Schedule Set for Pikeville College Basketball Camps

Schedule finalized for Pikeville College basketball camps:

PC Youth Camp
June 14-17
Ages 5-14
@ Pikeville College Gym
8 am – Noon daily
$75.00 per camper, $10.00 discount for family members

PC Junior High/MS Team Camp
June 19-20
$150.00 Team Fee
@ Pikeville College Gym / Pikeville HS Gym

PC High School Team Camp
June 21-24
$300.00 Varsity Team Fee, $250.00 JV Team Fee
@ Pikeville College Gym / PHS / Pike Central / Mullins / Blue Goose

PC “Elite” Youth Camp
July 5-8
Grades MS, Freshman, Sophomore (limited space)
@ Pikeville College Gym
1-4 daily
$75.00 per camper, $10.00 discount for family members

If interested contact Coach Kelly Wells at the numbers below or email at kwells@pc.edu.

Kelly Wells, Head Men's Basketball
Pikeville College Bears
147 Sycamore Street
Pikeville, KY 41501
606-218-5352 - Phone
606-218-5351 - fax

2010 PIKEVILLE COLLEGE BASKETBALL TEAM CAMP (Updated June 7, 2010):

NOTE: Click on images to enlarge to 100%

Former Wildcat Jamaal Magloire Helps a Family in Toronto

Former Kentucky big man Jamaal Magloire has perfectly illustrated the type of story that I love to report on this site.

Magloire learned of a single mother that was murdered in Toronto recently. He reached out to the family and paid for the funeral and setup a trust fund for her special needs son.

Here is an excerpt of the touching story from TheStar.com:

When he heard of the murder last Monday of single mother Lucita Charles — who left behind a 7-year-old son with cerebral palsy — not only did Jamaal Magloire think he could help out, he did help out.

The 10-year NBA veteran paid for the funeral for Charles (the city’s 18th murder victim of this year) and plans to establish a trust fund for her orphaned son.

“When we see things like this in the news, we don’t know what to do. I wanted to show I could do something,” Magloire, a Toronto native, said by phone Saturday night.

“It just really touched me, the fact it was a single mother and she left behind a special-needs child,” he said.

Complete Article

Big Blue Nation needs to send a special 'thank you' to Magloire for this tremendous deed. Yahoo! Sports noted that Magloire didn't wish for anyone to find out about his act of kindness, which speaks a great deal about his intentions. Sorry Jamaal, but this story deserves a mention.

* HT to Matt Jones of KentuckySportsRadio.com for finding this article.

Rondo Takes Over; Celtics Steal One in Los Angeles

It is becoming more and more apparent that the Big Three in Boston must include Rajon Rondo or must be renamed the Big Four. Rondo has prominently been the deciding factor in Boston's playoff run this season and last night's game in Los Angeles was no exception.

Veteran Ray Allen, who set an NBA Finals' record with 8 made three-pointers, provided the offense for the Celtics in the first half but it was Rondo that took over during crunch time.

The former Kentucky point guard netted a triple-double and was seemingly all over the court late in the game. With the game hanging in the balance, Rondo first stripped the ball from Kobe Bryant and later blocked Bryant's three-point attempt to prevent a Lakers' comeback.

When the final horn sounded, Rondo had 19 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals and a blocked shot.

With the 103-94 win in Los Angeles, the two teams head to Boston for tomorrow night's game 3 showdown. The series is tied at one game apiece.

Box Score

Asbury University Youth Basketball Camp Coming Soon

Wilmore, Ky. – The Asbury University men’s and women’s basketball programs will hold their annual youth basketball camp from June 21-24. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 5-15 with the choice of half-day, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, or full-day which runs until 3:00 pm, lunch will be provided for full-day campers only.

In addition to instruction from men’s coach Will Shouse and women’s coach Bart Flener, the campers will have a chance to learn from current and former Eagles’ players. Every day the campers will focus on fundamentals such as dribbling, passing, and shooting along with learning the importance of team play and sportsmanship. At the end of the week all campers will receive a t-shirt, basketball, and prizes.

For more information and to download a printable brochure plese use the link provided at the top. Registration is open now and will close at 8:50 am on Monday June 21st.

Please contact Men’s Head Coach Will Shouse for more details at Will.shouse@asbury.edu or 859-858-3511 ext. 2476.

Camp Brochure

Video: John Wall Working Out for the NBA Draft

Here is an impressive video from CSNWashington.com of former Kentucky point guard John Wall.

The video shows Wall working out for the NBA Draft and includes some interview time.

"The key is going in and learning as much as I can in one year and try to give any advice if I am seeing something, basically trying to be a coach on the court," Wall said.

Check it out:

NBA Draft Examiner: Buyer Beware of Orton, Cousins

Neal Leitereg of NBA Draft Examiner names five players today that he feels have "legitimate concerns" for NBA teams.

Two of the five players are Kentucky's Daniel Orton and DeMarcus Cousins.

Here is what he says about the former Wildcats:

DeMarcus Cousins (PF/C, Kentucky)

Many scouts have said that judging from purely a talent and potential standpoint, Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins is leaps and bounds ahead of everyone else. What raised more than a few red flags were recent fitness tests conducted at the combine that proved to be not all that flattering for Cousins. Cousins has the size and ability to be a force in the NBA, but in order to be the best you also have to work and train harder than everyone else. Take the Heat's Udonis Haslem for example. Haslem ballooned to over 300 pounds after leaving the University of Florida and did not receive much NBA interest until he got serious about his fitness and dropped around 70 pounds. Maturity issues and whether Cousins can commit to staying in optimal shape are the biggest concerns dogging this talented young man.

Daniel Orton (PF/C, Kentucky)

Another freshman forward out of Kentucky with a bit of injury baggage is Daniel Orton. Although Orton held it together in limited minutes for the Wildcats last season, it is hard to ignore the knee and wrist problems he had in high school. Orton will likely get his ticket punched somewhere in the first round due to his size and potential, but NBA personnel would be smart to look closely at his history of injuries. Can Orton hold up for an entire 82-game season in the NBA? Only time will tell.

Complete Article

My Thoughts: I can live with his concerns about Orton. He has suffered a major knee injury in his past and he was largely unproven at high-level division I basketball - largely due to playing time. I think he is a pretty big gamble, but has NBA potential.

Cousins, on the other hand, has the potential to be a star at the next level. He dominated the college game and has all the tools to be effective in the NBA. He is perceived to have emotional flaws on the court, but that might be more perception than reality. I would draft Cousins in the top 5 and feel great about my pick.

Championship Plans Delayed for Heshimu Evans and Benfica

Heshimu Evans and Benfica will have to wait until at least Wednesday to collect an LPB Championship in Portugal.

Benfica, who entered today's game with a 3-0 lead in the series, was destroyed 90-58 by Porto Ferpinta.

Evans scored 8 points and pulled down 8 rebounds for Benfica in the loss.

Box Score

Ex-Cat Erik Daniels Earns All-League Status in Ukraine

Former Kentucky forward Erik Daniels was named to the Eurobasket.com All-Ukrainian Superleague Honorable Mention team for 2009-10.

Daniels, who left Ukraine before the season ended to play in Israel, averaged 17.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists for Azovmash Mariupol in league play.

He finished the season with Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa in Israel's top-level basketball league.

Here are the all-league honors:

1st Team

G: Ramel Curry (191-80) of Azovmash
G: Khalid El-Amin (178-79) of Budivelnyk
F: Charles Thomas (203-86) of Ferro-ZNTU
C/F: Michael Fraser (203-84) of Hoverla
C: Daniel McClintock (212-77) of Mykolaiv

2nd Team

G: Steve Burtt (185-84) of Ferro-ZNTU
G: Jason Crowe (193-76) of Dnipro
G/F: Kevin Tiggs (196-84) of Ferro-ZNTU
F: Fred House (195-78) of Azovmash
C: Hasan Rizvic (212-84) of Azovmash

Honorable Mention

Erik Daniels (204-G/F-82) of Azovmash
Michailis Anisimovas (214-C-84) of Budivelnyk
Vincent Hunter (208-F-84) of Ferro-ZNTU
Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-C-87) of BC Kyiv
Denys Lukashov (190-G-89) of BC Kyiv
John DeGroat (198-F-85) of BC Odessa
Darrel Mitchell (180-G-84) of Khimik
Lamar Karim (178-G-83) of DniproAzot

Click Here for Complete List

Sun-Sentinel Talks to Future Wildcat Brandon Knight

SunSentinel.com caught up with future Kentucky point guard Brandon Knight at a recent event. Here is an excerpt of their brief interview:

Q: What do you love most about the game of basketball?

A: It rewards you. If you work hard, it's going to reward you, not only getting better but just other aspects of life. Teaches you a lot of lessons, you know. If you stay focused, things will go in the right direction. It really just rewards you in so many different ways.

Q: Your favorite high school moment is?

A: Probably winning the second state championship. When you win a state championship, it just brings a school together. It's about having pride about your school, your teammates. When you set an ultimate goal as a team and you reach that, it's like ultimate joy.

Q: Your favorite personal award?

A: I try not to focus on the awards. I enjoy getting them. But I can't really say that's there's one I cherish more than the other. I just go out and try and act like I really achieved nothing, so I can continue to have that hunger. Continue to have that burn and that fire to get better. I try to act like I haven't won anything at all.

Complete Article

Knight, Lamb Should Be One of Basketball's Top Backcourts

Jerry Meyer of Rivals.com says the tandem of Brandon Knight and Doron Lamb should provide Kentucky with one of the nation's top backcourts in 2010.

Here is an excerpt:

Do you think with Joe Jackson, Will Barton, and Jelan Kendrick all being on the same team that Memphis will have the best backcourt in college basketball this upcoming season?

That is the top backcourt comprised of three freshmen. All three of those recruits ranked in the top 20. Another impressive freshman backcourt trio belongs to North Carolina with Harrison Barnes (No. 2), Reggie Bullock (No. 10) and Kendall Marshall (No. 32).

Kentucky has an impressive duo of Brandon Knight (No. 6) and Doron Lamb (No. 21) coming to Lexington...

Complete Article

Rajon Rondo and the Celtics Recover Their Money

In March, following a Celtics game in Los Angeles, head coach Doc Rivers ordered all players and staff to give him $100 each. He took the money, told them he was going to hide it in the Staples Center and that they could not have it back unless they made it back to the arena.

The kicker - that was the only regular season game that Boston played in the Staples Center. In other words, the only chance the team had to return was to advance to the NBA Championship series. And, that's just what they did.

During game 1, Rivers located the money he had stashed in the ceiling and returned it.

Here is an excerpt of this amazingly bizarre story from Yahoo! Sports:

It seems strange enough to be made up, but the story is completely true. An NBA coach managed to stash $2,600 in cash in a Staples Center ceiling tile for nearly four months without anyone finding out.

Following a win over the Lakers last February, Celtics coach Doc Rivers demanded $100 each from Boston's players, coaching staff, and even team managers. He stuffed the dough in an envelope, and told his team — his entire traveling organization, really — that they can have the money back the next time they play the Lakers inside the Staples Center.

Complete Article

Congratulations Rajon, you found your $100 dollar bill!

DeMarcus Cousins is a Little Different; Which is a Good Thing

ChicagoNow.com writes today that former Kentucky big man DeMarcus Cousins is not "your typical" and that is actually a good thing.

Here is an excerpt:

But what I think frustrates basketball fans about Cousins is his overt way of being indifferent. I actually like it. That's his way of letting the veterans know that there's a new kid on the block, so move over. And he's unbelievably talented. It's common to see Tyrus Thomas-Anthony Randolph modes bringing the ball up the court with unbelievable length, but Cousins excels by doing that with bruising strength.

Complete Article

If LeBron James Wants Him "Then they’ll hire John Calipari"

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports continues to spread the rumors that John Calipari may potentially end up coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Apparently the rumors of Calipari to the Bulls failed to pan out as they hired Tom Thibodeau, so now it's time to tie the Kentucky head coach to the Cavaliers' job.

Wojnarowski writes:

Ferry fought to retain Brown, but Gilbert, a staunch Michigan State man, is determined to hire away Tom Izzo. Unless James tells him he wants John Calipari, and then they’ll hire John Calipari. As much as anything, the Cavaliers are giving the franchise completely over to James and his inner circle now. Whatever he wants to stay, he’ll get. Now, Ferry isn’t there to play the wet blanket anymore. He never feared fighting Gilbert on issues because he had stature, money and, truth be told, he didn’t need the job.

All this changes with the promotion of new GM Chris Grant, a capable and respected young executive who won’t have nearly the muscle with Gilbert that his old boss did. Grant isn’t in the job to challenge the owner, but to carry out his vision. The message to James and his people is unmistakable: Whatever you want here, you’ll have. Your way is our way now. That isn’t how it works with winning organizations, and the tragic part is that James may well recognize that and bail on Cleveland anyway.

All the pieces stay fluid and evolving now. World Wide Wes whispers the Bulls for those listening, and all hell has broken loose with a free-agent chase for LeBron James that’s well under way long before July 1.

Complete Article

My Thoughts:

I may sound like a broken record, but I'll say again: John Calipari will be coaching Kentucky in 2010-11.

Bruce Pearl Says He's a Fan of UK's Departing Players

Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl stated over the weekend that he's actually a fan of Kentucky's departing players.

"I'm a fan of (DeMarcus) Cousins, (Eric) Bledsoe and (John) Wall," Pearl said. "I'm a big fan of those guys."

He added that he enjoys competing against Kentucky but the players have a good, healthy rivalry.

"I like competing against them," Pearl said. "Our players like competing against them.

"Our players had a good, healthy competition against Kentucky. We fought, and when the game was over, we shook hands.

Complete Article

He added: "Yeah, yeah, yeah...it's great to be a Tennessee Vol! Yeah Boy!!!":

Heshimu Evans Goes for Double-Double in Game 3

Former Kentucky forward Heshimu Evans led Benfica to a 101-97 win and more importantly, a 3-0 best-of-seven series lead over Porto Ferpin in Portugal's LPG championship series.

Evans was the best player on the court in game 3 as he netted an impressive double-double with 30 points and 12 rebounds.Evans was 11-22 from the field and also dished out 3 assists.

Benfica will go for the league title and series sweep tomorrow.

Source: EuroBasket.com

John Calipari Still Coaching His NBA "Draft Cats"

David Scott of CoachCal.com writes today that Kentucky head coach John Calipari is still heavily involved with the five players from last season's team that are heading into the NBA Draft.

Here is an excerpt:

Even with his five former Wildcats stretched across the country as they each prepare for June 24th NBA Draft, Coach Cal still finds himself – happily – guiding the 5 Draft Cats.

This week, that meant phone calls and conversations with some of the players themselves, with NBA executives and with people who have been working out John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton.

Coach Cal said he would do anything his guys asked of him to make sure they are prepared for their workouts, interviews or any decisions they have to make.

Complete Article

Image: New York Daily News

Another Former Wildcat in the Mix at Western Kentucky

Several weeks ago, I told you that Tony Delk is in the mix for the open assistant coaching position at Western Kentucky. Now, I have learned that Delk is not the only former Kentucky Wildcat that is hoping to land the job. In fact, Delk is not the only member of the 1996 National Championship team that is in the running.

I have confirmed through a good source that former Kentucky Wildcat Allen Edwards is a candidate to be an assistant coach to Ken McDonald at Western Kentucky University.

Edwards enjoyed a four year career with Kentucky, scoring 819 points and being a key member of two national championships and three Final Four appearances.

He has a wealth of coaching experience and has enjoyed stays at Morehead State, Virginia Commonwealth and Towson. He joined the UK staff in 2002 as a special assistant before taking a job at Morehead State in 2003.

NOTE: Here is an interview I conducted with Edwards in 2009

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Pulaski's Tyler Jenkins to Walk-On at Western Kentucky

Pulaski County's 6-7 senior, Tyler Jenkins, has announced his intentions to walk-on at Western Kentucky University.

Here is an excerpt from AmericanChronicle.com:

When you average nearly a double-double for your entire senior season, college recruiters will come calling on you.

When you're 6-foot, 7-inches tall and you have unparalleled basketball skills, many colleges will want you to be part of their basketball programs.

But when your last name is Jenkins, your college choices will probably be limited down to one -- Western Kentucky University.

Pulaski County High School senior bigman Tyler Jenkins has bypassed several other collegiate basketball scholarship offers to walk-on to one of the elite Division I basketball programs in the nation, and continue a Jenkins' family tradition.

Recently Tyler Jenkins announced he would attempt to walk-on to the Western Kentucky University basketball program, and continue a third-generation family tradition.

Complete Article

Saunders Tells John Wall He Would Run Show as Point Guard

Washington Wizards head coach Flip Saunders told John Wall that he would let Wall run the offense as point guard.

Here is an excerpt from Hoopsnotes.com:

In a conversation with Wizards Coach Flip Saunders two weeks ago in Chicago, Wall said Saunders told him that he would let Wall run the offense as point guard.

“I heard [Saunders] likes guards that can score. He helped Chauncey Billups get better and Stephon Marbury. I’m just going to try to go in there and be like those guys,” Wall said. “For me to be the type of player I want to be, I have to have the ball in my hands.”

Wall said that Saunders told him the Wizards would move Arenas from point guard to the No. 2 guard slot.

Complete Article

Remembering a Legend: John Wooden, 1910-2010

John Wooden, one of basketball's true legends, passed away yesterday in Los Angeles. He was 99 years old.

ESPN reflects on Wooden's magical run at UCLA:

No one had the vaguest notion of the magical era that was about to begin, not even a hint that it had already begun. Not the players, not the writers and certainly not the coach himself. All John Wooden wanted to do, in his 16th season as the head basketball coach at UCLA, was win his first NCAA title.

Yet, on this evening of March 21, 1964, in the old and creaky Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo., the dawn of the age of John Wooden -- a 12-year stretch that ran without precedent and ended without parallel in the long annals of college sports -- was just breaking.

Kentucky's John Calipari called the legend for advice:

“We talked on the phone for 15 minutes,’’ Calipari told ESPN.com Thursday in Charlotte. “I told him ‘I’m really struggling to get this chemistry right.’ He told me that I’m playing too many people and I need to only play six or seven guys. He said, ‘I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to keep all these kids happy. But how can you get a rhythm going?’ It was unbelievable advice. I did shorten the numbers. I’m just so happy that we had that conversation.’’

Pat Forde looks at Wooden's heartland roots:

The Martinsville High School gymnasium opened in 1924, and it was built to Hoosier Hysteria scale. The original capacity was 5,200 -- in a town with a population of 4,800 at the time. They built the thing with 16 locker rooms, in hopes of attracting the Indiana state high school tournament.

Even then, just 33 years after James Naismith produced basketball's Big Bang in Springfield, Mass., the hoops universe was expanding rapidly in Indiana.

And it was in this gym, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places, that the nascent hoops universe gave birth to one of its brightest stars.

"Talent is God-given; be humble. Fame is man-given; be grateful. Conceit is self-given; be careful."

- John Wooden

ESPN remembers Wooden:

Kentucky Will Battle Boston University in 2010-11

Jeff Goodman of FoxSports.com noted in a column today that Boston University will visit Rupp Arena on November 30.

Here is an excerpt:

The Terriers will play in the Villanova pod of the Preseason NIT and have non-league contests at Kentucky (11-30), against St. Joe’s (12-21), against La Salle (12-9) and at UMass (12-31). Scott Brittain transferred out and will likely go back to Canada to play.

Complete Article

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Kentucky Rebuilds Roster; Tops SEC in 2010 Recruiting

Rivals.com ranks Kentucky's 2010 class as No. 1 overall in the nation and easily tops in the Southeastern Conference.

Tennessee brought in a top 10 (No. 9) class, as well. After that, it is Florida (19), South Carolina (22) and LSU (24).

Rivals.com SEC Rankings for 2010 Class:

1. Kentucky(1st)
2. Tennessee (9th)
3. Florida (19th)
4. South Carolina (22nd)
5. LSU (24th)
6. Alabama
7. Ole Miss
8. Auburn
9. Vanderbilt
10. Arkansas
11. Georgia
12. Mississippi State

Kentucky also has the top player at four of the five positions in the league.

Best at each position (top overall player in bold)

PG: Brandon Knight, Kentucky
SG: Doron Lamb, Kentucky
SF: Stacey Poole, Kentucky
PF: Enes Kanter, Kentucky
C: Patric Young, Florida

Complete Article

John Calipari Addresses Various Issues with Andy Katz

Kentucky head coach John Calipari had a discussion with ESPN's Andy Katz earlier today.

Calipari addressed several key issues, including Eric Bledsoe, coaching LeBron James and Kentucky's GPA situation.

Here are a few points that Calipari made:

On a so-called package deal orchestrated by William "Worldwide" Wesley to coach LeBron James:

"He's my friend," Calipari said of James. "I've gotten to know him over the years. He's one of the neatest guys because he's loyal to his friends and if anybody knows me, being Italian, it's about family and friends and being loyal to each other. He's as loyal as I've ever seen. But he holds people accountable around him.

"We've never discussed anything [about coaching]," Calipari said. "I love that he publicly said Cleveland has an edge [to re-sign him as a free agent next month]. I said all along that he doesn't have a problem with Cleveland but we've never discussed it [coaching]."

On rumors of playing an ineligible Eric Bledsoe and a possible NCAA investigation:

"It's not true," Calipari said. "It's not true. When you're coaching at Kentucky, you're held to a different standard and like in politics there is a core group that absolutely loves you and everyone else is trying to unseat you in any way they can -- anything to trip you up, that's what it is.

On the program's unimpressive GPA during the last two semesters:

"We have to improve our GPA, which we will since we just got there," Calipari said. "We won a lot of games. At Kentucky, they want everything. They want it all -- all As, all wins by 20 and wan the highest GPA. Don't coach at Kentucky if you can't accept that."

Complete Article by Andy Katz

Former Coach Flip Saunders Praises Rod Strickland

Rod Strickland's former coach, Flip Saunders, had great praise for his former point guard on the Jim Rome Show yesterday.

Here is an excerpt of an article from The Washington Post:

"He was unbelievable," Saunders said. "He was unbelievable. Had great ability to get in the paint and make plays for other people. I said him and Sam Cassell - and I coached both of them - are probably maybe two of the best post-up players around the basket, having the ability to score around the basket and post up guards.

"And so I think you're right, I do think that Rod was one of those guys that was misunderstood at times, and that really people did not understand how good he really was, didn't understand really mentally how smart he was. But I think he's had a great impact as far as him going and working with Cal both at Memphis and Kentucky, as far as helping them develop. And you look at the point guards that have come out of Cal's programs, and Rod's had a lot to do with working with those people."

Complete Article

Video: Marquis Teague Spring Highlight Reel

Check out future Kentucky point guard Marquis Teague (2011):



Video: CityLeagueHoopsTV YouTube channel

Ex-Con Says Eric Bledsoe Should Have Been Ineligble

A man named Roderick Rox, who is the president of a group called the Parker High School Foundation, has stepped forward to claim that two high-level Birmingham school district officials told him that Eric Bledsoe was academically ineligible to play his senior season.

The officials that Rox names dispute those claims.

The Parker High School Foundation is a group of about 20 citizens whose chief mission in recent years was to rid the school of its past administration, according to The Birmingham News.

Here is an excerpt of the article:

Asked this week if Bled­soe was academically eli­gible to play as a senior, Moore replied: "The only thing I can say is when we checked eligibility, we went by the book. We checked grades that were given for him and he did meet the minimum standards."

Moore said he could not recall whether he told Rox before Bledsoe's senior sea­son that the player was in­eligible. "We had no reason to give any information to a non-board (of education) employee," Moore said. "Roderick Rox is not a board employee."

If Bledsoe should not have been academically eli­gible to play as a senior, it raises further questions of whether he was eligible to play one season at the Uni­versity of Kentucky before leaving for the NBA.

According to Rox, Allen told him she ordered Park­er's principal at the time, Joseph Martin, and the bas­ketball coach at the time, Maurice Ford, not to play Bledsoe. Allen denied mak­ing that order and said she and Rox might have dis­cussed Bledsoe, but that she didn't handle his eli­gibility.

"As far as I know, the state (Alabama High School Athletic Association) says Bledsoe was eligible," Allen said. "You submit all the pa­perwork to the state, and if they approved it, I guess within the school system he was eligible to play."

Complete Article

Rox has some credibility issues according to several sources. He has been convicted of several crimes, including possession of drugs and possession of a firearm. Rox admits that he served 13 months of jail time.

My Thoughts: This sounds a whole lot like a local group that likely has politically-motivated (or possibly some other) ties to a person or group in Birmingham.

The article states that the foundation supports school activities today, but they once picketed board meetings for almost a year in protest of the Parker administration at the time. Rox is the president of that group and likely the group's primary public speaker.

I would have a hard time placing any credibility on this group or their leader's claims because I would have to question their motivation for being involved in this issue.

Tipton: Kentucky Could Still Be Penalized for Bledsoe

Jerry Tipton of the Lexington Herald-Leader points out tonight that Kentucky could still face problems as a result of the Eric Bledsoe situation.

Tipton, who was noted by the announcers in tonight's Lakers-Celtics game, explains that questions about Bledsoe's past "can lead to a review of a player's eligibility."

Here is an excerpt:

Despite those clearances, the Birmingham News reported Thursday that the Alabama High School Athletic Association and Birmingham City Schools would take a new look at Bledsoe's academic eligibility and college recruitment. Birmingham city schools Superintendent Craig Witherspoon planned to meet with the Alabama High School Athletic Association on Monday to discuss Bledsoe, the newspaper said.

Witherspoon told the Birmingham News that The New York Times story prompted the meeting. The Times' story alleged that Bledsoe's high school coach, Maurice Ford, paid several months rent for the player and marketed him to colleges for a price. The Times story also raised questions about the striking improvement Bledsoe made in his senior year after transferring to Parker High School.

These kinds of questions can lead to a review of a player's eligibility. As the University of Memphis learned in the Derrick Rose case last year, that kind of review can lead to a player being ruled ineligible and a school ordered to vacate victories, NCAA Tournament appearances and return money gained from post-season play.

Complete Article

My thoughts: I know, I know...this is Tipton being Tipton, BUT, it must be noted.

Video: Eric Bledsoe Interview During Pacers Workout

The media catches up with Eric Bledsoe in Indiana:



Video: Pacers.com

K.C. Goodin Takes Over at Doss High School

K.C. Goodin hopes to take what he has learned as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Georgetown College and help revive the boys’ program at Doss High School next season.
The former Tiger who helped to win a national championship in 1998, will be taking over as head coach of the Dragons. The Louisville school went 4-23 a season ago, but Goodin is no stranger to turning a program around.

Before returning to GC as an assistant for Happy Osborne, he was head coach for one season at Louisville Western. He took the Trojans from a 5-19 team in 2004-05 to a 15-15 finish in 2005-06. He then joined Happy Osborne on the sidelines – a time he will not soon forget.

“The experience I’ve had here is second to none,” Goodin said. “I cannot express my appreciation to Happy and the staff here at Georgetown enough. It was a true blessing to be able to return to the school where I had so much collegiate success and learn under my coach.”

Following the 1998-99 season, where the Tigers made it to the Sweet 16, Goodin received a job with Louisville Western as an assistant. He left Georgetown and finished his degree at Kentucky State University.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity in front of me, and while it is hard to leave Georgetown, it is the right move for me and my family at this time,” Goodin said, who will not only be coaching, but also be teaching physical education at Doss.

During his four seasons on the sidelines, the Tigers were 117-17 with a final four appearance in the NAIA National tournament in 2008.

“We will surely miss K.C. Without question he has given all he has to our program. As an individual, I enjoyed coaching with him as much as anybody I’ve coached with in my life,” Osborne said. “He has been a combination father, big brother, and best friend to our players. He has such a bright future, and I know he will be successful. One of the things I enjoyed most about K.C. was having his sons around our program, and I will miss Aaron, Kenyon, and Kade.”

Source: Georgetown College

Kentucky's Eric Bledsoe to Memphis?

Examiner.com reports today that Memphis is strongly considering former Kentucky guard Eric Bledsoe with the 12th pick in the NBA Draft.

Here is an excerpt:

According to Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, there is a growing buzz around the other Kentucky guard in this year’s draft, Eric Bledsoe.

Said Tillery on Memphis’ interest, “There is a groundswell within the organization to select Bledsoe if the Griz hold on to the 12th overall pick.”

Despite playing second fiddle to the soon-to-be top overall selection, Bledsoe averaged 11.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 2.9 apg in slightly over 30 minutes a game for the Wildcats last season, including a 29-point, 4-steal performance in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.

Bledsoe is an intriguing point guard in a draft devoid of true floor leaders, but is he worthy of the 12th overall selection?

Complete Article

My Thoughts: If this comes true, Kentucky would have at least 3 of the top 12 picks in the 2010 Draft. If Patterson's stock has risen enough to put him in the lottery and Orton holds where projected, there is a slight possibility that Kentucky players would make up one-third of the NBA Draft Lottery.

Camacho, Mendez-Valdez on Mexico's Preliminary Roster

Jorge Camacho from Eastern Kentucky and Orlando Mendez-Valdez from Western Kentucky are on Mexico's preliminary 30-man roster for the 2010 international basketball campaign.

Mendez-Valdez played for Halcones UV Xalapa this past season in the Mexico's top-level league. he averaged 13.0 points, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 53 games.

Camacho is currently competing in the playoffs for Rayos de Hermosillo in Mexico's CIBACOPA competition. In 40 games, Camacho has averaged 11.4 points and 3.2 rebounds.

Mexico's Preliminary Roster

SEC Decides Against Reseeding Conference Tournament

The Southeastern Conference considered several options for changes in the league's basketball format but a consensus could not be reached. As a result, next year's tournament will continue to seed based on divisions, with the top two teams in both the East and West receiving a first-round bye.

Here is an excerpt from The Birmingham news:

Most coaches say they favor keeping two basketball divisions, even though no other BCS conference handles basketball that way. A handful of smaller conferences also still use divisions. The SEC considered three options in Destin this week:

1. Leave the tournament seeding as it is, meaning rotating seeds between divisions.

2. Seed 1 through 12 based on overall record, as other 12-team BCS conferences do.

3. Award the division champions the top two seeds and seed 3 through 12 by overall record.

Complete Article

Field Announced for 30th Annual King of the Bluegrass

The field was announce Wednesday for the Canfield Development King of the Bluegrass Holiday Classic. The 30th annual event will be played Dec.17-22 at Fairdale High School.

Louisville teams that will participate in the event: Bullitt East, Fairdale, Pleasure Ridge Park, Iroquois, Eastern, Male, Trinity and Collins (which will open this fall in Shelbyville).

Other Kentucky teams include: Christian County, Bowling Green, Warren Central and Boone County

Teams from out of state include: Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral, Madison (Ala.) Bob Jones, Pearl (Miss.) and Sacramento Sheldon

More from the Louisville Courier-Journal

Birmingham Schools Superintendent to Meet with AHSAA

Birmingham city schools Superintendent Craig Witherspoon stated last night that he will meet with the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) on Monday to discuss allegations involving Eric Bledsoe and his former high school coach.

Here is an excerpt of a report from The Birmingham News:

Witherspoon said his primary concerns will be "eligibility issues" and "instructional programs with correct processes in place" to pre­vent future accusations of this na­ture.

"I want to make sure we have ev­erybody doing what they need to be doing and what they are supposed to be doing," he said.

Witherspoon said no system investigation has been launched and he was still conducting "fact­-finding." He said next week's meet­ing with the AHSAA will help deter­mine how or if he goes forward with an investigation.

"You want to address it head on," he said. "We don't want any of our future or current students in jeop­ardy of not having quality athletic programs. But we are looking back­wards (in time) here. As I under­stand it, the coach is no longer there at Parker High School. The principal is no longer in place. But there are some individuals that are who will be helpful."

Complete Article

Gilchrist, Teague Selected for Team USA U17 Camp

Michael Gilchrist and Marquis Teague, who are both committed to Kentucky's 2011 class, are among the 19 players selected for the 2010 USA Basketball Men's Developmental National Team's training camp June 18-24 at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

The training camp will be utilized to select the 12-member 2010 USA U17 World Championship Team and the four players who will represent the U.S. in the 3-on-3 basketball competition at the inaugural 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

Quinn Cook and Anthony Wroten, Jr., who have both been mentioned in the same breath as Kentucky recently, are also invited to the training camp.

List of players invited to the camp:

Justin Anderson (Montrose Christian School, Md. / Montross, Va.); Kyle Anderson (St. Anthony’s H.S. / Fairview, N.J.); Ashley; Brad Beal (Chaminade College Prep H.S. / St. Louis, Mo.); K.C. Caudill (Brea Olinda H.S. / Brea, Calif.); Angelo Chol (Herbert Hoover H.S. / San Diego, Calif.); Quinn Cook (DeMatha H.S. / Bowie, Md.); André Drummond (St. Thomas More School / Middletown, Conn.); Sterling Gibbs (Seton Hall Prep / Scotch Plains, N.J.); Michael Gilchrist (St. Patrick H.S. / Somerdale, N.J.); James McAdoo (Norfolk Christian H.S. / Norfolk, Va.); Johnny O’Bryant (Eastside H.S. / Cleveland, Miss.); Tony Parker (Miller Grove H.S. / Lithonia, Ga.); Norvel Pelle (Price H.S. / Long Beach, Calif.); Chasson Randle (Rock Island H.S. / Rock Island, Ill.); L.J. Rose (Second Baptist School / Houston, Texas); Marquis Teague (Pike H.S. / Indianapolis, Ind.); Adonis Thomas (Melrose H.S. / Cordova, Tenn.); and Anthony Wroten, Jr. (Garfield H.S. / Seattle, Wash.)

Complete Article by USABasketball.com

Chris Webber Thinks John Wall Will Love Washington D.C.

Former NBA star Chris Webber thinks John Wall will fall in love with Washington, D.C.

Here is what Webber had to say about D.C. and Wall:

"I think D.C. has some of the best fans, and I used to love playing there," Webber said. "I think that you embrace the fans, and the fans will embrace him. I would tell [Wall] to enjoy it, because that place gets loud. We played over in Landover, and that is still one of the loudest arenas that I've ever been in.

"I think the city is going to embrace him. Hopefully the team will have veterans around him. I think it's very important to have older players that were in the system, but to also put veterans around [Wall]. I think it worked very well with Derrick Rose to have Lindsey Hunter in Chicago. I can't explain to you how much I think a veteran can help [a younger player's] game preparation and body preparation.

"I think as long as a team puts great veterans around him, someone that they can ask about getting through the rough days and rough moments, I think he'll be fine. But I know he'll be happy, and when he gets that first standing ovation when he's introduced, I think he'll fall in love with the D.C. community."

Complete Article

Would John Wall Be a Better Fit for the 76ers?

SportsIllustrated.com thinks John Wall would be a better fit with the Philadelphia 76ers and Evan Turner would be better suited in Washington.

Here is an excerpt:

In truth, Evan Turner, college basketball's national Player of the Year from Ohio State, would be the perfect fit alongside Arenas, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard with a wide array of skills. That would leave Wall to go to Philadelphia, where he would fit in seamlessly next to shooting guard Andre Iguodala, giving new Sixers coach Doug Collins both incredible size and speed in his backcourt.

But just as Oden was taken by the Trail Blazers despite no immediate need at the time for a center, it is highly probable Wall will be selected No. 1 by Washington, his potential and upside far too vast for Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld to bypass him in favor of Turner.

Complete Article

What are your thoughts?

Daniel Orton: From Bench to Winning the NBA Lottery?

Will Kentucky's Daniel Orton go from a reserve who played 13 minutes per game in college to an NBA Draft Lottery pick?

While it sounds almost too good to be true, it appears that Orton will live out that exact scenario. Even Orton tells NBA.com that he's "very surprised."

Here is an excerpt:

You're surprised?

A grand total of no one saw this coming, including Daniel Orton himself. Especially Daniel Orton, the guy about to go from averaging 3.4 and 3.3 rebounds as a freshman power forward at Kentucky to the first round of the Draft.

"Very surprised," he said. "Probably the most shocked out of anybody, to tell you the truth."

Tied for second-most shocked: everyone else.

Complete Article

Orton's NBA.com Highlight Video:

Calipari, Bledsoe: No Comment on New York Times Article

Both John Calipari and Eric Bledsoe refused to comment on the New York Times story that was released Friday night and questioned Bledsoe's college eligibility.

According to Courier-Journal.com, Calipari spoke to a group of reporters at the SEC meetings in Destin, Florida.

When questioned about the Bledsoe article, he answered, "I'm not going to have any response to that."

When asked about the process of evaluating Bledsoe's transcripts, he said, "Why...what kind of question are you asking me? I already told you the school comment on that."

Rick Bozich of the Courier-Journal reports that Bledsoe, who is working out for the Indiana Pacers today, also declined to comment when asked about the situation.

Warren Central's Halcomb, Jackson Sign with Brescia

Excerpt of article by Chad Bishop, The Daily News:

Warren Central High School graduates Troy Halcomb and Brett Jackson signed Tuesday to play basketball at Brescia University.

“It’s been a long trip, but I knew it would come sooner or later,” Halcomb said about the signing. “It was just a matter of time to keep fighting and finally - I signed.”

Halcomb was a starting guard for a Dragons team that advanced to the KHSAA Sweet Sixteen in Lexington after winning the Region 4 Tournament. Jackson came off the bench to give solid post minutes.

Complete Article

Tipton Talks to a Private Investigator; Parrish Chimes In

Jerry Tipton of the Lexington Herald-Leader spoke to a private investigator "who checks the background of athletes" yesterday about the Eric Bledsoe situation at Kentucky.

The investigator, Michael L. Buckner, gave his opinion that Kentucky should have known about Bledsoe's eligibility questions.

Here is an excerpt:

Michael L. Buckner, an investigator and attorney based in Pompano Beach, Fla., said recent media reports made him believe questions about Bledsoe's eligibility were known during the recruiting process.

"Coaches at other schools know there is," he said. "Then I would assume Kentucky knew or should have known."

The article continues:

Bledsoe's transcript would prompt obvious questions, the private investigator said. "Just a cursory review ... should reveal some red flags."

Complete Article

My thoughts on Tipton's article: Let me start by saying that I have nothing against Jerry Tipton. I have bumped into him in the UK media room and he seems like a nice enough guy.

I will be bluntly honest and say that I care nothing for Tipton's style of writing and the seemingly endless work he puts into trying to find a negative story about University of Kentucky basketball.

I know he is doing a job and other journalists will say that he is one of the best, but his style is not for me. I will not trash Jerry for doing his job, but I will say that I prefer a different way of presenting UK and the basketball program.

I actually find it hard to believe that a reporter with the level of access to the basketball program that a Jerry Tipton has continues to find ways to paint the program in a negative fashion. It is almost disheartening. But, let's be honest, Tipton works for the Lexington Herald-Leader and not the University of Kentucky. His job is to generate buzz, sell papers and get website hits and he obviously "has a way" of earning attention.

Today, Gary Parrish of CBSSports.com picked up on Tipton's work from last night and linked to the article while adding his thoughts on the Bledsoe situation.

Here is an excerpt of Parrish's work:

Instead, Kentucky chose to not take a stand, which isn't a surprise given that no athletics director has ever been able to properly stand up to Calipari and tell him something was off-limits the way multiple athletics directors told their coaches last year they could not enroll Lance Stephenson. Kentucky left Bledsoe's status up to the NCAA and only the NCAA without recognizing that its new coach's old school had just been burned by that same approach.

Again, in fairness to Kentucky, this is the way most schools do things. But it's becoming clear that UK must take a different approach with Calipari because if the school doesn't investigate thoroughly, various media outlets will, at which point an issue that could've been avoided can become an embarrassing problem that garners national headlines.

Complete Article

Following Parrish's article, UK fans rushed to Twitter to question his intentions and defend the Kentucky program.

Parrish spent a good while debating the topic

My thoughts on Gary Parrish's article: This is the third time in the last 2 week or so that Parrish has sent a bit of a low blow towards UK and/or John Calipari. He paints Tipton as a great journalist who is doing a tremendous job and that is why Kentucky fans are upset.

I disagree that Tipton is doing excellent work in his coverage of Kentucky basketball and I think UK fans are upset because they are tired of everything that is printed about the program being negative.

Parrish, like Tipton, is doing one thing correctly, however - he is generating a buzz and he is reaping the benefits of "stirring" the Big Blue Nation into a frenzy.

Adam Williams Hired as Assistant at West Virginia Tech

Adam Williams, who had a brief stint on the Kentucky roster before transferring to Marshall, has been named new assistant men's basketball coach at West Virginia University Tech.

Williams was a graduate assistant for Donnie Jones at Marshall this past season.

Here is an excerpt from Dailymail.com:

"I am very excited that Adam has joined our coaching staff," Tech Coach Bob Williams said of the hire. "He has tremendous experience as a college player at Kentucky and Marshall, is well known in our state, and learned from outstanding coaches in Tubby Smith, Ron Jirsa, Donnie Jones, and his father, Tex Williams.

"Coaching is in his blood and he's very eager to be successful in this field. Adam will do an outstanding job for us in all areas."

Complete Article

Basketball fans in the state should be familiar with West Virginia University Tech as they compete in the Mid-South Conference with several state schools.

John Calipari Donates $1 Million to Kids in Memphis

Kentucky head coach John Calipari has donated $1 million to a group called Streets Ministries in Memphis.

Streets Ministries works to help underprivileged children in Memphis.

Here is an excerpt from the Memphis Commercial-Appeal:

The former University of Memphis basketball coach has donated $1 million -- payable over five years -- to the group that works to help underprivileged children in Memphis.
"When I've talked to Cal in the past, he said he's probably given money back to every city he's lived in," Streets founder Ken Bennett said Tuesday. "He knows a lot more about Streets and our plans than maybe some of the other places he gives."

Complete Article

My Thoughts: How about sending a little love and praise to John Calipari for helping needy children in his former hometown?

Legendary Bob Cousy Praises Rajon Rondo

Former Kentucky point guard Rajon Rondo is receiving great praise from the legendary Bob Cousy.

Cousy, who is now 81, was also a 6-1, 175-pound point guard for the Boston Celtics. He will forever be remembered as one of the game's all-time greats.

When asked about Rajon Rondo, Cousy had plenty of praise for the former Wildcat.

Here is an excerpt:

“He plays much bigger than he is. He’s a genuine rebounding threat at 6-1. He also physically has become a dominant defensive player. He leads the league in steals, which makes him a little vulnerable occasionally in terms of his one-on-one defense, but he’s got such quickness and he recovers effectively if he gets himself out of position trying to steal.

“He’s a hell of a defender, he’s a hell of a rebounder, he’s added to his offensive repertoire. There’s not much more a point guard can do.

“Tommy [Heinsohn] and I have liked him from the start. I remember at the start of this year there was some question as to whether Danny [Ainge] was going to sign him. I said, ‘My God, given the scarcity of point guards out there, you’ve got potentially a great one here, why would you not sign him?’

Complete Article

My Thoughts: Cousy is probably the all-time great Boston Celtic point guard. For him to give Rondo this much praise is one of the bigger compliments of Rajon's career to this point.

Another Jamaican Report on Samardo Samuels

A report from Jamaica says that former Louisville big man Samardo Samuels is climbing up NBA Draft boards.

Here is the report:

Miramar, FL (06-01-2010): According to news out of Jamaica, former University of Louisville forward, Samardo Samuels, is moving up in the 2010 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft set for June 24, 2010 in New York City. The report also went on to say this came about after Samuels worked out for several NBA teams, including the Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, and Minnesota Timberwolves, some of which have requested a second workout. Samuels surprised everyone, including Cardinal's coach Rick Pitino, when he left school two years early to enter the NBA draft. The anonymous source also stated that the 6 9, power player is presently projected to be drafted somewhere after the 19th pick in the first round. Source: LatinBasket.com

My thoughts: No comment.

SEC May Tweak Men's Basketball Format

The Southeastern Conference is considering a couple of possible changes to the league's men's basketball format.

The options being considered are:

- Scrapping the current divisions and putting all 12 teams together for the regular season

- Keep the divisions, but seeding the teams 1 through 12 for the conference tournament

Source

Oops! Source Indicates That a College Assistant Leaked Bledsoe's High School Transcripts

Matt Jones of KentuckySportsRadio.com is reporting tonight that he has a source who indicates that Eric Bledsoe's college transcripts were leaked by a college assistant coach.

Obviously, this is a breech of privacy against Bledsoe and the guilty party could face serious ramifications.

Here is an excerpt from Jones' article:

Now this is where it starts to get interesting. A source within the media tells me that a College Assistant Coach leaked Bledsoe’s transcripts to multiple media outlets, including his own. This follows the assumption of many in the Bledsoe camp who have assumed since the story broke that the person who leaked the transcripts was an Assistant coach in college basketball.

Complete Article

My Thoughts: I have a pretty solid guess as to who the assistant coach is, but I'm not willing to throw a name out without concrete proof. If it's who I think it is, however, it's going to bring more negativity to two head coaches and two programs that really can't afford more bad news.

This is a story that is definitely going to make for an interesting summer.

ABA Basketball Team Coming to Corbin

Indianapolis, IN. The American Basketball Association (ABA) www.abalive.com today announced that it will have a team playing in Corbin, Kentucky starting in December. "We are very pleased to add this team to the South Central Division, a perfect fit," stated ABA CEO Joe Newman. "And we are also very excited about the ownership group being led by Bob Siler, a prominent Realtor, whose son Joe is a professional basketball player and will likely be playing for the team. They are very far along in their development and we have no doubt that they will make an early impact. Kentucky is loaded with great players and they seem to have attrracted a good group already and anticipate more at their first tryout on June 26th."

Team Gold, LLC is led by Bob Siler who retired from the US Air Force after a 20-year stint in 1982. A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and a former college business teacher, he now owns U.S. Gold Realty, one of the Kentucky's premiere real estate companies. "I know business and marketing," stated Siler. "And I have a great love for basketball. Corbin is a wonderful city, we have excellent local support, and no doubt that we can put together a formidable team. My wife Ursula and my three sons are solidly behind this effort and we look forward to seeing Joe play regularly. This will be fun."

Source: Press Release by the ABA

Knight and Gilchrist Not Backing Out Based on Rumors

Jerry Tipton of the Lexington Herald-Leader reports today that Brandon Knight and Michael Gilchrist are both sticking with their commitments to Kentucky despite the New York Times article that was released about Eric Bledsoe's college eligibility.

Here is an excerpt from Tipton's article:

The mothers of Michael Gilchrist and Brandon Knight dismissed the notion of any potential impact that last weekend's New York Times story about Eric Bledsoe might have on their sons playing for Kentucky.

"Our decision is sound," said Cynthia Richardson, the mother of Gilchrist. She said her son, the No. 1-rated player in the high school class of 2011, had "no intention" of reconsidering his commitment to Kentucky.

Complete Article