(13) Kentucky Wesleyan 79
(18) Drury University 67
Final from Drury University
Game summary by News-Leader.com:
The No. 18 Drury University men's basketball team came out flat Thursday night and never found its game legs as the team was dominated by No. 13 Kentucky Wesleyan 79-67 in front of 1,044 fans at Weiser Gym.
Alex Hall led all scorers with 25 points, but he was 5-of-15 from the floor and 2.of-9 from behind the 3-point line and got most of his points from the free-throw line.
Four Wesleyan players scored at least 10 points, led by Desmond Stephens' 23 points. KWU also won the rebounding battle 41-36, though they dominated the second-chance points.
Drury trailed by as much as 27 points and was down by 18 at halftime. A late run against many of KWU's bench players made the score closer at the final buzzer.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Morehead State Basketball Has 1,000 Reasons to Smile
Morehead State 77
Tennessee Tech 64
Final from Cookeville, Tennessee
Game recap by Morehead State:
COOKEVILLE, Tenn.— Trailing by six at the half at Tennessee Tech Thursday night, the Morehead State men’s basketball team played an inspired second 20-minute period and rallied to knock off the Golden Eagles 77-64 and earn the program’s 1,000th all-time victory.
MSU won its fifth straight game, improved to 9-6 overall and 4-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference. Tech, which entered the game averaging 77 points per game, fell to 7-8 and 1-3 in the league. The victory was also MSU’s fourth consecutive over TTU in the last three seasons.
Tied at 47 in the second half, the Eagles outscored Tech 23-6 over an eight minute period to take control. The Eagles shot 55 percent in the second half and outscored the host Golden Eagles 50-31. MSU also made only two turnovers in the final half after committing eight in the first half. The Eagles force 14 Tech mistakes and turned that around into 29 points. TTU had only 11 points off Eagle turnovers.
“The main thing for us is that in the second half we played with only two turnovers,” MSU coach Donnie Tyndall. “It kept them from scoring in transition.”
Kenneth Faried led four Eagles in double figures as he posted his ninth double-double of the season with 20 points and 14 rebounds while also adding three steals and two blocks. Demonte Harper scored 15, while Terrence Hill and Maze Stallworth each tallied 12.
“Kenneth Faried was the best player in the OVC for 20 minutes tonight,” Tyndall said. “He was definitely a dominating force for us tonight.”
Elijah Muhammed led Tech with 16 points, while Kevin Murphy had 15 and Frank Davis posted 11. The Golden Eagles were just 3-of-11 from three-point range.
The Eagles vaulted out to a quick 10-2 lead four minutes into the game after a Harper trey. Tech, however, climbed back into the contest via an 11-4 run. With 11:27 left in the first half, MSU held a 14-13 lead. The Eagles went on to lead 18-13.
Tech put together a 16-2 run and pushed ahead 29-20 with 2:47 left. MSU’s lone field goal in the Tech run was a Harper jumper at the 8:16 point. Tech’s largest lead of the opening half was 10 (33-23). Steve Peterson knocked down a bucket with four seconds left to leave MSU with a 33-27 halftime deficit.
For the game, TTU managed to shoot 55 percent, including 60 percent in the second half. MSU shot 48 percent and hit six three-pointers. MSU also won the battle on the glass, 35-27. Fifteen of the 35 boards were offensive, leading to a 16-7 edge in second chance points.
“Our team tonight showed the depth we have,” Tyndall said. “I thought our guys off the bench played a big role. We’re a nice team with good depth so we can wear some teams down.”
The Eagles continue on the road Saturday against Jacksonville State. Tip time at Pete Mathews Coliseum is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. EDT.
Tennessee Tech 64
Final from Cookeville, Tennessee
Game recap by Morehead State:
COOKEVILLE, Tenn.— Trailing by six at the half at Tennessee Tech Thursday night, the Morehead State men’s basketball team played an inspired second 20-minute period and rallied to knock off the Golden Eagles 77-64 and earn the program’s 1,000th all-time victory.
MSU won its fifth straight game, improved to 9-6 overall and 4-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference. Tech, which entered the game averaging 77 points per game, fell to 7-8 and 1-3 in the league. The victory was also MSU’s fourth consecutive over TTU in the last three seasons.
Tied at 47 in the second half, the Eagles outscored Tech 23-6 over an eight minute period to take control. The Eagles shot 55 percent in the second half and outscored the host Golden Eagles 50-31. MSU also made only two turnovers in the final half after committing eight in the first half. The Eagles force 14 Tech mistakes and turned that around into 29 points. TTU had only 11 points off Eagle turnovers.
“The main thing for us is that in the second half we played with only two turnovers,” MSU coach Donnie Tyndall. “It kept them from scoring in transition.”
Kenneth Faried led four Eagles in double figures as he posted his ninth double-double of the season with 20 points and 14 rebounds while also adding three steals and two blocks. Demonte Harper scored 15, while Terrence Hill and Maze Stallworth each tallied 12.
“Kenneth Faried was the best player in the OVC for 20 minutes tonight,” Tyndall said. “He was definitely a dominating force for us tonight.”
Elijah Muhammed led Tech with 16 points, while Kevin Murphy had 15 and Frank Davis posted 11. The Golden Eagles were just 3-of-11 from three-point range.
The Eagles vaulted out to a quick 10-2 lead four minutes into the game after a Harper trey. Tech, however, climbed back into the contest via an 11-4 run. With 11:27 left in the first half, MSU held a 14-13 lead. The Eagles went on to lead 18-13.
Tech put together a 16-2 run and pushed ahead 29-20 with 2:47 left. MSU’s lone field goal in the Tech run was a Harper jumper at the 8:16 point. Tech’s largest lead of the opening half was 10 (33-23). Steve Peterson knocked down a bucket with four seconds left to leave MSU with a 33-27 halftime deficit.
For the game, TTU managed to shoot 55 percent, including 60 percent in the second half. MSU shot 48 percent and hit six three-pointers. MSU also won the battle on the glass, 35-27. Fifteen of the 35 boards were offensive, leading to a 16-7 edge in second chance points.
“Our team tonight showed the depth we have,” Tyndall said. “I thought our guys off the bench played a big role. We’re a nice team with good depth so we can wear some teams down.”
The Eagles continue on the road Saturday against Jacksonville State. Tip time at Pete Mathews Coliseum is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. EDT.
Bluegrass Stallions Basketball to Leave Current Arena
The Bluegrass Stallions semi-pro basketball franchise has terminated its contract with the Kentucky Horse Park arena and will seek other options for future games. Ownership states that the team is not in danger of folding financially.
Excerpt of article by AmericanChronicle.com:
The owner of the financially struggling Bluegrass Stallions said Thursday that he has terminated the team's contract with the Kentucky Horse Park arena.
Sunday's 3 p.m. game against the Louisville Crusaders will be played at the arena. But Tony Chase said he is working to schedule the remaining home games at arenas in Corbin and Frankfort and might use a high school gym in Lexington next season.
Chase said the arena wasn't the best fit for the Stallions or the horse park.
He said Lexington's semi-professional basketball team is not in danger of folding, and he expects it to turn a profit in three years. But Chase said the first season has been financially challenging.
"It has been a losing proposition and probably more so than I expected," he said. "We certainly had difficulties with attendance."
Excerpt of article by AmericanChronicle.com:
The owner of the financially struggling Bluegrass Stallions said Thursday that he has terminated the team's contract with the Kentucky Horse Park arena.
Sunday's 3 p.m. game against the Louisville Crusaders will be played at the arena. But Tony Chase said he is working to schedule the remaining home games at arenas in Corbin and Frankfort and might use a high school gym in Lexington next season.
Chase said the arena wasn't the best fit for the Stallions or the horse park.
He said Lexington's semi-professional basketball team is not in danger of folding, and he expects it to turn a profit in three years. But Chase said the first season has been financially challenging.
"It has been a losing proposition and probably more so than I expected," he said. "We certainly had difficulties with attendance."
Disappointment for Colonels at Jacksonville State
Jacksonville State 68
Eastern Kentucky 65
Final from Jacksonville, Alabama
Game recap Associated Press:
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. -- Stephen Hall scored 18 points and Trenton Marshall added 17 to help Jacksonville State defeat Eastern Kentucky 68-65 on Thursday night.
The Gamecocks (11-5, 4-1 Ohio Valley Conference) led by as many as 27-15 with 6:04 left in the first half. But Eastern Kentucky (5-9, 1-3) pulled within 31-27 at halftime on a 3-pointer by Justin Stommes with 49 seconds left.
The Colonels opened the second half with five straight to lead for the first time at 32-31 on Stommes' three-point play 55 seconds into the half.
Eastern Kentucky led by as many as 54-48 on Joshua Jones' 3 with 7:44 to go. But Jacksonville State answered with a 9-2 run. Marshall's jumper capped the run with 3:26 left to put the Gamecocks ahead for good at 57-56.
The Gamecocks shot 55 percent from the field (22 of 40) to snap a two-game losing streak.
Stommes finished with 20 points for Eastern Kentucky.
Eastern Kentucky 65
Final from Jacksonville, Alabama
Game recap Associated Press:
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. -- Stephen Hall scored 18 points and Trenton Marshall added 17 to help Jacksonville State defeat Eastern Kentucky 68-65 on Thursday night.
The Gamecocks (11-5, 4-1 Ohio Valley Conference) led by as many as 27-15 with 6:04 left in the first half. But Eastern Kentucky (5-9, 1-3) pulled within 31-27 at halftime on a 3-pointer by Justin Stommes with 49 seconds left.
The Colonels opened the second half with five straight to lead for the first time at 32-31 on Stommes' three-point play 55 seconds into the half.
Eastern Kentucky led by as many as 54-48 on Joshua Jones' 3 with 7:44 to go. But Jacksonville State answered with a 9-2 run. Marshall's jumper capped the run with 3:26 left to put the Gamecocks ahead for good at 57-56.
The Gamecocks shot 55 percent from the field (22 of 40) to snap a two-game losing streak.
Stommes finished with 20 points for Eastern Kentucky.
Western Kentucky Escapes South Alabama With OT Win
Western Kentucky 67
South Alabama 64 (OT)
Final from Mobile, Alabama
Game recap by Associated Press:
MOBILE, Ala. -- A.J. Slaughter scored 18 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime, as Western Kentucky defeated South Alabama 67-64 on Thursday night.
Steffphon Pettigrew added 16 points, hitting two free throws with 17 seconds left to seal the win for the Hilltoppers (9-4, 2-0 Sun Belt Conference), who snapped the Jaguars' three-game winning streak.
The game was tied 12 times with 18 lead changes.
South Alabama (11-5, 3-1) led 52-47 with 7:49 left, but the Hilltoppers used an 8-2 run to pull ahead. A Tim Williams layup gave South Alabama a 62-60 lead with 14 seconds left in regulation, then Pettigrew tied it with a layup. Williams missed a 3 with 1 second left to force overtime.
Bryan Sherrer gave the Jaguars a 64-62 lead with 3:28 remaining, but they did not score again.
Williams scored 18 to lead the Jaguars and Martino Brock had 17 points and 10 rebounds.
South Alabama 64 (OT)
Final from Mobile, Alabama
Game recap by Associated Press:
MOBILE, Ala. -- A.J. Slaughter scored 18 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime, as Western Kentucky defeated South Alabama 67-64 on Thursday night.
Steffphon Pettigrew added 16 points, hitting two free throws with 17 seconds left to seal the win for the Hilltoppers (9-4, 2-0 Sun Belt Conference), who snapped the Jaguars' three-game winning streak.
The game was tied 12 times with 18 lead changes.
South Alabama (11-5, 3-1) led 52-47 with 7:49 left, but the Hilltoppers used an 8-2 run to pull ahead. A Tim Williams layup gave South Alabama a 62-60 lead with 14 seconds left in regulation, then Pettigrew tied it with a layup. Williams missed a 3 with 1 second left to force overtime.
Bryan Sherrer gave the Jaguars a 64-62 lead with 3:28 remaining, but they did not score again.
Williams scored 18 to lead the Jaguars and Martino Brock had 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Kentucky Staff Will Visit 2011 SG Trevor Lacey
Members of the Kentucky basketball staff will visit 2011 shooting guard Trevor Lacey on Friday.
Lacey is 6-1 and plays for Butler High School (Al.) in Huntsville, Alabama. He ranks #119 on the Rivals150 List for 2011 and currently holds offers from Tennessee and Alabama. He is also receiving looks from Auburn, Kansas, Memphis, North Carolina, UAB and UCLA.
Trevor Lacey Rivals.com Profile
Lacey told ESPN that every time he watches the Kentucky Wildcats, he envisions himself in blue and white. He also stated that he has been recruited previously by Kentucky under Billy Gillispie and Memphis under John Calipari.
Here is an excerpt:
"My dad's been talking to them (Kentucky) since before Calipari took the job," Lacey said. "He was recruiting me at Memphis but even more now."
Lacey says every time he watches UK play on television, he envisions himself in blue and white.
"Every time I see them play, I just see myself playing for coach Cal," Lacey said. "His style of play fits my game and he lets you play. He's a coach that will get on you and tell you what you're doing wrong even when you're winning. I just like the way he coaches and the way they play."
Complete Article from ESPN.com
Lacey is 6-1 and plays for Butler High School (Al.) in Huntsville, Alabama. He ranks #119 on the Rivals150 List for 2011 and currently holds offers from Tennessee and Alabama. He is also receiving looks from Auburn, Kansas, Memphis, North Carolina, UAB and UCLA.
Trevor Lacey Rivals.com Profile
Lacey told ESPN that every time he watches the Kentucky Wildcats, he envisions himself in blue and white. He also stated that he has been recruited previously by Kentucky under Billy Gillispie and Memphis under John Calipari.
Here is an excerpt:
"My dad's been talking to them (Kentucky) since before Calipari took the job," Lacey said. "He was recruiting me at Memphis but even more now."
Lacey says every time he watches UK play on television, he envisions himself in blue and white.
"Every time I see them play, I just see myself playing for coach Cal," Lacey said. "His style of play fits my game and he lets you play. He's a coach that will get on you and tell you what you're doing wrong even when you're winning. I just like the way he coaches and the way they play."
Complete Article from ESPN.com
The Kentucky staff will also be using this recruiting trip to observe JUCO star Ricardo Ratliffe at Central Florida Community College.
College Basketball's Best Rebounder is DeMarcus Cousins
According to ESPN's Jay Bilas, Kentucky basketball big man DeMarcus Cousins is the best rebounder in college basketball and "it is not even close."
Here is an excerpt of Bilas' article:
Best rebounder: The best rebounder in college basketball is Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins, and it is not even close. Per minute, Cousins' rebounding numbers are off the charts, and he is just scratching the surface of what he is capable of. As I have said many times (going back to his days in high school), Cousins can be as good as he wants to be, and the only thing that can stop him is himself. Cousins is better at this age than Derrick Coleman was at Syracuse and has the ability to be a great player. Is he immature, and does he show a questionable attitude? Yes, he does. But he is still just a kid, and he needs the time and space to grow like so many others do. If he truly listens and allows himself to be coached on the court and off, he can be special. The kid has taken a ton of criticism, and most of it has been well deserved. But most of it is aimed at him because of his enormous talent and the fact that he doesn't seem to realize the opportunity he has before him. I had the chance to work with Cousins at the Nike Skills Academy, and he can be difficult. But he can also be great. I hope he figures it out.
Complete Article (subscription)
Here is an excerpt of Bilas' article:
Best rebounder: The best rebounder in college basketball is Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins, and it is not even close. Per minute, Cousins' rebounding numbers are off the charts, and he is just scratching the surface of what he is capable of. As I have said many times (going back to his days in high school), Cousins can be as good as he wants to be, and the only thing that can stop him is himself. Cousins is better at this age than Derrick Coleman was at Syracuse and has the ability to be a great player. Is he immature, and does he show a questionable attitude? Yes, he does. But he is still just a kid, and he needs the time and space to grow like so many others do. If he truly listens and allows himself to be coached on the court and off, he can be special. The kid has taken a ton of criticism, and most of it has been well deserved. But most of it is aimed at him because of his enormous talent and the fact that he doesn't seem to realize the opportunity he has before him. I had the chance to work with Cousins at the Nike Skills Academy, and he can be difficult. But he can also be great. I hope he figures it out.
Complete Article (subscription)
Hilltoppers Ready for Televised Rivalry Game
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will travel to South Alabama for a televised college basketball battle with their conference rivals.
Excerpt of article from AL.com:
Western Kentucky prevented South Alabama from reaching the NCAA tournament with a 64-56 victory in the Sun Belt Conference tournament championship game last March and the Jaguars can get a measure of revenge tonight.
USA (11-4, 3-0) and WKU (8-4, 1-0) collide in the first of two regular-season meetings at 5:05 p.m. at the Mitchell Center with the Jaguars trying to end a three-game losing streak to the Hilltoppers. The game is being televised by Fox Sports Net.
"They're an experienced team with kids that have been to the NCAA the past two years," said South Alabama coach Ronnie Arrow. "They play with confidence and they play well together. They're a good basketball team."
Excerpt of article from AL.com:
Western Kentucky prevented South Alabama from reaching the NCAA tournament with a 64-56 victory in the Sun Belt Conference tournament championship game last March and the Jaguars can get a measure of revenge tonight.
USA (11-4, 3-0) and WKU (8-4, 1-0) collide in the first of two regular-season meetings at 5:05 p.m. at the Mitchell Center with the Jaguars trying to end a three-game losing streak to the Hilltoppers. The game is being televised by Fox Sports Net.
"They're an experienced team with kids that have been to the NCAA the past two years," said South Alabama coach Ronnie Arrow. "They play with confidence and they play well together. They're a good basketball team."
MSU Basketball Adds Miami (OH) Transfer Drew Kelly
From MSU Eagle Nation:
We also learned last night that the Eagles have picked up transfer Drew Kelly, who was sitting on the Eagles bench last night.
Kelly, the grandson of the late Lake Kelly, has transferred to MSU from Miami (OH). As a high school senior last year, he averaged 31 points and 15 rebounds for Centennial High in Brentwood, TN.
We also learned last night that the Eagles have picked up transfer Drew Kelly, who was sitting on the Eagles bench last night.
Kelly, the grandson of the late Lake Kelly, has transferred to MSU from Miami (OH). As a high school senior last year, he averaged 31 points and 15 rebounds for Centennial High in Brentwood, TN.
Kelly is a 6-7 power forward that rated a 3-star recruit by Rivals.com. Out of high school, he also held offers from Belmont, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky. During his senior season, Kelly once scored 67 points on 26-33 shooting.
Kelly will be eligible for game action in late December of next season.
Kentucky Wildcats Are a Top Contender for Ratliffe
CFPatriots.com states that Kentucky is a top contender for JUCO star Ricardo Ratliffe. The UK staff will visit the Central Florida Community College big man this week.
Here is an excerpt:
Coaches from the University of Kentucky are scheduled to visit the Central Florida campus at some point this week to reiterate their interest in the 6-9 sophomore phenom. The Wildcats are a top contender to secure Ratliffe's signature this spring, along with Louisville, Connecticut, Arkansas, Alabama and a host of other major Division I programs.
Source
Ratliffe shows the ability to drive the ball to the basket:
Here is an excerpt:
Coaches from the University of Kentucky are scheduled to visit the Central Florida campus at some point this week to reiterate their interest in the 6-9 sophomore phenom. The Wildcats are a top contender to secure Ratliffe's signature this spring, along with Louisville, Connecticut, Arkansas, Alabama and a host of other major Division I programs.
Source
Ratliffe shows the ability to drive the ball to the basket:
Berea is No Match for Western Carolina
Western Carolina 124
Berea College 53
Final from Western Carolina
Game summary from AllKYHoops.com:
Berea found the going tough at Western Carolina as the Catamounts rolled to a 124-53 victory.
The Mountaineers only had eight players in uniform and were behind more than 20 points only six minutes into the game.
Five Catamounts scored in double figures, and all 13 WCU players who got in the game scored. Junior Anthony Phillip led the way with 19 points and eight rebounds. Harouna Mutombo and Jake Robinson each added 15.
Berea College 53
Final from Western Carolina
Game summary from AllKYHoops.com:
Berea found the going tough at Western Carolina as the Catamounts rolled to a 124-53 victory.
The Mountaineers only had eight players in uniform and were behind more than 20 points only six minutes into the game.
Five Catamounts scored in double figures, and all 13 WCU players who got in the game scored. Junior Anthony Phillip led the way with 19 points and eight rebounds. Harouna Mutombo and Jake Robinson each added 15.
ESPN: Hot High School Basketball Tickets in Kentucky
ESPN.com mentions the great high school basketball action in Kentucky this weekend:
Bluegrass hoopla
If you're around Lexington, Ky. this weekend, consider it must-see basketball viewing at Lexington Christian Academy and Lexington Catholic High as a pair of premier events will be contested.
The Central Bank Basketball Classic is Friday and Saturday at Lexington Christian, starting at 7:30 p.m. with Mountain State Academy (Beckley, W.Va.) and Quality Education Academy (Winston-Salem, N.C.) tipping off opening night at the Main Gym on the Rose Campus. Saturday's tripleheader features Scott County (Georgetown, Ky.) against Louisville Male at 5 p.m., followed by Lexington Christian and Clark County (Winchester, Ky.) at 6:30. The nightcap is Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) vs. Mountain State Academy at 8.
Scott County recently finished fourth at the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C., led by Ge-Lawn Guyn, Chad Jackson and Akron-bound Dakotah Euton. Clark County should be in good shape for the next two years with junior forwards Vinnie Zollo and Robbie Stenzel.
At Lexington Catholic, the Dunkin Donuts Shootout National Classic lasts two days.
The line-up: Friday, Lexington Catholic-Wolfe County (Campton, Ky.), 6:30, and Word of God Academy (Raleigh, N.C.)-Blue Grass Baptist School (Lexington) at 8. Saturday there are six games, including four boys: South Laurel (London, Ky.)-Walnut Hills (Cincinnati), 2:30; Beech (Tenn.)-Pleasure Ridge Park (Louisville), 4; Lexington Catholic-North Oldham (Goshen, Ky.), 7; and Word of God-Roger Bacon (Cincinnati), 8:30.
C.J. Leslie, a 6-9 uncommitted senior from Word of God, is the event's marquee player who will likely land in the 2010 McDonald's All-American Game in Columbus, Ohio.
Complete Article
Bluegrass hoopla
If you're around Lexington, Ky. this weekend, consider it must-see basketball viewing at Lexington Christian Academy and Lexington Catholic High as a pair of premier events will be contested.
The Central Bank Basketball Classic is Friday and Saturday at Lexington Christian, starting at 7:30 p.m. with Mountain State Academy (Beckley, W.Va.) and Quality Education Academy (Winston-Salem, N.C.) tipping off opening night at the Main Gym on the Rose Campus. Saturday's tripleheader features Scott County (Georgetown, Ky.) against Louisville Male at 5 p.m., followed by Lexington Christian and Clark County (Winchester, Ky.) at 6:30. The nightcap is Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) vs. Mountain State Academy at 8.
Scott County recently finished fourth at the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C., led by Ge-Lawn Guyn, Chad Jackson and Akron-bound Dakotah Euton. Clark County should be in good shape for the next two years with junior forwards Vinnie Zollo and Robbie Stenzel.
At Lexington Catholic, the Dunkin Donuts Shootout National Classic lasts two days.
The line-up: Friday, Lexington Catholic-Wolfe County (Campton, Ky.), 6:30, and Word of God Academy (Raleigh, N.C.)-Blue Grass Baptist School (Lexington) at 8. Saturday there are six games, including four boys: South Laurel (London, Ky.)-Walnut Hills (Cincinnati), 2:30; Beech (Tenn.)-Pleasure Ridge Park (Louisville), 4; Lexington Catholic-North Oldham (Goshen, Ky.), 7; and Word of God-Roger Bacon (Cincinnati), 8:30.
C.J. Leslie, a 6-9 uncommitted senior from Word of God, is the event's marquee player who will likely land in the 2010 McDonald's All-American Game in Columbus, Ohio.
Complete Article
Five Things We've Learned in SEC Basketball
ClarionLedger.com has a list of "5 Things We've Learned so far about SEC hoops." They note that John Wall is actually a pretty good basketball player and also that John Pelphrey's seat may be getting hot at Arkansas.
That Wall guy is good
SEC writers were lampooned by some in October when not all of them voted for Kentucky freshman point guard John Wall on their All-SEC team. A catalyst for the Wildcats' 15-0 start, Wall is the SEC's fourth-leading scorer and by far the league's top assist man.
My, how things change
That Wall guy is good
SEC writers were lampooned by some in October when not all of them voted for Kentucky freshman point guard John Wall on their All-SEC team. A catalyst for the Wildcats' 15-0 start, Wall is the SEC's fourth-leading scorer and by far the league's top assist man.
My, how things change
Arkansas was on top of the world this time last year, with a hot young coach in John Pelphrey and two big wins over Texas and Oklahoma. Now, Pelphrey's seat is warm. To say nothing of the Razorbacks' off-court issues, Arkansas has lost to Morgan State, East Tennessee State and South Alabama this season. Ouch.
Complete Article
More Fallout from Yates High School's 135-Point Win
Yates High School, which is led by future Western Kentucky guard Brandon Peters, continues to make national news in the aftermath of their 170-35 victory over an inferior opponent earlier in the week.
Yates leaves no doubt
In case you missed it, Yates rolled up 170 points in a win over Lee (Houston, Texas). Coach: What gives?
170 points in a game: record-breaking sportsmanship
So it doesn't surprise me that Yates could score 170. It does surprise me, however, that Yates would score 170. Yates coach Greg Wise defended his team's continuing pressure defense -- after it took a 100-12 lead at the half -- by saying that he shouldn't have to tell his backups to play but not try to score.
No. 2 Yates posts controversial 135-point victory
Despite a 100-12 halftime lead, the Lions stayed true to their pressing and trapping style, which didn’t sit well with Lee head coach Jacques Armant.
“I feel very disrespected right now,” Armant told the Houston Chronicle after the game. “I don’t understand why Yates just kept scoring and pressing when they were up so much. These are kids. It isn’t good to do that to other young men.”
Yates' Coach Defends Decision:
Yates leaves no doubt
In case you missed it, Yates rolled up 170 points in a win over Lee (Houston, Texas). Coach: What gives?
170 points in a game: record-breaking sportsmanship
So it doesn't surprise me that Yates could score 170. It does surprise me, however, that Yates would score 170. Yates coach Greg Wise defended his team's continuing pressure defense -- after it took a 100-12 lead at the half -- by saying that he shouldn't have to tell his backups to play but not try to score.
No. 2 Yates posts controversial 135-point victory
Despite a 100-12 halftime lead, the Lions stayed true to their pressing and trapping style, which didn’t sit well with Lee head coach Jacques Armant.
“I feel very disrespected right now,” Armant told the Houston Chronicle after the game. “I don’t understand why Yates just kept scoring and pressing when they were up so much. These are kids. It isn’t good to do that to other young men.”
Yates' Coach Defends Decision:
Morehead State Basketball Seeks 1,000th Win Tonight
Press Release from MSUEagles.com:
Morehead State men’s basketball will be trying to win its fifth straight game Thursday, this time on the road. The Eagles travel to Tennessee Tech for a 8:30 p.m. ET tip at TTU’s Eblen Center. MSU is also just one win away from the program's 1,000th victory.
MSU has won four straight overall and three of four in Conference play to start its Ohio Valley Conference slate 3-1, with the one loss coming on the road at preseason co-favorite Murray State. Two crucial wins over the weekend and into Monday, over Austin Peay and Tennessee State helped the Eagles hold on to a tie for second place in the OVC. MSU has also righted its overall record and is now two games on the plus side of .500 at 8-6.
Les Simmons, Terrance Hill and Kenneth Faried all played a major role in the Eagles’ success in those two games. Faried earned OVC Co-Player of the Week for his efforts.
Morehead State is just one win away from reaching 1,000 wins all-time. The Eagles entered the season with 991 wins and have won eight games this season to bring the total to 999.
Tennessee Tech is 7-7 overall and 1-2 in OVC play. The Golden Eagles have nice wins over Central Arkansas and Ball State. They beat SEMO, but lost at Jacksonville State and at Eastern Illinois, the latter coming in overtime. Thursday will serve as their OVC home opener.
Tech has three players that average double-figure scoring, led by Frank Davis, who along with Faired is the reigning OVC Co-Player of the Week. Davis scores at a 15.3 points per game clip while Kevin Murphy averages 14.5 points and Elijah Muhammad scored 11.1 per game. Alfred Jones is TTU’s leading rebounder at 5.6 boards per game, but the Golden Eagles are a very balanced rebounding team with five different players average 3.3 rebounds per game or better, leading to Tech’s team rebounding margin being 1.1 on the positive side. They also shoot the ball very well, but don’t defend shots very well, resulting in 46 percent shooting from the field for both TTU and its opponents.
After Thursday, the Eagles head further south for Jacksonville State for a 5:30 p.m. ET tip Saturday.
Morehead State men’s basketball will be trying to win its fifth straight game Thursday, this time on the road. The Eagles travel to Tennessee Tech for a 8:30 p.m. ET tip at TTU’s Eblen Center. MSU is also just one win away from the program's 1,000th victory.
MSU has won four straight overall and three of four in Conference play to start its Ohio Valley Conference slate 3-1, with the one loss coming on the road at preseason co-favorite Murray State. Two crucial wins over the weekend and into Monday, over Austin Peay and Tennessee State helped the Eagles hold on to a tie for second place in the OVC. MSU has also righted its overall record and is now two games on the plus side of .500 at 8-6.
Les Simmons, Terrance Hill and Kenneth Faried all played a major role in the Eagles’ success in those two games. Faried earned OVC Co-Player of the Week for his efforts.
Morehead State is just one win away from reaching 1,000 wins all-time. The Eagles entered the season with 991 wins and have won eight games this season to bring the total to 999.
Tennessee Tech is 7-7 overall and 1-2 in OVC play. The Golden Eagles have nice wins over Central Arkansas and Ball State. They beat SEMO, but lost at Jacksonville State and at Eastern Illinois, the latter coming in overtime. Thursday will serve as their OVC home opener.
Tech has three players that average double-figure scoring, led by Frank Davis, who along with Faired is the reigning OVC Co-Player of the Week. Davis scores at a 15.3 points per game clip while Kevin Murphy averages 14.5 points and Elijah Muhammad scored 11.1 per game. Alfred Jones is TTU’s leading rebounder at 5.6 boards per game, but the Golden Eagles are a very balanced rebounding team with five different players average 3.3 rebounds per game or better, leading to Tech’s team rebounding margin being 1.1 on the positive side. They also shoot the ball very well, but don’t defend shots very well, resulting in 46 percent shooting from the field for both TTU and its opponents.
After Thursday, the Eagles head further south for Jacksonville State for a 5:30 p.m. ET tip Saturday.
Catching Up With Ex-Wildcat Cedric "Swoop" Jenkins
Cedric "Swoop" Jenkins was a Kentucky Wildcats basketball player from 1984-88. He came to UK as Mr. Basketball in Georgia, a Parade All-American and a McDonalds All-American. He played on teams with the likes of Kenny Walker, Winston Bennett, Ed Davender and Rex Chapman. I caught up with Cedric recently and we chatted a bit about Kentucky basketball, his time at UK and his life after basketball.
Cedric, let me start by saying thank you for taking the time to speak with me today.
You came to Lexington in 1984 from Georgia, where you were Mr. Basketball and a McDonald's All-American. What were some of the other schools that were recruiting you at the time and why did you choose Kentucky?
I was recruited by the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgetown, UCLA, Purdue and several other D-1 schools. I chose UK because of its rich tradition and I felt like it was just a great opportunity to play for one of the best collegiate programs in America.
You had a nice four-year career as a Wildcat. In looking back on it, name a few things you took away from your college career at Kentucky.
I would have to say the relationships I built with teammates and the knowledge that winning starts with preparation. It starts well before game day.
What does it mean to you now to be able to say “I wore the Kentucky name on my chest”?
You came to Lexington in 1984 from Georgia, where you were Mr. Basketball and a McDonald's All-American. What were some of the other schools that were recruiting you at the time and why did you choose Kentucky?
I was recruited by the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgetown, UCLA, Purdue and several other D-1 schools. I chose UK because of its rich tradition and I felt like it was just a great opportunity to play for one of the best collegiate programs in America.
You had a nice four-year career as a Wildcat. In looking back on it, name a few things you took away from your college career at Kentucky.
I would have to say the relationships I built with teammates and the knowledge that winning starts with preparation. It starts well before game day.
What does it mean to you now to be able to say “I wore the Kentucky name on my chest”?
I have a great sense of pride and accomplishment that goes along with being to say that.
Tell me your greatest memory as a Kentucky Wildcat.
Tell me your greatest memory as a Kentucky Wildcat.
My best memory is when I made the winning tip in against Louisville. That has to be one of my greatest memories from my Kentucky days.
Cedric, tell me a little about what you have been doing in life since your playing days at Kentucky.
I played professionally for about seven years in the CBA and overseas. After that, I spent a little over a decade in the financial industry. The majority of my work experience has been in business banking.
Cedric, tell me a little about what you have been doing in life since your playing days at Kentucky.
I played professionally for about seven years in the CBA and overseas. After that, I spent a little over a decade in the financial industry. The majority of my work experience has been in business banking.
Tell me about the business you are involved with now and your role with the company.
Currently I own and operate a General Nutrition Center (GNC) in Lexington. I, along with my staff take great pride in helping our customers pursue and live healthier lives.
Obviously, there have been some changes within the Kentucky basketball program. John Calipari is the new coach, the roster is loaded with talent and the team is off to a 15-0 start and ranked #3 in the nation. From an ex-player’s perspective, tell me your thoughts on this season’s team and how you feel about John Calipari as the new head coach.
The Cats are loaded with talent and are exciting to watch this year. It's great to see them having fun for a change! Coach Cal is definitely a great fit with the program. Hopefully, he will be around longer than Wall. A Final Four appearance would not surprise me.
How would you describe John Wall?
I don't really follow high school basketball much so I thought all the hype around Wall was probably more hype than truth. But now I am a believer. He is a remarkable talent and more impressively, he seems to be a well-grounded and respectful young man.
Let me ask you for an opinion on Ed Davender and Derrick Miller, a couple of your former teammates. Obviously, they are involved in some legal issues resulting from an alleged ticket scam ring. You know these two guys on a much more personal level than most of us. Give me your thoughts on Ed and Derrick.
Ed and Derrick are former teammates but not former friends. It is unfortunate that they have made some of the choices they have made. I think this whole experience will be an opportunity of them to change some things in their lives for the better. Thank God for second chances! I don't know anyone who hasn't had to utilize or ask for a second chance. I wish the best to them both.
Cedric, they gave you the nickname “Swoop” during your playing days. How did you earn that nickname?
I think Brett Bearup started the whole Swoop thing. He likened my long arms to a big bird swooping in to block shots and rebound.
Do you have any contact information where fans can check out your business? Any social networking tools you’d like to share with the readers (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)?
How would you describe John Wall?
I don't really follow high school basketball much so I thought all the hype around Wall was probably more hype than truth. But now I am a believer. He is a remarkable talent and more impressively, he seems to be a well-grounded and respectful young man.
Let me ask you for an opinion on Ed Davender and Derrick Miller, a couple of your former teammates. Obviously, they are involved in some legal issues resulting from an alleged ticket scam ring. You know these two guys on a much more personal level than most of us. Give me your thoughts on Ed and Derrick.
Ed and Derrick are former teammates but not former friends. It is unfortunate that they have made some of the choices they have made. I think this whole experience will be an opportunity of them to change some things in their lives for the better. Thank God for second chances! I don't know anyone who hasn't had to utilize or ask for a second chance. I wish the best to them both.
Cedric, they gave you the nickname “Swoop” during your playing days. How did you earn that nickname?
I think Brett Bearup started the whole Swoop thing. He likened my long arms to a big bird swooping in to block shots and rebound.
Do you have any contact information where fans can check out your business? Any social networking tools you’d like to share with the readers (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)?
Introducing a Site for Women's Basketball in Kentucky
Due to overwhelming (and humbling) demand, I have decided to give a little love to the ladies of basketball in Kentucky.
After a few direct messages on Twitter and a few e-mails, I thought a women's site was probably a good idea but I never seriously considered it. After about a hundred similar requests, I decided to dedicate a site to the girls of Kentucky.
I would like to introduce Bluegrass State Girl's Basketball:
http://www.girlskyhoops.com
The site will be focused 100% on the girl's/women's basketball in the state of Kentucky. While it is still in the developmental stages, my goal is to make the site the top resource for girl's high school and college basketball in our state.
I invite you to check the site out and contact me anytime if you have comments, questions or information you would like included on the site.
Anthony Wireman
http://www.allkyhoops.com
http://www.girlskyhoops.com
anthonywireman@gmail.com
After a few direct messages on Twitter and a few e-mails, I thought a women's site was probably a good idea but I never seriously considered it. After about a hundred similar requests, I decided to dedicate a site to the girls of Kentucky.
I would like to introduce Bluegrass State Girl's Basketball:
http://www.girlskyhoops.com
The site will be focused 100% on the girl's/women's basketball in the state of Kentucky. While it is still in the developmental stages, my goal is to make the site the top resource for girl's high school and college basketball in our state.
I invite you to check the site out and contact me anytime if you have comments, questions or information you would like included on the site.
Anthony Wireman
http://www.allkyhoops.com
http://www.girlskyhoops.com
anthonywireman@gmail.com
Major Talent at LCA's Central Bank Classic in Lexington
The 2010 Central Bank Classic at Lexington Christian Academy gets underway on Friday. The event will feature some of the top teams in the state and some national powerhouse programs.
Kentucky fans will have an interest in 2011 superstar Quincy Miller from Quality Education Academy.
2010 Central Bank Classic Schedule
Friday, January 8
Quality Education Acad. (NC) vs Mountain State Acad. (WV), 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 9
Scott County (KY) vs Louisville Male (KY), 5 p.m.
Lexington Christian (KY) vs Clark County (KY), 6:30 p.m.
Findlay Prep. (NV) vs. Mountain State Acad. (WV), 8 p.m.
Union College Loses Conference Battle to Bluefield
Bluefield 87
Union 77
Final from Bluefield College
Game recap by Union:
BLUEFIELD, Va. - Host Bluefield (Va.) College hit nearly 60 percent of its second-half shots to pull out the 87-77 Appalachian Athletic Conference victory Wednesday over Union College.
Union led 37-35 at the half; however, Bluefield connected on 20-of-34 shots (58.8 percent) shots in the second half in reeling off 52 points en route to the 10-point win.
The Bulldogs shot the ball well, making 47.5 percent (29-of-61 shots) from the floor. But Bluefield was slightly better as the hosts hit 32-of-65 shots (49.2 percent).
Four players scored in double figures for Union with Kearney Demus (Lexington, Ky.) leading the way with 23 points, the most points any Bulldog scored in a game this season. Newcomer Curtis Stephens followed with 19 points with Payton Ponzer (Independence, Ky.) and Beau Brown (Athens, Tenn.) each chipped in 10 points.
For Bluefield, Rob Wright led the way with 23 points, while Jewaun Wynn added 15 points. Borgia M'Bala chipped in 14 points with Ted O'boute and Carlton Shumake contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.
The loss snapped the Bulldogs' three-game win streak, dropping them to 8-8 overall and 3-2 in league play. The Rams improved to 6-9 overall and 3-2 in the AAC.
Union returns to action at Tennessee Wesleyan College Saturday at 4 p.m.
Union 77
Final from Bluefield College
Game recap by Union:
BLUEFIELD, Va. - Host Bluefield (Va.) College hit nearly 60 percent of its second-half shots to pull out the 87-77 Appalachian Athletic Conference victory Wednesday over Union College.
Union led 37-35 at the half; however, Bluefield connected on 20-of-34 shots (58.8 percent) shots in the second half in reeling off 52 points en route to the 10-point win.
The Bulldogs shot the ball well, making 47.5 percent (29-of-61 shots) from the floor. But Bluefield was slightly better as the hosts hit 32-of-65 shots (49.2 percent).
Four players scored in double figures for Union with Kearney Demus (Lexington, Ky.) leading the way with 23 points, the most points any Bulldog scored in a game this season. Newcomer Curtis Stephens followed with 19 points with Payton Ponzer (Independence, Ky.) and Beau Brown (Athens, Tenn.) each chipped in 10 points.
For Bluefield, Rob Wright led the way with 23 points, while Jewaun Wynn added 15 points. Borgia M'Bala chipped in 14 points with Ted O'boute and Carlton Shumake contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.
The loss snapped the Bulldogs' three-game win streak, dropping them to 8-8 overall and 3-2 in league play. The Rams improved to 6-9 overall and 3-2 in the AAC.
Union returns to action at Tennessee Wesleyan College Saturday at 4 p.m.
Kentucky State Comes Up Short at FVSU
Fort Valley State 73
Kentucky State 70
Final from FVSU
Recap:
Kentucky State jumped out to a 13-point lead and led Fort Valley State by 6 at the half, but could not maintain the lead in the second 20 minutes.
FVSU (4-4) trailed 70-69 with 1:01 remaining, but picked up a huge shot from Darrell Aiken to take the lead and the win.
Kentucky State 70
Final from FVSU
Recap:
Kentucky State jumped out to a 13-point lead and led Fort Valley State by 6 at the half, but could not maintain the lead in the second 20 minutes.
FVSU (4-4) trailed 70-69 with 1:01 remaining, but picked up a huge shot from Darrell Aiken to take the lead and the win.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Top 10 "Most Despised" Basketball Players Ever
LostLettermen.com has developed a list of the top 10 "most despised" college basketball players of all time.
They describe it as:
Some guys will always be easy targets. You can just draw a giant X on your back if you fall under one or more of the following categories:
• History of trouble
• Excessive media attention
• Brash personality (thug personas or goodie two shoes are both welcome)
• Affiliated with a certain school (more on that later…)
I must say, I can't argue with their list very much at all.
Top 10 Most Despised Players of All Time:
10. Allen Iverson, Georgetown
9. Eric Devendorf, Syracuse
8. Steve Wojciechowski, Duke
7. Corky Taylor, Minnesota
6. 1991 UNLV: Greg Anthony, Anderson Hunt, Stacey Augmon, Larry Johnson, George Ackles
5. Art Heyman, Duke
4. Joakim Noah, Florida
3. The Fab Five: Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, Ray Jackson
2. J.J. Redick, Duke (Word!)
1. Christian Laettner, Duke
That's a pretty solid list. They also add this under #8:
"Well Magloire wouldn't let him go. That was crazy..."
Here's the complete list with commentary
They describe it as:
Some guys will always be easy targets. You can just draw a giant X on your back if you fall under one or more of the following categories:
• History of trouble
• Excessive media attention
• Brash personality (thug personas or goodie two shoes are both welcome)
• Affiliated with a certain school (more on that later…)
I must say, I can't argue with their list very much at all.
Top 10 Most Despised Players of All Time:
10. Allen Iverson, Georgetown
9. Eric Devendorf, Syracuse
8. Steve Wojciechowski, Duke
7. Corky Taylor, Minnesota
6. 1991 UNLV: Greg Anthony, Anderson Hunt, Stacey Augmon, Larry Johnson, George Ackles
5. Art Heyman, Duke
4. Joakim Noah, Florida
3. The Fab Five: Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, Ray Jackson
2. J.J. Redick, Duke (Word!)
1. Christian Laettner, Duke
That's a pretty solid list. They also add this under #8:
"Well Magloire wouldn't let him go. That was crazy..."
Here's the complete list with commentary
U of L Basketball Explodes in Second Half to Earn Win
Louisville 92
Providence 70
Final from Providence College
Game recap by Associated Press:
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Edgar Sosa scored a season-high 26 points and Samardo Samuels added 17 points as Louisville held off a first-half charge from Providence to take a 92-70 victory on Wednesday night.
After the Cardinals opened with a 14-0 lead, the Friars hit their stride, rallying to take a 42-37 halftime lead.
But Louisville (11-4, 2-0 Big East) again seized control in the second half with physical play on the boards, grabbing 26 second-half rebounds to Providence's seven.
The Cardinals outrebounded the Friars 45-21 in the game and scored 23 second-chance points.
Marshon Brooks had 21 points, going 8-for-11 to lead Providence (9-6, 1-2). Sharaud Curry and Bilal Dixon each added 12 points for the Friars.
Jerry Smith added 14 points and Jared Swopshire had eight points and 11 rebounds for Louisville in a game that featured eight lead changes.
Providence 70
Final from Providence College
Game recap by Associated Press:
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Edgar Sosa scored a season-high 26 points and Samardo Samuels added 17 points as Louisville held off a first-half charge from Providence to take a 92-70 victory on Wednesday night.
After the Cardinals opened with a 14-0 lead, the Friars hit their stride, rallying to take a 42-37 halftime lead.
But Louisville (11-4, 2-0 Big East) again seized control in the second half with physical play on the boards, grabbing 26 second-half rebounds to Providence's seven.
The Cardinals outrebounded the Friars 45-21 in the game and scored 23 second-chance points.
Marshon Brooks had 21 points, going 8-for-11 to lead Providence (9-6, 1-2). Sharaud Curry and Bilal Dixon each added 12 points for the Friars.
Jerry Smith added 14 points and Jared Swopshire had eight points and 11 rebounds for Louisville in a game that featured eight lead changes.
Three UK Freshman Basketball Players on Live Chat
The Kentucky men's basketball team has been the talk of the 2009-10 athletics season. Now you will have a chance to talk with some of those players.
On Thursday, Cat Scratches will have freshman point guards John Wall and Eric Bledsoe and freshman forward DeMarcus Cousins for a live blog. Starting at 1 p.m., Wall, Bledsoe and Cousins, the self-nicknamed "Three Amigos," will field questions and comments from fans in a real-time format on UK's live blog application.
Fans can send in questions and comments, pending approval of the moderator, by clicking on the live blog application Thursday starting at 1 p.m. We are expecting a large audience for the live chat, so please be patient if your question does not make it through the first time. We will do our best to get to as many people as possible.
The "Three Amigos" have been three of the stalwarts behind Kentucky's 15-0 start and No. 3 national ranking.
Wall, largely considered a National Player of the Year candidate, is averaging a team-best 17.2 points and 7.3 assists this season. Cousins is scoring 15.4 points per game, including 9.6 rebounds a contest, in just 19.2 minutes per game. Bledsoe is averaging 10.2 points and 3.1 assists per game.
Link to Chat
On Thursday, Cat Scratches will have freshman point guards John Wall and Eric Bledsoe and freshman forward DeMarcus Cousins for a live blog. Starting at 1 p.m., Wall, Bledsoe and Cousins, the self-nicknamed "Three Amigos," will field questions and comments from fans in a real-time format on UK's live blog application.
Fans can send in questions and comments, pending approval of the moderator, by clicking on the live blog application Thursday starting at 1 p.m. We are expecting a large audience for the live chat, so please be patient if your question does not make it through the first time. We will do our best to get to as many people as possible.
The "Three Amigos" have been three of the stalwarts behind Kentucky's 15-0 start and No. 3 national ranking.
Wall, largely considered a National Player of the Year candidate, is averaging a team-best 17.2 points and 7.3 assists this season. Cousins is scoring 15.4 points per game, including 9.6 rebounds a contest, in just 19.2 minutes per game. Bledsoe is averaging 10.2 points and 3.1 assists per game.
Link to Chat
Kentucky Wesleyan Jumps to #13 in NCAA Rankings
The Kentucky Wesleyan basketball team has jumped to #13 in this week's NCAA D2 basketball poll. (Source: NCAA.com)
NABC Division II Coaches Poll
(As of 01/05/2010)
Rank School W-L Points Prev
1 Central Mo. (8) 12-0 200 1
2 Fla. Southern 12-0 191 2
3 Augusta St. 10-0 185 3
4 Indiana (Pa.) 10-0 174 4
5 Arkansas Tech 11-0 168 5
6 Kutztown 9-0 160 7
7 Minn. St. Mankato 12-0 150 8
8 Southern Ind. 12-0 143 10
9 Midwestern St. 13-0 138 9
10 Fort Hays St. 11-1 125 13
11 Southwest Baptist 13-2 119 11 12 Valdosta St. 12-2 107 15 13 Ky. Wesleyan 13-1 99 17 14 Western Wash. 13-1 97 16 15 Montevallo 11-0 86 19 16 Quincy 12-0 65 22 17 Seattle Pacific 9-2 64 6 18 Drury 9-2 57 20 19 Bentley 10-2 54 21 20 Rollins 9-2 50 12 21 Augustana (S.D.) 11-1 33 24 22 Cal Poly Pomona 5-2 28 14 23 Stillman 5-0 25 23 24 Mesa St. 10-1 17 25 25 Adelphi 13-1 12 NR
NABC Division II Coaches Poll
(As of 01/05/2010)
Rank School W-L Points Prev
1 Central Mo. (8) 12-0 200 1
2 Fla. Southern 12-0 191 2
3 Augusta St. 10-0 185 3
4 Indiana (Pa.) 10-0 174 4
5 Arkansas Tech 11-0 168 5
6 Kutztown 9-0 160 7
7 Minn. St. Mankato 12-0 150 8
8 Southern Ind. 12-0 143 10
9 Midwestern St. 13-0 138 9
10 Fort Hays St. 11-1 125 13
11 Southwest Baptist 13-2 119 11 12 Valdosta St. 12-2 107 15 13 Ky. Wesleyan 13-1 99 17 14 Western Wash. 13-1 97 16 15 Montevallo 11-0 86 19 16 Quincy 12-0 65 22 17 Seattle Pacific 9-2 64 6 18 Drury 9-2 57 20 19 Bentley 10-2 54 21 20 Rollins 9-2 50 12 21 Augustana (S.D.) 11-1 33 24 22 Cal Poly Pomona 5-2 28 14 23 Stillman 5-0 25 23 24 Mesa St. 10-1 17 25 25 Adelphi 13-1 12 NR
Should Razorbacks Replace Pelphrey with Gillispie?
Let me say that this is not my opinion, but I did find an interesting article from an Arkansas blog. The author states that he's not calling for Pelphrey's head just yet, but the Razorbacks administration should have former UK head coach Billy Gillispie at the top of their lists if/when Pelphrey is replaced.
Here is an excerpt:
This is not a call for the head of John Pelphrey, although it’s probably going to sound that way.
But if athletics director Jeff Long is coming up with a short list — and soon — of who he could get to improve the state of affairs around Bud Walton, he may find himself on the throes of a dilemma.
And the name at the top of the list should be Billy Gillispie.
Complete Article
Here is an excerpt:
This is not a call for the head of John Pelphrey, although it’s probably going to sound that way.
But if athletics director Jeff Long is coming up with a short list — and soon — of who he could get to improve the state of affairs around Bud Walton, he may find himself on the throes of a dilemma.
And the name at the top of the list should be Billy Gillispie.
Complete Article
Cousins, Wall on List of Top 25 Freshman in Nation
Kentucky's John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins are listed as two of the top three freshman basketball players in the nation on a list derived by BasketballProspectus.com. Also making the list at #20 is Isaiah Canaan from Murray State.
Here is an excerpt:
1. John Wall, Kentucky
I’ve had my say on Wall, though I will add here that his impressive steal rate and 79 percent shooting at the line suggest he’s more than just the most incredible player ever. He’s a laudably well-rounded most incredible player ever.
2. Xavier Henry, Kansas
3. DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky
What can I say, he’s DeMarcus Cousins. During his very limited minutes he’s the best all-around rebounder in the country. Having a player that is this likely to get the offensive rebound means Kentucky can shoot without fear. Misses matter a lot less to this offense than to normal teams subject to the laws of basketball gravity. Cousins may be no Hassan Whiteside when it comes to shot-blocking, but he’s way better than anyone who gets this many defensive boards has a right to be. He is of course highly foul-prone, even for a freshman big man, and I still think he shoots way too often for someone who makes 54 percent of his twos and has teammates like Patrick Patterson and a soon to-be-named freshman. But there is no denying that Cousins is quite simply a force of nature.
4. Hassan Whiteside, Marshall
5. Andre Dawkins, Duke
20. Isaiah Canaan, Murray State
Winner of this list’s Most Biblical Name contest in a walk, Canaan’s already been named Ohio Valley freshman of the week three times. Perspicacious evaluators of the OVC, I salute you! Speaking of comparable Texas benchmarks, Canaan is a lil’ A.J. Abrams: A 5-11 shooting guard who hits his threes while making a Jeremy Lin-like 62 percent of his twos. Coach Billy Kennedy uses a notably egalitarian Dana Altman-style rotation where no Racer averages more than 28 minutes. Still, there has to be more than 20 minutes available for someone this freakishly effective. Show Canaan the love, Coach!
Complete List
Here is an excerpt:
1. John Wall, Kentucky
I’ve had my say on Wall, though I will add here that his impressive steal rate and 79 percent shooting at the line suggest he’s more than just the most incredible player ever. He’s a laudably well-rounded most incredible player ever.
2. Xavier Henry, Kansas
3. DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky
What can I say, he’s DeMarcus Cousins. During his very limited minutes he’s the best all-around rebounder in the country. Having a player that is this likely to get the offensive rebound means Kentucky can shoot without fear. Misses matter a lot less to this offense than to normal teams subject to the laws of basketball gravity. Cousins may be no Hassan Whiteside when it comes to shot-blocking, but he’s way better than anyone who gets this many defensive boards has a right to be. He is of course highly foul-prone, even for a freshman big man, and I still think he shoots way too often for someone who makes 54 percent of his twos and has teammates like Patrick Patterson and a soon to-be-named freshman. But there is no denying that Cousins is quite simply a force of nature.
4. Hassan Whiteside, Marshall
5. Andre Dawkins, Duke
20. Isaiah Canaan, Murray State
Winner of this list’s Most Biblical Name contest in a walk, Canaan’s already been named Ohio Valley freshman of the week three times. Perspicacious evaluators of the OVC, I salute you! Speaking of comparable Texas benchmarks, Canaan is a lil’ A.J. Abrams: A 5-11 shooting guard who hits his threes while making a Jeremy Lin-like 62 percent of his twos. Coach Billy Kennedy uses a notably egalitarian Dana Altman-style rotation where no Racer averages more than 28 minutes. Still, there has to be more than 20 minutes available for someone this freakishly effective. Show Canaan the love, Coach!
Complete List
Billy Gillispie Works to Improve Image and Career
According to SportsByBrooks.com, former Kentucky basketball head coach Billy Gillispie attended a defensvie driving class at the Spaghetti Warehouse restaurant in Plano, Texas.
This is another step in the continued progress of Gillispie as he attempts to resurrect his coaching career and recover from alcoholism.
The class is presented by ComedyGuys.com:
Do you and technology not get along? You use the microwave at work and somehow erase all the payroll records. You put your card into the bank’s ATM, but all you get back is some plastic confetti and the sneaking suspicion that you just sent your money to Peru. And sometimes you worry that your garage door opener is trying to turn the other appliances against you.
Then our comedy defensive driving class is the way for you to go.
You’ll get all the benefits of a Texas defensive driving course by just sitting and enjoying a professional comedian presenting the information. The only technology you’ll have to deal with is a television, and someone else will be pushing the buttons.
Source
This is another step in the continued progress of Gillispie as he attempts to resurrect his coaching career and recover from alcoholism.
The class is presented by ComedyGuys.com:
Do you and technology not get along? You use the microwave at work and somehow erase all the payroll records. You put your card into the bank’s ATM, but all you get back is some plastic confetti and the sneaking suspicion that you just sent your money to Peru. And sometimes you worry that your garage door opener is trying to turn the other appliances against you.
Then our comedy defensive driving class is the way for you to go.
You’ll get all the benefits of a Texas defensive driving course by just sitting and enjoying a professional comedian presenting the information. The only technology you’ll have to deal with is a television, and someone else will be pushing the buttons.
Source
Demling Selects KHSAA All-Decade Basketball Teams
Jody Demling of the Courier-Journal has selected his All-Decade team for boy's high school basketball in Kentucky.
FIRST TEAM:
Player of the Decade - Chris Lofton, Mason County
Rajon Rondo, Eastern
Steffphon Pettigrew, Elizabethtown
Patrick Sparks, Muhlenberg North
Darius Miller, Mason County
Sixth man - Michael Bush, Male
SECOND TEAM:
Justin Dolleman, Ryle
Shelvin Mack, Bryan Station
Scotty Hopson, University Heights
Scott Hundley, Scott County
A.J. Slaughter, Shelby County
Sixth man - Lonnell DeWalt, Warren Central
THIRD TEAM
Larry O'Bannon, Male
Preston Knowles, Clark County
Ross Neltner, Highlands
Domonic Tilford, Jeffersontown
Bud Mackey, Scott County.
Sixth man - Jon Hood and Michael Haney, Madisonville
Check out the entire article
FIRST TEAM:
Player of the Decade - Chris Lofton, Mason County
Rajon Rondo, Eastern
Steffphon Pettigrew, Elizabethtown
Patrick Sparks, Muhlenberg North
Darius Miller, Mason County
Sixth man - Michael Bush, Male
SECOND TEAM:
Justin Dolleman, Ryle
Shelvin Mack, Bryan Station
Scotty Hopson, University Heights
Scott Hundley, Scott County
A.J. Slaughter, Shelby County
Sixth man - Lonnell DeWalt, Warren Central
THIRD TEAM
Larry O'Bannon, Male
Preston Knowles, Clark County
Ross Neltner, Highlands
Domonic Tilford, Jeffersontown
Bud Mackey, Scott County.
Sixth man - Jon Hood and Michael Haney, Madisonville
Check out the entire article
NKU Fights Hard, Falls Short Against Undefeated Quincy
Quincy 73
Northern Kentucky 66
Final from Northern Kentucky University
Game recap by NKU:
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Mookie Pierre scored a game-high 23 points and grabbed six rebounds Monday night as unbeaten Quincy posted a 73-66 win against Northern Kentucky University.
Billy Baptist added 21 points as No. 22 Quincy improved to 13-0 overall, 4-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Hawks shot 56.5 percent from the field and became the first opposing men’s basketball team to defeat NKU (8-5 overall, 1-3 GLVC) in The Bank of Kentucky Center.
NKU was 19-0 all-time at home in the new facility going into Monday’s game against Quincy. The Norse were 13-0 in The Bank of Kentucky Center in 2008-09 and 6-0 this season.
David Palmer scored 18 points to lead NKU, and teammate Corey Sorrell added 16 points. The Norse were 12-for-24 from 3-point range, with Sorrell and Tony Rack each making four treys.
Quincy led the entire second half, but the Hawks had to withstand a late NKU rally to pull out the victory. NKU closed to within a point (56-55) with 5:07 remaining when Rack buried a 3-pointer off an assist from Scott Bibbins.
Quincy countered with a layup from Courtney Belger and a conventional three-point play by Baptist to extend its lead to 61-55. After Palmer tipped in a shot to slice the Hawk lead to 61-57, Baptist drained a 3-pointer to give Quincy a 64-57 edge with 3:31 left on the clock.
Ethan Faulkner’s 3-pointer cut the Quincy lead to 64-60 with 2:07 remaining. Belger made one of two free throws with 1:32 left to give the Hawks a 65-60 advantage. NKU had a chance to slice into the lead, but Baptist stole an errant pass and went in for an uncontested dunk to make it 67-60 with 1:07 on the clock.
Palmer responded for NKU by draining a 3-pointer from out front to make it 67-63, but Pierre made a pair of free throws with 41 seconds remaining. Rack buried another 3-pointer from NBA range to bring the Norse within three points (69-66), but Tyler Burke sealed the win by making four free throws in the final 25 seconds.
NKU made 43.6 percent of its shots from the field. Quincy finished with a 32-23 advantage in rebounds and was 14-for-17 from the free-throw line.
NKU hits the road Thursday for a GLVC game at Missouri-St. Louis. The Norse conclude the road trip Saturday with a game at Rockhurst.
Northern Kentucky 66
Final from Northern Kentucky University
Game recap by NKU:
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Mookie Pierre scored a game-high 23 points and grabbed six rebounds Monday night as unbeaten Quincy posted a 73-66 win against Northern Kentucky University.
Billy Baptist added 21 points as No. 22 Quincy improved to 13-0 overall, 4-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Hawks shot 56.5 percent from the field and became the first opposing men’s basketball team to defeat NKU (8-5 overall, 1-3 GLVC) in The Bank of Kentucky Center.
NKU was 19-0 all-time at home in the new facility going into Monday’s game against Quincy. The Norse were 13-0 in The Bank of Kentucky Center in 2008-09 and 6-0 this season.
David Palmer scored 18 points to lead NKU, and teammate Corey Sorrell added 16 points. The Norse were 12-for-24 from 3-point range, with Sorrell and Tony Rack each making four treys.
Quincy led the entire second half, but the Hawks had to withstand a late NKU rally to pull out the victory. NKU closed to within a point (56-55) with 5:07 remaining when Rack buried a 3-pointer off an assist from Scott Bibbins.
Quincy countered with a layup from Courtney Belger and a conventional three-point play by Baptist to extend its lead to 61-55. After Palmer tipped in a shot to slice the Hawk lead to 61-57, Baptist drained a 3-pointer to give Quincy a 64-57 edge with 3:31 left on the clock.
Ethan Faulkner’s 3-pointer cut the Quincy lead to 64-60 with 2:07 remaining. Belger made one of two free throws with 1:32 left to give the Hawks a 65-60 advantage. NKU had a chance to slice into the lead, but Baptist stole an errant pass and went in for an uncontested dunk to make it 67-60 with 1:07 on the clock.
Palmer responded for NKU by draining a 3-pointer from out front to make it 67-63, but Pierre made a pair of free throws with 41 seconds remaining. Rack buried another 3-pointer from NBA range to bring the Norse within three points (69-66), but Tyler Burke sealed the win by making four free throws in the final 25 seconds.
NKU made 43.6 percent of its shots from the field. Quincy finished with a 32-23 advantage in rebounds and was 14-for-17 from the free-throw line.
NKU hits the road Thursday for a GLVC game at Missouri-St. Louis. The Norse conclude the road trip Saturday with a game at Rockhurst.
MSU Pepsi Athlete of the Week: Kenneth Faried
Morehead State University: Pepsi Athlete of the Week
Kenneth Faried
Men's Basketball
1/6/2010
Faried earned OVC Player of the Week and picked up two double-doubles in helping lead the Eagles to a pair of wins, one a close game in a tough environment at South Dakota, the other a key Conference game against Austin Peay on ESPNU. His 15 points and 15 rebounds versus USD came in only 26 minutes of action and his 12 points and 19 rebounds versus APSU included a key offensive rebound at the end of overtime followed by a pair of free throws that helped seal the win. He also had a highlight reel dunk and four blocks vs. APSU.
Source: MSUEagles.com
Kenneth Faried
Men's Basketball
1/6/2010
Faried earned OVC Player of the Week and picked up two double-doubles in helping lead the Eagles to a pair of wins, one a close game in a tough environment at South Dakota, the other a key Conference game against Austin Peay on ESPNU. His 15 points and 15 rebounds versus USD came in only 26 minutes of action and his 12 points and 19 rebounds versus APSU included a key offensive rebound at the end of overtime followed by a pair of free throws that helped seal the win. He also had a highlight reel dunk and four blocks vs. APSU.
Source: MSUEagles.com
Ex-Cat Landon Slone Signs with Pikeville College
Pikeville College head coach Kelly Wells just notified me that former Kentucky Wildcat walk-on Landon Slone has signed to continue his career with the Bears.
Coach Wells stated, "this is another great day for the Pikeville College Bears with the addition of Landon to our family! Landon brings great character and great skill to us. We are so excited to be able to help him meet all his athletic and academic goals."
He will join the team next season, and will no play during the second semester of this season.
Coach Wells stated, "this is another great day for the Pikeville College Bears with the addition of Landon to our family! Landon brings great character and great skill to us. We are so excited to be able to help him meet all his athletic and academic goals."
He will join the team next season, and will no play during the second semester of this season.
Pikeville College is off to a 12-1 start on the season and is currently ranked #8 nationally in NAIA Division I basketball.
Future Hilltopper Brandon Peters at Center of Controversy
Future Western Kentucky University guard Brandon "Snap" Peters and his Yates High School basketball team have managed to spark a controversy in Houston after their 170-35 victory over a hapless district rival.
Yates (14-0) and ranked #2 in the nation led 53-6 after one quarter and 100-12 at the half.
It has been reported that head coach Greg Wise sent the starters back in to start the second half against Lee High School (1-12). After three quarters, the score stood at 135-16. The Lions added 35 more points in the final quarter to establish a Texas high school scoring record.
Peters scored 43 points for Yates and Joseph Young added 37. Alex Davis and Darius Gardner added 25 and 21, respectively.
The game has sparked a major controversy not only in Houston, but also nationally.
In the third quarter of the game, a fight erupted after an intentional foul was called on a Lee player. After breaking up the fight, the referees told both coaches they would have to play just five players the remainder of the game. The other players for both teams spent the rest of the second half sitting in the stands.
“I feel very disrespected right now,” Lee coach Jacques Armant said. “I don't understand why Yates just kept scoring and pressing when they were up so much. These are kids. It isn't good to do that to other young men.”
What is your take on the outcome of this game?
My Thoughts: I have mixed feelings about certain aspects of the game. First, this is a really good team facing a really bad team. Secondly, Yates averages a phenomenal 119 points per game, so it is expected that they are going to put up some major numbers against an inferior opponent.
The problem I have with this game is that it was 100-12 at the half and the coach opted to put the starters back in to chase a scoring record. I can live with destroying an inferior opponent in the first half, but I disagree with bringing the starters back in the game.
Yates (14-0) and ranked #2 in the nation led 53-6 after one quarter and 100-12 at the half.
It has been reported that head coach Greg Wise sent the starters back in to start the second half against Lee High School (1-12). After three quarters, the score stood at 135-16. The Lions added 35 more points in the final quarter to establish a Texas high school scoring record.
Peters scored 43 points for Yates and Joseph Young added 37. Alex Davis and Darius Gardner added 25 and 21, respectively.
The game has sparked a major controversy not only in Houston, but also nationally.
In the third quarter of the game, a fight erupted after an intentional foul was called on a Lee player. After breaking up the fight, the referees told both coaches they would have to play just five players the remainder of the game. The other players for both teams spent the rest of the second half sitting in the stands.
“I feel very disrespected right now,” Lee coach Jacques Armant said. “I don't understand why Yates just kept scoring and pressing when they were up so much. These are kids. It isn't good to do that to other young men.”
What is your take on the outcome of this game?
My Thoughts: I have mixed feelings about certain aspects of the game. First, this is a really good team facing a really bad team. Secondly, Yates averages a phenomenal 119 points per game, so it is expected that they are going to put up some major numbers against an inferior opponent.
The problem I have with this game is that it was 100-12 at the half and the coach opted to put the starters back in to chase a scoring record. I can live with destroying an inferior opponent in the first half, but I disagree with bringing the starters back in the game.
UK Fans: Tim Brando Hates You
I was out of town most of the evening, but came home to find this little gem from my favorite track & field star, Alan Cutler of LEX18.com. He has a message that was sent to Tim Brando, who vocally stated that UK big man DeMarcus Cousins should have been ejected Saturday, and Brando's rather surprising responses.
Tim Brando’s response to a UK fan's e-mail message:
No my friend. I didn’t get anything wrong!
I will be at THE ACC TOURNAMENT…you know the one that matters!
As for your comments…get in line with the hater’s.Kentucky’s program is bigger than all of us…I know that.
Tim Brando
Brando then sends a second note without a second note being sent to him:
you know I’m sending this to you because you and others limited knowledge of basketball outside of Kentucky is immense.
The ACC TOURNAMENT CHAMPION is recognized as the Conference All Around Champion! The SEC Regular season Champion is the overall champion. The tournament in the ACC is more important than any other Conference Tournament Title!
That’s why I wrote what I did. Just trying to educate you my boy!
Timmy B.
PS. Happy New Year Send what you want where you want!
Meanwhile, Andy Katz at ESPN passes this along:
John Adams, the NCAA's chair of officiating, said the officials correctly handled the skirmish in the first minute of Saturday's Kentucky-Louisville game. Technical fouls were assessed to Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins and Louisville's Jared Swopshire and Reginald Delk. At issue was whether Cousins threw a purposeful elbow at Swopshire's head and should have been ejected. UK claims Cousins can be seen taking a knee to the head prior to the elbow.
"[The officials] reviewed the play and assessed an intentional personal foul to Cousins," Adams said. "It was offset by an intentional personal four on a Louisville player and they had a taunting T on another Louisville player. That taunting T resulted in the two free throws that Cousins shot as he was designated by Kentucky to shoot free throws." Source
Sorry Timmy, it looks like you are letting your Kellogg Frosted Flake and ACC branded glasses get in the way.
Tim Brando’s response to a UK fan's e-mail message:
No my friend. I didn’t get anything wrong!
I will be at THE ACC TOURNAMENT…you know the one that matters!
As for your comments…get in line with the hater’s.Kentucky’s program is bigger than all of us…I know that.
Tim Brando
Brando then sends a second note without a second note being sent to him:
you know I’m sending this to you because you and others limited knowledge of basketball outside of Kentucky is immense.
The ACC TOURNAMENT CHAMPION is recognized as the Conference All Around Champion! The SEC Regular season Champion is the overall champion. The tournament in the ACC is more important than any other Conference Tournament Title!
That’s why I wrote what I did. Just trying to educate you my boy!
Timmy B.
PS. Happy New Year Send what you want where you want!
Meanwhile, Andy Katz at ESPN passes this along:
John Adams, the NCAA's chair of officiating, said the officials correctly handled the skirmish in the first minute of Saturday's Kentucky-Louisville game. Technical fouls were assessed to Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins and Louisville's Jared Swopshire and Reginald Delk. At issue was whether Cousins threw a purposeful elbow at Swopshire's head and should have been ejected. UK claims Cousins can be seen taking a knee to the head prior to the elbow.
"[The officials] reviewed the play and assessed an intentional personal foul to Cousins," Adams said. "It was offset by an intentional personal four on a Louisville player and they had a taunting T on another Louisville player. That taunting T resulted in the two free throws that Cousins shot as he was designated by Kentucky to shoot free throws." Source
Sorry Timmy, it looks like you are letting your Kellogg Frosted Flake and ACC branded glasses get in the way.
Kentucky 2011 Recruit Gilchrist Suffers Knee Injury
Kentucky basketball recruit Michael Gilchrist, who is rated the top overall recruit in the 2011 class, suffered a knee injury in a game tonight. The extent of the injury is not know at this time.
Excerpt of article from ZagsBlog.com:
Elizabeth (N.J.) St. Patrick junior wing Michael Gilchrist injured his right knee during Tuesday night’s 62-46 victory over Union and was taken to the emergency room.
Gilchrist took a pass and cut to the basket and then his knee collided with that of a defender, sources said.
“It looked like a knee-on-knee thing. Hopefully it wasn’t too serious,” a source said. “Hopefully it’s something muscular and nothing more serious.”
Complete Article
Excerpt of article from ZagsBlog.com:
Elizabeth (N.J.) St. Patrick junior wing Michael Gilchrist injured his right knee during Tuesday night’s 62-46 victory over Union and was taken to the emergency room.
Gilchrist took a pass and cut to the basket and then his knee collided with that of a defender, sources said.
“It looked like a knee-on-knee thing. Hopefully it wasn’t too serious,” a source said. “Hopefully it’s something muscular and nothing more serious.”
Complete Article
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Trevor Setty Scores 32 to Lead Pikeville College
Pikeville College 95
Virginia Intermont 47
Final from Pikeville College
Game recap by Pikeville:
Freshman Trevor Setty tossed in 32 points to lead No. 8 Pikeville College to an easy 95-47 win over Virginia Intermont College Monday night at the East Kentucky Expo Center.
Setty, a 6-8 freshman from Maysville, gained eligibility when the first semester ended after transferring from Georgetown College. Since entering, he has hit double figures in all three games, three wins for the Bears.
On this night, he was 13-of-15 from the floor and 6-of-8 from the arc. In addition to his points, he had eight rebounds, three assists and a blocked shot to lead the Bears to their fourth straight win.
He led four players in double figures, including senior Josh Samarco who came off the bench with 13 thanks to three three-point buckets. Led by Setty and Samarco, the Bears got 67 of their 95 points off the bench.
Starters Jonathan Clark, a senior from Charlotte, and junior Andre Thornton joined those two in double figures with 11 and 10, respectively. Clark also had six rebounds and five assists.
Setty’s rebounds led the Bears to a 43-28 advantage on the glass. The Bears also forced 25 turnovers thanks to 15 steals.
Virginia Intermont remained winless in 16 games, shooting only 32.1 percent overall aqnd 18.2 percent from the arc. They were led by sophomore Delonte McDaniel’s 17 points. Freshman point guard Tihlee Anderson followed with 12, all in the second half, and six rebounds to go with five steals.
Pikeville (11-1) will bounce back quickly, hosting Temple Baptist College on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. A high school game between district rivals Belfry and Phelps will precede the college action at 5:30.
Virginia Intermont 47
Final from Pikeville College
Game recap by Pikeville:
Freshman Trevor Setty tossed in 32 points to lead No. 8 Pikeville College to an easy 95-47 win over Virginia Intermont College Monday night at the East Kentucky Expo Center.
Setty, a 6-8 freshman from Maysville, gained eligibility when the first semester ended after transferring from Georgetown College. Since entering, he has hit double figures in all three games, three wins for the Bears.
On this night, he was 13-of-15 from the floor and 6-of-8 from the arc. In addition to his points, he had eight rebounds, three assists and a blocked shot to lead the Bears to their fourth straight win.
He led four players in double figures, including senior Josh Samarco who came off the bench with 13 thanks to three three-point buckets. Led by Setty and Samarco, the Bears got 67 of their 95 points off the bench.
Starters Jonathan Clark, a senior from Charlotte, and junior Andre Thornton joined those two in double figures with 11 and 10, respectively. Clark also had six rebounds and five assists.
Setty’s rebounds led the Bears to a 43-28 advantage on the glass. The Bears also forced 25 turnovers thanks to 15 steals.
Virginia Intermont remained winless in 16 games, shooting only 32.1 percent overall aqnd 18.2 percent from the arc. They were led by sophomore Delonte McDaniel’s 17 points. Freshman point guard Tihlee Anderson followed with 12, all in the second half, and six rebounds to go with five steals.
Pikeville (11-1) will bounce back quickly, hosting Temple Baptist College on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. A high school game between district rivals Belfry and Phelps will precede the college action at 5:30.
Peeking Into the John Calipari Basketball Playbook
If you are a coach, or basically someone that loves the x's and o's of basketball, I recommend checking out Men's Basketball Hoop Scoop. The site is filled with plays, in-depth analysis and diagrams.
Today, they look at John Calipari's late-shotclock plays:
You should check out these notes from my friend: Zak Boisvert, Student Manager, Fordham University. He does a great job of taking notes. Click on the pdf link to download the basketball coaching notes.
Coach Boisvert is going to help provide a chalkboard of X's and O's through the basketball season. You will want to check out his stuff everyday.
Coach Peterman
Today, they look at John Calipari's late-shotclock plays:
You should check out these notes from my friend: Zak Boisvert, Student Manager, Fordham University. He does a great job of taking notes. Click on the pdf link to download the basketball coaching notes.
Coach Boisvert is going to help provide a chalkboard of X's and O's through the basketball season. You will want to check out his stuff everyday.
Coach Peterman
John Wall Graces the Cover of Sports Illustrated
Kentucky basketball freshman superstar (after only 15 games) John Wall flies to the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated.
NBA Loves John Wall; Best of the Decade?
NBA people already love John Wall
Is it any wonder scouts, fans and NBA bloggers are all freaking out about Wall's imminent arrival in the NBA? After all, we college hoops folks only get him for four more months; after that, he becomes the exclusive province of NBA fans for the next, oh, 15 years. And good for them. The big jerks. Let's hope they enjoy him. Because he is really, really good.
But how good? Is Wall the next Derrick Rose? The next Tyreke Evans -- who college fans will be surprised to learn is quite possibly the NBA's best rookie in 2009-10? (Evans was uber-talented in college, but he always looked a little lost in a way that Rose didn't. And he took too many bad outside shots.) Or is Wall -- gasp -- better than both?
John Wall: Already Among Decade's Elite?
The recent collegehoopsnet.com poll, “Who is the player of the decade?” certainly sparks an interesting debate. As an avid college basketball fan, I have seen all of the great ones of the past ten years – from the four-year legacies of Redick and Hansbrough, to the one-and-done flashes of Anthony and Durant. While a claim could be staked for many of the household names, I believe that the best player to play college basketball in this decade may have just come onto the radar screen.
I am always skeptical when I get word of the “next great player in college basketball.” This year was certainly no exception, as 6’4” freshman point guard John Wall was anointed just that before even setting foot on Kentucky’s campus. I saw Wall play for the first time last week as his Wildcats took on lowly Hartford at Rupp Arena. I wanted to see if reality could even come close to the colossal hype surrounding the player who is the unanimous choice to be the top pick in next year’s NBA draft. While Wall scored a season-low 9 points, he left me with the feeling that he might not just be the next great player in college basketball – he might just end up being the best player to play college basketball in this decade.
Is it any wonder scouts, fans and NBA bloggers are all freaking out about Wall's imminent arrival in the NBA? After all, we college hoops folks only get him for four more months; after that, he becomes the exclusive province of NBA fans for the next, oh, 15 years. And good for them. The big jerks. Let's hope they enjoy him. Because he is really, really good.
But how good? Is Wall the next Derrick Rose? The next Tyreke Evans -- who college fans will be surprised to learn is quite possibly the NBA's best rookie in 2009-10? (Evans was uber-talented in college, but he always looked a little lost in a way that Rose didn't. And he took too many bad outside shots.) Or is Wall -- gasp -- better than both?
John Wall: Already Among Decade's Elite?
The recent collegehoopsnet.com poll, “Who is the player of the decade?” certainly sparks an interesting debate. As an avid college basketball fan, I have seen all of the great ones of the past ten years – from the four-year legacies of Redick and Hansbrough, to the one-and-done flashes of Anthony and Durant. While a claim could be staked for many of the household names, I believe that the best player to play college basketball in this decade may have just come onto the radar screen.
I am always skeptical when I get word of the “next great player in college basketball.” This year was certainly no exception, as 6’4” freshman point guard John Wall was anointed just that before even setting foot on Kentucky’s campus. I saw Wall play for the first time last week as his Wildcats took on lowly Hartford at Rupp Arena. I wanted to see if reality could even come close to the colossal hype surrounding the player who is the unanimous choice to be the top pick in next year’s NBA draft. While Wall scored a season-low 9 points, he left me with the feeling that he might not just be the next great player in college basketball – he might just end up being the best player to play college basketball in this decade.
UK Basketball Recruit Terrence Jones Talks
Here is an interview with Kentucky 2010 basketball recruit Terrence Jones (Video courtesy of OregonLive.com).
“Kentucky, Oklahoma, Washington, Oregon, UCLA, West Virginia, Texas, that’s pretty much it."
“Kentucky, Oklahoma, Washington, Oregon, UCLA, West Virginia, Texas, that’s pretty much it."
| Terrence Jones at the Les Schwab Invtational |
UK Fans Haven't Witnessed Anything Like This in 40 Years
At 15-0, the Kentucky Wildcats are off to the team's best start since the 1969-70 season. That team, which lost game #16 on the road at Vanderbilt, was led by UK legends Dan Issell and Mike Pratt. They finished the season at 26-2, but the second loss was to Jacksonville in the NCAA Mideast Regional Finals.
Sports Illustrated takes a look at this season's Kentucky team and discusses several possibilities for the near future:
Though coach John Calipari has done his best to temper his precocious team's accomplishments - he says the Wildcats are "about 9-6'' by his standards - he knows his mind games go only so far.
"I've got a competitive group,'' he said.
One that may have the best chance of the four remaining undefeated teams of becoming the first team since Indiana in 1976 to win an NCAA title while keeping the loss column spotless.
Kentucky has only three games the rest of the season against teams ranked in this week's Top 25.
Complete Article from SI.com
Sports Illustrated takes a look at this season's Kentucky team and discusses several possibilities for the near future:
Though coach John Calipari has done his best to temper his precocious team's accomplishments - he says the Wildcats are "about 9-6'' by his standards - he knows his mind games go only so far.
"I've got a competitive group,'' he said.
One that may have the best chance of the four remaining undefeated teams of becoming the first team since Indiana in 1976 to win an NCAA title while keeping the loss column spotless.
Kentucky has only three games the rest of the season against teams ranked in this week's Top 25.
Complete Article from SI.com
Bellarmine Knights Escape Comeback to Beat Lewis
Bellarmine 79
Lewis 73
Final from Bellarmine University
Game recap by Bellarmine:
The Bellarmine University men's basketball team saw a 19-point second half lead evaporate before rallying late for a 79-73 victory over the Lewis Flyers in a Great Lakes Valley Conference game at Knights Hall.
The Knights built a 14-point halftime lead by holding Lewis to just 29 percent shooting while connecting on 45 percent of their own shots and went to the locker room with a 41-27 advantage. Bellarmine started the second half on fire and jumped out to a 19-point lead as sophomore Luke Sprague poured in five consecutive points, prompting Lewis to call a timeout to collect themselves.
The Flyers gradually worked their way back in the game and took a 2-point lead with 3:50 remaining.
The Lewis lead lasted only 12 seconds as Bellarmine's Braydon Hobbs drilled a three to put the Knights back on top. After a miss by Lewis, Justin Benedetti buried another trey for Bellarmine to claim a four point lead with 3:10 left in the game. Jeremy Kendle capped the Bellarmine mini-run by slamming home two of his 16 points after Benedetti came up with a steal.
The Knights closed the game with solid free throw shooting to earn the six-point victory.
"I was very proud of the way we finished," said Bellarmine Coach Scott Davenport. "Braydon and J.B. (Benedetti) hit back to back big time shots."
Davenport said the Knights allowed the Flyers back in the game by committing turnovers on three consecutive possessions on what he termed "fundamental mistakes." The fifth year Bellarmine coach added, "To be an outstanding team, we have to learn to improve with a win. I hope we can do that tonight."
Sprague finished the game with a career high 19 points to claim game high honors. Joining him in double digits for the Knights were Kendle with 16, Hobbs with 15, and Benedetti with 13.
The Flyers were paced by Justin Jarosz with 16 and Chris McClellan with 14.
Bellarmine improves to 9-4 (2-2 GLVC) with the victory, while Lewis falls to 9-4 (1-3 GLVC).
The Knights are back in action Thursday night as they travel to Kansas City to take on Rockhurst in a GLVC contest. Game time is set for 8:30 p.m.
Lewis 73
Final from Bellarmine University
Game recap by Bellarmine:
The Bellarmine University men's basketball team saw a 19-point second half lead evaporate before rallying late for a 79-73 victory over the Lewis Flyers in a Great Lakes Valley Conference game at Knights Hall.
The Knights built a 14-point halftime lead by holding Lewis to just 29 percent shooting while connecting on 45 percent of their own shots and went to the locker room with a 41-27 advantage. Bellarmine started the second half on fire and jumped out to a 19-point lead as sophomore Luke Sprague poured in five consecutive points, prompting Lewis to call a timeout to collect themselves.
The Flyers gradually worked their way back in the game and took a 2-point lead with 3:50 remaining.
The Lewis lead lasted only 12 seconds as Bellarmine's Braydon Hobbs drilled a three to put the Knights back on top. After a miss by Lewis, Justin Benedetti buried another trey for Bellarmine to claim a four point lead with 3:10 left in the game. Jeremy Kendle capped the Bellarmine mini-run by slamming home two of his 16 points after Benedetti came up with a steal.
The Knights closed the game with solid free throw shooting to earn the six-point victory.
"I was very proud of the way we finished," said Bellarmine Coach Scott Davenport. "Braydon and J.B. (Benedetti) hit back to back big time shots."
Davenport said the Knights allowed the Flyers back in the game by committing turnovers on three consecutive possessions on what he termed "fundamental mistakes." The fifth year Bellarmine coach added, "To be an outstanding team, we have to learn to improve with a win. I hope we can do that tonight."
Sprague finished the game with a career high 19 points to claim game high honors. Joining him in double digits for the Knights were Kendle with 16, Hobbs with 15, and Benedetti with 13.
The Flyers were paced by Justin Jarosz with 16 and Chris McClellan with 14.
Bellarmine improves to 9-4 (2-2 GLVC) with the victory, while Lewis falls to 9-4 (1-3 GLVC).
The Knights are back in action Thursday night as they travel to Kansas City to take on Rockhurst in a GLVC contest. Game time is set for 8:30 p.m.
Murray State Easily Defeats UT-Martin
Murray State 83
UT-Martin 59
Final from Murray State University
Game recap by Associated Press:
MURRAY, Ky. -- Danero Thomas had 14 points, a career-high six steals and five assists to lead Murray State to an 83-59 victory over Tennessee-Martin on Monday night.
Ivan Aska and B.J. Jenkins also scored 14 points apiece for the Racers (11-3, 3-0 Ohio Valley Conference), who extended their home winning streak to 10 games.
Murray State never trailed, leading 46-25 at halftime. The Racers pushed the margin to 30 at 69-39 on a layup by Donte Poole.
The Skyhawks (2-10, 0-3) cut the deficit to 71-55 with 5:13 left on a 3-pointer by Reuben Clayton, but could get no closer.
Murray State outshot Tennessee-Martin 55.9 percent (33-for-59) to 37.1 percent (23-for-62). The Racers had 20 assists, compared to five for the Skyhawks.
Marquis Weddle led Tennessee-Martin with 17 points, 13 in the second half, while Clayton added 15, including 12 in the first half.
UT-Martin 59
Final from Murray State University
Game recap by Associated Press:
MURRAY, Ky. -- Danero Thomas had 14 points, a career-high six steals and five assists to lead Murray State to an 83-59 victory over Tennessee-Martin on Monday night.
Ivan Aska and B.J. Jenkins also scored 14 points apiece for the Racers (11-3, 3-0 Ohio Valley Conference), who extended their home winning streak to 10 games.
Murray State never trailed, leading 46-25 at halftime. The Racers pushed the margin to 30 at 69-39 on a layup by Donte Poole.
The Skyhawks (2-10, 0-3) cut the deficit to 71-55 with 5:13 left on a 3-pointer by Reuben Clayton, but could get no closer.
Murray State outshot Tennessee-Martin 55.9 percent (33-for-59) to 37.1 percent (23-for-62). The Racers had 20 assists, compared to five for the Skyhawks.
Marquis Weddle led Tennessee-Martin with 17 points, 13 in the second half, while Clayton added 15, including 12 in the first half.
New Mid-Major Top 25; WKU Moves to #15
The latest Mid-Major Top 25 basketball ranking have Western Kentucky sitting at #15 and Murray State at #17.
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels received 6 votes.
MID MAJOR TOP 25-COLLEGEINSIDER.COM
1. Northern Iowa (23) 12-1 758 1
2. Gonzaga (7) 11-3 739 2
3. Butler 10-4 697 3
4. Cornell 12-2 664 4
5. St. Mary's 13-2 636 5
6. VCU 9-2 580 7
7. Western Carolina 11-2 579 10
8. William & Mary (1) 10-2 523 11
9. Wichita State 13-2 504 8
10. Missouri State 12-2 494 9
11. Old Dominion 9-5 485 6 12. Akron 10-3 391 13 13. Siena 10-4 374 14 14. Illinois State 11-3 355 12 15. Western Kentucky 7-4 284 16 16. Northern Colorado 13-3 249 19 17. Murray State 10-3 242 17 18. Wright State 10-5 224 18 19. South Alabama 11-4 197 20 20. Portland 9-5 178 20 21. Coastal Carolina 13-2 141 25 22. Green Bay 11-5 102 22 23. Fairfield 10-3 74 NR 24. Detroit 10-5 71 23 25. Texas San Antonio 10-3 65 NR
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels received 6 votes.
MID MAJOR TOP 25-COLLEGEINSIDER.COM
1. Northern Iowa (23) 12-1 758 1
2. Gonzaga (7) 11-3 739 2
3. Butler 10-4 697 3
4. Cornell 12-2 664 4
5. St. Mary's 13-2 636 5
6. VCU 9-2 580 7
7. Western Carolina 11-2 579 10
8. William & Mary (1) 10-2 523 11
9. Wichita State 13-2 504 8
10. Missouri State 12-2 494 9
11. Old Dominion 9-5 485 6 12. Akron 10-3 391 13 13. Siena 10-4 374 14 14. Illinois State 11-3 355 12 15. Western Kentucky 7-4 284 16 16. Northern Colorado 13-3 249 19 17. Murray State 10-3 242 17 18. Wright State 10-5 224 18 19. South Alabama 11-4 197 20 20. Portland 9-5 178 20 21. Coastal Carolina 13-2 141 25 22. Green Bay 11-5 102 22 23. Fairfield 10-3 74 NR 24. Detroit 10-5 71 23 25. Texas San Antonio 10-3 65 NR
Hilltoppers Add Another Notch to Upset Belt
Western Kentucky 55
Mississippi State 52
Final from WKU
Game recap by Associated Press:
Steffphon Pettigrew scored 17 points to propel host Western Kentucky University to a 55-52 win over Mississippi State on Monday night, ending the Bulldogs' nine-game winning streak.
Mississippi State fell behind early in the second half, but Jarvis Varnado's dunk pulled the Bulldogs within 53-52 with 51 seconds left. But he missed a go-ahead jumper with five seconds left, and Anthony Sally grabbed the rebound and sank two free throws to seal it for the Hilltoppers.
Sally finished with 11 points for the Hilltoppers (8-4) and was 9for9 from the free-throw line. Western Kentucky finished 12of16 from the line. The Bulldogs hit just 14of27 foul shots.
Western Kentucky trailed by three at halftime but opened the second half with a 13-4 run and led by as many as 12 before Mississippi State rallied in the closing minutes.
Varnado led the Bulldogs (12-3) with 17 points, and Dee Bost added 13.
Mississippi State 52
Final from WKU
Game recap by Associated Press:
Steffphon Pettigrew scored 17 points to propel host Western Kentucky University to a 55-52 win over Mississippi State on Monday night, ending the Bulldogs' nine-game winning streak.
Mississippi State fell behind early in the second half, but Jarvis Varnado's dunk pulled the Bulldogs within 53-52 with 51 seconds left. But he missed a go-ahead jumper with five seconds left, and Anthony Sally grabbed the rebound and sank two free throws to seal it for the Hilltoppers.
Sally finished with 11 points for the Hilltoppers (8-4) and was 9for9 from the free-throw line. Western Kentucky finished 12of16 from the line. The Bulldogs hit just 14of27 foul shots.
Western Kentucky trailed by three at halftime but opened the second half with a 13-4 run and led by as many as 12 before Mississippi State rallied in the closing minutes.
Varnado led the Bulldogs (12-3) with 17 points, and Dee Bost added 13.
UK Basketball Staff Will Visit JUCO Star Ricardo Ratliffe
Dave Telep of Scout.com reported earlier today that representatives from Kentucky would visit Ricardo Ratliffe, the nation's top-rated JUCO basketball prospect.
I contacted Ricardo and he did confirm that the Kentucky staff will visit him this week.
He added that his JUCO team, Central Florida Community College, is now sitting at 14-4 on the season and playing better lately.
Ratliffe is a 6-8, 225 lb. power forward that is receiving looks from several high-major programs including several in the SEC and Big 12. He lists Kentucky and Louisville as schools that are recruiting him.
I contacted Ricardo and he did confirm that the Kentucky staff will visit him this week.
He added that his JUCO team, Central Florida Community College, is now sitting at 14-4 on the season and playing better lately.
Ratliffe is a 6-8, 225 lb. power forward that is receiving looks from several high-major programs including several in the SEC and Big 12. He lists Kentucky and Louisville as schools that are recruiting him.
Ex-Wildcat Basketball Player Pleads Guilty in Scam
A former University of Kentucky basketball player who is accused of ticket scams in several counties has pleaded guilty to theft in Fleming County.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports Derrick Miller pleaded guilty to two felony counts on Monday in Fleming County Circuit Court.
Miller pleaded guilty in November in Clark County to two charges of misdemeanor criminal attempt and was sentenced to 360 days in jail. He also faces charges in Fayette County and elsewhere.
Miller and former Kentucky teammate Ed Davender have been accused of running separate scams in which they took money from people while promising them Kentucky basketball tickets they didn't have available to sell.
Davender entered a not guilty plea Monday in Fleming County, where he faces two felony counts of theft. He also faces charges in Fayette and Harrison counties.
Source
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports Derrick Miller pleaded guilty to two felony counts on Monday in Fleming County Circuit Court.
Miller pleaded guilty in November in Clark County to two charges of misdemeanor criminal attempt and was sentenced to 360 days in jail. He also faces charges in Fayette County and elsewhere.
Miller and former Kentucky teammate Ed Davender have been accused of running separate scams in which they took money from people while promising them Kentucky basketball tickets they didn't have available to sell.
Davender entered a not guilty plea Monday in Fleming County, where he faces two felony counts of theft. He also faces charges in Fayette and Harrison counties.
Source
UK Recruit C.J. Leslie Coming to Lexington Friday
Kentucky 2010 recruit C.J. Leslie and his Word of God Christian Academy team will participate in the Dunkin Donut National Shootout in Lexington this Friday and Saturday. The event will be hosted by Lexington Catholic High School.
Dunkin Donut National Shootout Schedule:
Friday Jan 8th 2010
7:30 Lexington Catholic Boys vs Word of God Christian Academy North Carolina
Saturday Jan 9th 2010
1:00 Wallnut Hills Ohio vs Caldwell County (Girls)
2:30 South Laurel vs Wallnut Hills Oho (Boys)
4:00 Beech Tennesse vs PRP (Boys)
5:30 Lexington Catholic vs Beech Tennessee (Girls)
7:00 Lexington Catholic vs North Oldham (Boys)
8:30 Word of God vs Roger Bacon Ohio (Boys)
Dunkin Donut National Shootout Schedule:
Friday Jan 8th 2010
7:30 Lexington Catholic Boys vs Word of God Christian Academy North Carolina
Saturday Jan 9th 2010
1:00 Wallnut Hills Ohio vs Caldwell County (Girls)
2:30 South Laurel vs Wallnut Hills Oho (Boys)
4:00 Beech Tennesse vs PRP (Boys)
5:30 Lexington Catholic vs Beech Tennessee (Girls)
7:00 Lexington Catholic vs North Oldham (Boys)
8:30 Word of God vs Roger Bacon Ohio (Boys)
Fraschilla Would Give John Pelphrey More Time
ESPN basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla urged Arkansas supporters to stick with former Kentucky Wildcat John Pelphrey as head coach of the struggling Razorback program.
Here are some of Fraschilla's comments:
"Any young coach who's building a program like [Pelphrey's] trying to do is going to have some bumps in the road," Fraschilla said. "They've had a few more bumps that they expected. But how you handle adversity, really, is most important. And what I can see from the outside, [Pelphrey is] doing that.
"Nobody wants to go through the things they went through during the summer. They had high expectations; they have some good young players. But this is why you're charged with leading a college basketball or football program, to handle adversity. From what I can tell he's doing a good job with that."
Complete Article
Here are some of Fraschilla's comments:
"Any young coach who's building a program like [Pelphrey's] trying to do is going to have some bumps in the road," Fraschilla said. "They've had a few more bumps that they expected. But how you handle adversity, really, is most important. And what I can see from the outside, [Pelphrey is] doing that.
"Nobody wants to go through the things they went through during the summer. They had high expectations; they have some good young players. But this is why you're charged with leading a college basketball or football program, to handle adversity. From what I can tell he's doing a good job with that."
Complete Article
LostLetterman.com Catches Up With Cameron Mills
LostLetterman.com caught up with ex-Kentucky basketball player Cameron Mills recently.
Excerpt of the interview:
LL: How hard is it for you obviously a very religious person, to juggle this is a former coach, a mentor of yours with everything that was going on and the scandal that he was involved in?
CM: Look, we all make mistakes and I think that’s the one thing that I appreciated about what he did. He came out and admitted his failures and apologized for his failures and wants to move on.
The problem is, and truly he really has. He is moving on. The thing is though when you come into a game like today you’ve got those, some UK fans that want to remind him of it and kind of use it to jeer him from the crowd.
But I didn’t get to go to the game today. I watched it at home and kind of had some friends that were in the crowd and kind of asked them what the reception was like and of course people booed and you expect him to be booed.
If I didn’t have the relationship that I had with him as a former player, I’d boo him. You expect that but evidently there weren’t too many things that were said or too many signs or anything, if any that were inappropriate.
I do a pre-game show on one of the local stations here in Lexington, 630 WLAP, before every UK game and we kind of talked about what was over the line when it came to fans using what happened to coach Pitino this summer as kind of an offense against him. And I don’t think we came to any kind of conclusion, you just kind of hope that it’s something … there’s plenty of stuff to jeer him about because he’s been so successful, because he went to Louisville after coaching at Kentucky. He could’ve gone anywhere but he chose to go to Louisville.
There’s plenty of stuff, you just kind of hope that stuff that happened this summer stays outside the arena which evidently they did today which makes me proud of Kentucky fans because they are typically, if not always very, very classy fans.
LL: How hard is it for you obviously a very religious person, to juggle this is a former coach, a mentor of yours with everything that was going on and the scandal that he was involved in?
CM: Look, we all make mistakes and I think that’s the one thing that I appreciated about what he did. He came out and admitted his failures and apologized for his failures and wants to move on.
The problem is, and truly he really has. He is moving on. The thing is though when you come into a game like today you’ve got those, some UK fans that want to remind him of it and kind of use it to jeer him from the crowd.
But I didn’t get to go to the game today. I watched it at home and kind of had some friends that were in the crowd and kind of asked them what the reception was like and of course people booed and you expect him to be booed.
If I didn’t have the relationship that I had with him as a former player, I’d boo him. You expect that but evidently there weren’t too many things that were said or too many signs or anything, if any that were inappropriate.
I do a pre-game show on one of the local stations here in Lexington, 630 WLAP, before every UK game and we kind of talked about what was over the line when it came to fans using what happened to coach Pitino this summer as kind of an offense against him. And I don’t think we came to any kind of conclusion, you just kind of hope that it’s something … there’s plenty of stuff to jeer him about because he’s been so successful, because he went to Louisville after coaching at Kentucky. He could’ve gone anywhere but he chose to go to Louisville.
There’s plenty of stuff, you just kind of hope that stuff that happened this summer stays outside the arena which evidently they did today which makes me proud of Kentucky fans because they are typically, if not always very, very classy fans.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Morehead State Survives Scrappy Tennessee State Team
Morehead State 72
Tennessee State 66
Final from Morehead State University
Game recap by MSU:
Morehead State survived a shaky start and a second half comeback bid from Tennessee State to claim a 72-66 Ohio Valley Conference win and its fourth straight win overall Monday night in Johnson Arena.
Senior Les Simmons scored 13 points, including 10 in the second half, and grabbed seven rebounds to lead Morehead State. Senior Maze Stallworth and sophomore Terrence Hill added 12 points apiece, while junior Kenneth Faried grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds and added nine points for the Eagle. The Eagles were too much for the visiting Tigers to handle on the glass as they won the rebounding battle 40-23.
“We were able to out-rebound that team by 17, which was the difference and is huge in conference play,” said MSU coach Donnie Tyndall after the game.
Trailing by five with 20 second left, Jacquan Nobles drained a deep three, his fourth of the game, to bring TSU within two, before Simmons was fouled and calmly drained two foul shots to give MSU a 70-66 lead with 14 seconds remaining. Simmons then grabbed the ensuing rebound on a Nobles miss and walked back down the court and drained two more freebies to ice the game for the Eagles.
“Simmons played his best game of the season. He played very, very well,” stated Tyndall after the game.
TSU built a six-point first-half lead after a Josh Sain scored on old-fashioned three point play with 10:03 remaining in the first half. The Tigers pushed the score to 25-17 after Sain converted on 2-of-3 free throws after he was fouled by Stallworth on a trey attempt.
MSU (8-6, 3-1 OVC) was able to battle back as Simmons completed a three-point play after he was fouled converting a put-back on a strong offensive rebound to spark a 12-2 MSU run. The run included a dunk and a three-point play from Faried, and a free throw and deep trey from Demonte Harper to put the Eagles in front 29-27 with 2:07 to play in the stanza. Sophomore Steve Peterson then ended the half with a drive and a pull up jumper to give MSU a four point half-time lead.
The Eagles continued to stretch the lead after the intermission and pushed the advantage to nine at 46-37 with 12:33 left in the second half after a drive and lay-in from Shingles, a tip-in from Simmons, two free throws from junior Sam Goodman and a fastbreak lay-up from Simmons.
The Tigers (3-12, 0-4 OVC) clawed back within one at 49-48 after they went on an 11-3 run that was capped off by a Sain three-pointer and a steal and lay-up from Nobles. TSU then tied the game on a Sain free throw with 9:11 to go in the game. Erick Peguero put the Tigers in front on a baseline jumper with 7:28 on the clock.
Stallworth then re-tied the game on a put-back layup before Nobles picked Harper’s pocket at half court and went in for a layup to put TSU back in front 53-51.
MSU responded with five straight points on a Stallworth three and another Simmons lay-in to take a three point lead with 5:22 remaining. TSU reduced the Eagle lead to one, 56-55, on single free throws from Darius Cox and Peguero before Shingles drained two lay-ups and two free throws to push the lead to 62-55. TSU fired right back with treys from Covington and Nobles to bring the MSU advantage back to one.
Hill sank a deep three-pointer on the ensuing possession to give MSU a 65-61 advantage. After a pair of Nobles free throws, Hill made the first of two free throws at the line. Hill missed the second but Stallworth grabbed a huge offensive board, his eighth of the game, and was fouled on the putback. Stallworth drained two free throws to push the MSU lead to 68-63, setting up the final 30 seconds of play.
Nobles led all scorers with 20 points for TSU and Sain had 17 points and a team-high 18 rebounds.
Shingles dished out seven assists and grabbed some key rebounds down the stretch. The Eagles grabbed 14 offensive boards that led to 17 second chance points.
Morehead State heads on the road for the weekend with away games at Tennessee Tech Thursday and Jacksonville State Saturday.
Tennessee State 66
Final from Morehead State University
Game recap by MSU:
Morehead State survived a shaky start and a second half comeback bid from Tennessee State to claim a 72-66 Ohio Valley Conference win and its fourth straight win overall Monday night in Johnson Arena.
Senior Les Simmons scored 13 points, including 10 in the second half, and grabbed seven rebounds to lead Morehead State. Senior Maze Stallworth and sophomore Terrence Hill added 12 points apiece, while junior Kenneth Faried grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds and added nine points for the Eagle. The Eagles were too much for the visiting Tigers to handle on the glass as they won the rebounding battle 40-23.
“We were able to out-rebound that team by 17, which was the difference and is huge in conference play,” said MSU coach Donnie Tyndall after the game.
Trailing by five with 20 second left, Jacquan Nobles drained a deep three, his fourth of the game, to bring TSU within two, before Simmons was fouled and calmly drained two foul shots to give MSU a 70-66 lead with 14 seconds remaining. Simmons then grabbed the ensuing rebound on a Nobles miss and walked back down the court and drained two more freebies to ice the game for the Eagles.
“Simmons played his best game of the season. He played very, very well,” stated Tyndall after the game.
TSU built a six-point first-half lead after a Josh Sain scored on old-fashioned three point play with 10:03 remaining in the first half. The Tigers pushed the score to 25-17 after Sain converted on 2-of-3 free throws after he was fouled by Stallworth on a trey attempt.
MSU (8-6, 3-1 OVC) was able to battle back as Simmons completed a three-point play after he was fouled converting a put-back on a strong offensive rebound to spark a 12-2 MSU run. The run included a dunk and a three-point play from Faried, and a free throw and deep trey from Demonte Harper to put the Eagles in front 29-27 with 2:07 to play in the stanza. Sophomore Steve Peterson then ended the half with a drive and a pull up jumper to give MSU a four point half-time lead.
The Eagles continued to stretch the lead after the intermission and pushed the advantage to nine at 46-37 with 12:33 left in the second half after a drive and lay-in from Shingles, a tip-in from Simmons, two free throws from junior Sam Goodman and a fastbreak lay-up from Simmons.
The Tigers (3-12, 0-4 OVC) clawed back within one at 49-48 after they went on an 11-3 run that was capped off by a Sain three-pointer and a steal and lay-up from Nobles. TSU then tied the game on a Sain free throw with 9:11 to go in the game. Erick Peguero put the Tigers in front on a baseline jumper with 7:28 on the clock.
Stallworth then re-tied the game on a put-back layup before Nobles picked Harper’s pocket at half court and went in for a layup to put TSU back in front 53-51.
MSU responded with five straight points on a Stallworth three and another Simmons lay-in to take a three point lead with 5:22 remaining. TSU reduced the Eagle lead to one, 56-55, on single free throws from Darius Cox and Peguero before Shingles drained two lay-ups and two free throws to push the lead to 62-55. TSU fired right back with treys from Covington and Nobles to bring the MSU advantage back to one.
Hill sank a deep three-pointer on the ensuing possession to give MSU a 65-61 advantage. After a pair of Nobles free throws, Hill made the first of two free throws at the line. Hill missed the second but Stallworth grabbed a huge offensive board, his eighth of the game, and was fouled on the putback. Stallworth drained two free throws to push the MSU lead to 68-63, setting up the final 30 seconds of play.
Nobles led all scorers with 20 points for TSU and Sain had 17 points and a team-high 18 rebounds.
Shingles dished out seven assists and grabbed some key rebounds down the stretch. The Eagles grabbed 14 offensive boards that led to 17 second chance points.
Morehead State heads on the road for the weekend with away games at Tennessee Tech Thursday and Jacksonville State Saturday.
Two Kentucky Wildcats on Midseason Wooden List
Kentucky's John Wall and Patrick Patterson are amongst the midseason top 30 candidates for the John R. Wooden Award, which is given to college basketball's top player at the end of the season.
The list contains 31 players, not the traditional 30, because the playing status of Ohio State’s Evan Turner is uncertain due to a back injury. Three teams have multiple players nominated: No. 1-ranked Kansas (Collins, Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry, who leads his team in scoring at 16.4 ppg); No. 7 Duke (Singler and Jon Scheyer) and No. 3 Kentucky (Patrick Patterson and John Wall).
The Big East leads the Midseason Top 30 with 6 players selected. The Big 12 and ACC follow with five selections, the Big Ten with four, the SEC with three, the Pac-10, Mountain West and West Coast with two and the Horizon League and Ivy League with one selection each. Overall, more than 90 different players received votes.
Ten players have been selected to the midseason Top 30 who were not on the preseason list. This impressive group includes two freshmen, Kentucky’s Wall and Kansas’ Henry; and eight returning players: James Anderson (Oklahoma State), Jimmer Fredette (Brigham Young), Darington Hobson (New Mexico), Wesley Johnson (Syracuse), Jeremy Lin (Harvard), Quincy Pondexter (Washington), Omar Samhan (Saint Mary’s) and Klay Thompson (Washington State).
The list contains 31 players, not the traditional 30, because the playing status of Ohio State’s Evan Turner is uncertain due to a back injury. Three teams have multiple players nominated: No. 1-ranked Kansas (Collins, Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry, who leads his team in scoring at 16.4 ppg); No. 7 Duke (Singler and Jon Scheyer) and No. 3 Kentucky (Patrick Patterson and John Wall).
The Big East leads the Midseason Top 30 with 6 players selected. The Big 12 and ACC follow with five selections, the Big Ten with four, the SEC with three, the Pac-10, Mountain West and West Coast with two and the Horizon League and Ivy League with one selection each. Overall, more than 90 different players received votes.
Ten players have been selected to the midseason Top 30 who were not on the preseason list. This impressive group includes two freshmen, Kentucky’s Wall and Kansas’ Henry; and eight returning players: James Anderson (Oklahoma State), Jimmer Fredette (Brigham Young), Darington Hobson (New Mexico), Wesley Johnson (Syracuse), Jeremy Lin (Harvard), Quincy Pondexter (Washington), Omar Samhan (Saint Mary’s) and Klay Thompson (Washington State).
MSU's Canaan Earns OVC Freshman Of The Week
Murray State's Isaiah Canaan picked up his third Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Week award in voting by the league's basketball sports information directors.
Canaan had a game to remember last Wednesday in the Racers' 82-51 victory at SIU Edwardsville.
The Biloxi, Miss., native came off the MSU bench and had a perfect shooting night when he hit all six of his shots from the field, including a three-point basket and was 4-of-4 from the free throw line for 17 points.
Canaan also added five rebounds, four assists and two steals in his 21 minutes on the floor.
He also won the OVC weekly award Nov. 30 and Dec. 21.
In addition to Canaan's three OVC honors, the Racers have won two additional player of the week awards this season. Ivan Aska was OVC Player of the Week and B.J. Jenkins was OVC Newcomer of the Week Nov. 16.
Source: Press release by Murray State
Canaan had a game to remember last Wednesday in the Racers' 82-51 victory at SIU Edwardsville.
The Biloxi, Miss., native came off the MSU bench and had a perfect shooting night when he hit all six of his shots from the field, including a three-point basket and was 4-of-4 from the free throw line for 17 points.
Canaan also added five rebounds, four assists and two steals in his 21 minutes on the floor.
He also won the OVC weekly award Nov. 30 and Dec. 21.
In addition to Canaan's three OVC honors, the Racers have won two additional player of the week awards this season. Ivan Aska was OVC Player of the Week and B.J. Jenkins was OVC Newcomer of the Week Nov. 16.
Source: Press release by Murray State
Eastern Kentucky Defeats Austin Peay in Richmond
Eastern Kentucky 76
Austin Peay 71
Final from EKU
Game recap by AP:
Josh Taylor finished with 19 points to lead Eastern Kentucky to a 76-71 victory over Austin Peay on Monday night.
Taylor also added eight rebounds and four blocks for the Colonels (10-5, 3-1 Ohio Valley Conference), who have won three of their last four.
Anthony Campbell scored 22 points to lead the Governors (8-8, 2-2) and Wes Channels added 17.
Austin Peay struggled from the 3-point arc, making just 1 of 15 attempts from long range (6.7 percent). The Colonels, on the other hand, shot 44.4 percent from 3-point range (12-for-27).
The Governors dominated inside, as they outscored Eastern Kentucky 48-22 in the paint. But Austin Peay suffered from 36.4 percent shooting in the first half (8-for-22), and trailed 41-24 at halftime.
Eastern Kentucky shot 47.2 percent in the game (25-for-53), including 50 percent in the first half (15-for-30).
Austin Peay 71
Final from EKU
Game recap by AP:
Josh Taylor finished with 19 points to lead Eastern Kentucky to a 76-71 victory over Austin Peay on Monday night.
Taylor also added eight rebounds and four blocks for the Colonels (10-5, 3-1 Ohio Valley Conference), who have won three of their last four.
Anthony Campbell scored 22 points to lead the Governors (8-8, 2-2) and Wes Channels added 17.
Austin Peay struggled from the 3-point arc, making just 1 of 15 attempts from long range (6.7 percent). The Colonels, on the other hand, shot 44.4 percent from 3-point range (12-for-27).
The Governors dominated inside, as they outscored Eastern Kentucky 48-22 in the paint. But Austin Peay suffered from 36.4 percent shooting in the first half (8-for-22), and trailed 41-24 at halftime.
Eastern Kentucky shot 47.2 percent in the game (25-for-53), including 50 percent in the first half (15-for-30).
U of L Guard Preston Knowles Speaks After UK Game
Louisville guard Preston Knowles didn't have a whole lot to say following the Carindals' loss to Kentukcy at Rupp Arena, but he did answer a few questions for Keith Taylor of the Winchester Sun.
Here is an excerpt:
What are your impressions of Kentucky?
“They’re a great team.”
Was this the most intense rivalry game you’ve played in?
“It was real intense, especially how the game started, but it was a good game.”
What about John Wall?
“He’s cool — he’s all right.”
Complete Article
Here is an excerpt:
What are your impressions of Kentucky?
“They’re a great team.”
Was this the most intense rivalry game you’ve played in?
“It was real intense, especially how the game started, but it was a good game.”
What about John Wall?
“He’s cool — he’s all right.”
Complete Article
Union Basketball's Brown Named AAC Player of the Week
Union College senior Beau Brown collected Appalachian Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week honors, the league announced Monday.
Brown (Athens, Tenn.) scored 17 points and seven rebounds in the 94-82 win over Indiana University East last week. However, he made his biggest contribution on the defensive end with a career-high seven steals.
In netting his 17 points, Brown made 7-of-13 shots from the field as well as both of his free-throw attempts.
Brown is averaging 12.4 points per game and leads the team in rebounding with an average of 6.54 boards per night. He also leads the Bulldogs with 33 steals on the year and has dished out 24 assists.
Union (8-7 overall) will take its three-game win streak on the road Wednesday when it takes on conference foe Bluefield (Va.) College at 7:30 p.m.
Brown (Athens, Tenn.) scored 17 points and seven rebounds in the 94-82 win over Indiana University East last week. However, he made his biggest contribution on the defensive end with a career-high seven steals.
In netting his 17 points, Brown made 7-of-13 shots from the field as well as both of his free-throw attempts.
Brown is averaging 12.4 points per game and leads the team in rebounding with an average of 6.54 boards per night. He also leads the Bulldogs with 33 steals on the year and has dished out 24 assists.
Union (8-7 overall) will take its three-game win streak on the road Wednesday when it takes on conference foe Bluefield (Va.) College at 7:30 p.m.
Source: Press Release from Union College
Kentucky Still a One-Seed in Basketball Bracketology
Joe Lunardi has released his first Bracketology in 2010 and the Kentucky Wildcats are still a #1 seed. He has Kentucky in the West (Salt Lake City) region against #16 Campbell.
Lunardi projects Murray State to win the OVC and has them as a #13 against Ole Miss. He has the Louisville Cardinals listed as one of the "first four out."
Kenneth Faried Named OVC Co-Player of the Week
Morehead State junior forward Kenneth Faried has been named as the Ohio Valley Conference men's basketball Co-Player of the Week. It marks the second time this season he’s been honored by the league. He shared the award with Tennessee Tech’s Frank Davis.
Faried picked up two double-doubles in helping lead the Eagles to a pair of wins, one a close game in a tough environment at South Dakota, the other a key Conference game against Austin Peay on ESPNU. His 15 points and 15 rebounds versus USD came in only 26 minutes of action and his 12 points and 19 rebounds versus APSU included a key offensive rebound at the end of overtime followed by a pair of free throws that helped seal the win. He also had a highlight reel dunk and four blocks versus APSU.
Faried also broke the 1,000 career-point barrier at South Dakota. He is the 29th MSU player to reach 1,000 points and the second this season. Senior Maze Stallworth passed the mark earlier this season.
The Eagles host Tennessee State tonight at 7:30 pm on Wazoo Sports Television.
Source: MSUEagles.com
Faried picked up two double-doubles in helping lead the Eagles to a pair of wins, one a close game in a tough environment at South Dakota, the other a key Conference game against Austin Peay on ESPNU. His 15 points and 15 rebounds versus USD came in only 26 minutes of action and his 12 points and 19 rebounds versus APSU included a key offensive rebound at the end of overtime followed by a pair of free throws that helped seal the win. He also had a highlight reel dunk and four blocks versus APSU.
Faried also broke the 1,000 career-point barrier at South Dakota. He is the 29th MSU player to reach 1,000 points and the second this season. Senior Maze Stallworth passed the mark earlier this season.
The Eagles host Tennessee State tonight at 7:30 pm on Wazoo Sports Television.
Source: MSUEagles.com
Jodie Meeks Still Struggling in NBA Rookie Season
HoopsWorld.com takes a look today at who's hot and who's not in the NBA this week. Unfortunately, they list former Kentucky guard Jodie Meeks on the cold list.
Excerpt:
Eastern Conference Rookie: Jodie Meeks, Milwaukee Bucks – Meeks hasn't seen a ton a playing time this season but struggled through arguably the worst week of his young career over the past seven days. The scoring guard out of Kentucky made just 4-16 (.250) from the field and took the collar from behind the three-point line, missing all seven attempts from deep and posting a PER of 2.7 as the Bucks lost two of three.
Complete Article
Excerpt:
Eastern Conference Rookie: Jodie Meeks, Milwaukee Bucks – Meeks hasn't seen a ton a playing time this season but struggled through arguably the worst week of his young career over the past seven days. The scoring guard out of Kentucky made just 4-16 (.250) from the field and took the collar from behind the three-point line, missing all seven attempts from deep and posting a PER of 2.7 as the Bucks lost two of three.
Complete Article
UK's DeMarcus Cousins Named SEC Player of the Week
Kentucky’s DeMarcus Cousins was named SEC Player of the Week after he averaged 18.5 points and 15.0 rebounds in leading the Wildcats to wins over Hartford and Drexel.
Cousins recorded his fourth straight double-double and his eighth this season with 18 points and 18 rebounds against Louisville. The 18 rebounds tied his career-high are the second most by a Wildcat freshman in a game.
The Mobile, Ala., native tallied 19 points and 12 rebounds in just 19 minutes against Hartford earlier in the week.
Per 40 minutes, Cousins is averaging 32.1 points and 20 rebounds on the season while averaging 32.9 ppg and 26.7 rpg in Kentucky’s two-game swing this past week.
Source: SECSports.com
Evans, Rose were Great; John Wall is Better
The site HardwoodParoxysm.com feels that Tyreke Evans was better than Derrick Rose and that Kentucky's John Wall is better than both. In fact, the site states that Wall will be the best NBA Draft Pick since Dwayne Wade.
Here is an excerpt:
But Wall? Wall surpasses all of that. He’s better. We’ll get into how he’s better, but first, let me throw another declaration at you. Now, I get that declarations are rather meaningless (but isn’t everything, really?) and I try and avoid them to the best of my ability. I like to ride the hype wave, not start them. But Wall leaves me no choice.
It is my honest opinion that John Wall will be the best draft pick since Dwyane Wade. And no, I am not forgetting Kevin Durant or Chris Paul. I say this having seen both of them play in college, Durant on multiple occasions (sucks to be a fan of a Big 12 school in a down year playing Texas). And I do not doubt their talent or ability. Wall’s potential is that high.
Complete Article
Here is an excerpt:
But Wall? Wall surpasses all of that. He’s better. We’ll get into how he’s better, but first, let me throw another declaration at you. Now, I get that declarations are rather meaningless (but isn’t everything, really?) and I try and avoid them to the best of my ability. I like to ride the hype wave, not start them. But Wall leaves me no choice.
It is my honest opinion that John Wall will be the best draft pick since Dwyane Wade. And no, I am not forgetting Kevin Durant or Chris Paul. I say this having seen both of them play in college, Durant on multiple occasions (sucks to be a fan of a Big 12 school in a down year playing Texas). And I do not doubt their talent or ability. Wall’s potential is that high.
Complete Article
New Basketball Rankings: Wildcats are Stuck on Third
The margin has narrowed between Texas and Kentucky, but the Wildcats are still sitting firmly in the #3 position in both the AP and ESPN/USA Today college basketball rankings this week.
AP Top 25
1. Kansas (56) 13-0 1,614
2. Texas (8) 13-0 1,550
3. Kentucky (1) 15-0 1,489
4. Purdue 13-0 1,457
5. Duke 12-1 1,348
6. Villanova 12-1 1,279
7. Syracuse 13-1 1,173
8. West Virginia 11-1 1,147
9. North Carolina 11-3 1,098
10. Michigan State 11-3 1,009
11. Kansas State 13-1 996 12. Georgetown 11-1 911 13. Connecticut 10-3 760 14. Mississippi 11-2 699 15. New Mexico 14-1 667 16. Tennessee 10-2 649 17. Wisconsin 12-2 526 18. Florida State 12-2 446 19. Gonzaga 11-3 351 20. Georgia Tech 11-2 203 21. Temple 11-3 173 22. Texas Tech 12-2 166 23. Pittsburgh 12-2 156 24. Washington 10-3 149 25. Brigham Young 14-1 145
ESPN/USA Today Poll
1. Kansas (30) 13-0 774
2. Texas (1) 13-0 742
3. Kentucky 15-0 705
4. Purdue 13-0 693
5. Duke 12-1 646
6. Villanova 12-1 608
7. Syracuse 13-1 545
8. West Virginia 11-1 543
9. North Carolina 11-3 540
10. Kansas State 13-1 484
11. Michigan State 11-3 472 12. Georgetown 11-1 441 13. Connecticut 10-3 375 14. New Mexico 14-1 323 15. Tennessee 10-2 302 16. Mississippi 11-2 244 17. Georgia Tech 11-2 234 18. Gonzaga 11-3 219 19. Florida State 12-2 140 20. Wisconsin 12-2 133 21. Clemson 12-3 113 22. Washington 10-3 104 23. Brigham Young 14-1 97 24. Butler 10-4 81 25. Temple 11-3 79
AP Top 25
1. Kansas (56) 13-0 1,614
2. Texas (8) 13-0 1,550
3. Kentucky (1) 15-0 1,489
4. Purdue 13-0 1,457
5. Duke 12-1 1,348
6. Villanova 12-1 1,279
7. Syracuse 13-1 1,173
8. West Virginia 11-1 1,147
9. North Carolina 11-3 1,098
10. Michigan State 11-3 1,009
11. Kansas State 13-1 996 12. Georgetown 11-1 911 13. Connecticut 10-3 760 14. Mississippi 11-2 699 15. New Mexico 14-1 667 16. Tennessee 10-2 649 17. Wisconsin 12-2 526 18. Florida State 12-2 446 19. Gonzaga 11-3 351 20. Georgia Tech 11-2 203 21. Temple 11-3 173 22. Texas Tech 12-2 166 23. Pittsburgh 12-2 156 24. Washington 10-3 149 25. Brigham Young 14-1 145
ESPN/USA Today Poll
1. Kansas (30) 13-0 774
2. Texas (1) 13-0 742
3. Kentucky 15-0 705
4. Purdue 13-0 693
5. Duke 12-1 646
6. Villanova 12-1 608
7. Syracuse 13-1 545
8. West Virginia 11-1 543
9. North Carolina 11-3 540
10. Kansas State 13-1 484
11. Michigan State 11-3 472 12. Georgetown 11-1 441 13. Connecticut 10-3 375 14. New Mexico 14-1 323 15. Tennessee 10-2 302 16. Mississippi 11-2 244 17. Georgia Tech 11-2 234 18. Gonzaga 11-3 219 19. Florida State 12-2 140 20. Wisconsin 12-2 133 21. Clemson 12-3 113 22. Washington 10-3 104 23. Brigham Young 14-1 97 24. Butler 10-4 81 25. Temple 11-3 79
Katz Looks at UK's DeMarcus Cousins in Weekly Watch
ESPN basketball writer Andy Katz mentions Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins in his "Weekly Watch" for week 7 in college basketball.
Here is an excerpt:
DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky: You can debate whether Cousins should have been ejected. But he was given a technical foul, and the officials did review the tape of his scrum within the first minute of the Louisville game. Still, Jared Swopshire also got a technical, so the officials must have seen something on his end, too. What you can't argue against are the results from Cousins. He was a man among boys with 18 points and 18 rebounds, and he was the difference in Kentucky's rivalry win over Louisville.
Complete Article
Here is an excerpt:
DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky: You can debate whether Cousins should have been ejected. But he was given a technical foul, and the officials did review the tape of his scrum within the first minute of the Louisville game. Still, Jared Swopshire also got a technical, so the officials must have seen something on his end, too. What you can't argue against are the results from Cousins. He was a man among boys with 18 points and 18 rebounds, and he was the difference in Kentucky's rivalry win over Louisville.
Complete Article
Highlights/Fallout from UK vs. U of L Basketball Game
A few more post-rivalry links:
- Fallout From UK’s Roughhousing Versus Louisville
In his view, Coach Cal yelled a little something to the Cardinals’ Reginald Delk after he got into it with UK’s Eric Bledsoe.
Mr. Parrish believes Calipari said that Bledsoe will “kick your ass after the game’s over” and that Delk is messing with the “wrong guy.”
Nice. See for yourself at about the 17-second mark of the clip above.
- Combustible Cousins could incinerate Kentucky's title dream
Before we go any farther let me say that, yes, I know the game was rough on both sides, and that, yes, I realize Cousins took a knee to the head in the scramble, which seemed to spark the forearm shiver. But that's beside the point. The point is that Cousins blasted Swopshire in a pretty obvious way, and that a different crew with the guts to eject a high-profile player from a high-profile game would've probably watched that replay on the monitor and ejected a high-profile player from a high-profile game.
And that's the greatest threat to Kentucky's national title hopes. It's not the inexperienced backcourt. Or the lack of aggression against a zone. Or even Calipari, though opposing fans bring it up ad nauseum.
No, the biggest threat to Kentucky's national title hopes is that DeMarcus Cousins seems a little unbalanced and capable of snapping at any time. Or, as Louisville's Edgar Sosa reportedly put it after the game, Cousins is a "nutcase." The guy is capable of getting 20 and 15 in the Final Four against Kansas or of throwing a punch at Sherron Collins before the first media timeout.
- Cal yelled something at somebody. You decide.
Cameras have caught John Calipari yelling all sorts of things over the years, most notably when he called former Memphis player Earl Barron a female's body part, clear as day, on national television. In fairness, Calipari had a point about Barron. But not everybody thinks the Kentucky coach's sideline antics are nearly as entertaining as I do, which is why several angry readers have emailed a clip from Saturday's Kentucky-Louisville game that appears to show Calipari yelling at Louisville's Reginald Delk (though it could be of Calipari yelling at a ref).
State Basketball Coach Knows the Dangers of WKU
Mississippi State basketball coach Rick Stansbury knows the danger his team faces tonight as the Bulldogs travel to Bowling Green for a battle with Western Kentucky.
Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury is well aware of the Hilltoppers’ danger. We spoke Sunday night, as his team was on a bus en route to Golden Triangle Regional Airport for the charter flight to Bowling Green. See, Stansbury is well-versed in this Western Kentucky thing: He’s a Kentucky native, to start, and his uncle has a concourse at E.A. Diddle Arena named after him.
“You look at tradition, they have as much tradition as probably over half the SEC schools or more,” Stansbury said. “It’s a big-time basketball tradition at Western Kentucky. It’s something that — I’d be surprised if it’s not a sellout crowd tomorrow. They take basketball serious.”
Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury is well aware of the Hilltoppers’ danger. We spoke Sunday night, as his team was on a bus en route to Golden Triangle Regional Airport for the charter flight to Bowling Green. See, Stansbury is well-versed in this Western Kentucky thing: He’s a Kentucky native, to start, and his uncle has a concourse at E.A. Diddle Arena named after him.
“You look at tradition, they have as much tradition as probably over half the SEC schools or more,” Stansbury said. “It’s a big-time basketball tradition at Western Kentucky. It’s something that — I’d be surprised if it’s not a sellout crowd tomorrow. They take basketball serious.”
Kentucky One of Four Undefeated Teams Remaining
The Kentucky Wildcats are one of four unbeaten teams remaining in college basketball. Ballin' is a Habit takes a look at the remaining four (Texas, Kansas and Purdue are the other three) and tries to determine who is actually the best using a combination of RPI, Pomeroy ratings and Best Wins.
Here is an excerpt about the Wildcats:
Kentucky: 15-0
RPI: 14
Kenpom: 13
Best Wins: UConn, UNC, Louisville
By now you know about the Wildcats. John Wall is the most talented player in the country, and has proven he is willing, and more than capable, and making the important play for the Wildcats. Patrick Patterson is a stud, capable of scoring on the block and fast becoming the key to UK's ability to beat a zone with his ability to pass and shoot from the high post. DeMarcus Cousins is the most productive big man in the country, as he was the nation's leader in points and rebounds per 40 minutes heading into Saturday's tilt with Louisville. The Wildcats have far and away the highest ceiling of any team in the country. The question is whether or not they are mature enough to reach that ceiling. One thing that did impress in the Louisville game was Kentucky's effort on the defensive end. Louisville started the game just 1-19 from the field, and never got comfortable offensively. Kentucky has the athletes and the size to be great on this end of the floor when they want to be.
Complete Article
Here is an excerpt about the Wildcats:
Kentucky: 15-0
RPI: 14
Kenpom: 13
Best Wins: UConn, UNC, Louisville
By now you know about the Wildcats. John Wall is the most talented player in the country, and has proven he is willing, and more than capable, and making the important play for the Wildcats. Patrick Patterson is a stud, capable of scoring on the block and fast becoming the key to UK's ability to beat a zone with his ability to pass and shoot from the high post. DeMarcus Cousins is the most productive big man in the country, as he was the nation's leader in points and rebounds per 40 minutes heading into Saturday's tilt with Louisville. The Wildcats have far and away the highest ceiling of any team in the country. The question is whether or not they are mature enough to reach that ceiling. One thing that did impress in the Louisville game was Kentucky's effort on the defensive end. Louisville started the game just 1-19 from the field, and never got comfortable offensively. Kentucky has the athletes and the size to be great on this end of the floor when they want to be.
Complete Article
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