Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
Ok quick question for the Big Blue Nation? How many of you know the woman whose picture is above? Based on the title of the post, you can probably guess that it is Bipasha Basu, but does anyone know who she is or why she is famous? I certainly did not, but when searching for famous birthdays, I found that Basu was once named the most beautiful woman in Asia and is a major Hindi film star. But no matter how famous she may be in India, she could probably walk the streets of any city in our glorious Commonwealth unrecognized, and less praised than Ryan Lemond. Well if you didn’t know her, what about the man below?
That is Lewis Hamilton, the 24th richest athlete in the world and a Formula One driver who was at one point named the most popular non-soccer athlete (soccer players on a different level) in Europe. I had at least heard of Hamilton, but there are members of the Trinity High School basketball team who would get more name ID than he would around these parts. I bring this up only because it is these two world celebrities’ birthdays today and they reminded me just how skewed my perspective can become at times. In my world, that of Kentucky athletics, and United States pop culture, the I feel like I know who is relevant and what is popular. In Kentucky, John Calipari is King, Steve Beshear is our rather short Governor and the Heavy Hitter is the place to go, call 456-1000. Nationally, while I might not recognize Chief Keef or Meek Mill, I hear the kids like them and virtually any celebrity that has made an appearance on the Today Show, I feel confident I can name. But worldwide, I know little. I knew nothing of Basu’s hit films in India, “Raaz”, “Jism” or “Madhoshi.” And when it comes to Formula One, I didn’t realize Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes was a worldwide story. As I find out every Saturday that I go to write the Birthday salute, there is a whole lot out there I don’t know, and in all honesty, probably never will. I could find that very sad, but I can comfort myself with this. The folks at Bangalore Sports Radio have no idea who Alan Cutler or Stone Cold Willow is either. We each have our heroes, parochial as they may be.
To the news…
— The biggest news of the weekend was yet another John Calipari recruiting coup as Dakari Johnson picked the Cats on ESPNU Saturday night. Johnson is ranked as the #12 overall player in America by ESPN and is a big man that will pay HUGE dividends for the Cats. His game is in the mold of Calipari’s first two Centers at Kentucky, Demarcus Cousins and Josh Harrellson. Like Cousins, he is a beast down low, getting every rebound and playing post defense as well as anyone you will see in high school. But like Jorts, he can step outside and make a mid-range jumper, helping him become a zone buster for a team that could use one next season. Johnson is the #1 Center in America, making this the fifth STRAIGHT YEAR that Calipari has gotten a commitment from the top ranked big man (Cousins, Enes, Davis, Noel and now Johnson). That is simply astounding. Throw in Karl Townes for the next year and it is clear that Calipari has not only made Kentucky Point Guard U, he has also made it Center U. It becomes easy around here to get spoiled. Randomly you get a day like Saturday, where you wake up and find out that a 5 star player is about to commit to Kentucky again. But it doesn’t make the accomplishment any less amazing, as Calipari gets yet another piece towards the best class in college basketball history (regardless of whether he likes us saying it or not).
— With the good news came a slight dose of bad as (for my money) the best recruiting analyst out there Evan Daniels said that if he had to pick today, he thinks Andrew Wiggins ends up at Florida State. Daniels’ comment raised a stir on Twitter and message boards, but it shouldn’t have been a big shock. Most analysts that have followed the Wiggins recruitment tend to agree that FSU is the leader at this time. However this process is far from over and Wiggins may not make a decision until sometime in May, meaning there is plenty of time for a change of heart. The big issue working against Kentucky at this point is the relationship his father has with Florida State, a school where he and his mother both starred as athletes. Most indications suggest his father strongly prefers the Seminoles and that is what drives most people’s predictions. In situations like this, a lot depends on what type of kid the young man is. John Wall had nearly everyone around him pushing him to Miami, but he came to Kentucky anyway. We just don’t know if Andrew is (a) that committed to Kentucky (most believe he personally favors UK) or (b) willing to push the issue. Either way, Wiggins is a good kid and a phenomenal player. Whatever school gets him will be very lucky.
— SEC play begins Thursday in Nashville as Kentucky takes on a terrible Vandy team. The Commodores were as good as they may ever be last year, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they take the time on Thursday night to raise their lame SEC Tournament banner. But whatever they were last year, they are much worse this year. Their leading returning scorer only averaged 3 points a game, and unlike Kentucky, they don’t have a top class to replace them. The game takes on important significance for the Cats however because as one of the 9 road games the Cats will face in league play, it is a must win. Vanderbilt is atrocious and a loss could really put Kentucky on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. However get a win, and the schedule opens up nicely for a 6 or 7 game winning streak to start league play. Kevin Stallings got his wish, as Kentucky has a Thursday-Saturday doubleheader, but if the Cats take care of business, it should be a relatively easy twosome to start the SEC.
— The other big piece of recruiting news for Kentucky was the commitment of another 4 star stud, Jaleel Hytchye to Mark Stoops and the football staff. Jaleel is from Cincinnati and a Cornerback with impressive 4.38 40 speed. He is a track star for his high school and he will contend to play right away for the Cats. He said after his commitment that people needed to be ready for Kentucky to do “special things” in the new Stoops era, and I am starting to believe that is going to happen. What Stoops is doing in recruiting has never been done here and it seems to only get better. Plus, Hytchye gave me my favorite press conference quote by a high school player since Eric Bledsoe’s “we about to get sh*t right” many years ago. When asked about playing against his brother, Hytchye said, “He challenges me and I challenges him.” I plan on using that one quite often.
— Finally, a quick note on an ongoing story around here, the planned renovation of Commonwealth Stadium in the upcoming years. The Kentucky Legislature begins its session on Tuesday, meaning the UK plan to attempt to undergo the renovations will begin the process soon. The Legislature does simple things like elect the leadership on this go around, but after a few weeks hiatus (because why wouldn’t they need a hiatus after working three days) the legislature comes back towards the end of the month. I suspect that between now and then, we will know of UK’s plan and we will begin the process of learning if the State Legislature will support it. We plan on following this very closely on KSR and as the process goes on, we will let you know which of your Representatives and Senators are for allowing the Football facility renovation bonding and which are not…and what you can do to change their minds. It will be a lesson in government and public service…maybe thrown together in the most ridiculous manner possible. If you have ever wanted to see state Kentucky house members with a Drew Franklin photoshop, well just wait until we find out who is keeping UK from competing in the SEC. The next few weeks should be fun.
We get started again in the morning. If you didn’t hear the latest edition of the Walk-Ons Podcast, download it here or subscribe to it on iTunes. It is the podcast I do with two ACC bloggers and we talk about college basketball as a whole. Kentucky talk is always a significant part and we talk a bit about this year’s team’s upside and Calipari’s favorite song on this edition.
Good week around here as SEC play starts. We got our Louisville radio ratings on Friday and they were through the roof. Thanks for being such good fans and lets get ready to march towards another SEC title….
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January 6th, 2013 at 10:59 pm
As someone who follows Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton is a douche.
January 6th, 2013 at 11:09 pm
everyone was pushing me to duke, not miami, iirc.
January 6th, 2013 at 11:16 pm
The heavy hitter number is 458-1000 not 456-1000
January 6th, 2013 at 11:31 pm
wiggins will be a wildcat
January 7th, 2013 at 12:02 am
Matt, can you guys be careful with the Commonwealth Renovation pushing? With the economy still on shaky ground, municipalities and states still facing possible defaults on debt, there me be better places to spend the money than on renovations. Now if it is all or mostly going to be self-funded by UK and/or donors, than that is a different story.
January 7th, 2013 at 12:07 am
#5 No offense man but you dont understand the issue. It is a bonding capacity, not funding. It is money that will be raised and paid back by the Athletics Department
January 7th, 2013 at 12:16 am
Thus my last sentence. Thanks for the clarification. No offense taken. And please ignore the typos.
January 7th, 2013 at 12:20 am
Wasn’t Wall being pushed to Baylor to follow the Cliftons?
January 7th, 2013 at 12:28 am
Someone questioned no mention of UK hoops and that post was deleted. Lame.
January 7th, 2013 at 12:36 am
Jesus Matt…Lewis Hamilton is moving from McLaren to Mercedes for the 2013-14 schedule.
January 7th, 2013 at 12:49 am
#9, I posted that. Absolutely ridiculous to delete it. Napoleon complex.
January 7th, 2013 at 12:51 am
um judging by that picture, almost any hetero male would be paying basu a lot of attention.
January 7th, 2013 at 1:02 am
I’m proud of everyone refraining from jokes about Bipasha Basu being in “Jism.”
January 7th, 2013 at 1:22 am
It’s Karl Towns not Townes
January 7th, 2013 at 1:23 am
matt, come the Bleep on!!!! thar woman would walk “less praised” than…Baloney/Bologna mo freckle!!!!! she is drop dead fantastically gotgeous you fool
January 7th, 2013 at 1:36 am
#13 Ha
January 7th, 2013 at 1:36 am
Lewis Hamilton > Sexingtonky
Seriously… who is the douche?
January 7th, 2013 at 3:20 am
I am regular visitor and reader of your Site. Sometimes I fill lucky but sometimes Like unhappy. But I dont forget to read your every new post or page. Thanks. Enjoying your site. Good Work.
January 7th, 2013 at 3:49 am
Cool beans
January 7th, 2013 at 4:58 am
It’s nice to have someone do an piece who knows how to write. The last two days of Kernel rejects has been like having a sore tooth. Welcome back, Matt.
Basu looks Eyetalian to me.
January 7th, 2013 at 5:34 am
Hamilton (former world champion)leaving McLaren, a competitive team last year, is a big deal because Mercedes was uncompetitive last year even with Michael Schumacher (seven time world champion) as their lead driver. Concerning Lewis Hamiltons abilities as a driver, as David Hobbs says, “If you want to dial up a pass on the track, call Lewis Hamilton”. No small feat in F1, that.
January 7th, 2013 at 6:53 am
Had to look at the picture of Basu about four times before I could figure out that she was not growing an extra appendage out of her shoulder. Odd looking picture on first glance.
January 7th, 2013 at 7:03 am
22, how is that not a hand growing out of her shoulder? Photoshoppy.
January 7th, 2013 at 7:08 am
Daniels has been wrong a lot lately about UK recruits. Actually he hasn’t been right about any of them.
Does Wiggins really want to spend his 30 college games fighting double and triple teams? Really? That sounds good to him? haha Something doesn’t pass the Smell Test with this. Plus, while Hamilton is a great recruiter, he’s a shitty coach. Why do you want a shitty coach for 30 games? Makes no sense.
If the Wiggin’s dad is pushing him to fsu, then why was it okay for their other son to go play for Withita State? Andrew’s parents care more for him than they do their other son? hmmm, again, it doesn’t pass the Smell Test.
That chick is hot, but I bet she hates sex. Pass. Good beat-off material though.
January 7th, 2013 at 7:25 am
Stop blaming everybody except UK for UKs bad football.UK has always been the doormat of the SEC.Schools with far worse facilities than UKs seem to compete in BCS Bowls EVERY year.
We are a welfare state with no money other than what our pork barrel Senators manage to rob from other productive revenue producing states.Not to mention if not for Louisville, Kentucky would be a Third World Nation of impoverished dirt diggers.Ky is already the trailer capital of the midwest.1st in obesity,last in education and has a horrible substance abuse problem.
Did we mention we have no money for pensions,roads or health departments?
Oh, by the way…let’s see if Stoops can beat WKU before we erect a statue of him atop the Capital.
January 7th, 2013 at 7:25 am
Look at it again – she is pointing towards the camera, with her elbow dipped down. Shadows and lighting play tricks on the eyes sometimes.
January 7th, 2013 at 7:33 am
24 nailed it – IIRC, Daniels missed on Nerlens and the Harrison twins as well. Seems like there was family influence with at least one of those decisions as well.
If Andrew wants to try to fly under the radar somewhat, he might be able to do that at FSU, but not for long. Once he hits the pro’s, if he wants to realize his potential, he will have to face the spotlight. What better team and coach to prepare him for this than Cal and the Cats. Hamilton getting someone ready for the NBA? LMAO at that one!
January 7th, 2013 at 8:08 am
For the love of God, please stop talking about Stone Cold Willow, even in passing.
January 7th, 2013 at 8:10 am
Speaking of Patterson about him talking with the newest commit:
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2013/01/rockets-report-starter-or-not-patterson-still-excels/
January 7th, 2013 at 8:10 am
24, why do you think she hates sex? Didn’t the Hindu’s create the Kama Sutra?
January 7th, 2013 at 8:14 am
30- haha. The horny ones did. These new age Bollywood stars only desire two things. 1.Fame 2. Dancing.
January 7th, 2013 at 8:17 am
she’s probably also a medical doctor and has a phd in some computer science. i bet her real name is gupta
January 7th, 2013 at 8:17 am
I know it was a joke but the SEC banner is not “lame” we all wanted it.
January 7th, 2013 at 8:18 am
Got Johnson but now no Randle or Gordon, and apparently no Wiggins?
January 7th, 2013 at 8:19 am
If he goes to FSU it will be because both of his parents attended, the same as with the guy that went to kansas (Henry I think) instead of joining Wall & Boggie because both of his parents; hard to go against both parents even for Coach.
January 7th, 2013 at 8:21 am
A day after landing Trinity High School All-America wide receiver James Quick, the University of Louisville Cardinals scored again with the Class 6-A state champion Shamrocks, getting a commitment from junior quarterback Reggie Bonnafon — U of L’s first pledge in the 2014 class.
“I told (U of L coach Charlie Strong) how I was pumped about the program and how I felt the program was going nowhere but up, and he was excited about me committing,” Bonnafon said. “He’s real excited about the future.”
Bonnafon, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound player, welcomed the chance to be an early commitment to U of L.
“It’s pretty cool to know that I’m the first one (in 2014), and hopefully I can get some good athletes in my class to hop on the train,” he said.
January 7th, 2013 at 8:23 am
35- but what about Wiggin’s brother? is he not important enough to the family to follow their foot steps to fsu?
January 7th, 2013 at 8:30 am
Harrison Twins, Young, Lee, Johnson is a great recruiting class but if everyone leaves we will not with the national championship with that starting 5. We need Randle, Wiggins or Gordon and now that Johnson is here I just don’t see us getting any of those 3. Honestly, Gordon and Randle are much better than Lee or Johnson. And Wiggins is better than Young.
We got all of our 2nd tier guys, but now our 1st tier guys look at us and see a stock-full lineup.
January 7th, 2013 at 8:30 am
Never had Hindu. Ready for some now.
January 7th, 2013 at 8:45 am
Lil brother says “LOOK AT ME, LOOK AT ME” I see ya 36
January 7th, 2013 at 8:53 am
A woman’s enjoyment is directly proportional to the skill of her partner….
Wiggins should consider the advantage of playing alongside a complete cast of ALMOST equally skilled players. Advantage: CATS
January 7th, 2013 at 8:54 am
Every team who plays uk shows up. I dont care if they do play horrible. Hopfully we show. Worry about our team. Go cats! Vandy will be ready, we’re everyones superbowl. Hopefully we are.
January 7th, 2013 at 8:57 am
If Wiggins was a 4 year player I could understand his dad wanting his son to go to the same school as him. Or if the 2 schools were competitive with each other like UK/Kansas, but FSU basketball team is bad. If he goes he will get double and triple teamed all year, and be lucky to make the NCAA tourney.
January 7th, 2013 at 9:00 am
Stadium renovation needs to be done right or don’t do it at all. The stadium needs major rehaul. Spend about 200 million and bring the facilities up to middle of the pack in the SEC or don’t do it at all. 2nd. Johnson is a huge get for the Cats. Wiggins would be awesome but if we can’t get him I think we need to sign Gordon or Randle for debth. We are short handed this year. It looks to me that WCS, Poythress, Goodwin and Noel all are NBA bound. If one was going to stay we would be ok with the 5 players committed for next year but I think all 4 are gone.
January 7th, 2013 at 9:00 am
Does that chick have a hand growing on her shoulder?
January 7th, 2013 at 9:21 am
38) You really feel like the Harrison Twins and Young are 2nd tier guys? They’re all top 10 in America?!?!? If Wiggins hadn’t reclassified, Young would be the highest ranked SF in the country and then the Twins are #1 PG and SG. If that’s second tier, I’ll take that every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
January 7th, 2013 at 9:27 am
A poster above makes a good point, one that surely Wiggins is thinking about. At FSU he’ll be double teamed out the yazoo plus they’ll lose their fair share of games. At UK it will be harder to double-team him and they’ll have a great shot at the NC. The longer Wiggins thinks about those things the more it favors UK. Of course his dad may have the final say and send him to FSU but UK can only do so much to convince the kid and his family.
January 7th, 2013 at 9:31 am
Daniels is far from the best.
January 7th, 2013 at 9:46 am
Jism?
January 7th, 2013 at 9:50 am
Once Andrew Wiggins takes his official visit to the bluegrass, it’ll be all over for FSU.
January 7th, 2013 at 10:05 am
So, Matt, you plan on mimicking Hytchye’s grammatical error? You’re really a cool guy.
January 7th, 2013 at 10:10 am
25 Wanna talk about obesity? Louisville is one of the most unhealthiest cities in the nation.
http://www.cdc.gov/CommunitiesPuttingPreventiontoWork/communities/profiles/obesity-ky_louisville.htm
And Forbes recently ranked it the 16th dirtiest city in the nation. Keep bashing the state for things your city is the worst in.
January 7th, 2013 at 10:36 am
#50 It’s been over for Wiggins for a while now. Last year at the UNC game, (the greatest game ever), Wiggins and his teammate Rathan Mayes were sitting directly behind our bench right next to tracy Mcgrady. At the point I was confident he was ours to lose.
January 7th, 2013 at 1:23 pm
Andrew we would love to have you in the BBN! Your game is ready for the NBA now but Coach Cal whould best help you fine tune your abundant skills. Regardless, understand the difficult situation you are in. Good luck with your decision.
January 7th, 2013 at 3:11 pm
I love how you guys post messages to Wiggins–like he actually reads them. I still want to know what the he** is growing out of Basu’s right shoulder? Someone?
January 7th, 2013 at 8:59 pm
Hamilton isn’t leaving Mercedes. He is leacing Mclaren for Mercedes.