Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Do you hear that? What is it…..oh yeah, Silence. Folks, in one of the most surprising occurrences that I have seen in a long time, today ended up being a day where virtually nothing happened on the Kentucky recruiting front. Whereas one could have legitimately believed that Monday could see a decision by the Morris twins, Eshaunte Jones, Jai Lucas or movement with Patrick Patterson, we ended up with virtually nothing except a lame decision by Tracy Smith to commit but likely never play (due to qualification issues) for NC State. While I was at work today, I literally left my phone’s ringer on (as opposed to the usual “vibrate” setting), exposing me to the potential of the song “Big Poppa” reverberating through my office if I received a call, just so that I could get any news as it happened…..and it didnt happen.
Oh well, maybe Tuesday will be more exciting…..or maybe it wont. That may unfortunately, be the case. But we will get to that in a moment. First, lets celebrate the passing of Jack Palance, who apparently died last week, but no one told me as I just found out today. I loved the one-armed pushups as much as the next guy, and thus I salute the fine actor. Second, how about a shout out to Chris Lofton, who opened his junior season by dropping 30 points on Fordham in a performance that I actually found impressive. While Tennessee looked so-so (this isnt last year’s team), Lofton actually looks even more improved, showcasing an ability to drive to the basket in addition to his shooting. Good for the young man as he looked impressive. And oh yeah finally, EPISODE 13 is now on the air and ready for your consumption. Lots of great stuff and if you havent heard it, please do.
Now onto the stories of the day:
First, the lack of any movement (or even a peep) from the Jai Lucas camp may ultimately be the story of this week. As many of you know, I have remained confident for some time that UK was Lucas’s leader and that the Cats were in a strong position for his services. I still think UK is in a strong position, but now I am hearing the possibility that Kentucky may not get his services this week…..and neither will anyone else. There is increased talk from those around the recruiting circles that Jai may be waiting until Spring to make a final decision. This news, if true (and lets be clear that it is not CERTAIN that it is true….Jai may announce tomorrow for all we know), will be difficult for Kentucky to take. While the Cats’ status with Patterson has always been a mystery, I am confident that Kentucky has always remained the leader for Lucas. If he decides to wait, that will be a disappointing decision and will put Kentucky in a VERY difficult position. Do you wait on Patterson and Lucas or attempt to get someone else? What if Florida attempts to make the Lucas-Patterson package in the Spring? These are questions that are difficult…..they may be rendered moot by the next two days, but I for one do not look forward to the possibility of another five months of waiting on these two decisions. And oh yeah, Patrick’s high school has just scheduled a game to be played in Cameron Indoor Stadium, in addition to the two games they are playing in Memorial Coliseum….yeah that doesnt make things any easier, now does it?
Second…..making this more difficult is the likely possibility that Jeff Brooks, who in my view is the best backup possibility for Patterson (and a highly underrated player), may commit to a school in the next two days. Brooks wants to make his decision this fall, and losing him in the next two days leaves the Cats with truly no viable backup option if Patterson goes elsewhere. Losing Patterson is something UK can afford to have happen….but it is a real shame if you lose Patterson and then dont get Brooks (who would have been MORE than receptive to a UK offer).
Third, what about those Morris twins? And for that matter, Eshaunte Jones? All three are 2008 recruits….all three rumored to be deciding in the next two days…..all three with Kentucky at the final table of the decision. Do these guys pull the trigger for a school that in the Twins case, they havent visited, or in Jones’ case no one has followed? Interestingly, in Jones’ case, he postponed his decision today. With most suspecting he was set to announce for Indiana, what does this mean? Some have suspected Jones visited either this weekend or last (I have no confirmation either way), so what does this decision mean? At this point, all we are doing is reading tea leaves as none of the three have spoken in the last few days…..but that may be all we have after such a silent day.
Fourth, what is clear from Episode 13 is that Marshall Moses wants to be a Cat. I thought that my question to Moses about UNC was on the air, but apparently it was not and was in our pre-interview. Either way, he said that he wasnt interested in UNC and that he was focused right now on the Cats. I am telling you folks,……we need to get Moses on campus, NOW and get him wrapped up. Cross your fingers as he finds out about his test scores today. Marshall Moses will be special…..just as I said last year that Jodie Meeks would have an impact far beyond his ranking at UK, Moses is that guy this year…..just you wait and see.
So where do we go from here? Well unfortunately, we just have to wait. I had hoped to be able to announce today a commitment to UK and the shape of the class would be clear to all. But it hasnt happened. I however think that lots has happened on Monday night….things we dont yet know about. I expect that Patterson and Lucas received a great deal of UK contact and the young men have lots to think about tonight. Tomorrow is a big day…..if at this time tomorrow night, silence is the word of the day…..well then, its a long time till Spring…..
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November 13th, 2006 at 11:45 pm
Thanks Matt, sounds like recruiting was dead today.
November 13th, 2006 at 11:48 pm
Matt, where do you work? how do you find time to do this if you have a day job?
pretty impressive.
November 13th, 2006 at 11:48 pm
Thanks. I agree on Marshall. I keep watching those highlight clips, imagining him in a wildcat jersey. I can’t believe he is just a senior in high school.
November 13th, 2006 at 11:49 pm
As I suspected, recruiting is at the moment at a dead spot. It seems to me that Tubby and UK are being played in a way that not that long ago would not have happened. I agree totally that Marshall Moses is important. In fact, I think he is MORE important than the more sought after PP. I think he (Moses) will prove to be better for us in the long run. If PP and/or Jai are unwilling to come to UK after all of the work Tubby has put in on this, we should move on to Moses and maybe a couple of others…..My fear is we will waste too much time on these guys and miss players that we will later wish we had…
November 13th, 2006 at 11:51 pm
I can get some sleep now!!This is the first(and maybe last)
year I’ve followed recruiting this close!!
It really consumes your whole day,I’m a junkie!!
Thanks Matt for all that you do and I’ll be
checking in tmrow to get my fixx!!!GO CATS!!1
November 13th, 2006 at 11:57 pm
Sigh……..
Recruiting sometimes can get on one’s nerves, especially when you expect decisions (decisions that you know can have a big impact on the program you love) and yet they don’t come. The longer things go, the worse it wears on you.
Hopefully Lucas will reach a decision this week and not put this decision off til Spring. Waiting on Patterson is one thing, but if we have to wait on Lucas too, I think I may go insane.
November 13th, 2006 at 11:59 pm
They can’t sign anything anyway can they? So even if they want to sign this fall and be done with the visit process why isn’t next week as good as this week? Very confused why there is any kind of pressure there where a couple of days makes a difference.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:02 am
I mean if they want to give a verbal what is the big deal on what day?
November 14th, 2006 at 12:12 am
This is soooooo frustrating. I can’t wait until we sign Marshall Moses!! He WANTS to be a Cat and is not into playing head games. The Lucas/Patterson saga is giving me and the Wildcat faithful an ulcer. They either WANT to be a CAT or they don’t– it can’t be that hard. Unfortunately, I think they have made their decision and UK is not their choice, If that is the case, so be it. Just stop playing games and let’s move on!
November 14th, 2006 at 12:17 am
My guess is that Tubby and his crew will get in the ear of these two young men and let them know that the offer is there for them to come and be a part of what is shaping up to be a dominant class, but the offer can’t wait, because if they’re pulling UK’s chain and really want to go elsewhere, UK can’t afford to be left with no one.
Problem is sometimes players can take that kind of message as “Fine, you don’t really want us” when it’s really a matter of desperate desire, but fear of loss.
I fully understand these guys wanting to be sure they pick the right school, but if they want to wait and see what happens at Florida or Duke, they need to understand that Kentucky can’t wait. Kentucky is too big to wait all year for them.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:18 am
Here’s to both Moses and Harris becoming true Cats (and never having another academic issue/delay).
November 14th, 2006 at 12:19 am
If Lucas hasn’t signed an LOI by Wednesday, then Tubby should let him know that he is no longer
being recruited. I would love to have him but a point guard is not a priority. I would like to
see us offer Moses and Brooks(if he hasn’t commited yet) and close out the class.
I would also offer Miller, Jones, and the Morris Twins for 08.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:28 am
Then what was the point of Lucas and PP going to Madness? Doesn’t
seem to have an effect on their decisions at all.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:30 am
This might sound crazy, but why not cut ties with Patterson and make a late push with Brooks. He’s a homegrown kid who’d work his ass off. We get no such guarantee from Patterson. I mean try to put yourself in his shoes. You’re at Midnight Madness, fireworks (literally) going off, 20,000+ going nuts, and they start chanting YOUR NAME.
He gets back home and he’s undecided. I mean, that’s cool and all - let the man decide. But it says a lot about him and his priorities. Maybe he’s not into the rebuilding era in which we find ourselves with UK. Also understandable. But the REAL moral of the story is that I would rather have a Ravi Moss on my roster than a Rashaad Carruth. Last year, the same could be said for Randolph & Rondo.
I’d say the best (or at least most successful Tubby-ballers) players we’ve had over the last few years (w/ the possible exception of Bogans) came in as relatively unheralded recruits. If we hang our hat on Patterson, we get NO guarantees of ability OR work ethic, and that’s even IF he decides to commit. Just my perspective.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:35 am
Only problem with cutting ties with PP is that it might alienate Lucas as well (even if he’s willing to come without PP, he may be offended if we cut off his friend).
Oh, while it does come across as stern and appropriate for a big program, it may alienate future big recruits who might see in it a dismissal of big talent in favor of fans.
While I love the Ravis and Razors of basketball, players you can expect to bleed blue, everyone on this site and others keeps complaining that UK can’t land the top 10 players.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:36 am
If PP and Lucas don’t sign by wednesday, I don’t think UK can afford to wait. They’ve seen the campus, they know the coaches and have met the players. They won’t know much more about UK in April than they know right now. If they’re not positive that Uk is the place for them by now, then I don’t see that changing 5 months from now.
If they don’t sign by Wednesday, then UK should close the deal on Moses and put the full court press on for Brooks, if he’s still available by then.
Tubby needs to offer an ultimatum and let the chips fall where they may. If they reject it, then they probably aren’t serious about UK anyway. At any rate, UK will be able to move on.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:37 am
#14 - I would go ahead an offer Brooks now and let him know that he must sign by Wednesday. If
the LOI is in hand, I would then call Patterson to let him know that we are no longer recruiting
him.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:39 am
Did anyone else watch Indiana barely beat Lafayette in the NIT semi?
Oh, the final margin was over 25, but most of that came in the last 5 minutes. Forcing the stars of Indiana into a ton of fouls, Lafayette almost pulled off the upset, and was within 2 points at least 5 or 6 times late in the second half.
Was pretty exciting.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:42 am
The LOI must be signed by Wednesday night but the recruit has 21 days to Fax it or mail it to the school.
Spring won’t start until 3 weeks from this Wednesday night, therefore.
November 14th, 2006 at 1:07 am
I think you go after the players that want to be at Kentucky if if Patterson and lukas dont know this then dont miss out on the ones who want to be here.I think the players we recruited this year prove its better to get players who want to be a wildcat.
November 14th, 2006 at 1:35 am
Tom -
This may be too esoteric to really matter, but do you know if the LOI’s have to be notarized? Not that a notary wouldn’t bend the rules for one of them, but you know.
To those who know better than me - How much redundance do we run into with Harris, Moses, and Stewart as is? Not to mention Stevenson… Could we go a year without another PF?
Certainly seems like we could afford to go a year without another PG, assuming Porter and Jasper continue to develop, whether Ramel comes back next year or not… I guess my point is that getting neither Patterson nor Jai may not be the end of the world. In fact, bringing both of them to campus may be a receipe for disaster if a dissenting nucleus isn’t satisfied with playing time.
November 14th, 2006 at 1:48 am
Duke looked really weak tonight as well as Indiana.
November 14th, 2006 at 1:59 am
Seems to me UK can offer Brooks no matter what PP or JL do. That gives them the backbone and if PP come and JL comes, it cream. 4 down 1 or 2 too go.
November 14th, 2006 at 2:50 am
Anybody think Carter would be willing to cede his scholarship position to be an in-state walk-on (worst-case scenario)?
November 14th, 2006 at 5:31 am
Wick, that was an impressive run of hyphenated words there at the end of your sentence. It had an almost stutter-like quality to it.
November 14th, 2006 at 6:23 am
If we do not sign Patterson or Lucas this fall we simply did not get it done again. We started out the leader on these guys (atleast last spring on both) and if they don’t sign in the fall it means other schools made up ground again on our top targets by getting them to wait. I simply do not see UNC or Duke EVER having this problem on a constant basis. It simply comes down to closing (sales 101) and we don’t do it very well. Call it lack of a plan, lack of charisma, or call it lack of execution but any way you look at it this issue is what is keeping UK from being among the elite year after year.
I am taking nothing away from AJ Stewart, Harris or Williams but these are the guys you should get just by offering if you are a UK, UNC or Duke. And I am a Tubby Smith fan. Oh well who are we leading for in 08. I hear we are in good shape there.
November 14th, 2006 at 6:37 am
#21 when my stepdaughter signed her NLOI to UCLA in 1989, she signed it. Her Mom (my wife) signed it. No notary was required back then.
If rules haven’t changed, no notary is needed.
November 14th, 2006 at 6:38 am
Crow, you made fun of me talking about Poetry. Making it seem like I write 10 year old material. Here is a poem titled “Malaise” (Yeah, you might have to look that definition up, you imbecile.)
“Malaise
It is a whisper I hear in my head
I can’t touch it; it just keeps taunting me
The vacancy that evolved when you left
Continues putting me forth on a treacherous road of misery
I need to escape; evade this hostile imprisonment
I need to flee this inhumane environment
The one concealed within my heart
The one you left me with
Drastically filling me with famine
Starvating for felicity, it aches, but nothing changes
The corruption inside that you have erupted is tearing me down
I am unsure as of how much longer I can bare
As every day passes, I get weaker
I attempt to restrain the vague bliss left inside
But without you, it is perishing in an agile rate
There is only one thing that can bring me to Elysium once again
That one thing is you”
That poem is 4 years old. I’d make much better work now. But whoever says “That sucks” soley because they hate me, proves that people just talk shit on here because they feel the need to down someone in a vague attempt to overcome their own social paralysis.
November 14th, 2006 at 6:57 am
Thanks for the heads-up on Jack Palance. I am enjoying a cup of mud and a Marlboro right now in his honor.
November 14th, 2006 at 7:11 am
KuruptedMental sure writes great poetry.
But is his brand of prose what we logged-in to see?
Fellow bloggers, this poet,
Cast your vote; should he show it?
I say just stick to sports!
Stop retorts!
Seriously.
November 14th, 2006 at 7:19 am
Kurupted, “Malaise” is an apt title indeed. Matter of fact, short of tsetse fly induced African trypanosomiasis, I don’t think anything could inspire as much “maliase” as your poem does. Makes Kurt Cobain seem chipper by comparison.
November 14th, 2006 at 7:25 am
if lucas wants to wait til spring then i guess all the talk about him
loving UK and orlando was just talk from people who think they are in
the LOOP.
if lucas and patterson wait til spring, count them out
guess no matter how hard you “suppose to be out there recruiting”
it all comes back to style and the coach
November 14th, 2006 at 7:27 am
quote”we ended up with virtually nothing except a lame decision by Tracy Smith to commit but likely never play (due to qualification issues) for NC State’ Unquote
didnt you say that UK may be interested in tracy smith
guess your tune changes if they dont sign with UK
November 14th, 2006 at 7:31 am
Crow interprets the works of Krupupted:
I roll myself into a tiny ball of empty full stuff
My pillow, the window, where are you, my love?
Inside I am outside for within there is no me
I severed a finger but no blood cried forth because of thee
Jobless, employmentless, would you be a good reference?
If not, then perhaps Matt Jones will purchase this sentence?
November 14th, 2006 at 7:33 am
TOUCHDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON CROW !!!
November 14th, 2006 at 7:50 am
KuruptedMental, where in the far reaches of your self-absorbed mind did you think we had any remote interest in reading that drivel? What has that got absolutely anything to do with the topic at hand?
November 14th, 2006 at 8:04 am
26) UK is elite, even if they don’t always sign the ‘elite’ recruits. If you think otherwise, just look through the season records and conference and conference tourney records over the last few years (the years the team has ‘failed’ by not reaching the Final Four). Recruiting is important, but it doesn’t take a top ten recruit to win a championship. Believing it does is just buying into the hype machine that is college recruiting. I’m not trying to make excuses for Tubby - I’m just sick of all you people constantly crying out “Tubby completely failed again! Without Patrick Patterson, this recruiting class sucks!”
28) Kurupted, one of the things about good poetry is that most authors think their poetry is good. It’s the opinions of others that matter (and even then, ‘good’ poetry is still very subjective). You really shouldn’t be self-promoting so much.
November 14th, 2006 at 8:28 am
#34… “I roll myself into a tiny ball of empty full stuff” LMAO!!!!!!!
November 14th, 2006 at 8:30 am
hahahahahah. Poetry on here? Give me a break.
November 14th, 2006 at 8:44 am
Reading Kurupted’s poetry caused a vague but persistent urge to shat on the computer screen.
November 14th, 2006 at 9:02 am
Kurupt, I put you up there with the great poets of our time, like….J.J.Redick
p.s. - Don’t ever let a freakin’ girl make you write that kind of empty, homo material
ever again. Man up and find another damned chick for God’s sake!
….fade to black….aaaaaaaaaaaaaand…..CUT. Thank you. LOL
November 14th, 2006 at 9:16 am
I think thes guys have watched the freshman at UK and think we better see how they progress for it will affect our PT.
If this is the case I say Tubby pray Moses gets his grade offer Brooks & Pettigrew and that would be nine true players who would love to play for UK(counting the four this year)!!
November 14th, 2006 at 9:27 am
#37, that’s because without Patterson (or a stud PF), this recruiting class DOES suck. I’m excited for the guys we have inked so far (Harris (06 or 07–doesn’t matter to me), Williams, Stewart). I’m excited about Moses, who, for all intents and purposes, basically is a done deal from what I understand.
However, the need, even in light of the pleasant surprise that is ‘Percy’ Stevenson, is for a STUD PF. There are NO MORE STUD PF’s left if UK doesn’t land Patterson. Therefore, in terms of the #1 objective, UK will have FAILED. That makes me sad, but it is the truth.
November 14th, 2006 at 9:37 am
What about Bob Knight throwing an upper-cut into one of his player’s chin?
November 14th, 2006 at 9:42 am
Matt, According to Eshaunte’s HS Coach, we have made up considerable ground. That is why the decision has been delayed. It may not have changed,,, it may have. Eshaunte is now being very close to the chest with his feelings.
But one thing is for sure, something has made Eshaunte look closer at Kentucky.
November 14th, 2006 at 9:44 am
Further…
Patterson wants to attend Florida
His parents want him to attend UK.
Hence the hesitation.
The parents want him to see what happens with roster (Noah and Horford and Brewer) and what Billy will do and not commit hastily (>>??? it is what they said).
SO, we will see if parent intervention HELPS UK this time.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:02 am
I don’t want Patterson at UK if he’s only going there to please his parents. That sounds like a recipe for discontent and trouble for both the player and the school.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:06 am
I have been saying it….Lucas waiting until Spring. I had a very strong feeling it would happen. Why? Because it happens almost every time with our recruits.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:06 am
“I can’t see what my future has in store
but I move forth with the strength of a condor” — JJ
Here is an exclusive, unreleased poem by a former Dookie.
I drive fast with the speed of a puma
all night long I’ve been drinking Zima
Uh Oh, it’s the five O
Blue lights on, hide the weed yo
The cop came up and started to holla
I just straight up popped my collar
Don’t you know who I am, I’m J.J.
He said I’m a Terp fan, you just made my day
I was arrested for D.U.I.
Coach K says it’s OK to cry
Blow in the tube, blow in the tube
I know I know, I hear it at every practice dude
Over the legal limit is what I blew
He didn’t look that old officer, who knew?
He said, no that means you are drunk
My popped collar says I’m no punk
“No bandage can cover my scars,
It’s hard living life behind (not so) invisible bars”
In the jail cell I will not cower
Why am I the reciepient of a Golden Shower?
Blow in the tube, blow in the tube
Why do these cops act like we are in the bedroom?
My Lacrosse playing homies are never bored
Mike Jones’ friend took a dump on Cameron’s floor
November 14th, 2006 at 10:17 am
#46 Crawford wanted to attend Michigan in Nov 2003. His parents wanted Uk and convinced him to wait.
A good friend of mine in MI is a confidant of the Crawfords. That’s how I know this.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:18 am
K-Mental, those randomly placed breaks are pure genius. They enable your metre to perform like a rollercoaster, which indeed, leads one to malaise. And what vision you’ve put on display with those cleverly contrived semicolons; they allow the alliteration to flow like speed bumps in a trailer park.
The abundance of adjectives leaves me craving a bowl of alphabet soup. And the verb tense on display makes me want to call an exorcist. Truly, Charles Bukowski would envy such a masterpiece, but what does your disease have to do with basketball recruiting?
November 14th, 2006 at 10:19 am
We had all discussed the Lucas waiting until Spring idea when
the Florida geeks invaded the blog to say Lucas was a UF lean. The thought
was that if Lucas did in fact wait til Spring, that idea may have legs. Well…?
On the other hand, as talented as Florida is, Taureen Green is not NBA material
anytime soon. With Nick Calathes coming in etc. I don’t see where the Florida
situation bodes any better in relation to playing time available.
I am with the few that have stated if Patterson doesn’t come on board after all
of the time and attention we have given to him, then we need to ultimatum his ass like
I’m sure others do, and cut bait if he doesn’t wise up. Laugh if you will, but Perry
Stevenson is showing signs of being a bad ass himself, and I’m all in with him regardless of
what Patterson does. Adding a fast rising player like Brooks that wants to play here isn’t a bad move,
especially when the Morris twins are still a viable option as well.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:20 am
#43 “stud” PF (Top 10 rated) signed by UK since 1989 are these.
Jamal Mashburn in 1990. Marvin Stone in 1999. That’s it. Just 2.
We average 27 W per season since 1990 without the “stud” PF recruits.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:36 am
First of All, i am very impressed with this year’s Freshmen class. Now, I don’t think anyone knows the whole story with the Patterson kid, however if a coach can get 2 up and coming players like Brooks and Moses, I would let Patterson know it is now or never. A bird in the hand sort of thing is how I would recruit. But Tubby does mak a lot of money to recruit however he wishes.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:37 am
Not sure what Patrick is waiting on, obviously, he’s taken all of his visits. I do feel that Jai’s cause for pause is directly related to Patterson. I’m just glad that Stewart knew what he liked when he saw it and decided to be his own man.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:41 am
It sounds like to me that AJ Stewart is in the same mold as Meeks and Jasper. I will take those type of kids all day long to be on my team.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:47 am
If they dont want to come to Kentucky, let them go elsewhere. We are Kentucky, I truly
believe we need to have the confidence to believe we can go out there and find two to five top recruits
every year. It is an HONOR to play for UK. These kids think they are studs. They are 18 years oldand have proven nothing in life. Over50% of them cannot even contribute to society after their playing days. They spend their entire childhood
believing the laws, rules and regulations do not apply to them because they can play a little ball.
Well, reality hits them in the face when 60 players get drafted every year into the NBA and five years
later only 20% still remain in the league. Now out of those 20%, 50% of them are from foreign countries.
So recruits, pick a school where you will get a good education, develop great relationships while in school so you
can have a career when you hopefully graduate.
Tubby needs to go out and find how many former Kentucky players from outside of the state who came to kentucky still live in
Kentucky. This stat would prove to all UK recruits that former players never leave the state because of their
name recognition and the ability to create a job for themselves after their playing days. Ain’t this is what it is
all about, being able to provide for yourselves versus living off the government the rest of their lives.
If this is not important to you, go elsewhere PP and Jai. We can find 2 to 5 guys who want to have a great
college career and a better life after their playing days.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:49 am
#56, I totally agree, and that’s why I would rather have Moses and Brooks than Patterson and Lucas. Moses and Brooks remind me girlfriends who will kiss you in the mouth, whereas Patterson and Lucas will only peck you on the cheek while looking over your shoulder at others.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:51 am
Kentucky (and Tubby) did everything possible with Lucas and Patterson. Everything from recuriting them early, to Madness blowing Lucas away (no word from PP), etc. If they don’t sign, I won’t hold it against Tubby at all. Let’s not forget that both have indicated that they are interested in UK because of Tubby.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:51 am
Mike Jones bringing the BIG STICK!!!!
November 14th, 2006 at 11:00 am
Just a quick question for anyone…
I noticed the talk about Morris twins etc along with Eshaunte Jones on the
lead to this blog. Why isn’t there any real talk surrounding Nasir Robinson?
I know there are several players that could be discussed, but he is a biggie in the
2008 class, and apparently has some UK interest….
Also, any word on Miller? Thanks!
November 14th, 2006 at 11:03 am
Joe Crwaford will makes us forgat about Chris Lofton … this is Joe’s year!!!
November 14th, 2006 at 11:13 am
Wow. Mike Jones, that was beautiful.
November 14th, 2006 at 11:13 am
#61.
Because there arent enough slots available to give him a spot if we get Miller and the twins. That years class is only Bradley and Crawford (asserting that Morris will leave after this season). SO if we fill roster and get Miller and the twins… we are over anyway.
There isnt a spot for Robinson.
Much less Eshaunte Jones…
—
We will see which way we go…
I think if Jones decides for UK we back off of Lucas because of his apathy. just a hunch.
November 14th, 2006 at 11:16 am
#62.
I sure hope so.
We are very mediocre if Joe plays like he has the past two seasons and doesnt fulfill his potential.
November 14th, 2006 at 11:25 am
The difference in output production will certainly be increased this season
due to the freshmen. Meeks can have a Crawford type game at any time, and I
have a feeling that Porter could light it up on a given night as well.
November 14th, 2006 at 11:27 am
I had to comment to this redneck “Anonymous” … you said “Reading Kurupted’s poetry caused a vague but persistent urge to shat on the computer screen. ”
now thats a low form of human existence.. your intelligence is gone.. way gone.. like OH’s young days Lmfao.
November 14th, 2006 at 11:32 am
I’ll take the twins and Miller and love life for 2008.
November 14th, 2006 at 11:41 am
Where do we get apathy from Lucas?
Amazing…..
November 14th, 2006 at 11:51 am
I too am impressed by our freshmen and now feel we were very lucky last Fall. I think the coaches are learning from past mistakes and have really tried to add some depth to our frontcourt in 07. I hope to be surprised this week and next Spring with players that are as good as what we have now. That said I believe we add Moses, Pettigrew, and one senior with a really good year that’s the best of what’s left. These guys will listen to Tubby and that may make up for the lack of a dominant post player.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
could someone please explain to me what defines a power forward?
November 14th, 2006 at 12:07 pm
#65 we will really struggle in 1997-98 if Sheppard is rusty after his layoff (redshirt).
And if Evans cannot adjust to bigtime Div I basketball.
What if we don’t have a solid back-up PG to rest Turner?
Will Turner ever reach his potential as a player?
Padgett might flop with Mercer gone.
Yadda-yadda-yadda.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:08 pm
#71 the 4 position in the lineup.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:19 pm
im not sold that pp is uk’s recuiting life
if harris and moses pan out and tubby will sign
another foward this year. the morris twins are an
option for 08 both can play 4 spot.
November 14th, 2006 at 12:21 pm
53) That is exactly the point I was trying to make.
The last time Tubby went hard after top talent (The Rondo, Morris, Crawford, Bradley class), it didn’t pan out so well (still developing).
And yet with less than top talent, he created some of the best defensive teams in the period, won several SEC regular season and tourney titles, and in his first year Tubby won the NCAA title (not too many teams get back to the title game consecutive years, particularly with a new coach).
From what I have seen so far, Crawford will break out. Morris will be great (if he stays out of foul trouble). Bradley will be a better team PG than Rondo (though not quite the numbers machine). Perry will be solid in his minutes, and sometimes have big numbers. The freshmen will develop nicely, with Meeks and Stevenson definitely contributing big by spring, and Jasper and Porter coming along a little slower. All of that should be enough (with the other players giving minutes, etc) to give us a good run. Even if we’re outmatched in talent, Tubby is more than capable of outcoaching other coaches. There’s nothing more fun than watching the plays he sets out of time outs.
And 67) Kurupt…I notice you only responded to the least mature comment. Where’s your response to the rest of us? Can we have it in Iambic Pentameter, please?
November 14th, 2006 at 12:38 pm
I feel if Jai Lucas does wait til Spring that there was NOTHING Tubby and UK could have done about it. Lucas has repeatedly said he loved his visit at UK saying it was “a 10″ and his in-home w/Tubby was “awesome and he felt comfortable w/Coach Smith”. What more could you ask form a coach, Tubby has been after Lucas and Patterson for some time now and has DONE everything possible to land these recruits.
If they both decide to go elswhere then I feel VERY comfortable that we land some other players between now and the spring signing period. There are still some PF’s out there and every season there ends up being a player that goes somewhere that “flew under the radar”. AJ Stewart will be dynamtie, Mike Williams WILL BE much better than people give him credit for, and if we get Marshall Moses (which we should) he is versatile enough to play the SF or PF slot.
What I am trying to say is this, the world will not come to an end if Patterson and Lucas wait to sign or if they never sign w/the Big Blue. We have a great squad this year we should all start focusing on and we will let the recruiting chips fall where they may. Not all is lost if this doesn’t go our way.
Rememeber there has been a rumor for sometime now that UK is involved w/a mystery recruit. It may not be anything at all, but the next 2 days shall show us in the least, a little something! GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!!
November 14th, 2006 at 12:40 pm
Something to think about is the fact that yes, there are a lot of these big name recruits on everybody’s radar for the fall signing period…..but you can bet there are quite a few
players that are flying very low on radar right now that will emerge to make a name as “must get” players for the spring signing period. So all is not lost. Lets sign Moses now and keep recruiting hard!
November 14th, 2006 at 12:42 pm
Tubby’s approach is “The Gates Are Closed: Victory or Death” re PP, as it looks like all second tier recruits at the 4 are gone or almost gone.
I would venture a guess that Tubby feels UK will still be stong without PP.
And/or that PP is such a difference maker that he (Tubby) can go “all in” on his recruitment…. that the result will be worth the wait.
I don’t like reading from Hoover that PP wants UF and his parents want UK. I would think that the kids usually needs to go where he wants. If that is indeed the case, it is a very tough thing for the Patterson household.
As far as Lucas and the UK fans that want us to cut loose any player that doesn’t want to sign with us in the fall signing dates, I say this:
If you want the very best players, you have to be willing to go all the way.
I don’t like it but that is the truth, IMHO.
Also, Duke and UNC have a HUGE freakin’ recruiting advantage over everyone else by having thier own personal basketball TV network, which they call ESPN.
Seeing a very average and way overated Duke team get praised to the heavens made me want to throw up…. for the 15th gazillion time.
Only Florida can seem to hang with them.
The SEC HAS to get a deal to get us on ESPN more.
November 14th, 2006 at 1:01 pm
#76 Right on. There have been several sources eluding to an unknown
recruit. Of those sources some are newspaper guys and bigger known recruiting
folks that are regular conduits of information.
November 14th, 2006 at 1:09 pm
Keep recruiting them through the spring. I think we are in for a great year, and playing for UK will be even more appealing after they see that. When things take a bad turn, you can’t just stop recruiting. If that were the case, Billy and K would have quit on PP some time ago. Let’s not make it easy on them.
November 14th, 2006 at 1:10 pm
#75 your point is well made.
Tubby has put 4 of his PF at UK into the NBA.
None was a “stud” recruit at PF spot.
November 14th, 2006 at 1:35 pm
It would be unusual for an athlete who has no ties family-wise or who had not grown up in-state to “love” UK. A few might (or at least say they do), but I doubt that most feel any heart tugs toward UK. The elite athletes want to go a university that has the most potential to advance them toward their goal of getting to the NBA. Frankly, at this stage, these guys are not sure which university can do that. The longer they can wait, and still be able to choose which of the elite programs to play for, it makes sense to me that they would wait. It’s a matter of leverage - and the elite recruits seem to have the leverage.
November 14th, 2006 at 1:39 pm
#73, that was the response i was looking for. all that defines a power forward is the 4 spot on the floor so to speak. why is it that so many people feel that stewert and moses can’t play the pf position? kentucky will be fine regardless of whether lucas and patterson come or not. in fact, i am more concerned with lucas than patterson anyway. pf is a position that can be filled by committee, or even by a work horse, like say chuck hayes. the point guard position is the one that you need the most stability. if you really take a look at all the teams that win the tournament year in and year out, they differ on their styles and players, except that almost everybody has a truely great point guard. that may not be a point guard that got drafted, or even put up huge numbers, but one that controled the game and his team.
i just wish people would put the traditional power forward idea out of their heads. the great run in the mid 90’s, we started walker at power forward in 96, and padgett in 97,98. neither was a bruiser type, and mostly fit better into the games of stewert and moses.
if patterson comes, great. if he doesn’t, kentucky will be fine without him. let’s enjoy this year’s team, and like another post said, let the recruiting chips fall where they may.
November 14th, 2006 at 1:46 pm
Unfortunately, I think Tubby will whiff on all the above mentioned. Lets face it guys, the man cant close the deal…More failed recruiting at Kentucky-Ultimately, this along w/ digusting offense, will be his demise
November 14th, 2006 at 2:12 pm
Come on #84, no need for that. We all are CERTAIN of nothing at this point, just more speculation!
November 14th, 2006 at 2:42 pm
#84 UK has 4 very good freshmen this season. Guess who recruited them?
UK signed the #1 class in 2004. Guess who recruited them?
November 14th, 2006 at 5:24 pm
Some on here and other boards get downright huffy at PP because they believe he prefers Florida over UK. The typical response to this is , we don’t want a player who prefers another school. Let him go there. We’ll get by without him.”
My advice is “don’t hold your nose so high in the air that you let a good recruit travel under it.” The idea that Patterson might someday play for UK although he would have preferred UF should be no concern at all. Remember a big fellow named Dan Issel? If I recall, he was UK Men’s BBall all-time scorer. As I recall, Dan and his mother preferred Wisconsin while Dan’s father wanted him to attend Northwestern. As a compromise, in the summer just a few weeks before school started, Dan signed with UK as a compromise. Seems to me that it worked out alright. I’ll take those deals anytime.
November 14th, 2006 at 5:25 pm
Tom, we need consistency in our recruiting. The senior and sophomore classes were not up to par. Imagine Hansbrough instead of Carter. We didn’t get that stellar 2004 class enough support or they would have been much more effective. Rondo in particular was hurt by not having enough studs around him IMO. Plus, thus far, Crawford has not played up to expectations and Morris missed the first third of the season after basically snubbing us last year while Rondo apparently was feuding w/Tubby. Your “UK signed the #1 class in 2004″ is a hollow claim in that regard.
November 14th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
Tom, the problem here is these people can’t appreciate a season like the suffocats simply because they didn’t win it all. That season was a wash to these fans.
An NCAA seed only matters if it’s a #1. 30 win season are crap if you get knocked out before the Final Four. Star caliber players recruited who have one foot out the door already and then cause problems on the team - that’s the coach’s fault for not playing them more (or adjusting the system to them).
Tubby’s a horrible coach because he yells at his players and doesn’t promise recruits instant playing time and hasn’t won a championship except with Rick’s players.
Tubby’s a horrible coach because this year players like Glen Davis aren’t afraid of UK (the coaches are just being nice when they say UK is always a threat).
Oh, and as someone said, Florida is now King of the SEC for winning the championship (even though they didn’t win the conference and will likely have a new coach and several new starters next year, making their reign 2 years at best).
Tubby only won the SEC or SEC championship 5 times each. And those don’t count because he only won the national title once. That’s the only year he was a worthwhile coach and the only year UK was king of the SEC (the undefeated year doesn’t count - no Title). Though he got that stupid Coach of the Year award in 2003, that was probably just because he got lucky and Bogans was a coincidentally good player that year. And that was like so long ago.
The six Sweet Sixteen finishes and three Elite Eight finishes in NCCA tourney play in 9 years were a complete waste of time. Tubby nearly killed the program with that crap. His 27 wins a year are crap, especially when compared to someone like Coach K, who has 31 a year (and twice as long at the school). Sure, Coach K’s teams crapped out at the 16 5 times in those same 9 years, and the elite 8 another year, but the extra championship game and 2 extra final 4s are head and shoulders above Tubby. Another coach who’s so much better than Tubby is Roy Williams. He won a national championship just 2 years ago at UNC. He also had an extra national title game appearance and another final 4 in those 9 years. He also has like a whole half a game a year more wins than Tubby. He worked his magic at Kansas and UNC. Of course, his teams went out of the tourney in the second round 5 times and the sweet 16 the other time. That can be forgived because he has to compete directly with Duke for recruits now. And I’m sure Donovan has put up better numbers at Florida. He has a title and an extra title game appearance (ok, his teams went out in the first or second rd 5 years in a row, played in the NIT another, and made the sweet 16 the other time, but he’s got Noah, Brewer and Horford back, so he’s a better coach, too. I’m sure they and the rest of his starters were all better recruits than anything Tubby’s managed to get.)
Geez, how can people be so stupid as to think Tubby’s done a good job here! Look at all those extra titles and better performances by those coaches, the main competing coaches on the national scene. How could anyone think Tubby was anywhere near that good. Even his success is all due to his assistants, I bet, and Rick probably recommends all of them. Hell, I bet Tubby even tricked Rick into leaving for Boston so he could steal his job and win with his team (a team which had made the title game twice in a row, though failed to repeat the win - probably Tubby sending bad voo doo).
Man, us Tubby supporters are just idiots.
November 14th, 2006 at 6:02 pm
*yawn* donovan won with HIS players, and Tubby sure does win, just look at our non-conference schedule *shudder* really though, i am sure we have sooo many more wins than say, the george masons of the world, and florida, and lsu, but what counts is WINNING GAMES YOU SHOULDN’T WIN. I would wager that your boy tubby has lost many more games that he should win as opposed to the above mentioned upsets. What’s the bottom line- TITLES. How many we have? How many Final Fours? Sure we have SEC titles, but the SEC isn’t a basketball conference, now is it. Way to go Kentucky for beating Auburn, Mississippi, and Vandy. Oh wait, we didn’t. Tubby is a fine assistant, but a HORRIBLE head coach. He’s won a good amount of games he should have won, and has completely blown postseason play. Someone please argue with the CLEAR RESULTS. We’ve won a bunch of unimportant games and lost a bunch more important ones. Your turn.
November 14th, 2006 at 6:34 pm
So when we win a game that game becomes unimportant because it’s useless for bashing the coach. When we lose a game that’s important as fuel for the fire. Thanks #90 for clearing that up.
November 14th, 2006 at 8:24 pm
Let’s make it easier and move UK to NAIA. Then we should be able to dominate Georgetown College for recruits. Maybe we could win that championship.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:31 pm
#88 UK has signed RSCI (consensus) Top 15 or better classes in 98-99-2000-01-04-06. That’s 6 of 9 years.
The only other program with more than 6 RSCI Top 15 class is North Carolina with 7. Duke, 6. Florida, 6.
Twice only (since 1966), UK had 2 straight NR (lower than Top 25) classes. 1972 and 73. 1996 and 97.
TWICE. ONLY. EVER.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:33 pm
Tubby is the only coach EVER to win NC in his first year at a new school.
Steve Fisher? Nope. He was already at Michigan as assistant and bumped up.
Ed Jucker? Nope #2. He was assistant at UC promoted to head coach.
Tubby. Only. One. EVER.
November 14th, 2006 at 10:34 pm
#87 Issel preferred Wisky. Both his folks wanted NW. UK preferred George Janky and Greg Douglas.
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