Kentucky Sports Radio

Kentucky coach John Calipari tells Plain Dealer that #Cavs GM Chris Grant scoutedNerlens Noel more than any other NBA GM last winter.

— M.S. Boyer/J. Valade (@PDcavsinsider) May 22, 2013

Straight from several horses’ mouths: Coach Cal told the local Cleveland newspaper that the Cavs GM has scouted Nerlens Noel more than any other NBA GM. This all occurred while Nerlens was healthy last winter, when NBA folks were packing Rupp Arena to see the flat top in action.

Here’s to hoping the streak of No. 1 overall picks continues. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Or so I heard.

KSR has a new favorite song. Boone’s-Boone’s Butcher Shop.

During this visit to UK’s Spring practice I got to see Elam for the first time in person, passing the SEC “look test” with flying colors.

Defensive Tackle

6’6”, 325 lbs.
Elizabethtown, KY (John Hardin)

Rivals: No ranking
Scout: #28 OT
247: #242 overall, #20 DT, #2 player in KY

Choosing between UK and: Alabama, Louisville, Florida, and Tennessee.

Twitter: @FballIsLife69

After announcing his commitment to play for the University of Kentucky, Northern Kentucky QB Drew Barker vowed to reach out to his peers to make the best recruiting class in the history of Kentucky football. In the coming weeks I will be breaking down some of the players on Barker’s wish list. “Who’s Drew Barkin’ At?” may be a grammatically awful pun ending in a preposition, but I just can’t help myself. Past profiles: Derek Kief , Braxton Berrios

Congrats To My Bro @d_barker7 We Have Already Been Talking Alot About The #BBN And How It Takes The In State Players To Start It Off Right

— Matt Elam™ (@FballIsLife69) May 10, 2013

Matt Elam sent this Tweet out less than an hour after Barker committed to Kentucky

After the state’s #1 prospect Drew Barker committed to UK, the attention immediately went to the state’s #2 prospect Matt Elam. The gargantuan defensive tackle from John Hardin is choosing between some of the best schools in the nation, receiving an early scholarship offer from Alabama. While SEC powerhouses may have established tradition on their side, the in-state SEC school has a few recruiting weapons up their sleeves. Elam told Matt Jones on KSR in April that he has become close friends with UK commits Drew Barker and Mikel Horton, communicating with them on a regular basis about the recruiting process. Elam also got to witness the Spring Game firsthand in April, “I would say I like Kentucky a lot with Stoops coming in. I went to the Spring game and the environment was special. I could tell that he is changing the program already. It’s SEC football in my home state, and that sticks out a lot.”

Elam is most noted for his size, rarely getting the much deserved praise for his technical skills in the trenches. Even though he easily runs over most of his KY competition, when presented with double and triple teams (which happens more times than not) Elam holds his ground well, before using a variety of finesse moves in pursuit of the play (check out his executed spin move at :30 below).  Interior defensive lineman rarely receive glory for making big tackles. A very good DT bats down passes at the line of scrimmage and clogs up running lanes, allowing for linebackers to make the tackles. Elam does all of the little things it takes to make an impact on the defensive line. D-Line Coach Jimmy Brumbaugh has told Elam that he could be “the nucleus of the line” in the future; getting Elam into a UK sweatshirt permanently ensures consistency in UK’s front four for years to come.

Elam will most likely wait to make a decision until the fall, but all early signs indicate that it is currently a two-horse race between UK and Alabama. While Elam waits to decide, you can cheer him on by following him on Twitter and watching some highlights from Elam’s sophomore year below (for a full compilation you can click here).

@RoushKSR

Moore, Oklahoma continues to recover from Monday’s devastating tornadoes. This morning, UK AD Mitch Barnhart got on Twitter to show his support for the recovery efforts, and asked the BBN to help out. Barnhart said that he, Matthew Mitchell and Mark Stoops have all made pledges to the Red Cross relief efforts and encouraged UK fans to do the same by donating online at RedCross.org or texting “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Barnhart asked that fans send out a tweet afterwards with the hashtag #BBNCares to show the fanbase’s united support for the victims.

Barnhart’s brother Eric lives three miles from where the tornado hit, and while he is safe, Barnhart says the devastation has hit close to home.

#BBNCares

I’m not done with this .gif yet.

During his weekly chat, ESPN’s Chad Ford addressed the uncertainties regarding the Cavaliers number one pick and what it will mean for Nerlens Noel. Ford said that the Cavs are looking into trading the first pick, but so are half of the GMs in the league. According to Ford, no one really wants the #1 pick, nor are they willing to give up a valuable asset to get it, therefore the Cavs might be stuck with it, and in turn, Nerlens Noel.

If they do keep the first pick, what will Noel’s future look like in Cleveland? Ford predicts that Noel will have “almost zero impact” in his first year, if he plays at all, and that because of his slight fame, “year two also might be rough.” However, the Cavs have enough big players that they can be patient with the flat top feller, who, right now, Ford calls “a runner and a shot blocker.”

Ford adds that if the Cavs want immediate help, they should take Otto Porter, not Nerlens Noel; however, if they want a chance at the number one pick next year (aka Andrew Wiggins), Nerlens is the smarter choice. If the Cavs do pass on Noel, Ford sees him sliding as far down as Charlotte, in part because Victor Oladipo might not be an ideal fit alongside Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

For the record, Ford still predicts that Nerlens will go to Cleveland in his latest mock draft. What do you think the ideal spot is for Nerlens?

A few weeks ago I wrote on here about how this is going to be the “Summer of Transition” on KSR as we move to some new endeavors and expand what we do on this site. We are very excited about the changes and looking forward to announcing new additions to the site in the months to come. One of those additions is bringing on some new writers, a couple of which are names from the past (BTI and John Wilkinson), some new names you don’t yet know and a couple of folks you do know that you will be excited (and surprised) to see in the KSR environment.

But along with that, it is time to once again cast a net and add some new writers to the KSR family from our readership. It has now been 2 1/2 years since our last blogger contest and in these 30 months, we have not added on any new writers from outside the KSR world or the KSR College environment. This summer that changes. Over time, the most important names at KSR have come from either the Blogger contest or writing on separate blogs and then joining Kentucky Sports Radio. Now we will set out to look for the new Beisner, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson from our KSR Readership. So we are asking you, do you have what it takes to write for KSR.

Here is What We are Looking For:

1. Creative Writers to Cover UK Sports: You know the KSR style. Do you think you can do it? If so, we would like to read your submission. If you decide to apply for one of these positions, make sure and let us know what sports you would focus on and what you consider your expertise. Remember, most will say basketball and football, so if you have an interest in another area, please let us know. You can be any age, any walk of life and have any profession…just a desire and ability to write at a high level about Kentucky sports.

2. College Students: Many of our best writers have come from KSR College and we are continuing another year of that starting in August. The form of KSR College will alter slightly and the posts will be integrated into the main site as part of the redesign. But if you are interested in joining the KSR College group, you should apply for this position. This involves actual covering of UK games, press conferences and events (last year writers from KSR College were able to cover the John Calipari Fantasy Camp). We prefer to have students who can be in the Lexington area for events, although this is not required. If you are a college student, this is the best position to apply for and we have had a number of writers coming from KSR College land full time sports reporting jobs after their time with us.

3. Creative non-UK Sports Writers: Part of our new endeavor will be to create a “Culture” page, similar to what Bill Simmons has done with Grantland that will include writing beyond the world of UK sports. Some of our best writers, such as Tomlin, Drew and others will be writing extensively here. If you think you are particularly capable of writing about interesting, non-UK topics (movies, politics, pop culture, long features), this is the position for you and you can be part of building a spin-off phase of KSR going forward.

These are the three main types of writers we are now seeking. We are adding a KSR Photographer, but she has already been picked and will be joining us in June. What we are looking for now are great writers and I know you are out there. If you come down this path, it can literally change your career, just as it did for Thomas Beisner, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson. And now is the time for you to try as as well.

To Apply, EMAIL KSRJOBS1@gmail.com with this information:

— Reference in SUBJECT OF THE EMAIL as to which position/s you are interested in

— A couple of paragraphs on who you are, where you live, what you do for a living, why you are interested…a biographical look at the person applying. Make sure to use this as a time to sell us on you as it will be (at least until we interview you) our only chance to know who you are as a person.

— At least 2 WRITING SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK. This can be created specifically for this application or something you have done elsewhere. But we are interested in seeing your writing ability.

— Contact information and schedule availability. If you are chosen, how often, and when, would you be available to write.

Our vision is that you will join us as a secondary hobby to whatever career you are pursuing now, but with the possibility of advancement, just as other KSR writers have done before. We need your submission by TUESDAY MAY 28 at 5 PM. We will spend some time reviewing the applications and then be in touch by mid-June. This is an exciting time for KSR and we are eager to pursue the next phase of the site’s growth this summer. We hope to have you a part of it and look forward to reading your submissions. Thanks!

The Cleveland Cavaliers select… Nerlens Noel from the University of Kentucky.

Kyrie and Nerlens will be a solid combo. Maybe the Cavs will be back in the lottery next year to add another Wildcat to its roster?

Vandy freshman Sheldon Jeter wants to transfer to a school closer to his home of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania because of some personal issues with his family. Vanderbilt’s head coach Kevin Stallings has granted him a release, and in a statement through the school, said the following: “Sheldon has indicated that he’d like to play closer to home, and we wish him the best.” Sounds fine, right?

Wrong. Beaver Falls is a suburb of Pittsburgh, about 40 miles out. Pitt is the biggest major college basketball program in the area, and for some reason, Kevin Stallings is blocking Jeter’s transfer to Pitt, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Why does Stallings not want Jeter to go to Pitt? Who knows. There are message board rumors that Pitt actually knew about Jeter’s intent to transfer there before Vandy granted his release, which could be considered tampering, but there is no concrete evidence of that. Now, Jeter’s only option if he really wants to enroll at Pitt is have his family pay for the first year, and then accept a scholarship for the remaining three years.

Stay classy, Kevin.

Fake trade: what about Boogie Cousins to Washington for the 3rd pick? A reunion of buddies Wall + Cousins! @kysportsradio approves.

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 22, 2013

Bill Simmons asked his Twitter followers about a potential trade that would send DeMarcus Cousins to Washington to team up with John Wall. Simmons seems to think Cousins is on the move this summer and he wonders if the Kings and Wizards would have any interest in swapping Cousins and the third overall pick.

Keep in mind, this is just Simmons throwing out fake trade scenarios to get everyone’s NBA GM wheels turning this offseason. But this one is too good to simply brush off as internet fodder without raising a discussion.

So, how about it? Boogie to Washington for the third overall pick?

Simmons’s tweet says Matt approves.

Steven Pearl has been an easy target for Kentucky fans over the years. The goofy son of Bruce Pearl played at Tennessee while his dad was coaching, and was always a fun foil for UK fans. After Bruce Pearl was fired for inviting Aaron Craft to a BBQ and lied about to to NCAA investigators, we didn’t really hear much from Steven…until now.

Like his father, the younger Pearl proves he has an awesome sense of humor in an ad for a Knoxville BBQ restaurant. He starts the ad with the line, “If there’s one thing we Pearls know, it’s how to throw a barbecue” and keeps the laughs rolling with “Just remember, my two rules for legendary backyard barbecues: get your food from Calhoun’s and absolutely no photography” before ending with this disclaimer: “Offer not available to Aaron Craft.”

Props, Steven. Props.

In 100 days, your University of Kentucky Wildcats will take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at LP Field in Nashville. Mark Stoops vs. Bobby Petrino. Another fun roadtrip to Nashvegas. Do you have your tickets? They range from $25 – $75 (plus Ticketmaster fees).

UK season ticket holders can purchase their tickets through the University here.

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKET

Think of it now…Jalen Whitlow on the new Titantrons, the largest outdoor screens in the NFL:

The boys appear to be having fun on this morning’s radio show at Body Shapes Medical in Lexington.

Ewwww.

Photo by Malinda Adams/ESPN

Andy Katz spent the past few days by Nerlens Noel’s side during the NBA Draft Lottery festivities, and wrote a lengthy profile of the flat top feller for ESPN last night. In it, Katz follows Nerlens’ rehab, which is happening down at Dr. James Andrews’ Champion Sports Medicine Center in Birmingham. Katz interviews Nerlen’s physical therapist Kevin Wilk, who says Nerlens is three to four weeks ahead of schedule in his rehab:

“Nerlens is three or four weeks ahead of most people with an ACL injury,” Wilk said Tuesday after putting him through a series of strengthening and stretching exercises. “He doesn’t have any swelling, no pain, has a nice dry knee and everything has been smooth.”

Earlier this week, we showed you a video of Nerlens’ first day back on the court to start shooting drills, and Wilk says the projected number one pick’s next step is working on jumping and landing before he can begin scrimmaging. NBA doctors will evaluate Nerlens this weekend, and with a good report, Cleveland will likely have no problem taking him first.

Nerlens told Katz that he has no regrets about his decision to go pro early: “It has been surreal. It’s crazy. I could be graduating high school right now, walking out on stage. I definitely made the best decision for myself. My year at Kentucky was the best year I’ve ever had.”

Here is Noel’s interview with ESPN shortly after the Cavs were awarded the first pick in the NBA draft. He told Andy Katz he cherished every moment at Kentucky and learned so much under Coach Cal. “I’m very fortunate,” he said.

Good morning, Kentucky Sports Radio radio listeners. Got your Cleveland Cavaliers t-shirt yet? You better get on it.

On today’s show, Matt and Ryan will talk about the Cavs’ upset win last night’s NBA draft lottery and what it means for Nerlens Noel. They’ll also discuss a little football and our excitement as Charles Ramsey Day approaches.

Join in on the fun by calling (502) 571-1080.

Topics include:

– Nerlens to Cleveland?

– UK vs. WKU

– Atlases

– Thursday and Friday’s shows

Listen to Kentucky Sports Radio

KSR Affiliate List

WAIN (93.9 fm) Columbia
WHIR (1230 am) Danville
WCLU (1490 am) Glasgow
WJKY (1060 am) Jamestown
WLAP (630 am) Lexington
WFMW (730 am) Madisonville
WFTM (1240 am) Maysville
WKYM (101.7 fm) Monticello
WMSK (101.3 fm) Morganfield
WKJK (1080 am) Louisville
WKYH (600 am) Paintsville
WLSI (900 am) Pikeville
WPRT (960 am) Prestonsburg
WSFC (1240 am) Somerset
WTCW (920 am) Whitesburg
WBTH (1400 am) Williamson, WV

On Delay…

WBGN (1340 am) Bowling Green 3-5 pm
WKFC (101.9 fm) London 6-8 pm
WLBQ (1570 am) Morgantown 3-5 pm
WRIL (106.3 fm) Middlesboro Thur 8-10 pm
WKYQ (1560 am) Paducah 5-7 pm

On Tuesday, I broke down the strength of this non-conference schedule for 2013-14, and concluded that it will be one of John Calipari’s best non-conference schedules.  Often times, it is the second tier games that make or break the difficulty of the schedule.  UK will always have the UNC’s and Louisville’s of the world on the schedule.  But it’s Boise State and Belmont that make the schedule especially tough this year.  Those are mid-major teams with high NCAA Tournament hopes and the ability, on a great night, to challenge UK.  But I have to wonder: why not give a little more love to the in-state schools? 

Frankly, WKU has made the last 2 tournaments.  Murray State has won games in the tournament TWICE in the last couple years.  Morehead State beat Louisville just 3 years ago in the tournament.  Eastern Kentucky has a really awesome looking mascot.  But the point is scheduling these teams would not decrease the quality of the schedule one bit.  Would we rather see WKU and EKU in Rupp Arena or UNC-Asheville and Robert Morris?  Below are the 5 in-state Division-1 schools not named Louisville in the state and the times UK has played them in the John Calipari era:  

Morehead State: 2009 and 2012
Western Kentucky: 2012 (NCAA Tournament, Last regular season game was 2001)
Eastern Kentucky: NONE (Last scheduled game was 2006)
Murray State: NONE (Teams have never played)
Northern Kentucky: Scheduled for 2013

How big of an issue is this for me?  Not very big.  But look, I am a WKU alum.  In my 4 years in Bowling Green, I saw WKU play UL twice, play Murray every year, Eastern Kentucky every year, and never even sniff playing UK.  And I can tell you in those 4 years, WKU would not have beaten UK once, or played them within 10 points.  Point being, there was no harm in scheduling WKU.  All it would do is give the UK fans another non-conference game that would garner more interest while keeping the schedule strong.

And if you’re argument is that you are scared these teams might actually beat the Cats, then what does that say about you?  That you are scared of mid-major programs in the state?  And that is no way to approach a schedule.  I see no negatives to scheduling these teams.  They wouldn’t try and make you play in their gyms, big interest in the state, small chance of losing.  I don’t see any reason not to seriously consider this.    

I just wonder what you all think.  Do you want to see more in-state schools on the schedule on a yearly basis?  Or is that an unimportant factor in the schedule for you? 

On a completely unrelated note to a trivial basketball schedule, take a minute to watch this video of a CBS report from Oklahoma.  So much grief in that state right now, it’s great to see an occassional bright story.  Especially when it comes to family pets:  

Follow me on twitter @BryantheIntern

Many of you may not know the two young women up above, but they are all the rage for the high school and college basketball set. They are the Gonzalez Twins, Dyl and Kota (short for Dylan and Dakota) and they are the next big thing in women’s college basketball. The two young women are headed to Kansas next year, but they have already spawned tons of admirers in the Twitter world and have met celebrities ranging from Kevin Hart to Magic Johnson. Some even joked when Andrew Wiggins picked Kansas that he was doing it for the Gonzalez duo (which would be more understandable than if he had picked for Bill Self). But now as the world admires the Gonzalez Girls, they seem to admire Anthony Davis. Our favorite Unibrow has been rumored on the social media sites to be dating one of the girls (I think its Dyl, but I am not a specialist on telling twins apart…I still dont know which Collins twin is gay). The girls posted these pictures recently of a visit from Davis with them:

Then, Dyl got the speculation going even further with this tweet to Anthony this week:

I miss you 😩😩😩 @antdavis23

— Dyl & Kota Gonzalez (@Dollbaby_duo) May 21, 2013

Now I of course have no idea if the two are an item, and honestly I don’t care. But I do think it is interesting that these two women, who will be the stars of college basketball…at least from the fan point of view…next year have found their way into a rumored fling with Anthony Davis. It shows just how far Davis’s media profile has risen and just what a future star he is. Plus, I think it is a better rumor than when everyone said he was dating Brittney Griner. Do your thing Anthony.