6-1 298 21. Gonzaga 6-2 279 22. Butler 6-2 221 23. Texas Tech 8-0 219 24. Georgia Tech 6-1 171 25. Mississippi 7-1 127
ESPN/USA Today Poll
1. Kansas (31) 7-0 775
2. Texas 6-0 732
3. Villanova 8-0 699
4. Kentucky 8-0 672
5. Purdue 7-0 650
6. Syracuse 8-0 623
8. West Virginia 5-0 600
8. Duke 7-1 542
9. Tennessee 6-1 483
10. North Carolina 7-2 441
11. Florida 8-0 418 12. Connecticut 6-1 413 13. Georgetown 6-0 393 14. Michigan State 6-2 386
15. Ohio State 7-1 365 16. Washington 6-1 276 17. UNLV 7-0 253 18. Texas A&M 7-1 216 19. Cincinnati 5-1 177 20. Butler 6-2 150 21. Georgia Tech 6-1 128 22. Gonzaga 6-2 126 23. Wisconsin 6-1 104 24. Vanderbilt 6-1 67 24. Clemson 7-2 67
Both Polls on ESPN.com
AP Top 25
1. Kansas (62) 7-0 1,621
2. Texas (1) 6-0 1,514
3. Villanova (1) 8-0 1,460
4. Kentucky 8-0 1,417
5. Purdue 7-0 1,409
6. West Virginia 5-0 1,272
7. Syracuse (1) 8-0 1,270
8. Duke 7-1 1,058
9. Tennessee 6-1 1,047
10. Florida 8-0 1,024
11. North Carolina 7-2 985 12. Michigan State 6-2 876 13. Ohio State 7-1 806 14. Connecticut 6-1 787 15. Georgetown 6-0 723 16. Texas A&M 7-1 512 17. Washington 6-1 495 18. UNLV 7-0 429 19. Cincinnati 5-1 334 20. Wisconsin 6-1 298 21. Gonzaga 6-2 279 22. Butler 6-2 221 23. Texas Tech 8-0 219 24. Georgia Tech 6-1 171 25. Mississippi 7-1 127
ESPN/USA Today Poll
1. Kansas (31) 7-0 775
2. Texas 6-0 732
3. Villanova 8-0 699
4. Kentucky 8-0 672
5. Purdue 7-0 650
6. Syracuse 8-0 623
8. West Virginia 5-0 600
8. Duke 7-1 542
9. Tennessee 6-1 483
10. North Carolina 7-2 441
11. Florida 8-0 418 12. Connecticut 6-1 413 13. Georgetown 6-0 393 14. Michigan State 6-2 386
15. Ohio State 7-1 365 16. Washington 6-1 276 17. UNLV 7-0 253 18. Texas A&M 7-1 216 19. Cincinnati 5-1 177 20. Butler 6-2 150 21. Georgia Tech 6-1 128 22. Gonzaga 6-2 126 23. Wisconsin 6-1 104 24. Vanderbilt 6-1 67 24. Clemson 7-2 67
Both Polls on ESPN.com
Kentucky Basketball: Making National Headlines Again
The weekend victory over nationally-ranked North Carolina was somewhat of a coming out party for the Kentucky basketball program under the direction of new head coach John Calipari. The Wildcats, which dominated the national news for the majority of the summer, find themselves creating the most media buzz again as we enter the week.
Jay Bilas of ESPN.com says that Kentucky/North Carolina was the best basketball game of the weekend and Patrick Patterson was the best player:
Best Game: North Carolina at Kentucky may not have been perfectly played, but it was exciting and gave us plenty to ponder. Eye-opening talent combined with the inconsistency of youth made for a delicious treat to watch. The Wildcats will be great theater all season long. It will be fun to watch this group develop.
Best Player: Patrick Patterson, Kentucky. The Wildcats' incredible talent was on display in Lexington, but without the experienced play of Patterson, UK would not have been able to hold on for a great win. Patterson was a man out there and has really improved his overall game. Nobody was better this weekend. The freshmen are getting the headlines, but Patterson was and is outstanding.
Complete Article (subscription)
SlamOnline.com says that Kentucky fans better "Enjoy it Wall it Lasts":
On Saturday, amidst cramping brought on by eating too little beforehand, John Wall scored 16 points, hauled in seven rebounds and handed out seven assists in his seventh game, a 68-66 Kentucky win over #11 North Carolina. Wildcats head coach John Calipari has said that the freshman phenom is further along at this point than either Rose or Evans were - in this game it was clear to see why.
Complete Article
John Wall is a one-man highlight reel:
"Oh my goodness! John Wall...a rack attack!"
Jay Bilas of ESPN.com says that Kentucky/North Carolina was the best basketball game of the weekend and Patrick Patterson was the best player:
Best Game: North Carolina at Kentucky may not have been perfectly played, but it was exciting and gave us plenty to ponder. Eye-opening talent combined with the inconsistency of youth made for a delicious treat to watch. The Wildcats will be great theater all season long. It will be fun to watch this group develop.
Best Player: Patrick Patterson, Kentucky. The Wildcats' incredible talent was on display in Lexington, but without the experienced play of Patterson, UK would not have been able to hold on for a great win. Patterson was a man out there and has really improved his overall game. Nobody was better this weekend. The freshmen are getting the headlines, but Patterson was and is outstanding.
Complete Article (subscription)
SlamOnline.com says that Kentucky fans better "Enjoy it Wall it Lasts":
On Saturday, amidst cramping brought on by eating too little beforehand, John Wall scored 16 points, hauled in seven rebounds and handed out seven assists in his seventh game, a 68-66 Kentucky win over #11 North Carolina. Wildcats head coach John Calipari has said that the freshman phenom is further along at this point than either Rose or Evans were - in this game it was clear to see why.
Complete Article
John Wall is a one-man highlight reel:
"Oh my goodness! John Wall...a rack attack!"
WKU Basketball Reaches Milestone with Win Over Tulane
Western Kentucky 62
Tulane 48
Final from Bowling Green, Kentucky
Game Recap by WKU:
Western Kentucky University (3-3) shook up its starting line-up on Sunday afternoon against Tulane (3-5), resulting in a strong defensive outing in downing the Green Wave 62-48. It was the 500th win in the 47-year-history of E.A. Diddle Arena as the Hilltoppers improve to 30-2 in their last 32 home games. WKU has now won four-straight against Conference USA members at Diddle Arena.
Steffphon Pettigrew and Jeremy Evans each turned in season-highs with 19 and 14 points respectively. Pettigrew scored 15 in the first frame to go with seven rebounds while Evans had an impressive game on both ends of the floor with nine rebounds (seven offensive) to go with five blocked shots.
Facing a 35-28 halftime deficit, Tulane scored the first six points to start the second half, holding the Toppers scoreless until Jeremy Evans' tip-in of a Jordan Swing missed shot with 15:56 to play made it 37-34. Tulane never tied or took the lead in the game.
Still a three-point game with 13:12 to play, Kris Richard, the team's leading scorer, missed two free throws that could have pulled the Green Wave back within 41-40, but instead, following the misses, AJ Slaughter dialed up long distance off an Anthony Sally feed to start what would be the decisive run of the game. WKU closed the final 12:56 on a 21-7 run minus a Kevin Sims cosmetic three-pointer with 24 ticks remaining.
Richard, who averaged 13.7 ppg, finished with five. But Sims was impressive scoring a career-high 24 points on 8-of-10 shooting including 4-of-5 from the field and 4-of-4 at the line. After 17 first-half points, however, Sergio Kerusch's defense was a key reason he had just seven after the break, three coming on the long distance shot at the end of the game.
Aside from Sims, the rest of the Green Wave were just 1-of-10 from long range and shot 36.0 percent from the field for the game. WKU dominated the glass 35-25.
In the first half, WKU connected on their first four shots to grab a 9-5 edge early on a Slaughter bucket. The senior guard finished with 13 points to go with five asists and a career-high-tying four steals, extending his double figure scoring streak to 24-straight games.
Sims kept Tulane close scoring nine of the team's first 12 points to pull within 13-12 at the under 12 media timeout.
Pettigrew knocked down his second three-pointer of the opening stanza with 9:59 on the clock to increase the spread to 18-12. After searching for his three-point shot through five games, going 0-of-12, Pettigrew was a perfect 2-of-2 in the game.
The Green Wave got a lay-up from Aaron Holmes with 3:28 left in the half to make it 27-23, but a Pettigrew basket and an Evans slam with 2:26 remaining pushed the lead back to eight at 31-23. It was Evans' fourth offensive rebound of the first half, as he finished with six boards and eight points in the opening 20 minutes.
Kerusch added 10 points and eight rebounds, all but two of each coming in the final frame. Freshman Jameson Tipping and Caden Dickerson each made their first career start for the Toppers while Sally chipped in four assists and two rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench.
WKU host the University of Evansville on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 PM in E.A. Diddle Arena. The Hilltoppers own a 39-20 edge in the all-time series with the Purple Aces, including a 21-6 record in Bowling Green, but the two teams have split their last six meetings.
Tulane 48
Final from Bowling Green, Kentucky
Game Recap by WKU:
Western Kentucky University (3-3) shook up its starting line-up on Sunday afternoon against Tulane (3-5), resulting in a strong defensive outing in downing the Green Wave 62-48. It was the 500th win in the 47-year-history of E.A. Diddle Arena as the Hilltoppers improve to 30-2 in their last 32 home games. WKU has now won four-straight against Conference USA members at Diddle Arena.
Steffphon Pettigrew and Jeremy Evans each turned in season-highs with 19 and 14 points respectively. Pettigrew scored 15 in the first frame to go with seven rebounds while Evans had an impressive game on both ends of the floor with nine rebounds (seven offensive) to go with five blocked shots.
Facing a 35-28 halftime deficit, Tulane scored the first six points to start the second half, holding the Toppers scoreless until Jeremy Evans' tip-in of a Jordan Swing missed shot with 15:56 to play made it 37-34. Tulane never tied or took the lead in the game.
Still a three-point game with 13:12 to play, Kris Richard, the team's leading scorer, missed two free throws that could have pulled the Green Wave back within 41-40, but instead, following the misses, AJ Slaughter dialed up long distance off an Anthony Sally feed to start what would be the decisive run of the game. WKU closed the final 12:56 on a 21-7 run minus a Kevin Sims cosmetic three-pointer with 24 ticks remaining.
Richard, who averaged 13.7 ppg, finished with five. But Sims was impressive scoring a career-high 24 points on 8-of-10 shooting including 4-of-5 from the field and 4-of-4 at the line. After 17 first-half points, however, Sergio Kerusch's defense was a key reason he had just seven after the break, three coming on the long distance shot at the end of the game.
Aside from Sims, the rest of the Green Wave were just 1-of-10 from long range and shot 36.0 percent from the field for the game. WKU dominated the glass 35-25.
In the first half, WKU connected on their first four shots to grab a 9-5 edge early on a Slaughter bucket. The senior guard finished with 13 points to go with five asists and a career-high-tying four steals, extending his double figure scoring streak to 24-straight games.
Sims kept Tulane close scoring nine of the team's first 12 points to pull within 13-12 at the under 12 media timeout.
Pettigrew knocked down his second three-pointer of the opening stanza with 9:59 on the clock to increase the spread to 18-12. After searching for his three-point shot through five games, going 0-of-12, Pettigrew was a perfect 2-of-2 in the game.
The Green Wave got a lay-up from Aaron Holmes with 3:28 left in the half to make it 27-23, but a Pettigrew basket and an Evans slam with 2:26 remaining pushed the lead back to eight at 31-23. It was Evans' fourth offensive rebound of the first half, as he finished with six boards and eight points in the opening 20 minutes.
Kerusch added 10 points and eight rebounds, all but two of each coming in the final frame. Freshman Jameson Tipping and Caden Dickerson each made their first career start for the Toppers while Sally chipped in four assists and two rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench.
WKU host the University of Evansville on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 PM in E.A. Diddle Arena. The Hilltoppers own a 39-20 edge in the all-time series with the Purple Aces, including a 21-6 record in Bowling Green, but the two teams have split their last six meetings.
Need a Reason to Watch UK vs. Drexel/Long Beach State?
How about 2,000 reasons?
If the Kentucky Wildcats take care of business during their next three games, they will be playing for their 2,000th all-time victory in Rupp Arena on December 21 against Drexel.
Even if the Wildcats stumble in one of the upcoming games - Connecticut would seemingly be the only team with a true chance of making that happen - they will be going for number 2,000 on December 23 against Long Beach State. That game is also in Rupp Arena.
So, barring a disaster, the Kentucky Wildcats will earn their 2,000th win in front of 24,000 members of the Big Blue Nation.
Kentucky Wildcats' Basketball - Upcoming Schedule:
Dec. 9 vs. #13 Connecticut 9:30 p.m (Madison Square Garden)
Dec. 12 @ Indiana 12:00 p.m.
Dec. 19 Austin Peay 4:00 p.m.
Dec. 21 Drexel 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 23 Long Beach State 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 29 Hartford 7:00 p.m.
NOTE: The Wildcats currently have 1,996 all-time wins
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Injuries a Problem, but Not "The" Problem for Louisville
Following Louisville's embarrassing 22-point loss to UNC-Charlotte, Rick Bozich of the Louisville Courier-Journal points out that Louisville's problems run a little deeper than the recent assortment of injuries to key players:
“Coach said he couldn't even yell at us, he was so embarrassed,” guard Edgar Sosa said. “Discouraged? I don't think any of us are. Embarrassed? Most definitely.”
“He said he was disappointed, and he should be,” Smith said. “There wasn't any effort out there. There wasn't any heart. Nobody was playing with a sense of urgency.”
Urgency is often reflected on the backboard. Charlotte played with urgency. The Cards played as if they needed those 6:15a.m. running sessions dialed back to 4 a.m.
Behind 47-32, UofL figured to be extremely urgent to begin the second half. Not so. The 49ers scored the first three baskets, one on an offensive rebound and two on layups. Samardo Samuels, who managed only four rebounds, was summoned to the bench 92 seconds into the half.
“They outplayed us in every phase of the game,” Pitino said.
Here is the scariest statistic: Charlotte had more offensive rebounds (20) than UofL had on the same defensive glass (18).
Here is the runner-up in the scariest statistic category: UofL managed only nine assists, just two more than Charlotte point guard DiJuan Harris.
Complete Article
My Thoughts: Oh, to be a fly on the wall at practice this week...
“Coach said he couldn't even yell at us, he was so embarrassed,” guard Edgar Sosa said. “Discouraged? I don't think any of us are. Embarrassed? Most definitely.”
“He said he was disappointed, and he should be,” Smith said. “There wasn't any effort out there. There wasn't any heart. Nobody was playing with a sense of urgency.”
Urgency is often reflected on the backboard. Charlotte played with urgency. The Cards played as if they needed those 6:15a.m. running sessions dialed back to 4 a.m.
Behind 47-32, UofL figured to be extremely urgent to begin the second half. Not so. The 49ers scored the first three baskets, one on an offensive rebound and two on layups. Samardo Samuels, who managed only four rebounds, was summoned to the bench 92 seconds into the half.
“They outplayed us in every phase of the game,” Pitino said.
Here is the scariest statistic: Charlotte had more offensive rebounds (20) than UofL had on the same defensive glass (18).
Here is the runner-up in the scariest statistic category: UofL managed only nine assists, just two more than Charlotte point guard DiJuan Harris.
Complete Article
My Thoughts: Oh, to be a fly on the wall at practice this week...
DeCourcy: "Wall is the Greatest Point Guard Athlete...ever"
Here is an excerpt of an article by Mike DeCourcry at SportingNews.com:
1. John Wall is the greatest point guard athlete ... ever
In 25 years, if you are a fan of college basketball, you will be seeing highlights of the time Wall drove on a fast break, got himself too deep under the backboard, and solved that problem by gliding to the opposite side and scooping in a layup past Carolina's Marcus Ginyard. This will be a little different because Julius Erving's swoop past Mark Landsberger was in the NBA Finals, but Wall's play stirred echoes of Dr. J's brilliance.
"It was just instinct," Wall said. "I was just going to go up for a regular layup, but I saw how the defense was trying to cut me off. I had to go up and under. I saw Ginyard coming, so I just tried to reach my body across. I tried to get it to the rim, and luckily it went in."
Two years ago, I wrote that Derrick Rose was the greatest athlete to play the position: the most imposing combination of size, strength, speed, quickness and leaping ability. So it may appear as though I'll write that about every jock-y point guard that comes along. Not so.
To rewrite that declaration so soon required an almost miraculous advancement of those essential qualities. And Wall is blessed with all of it. He is not as strong as Rose, but he is longer, a shade taller, perhaps even faster end-to-end and even better at elevating and controlling his body once in the air.
He also offers some other thoughts on Kentucky's victory over North Carolina.
Check it out here
1. John Wall is the greatest point guard athlete ... ever
In 25 years, if you are a fan of college basketball, you will be seeing highlights of the time Wall drove on a fast break, got himself too deep under the backboard, and solved that problem by gliding to the opposite side and scooping in a layup past Carolina's Marcus Ginyard. This will be a little different because Julius Erving's swoop past Mark Landsberger was in the NBA Finals, but Wall's play stirred echoes of Dr. J's brilliance.
"It was just instinct," Wall said. "I was just going to go up for a regular layup, but I saw how the defense was trying to cut me off. I had to go up and under. I saw Ginyard coming, so I just tried to reach my body across. I tried to get it to the rim, and luckily it went in."
Two years ago, I wrote that Derrick Rose was the greatest athlete to play the position: the most imposing combination of size, strength, speed, quickness and leaping ability. So it may appear as though I'll write that about every jock-y point guard that comes along. Not so.
To rewrite that declaration so soon required an almost miraculous advancement of those essential qualities. And Wall is blessed with all of it. He is not as strong as Rose, but he is longer, a shade taller, perhaps even faster end-to-end and even better at elevating and controlling his body once in the air.
He also offers some other thoughts on Kentucky's victory over North Carolina.
Check it out here
Kentucky Wesleyan Cruises Past #6 Bellarmine
Kentucky Wesleyan 81
Bellarmine 65
Final from Owensboro, Kentucky
Game summary from Courier-Journal.com:
The Bellarmine University men's basketball team was outscored 46-32 in the second half en route to a 81-65 loss to Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday night.
Jeremy Kendle led the Knights (4-2, 0-2 Great Lakes Valley Conference), No. 6 in NCAA Division II, with 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
Luke Sprague and Justin Benedetti rounded out Bellarmine's double-digit scorers with 11 apiece. Braydon Hobbs added nine points and six rebounds.
The Knights shot 61 percent in the first half and led by 11 midway through the half but cooled to 45 percent shooting in the second.
Desmond Stephens hit 7of10 shots and scored 23 for Kentucky Wesleyan (7-1, 1-0), which outrebounded Bellarmine 32-26.
Bellarmine 65
Final from Owensboro, Kentucky
Game summary from Courier-Journal.com:
The Bellarmine University men's basketball team was outscored 46-32 in the second half en route to a 81-65 loss to Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday night.
Jeremy Kendle led the Knights (4-2, 0-2 Great Lakes Valley Conference), No. 6 in NCAA Division II, with 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
Luke Sprague and Justin Benedetti rounded out Bellarmine's double-digit scorers with 11 apiece. Braydon Hobbs added nine points and six rebounds.
The Knights shot 61 percent in the first half and led by 11 midway through the half but cooled to 45 percent shooting in the second.
Desmond Stephens hit 7of10 shots and scored 23 for Kentucky Wesleyan (7-1, 1-0), which outrebounded Bellarmine 32-26.
Georgetown Tigers Rebound with Win at Jim Reid Classic
Georgetown 80
Edward Waters 61
Final from Jim Reid Classic at Georgetown, Kentucky
Game summary from GeorgetownNews.com:
Georgetown College men's and women's basketball teams picked up wins on the second day of the Jim Reid Classic.
The men handed Edward Waters a 80-61 defeat behind Vic Moses 32 points and 13 rebounds in the consolation game Saturday at Alumni Gym. GC coach Happy Osborne knows his team can be a lot better and there is more work to be done, but was pleased with the win and the performances of guards Eddie Gray and Johonne Hamilton.
The Tigers (7-2) will be back in action Wednesday against Asbury College.
Edward Waters 61
Final from Jim Reid Classic at Georgetown, Kentucky
Game summary from GeorgetownNews.com:
Georgetown College men's and women's basketball teams picked up wins on the second day of the Jim Reid Classic.
The men handed Edward Waters a 80-61 defeat behind Vic Moses 32 points and 13 rebounds in the consolation game Saturday at Alumni Gym. GC coach Happy Osborne knows his team can be a lot better and there is more work to be done, but was pleased with the win and the performances of guards Eddie Gray and Johonne Hamilton.
The Tigers (7-2) will be back in action Wednesday against Asbury College.
EKU Basketball Earns Conference Road Victory
Eastern Kentucky 85
UT-Martin 74
Final from Martin, Tennessee
Game Recap from EKUSports.com:
The Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball team shot a season-high 64.3 percent from the field in the 85-74 victory over host UT Martin Saturday night in the Elam Center. The Colonels (6-2, 1-1 OVC) never trailed against the Skyhawks (1-5, 0-2).
Four of the five EKU starters posted double figures led by senior Papa Oppong’s 18 tallies. Fellow senior Josh Taylor added 16 points. Oppong and Taylor combined to shoot 68.4 percent (13-of-19) from the floor.
UT Martin forward Benzor Simmons led all players in points (29) and rebounds (11) for his second double-double of the season.
The Colonels hit their first four shots of the game, including trifectas from sophomore Joshua Jones, Oppong and Taylor, to quickly build an 11-3 lead. Nine straight points by EKU later in the period, capped by another Oppong three-pointer, put the Colonels ahead by 15 points, 40-25.
Six different Eastern Kentucky players netted a three-pointer in the first half as the Colonels went 9-for-12 (75 percent) from behind the arc on the way to a 45-33 advantage at intermission.
EKU twice stretched the lead to 19 points in the second half only to see UT Martin fight back. Back-to-back three-pointers from Reuben Clayton allowed the Skyhawks to close the gap to nine points, 66-57, with 6:02 remaining. However, Jones responded on Eastern’s ensuing possession with his second three-pointer to end the UTM run and put the Colonels back up by 12 points.
Eastern then held off the Skyhawks down the stretch by hitting 11-of-12 (91.7 percent) free throws in the last two minutes of play.
The Colonels now return to non-conference action this Wednesday, Dec. 9 when EKU hosts Division II foe Ohio Valley. Tip time is set for 7 p.m.
UT-Martin 74
Final from Martin, Tennessee
Game Recap from EKUSports.com:
The Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball team shot a season-high 64.3 percent from the field in the 85-74 victory over host UT Martin Saturday night in the Elam Center. The Colonels (6-2, 1-1 OVC) never trailed against the Skyhawks (1-5, 0-2).
Four of the five EKU starters posted double figures led by senior Papa Oppong’s 18 tallies. Fellow senior Josh Taylor added 16 points. Oppong and Taylor combined to shoot 68.4 percent (13-of-19) from the floor.
UT Martin forward Benzor Simmons led all players in points (29) and rebounds (11) for his second double-double of the season.
The Colonels hit their first four shots of the game, including trifectas from sophomore Joshua Jones, Oppong and Taylor, to quickly build an 11-3 lead. Nine straight points by EKU later in the period, capped by another Oppong three-pointer, put the Colonels ahead by 15 points, 40-25.
Six different Eastern Kentucky players netted a three-pointer in the first half as the Colonels went 9-for-12 (75 percent) from behind the arc on the way to a 45-33 advantage at intermission.
EKU twice stretched the lead to 19 points in the second half only to see UT Martin fight back. Back-to-back three-pointers from Reuben Clayton allowed the Skyhawks to close the gap to nine points, 66-57, with 6:02 remaining. However, Jones responded on Eastern’s ensuing possession with his second three-pointer to end the UTM run and put the Colonels back up by 12 points.
Eastern then held off the Skyhawks down the stretch by hitting 11-of-12 (91.7 percent) free throws in the last two minutes of play.
The Colonels now return to non-conference action this Wednesday, Dec. 9 when EKU hosts Division II foe Ohio Valley. Tip time is set for 7 p.m.
Maurice Harkless Down to 5; Kentucky Makes the Cut
Excerpt of article from BoxofMess.com (Hat tip: Aaron's UK Blog):
Maurice Harkless, a 6-foot-7 junior wing from Forest Hills High School, will announce his college choice on December 9th. Harkless has a 7-2 wingspan and is ranked number 50 in the Class of 2011. He is also said to have an A- average in school. Despite the rumors that Harkless would commit to UConn, the rumors were not true. In this interview, he talks recruiting, the upcoming season, and the big day!
He states in the article that he has trimmed his list to five: St. Johns, Seton Hall, Fordham, Kentucky, and Connecticut
Source
RecruitingChronicles.com (subscription) states that they have a source that knows which school Harkless has chosen
Maurice Harkless, a 6-foot-7 junior wing from Forest Hills High School, will announce his college choice on December 9th. Harkless has a 7-2 wingspan and is ranked number 50 in the Class of 2011. He is also said to have an A- average in school. Despite the rumors that Harkless would commit to UConn, the rumors were not true. In this interview, he talks recruiting, the upcoming season, and the big day!
He states in the article that he has trimmed his list to five: St. Johns, Seton Hall, Fordham, Kentucky, and Connecticut
Source
RecruitingChronicles.com (subscription) states that they have a source that knows which school Harkless has chosen
Green-Out: Louisville Cardinals Fall Hard to Charlotte
Charlotte 87
Louisville 65
Final from Louisville
Game Recap by AP:
Derrio Green had a career-high 20 points to lead Charlotte past No. 20 Louisville 87-65 on Saturday night, the Cardinals' worst home loss under coach Rick Pitino.
Freshman forward Chris Braswell added 21 points and 14 rebounds while Shamarr Bowden had 17 points for 49ers (6-1).
Samardo Samuels led Louisville (5-2) with 14 points and Mike Marra scored 11, but the Cardinals struggled to keep up with the hot-shooting 49ers while playing without injured guards Jerry Smith, Peyton Siva and Preston Knowles.
Charlotte made 10 of 24 3-pointers, outrebounded Louisville 49-35 and had little trouble holding off a pair of mild second-half surges by the Cardinals.
The win was Charlotte's first over a ranked team since knocking off Xavier last season and Louisville's worst home defeat since losing to the 49ers by 34 in February, 2001, back when both teams were in Conference USA.
That defeat came in Denny Crum's final year on the sidelines for the Cardinals. Pitino took over shortly thereafter and has turned the program into a Big East power.
Louisville didn't look like one, however, against the 49ers. With Siva and Smith watching from the bench in street clothes and Knowles available only in case of emergency, the Cardinals struggled to defend the perimeter.
Green and Bowden made them pay for it. The duo combined to make 9 of 20 3-pointers, including a couple in the second half that turned back Louisville's last real push.
By then Pitino had run out of timeouts and out of patience.
Forced to experiment liberally with his lineups because of the injuries, he couldn't seem to find a combination that would make the Cardinals effective on both ends of the floor.
Considering the way Green and company where shooting, it might not have mattered if Smith, Siva and Knowles had played.
Charlotte wasted little time getting going as Green knocked down three straight 3-pointers in the opening minutes to give the 49ers a quick 17-6 lead.
Pitino said before the game he was concerned about slowing down Charlotte star Sharami Spears, but the junior forward was held to nine points, 12 under his average coming in--and nine rebounds.
Instead it was the play of Charlotte's backcourt that slowed the Cardinals.
Charlotte frustrated Samuels on the inside and Louisville couldn't match the 49ers shot for shot on the outside. Charlotte took a 47-32 lead into the half as Green buried another deep 3-pointer just before the buzzer, turning to the crowd and making the "3-point sign" as he raced back down the floor.
AUDIO: Head Coach Rick Pitino
Louisville 65
Final from Louisville
Game Recap by AP:
Derrio Green had a career-high 20 points to lead Charlotte past No. 20 Louisville 87-65 on Saturday night, the Cardinals' worst home loss under coach Rick Pitino.
Freshman forward Chris Braswell added 21 points and 14 rebounds while Shamarr Bowden had 17 points for 49ers (6-1).
Samardo Samuels led Louisville (5-2) with 14 points and Mike Marra scored 11, but the Cardinals struggled to keep up with the hot-shooting 49ers while playing without injured guards Jerry Smith, Peyton Siva and Preston Knowles.
Charlotte made 10 of 24 3-pointers, outrebounded Louisville 49-35 and had little trouble holding off a pair of mild second-half surges by the Cardinals.
The win was Charlotte's first over a ranked team since knocking off Xavier last season and Louisville's worst home defeat since losing to the 49ers by 34 in February, 2001, back when both teams were in Conference USA.
That defeat came in Denny Crum's final year on the sidelines for the Cardinals. Pitino took over shortly thereafter and has turned the program into a Big East power.
Louisville didn't look like one, however, against the 49ers. With Siva and Smith watching from the bench in street clothes and Knowles available only in case of emergency, the Cardinals struggled to defend the perimeter.
Green and Bowden made them pay for it. The duo combined to make 9 of 20 3-pointers, including a couple in the second half that turned back Louisville's last real push.
By then Pitino had run out of timeouts and out of patience.
Forced to experiment liberally with his lineups because of the injuries, he couldn't seem to find a combination that would make the Cardinals effective on both ends of the floor.
Considering the way Green and company where shooting, it might not have mattered if Smith, Siva and Knowles had played.
Charlotte wasted little time getting going as Green knocked down three straight 3-pointers in the opening minutes to give the 49ers a quick 17-6 lead.
Pitino said before the game he was concerned about slowing down Charlotte star Sharami Spears, but the junior forward was held to nine points, 12 under his average coming in--and nine rebounds.
Instead it was the play of Charlotte's backcourt that slowed the Cardinals.
Charlotte frustrated Samuels on the inside and Louisville couldn't match the 49ers shot for shot on the outside. Charlotte took a 47-32 lead into the half as Green buried another deep 3-pointer just before the buzzer, turning to the crowd and making the "3-point sign" as he raced back down the floor.
AUDIO: Head Coach Rick Pitino
Murray State Sends Message to Ohio Valley Conference
Murray State 86
Morehead State 56
Final from Murray, Kentucky
Game recap from Morehead State:
An 18-2 scoring run midway through the first half broke open a close game and allowed the host Murray State Racers to pull away for an 86-56 win over the Morehead State Eagles Saturday night at Murray’s Regional Special Events Center.
The Eagles fell to 2-4 and 1-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference, while the Racers upped their record to 7-1 and 2-0 in the league.
The Racers never looked back after breaking the game open the first half. Murray State finished the game shooting 57 percent, including hitting 11-of-24 from three-point range. The Eagles tried to zone the host Racers on defense, but Murray State, which ranks fourth in the nation field goal percentage, wasn’t fazed.
"Going into this game the plan was to make them take threes," said Eagle head coach Donnie Tyndall. "They only had one game where they had made five and they hit 11 tonight."
Kenneth Faried posted his fifth double-double of the season for the Eagles with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Demonte Harper also reached double figures with a team high 15 points. The Eagles committed 18 turnovers and had just seven assists.
Murray State was led by Danero Thomas with 18 points. BJ Jenkins scored 17, and Ivan Aska totaled 10.
"They are the best team in our league and when they shoot it like that they're tough to beat," said Tyndall. "We've got a long way to go. We are not where we need to be."
The game remained tight throughout much of the first half. The Eagles led 5-3 on two Les Simmons free throws. An Aska layup for the Racers set the score at 7-5 Murray State with 14:37 left, and Morehead State was not able to re-gain the lead.
With the game tied at 21 at the 6:52 mark, the Racers went on the 18-2 run to push their lead to its largest of the opening half, 39-23, at the 2:15 mark. The Eagles turned the ball over four times during that span and went 1-for-6 from the field. Meanwhile, Murray State didn’t miss a shot in that four-minute span. The Racers built a 43-28 halftime margin in their favor.
The Racers connected on 60 percent (15-of-25) in the opening half. The Eagles shot 39 percent but turned the ball over nine times. Murray took advantage, scoring 13 points off Eagle miscues. The Eagles out-rebounded the Racers 16-8 in the opening 20 minutes, but MSU was only able to convert five second chance points.
Murray State built its lead to as much as 32 in the second half. The Eagles finished the contest shooting 41 percent overall.
Morehead State has next week idle for final exams and then returns to action at home at Dec. 15 against St. Catharine’s College at Noon. The early tip time is to accommodate the attendance of the local area elementary schools.
Morehead State 56
Final from Murray, Kentucky
Game recap from Morehead State:
An 18-2 scoring run midway through the first half broke open a close game and allowed the host Murray State Racers to pull away for an 86-56 win over the Morehead State Eagles Saturday night at Murray’s Regional Special Events Center.
The Eagles fell to 2-4 and 1-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference, while the Racers upped their record to 7-1 and 2-0 in the league.
The Racers never looked back after breaking the game open the first half. Murray State finished the game shooting 57 percent, including hitting 11-of-24 from three-point range. The Eagles tried to zone the host Racers on defense, but Murray State, which ranks fourth in the nation field goal percentage, wasn’t fazed.
"Going into this game the plan was to make them take threes," said Eagle head coach Donnie Tyndall. "They only had one game where they had made five and they hit 11 tonight."
Kenneth Faried posted his fifth double-double of the season for the Eagles with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Demonte Harper also reached double figures with a team high 15 points. The Eagles committed 18 turnovers and had just seven assists.
Murray State was led by Danero Thomas with 18 points. BJ Jenkins scored 17, and Ivan Aska totaled 10.
"They are the best team in our league and when they shoot it like that they're tough to beat," said Tyndall. "We've got a long way to go. We are not where we need to be."
The game remained tight throughout much of the first half. The Eagles led 5-3 on two Les Simmons free throws. An Aska layup for the Racers set the score at 7-5 Murray State with 14:37 left, and Morehead State was not able to re-gain the lead.
With the game tied at 21 at the 6:52 mark, the Racers went on the 18-2 run to push their lead to its largest of the opening half, 39-23, at the 2:15 mark. The Eagles turned the ball over four times during that span and went 1-for-6 from the field. Meanwhile, Murray State didn’t miss a shot in that four-minute span. The Racers built a 43-28 halftime margin in their favor.
The Racers connected on 60 percent (15-of-25) in the opening half. The Eagles shot 39 percent but turned the ball over nine times. Murray took advantage, scoring 13 points off Eagle miscues. The Eagles out-rebounded the Racers 16-8 in the opening 20 minutes, but MSU was only able to convert five second chance points.
Murray State built its lead to as much as 32 in the second half. The Eagles finished the contest shooting 41 percent overall.
Morehead State has next week idle for final exams and then returns to action at home at Dec. 15 against St. Catharine’s College at Noon. The early tip time is to accommodate the attendance of the local area elementary schools.
Campbellsville Basketball Falls to Ranked Opponent
Olivet Nazarene 78
Campbellsville 63
Final from Bourbonnais, Illinois
Game recap from Campbellsville:
Campbellsville, playing its fourth Top-25-ranked team of the young season, was unable to make it three out of four as Olivet Nazarene University defeated the Tigers, 78-63, Saturday in Bourbonnais, Ill.
"We were never really in the game," said coach Keith Adkins by phone after the game. "They got us down early and never let up."
Campbellsville (7-3) made several runs at Olivet (5-3), Adkins said, but every run was met with an answer from the 25th-ranked team. The Tigers managed to cut the deficit to six or seven in the second half after trailing 48-34 at intermission.
"Every time we made a run they'd do something," said Adkins. "I don't think we were ready to play for whatever reason. We didn't have a lot of energy. Seemed like we had to manufacture every shot. Nothing came easy."
Campbellsville was led in scoring by Nestor Colmenares' 28 points, which tied him for game-high scoring honors with Olivet's Josh Bronke. Colmenares was the only Tiger in double figures.
Adkins' squad was out-rebounded 35-30, but made one (9) more free throw than their opponent.
The Tigers return home for a Wednesday matchup with Spalding at 7:30 p.m.
Campbellsville 63
Final from Bourbonnais, Illinois
Game recap from Campbellsville:
Campbellsville, playing its fourth Top-25-ranked team of the young season, was unable to make it three out of four as Olivet Nazarene University defeated the Tigers, 78-63, Saturday in Bourbonnais, Ill.
"We were never really in the game," said coach Keith Adkins by phone after the game. "They got us down early and never let up."
Campbellsville (7-3) made several runs at Olivet (5-3), Adkins said, but every run was met with an answer from the 25th-ranked team. The Tigers managed to cut the deficit to six or seven in the second half after trailing 48-34 at intermission.
"Every time we made a run they'd do something," said Adkins. "I don't think we were ready to play for whatever reason. We didn't have a lot of energy. Seemed like we had to manufacture every shot. Nothing came easy."
Campbellsville was led in scoring by Nestor Colmenares' 28 points, which tied him for game-high scoring honors with Olivet's Josh Bronke. Colmenares was the only Tiger in double figures.
Adkins' squad was out-rebounded 35-30, but made one (9) more free throw than their opponent.
The Tigers return home for a Wednesday matchup with Spalding at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Source: 2011 Star Quincy Miller "Loves Kentucky"
I will have more details on this after his visit ends, but all preliminary indications are that 2011 forward Quincy Miller has enjoyed a great visit to Lexington.
A good source tells me, "He absolutely loves Kentucky and Rupp..."
Kentucky could not have provided a better atmosphere for a good first impression than today's game against North Carolina. It was a Rupp Arena record attendance figure and the crowd was really into the game throughout. Add in a good game between two top 10 teams and the top two programs in college basketball history and it just doesn't get any better.
Miller made this statement earlier today on Twitter:
qmillertime What about those Cats? Haha hanging with J.wall right now! He got off..thanx to Carolina! Kentucky! ;)
A full day's work for Mr. Wall - he seals the victory over UNC with free throws and he's working overtime to seal the future.
Quincy Miller is a 6-8 forward in the 2011 Class. He ranks #3 on the Rivals150 List and would be a huge addition for Kentucky.
Miller's Rivals.com Profile
Follow AllKYHoops.com on Twitter
A good source tells me, "He absolutely loves Kentucky and Rupp..."
Kentucky could not have provided a better atmosphere for a good first impression than today's game against North Carolina. It was a Rupp Arena record attendance figure and the crowd was really into the game throughout. Add in a good game between two top 10 teams and the top two programs in college basketball history and it just doesn't get any better.
Miller made this statement earlier today on Twitter:
qmillertime What about those Cats? Haha hanging with J.wall right now! He got off..thanx to Carolina! Kentucky! ;)
A full day's work for Mr. Wall - he seals the victory over UNC with free throws and he's working overtime to seal the future.
Quincy Miller is a 6-8 forward in the 2011 Class. He ranks #3 on the Rivals150 List and would be a huge addition for Kentucky.
Miller's Rivals.com Profile
Follow AllKYHoops.com on Twitter
John Calipari Has One Million Reasons to Love Twitter
Kentucky head basketball coach John Calipari now has over 1,000,000 followers on the social networking site known as Twitter.
He has stated that he is planning something special to celebrate the accomplishment. If you are not already, you can follow Coach Calipari here.
Pelphrey Defeats Woods in Battle of Unforgettables
A pair of former Kentucky Wildcats that will forever be linked to one of UK's most famous teams coached against each other today as Arkansas hosted Mississippi Valley State. Arkansas is coached by John Pelphrey and the Delta Devils are under the direction of Sean Woods. The former Cats were teammates at Kentucky as members of "The Unforgettables."
Game recap from AP:
Arkansas used a balanced attack to snap a four-game losing streak Saturday, defeating Mississippi Valley State 91-54.
The Razorbacks (3-5) had lost consecutive home games to Morgan State, East Tennessee State and South Alabama, and a road game at Oklahoma before Saturday. But against the Delta Devils (1-7), Arkansas had little problems, shooting 51.6 percent from the floor while outrebounding Mississippi Valley State, 45-28.
Nine Razorback players scored, led by Jemal Farmer with 18 points. Stefan Welsh came off the bench to add 15.
Saturday's game pitted former college teammates John Pelphrey and Sean Woods against one another on the bench. Pelphrey and Woods were members of Kentucky's team tabbed as "The Unforgettables" and both have their jerseys retired in Rupp Arena.
Game recap from AP:
Arkansas used a balanced attack to snap a four-game losing streak Saturday, defeating Mississippi Valley State 91-54.
The Razorbacks (3-5) had lost consecutive home games to Morgan State, East Tennessee State and South Alabama, and a road game at Oklahoma before Saturday. But against the Delta Devils (1-7), Arkansas had little problems, shooting 51.6 percent from the floor while outrebounding Mississippi Valley State, 45-28.
Nine Razorback players scored, led by Jemal Farmer with 18 points. Stefan Welsh came off the bench to add 15.
Saturday's game pitted former college teammates John Pelphrey and Sean Woods against one another on the bench. Pelphrey and Woods were members of Kentucky's team tabbed as "The Unforgettables" and both have their jerseys retired in Rupp Arena.
Asbury Eagles Dismantle Warren Wilson
Asbury College 100
Warren Wilson 65
Final from Roland Wierwille Classic in Berea, Kentucky
Game Recap from Asbury:
Justin Jones (Hazard, Ky.) led four Eagles in double figures as Asbury rolled over the Owls of Warren Wilson College 100-65 in the Roland Wierwille Classic at Berea College. Jones notched career highs with 20 points and 16 rebounds.
Asbury (8-3) bounced back after a surprising loss to Temple Baptist on Friday night and jumped all over Warren Wilson from the get go Saturday, taking a 49-34 halftime lead. The Eagles shot much better from three point range, knocking down 15-of-41 from downtown. Brock Hurtle (North Vernon, Ind.) hit a career high six treys and finished with 20 points off the bench.
Leading scorer Phillip Morrison (Louisville, Ky.) finished with 18 points on seven-of-17 shooting, he also hit three threes. Cory Britt (Cynthiana, Ky.) scored 16 points and had a team best six assists, Morrison also had five assists.
Asbury shot 46% from the floor compared to 42% for the Owls but the Eagles took 27 more shots thanks in large part to 23 Warren Wilson turnovers. Asbury had 15 steals led by Justin Jones' four. The Eagles also pulled down 20 offensive rebounds, and won the battle on the boards 44-41.
Starting forward Brian Johnson did not play due to an ankle injury, and senior Daniel Drury made his first start of the season scoring six points on two three-pointers.
Asbury's next game will be a clash with NAIA Division I Georgetown College in Georgetown on Wednesday December 9th at 7:30 pm. The Tigers were ranked #7 in the NAIA pre-season poll.
Warren Wilson 65
Final from Roland Wierwille Classic in Berea, Kentucky
Game Recap from Asbury:
Justin Jones (Hazard, Ky.) led four Eagles in double figures as Asbury rolled over the Owls of Warren Wilson College 100-65 in the Roland Wierwille Classic at Berea College. Jones notched career highs with 20 points and 16 rebounds.
Asbury (8-3) bounced back after a surprising loss to Temple Baptist on Friday night and jumped all over Warren Wilson from the get go Saturday, taking a 49-34 halftime lead. The Eagles shot much better from three point range, knocking down 15-of-41 from downtown. Brock Hurtle (North Vernon, Ind.) hit a career high six treys and finished with 20 points off the bench.
Leading scorer Phillip Morrison (Louisville, Ky.) finished with 18 points on seven-of-17 shooting, he also hit three threes. Cory Britt (Cynthiana, Ky.) scored 16 points and had a team best six assists, Morrison also had five assists.
Asbury shot 46% from the floor compared to 42% for the Owls but the Eagles took 27 more shots thanks in large part to 23 Warren Wilson turnovers. Asbury had 15 steals led by Justin Jones' four. The Eagles also pulled down 20 offensive rebounds, and won the battle on the boards 44-41.
Starting forward Brian Johnson did not play due to an ankle injury, and senior Daniel Drury made his first start of the season scoring six points on two three-pointers.
Asbury's next game will be a clash with NAIA Division I Georgetown College in Georgetown on Wednesday December 9th at 7:30 pm. The Tigers were ranked #7 in the NAIA pre-season poll.
Ed Davender's Attorney Withdraws at the Last Minute
Excerpt of article from Kentucky.com:
The attorney for a former University of Kentucky men's basketball player accused of running a ticket scam totaling more than $70,000 withdrew from the case Friday moments before court proceedings.
Ed Davender's attorney, Stephen McFayden, has been replaced by Steve Romines, a Louisville attorney who represented Shane Ragland in Ragland's murder trial.
Complete Article
The attorney for a former University of Kentucky men's basketball player accused of running a ticket scam totaling more than $70,000 withdrew from the case Friday moments before court proceedings.
Ed Davender's attorney, Stephen McFayden, has been replaced by Steve Romines, a Louisville attorney who represented Shane Ragland in Ragland's murder trial.
Complete Article
Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari Talks After Game
First, he sends a joke to Seth Davis:
Then, he speaks to the media (courtesy John Clay, Lexington Herald-Leader):
Then, he speaks to the media (courtesy John Clay, Lexington Herald-Leader):
Kentucky Wildcats Ruin Robert Ferringo's Day
Remember Robert Ferringo? He is the "professional" handicapper that released an article earlier in the week proclaiming the Kentucky Wildcats to be the nation's most overrated team. As a refresher, here is an excerpt of his article:
Well, I'm going to go out on what I feel is a very sturdy limb and say that Kentucky is by far the most overrated college basketball team in the nation.
The Wildcats suck. And I'm not kidding. They are completely and totally overrated as a Top 5 team and I, personally, think that if you stripped the name off the jersey this would be an NIT team. They don't suck like a Big West bottom feeder, but if we're grading them based on how they relate to the other BCS conference teams I can unequivocally say that this is not a really good basketball team.
And, his comments on Patrick Patterson (the same Patterson that led Kentucky with 19 points today):
Then there is Patrick Patterson. For some reason people think that this guy is an All-American talent. I don't see it. He has no face up game, he doesn't pass or handle the ball, and he basically is just one of those guys that's just freakishly more athletic than his opponents. He couldn't take this team to the NCAA Tournament last year so now I'm supposed to believe that he's going to get them to Indianapolis? Child, please.
Oh yeah, what was that he said about John Wall:
John Wall leads the team with 19 points per game, but I've yet to watch the game in which I found myself saying, "Wow, that guy is just dominating and is clearly the best player on the floor."
Yes Robert, Wall and Patterson are clearly average players. Kentucky obviously sucks and they are definitely overrated. I have already purchased my NIT tickets.
You're a professional handicapper? Child, please.
Related article from earlier in the week
Well, I'm going to go out on what I feel is a very sturdy limb and say that Kentucky is by far the most overrated college basketball team in the nation.
The Wildcats suck. And I'm not kidding. They are completely and totally overrated as a Top 5 team and I, personally, think that if you stripped the name off the jersey this would be an NIT team. They don't suck like a Big West bottom feeder, but if we're grading them based on how they relate to the other BCS conference teams I can unequivocally say that this is not a really good basketball team.
And, his comments on Patrick Patterson (the same Patterson that led Kentucky with 19 points today):
Then there is Patrick Patterson. For some reason people think that this guy is an All-American talent. I don't see it. He has no face up game, he doesn't pass or handle the ball, and he basically is just one of those guys that's just freakishly more athletic than his opponents. He couldn't take this team to the NCAA Tournament last year so now I'm supposed to believe that he's going to get them to Indianapolis? Child, please.
Oh yeah, what was that he said about John Wall:
John Wall leads the team with 19 points per game, but I've yet to watch the game in which I found myself saying, "Wow, that guy is just dominating and is clearly the best player on the floor."
Yes Robert, Wall and Patterson are clearly average players. Kentucky obviously sucks and they are definitely overrated. I have already purchased my NIT tickets.
You're a professional handicapper? Child, please.
Related article from earlier in the week
"Overrated" Wildcats Issue Statement to Basketball World
Kentucky 68
North Carolina 66
Final from Lexington, Kentucky
Game recap by AllKYHoops.com:
The fifth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (8-0), who had been labelled as overrated following close victories over Miami (OH) and Stanford, held off a second half surge from tenth-ranked North Carolina to defeat the Tar Heels 68-66.
Patrick Patterson led Kentucky with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Freshman sensation John Wall overcame a leg injury to score 16 points, including two decisive free throws with four seconds remaining.
Deon Thompson led North Carolina (7-2) with 14 points and Will Graves added 13, but the Tar Heels were unable to overcome the talented Wildcats.
The game was played in front of a Rupp Arena record crowd of 24,468.
The victory inched Kentucky closer to becoming the first team to ever reach 2,000 wins. The Wildcats have 1,996, while North Carolina has 1,991.
North Carolina 66
Final from Lexington, Kentucky
Game recap by AllKYHoops.com:
The fifth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (8-0), who had been labelled as overrated following close victories over Miami (OH) and Stanford, held off a second half surge from tenth-ranked North Carolina to defeat the Tar Heels 68-66.
Patrick Patterson led Kentucky with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Freshman sensation John Wall overcame a leg injury to score 16 points, including two decisive free throws with four seconds remaining.
Deon Thompson led North Carolina (7-2) with 14 points and Will Graves added 13, but the Tar Heels were unable to overcome the talented Wildcats.
The game was played in front of a Rupp Arena record crowd of 24,468.
The victory inched Kentucky closer to becoming the first team to ever reach 2,000 wins. The Wildcats have 1,996, while North Carolina has 1,991.
Kentucky Wildcats Have First Half e-Rupp-tion
Great stuff from ESPN's Andy Katz:
The early part of the game lived up to the hype. North Carolina jumped out early, with its size and experience (yes even though the Tar Heels are young too) to a 9-2 lead. And then Kentucky freshman John Wall -- and let’s not fool ourselves the top pick in the June NBA draft -- took over for a 16-0 run that included two game-changing plays. Wall flushed a dunk and then came down with a reverse, contorted layup in traffic.
Wall fed Darius Miller for 3s, pushed tempo, and ensured the Wildcats got back in the game and elevated the crowd.
Had Larry Drew II not made a soft baseline jumper the Wildcats may have gone on a Kansas-like run (36-0? No, I kid on that one, this is hardly Alcorn). It was spinning out of control for Carolina during a 28-2 UK run over a few-minute span.
Complete article from ESPN.com
My halftime thoughts:
- If there were any questions about the Kentucky Wildcats, they have been answered
- John Wall is unbelievably good
- Kentucky is knocking down outside jumpers, which was supposedly their only weak spot
- There has been talk of UK being overrated; did the Cats have another gear?
- There's still 20 minutes of basketball remaining; there can't be any letdowns or UNC will win the game
- The atmosphere at Rupp Arena is tremendous
The early part of the game lived up to the hype. North Carolina jumped out early, with its size and experience (yes even though the Tar Heels are young too) to a 9-2 lead. And then Kentucky freshman John Wall -- and let’s not fool ourselves the top pick in the June NBA draft -- took over for a 16-0 run that included two game-changing plays. Wall flushed a dunk and then came down with a reverse, contorted layup in traffic.
Wall fed Darius Miller for 3s, pushed tempo, and ensured the Wildcats got back in the game and elevated the crowd.
Had Larry Drew II not made a soft baseline jumper the Wildcats may have gone on a Kansas-like run (36-0? No, I kid on that one, this is hardly Alcorn). It was spinning out of control for Carolina during a 28-2 UK run over a few-minute span.
Complete article from ESPN.com
My halftime thoughts:
- If there were any questions about the Kentucky Wildcats, they have been answered
- John Wall is unbelievably good
- Kentucky is knocking down outside jumpers, which was supposedly their only weak spot
- There has been talk of UK being overrated; did the Cats have another gear?
- There's still 20 minutes of basketball remaining; there can't be any letdowns or UNC will win the game
- The atmosphere at Rupp Arena is tremendous
Asbury Basketball Suffers Heartbreaking Loss
Temple Basptist 89
Asbury College 88
Final from Roland Wierwille Classic in Berea, Kentucky
Game recap from Asbury:
Phillip Morrison (Louisville, Ky.) scored a career high 37 points but it wasn't enough as Asbury fell to Temple Baptist College 88-89 on Friday night at the Seabury Center at Berea College.
Asbury (7-3) snapped a four game winning streak overall and lost to Temple Baptist for the first time in 15 meetings. The Eagles struggled from the three point line all night long, hitting only eight-of-29 from beyond the arc. The Rams were nine-of-23 from three point range. Asbury shot 44% for the game while Temple Baptist shot only 40% but the Rams pulled down 21 offensive rebounds and won the battle on the boards 59-43 for the game.
Morrison topped 30 points for the third time this season, the first time in a losing effort. He was 12-of-28 from the floor but like the rest of the team struggled from the three point line, shooting only one-of-nine. Morrison did go to the free throw line 14 times and knocked down 12. He scored 34 points when the two teams met two weeks ago.
Adam Delph (Louisville, Ky.) was poured in a career high 20 points for the Eagles on eight-of-15 shooting including two-of-four from behind the three point line. He was the only other Eagle to go to the free throw line knocking down both attempts.
The Eagles only complied 10 assists on 33 made field goals, Morrison led the way with four and Delph added three. Morrison and Delph also pulled down a season high eight and six rebounds respectively. Justin Jones (Hazard, Ky.) led the team with nine, he also added six blocks.
Temple Baptist was led by Ron Nelson and Kendell Cunningham who each scored 23 points and pulled down double-digit rebounds with 12 and 15 respectively. Nelson also had seven assists.
Asbury will face Warren Wilson on Saturday December 5th at 2:00 pm in the second day of the Roland Wierwille Classic at Berea College.
Asbury College 88
Final from Roland Wierwille Classic in Berea, Kentucky
Game recap from Asbury:
Phillip Morrison (Louisville, Ky.) scored a career high 37 points but it wasn't enough as Asbury fell to Temple Baptist College 88-89 on Friday night at the Seabury Center at Berea College.
Asbury (7-3) snapped a four game winning streak overall and lost to Temple Baptist for the first time in 15 meetings. The Eagles struggled from the three point line all night long, hitting only eight-of-29 from beyond the arc. The Rams were nine-of-23 from three point range. Asbury shot 44% for the game while Temple Baptist shot only 40% but the Rams pulled down 21 offensive rebounds and won the battle on the boards 59-43 for the game.
Morrison topped 30 points for the third time this season, the first time in a losing effort. He was 12-of-28 from the floor but like the rest of the team struggled from the three point line, shooting only one-of-nine. Morrison did go to the free throw line 14 times and knocked down 12. He scored 34 points when the two teams met two weeks ago.
Adam Delph (Louisville, Ky.) was poured in a career high 20 points for the Eagles on eight-of-15 shooting including two-of-four from behind the three point line. He was the only other Eagle to go to the free throw line knocking down both attempts.
The Eagles only complied 10 assists on 33 made field goals, Morrison led the way with four and Delph added three. Morrison and Delph also pulled down a season high eight and six rebounds respectively. Justin Jones (Hazard, Ky.) led the team with nine, he also added six blocks.
Temple Baptist was led by Ron Nelson and Kendell Cunningham who each scored 23 points and pulled down double-digit rebounds with 12 and 15 respectively. Nelson also had seven assists.
Asbury will face Warren Wilson on Saturday December 5th at 2:00 pm in the second day of the Roland Wierwille Classic at Berea College.
Racial Bias on AP All-America Team?
First, a disclaimer - I'm not buying this at all but I feel it is relevant to allow readers to check the article out. Here is an excerpt from an article on Eog.com:
AP EXPOSED AGAIN.....
The Associated Press last month named its preseason college basketball All-American team. The AP All-American first team included Sherron Collins (Kansas), Patrick Patterson (Kentucky) and three American-born white players: Luke Harangody (Notre Dame), Kyle Singler (Duke) and Cole Aldrich (Kansas).
At best, the first-team members were a poor choice; at worst, the AP voting smacked of racial bias.
The selection of Luke Harangody was a colossal mistake. There are at least 50, let alone five, collegiate players better than Harangody. His game has improved only marginally since his freshman season in 2006. His skill set works well against overmatched foes, but when challenged by more talented players, Harangody's weaknesses are exposed. Harangody's inability to dribble and his lack of explosiveness limit his potential growth. Nothing Harangody does at Notre Dame translates to the NBA level.
In a sport dominated by African-American athletes, how did three white players make the AP starting five?
The Associated Press selection process involved the polling of 71 college basketball writers. The vast majority of voters (approximately 80%) are white.
It's fair to assume white voters, showing bias, selected white players.
Five years ago, Associated Press withdrew its participation from the Bowl Championship Series to avoid any scandals involved with the highly-controversial selection process.
Similarly, Associated Press should disqualify itself from the college basketball voting process. If not, the news source should publish an investigative report on a flawed voting process within its organization.
Source
My thoughts: I'm not seeing anything but the best five players in the country making the first team. What do you think?
AP EXPOSED AGAIN.....
The Associated Press last month named its preseason college basketball All-American team. The AP All-American first team included Sherron Collins (Kansas), Patrick Patterson (Kentucky) and three American-born white players: Luke Harangody (Notre Dame), Kyle Singler (Duke) and Cole Aldrich (Kansas).
At best, the first-team members were a poor choice; at worst, the AP voting smacked of racial bias.
The selection of Luke Harangody was a colossal mistake. There are at least 50, let alone five, collegiate players better than Harangody. His game has improved only marginally since his freshman season in 2006. His skill set works well against overmatched foes, but when challenged by more talented players, Harangody's weaknesses are exposed. Harangody's inability to dribble and his lack of explosiveness limit his potential growth. Nothing Harangody does at Notre Dame translates to the NBA level.
In a sport dominated by African-American athletes, how did three white players make the AP starting five?
The Associated Press selection process involved the polling of 71 college basketball writers. The vast majority of voters (approximately 80%) are white.
It's fair to assume white voters, showing bias, selected white players.
Five years ago, Associated Press withdrew its participation from the Bowl Championship Series to avoid any scandals involved with the highly-controversial selection process.
Similarly, Associated Press should disqualify itself from the college basketball voting process. If not, the news source should publish an investigative report on a flawed voting process within its organization.
Source
My thoughts: I'm not seeing anything but the best five players in the country making the first team. What do you think?
Friday, December 4, 2009
UConn's Stanley Robinson Says Cousins is "Too Cocky"
Connecticut big man Stanley Robinson says he is looking forward to competing against Kentucky next week. He also had some interesting comments on Kentucky freshman, and fellow Birmingham native, DeMarcus Cousins:
"He's so cocky," Robinson said of Cousins. "He's just too cocky for his own good. I'm just ready to play him. He's a freshman, so I'm ready to play him."
Bad blood?
"No, no, he just jokes too much," Robinson said. "I told him, 'Stop playing around so much.' So he jokes too much, but he's a great dude, overall."
Source
"He's so cocky," Robinson said of Cousins. "He's just too cocky for his own good. I'm just ready to play him. He's a freshman, so I'm ready to play him."
Bad blood?
"No, no, he just jokes too much," Robinson said. "I told him, 'Stop playing around so much.' So he jokes too much, but he's a great dude, overall."
Source
Joe Crawford Makes Official Return to NBA D-League
Press Release from the NBA D-League's Los Angeles D-Fenders:
The Los Angeles D-Fenders announced today the team has acquired returning player, Joe Crawford. In an effort to make room for Crawford on the roster, the D-Fenders have released Christopher Hayes.
Shooting guard, Joe Crawford was selected by the Lakers in the second round (58th pick overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft. Crawford participated in the 2008 Lakers training camp. He played in 3 exhibition games with the Lakers, where he averaged 2.7 points. The Lakers then assigned Crawford to the D-Fenders in 2008. Crawford played 43 games for the D-Fenders last season, averaging 20.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Of the 43 games, Crawford scored double figures in 42 of them. In March 2009, Crawford signed with the New York Knicks and became the 18th Gatorade Call-Up of the NBA D-League season. Crawford participated in the 2009 NBA training camp with the New York Knicks, prior to returning to the D-Fenders.
“We are happy to get Joe back on the court. He is a player that we know we can count on when we need a basket and are really excited to have him back,” said Head Coach Chucky Brown.
The Los Angeles D-Fenders announced today the team has acquired returning player, Joe Crawford. In an effort to make room for Crawford on the roster, the D-Fenders have released Christopher Hayes.
Shooting guard, Joe Crawford was selected by the Lakers in the second round (58th pick overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft. Crawford participated in the 2008 Lakers training camp. He played in 3 exhibition games with the Lakers, where he averaged 2.7 points. The Lakers then assigned Crawford to the D-Fenders in 2008. Crawford played 43 games for the D-Fenders last season, averaging 20.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Of the 43 games, Crawford scored double figures in 42 of them. In March 2009, Crawford signed with the New York Knicks and became the 18th Gatorade Call-Up of the NBA D-League season. Crawford participated in the 2009 NBA training camp with the New York Knicks, prior to returning to the D-Fenders.
“We are happy to get Joe back on the court. He is a player that we know we can count on when we need a basket and are really excited to have him back,” said Head Coach Chucky Brown.
Kentucky Basketball Fans are Crazy (In a Good Way)
WYMT.com reports:
The excitement surrounding Saturday's big basketball game between UK and North Carolina is building!
Fans are already pitching tents and prepping for the tip off at 12:30 at Rupp Arena.
Dozens of Cats fans are camped out, hoping to get the best spot in the Eruption Zone.
Doors to Rupp Arena open at 11, Saturday morning.
Some of them say they have been camped out along High Street since Wednesday.
Despite the chilly weather they say it will all be worth it tomorrow when they've got great views of the game.
The excitement surrounding Saturday's big basketball game between UK and North Carolina is building!
Fans are already pitching tents and prepping for the tip off at 12:30 at Rupp Arena.
Dozens of Cats fans are camped out, hoping to get the best spot in the Eruption Zone.
Doors to Rupp Arena open at 11, Saturday morning.
Some of them say they have been camped out along High Street since Wednesday.
Despite the chilly weather they say it will all be worth it tomorrow when they've got great views of the game.
My Thoughts: Best fans in the world...no contest. C-A-T-S, Cats, Cats, Cats!
Will the North Carolina Tar Heels Use Ginyard on Wall?
Mike DeCourcy of the SportingNews.com feels that the most intriguing element of tomorrows' Kentucky/North Carolina game will be the Tar Heels' defense against John Wall. Here is an excerpt of DeCourcy's article:
The most intriguing element of Saturday's North Carolina vs. Kentucky matchup is how the Tar Heels will choose to defend super freshman John Wall. Simply put: Will Marcus Ginyard get the call on Wall?
With help from his teammates, Ginyard unsettled All-American candidate Evan Turner of Ohio State, who committed 10 turnovers. Against Michigan State, Ginyard took turns shutting down Durrell Summers and Kalin Lucas.
Wall would be his most severe test. Wall is the most dynamic athlete at point guard since—well, only since Derrick Rose. But the two of them are the best athletes ever to play the position.
It'd be surprising, though, if Ginyard starts on Wall. If the Heels make such a major matchup change and it doesn't work early, that would throw their entire game plan out of whack.
The most intriguing element of Saturday's North Carolina vs. Kentucky matchup is how the Tar Heels will choose to defend super freshman John Wall. Simply put: Will Marcus Ginyard get the call on Wall?
With help from his teammates, Ginyard unsettled All-American candidate Evan Turner of Ohio State, who committed 10 turnovers. Against Michigan State, Ginyard took turns shutting down Durrell Summers and Kalin Lucas.
Wall would be his most severe test. Wall is the most dynamic athlete at point guard since—well, only since Derrick Rose. But the two of them are the best athletes ever to play the position.
It'd be surprising, though, if Ginyard starts on Wall. If the Heels make such a major matchup change and it doesn't work early, that would throw their entire game plan out of whack.
Louisville Cardinals Are Fighting Injuries
When the Louisville Cardinals host Charlotte Saturday, they will be forced to play without three key players.
Preston Knowles (thumb injury) and Peyton Siva (sprained wrist) were already scheduled to miss the game. Now, the Cardinals will also be without senior guard Jerry Smith, who suffered a strained Achilles' tendon in practice.
Knowles and Smith are both starters and Siva is a key contributor off the bench for head coach Rick Pitino. Sophomore George Goode will likely get his first career start in place of Smith.
Rick Pitino's comments from Courier-Journal.com:
“You’re going to see a lot of interesting lineups to say the least,” Pitino said. “We’re going to have to rely a lot on (walk-on guard) Chris Brickley. Having two starters and our first sub out depletes our backcourt, so we’re going to have to be smart in this game.”
Related article from C-J
Louisville Cardinals Basketball
Preston Knowles (thumb injury) and Peyton Siva (sprained wrist) were already scheduled to miss the game. Now, the Cardinals will also be without senior guard Jerry Smith, who suffered a strained Achilles' tendon in practice.
Knowles and Smith are both starters and Siva is a key contributor off the bench for head coach Rick Pitino. Sophomore George Goode will likely get his first career start in place of Smith.
Rick Pitino's comments from Courier-Journal.com:
“You’re going to see a lot of interesting lineups to say the least,” Pitino said. “We’re going to have to rely a lot on (walk-on guard) Chris Brickley. Having two starters and our first sub out depletes our backcourt, so we’re going to have to be smart in this game.”
Related article from C-J
Louisville Cardinals Basketball
Basketball Ticket Scam: Davender Pleads Not Guilty
Former Kentucky Wildcat guard Ed Davender has given a "not guilty" plea in an alleged basketball ticket scam.
Excerpt of article from Kentucky.com:
The attorney for a former University of Kentucky men's basketball player accused of running a ticket scam totaling more than $70,000 withdrew from the case Friday moments before court proceedings.
Ed Davender's attorney, Stephen McFayden, has been replaced by Steve Romines, a Louisville attorney who represented Shane Ragland in Ragland's murder trial.
Davender, 43, of Georgetown has been indicted on 23 counts of theft by deception.
Complete Article
Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
Excerpt of article from Kentucky.com:
The attorney for a former University of Kentucky men's basketball player accused of running a ticket scam totaling more than $70,000 withdrew from the case Friday moments before court proceedings.
Ed Davender's attorney, Stephen McFayden, has been replaced by Steve Romines, a Louisville attorney who represented Shane Ragland in Ragland's murder trial.
Davender, 43, of Georgetown has been indicted on 23 counts of theft by deception.
Complete Article
Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
NCAA Basketball's Top Mid-Majors for Past Decade
StormingTheFloor.net has released a list of the decade's top 10 mid-major college basketball programs.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers make the list at #8:
8. Western Kentucky: 223-95, 5, 5 (5 auto), 3-5 The money's always greener in the Big Six, but the grass usually isn't for a mid-major coach. Dennis Felton found that out after taking the Hilltoppers to three tourney berths in the early part of the decade, and parlaying that into a disappointing tenure at Georgia. Seriously, it took a tornado to get his Dawgs into the Big Dance. Darrin Horn presided over the Sweet 16 run in 2008, and decamped for... the SEC. Hm. Anyway, some great players passed through the program, a legendary shot was made, and Big Red is still awesome. That's a great program, right there.
The Decade's Top Mid-Major Programs
1. Memphis
2. Gonzaga
3. Butler
4. Southern Illinois
5. Xavier
6. George Mason
7. Creighton
8. Western Kentucky
9. Davidson
10. Nevada
10a. Winthrop
Tremendous Basketball Article: Kentucky's John Wall
You want to know the real John Wall?
Here is an excerpt of a tremendous article about Kentucky's John Wall by Jason King of Yahoo Sports:
A 6-foot-4 point guard, Wall will almost surely turn pro after just one season at Kentucky. Most NBA analysts say he would’ve been the top overall selection in last year’s draft had he been eligible to submit his name straight out of high school.
Still, Wall hardly fits the stereotype of an arrogant, one-and-done player who views college as an annoying pit stop en route to the NBA. If anything, he’s just the opposite.
“It’s nice to be known as a good player,” Wall says. “But I want to be known as a good person, too.”
It may be awhile before Wall gets that reputation nationally. In Lexington, though, it’s already established.
When he’s not at practice or in the weight room, Wall spends a large chunk of his free time roaming the halls of university’s athletic offices, hobnobbing with administrators 20 and 30 years his elder – or plopping down in a chair to read a basketball magazine.
Hardly the habits of a prima donna.
Highly Recommended: Complete Article
Here is an excerpt of a tremendous article about Kentucky's John Wall by Jason King of Yahoo Sports:
A 6-foot-4 point guard, Wall will almost surely turn pro after just one season at Kentucky. Most NBA analysts say he would’ve been the top overall selection in last year’s draft had he been eligible to submit his name straight out of high school.
Still, Wall hardly fits the stereotype of an arrogant, one-and-done player who views college as an annoying pit stop en route to the NBA. If anything, he’s just the opposite.
“It’s nice to be known as a good player,” Wall says. “But I want to be known as a good person, too.”
It may be awhile before Wall gets that reputation nationally. In Lexington, though, it’s already established.
When he’s not at practice or in the weight room, Wall spends a large chunk of his free time roaming the halls of university’s athletic offices, hobnobbing with administrators 20 and 30 years his elder – or plopping down in a chair to read a basketball magazine.
Hardly the habits of a prima donna.
Highly Recommended: Complete Article
Photo: Clay Jackson; http://www.claysdaze.com/
Kenneth Faried: "Best Rebounder in the Country, Period"
SlamOnline.com states that Morehead State's Kenneth Faried is a name to remember this season. Here is an excerpt about Faried:
Faried is the best rebounder in the country, period. He can lay claim to being one of the best rebounders this decade. Since arriving on the scene at Morehead State three years ago, his has never averaged fewer than 15.6 rebounds per-40 minutes - of course all of this has been done in obscurity. At 6-8 he is a little undersized for the pro level but is an absolute machine against college players. Through five games he is averaging over 19 points and 12 rebounds per game, with per-40 minute averages of 24 and nearly 16. So keep this name in mind for Bracket Buster Weekend later in the season and impress your friends when you can call out Morehead State’s ball hawk.
My Thoughts: I enjoy watching Kenneth Faried play basketball as much as anyone I can remember. He plays hard on every play and he goes after the ball. A wise entrepreneur could make an intructional video on how to rebound using game clips of Faried.
A quick check on NCAA stats: Faried currently ranks 3rd in rebounding average in the nation at 12.5 RPG; he has 4 consecutive double-doubles and his stats figure to improve in OVC play
John Wall Named One of Sports Top Future Superstars
Kentucky's John Wall has been named one of the top 10 future sports superstars by BleacherReport.com. Wall ranks #4 on the list behind Brandon Jennings (NBA), Chris Johnson (NFL) and Stephen Strasburg (MLB). Thoughts on Wall:
4. John Wall - University of Kentucky (NCAA Men's Basketball)
Get used to the name, basketball fans. John Wall to many is considered the next Derrick Rose, and is already considered to be the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Keep crossing your fingers, Nets fans, you never know, a backcourt with Wall and Devin Harris might bring you back to contention in the Eastern Conference.
Kentucky Basketball Recruit Quincy Miller Visiting Today
Quincy Miller, a talented 6-8 forward in the 2011 class, will be visiting Kentucky today and tomorrow.
He posted this on Twitter this morning:
qmillertime Excited as hell for the UK game 2mar! Let's get money big bro J.Wall!!
Miller ranks #3 on the Rivals150 List for 2011.
Get to know Quincy Miller:
He posted this on Twitter this morning:
qmillertime Excited as hell for the UK game 2mar! Let's get money big bro J.Wall!!
Miller ranks #3 on the Rivals150 List for 2011.
Get to know Quincy Miller:
Faried Leads Morehead State to Conference Road Win
Morehead State 74
UT-Martin 66
Final from Martin, Tennessee
Game recap by AllKYHoops.com
Morehead State (2-3, 1-0 OVC) held off a late surge from the homestanding Skyhawks to start the OVC season out with a tough road victory. The Eagles, who led by as many as 13 in the second half, were challenged late but held on for the 74-66 win.
Kenneth Faried illustrated why he was named preseason favorite to win OVC Player of the Year as he went for 19 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Eagles. After the game, Faried noted how focused the Eagles are heading into conference play.
"We are hungry again," Faried stated. "We picked up the road win against a really good UT-Martin team. They played a great game and Simmons has really improved."
I jokingly asked the Morehead State big man, who had been shooting 82% from the free throw line on the season, what happened late in the second half when he missed the rim on a free throw attempt.
"Uh, you know, I had just injured my hand on the play before," he said while laughing.
MSU point guard Brandon Shingles dished out 9 assists in the contest, one short of the career high he established in the Eagles' last game. Les Simmons and Demonte Harper each added 15 points for Morehead State.
Benzor Simmons led all scorers with 22 points for UT-Martin.
“Benzor Simmons might be the most improved player in our league,” Tyndall said. “They really spread the floor with their quick guards they have.”
The Eagles shot 45.8% from the field and held UT-Martin to only 32.8% shooting. Morehead State was seemingly solid in every facet of the game except for turnovers. The Skyhawks forced 17 Eagle turnovers which ultimately kept the game close.
“The one thing that concerns me is the 17 turnovers, but we defended so well that we were able to overcome that,” Tyndall said.
Morehead State travels to Murray State on Saturday for an early matchup of preseason OVC co-favorites.
UT-Martin 66
Final from Martin, Tennessee
Game recap by AllKYHoops.com
Morehead State (2-3, 1-0 OVC) held off a late surge from the homestanding Skyhawks to start the OVC season out with a tough road victory. The Eagles, who led by as many as 13 in the second half, were challenged late but held on for the 74-66 win.
Kenneth Faried illustrated why he was named preseason favorite to win OVC Player of the Year as he went for 19 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Eagles. After the game, Faried noted how focused the Eagles are heading into conference play.
"We are hungry again," Faried stated. "We picked up the road win against a really good UT-Martin team. They played a great game and Simmons has really improved."
I jokingly asked the Morehead State big man, who had been shooting 82% from the free throw line on the season, what happened late in the second half when he missed the rim on a free throw attempt.
"Uh, you know, I had just injured my hand on the play before," he said while laughing.
MSU point guard Brandon Shingles dished out 9 assists in the contest, one short of the career high he established in the Eagles' last game. Les Simmons and Demonte Harper each added 15 points for Morehead State.
Benzor Simmons led all scorers with 22 points for UT-Martin.
“Benzor Simmons might be the most improved player in our league,” Tyndall said. “They really spread the floor with their quick guards they have.”
The Eagles shot 45.8% from the field and held UT-Martin to only 32.8% shooting. Morehead State was seemingly solid in every facet of the game except for turnovers. The Skyhawks forced 17 Eagle turnovers which ultimately kept the game close.
“The one thing that concerns me is the 17 turnovers, but we defended so well that we were able to overcome that,” Tyndall said.
Morehead State travels to Murray State on Saturday for an early matchup of preseason OVC co-favorites.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Murray State Escapes Eastern Kentucky in OVC Action
Murray State 62
Eastern Kentucky 60
Final from Murray, Kentucky
Game recap by AllKYHoops.com:
Murray State (6-1, 1-0 OVC) fought off the strong outside shooting of Eastern Kentucky to earn a 62-60 homecourt victory on the first night of conference play. MSU dominated the game on the inside, but the Colonels led most of the way after going 10-23 from the 3-point line. Murray State’s B.J. Jenkins hit the game-winning jumper with 2.4 seconds left in regulation.
The Racers placed three players in double figures, led by Tony Easley with 14 points. Isacc Miles added 13 and Jeffery McClain scored 12 off the bench.
Papa Oppong led Eastern Kentucky (5-2, 0-1 OVC) with 18 points, including 4-5 from long range. Josh Taylor contributed 15 points, but was only 6-17 from the field and 2-9 from beyond the arc.
The Racers were able to overcome EKU's 3-point shooting with rebounding and defense. Murray State won the rebounding battle 36-23 and forced the Colonels into 20 turnovers.
Both teams return to OVC action on Saturday as Murray State will host Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky travels to UT-Martin.
Eastern Kentucky 60
Final from Murray, Kentucky
Game recap by AllKYHoops.com:
Murray State (6-1, 1-0 OVC) fought off the strong outside shooting of Eastern Kentucky to earn a 62-60 homecourt victory on the first night of conference play. MSU dominated the game on the inside, but the Colonels led most of the way after going 10-23 from the 3-point line. Murray State’s B.J. Jenkins hit the game-winning jumper with 2.4 seconds left in regulation.
The Racers placed three players in double figures, led by Tony Easley with 14 points. Isacc Miles added 13 and Jeffery McClain scored 12 off the bench.
Papa Oppong led Eastern Kentucky (5-2, 0-1 OVC) with 18 points, including 4-5 from long range. Josh Taylor contributed 15 points, but was only 6-17 from the field and 2-9 from beyond the arc.
The Racers were able to overcome EKU's 3-point shooting with rebounding and defense. Murray State won the rebounding battle 36-23 and forced the Colonels into 20 turnovers.
Both teams return to OVC action on Saturday as Murray State will host Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky travels to UT-Martin.
Kentucky Coach John Calipari Proud of His Catholic Faith
Excerpt of article from TheBostonPilot.com:
"It's important to me that people know I have a strong faith," he said. "I couldn't have handled the jobs I've had by myself."
One of the ways Calipari feeds that faith is by attending Mass during the week. In Lexington, he has been seen at the Cathedral of Christ the King and at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Church.
Calipari was picked for the Kentucky job this spring, becoming the highest paid college basketball coach in the country. Heading into a Dec. 5 game against North Carolina, his Wildcats had a 7-0 record for the 2009-2010 regular season.
Calipari credits God's plan for his life and the life of his family. "I believe that things happen for a reason," he said.
As in Memphis, Catholics in Lexington are a minority. Like many families in the diocese, the Calipari family is interdenominational.
"When we got married, my wife was a better Methodist than I was a Catholic," Calipari said. He met his wife, Ellen, while he was working as an assistant coach at the University of Kansas.
The Caliparis have raised their children -- daughters Erin and Megan and son Bradley -- as Methodists.
Something -- he doesn't remember exactly what -- pushed him back toward the Catholic Church eight to 10 years ago and Calipari began attending Holy Rosary Church in Memphis. "They called me a 'Metholic,'" Calipari said. "I would go to the Methodist church with my family on Sundays and to the Catholic church during the week."
"It's important to me that people know I have a strong faith," he said. "I couldn't have handled the jobs I've had by myself."
One of the ways Calipari feeds that faith is by attending Mass during the week. In Lexington, he has been seen at the Cathedral of Christ the King and at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Church.
Calipari was picked for the Kentucky job this spring, becoming the highest paid college basketball coach in the country. Heading into a Dec. 5 game against North Carolina, his Wildcats had a 7-0 record for the 2009-2010 regular season.
Calipari credits God's plan for his life and the life of his family. "I believe that things happen for a reason," he said.
As in Memphis, Catholics in Lexington are a minority. Like many families in the diocese, the Calipari family is interdenominational.
"When we got married, my wife was a better Methodist than I was a Catholic," Calipari said. He met his wife, Ellen, while he was working as an assistant coach at the University of Kansas.
The Caliparis have raised their children -- daughters Erin and Megan and son Bradley -- as Methodists.
Something -- he doesn't remember exactly what -- pushed him back toward the Catholic Church eight to 10 years ago and Calipari began attending Holy Rosary Church in Memphis. "They called me a 'Metholic,'" Calipari said. "I would go to the Methodist church with my family on Sundays and to the Catholic church during the week."
Kentucky Wildcats Nearing 2,000 Basketball Wins
Excerpt of article by Will Graves, AP Sports Writer:
Kentucky has long trumpeted itself as the program with "the greatest tradition in college basketball." Now the Wildcats are closing in on another piece of history: the first program with 2,000 victories.
The fifth-ranked Wildcats are five wins shy in their 107th season heading into Saturday's game against No. 10 North Carolina, which ranks second in victories with 1,991.
"It's a big deal for the Commonwealth," said coach John Calipari of reaching the plateau first. However, Calipari is more focused with getting his young team ready for what is also important to Wildcats fans - championships.
"The reality of it is we're playing for March," Calipari said. "That's how I've always coached. We're playing for March."
Kentucky (7-0) has 1,995 victories, the first coming when the school known as State College beat the Lexington YMCA 11-10 on Feb. 18, 1903. The school's spot atop the totem pole is a source of pride throughout Kentucky and the program's march to become the first with 2,000 wins has seemed as much of a foregone conclusion as the band playing "My Old Kentucky Home" at the end of each game.
Complete Article
Kentucky has long trumpeted itself as the program with "the greatest tradition in college basketball." Now the Wildcats are closing in on another piece of history: the first program with 2,000 victories.
The fifth-ranked Wildcats are five wins shy in their 107th season heading into Saturday's game against No. 10 North Carolina, which ranks second in victories with 1,991.
"It's a big deal for the Commonwealth," said coach John Calipari of reaching the plateau first. However, Calipari is more focused with getting his young team ready for what is also important to Wildcats fans - championships.
"The reality of it is we're playing for March," Calipari said. "That's how I've always coached. We're playing for March."
Kentucky (7-0) has 1,995 victories, the first coming when the school known as State College beat the Lexington YMCA 11-10 on Feb. 18, 1903. The school's spot atop the totem pole is a source of pride throughout Kentucky and the program's march to become the first with 2,000 wins has seemed as much of a foregone conclusion as the band playing "My Old Kentucky Home" at the end of each game.
Complete Article
Fordham University Basketball and Billy Gillispie
Fordham coach Dereck Whittenburg was fired this afternoon and assistant Jared Grasso will replace him on an interim basis.
“We have great respect for Dereck as a coach and person, and appreciate his contribution to Fordham, his integrity and his dedication to the student athletes,” said Fordham AD Frank McLaughlin. “We wish him and his family well.
“This was a difficult decision, but we felt that we needed a new direction for the basketball program at this time. It’s a priority of the University to have a successful program in the competitive Atlantic 10 Conference.”
Somewhere in the Midwest plains, former Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie is unemployed and searching for a route back to major college basketball following issues with alcoholism.
“We have great respect for Dereck as a coach and person, and appreciate his contribution to Fordham, his integrity and his dedication to the student athletes,” said Fordham AD Frank McLaughlin. “We wish him and his family well.
“This was a difficult decision, but we felt that we needed a new direction for the basketball program at this time. It’s a priority of the University to have a successful program in the competitive Atlantic 10 Conference.”
Somewhere in the Midwest plains, former Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie is unemployed and searching for a route back to major college basketball following issues with alcoholism.
Could Billy Gillispie use Fordham University as a mid-major stepping stone and a return to high-level DI basketball?
Probably not, but how ironic would it be if Billy Gillispie managed to land a job at F.U.?
OVC Regular Season Basketball Tips Off Tonight
The Ohio Valley Conference regular season for basketball begins tonight on national television. Eastern Kentucky travels to Murray State for a battle on ESPNU at 7:00 p.m. Morehead State goes on the road to face Tennessee-Martin at 8:30 p.m.
OVC Schedule
Tonight:
7:00 p.m. Eastern Kentucky (5-1) @ Murray State (5-1) (ESPNU)
8:30 p.m. SE Missouri State (2-5) @ Austin Peay (3-4)
8:30 p.m. Morehead State (1-3) @ UT-Martin (1-3)
8:30 p.m. Eastern Illinois (3-2) @ Tennessee State (1-6)
Saturday:
5:30 p.m. Tennessee Tech (3-5) @ Jacksonville State (2-4)
7:00 p.m. Eastern Kentucky @ UT-Martin
7:30 p.m. Morehead State @ Murray State
8:30 p.m. Eastern Illinois @ Austin Peay
8:30 p.m. SE Missouri State @ Tennessee State
OVC Schedule
Tonight:
7:00 p.m. Eastern Kentucky (5-1) @ Murray State (5-1) (ESPNU)
8:30 p.m. SE Missouri State (2-5) @ Austin Peay (3-4)
8:30 p.m. Morehead State (1-3) @ UT-Martin (1-3)
8:30 p.m. Eastern Illinois (3-2) @ Tennessee State (1-6)
Saturday:
5:30 p.m. Tennessee Tech (3-5) @ Jacksonville State (2-4)
7:00 p.m. Eastern Kentucky @ UT-Martin
7:30 p.m. Morehead State @ Murray State
8:30 p.m. Eastern Illinois @ Austin Peay
8:30 p.m. SE Missouri State @ Tennessee State
Kenneth Faried Rebounds the Basketball for MSU
Excerpt of article from BasketballProspectus.com:
Kenneth Faried is not necessarily a mathematician but he has a good understanding of how odds have helped him become a ferocious rebounder.
“You have to play the percentages,” the Morehead State junior forward said. “For example, if someone takes a shot from the corner and misses, there’s a 70-percent chance that the ball is going to come off on the other side of the hoop. So much of it is having an understanding where a missed shot is going to wind up. It’s just become natural for me.”
Few players in the nation played the percentages better or had better rebounding percentages last season than Faried. He finished second in defensive rebounding percentage (33.8) and eighth in offensive rebounding percentage (16.4) in helping Morehead State to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 25 years.
Though Morehead State is off to a 1-3 start, Faried has again been a rebounding machine. He is pulling down 12.5 boards a game to go with a 19.3 scoring average in 31.5 minutes a game.
However, it is not surprising that Faried is such a great rebounder. After all, he was raised to be one while growing up in Newark, N.J.
“My mother and father wouldn’t let me play unless I rebounded,” Faried said. “They wanted my game to be more than about shooting all the time and scoring points. They insisted that I had to have an all-around game and work hard on the boards, and it’s paid off.”
It has paid off to the point where Faried is drawing the notice of NBA scouts despite playing at a mid-major program and rarely getting national exposure. Draft Express ranks the 6'8", 215-pounder as the 13th-best junior in the country and the 51st-best prospect overall while ESPN’s Chad Ford has Faried at No. 61 on his top list of top 100 prospects.
Finish article here
Kenneth Faried is not necessarily a mathematician but he has a good understanding of how odds have helped him become a ferocious rebounder.
“You have to play the percentages,” the Morehead State junior forward said. “For example, if someone takes a shot from the corner and misses, there’s a 70-percent chance that the ball is going to come off on the other side of the hoop. So much of it is having an understanding where a missed shot is going to wind up. It’s just become natural for me.”
Few players in the nation played the percentages better or had better rebounding percentages last season than Faried. He finished second in defensive rebounding percentage (33.8) and eighth in offensive rebounding percentage (16.4) in helping Morehead State to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 25 years.
Though Morehead State is off to a 1-3 start, Faried has again been a rebounding machine. He is pulling down 12.5 boards a game to go with a 19.3 scoring average in 31.5 minutes a game.
However, it is not surprising that Faried is such a great rebounder. After all, he was raised to be one while growing up in Newark, N.J.
“My mother and father wouldn’t let me play unless I rebounded,” Faried said. “They wanted my game to be more than about shooting all the time and scoring points. They insisted that I had to have an all-around game and work hard on the boards, and it’s paid off.”
It has paid off to the point where Faried is drawing the notice of NBA scouts despite playing at a mid-major program and rarely getting national exposure. Draft Express ranks the 6'8", 215-pounder as the 13th-best junior in the country and the 51st-best prospect overall while ESPN’s Chad Ford has Faried at No. 61 on his top list of top 100 prospects.
Finish article here
NAIA DI Basketball: Some Random Thoughts
David Paul Estes offers some random thoughts and observations on NAIA DI basketball today and CollegeFanz Sports Network. Here are a few thoughts he has that include teams from Kentucky:
- I think Mid Continent deserves some credit. Head Coach Winston Bennett has put together one of the toughest preconference schedules in the NAIA. They've played NAIA DII Top 15 team IU Southeast twice, plus games against #14 Cumberlands (Ky), #7 Georgetown, RV Campbellsville, RV Lindsey Wilson, and RV Pikeville. Throw in a game against a solid Missouri Baptist team and another quality NAIA DII team in Mount Vernon Nazarene. There is no doubt Coach Bennett will have his squad ready for the TranSouth schedule.
- The Mid South Conference is always among the nation's best. This season it could boast it's most deep level of talent in years. Campbellsville has already beaten Union University and Freed Hardeman, West Virginia Tech took down Life, Cumberlands whipped Robert Morris by 16, and St Catherine won at Southern Poly by 10. Throw always tough Georgetown and Lindsey Wilson into the mix then stir in talented Pikeville and it will be a mad dash once their 14 game conference schedule begins.
Complete Article
- I think Mid Continent deserves some credit. Head Coach Winston Bennett has put together one of the toughest preconference schedules in the NAIA. They've played NAIA DII Top 15 team IU Southeast twice, plus games against #14 Cumberlands (Ky), #7 Georgetown, RV Campbellsville, RV Lindsey Wilson, and RV Pikeville. Throw in a game against a solid Missouri Baptist team and another quality NAIA DII team in Mount Vernon Nazarene. There is no doubt Coach Bennett will have his squad ready for the TranSouth schedule.
- The Mid South Conference is always among the nation's best. This season it could boast it's most deep level of talent in years. Campbellsville has already beaten Union University and Freed Hardeman, West Virginia Tech took down Life, Cumberlands whipped Robert Morris by 16, and St Catherine won at Southern Poly by 10. Throw always tough Georgetown and Lindsey Wilson into the mix then stir in talented Pikeville and it will be a mad dash once their 14 game conference schedule begins.
Complete Article
Maurice Harkless Will Announce Soon; UK on List
Maurice Harkless, a 6-7 forward that is ranked #50 on the Rivals150 List for 2011, will make his college announcement Wednesday, December 9 on SNY.tv.
Harkless currently has Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Connecticut, St. John's, Seton Hall, Providence, Arizona, Florida State, Hofstra, Villanova and Rutgers.
Quote from ZagsBlog.com:
“Maurice Harkless is still narrowing down his college choices,” said Nathan Blue, his AAU coach. “Any talk of him being committed is premature. I, along with his high school coach and mother, will be making sure he’s comfortable about what school he chooses on Wednesday on SNY.”
My Thoughts: I don't think Kentucky of Louisville fans should be deeply involved with this one. First, I'm not sure that either school has expressed a great deal of interest in Harkless and secondly, I look for him to stay closer to home. My wild guess would be UConn.
Article from ZagsBlog.com
Harkless currently has Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Connecticut, St. John's, Seton Hall, Providence, Arizona, Florida State, Hofstra, Villanova and Rutgers.
Quote from ZagsBlog.com:
“Maurice Harkless is still narrowing down his college choices,” said Nathan Blue, his AAU coach. “Any talk of him being committed is premature. I, along with his high school coach and mother, will be making sure he’s comfortable about what school he chooses on Wednesday on SNY.”
My Thoughts: I don't think Kentucky of Louisville fans should be deeply involved with this one. First, I'm not sure that either school has expressed a great deal of interest in Harkless and secondly, I look for him to stay closer to home. My wild guess would be UConn.
Article from ZagsBlog.com
Pro Basketball Outlook on DeMarcus Cousins
Hoopsworld.com takes a look at Kentucky freshman basketball star DeMarcus Cousins and discusses his NBA potential:
DeMarcus Cousins (Kentucky)
The big 6'11 freshman has looked great so far in the early season alongside Patrick Patterson, who was able to move to his natural position thanks to the addition of Cousins. Cousins is posting up averages of 16 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks a night. Coach Calipari has been demanding of Cousins defensively and is really starting to bring out the best in him on that side of the court. Cousins gets his work done a lot differently than Favors because he's nowhere near as athletic. His offense comes as a result of solid footwork and touch around the basket. Cousins has worked his way into the first round of most mock drafts and should stay there as long as he continues to makes progress on the defensive end. It'd likely take a sophomore season for him to make his way into lottery discussion.
The article also takes a look at Derrick Favors, Xavier Henry, Lance Stephenson, John Henson, Renardo Sidney and Evan Turner.
Josh Selby Will Visit Kentucky Wildcats on Jan. 2
Talented 2010 point guard Josh Selby is scheduled to visit Lexington on January 2 for the Kentucky/Louisville basketball game.
In addition, his mother, Maeshon Witherspoon, is considering a trip to Indiana on December 12 to watch the Kentucky/Indiana game. Selby will not be able to travel with her on that trip.
Witherspoon also told TheShiver.com that Selby would like to visit Kansas on January 25 for the Big Monday matchup against Missouri.
Here are some comments from the article on TheShiver.com:
“I might have to pass since we are going to UK (Kentucky) in the 2nd (January). I am also trying to see Indiana and UK play also,” said Witherspoon of the initial plan to visit Lawrence on December 22nd.
“No he can’t make that one,” Witherspoon said of Josh making the trip to Indiana with her on the 12th. ” I would like to go. I am a basketball fan and I like watching games. I can also see two of the teams at one time,” added Witherspoon.
In related news, an article on BaltimoreSun.com confirms that Selby has taken Miami (FL) off his final list and is now down to Kentucky, Kansas, Indiana and Syracuse.
Here is a comment in the article from Jerry Meyer of Rivals.com:
"Josh has everything you look for in an elite talent," said Jerry Meyer of Rivals.com, who ranks Selby fourth in the country overall and the No. 2 point guard. "It's really a combination of three things: athleticism, high skills and competitiveness. He has all those characteristics. There's no telling how good he can be. He has a chance to be a one-and-done college player, an All-American type who can be a longtime pro that goes on to play in [ NBA] All-Star games."
John Calipari on List of New Jersey Nets' Worst Moments
Ken Berger of CBSSports.com has listed 18 ugly moments in the history of the New Jersey Nets.
The list contains things such as the sale of Dr. J, Jayson Williams and losing Lew Alcindor in the 1969 draft.
Coming in at number 12 on the list:
No. 12 -- The John Calipari Era: The Nets gave Calipari a five-year, $15 million contract in 1996, and within three years, he was gone -- having alienated players, coaches, and the front office on the way to a 3-17 start in lockout-shortened '98-99.
Ex-Cat Derrick Jasper Leads UNLV to Big Road Win
Former Kentucky Wildcat Derrick Jasper nailed a 3-pointer with 1:39 left in the second overtime to help #24 UNLV beat Arizona 74-72 last night.
Jasper’s shot tied the score at 70. After Arizona sophomore Kyle Fogg missed a contested driving layup with 28 seconds left, TreVon Willis made two free throws to give the Runnin’ Rebels (6-0) the lead for good. Willis scored 25 points for UNLV.
Jasper, who transferred from Kentucky during Billy Gillispie's coaching tenure, had 12 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals for the Runnin' Rebels.
Jasper’s shot tied the score at 70. After Arizona sophomore Kyle Fogg missed a contested driving layup with 28 seconds left, TreVon Willis made two free throws to give the Runnin’ Rebels (6-0) the lead for good. Willis scored 25 points for UNLV.
Jasper, who transferred from Kentucky during Billy Gillispie's coaching tenure, had 12 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals for the Runnin' Rebels.
"Anytime you go into double overtime, you see everybody just step it up and that's what happened tonight," said Jasper. "I saw a little bit of miscommunication among the Arizona players at the end and they just left me wide open." (Quotes: ESPN.com)
Image: UNLV Men's Basketball
Handicapper on Kentucky Basketball: "The Wildcats Suck"
A "self-proclaimed" professional handicapper lists his nine most overrated teams in college basketball. He names Kentucky the most overrated team of all and basically unloads on the Wildcats. He also ranks the Louisville Cardinals at #7 on his list and takes a few cheapshots at Louisville and head coach Rick Pitino. He even manages to get an indirect blow in on the Morehead State Eagles.
Here is an excerpt of the article about the Kentucky Wildcats:
Well, I'm going to go out on what I feel is a very sturdy limb and say that Kentucky is by far the most overrated college basketball team in the nation.
The Wildcats suck. And I'm not kidding. They are completely and totally overrated as a Top 5 team and I, personally, think that if you stripped the name off the jersey this would be an NIT team. They don't suck like a Big West bottom feeder, but if we're grading them based on how they relate to the other BCS conference teams I can unequivocally say that this is not a really good basketball team.
Kentucky has bumbled its way to 7-0 while facing the No. 329-rated schedule in the country. They have played zero teams that I predict will play in a postseason tournament and I don't see what they have accomplished that would convince anyone that they are anything but a fringe Top 25 team. They won by just two points against a Miami, OH team that is probably the fifth-best team in the MAC East. They managed a 10-point win over Sam Houston State in a game in which they allowed 92 points. And they needed overtime to beat a weak Stanford team that is one of the two or three worst in the god-awful Pac-10.
Statements about John Wall:
John Wall leads the team with 19 points per game, but I've yet to watch the game in which I found myself saying, "Wow, that guy is just dominating and is clearly the best player on the floor."
Some thoughts on Patrick Patterson:
Then there is Patrick Patterson. For some reason people think that this guy is an All-American talent. I don't see it. He has no face up game, he doesn't pass or handle the ball, and he basically is just one of those guys that's just freakishly more athletic than his opponents. He couldn't take this team to the NCAA Tournament last year so now I'm supposed to believe that he's going to get them to Indianapolis? Child, please.
And just for fun, some comments about Louisville:
7. Louisville (No. 18, No. 20) I can't say enough bad things about this team. Let's just take all of the negative karma surrounding Dick Pitino and bend it over a table. (I'm sorry, did I say, "bend it over" I meant to say "put it on" the table. My bad, Dick.) Just focusing on what's on the court I can say that I don't really like much about this squad. Samardo Samuels is backing up the fact that he was one of the most overrated players out of high school last year. If anyone thinks the light is going to turn on for Edgar Sosa, they don't know anything about basketball. And if Jerry Smith keeps shooting like he has been (19.2 percent from three-point range) then these guys are in big trouble. They are deep, if you like mediocre, out-of-control perimeter players. And the guy that I like the best, Reginald Delk, is getting really inconsistent minutes. Don't be fooled by their blowouts over Arkansas (who was, quite literally, relying on a dude off the tennis team on the inside) and Appalachian State. Both of those games were tight early in the second half, and those are teams that Louisville should handle from start to finish. That loss at UNLV was not an aberration; Louisville is probably the seventh or eighth best team in the Big East, not a Top 20 team in the country.
Entire Article
Here is an excerpt of the article about the Kentucky Wildcats:
Well, I'm going to go out on what I feel is a very sturdy limb and say that Kentucky is by far the most overrated college basketball team in the nation.
The Wildcats suck. And I'm not kidding. They are completely and totally overrated as a Top 5 team and I, personally, think that if you stripped the name off the jersey this would be an NIT team. They don't suck like a Big West bottom feeder, but if we're grading them based on how they relate to the other BCS conference teams I can unequivocally say that this is not a really good basketball team.
Kentucky has bumbled its way to 7-0 while facing the No. 329-rated schedule in the country. They have played zero teams that I predict will play in a postseason tournament and I don't see what they have accomplished that would convince anyone that they are anything but a fringe Top 25 team. They won by just two points against a Miami, OH team that is probably the fifth-best team in the MAC East. They managed a 10-point win over Sam Houston State in a game in which they allowed 92 points. And they needed overtime to beat a weak Stanford team that is one of the two or three worst in the god-awful Pac-10.
Statements about John Wall:
John Wall leads the team with 19 points per game, but I've yet to watch the game in which I found myself saying, "Wow, that guy is just dominating and is clearly the best player on the floor."
Some thoughts on Patrick Patterson:
Then there is Patrick Patterson. For some reason people think that this guy is an All-American talent. I don't see it. He has no face up game, he doesn't pass or handle the ball, and he basically is just one of those guys that's just freakishly more athletic than his opponents. He couldn't take this team to the NCAA Tournament last year so now I'm supposed to believe that he's going to get them to Indianapolis? Child, please.
And just for fun, some comments about Louisville:
7. Louisville (No. 18, No. 20) I can't say enough bad things about this team. Let's just take all of the negative karma surrounding Dick Pitino and bend it over a table. (I'm sorry, did I say, "bend it over" I meant to say "put it on" the table. My bad, Dick.) Just focusing on what's on the court I can say that I don't really like much about this squad. Samardo Samuels is backing up the fact that he was one of the most overrated players out of high school last year. If anyone thinks the light is going to turn on for Edgar Sosa, they don't know anything about basketball. And if Jerry Smith keeps shooting like he has been (19.2 percent from three-point range) then these guys are in big trouble. They are deep, if you like mediocre, out-of-control perimeter players. And the guy that I like the best, Reginald Delk, is getting really inconsistent minutes. Don't be fooled by their blowouts over Arkansas (who was, quite literally, relying on a dude off the tennis team on the inside) and Appalachian State. Both of those games were tight early in the second half, and those are teams that Louisville should handle from start to finish. That loss at UNLV was not an aberration; Louisville is probably the seventh or eighth best team in the Big East, not a Top 20 team in the country.
Entire Article
Union College Suffers First Conference Defeat
Milligan College 97
Union College 92
Final from Milligan College
Game recap from Union:
Senior Beau Brown posted a season-high 22 points, but it was not enough as Union College dropped a 97-92 Appalachian Athletic Conference contest to host Milligan (Tenn.) College Wednesday.
With the loss, Union is now 4-6 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Milligan, meanwhile, is 2-7 overall and 2-1 in the AAC.
Brown (Athens, Tenn.) hit 8-of-12 shots from the floor and went 2-for-5 from long range in scoring his team-best 22 points. He also grabbed a game-high eight points.
Down 42-39 at the half, Union kept things close and eventually took a 71-70 lead when Kearney Demus (Lexington, Ky.) completed an old-fashioned, three-point play with 8:17 left to play.
Milligan, though, reeled off an 11-1 run to take an 81-72 lead with 5:20 remaining.
The Bulldogs cracked up the offense, scoring 20 points during the final five minutes. However, it was too little, too late as Milligan held on for the 97-92 decision.
After Brown, Demus added 17 points with Payton Ponzer (Independence, Ky.) chipping in 16. Darrel Jackson (Jonesboro, Ark.) and Jerome Carmichael (Newport, Tenn.) helped out with 10 points apiece.
Torian Sitton paced Milligan with 23 points, while Justin Sylvester knocked in 22. Bryant Edwards contributed 18 points.
Union returns home Saturday to play host to Virginia Intermont College at 6 p.m.
Union College 92
Final from Milligan College
Game recap from Union:
Senior Beau Brown posted a season-high 22 points, but it was not enough as Union College dropped a 97-92 Appalachian Athletic Conference contest to host Milligan (Tenn.) College Wednesday.
With the loss, Union is now 4-6 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Milligan, meanwhile, is 2-7 overall and 2-1 in the AAC.
Brown (Athens, Tenn.) hit 8-of-12 shots from the floor and went 2-for-5 from long range in scoring his team-best 22 points. He also grabbed a game-high eight points.
Down 42-39 at the half, Union kept things close and eventually took a 71-70 lead when Kearney Demus (Lexington, Ky.) completed an old-fashioned, three-point play with 8:17 left to play.
Milligan, though, reeled off an 11-1 run to take an 81-72 lead with 5:20 remaining.
The Bulldogs cracked up the offense, scoring 20 points during the final five minutes. However, it was too little, too late as Milligan held on for the 97-92 decision.
After Brown, Demus added 17 points with Payton Ponzer (Independence, Ky.) chipping in 16. Darrel Jackson (Jonesboro, Ark.) and Jerome Carmichael (Newport, Tenn.) helped out with 10 points apiece.
Torian Sitton paced Milligan with 23 points, while Justin Sylvester knocked in 22. Bryant Edwards contributed 18 points.
Union returns home Saturday to play host to Virginia Intermont College at 6 p.m.
Transylvania Opens HCAC Play with a Win
Transylvania 85
Hanover 71
Final from Lexington, Kentucky
Partial game recap from Transylvania:
Transylvania freshman Barrett Meyer poured in a career-high 19 points Wednesday, leading five Pioneers in double figures in an 85-71 win over Hanover in Heartland Conference men's college basketball play at the Beck Center.
Transy is 3-3 on the season, 1-0 in HCAC play, while the Panthers are 3-2, 0-1 HCAC.
Blake McCowan had 12 points, eight rebounds, and three assists while senior Tim Tierney came off the bench to get 14 points. Matthew Parton and Brandon Rash were also in double digits with 10 apiece.
Reserve Taylor Dial and Mitcheel Meyer led Hanover with 15 points each.
Transy is back in action on Saturday, taking on HCAC rival Bluffton at 4 p.m. at the Beck Center.
Complete game recap
Hanover 71
Final from Lexington, Kentucky
Partial game recap from Transylvania:
Transylvania freshman Barrett Meyer poured in a career-high 19 points Wednesday, leading five Pioneers in double figures in an 85-71 win over Hanover in Heartland Conference men's college basketball play at the Beck Center.
Transy is 3-3 on the season, 1-0 in HCAC play, while the Panthers are 3-2, 0-1 HCAC.
Blake McCowan had 12 points, eight rebounds, and three assists while senior Tim Tierney came off the bench to get 14 points. Matthew Parton and Brandon Rash were also in double digits with 10 apiece.
Reserve Taylor Dial and Mitcheel Meyer led Hanover with 15 points each.
Transy is back in action on Saturday, taking on HCAC rival Bluffton at 4 p.m. at the Beck Center.
Complete game recap
Thomas More Drops PAC Opener in Overtime
Grove City 98
Thomas More 93 F/OT
Final from Grove City, Pennsylvania
Game recap by AllKYHoops.com:
Thomas More suffered a heartbreaking 98-93 overtime loss to Grove City College in both teams' Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) opener at Grove City.
The Saints were led by Aaron Miller, who recorded a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Joining him in double-figure scoring were Daniel Whelan with 16 points, Daniel McKeehan with 13 and Robert Wilson with 10.
With the loss the Saints fall to 4-2 overall and 0-1 in the PAC and with the win the Wolverines improve to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the PAC
The Saints return to action on Saturday, December 12 when they travel to New Wilmington, Pennsylvania to play PAC foe Westminster College at 4 p.m.
Thomas More 93 F/OT
Final from Grove City, Pennsylvania
Game recap by AllKYHoops.com:
Thomas More suffered a heartbreaking 98-93 overtime loss to Grove City College in both teams' Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) opener at Grove City.
The Saints were led by Aaron Miller, who recorded a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Joining him in double-figure scoring were Daniel Whelan with 16 points, Daniel McKeehan with 13 and Robert Wilson with 10.
With the loss the Saints fall to 4-2 overall and 0-1 in the PAC and with the win the Wolverines improve to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the PAC
The Saints return to action on Saturday, December 12 when they travel to New Wilmington, Pennsylvania to play PAC foe Westminster College at 4 p.m.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
UK Recruits on Display During Old Spice Showcase
ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU 2009-10 High School Basketball Schedule
Old Spice High School Showcase to Feature 14 Games; Coverage Begins Dec. 11
The ESPN family of networks, in conjunction with Paragon Marketing Group, will combine to present 14 high school boy’s basketball games this season on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU, as part of the returning High School Showcase. The series of regular-season games will include teams from 13 different states, including 17 teams currently ranked in the ESPN RISE FAB 50 Rankings. The series will open with a matchup featuring two Texas schools on Friday, Dec. 11, with No. 47 Duncanville vs. No. 40 Lincoln at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
The High School Showcase is highlighted by games that will include the top four teams in the nation. No. 1 Findlay Prep (Nev.) will play No.16 Northland (Ohio) on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. on ESPN and No. 2 St. Patrick (N.J.) on Monday, Jan. 18, at 3 p.m. on ESPNU. No. 3 Oak Hill (Va.) will play Northland (Ohio) on Saturday, Jan. 16, at 4 p.m. and No. 4 St. Benedict’s (N.J.) will face Virginia-based Bishop O’Connell on Jan. 18, at 11 a.m. on ESPNU.
ESPNU, the 24-hour college sports network, will televise 10 games, ESPN2 will air two contests and ESPN will present three matchups. ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband digital sports network, will simulcast the ESPN and ESPN2 games.
ESPN Scouts, Inc., National Basketball Recruiting Director Paul Biancardi will serve as the primary analyst for the high school basketball telecasts. He will be joined by various play-by-play announcers throughout the season, including Doug Bell and Justin Kutcher.
This season, 19 players from the ESPNU 100 Class of 2010 player rankings are expected to participate in the series, including No. 1 Harrison Barnes, SF, Ames HS (Iowa); No. 2 Jared Sullinger, PF, Northland HS (Ohio); No. 3 Perry Jones, PF, Duncanville HS (Texas); No. 4 Brandon Knight, PG, Pine Crest HS (Fla.); No. 6 Kyrie Irving, PG, St. Patrick (N.J.); No. 10 Josh Smith, C, Kentwood HS (Wash.); No. 11 Tristan Thompson, PF, Findlay Prep (Nev.); No. 12 DeShaun Thomas, SF, Bishop Luers HS (Ind.); No. 15 Terrence Jones, SF, Jefferson HS (Ore.); No. 16 Roscoe Smith, SF, Oak Hill Academy (Va.); No. 17 Jereme Richmond, SF, Waukegan HS (Ill.); and No. 20 Fabricio Melo, C, The Sagemont School (Fla.).
ESPNU will supplement the game schedule with a weekly studio show, ESPNU Recruiting Insider, which evaluates the top high school basketball recruits and their classes based on research and analysis provided by ESPN’s Scouts, Inc. The show will air Wednesdays at 6 p.m. throughout the season with ESPNU anchor Lowell Galindo hosting alongside analyst Biancardi.
ESPN’s postseason high school basketball coverage will feature the 2010 Powerade Jam Fest; the McDonald’s All-American High School Games (girls and boys); Jordan Brand Classic; and ESPN RISE’s National High School Invitational. Dates, times and networks will be announced at a later date.
Old Spice High School Showcase to Feature 14 Games; Coverage Begins Dec. 11
The ESPN family of networks, in conjunction with Paragon Marketing Group, will combine to present 14 high school boy’s basketball games this season on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU, as part of the returning High School Showcase. The series of regular-season games will include teams from 13 different states, including 17 teams currently ranked in the ESPN RISE FAB 50 Rankings. The series will open with a matchup featuring two Texas schools on Friday, Dec. 11, with No. 47 Duncanville vs. No. 40 Lincoln at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
The High School Showcase is highlighted by games that will include the top four teams in the nation. No. 1 Findlay Prep (Nev.) will play No.16 Northland (Ohio) on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. on ESPN and No. 2 St. Patrick (N.J.) on Monday, Jan. 18, at 3 p.m. on ESPNU. No. 3 Oak Hill (Va.) will play Northland (Ohio) on Saturday, Jan. 16, at 4 p.m. and No. 4 St. Benedict’s (N.J.) will face Virginia-based Bishop O’Connell on Jan. 18, at 11 a.m. on ESPNU.
ESPNU, the 24-hour college sports network, will televise 10 games, ESPN2 will air two contests and ESPN will present three matchups. ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband digital sports network, will simulcast the ESPN and ESPN2 games.
ESPN Scouts, Inc., National Basketball Recruiting Director Paul Biancardi will serve as the primary analyst for the high school basketball telecasts. He will be joined by various play-by-play announcers throughout the season, including Doug Bell and Justin Kutcher.
This season, 19 players from the ESPNU 100 Class of 2010 player rankings are expected to participate in the series, including No. 1 Harrison Barnes, SF, Ames HS (Iowa); No. 2 Jared Sullinger, PF, Northland HS (Ohio); No. 3 Perry Jones, PF, Duncanville HS (Texas); No. 4 Brandon Knight, PG, Pine Crest HS (Fla.); No. 6 Kyrie Irving, PG, St. Patrick (N.J.); No. 10 Josh Smith, C, Kentwood HS (Wash.); No. 11 Tristan Thompson, PF, Findlay Prep (Nev.); No. 12 DeShaun Thomas, SF, Bishop Luers HS (Ind.); No. 15 Terrence Jones, SF, Jefferson HS (Ore.); No. 16 Roscoe Smith, SF, Oak Hill Academy (Va.); No. 17 Jereme Richmond, SF, Waukegan HS (Ill.); and No. 20 Fabricio Melo, C, The Sagemont School (Fla.).
ESPNU will supplement the game schedule with a weekly studio show, ESPNU Recruiting Insider, which evaluates the top high school basketball recruits and their classes based on research and analysis provided by ESPN’s Scouts, Inc. The show will air Wednesdays at 6 p.m. throughout the season with ESPNU anchor Lowell Galindo hosting alongside analyst Biancardi.
ESPN’s postseason high school basketball coverage will feature the 2010 Powerade Jam Fest; the McDonald’s All-American High School Games (girls and boys); Jordan Brand Classic; and ESPN RISE’s National High School Invitational. Dates, times and networks will be announced at a later date.
Source: Press Release from ESPN
New Jersey Nets Capture Embarrassing Record
The New Jersey Nets have stamped their claim on NBA infamy as they have started the season 0-18, the worst start in the history of the league. The Dallas Mavericks sent the Nets into history with a 117-101 victory.
Former Louisville Cardinal Terrence Williams scored 8 points on 3-8 shooting and also dished out 6 assists. Former WKU Hilltopper Courtney Lee scored 13 points, but was only 5-14 from the field. Lee also grabbed 6 rebounds and picked up 4 steals in the loss.
Former Louisville Cardinal Terrence Williams scored 8 points on 3-8 shooting and also dished out 6 assists. Former WKU Hilltopper Courtney Lee scored 13 points, but was only 5-14 from the field. Lee also grabbed 6 rebounds and picked up 4 steals in the loss.
Western Kentucky Loses Big at South Carolina
South Carolina 74
Western Kentucky 56
Final from Columbia, South Carolina
Game recap by Associated Press:
Devan Downey scored 15 points to lead five South Carolina players in double figures as the Gamecocks defeated Western Kentucky 74-56 on Wednesday night.
Playing short-handed for the second straight game, South Carolina (6-1) went on a 21-4 run in the first half as five players connected on 3-pointers.
Brandis Raley-Ross hit a pair of 3-pointers and Ramon Galloway, Sam Muldrow and Downey also connected from long range during the stretch lasting more than 6 minutes.
The Gamecocks were 10-for-16 from the field in building a 15-point lead, but went 6-for-23 the remainder of the half.
Western Kentucky (2-3) opened the second half on an 11-5 run to pull within eight but could not get any closer.
Muldrow and Raley-Ross had 12 points apiece while Galloway and Evaldas Baniulis scored 11 each.
A.J. Slaughter led Western Kentucky with 12 points.
Western Kentucky 56
Final from Columbia, South Carolina
Game recap by Associated Press:
Devan Downey scored 15 points to lead five South Carolina players in double figures as the Gamecocks defeated Western Kentucky 74-56 on Wednesday night.
Playing short-handed for the second straight game, South Carolina (6-1) went on a 21-4 run in the first half as five players connected on 3-pointers.
Brandis Raley-Ross hit a pair of 3-pointers and Ramon Galloway, Sam Muldrow and Downey also connected from long range during the stretch lasting more than 6 minutes.
The Gamecocks were 10-for-16 from the field in building a 15-point lead, but went 6-for-23 the remainder of the half.
Western Kentucky (2-3) opened the second half on an 11-5 run to pull within eight but could not get any closer.
Muldrow and Raley-Ross had 12 points apiece while Galloway and Evaldas Baniulis scored 11 each.
A.J. Slaughter led Western Kentucky with 12 points.
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