Parrish Claims World Wide Wes Sits Near UK Recruits

Gary Parrish of CBSSports.com has an interesting blurb about William Wesley, better known as World Wide Wesley.

Parrish says Wesley is at the LeBron James Skills Academy and is "within talking and bumping distance of every high school prospect in attendance."

He also names two of the prospects: future Kentucky players Anthony Davis and Michael Gilchrist.

Here is an excerpt:

They're here to make sure the coaches stay where they're supposed to stay and the prospects stay where they're supposed to stay, and they do a fine job of it. But here's the issue: They can't quite figure out what to do with William Wesley -- the man more commonly known as "Worldwide Wes" who basically has the run of the place. Wesley is a longtime and well-documented power-broker who is now a certified agent. And even though agents are supposed to be nowhere close to players at an event like this, Wesley has spent the better part of tonight sitting in a chair on the court around Kentucky freshmen Anthony Davis and Michael Gilchrist, and within talking and bumping distance of every high school prospect in attendance.

Nike officials allow it to happen.

So it happens.

Complete Article

Kenneth Faried is Killing it in Summer League Action

Check out former Morehead State star Kenneth Faried absolutely killing it in the Drew League:

Kentucky Recruit Mitch McGary Talks Recruiting

Here is a recent interview with 2012 Kentucky recruit Mitch McGary:

Ricardo Ledo Says He Plans to Visit Kentucky "For Sure"

Ricardo Ledo mentioned several schools that he is interested in during an interview today, then named Kentucky when asked which schools he plans to visit.

"I'm going to visit Kentucky for sure," Ledo stated.

Here is an interview from ZagsBlog.com:

Video: Shabazz Muhammad at the Adidas Invitational

Kentucky recruit Shabazz Muhammad is as good as advertised and he showed it on day one of the Adidas Invitational. Check out this video from BallisLife.com:

Kentucky Wesleyan Adds Cornelius Walker to 2011 Class

Kentucky Wesleyan College has picked up Wabash Valley College transfer Cornelius Walker for the 2011-12 season.

Walker is a 6-3 combo guard who will have two years of college eligibility remaining.

Last season, he averaged 6.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.

Here is an excerpt from Owensboro-Daviess County News:

“We are very fortunate to have Cornelius joining our program," said Lee. ""He turned down offers from three Division I programs to come to Kentucky Wesleyan after seeing him play this season and at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Championships.

"Cornelius is a very good athlete and defender, that shoots the ball well. He's a leader and a person that will put the team above himself and accept whatever role it takes to help the team be successful.”

Walker helped the Warriors to a 28-6 record and a Region 24 title plus a trip to the first round of the NJCAA tournament for head coach Dan Sparks.

Source

Shabazz Muhammad Says He Will Likely Visit UK First

Shabazz Muhammad, the top-rated player in the 2012 recruiting class, says he will probably visit the University of Kentucky first.

Here is some footage of Muhammad talking to Jody Demling of the Courier-Journal:

I Made a New Friend in Hilton Head

Here is my new "buddy" in Hilton Head:



Keep in mind, this is about 10-feet from our front door:

Anthony Davis at the LeBron James Skills Academy

The News Herald in Ohio caught up with incoming Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis at the LeBron James Skills Academy this week.

Murray State Preparing for Trip to Canada in August

The Murray State Racers are getting ready for an exhibition trip to Canada in early August.

Here is a release from MSU:

New Murray State men's basketball coach Steve Prohm is taking the Racers to Toronto, Ontario (Aug. 4-9) for a set of three exhibition games, which mark his first as the Racers' head coach and the program's first foreign tour since 2005.

The first game for MSU is against Brock University (Aug. 5) at Bob Davie Gym in the Toronto suburb of St. Catherine. After an off day (Aug. 6), the Racers take on A-Game Hoops (Aug. 7), a senior select team in a game played in the city of Missisaauga at the Hershey Center. MSU's third exhibition contest (Aug. 8) is also at the Hershey Center against ABA Canada All-Stars, another senior select team.

“We're very excited about the trip and the chance to get an extra 10 days of practice,” Prohm said. “This trip will give our team the opportunity to grow and get to know one another.”

The Racers have an outstanding group of returners including, Ohio Valley Conference First Team selection Isaiah Canaan (Biloxi, Miss.). Canaan, a junior, was the 2010 OVC Freshman of the Year. Senior Ivan Aska (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) is also a former OVC Freshman of the Year in 2009. Other returners include, seniors Jewuan Long (Jackson, Tenn.) and Donte Poole (Las Vegas, Nev.) and juniors Ed Daniel (Birmingham, Ala.) and Brandon Garrett (Phoenix, Ariz.).

Complete Release

Felton Spencer Joins Spalding University Coaching Staff

Former University of Louisville star Felton Spencer has joined coach Kevin Gray's staff at Spalding University.

Here is the school's release:

LOUISVILLE, KY – More than 3,300 points, over 3,400 rebounds, and more than 525 blocks; all done in the NBA. This experience is what Head Coach Kevin Gray added to the Spalding University Men’s Basketball staff this week when he hired Louisville native, Felton Spencer as his assistant coach. Spencer, a product of Eastern High School and a standout basketball player at the University of Louisville (1986-1990) joins the Spalding staff after various coaching positions around the city. The Spalding basketball team recently finished a stellar season ending with a 3rd place finish at the USCAA National Championships. Head Coach Kevin Gray and Athletic Director Roger Burkman believe that Spencer is the right fit to help the program take the next step. “I was looking for someone that was a great person,” states Gray, “I wanted a coach that brings different experiences to the program and that could work with our student athletes both on the court and in their daily lives”.

After graduating from the University of Louisville, Spencer became the 6th overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft being selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Spencer made his debut on November 2, 1990 and spent 3 solid years with the Minnesota franchise. After the conclusion of the 1993 season, the Utah Jazz traded for Spencer to compliment the likes of Karl Malone. Despite fighting off injury which plagued most of his 1994-95 season, Spencer spent 3 years in Utah where he started 183 games and averaged over 7 points a contest. Spencer would bounce around the NBA after that landing in Golden State, San Antonio and eventually New York. In 2002, after 12 seasons, Felton Spencer retired from the NBA and returned to Louisville.

Complete Release

Photo: NBA.com

Interview with Kentucky Recruit DaJuan Coleman

Here is an interview with Kentucky recruit DaJuan Coleman at the LeBron James Skills Academy:

Ramon Harris Scores 26 Points in Loss

Former University of Kentucky player Ramon Harris continued to play well offensively in Ningxia Hanas' 115-107 loss to Guangzhou FM on Tuesday.

Former Wake Forest star Justin Gray led Guangzhou FM with a game-high 49 points. He was 10-15 from the three-point line.

For the second consecutive game, Harris put in 26 points. He was 7-8 from the field and 9-11 at the free throw line. The former Wildcat also had 6 rebounds and a season-high 6 steals.

After 9 games, Harris is averaging 21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game.

Ningxia Hanas (4-5) returns to action Saturday against Hangzhou (1-8).

2012 Star Gary Harris Gives Some Recruiting Updates

Louisville recruit Gary Harris is trying to sort out his college list. According to Jody Demling of the Courier-Journal, Harris has been talking to Indiana, Louisville, Michigan State, Purdue, Notre Dame and Illinois, among others.

In addition, Kentucky assistant coach Orlando Antigua has been in e-mail contact with the 2012 star recently.

Here are some comments about Louisville from Demling's article:

With Louisville, Harris said Wyking Jones has “been great to get to know and I am just trying to build a relationship with the new staff there.”

Complete Article

Harris is a 6-6 shooting guard form Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.) High School. He ranks No. 28 overall on the Rivals.com list for 2012.

Photo: Rivals.com

T.J. Warren Keeps Louisville, Drops Kentucky

Dave Telep of ESPN.com writes today that 2012 recruit T.J. Warren has narrowed his list to seven schools.

His final list includes the University of Louisville, but he has officially dropped Kentucky.

T.J. Warren (Durham, N.C./Brewster Academy) recently made a significant decision. He's heading off to Brewster Academy for his senior year where he'll star alongside Mitch McGary (Chesterton, Ind./Brewster). Warren began his high school career at Durham Riverside then switched after two years to Word of God in Raleigh, N.C. Now at Brewster, he'll face a tough northern prep schedule.

His collegiate recruitment could have him returning home in the fall of 2011. Warren recently trimmed his college list to seven programs: Georgetown, Florida, NC State, Louisville, Kansas, Texas and North Carolina. Each program, except the Tar Heels offered him a scholarship. The 6-foot-6 small forward with exceptional shooting touch and deep range is the son of a former NC State player.

Source

Photo: Rivals.com

Enes Kanter Named as Candidate for EuroBasket Roster

Former Kentucky big man Enes Kanter has officially been announced on the list of 18 candidates for Turkey's EuroBasket 2011 squad.

Here is an excerpt from EuroBasket.com:

Head Coach of the Turkish National Team Orhun Ene announced list with 18 candidates for the upcoming EuroBasket in Lithuania. The biggest news is that Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) is on this list. He got a green light from FIBA to play for Turkey.


Turkish National Team Candidates:

Baris Ermis, Banvit
Izzet Turkyilmaz, Banvit
Cenk Akyol, Anadolu Efes
Kerem Gonlum, Anadolu Efes
Kerem Tunceri, Anadolu Efes
Dogus Balbay, Anadolu Efes
Sinan Guler, Anadolu Efes
Emir Preldzic, Fenerbahce Ulker
Oguz Savas, Fenerbahce Ulker
Omer Onan, Fenerbahce Ulker
Sertac Sanli, Galatasararay
Ender Arslan, Galatasaray
Furkan Aldermir, Galatasaray
Omer Asik, Chicago Bulls
Semih Erden, Cleveland Cavaliers
Ersan Ilyasova, Milwaukee Bucks
Hidayet Turkoglu, Orlando Magic
Enes Kanter, Utah Jazz

Alex Tyus Joins Ramel Bradley in Israel

Former UK star Ramel Bradley has picked up a new teammate in Israel as ex-Florida big man Alex Tyus has decided to play for Maccabi Ashdod.

Bradly and Tyus will be joined for fellow Americans Josh Carter and Josh Duncan.

As you can see, Israel isn't all that bad:

Mark Krebs to Speak at UK Convention in Ohio

Former University of Kentucky walk-on Mark Krebs will be one of the keynote speakers at the 22nd annual UK convention in Ohio on July 16.

Here is some more information from Journal-News.com:

For the 22nd year, with Franklin’s Jim Porter running the show, Ohio’s annual UK Convention returns July 16 to Eastview Baptist Church on Ohio 122.

The five keynote speakers include a member of the 2010 team who played under Tubby Smith, Billy Gillispie and John Calipari; a standout Wildcat on the UK basketball teams in the late 1950s and early 1960s; an assistant football coach; and two members of the media who regularly cover the Wildcats.

And Porter promises a twist this year: performances from the UK Dance Cats.

The morning speakers will be Mark Krebs and Chuck Smith. Krebs played at UK from 2006-2010. He recently wrote a book, “Beyond a Dream,” which chronicles his Wildcat career and his mother’s battle against cancer. Smith, an assistant football coach, was part of the staff that led UK to five consecutive bowl appearances.

Complete Article

Georgetown College in the Mix for Mississippi State Transfer

Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com reported late last night that Georgetown College is in the mix for John Riek, who plans to transfer from Mississippi State.

GoodmanCBS Just got word that John Riek is transferring out of Mississippi State. Likely heading to Southern Indiana or Georgetown College.

Riek is a 7-1, 250-pound forward. In 14 games last season for the Bulldogs, he averaged 1.2 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.

Here's some older footage of Riek:

Kentucky Recruit Wayne Selden Continues to Dominate

Check out the latest video of 2014 Kentucky recruit Wayne Selden, who continues to shine this summer:

Kentucky Recruit Perry Ellis Continues to Impress

Here is the latest footage of 2012 Kentucky recruit Perry Ellis in action:

Tayshaun Prince to Co-Host Calipari's ProCamp

Former University of Kentucky star Tayshaun Prince will be co-hosting all three days of John Calipari's ProCamp later this month.

Coach Cal posted on Twitter last night:

UKCoachCalipari Make sure u sign up for our Overnight Camp (July 24-27) & ProCamps (July 28-30) later this month. http://www.ukathletics.com/camps #WeAreUK

UKCoachCalipari Brandon Knight on July 28, DeAndre Liggins on July 29 and Josh Harrellson on July 30 will all be at our ProCamp at the end of the month.

UKCoachCalipari We are also proud to announce that Tayshaun Prince will be co-hosting all 3 days of our ProCamp this year. http://bit.ly/m8tKKl

AllKyHoops.com Takes a Vacation...Well Sort Of

Hey friends, I just wanted to pass along a programming note that we are on vacation this week.

The site will still be running at full speed (plus you'll get a couple of random photos like the one above).

If any of you happen to be vacationing at Hilton Head Island during the next week, let me know.

Catching Up with Former Louisville Star Terrence Williams

Here is a recent summer interview with former Louisville star Terrence Williams:



* Video from RedRocketzFan's YouTube Channel

Shawn Townsend to Host Basketball Shooting Camp

Shaun Townsend's Shooting Camp

Former WCHS and Brescia College basketball standout Shaun Townsend will host a shooting camp July 25-28 beginning at 9 a.m. each for grades K-8. The camp will stress fundamentals of passing, dribbling, shooting and scoring. Cost is $50. For more information call Shaun at 615-506-1589.

Source

Calipari: Anthony Davis Has To Be On The Floor

UK head coach John Calipari is still trying to figure out how he wants his 2011-12 Kentucky team to play.

The one thing he is banking on is big minutes and production from incoming freshman Anthony Davis.

Here is an excerpt from ESPN.com:

The one certainty he has seen is this: Anthony Davis has to be on the court.

Davis, a 6-foot-10 power forward from the Perspectives Charter School (Ill.), is expected to be a starter and an impact player from the outset.

"He has to play and be on the floor,'' Calipari said. "We'll figure out how we'll going to play against zone and overall offensively.''

Source

SLAM Talks Reebok Challenge with John Wall

SlamOnline.com caught up with former University of Kentucky star John Wall recently to discuss his experience with the Reebok Basketball Breakout Challenge.

Here is the interview:

SLAM: What do you remember about that 18-hour drive you took all the way up to Chicago?

John Wall: I just remember me and my friends going over there with Mohawks—trying to see if we would be the only ones styling. Thought we would automatically get picked out because we had mohawks, at the very least. In the car it was tight. We couldn’t even breathe going up there. We were in there all nervous. But it was a great experience and there was a lot of great talent there that I met. And I got an opportunity to get to the big camp.

SLAM: What was your mindset like going into the camp? What were you trying to showcase to the scouts and coaches?

JW: I just kind of wanted to play my game. Just wanted to play my hardest. I had never been playing in front of college coaches, recruiters and scouts and stuff like that, so I just went out there to play. I didn’t have anything to lose. I wasn’t a big name. I was just an unknown person trying to get where the other guys were. I just think I had a hunger that nobody else had.

SLAM: Once you got invited to Philly, at what point in the camp did you realize that you had a chance of finally making a buzz for yourself?

JW: Ah, it was the first game we played. We played the best team with Renardo Sidney, Brandon Jennings and Isaiah Thomas. We went down to the wire and ended up losing by two. But after, a lot of guys came and interviewed me. I was shocked. I didn’t even know what to say. I’m stuttering. It was the first time I was ever in front of the cameras like that. For the remaining of the camp, I just kept playing well and did what I did that first night.

Complete Interview

Chicago Sun-Times Slides In Another Cheap Shot at Calipari

The Chicago Sun-Times, who notoriously made up a lie about Kentucky offering money to Anthony Davis, slid in another cheap shot at UK head coach John Calipari over the weekend.

Rick Telander wrote on Saturday that "no NCAA we-don’t-pay-players-because-it’s-morally-wrong treatise would be complete without a mention of Kentucky businessman John Calipari."

Here is an excerpt:

And no NCAA we-don’t-pay-players-because-it’s-morally-wrong treatise would be complete without a mention of Kentucky businessman John Calipari.

J-Cal just got his multiyear salary bumped from $31.6 million to $36.6 million for, uh, winning fewer national championships at Kentucky than fired former coach Tubby Smith did.

Source

Summer Talk with Former UK Star Patrick Patterson

Here is a recent summer interview with former Kentucky star Patrick Patterson:

NBA Lockout Hurts Daniel Orton, DeAndre Liggins

Former Kentucky players Daniel Orton and DeAndre Liggins should be participating in the annual Orlando Pro Summer League this week, but those plans were cancelled by the NBA lockout.

Now, rather than showing their stuff to the Orlando Magic, the former Wildcats must sit and wait for a resolution to the lockout.

Here is an excerpt from OrlandoSentinel.com:

This was supposed to be the week Justin Harper and DeAndre Liggins received a crash course in the way things are done in the NBA and by the Orlando Magic. This was supposed to be the week when second-year Magic center Daniel Orton was going to show how much he can help the team in the year ahead.

Not anymore.

The NBA lockout, now in its fifth of many days to come, forced the cancellation of this year’s Orlando pro summer league, which was supposed to start on Monday and run through this Friday.
Eight teams participate in the league, which is hosted and run by the Magic.

Each team plays one game a day for five consecutive days, and the exhibitions and the practices leading up to those exhibitions are critical for everyone involved.

Young players learn their new teams’ systems and their new coaches’ expectations. The coaches recognize their new players’ strengths and weaknesses. For second-round draft picks and undrafted rookies, it’s a chance to show that they deserve a training-camp invitation or an NBA roster spot.

Complete Article

Archie Goodwin Will Not Be The First 2012 UK Commit

Archie Goodwin made an interesting post on Twitter last night:

A1Laflare10 For anyone who thinks I'm going to be the first person to commit to Kentucky. You are 100% wrong so stop thinking that. #wasteoftime

He somewhat clarified this morning by saying he is going to take his time with the recruiting process:

A1Laflare10 Let me clear this up. I never said I wouldn't commit to Kentucky. I'm Just saying that Its not a good chance of me being the first because

A1Laflare10 I'm going to take my time with my recruiting

What does it all mean?

Likely nothing, but his first post was rather interesting.

Goodwin is a 6-4 shooting guard from Sylvan Hills (Ark.) High School. He ranks No. 11 overall on the Rivals.com list for 2012.

Video: John Wall Working Over Isaiah Thomas

Here is some footage of John Wall working over former Washington point guard Isaiah Thomas in the Jamal Crawford Summer League:

John Wall Drops 41 Points in Goodman League Debut

Former University of Kentucky star John Wall dropped 41 points in his Goodman League debut.

Last week, Goodman League commissioner Miles Rawls called out Wall and said the area's best must prove themselves on the Goodman League court.

Wall accepted the challenge, scoring a game-high 41 points for "Baltimore's Finest" in a game that also featured former Kentucky star DeMarcus Cousins.

Here is a little about the game from AFRO sports:

Wall, 20, showed off the freak athleticism that made him the No. 1 pick in the 2010 NBA draft, speeding up and down the court to score a game-high 41 points. He even showed off a long-range jumper that he’s been working on this offseason, one of his weaker areas that needed improvement. A few three-pointers in the first half helped Baltimore’s Finest leap out to a 74-56 lead at halftime.

“I’ve been working on it, so I’m getting more comfortable [shooting from range],” Wall told the AFRO. “I just have to keep working and working.”

Source

Kentucky Wildcats Fan of the Day

Check out this new addition to the Big Blue Nation:

UK Recruit Nerlens Noel with the Play of the Day

Kentucky recruit Nerlens Noel continues to impress on the AAU circuit this summer. Here he is with another FiveStarBasketball.com Play of the Day:

Centre College Places Six on SCAC Academic Honor Roll

The Centre College men's basketball program placed six athletes on the 2011 SCAC Spring Academic Honor Roll.

Student-athletes must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for the term and be a regular member of a varsity athletic team in a sport sponsored by the conference.

Centre College had 120 student-athletes make the SCAC Spring Academic Honor Roll, setting a new school record.

From the men's basketball team:

- Kyle Binder
- Bryon Ellis
- Matt Griggs
- Matt Lohr
- James Melloan
- Donovan Whiteside

Would John Calipari Leave Kentucky for the NBA?

Would John Calipari leave Kentucky for the NBA?

He was on an Arkansas radio show recently to answer that question:



Source

Coach John Wall to Help with Reebok Breakout Challenge

Former Kentucky point guard John Wall will assume a new role as "coach" at the upcoming Reebok Breakout Challenge.

The Reebok Breakout Challenge will be a four-day event at Philadelphia University. There are 100 invitees who will be looking to showcase their talents at the camp.

Here is an excerpt about Wall from the New York Daily News:

Wall, who attended high school in Raleigh, N.C., exploded at Rbk U All-America camp in 2008, beginning a meteoric rise that put him in line with such eventual NBA players as Tracy McGrady (1996) and Al Harrington (1997). Wall played a season at Kentucky before the Washington Wizards made him the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.

"John will take ownership of the camp," said Brian Lee, Reebok's global basketball director. "It'll be a hands-on experience for him. He's only three years removed from that summer, and wants to find kids that mirror his story."

Along with traditional five-on-five games, players will be evaluated in skill training and fitness testing. Orlando's Jameer Nelson and Dallas' Jason Terry will assist with the coaching duties, and the top performers will be selected to participate in a private training summit later in the summer.

"It's not fair to solely judge kids in game settings," Lee said. "To the trained eye, this will give coaches other ways to view a player."

Source

A look at John Wall's coming out party in 2007:

Kentucky Signees Marquis Teague and Anthony Davis in Action

Anthony Davis at the Amar'e Stoudemire Skills Academy in Chicago, Illinois:



Anthony Davis and Marquis Teague at the Deron Williams and Amar'e Stoudemire Skills Academies in Chicago, Illinois:



* Videos from Bluegrasshoops.com on YouTube

Kenneth Faried is Generating a Buzz in Denver

Former Morehead State star Kenneth Faried is creating a buzz in Denver after the Nuggets selected the rebounding machine with the 22nd pick in the NBA Draft.

Here is an excerpt from The Denver Post:

Your new favorite Nuggets player is a Muslim. Your new favorite Nuggets player was raised by his mother and her female life partner. Your new favorite Nuggets player could change the way you look at society.

Kenneth Faried, Denver's highest pick in the 2011 draft, has created a buzz across the Front Range, similar to when he led Morehead State to an NCAA Tournament upset win over Louisville last March at the Pepsi Center.

Fans are giddy about the new power forward who wasn't just one of the better rebounders in NCAA basketball, but broke Tim Duncan's modern-era (post 1973) record with 1,673 career boards.

"I don't quit on plays," said Faried, who was drafted No. 22 overall. "I just want it more than anybody else."

Faried is fascinating. He plays basketball the way he lives his life — unwavering, headstrong and proud. And he comes to town carrying an amazing life story in his gym bag.

"As far as him being strong as a person, he got that from me, his father and my wife," said his mother, Waudda Faried, from back home in Newark, N.J. "He grew up in the 'hood, but he's not 'hood.' It was a totally different attitude. And I'm just proud of him. I'm so proud of him, I can't express the words of how proud I am."

Complete Article

Kentucky Recruit Julius Randle in Action

Kentucky recruit Julius Randle is the BallisLife.com Player of the Week. Randle confirmed in early June that he has been hearing from UK.

Randle is a 6-8 power forward from Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, Texas. He ranks No. 2 overall on the Rivals.com list for 2013.

Chuck Hayes Talks Basketball and More in China

Former University of Kentucky star Chuck Hayes is in China this week. Here is an excerpt of an interview Hayes gave during his time overseas:

　　Q: Chuck, how to see the team pick this year's three rookie?

　　Hayes: They certainly will join the team stronger.

　　Q: how many people think you look at China's defense comparable to Howard ... ...

　　Hayes: I think they are right, Howard, good blocks, I better at tackling, defensive end I am stronger than him.

　　Q: As the Rockets to be five or six players, you think the original teammate Tracy McGrady how!

　　Hayes: great teammate, he first entered the rocket when the rocket too much pressure on him, he will give me as a teammate to share a lot of pressure, will create many opportunities for his teammates.

　　Q: Hello, and Yao Ming partner that has the story? To tell a listen okay?

　　Hayes: 2007 Yao Ming knee injury, made a ball when I want to butt, so he fell on Yao Ming's legs. Yao Ming to ask how a doctor? Chuck said he hurt me.

　　Q: After the retirement of the Sea Lord going to do? When commentators do?

　　Hayes: I want to coach, I too love this sport.

　　Q: Chuck, do you think the Rockets who is the most fun guy?

　　Hayes: Terrence - Williams, even very funny the way he spoke, he felt he was a poet ... ...

Complete Article

Andre Drummond Still Considering Kentucky, Move to 2011

Kentucky recruit Andre Drummond is still considering a move to the 2011 class but won't have a final decision until August.

Here is an excerpt from CBSSports.com:

Drummond said he hopes to have a decision made sometime in August regarding his future. Despite reports, he has not ruled out the possibility of playing college basketball in the 2011-12 campaign. He could still head back to the prep-school ranks and then determine whether to go to college in 2012 or head straight to the NBA.

Even if the rule doesn't change -- as many feel it will -- and high school kids aren't allowed to go directly to the NBA, Drummond appears to still have that option on the table.

He just graduated from St. Thomas More and would turn 19 a year from this August, fulfilling the NBA's requirements to be eligible for the 2012 NBA Draft.

And there's not a huge entourage guiding him through this process either. In fact, his inner circle consists of just two people -- his mother, Christine, a nurse at a local hospital, and his coach, J.R. Hargreaves.

Drummond has been well-schooled. He has the leverage, so why not wait and see what players commit to certain schools, whether certain coaches remain at their current spots and whether the one-and-done rule will be abolished.

"I'm just exploring all my options right now," Drummond said.

Complete Article

Cumberlands Holds Successful Big Man and Guard Play Camp

The University of the Cumberlands (UC) basketball team held their annual "Big Man and Guard Play Camp" on the UC campus in the O. Wayne Rollins Center Gymnasium and Intramural Gymnasium.

Campers arrived on campus Sunday, June 26, from three different states and many counties from across Kentucky. The camp lasted through Wednesday June 29.

"We were able to see some very good upperclassmen as well as some younger talent that have the chance to become very good basketball players," said Assistant Men's Basketball Coach Mark Vernon.

When campers arrived on campus they found out quickly that this was not a recreational camp. When players stepped on the court they spent about 8 and a half hours a day getting a lot of repetitions in drill work as the camp staff put them through the drills. It also gave the players the opportunity to play many 3 on 3 and 5 on 5 games.

Complete Release

Cumberlands head coach Don Butcher:

Ramon Harris Continues Assault on Chinese Baskeball

Former Kentucky player Ramon Harris continues to terrorize China's National Basketball League.

Following a league-record 48-point performance last time out, Harris put in 26 points in a 107-92 loss to Jiangsu. Harris also pulled down 7 rebounds.

On the season, Harris is averaging 20.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game.

Ningxia Hanas is in a four-way tie for third place in the league standings with a 4-4 record.

NBL Standings

1. ShenYang 7-1
2. Whampoa 5-3
3. Jiangsu 5-3
4. Sichuan 4-4
5. Ningxia Hanas 4-4
6. Guangzhou FM 4-4
7. Hebei 4-4
8. Heilongjiang 3-5
9. Changan Group 3-5
10. Hangzhou 1-7

Doron Lamb on Yahoo! Sports' All-Firecracker Team

Yahoo! Sports says Kentucky sophomore Doron Lamb is on the "All-Firecracker Team" for 2011-12.

Jason King of Yahoo! defines his All-Firecracker Team as:

Usually they’re guys who have shown flashes of stardom in the past but, for whatever reason, have fallen just short of elite status. With more opportunities and experience, they almost always take that next step toward greatness.

Here is an excerpt about Lamb:

Doron Lamb, Kentucky, G, sophomore – Lamb ranked third on the team in scoring (12.3 points) as a part-time starter last season. But he was largely overshadowed by players such as Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones. With another huge crop of freshmen headed to Lexington, Lamb – who shot 48.9 percent from 3-point range in 2010-11 – will be counted on heavily for leadership.

Complete Article

Edgar Sosa Signs with Fabi Shoes Montegranaro in Italy

Former University of Louisville star Edgar Sosa has inked a new deal with Fabi Shoes Montegranaro in Italy's top-level SerieA league.

Sosa spent last season with Angelico Biella in the same league, averaging 14.1 points, 4.5 assists and 2.3 steals per game.

Here is an excerpt from EuroBasket.com:

Montegranaro have agreed on terms of contract with Edgar Sosa (188-G-88, college: Louisville). The deal is meant for the next season. Edgar Sosa spent the last season with Angelico Biella. The Dominican guard averaged 14.1 points, 4.5 assists, 1.4 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game in SeriaA. He earned Eurobasket.com All-Italian SeriaA Honourable Mention. Edgar Sosa also participated at 2011 SeriaA All-Star Game.

Source

Calipari Invites NBA Cats to Return to Lexington

University of Kentucky head coach John Calipari says he has reached out to every former UK play in the NBA to invite into the Joe Craft Center to train as needed.

Calipari says he also told the players that he would help if they would like to take classes during their time in Lexington.

Here is a post from Calipari on Facebook:

John Calipari I reached out to every former Wildcat that’s in NBA and having to deal with this lockout to make sure they knew the Joe Craft Center is available to train if needed. If they want to finish up some school work while in Lexington, we will help with that as well. We just want to make sure all our players know that it’s all about family here at UK. #WeAreUK

New Mexico State Announces Tony Delk as Assistant Coach

I was told on Friday that New Mexico State offered a job to former Kentucky star Tony Delk. On Saturday, the school announced Delk as a new assistant coach.

Here is the release from NMSU:

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (July 2)-New Mexico State men's basketball head coach Marvin Menzies has hired former NBA and University of Kentucky standout Tony Delk as an assistant coach. Menzies also announced that Paul Weir is now recognized as the associate head coach and Tom Lewis as an assistant coach.

As the newest member of the Aggie family, Delk arrives in Las Cruces after two seasons at Kentucky as the assistant director of basketball operations. He helped the Wildcats to a 2011 Final Four appearance, 2010 Elite Eight finish, SEC Championship and SEC Tournament Championship.

"The hiring of coach Tony Delk will give us instant credibility with not only our current players but with recruits that are familiar with all of his NBA accolades and not to mention his national championship at Kentucky," Menzies said. "Tony is a very high character individual, who will undoubtedly bring a lot of positives to the program and assist us in our goals of winning a WAC Championship and competing deep into the tournament."

Delk began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Carolina Gigantes a team in the National Superior Basketball league in Puerto Rico. As a player at Kentucky, Delk was a second team AP All-American in 1996 after leading the Wildcats to the 1996 NCAA National Championship. As the 16th pick of the Charlotte Hornets, he spent 10 years in the NBA including stints with Golden State, Sacramento, Phoenix, Boston, Dallas, Atlanta and Detroit.

Complete Release

UK Recruit Devonta Pollard May Have Stress Fracture

Evan Daniels of Scout.com is hearing that 2012 Kentucky recruit Devonta Pollard may have a stress fracture and his status for July is unknown.

Here is a post from Daniels last night on Twitter:

EvanDanielscout Word has it Devonta Pollard has a stress fracture. Interesting to see if he plays in July...

Pollard, who picked up a Kentucky offer last last month, is a 6-7 small forward from Kemper County (Miss.). He ranks No. 6 overall on the Rivals.com list for 2012.

Former Morehead State Star Bob McCann Passes Away

Former Morehead State star Bob McCann passed away Friday morning in North Carolina.

Here is a release from MSU:

MOREHEAD, Ky.--Morehead State Athletic Hall of Famer and former basketball standout Bob McCann passed away in North Carolina Friday morning of heart failure.

“We were saddened today to learn of the passing of a member of the Eagle family, Bob McCaan,” MSU Director of Athletic Brian Hutchinson said. “Bob was a member of our athletic Hall of Fame and one of the all-time best basketball players to ever don a Morehead State uniform. He will be missed.”

McCann joined the Eagle program under coach Wayne Martin as a transfer. A three-time All-OVC honoree, McCann ranks 12th all-time in scoring at MSU and eighth in rebounding. An OVC Player of the Year (1986-87), he was inducted into the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.

"I had the privilege and pleasure of coaching Bob McCann for four years," Martin said. "He was a 6-5 transfer to Morehead and sat out his first year, grew to 6-8 and was a three-year All-Conference performer, before going on to a very successful pro career. He later became a noted Chef in the Maryland area. Bob had been so proud of Morehead’s recent basketball success and that of his fellow New Jersey native Kenneth Faried. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends”

Complete Release

Wall Street Journal Profiles Josh Harrellson

The Wall Street Journal profiled former Kentucky big man Josh Harrellson earlier today. The WSJ says Knicks fans need to get ready to meet Jorts.

Here is an excerpt:

But he also made it a priority to stop by Macy's and a Levi's retail store. He was checking to make sure this fashionable city could fulfill his closet's primary requirement: jean shorts.

The 6-foot-10 center's nickname has been "Jorts" ever since he showed up for a recruiting visit to Kentucky three years ago in denim cut-offs. And now, before he has even played in an NBA game, he's bringing this staple of his summer wardrobe to New York.

"I've never been to a place where it's just Levi's," Harrellson said yesterday. "Levi's everywhere—it was all I could see."

Levi's jean shorts are Harrellson's favorite. It's the only type he wears. He prefers a relaxed cut with a straight leg. Harrellson didn't bring any jean shorts on this trip to New York, but he did purchase one pair. And on Tuesday, Harrellson tweeted: "Take your favorite pair of jeans and cut them at the knee and do the JORTS walk do the JORTS walk!" His handle on Twitter is BigJorts55.

Complete Article

Tony Delk Offered Job at New Mexico State

According to a source, former Kentucky star Tony Delk has been offered an assistant coaching position at New Mexico State.

It was reported earlier today that Delk has turned down an offer to be Dale Brown's assistant at NCAA DII Clark Atlanta University. Brown noted in that interview that Delk would likely accept a Division I job.

Eastern Kentucky Holds Successful Basketball Camp

Eastern Kentucky just wrapped up a successful summer basketball camp that was attended by more than 110 boys and girls.

Here is a release from EKU:

RICHMOND, Ky. – The 2011 Jeff Neubauer Basketball Camp was in full swing last week on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University. More than 110 boys and girls were a part of the camp in its seventh year of operation.

“This year’s Jeff Neubauer basketball camp was a huge success,” EKU assistant coach and camp director Austin Newton said. “The kids [ages 7-16] were very eager to learn and easy to work with. Our goal, this year and every summer, is for the campers to take some of the drills and fundamentals that we taught during the week, and use them at home as they continue to develop as basketball players. We hope they had as much fun as our staff and players did.”

The camp featured several competitions including 1-on-1, 3-on-3, 5-on-5, ball handling, hot shot and free throws. Hustlers of the day were awarded each day in three different divisions – the OVC, SEC and NBA.

Many current and former Colonels were on hand to serve as camp counselors for the youngsters. They included - Jeff Allgood, Willie Cruz, Mike DiNunno, Taylor Filipek, Jeff Johnson, Jaron Jones, Joshua Jones, Deverin Muff, Jabs Newby and Ryan Parsons.

Photo: EKUSports.com

Video: DeMarcus Cousins at His Basketball Camp

Here is some footage of former Kentucky star DeMarcus Cousins at a recent basketball camp:

LeBron James Drops the Hammer on a Kid

Check out LeBron James of the Miami Heat as he charges in for a dunk while a kid is standing under the basket - the result is easy to figure out, but here's a visual:

Syracuse, Kentucky Are "1 and 1A" for DaJuan Coleman

According to Jim Hart, who is DaJuan Coleman's AAU coach with the Albany City Rocks, Kentucky and Syracuse are "1 and 1a" on Coleman's list.

Here is an excerpt from CBSSports.com:

In terms of recruiting, Coleman is taking his time with the process. Plenty of schools are on his trail, but Hart said he is looking at Syracuse, Kentucky, North Carolina, Connecticut, West Virginia and Ohio State. After the summer, Coleman plans on taking three or four official visits and then making his decision in the late fall.

Two programs are separating themselves as the teams to beat, including the hometown Orange.

"When you get a kid like that, you can eliminate everyone except about 20 schools," Hart said. "And with him, the backyard option is in that top 20.

"I think Syracuse and Kentucky are 1 and 1A, though."

One of the words that comes up the most when talking to people about Coleman is "loyal." As a result, Hart expects the quiet big man to have a traditional recruiting process -- there won't be too many twists and turns, unlike many of the top prospects in the last few years.

"DaJuan's got a lot of good, good people in his ear," Hart said. "He's got the right people close to him."

And, no, one of them is not Derrick Coleman.

Complete Article

Coleman is a 6-8 center from Jamesville-Dewitt (NY) High School. He ranks No. 18 overall on the new Rivals.com list for 2012.

Photo: Rivals.com

Shabazz Muhammad Says List is Very Open Right Now

Kentucky recruit Shabazz Muhammad says his list is "very open right now."

Muhammad, a 6-6 small forward at Bishop Gorman (Nev.), is currently the No. 1 player on the Rivals.com list for 2012.

Here is an excerpt from CBSSports.com:

Like most other elite 2012 recruits, Muhammad hasn't committed to a program. When pressed for a top-five or top-eight list, Nevada's 2011 Gatorade Player of the Year wouldn't budge. (It must be noted that his father, Ron Holmes, is friends with Kansas assistant Kurt Townsend; there is no sign that Muhammad is favoring the Jayhawks right now, though.) Muhammad has taken a number of unofficial visits, which he shared with CBSSports.com in a phone interview Wednesday night. He has hit up Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, Arizona, UCLA and Kansas so far, with more to come in the future.

"My list is very open right now," he said.

Muhammad's very self-aware; that's continually evident. He knows his game will be closely inspected in the July recruiting period, a time when coaches are unleashed on prospects like eager, early-morning Black Friday enthusiasts. The coaches want to impress and lure him, but he seems more focused on being a driven, honorable individual, the type of player that would be worthy of playing for Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams, Bill Self, Ben Howland or others.

"It's pretty hectic," Muhammad said of his life with regard to recruiting right now. Coaches had the door unlocked earlier this month, meaning they were allowed to contact 2012 recruits over the phone, by Facebook, etc. for the first time. It's akin to a dam giving way to the undeniable force of the waters. "A lot of coaches are writing in my [Facebook] messages and that kind of stuff. I get a lot of calls from a lot of coaches. It's pretty overwhelming once in a while, but it's good that they're interested."

Complete Article

Muhammad in action:

Big East Schedule Released; Pitino Not Pleased

The official 2011-12 Big East Conference scheduled was released on Thursday and Rick Pitino is not a fan of Louisville's schedule.

After the schedule was released, Pitino speculated that the Big East schedule-makers must have used a Ouija board during the process.

"We have one of the premier commissioners in athletics, but whoever's doing our scheduling must be doing it with a Ouija board," Pitino stated. "How can you play two of the top three (projected) teams in the league twice and have to play another top team that's a rival game (at Cincinnati) on the road for a second straight year? It just doesn't make any sense to me. West Virginia has a similar argument. They must be doing it with a Ouija board."

Here is an excerpt of the release from U of L:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville's 2011-12 men's basketball season in the BIG EAST Conference will include another challenging slate of 18 games, including two games each against Syracuse, Pittsburgh and DePaul.

Louisville's home conference opponents will include Connecticut, DePaul, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, USF, Syracuse and Villanova. The Cardinals' nine league road games will be at Cincinnati, DePaul, Marquette, Pittsburgh, Providence, St. John's, Seton Hall, Syracuse and West Virginia.

Louisville is one of seven BIG EAST teams which have received mention in the early rankings (also Syracuse, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Marquette, Cincinnati and Villanova), including two of the Cardinals' repeat opponents. U of L is fifth nationally in an early FOXSports.com preseason ranking, seventh by CBSSports.com (Gary Parrish), ninth by ESPN.com (Andy Katz), 11th by SI.com (Luke Winn) and 12th by SportingNews.com (Mike DeCourcy). The Cardinals will also face three non-conference foes among the early top ten teams in Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Memphis.

Complete Release

John Calipari Publicly Debunks Some Recruiting Myths

University of Kentucky head coach John Calipari has once again proven that he has a Ph.D. in college basketball recruiting.

Today, Calipari goes to CoachCal.com to debunk five popular recruiting "myths."

Here is an excerpt:

Here are a few myths that I’ve thought about during this down time and I wanted to share these with the Big Blue Nation as a way of having you understand some of what goes into our recruiting philosophy and another example of how we are always focusing on being a players first program.

Myth #1 “Your talent will carry you, it doesn’t really matter where you go.”

Young people need to look at what specific programs have done with players like them in the past. Have they developed their talents and improved them as players and as people? Have they helped the young men reach their full potential and truly reach their dreams?

Coaches are creatures of habit, we don’t change. We seem to play the same way with small adjustments every year. No coach will change their system for a player; more likely they will try to change the player to fit the system. In essence you’re picking a system as well as a coach and a school. TALENT DOES MATTER but developing that talent is the crucial part of the equation.

Myth No. 2 “You can’t play at a high level and have a focus on academics too.”

Ask Brandon Knight or John Wall if you can do both. As a team we’ve been to an Elite 8 and a Final Four in the past two seasons and this past Spring our program’s APR was right alongside Vanderbilt’s atop the SEC’s APR standings. Parents and student-athletes should look closely at APRs and GPAs (our team GPA for last semester was a 3.14). We are not the only program that competes both on the court and in the classroom, but you can pick a school where both matter.

At the end of day, the young men in our program are taught as much about life after basketball as they are about basketball itself and that is done by constantly focusing on the classroom.

Myth No. 3 “You will get exposure wherever you go.”

Myth No. 4 “You don’t want to play with the best players because everyone will be out for themselves.”

Myth No. 5 “The school that has recruited me the longest is where I should go.”

Head over to CoachCal.com to read the complete article.

Telep Wonders: When Does Kentucky Strike First?

Dave Telep of ESPN.com previews July recruiting and wonders: When does Kentucky strike first?

Telep points out that UK has not 2012 commits at this point and adds that it's almost like John Calipari knows something that we don't.

Here is an excerpt:

When does Kentucky strike first?

Understand this, we aren't pushing the panic button but this is Big Blue Nation and you can never underestimate the passion Wildcats fans have for their Kentucky team. The facts are this: Kentucky has three straight No. 1-ranked recruiting classes, which is absurdly successful. However, coach John Calipari enters this summer without a single commitment in the 2012 class. If he's to make it four straight No. 1's, he'd better hurry because the clock is ticking. It's almost like Calipari knows something about the NBA lockout no one else does, like a rule change keeping kids in college longer or something along those lines. Predicting where Kentucky's first pledge comes from isn't easy. Maybe Archie Goodwin (Little Rock, Ark./Sylvan Hills), DaJuan Coleman (Dewitt, N.Y./Jamesville-Dewitt) or Ricardo Ledo (Providence, R.I./Notre Dame Prep)? The best way to find out will be to see where Calipari positions himself July 6-10 -- the opening few days of the period. Remember, Kentucky does already have NC State transfer point guard Ryan Harrow sitting out for next season.

Complete Article

Thomas More Cancels Elite Guard Academy

Thomas More College has cancelled the Elite Guard Academy that was scheduled for July 5-7.

Here is an announcement from TMC:

(CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky.) - Due to lack of campers signed up, Thomas More College head men's basketball coach Jeff Rogers announced today (Wednesday, June 29, 2011) that the Elite Guard Academy scheduled for July 5-7, 2011 has been cancelled. Any questions please contact Coach Rogers at (859) 344-3630 or via e-mail at jeff.rogers@thomasmore.edu

John Wall Hanging Out with Shelvin Mack, Heading to L.A.

Washington Wizards majority owner Ted Leonsis has a few notes about John Wall on his Ted's Take blog.

Leonsis says he spotted Wall and former Butler star Shelvin Mack pulling out of the Verizon Center together earlier this week. Wall and Mack are friends and will have a good relationship in Washington.

The Wizards owner also notes that Wall will be in Los Angeles for a few days to work out with Nick Young, Jordan Crawford and JaVale McGee.

Here is an excerpt:

As I was entering Verizon Center yesterday I saw John Wall pulling out of the garage after a hard work out and who was in the car with him? Shelvin Mack.

I stopped and talked to both young men. They know each other and will play with one another. They will bond together on and off the floor.

John will go to LA for a bit and work out with a group of our players: Nick Young, Jordan Crawford and JaVale McGee.

Source

Morehead State Adds JUCO Transfer Milton Chavis

Morehead State University has picked up 6-5 shooting guard Milton Chavis, a transfer from Kilgore College in Texas.

Chavis, who committed to Buffalo out of high school, confirmed the news on Twitter last night:

MiltonChavis I'm A Morehead State Eagle!! #OVC

In high school, Chavis played alongside former University of Kentucky star John Wall at Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina. He gave the good news to his former teammate a few days ago:

MiltonChavis @jimmywa11 im goin to Morehead State fam.

There are some clips of Chavis in this Word of God highlight video:



* HT: MSU Eagle Nation