Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
I just finished listening in on Matt’s phone interview with Josh Harrellson, and the young man had some interesting things to say:
Matt: Who are you down to? When will your decision be made?
Josh: “I’m down to Saint Louis and Kentucky. I’m going to decide sometime tomorrow, probably around 2 or 3.” (That could be central time, so maybe around 3 or 4)
Matt: What do you like about UK?
Josh: “I like the tradition, I like Coach Gillispie a lot, I like Coach Cox, and I like all the players. When you think Kentucky, you think ‘basketball’”
Matt: What do you like about St. Louis?
Josh: “I like the coaches, I like that it’s close to home, I like the players, and it’s a good academic school. One of my friend’s actually plays for them as well.”
Matt: Is being close to home going to the determining factor in your decision?
Josh: “It was at first, but when I thought about it, I realized that I was going to have to leave home sometime.”
Matt: How did you like your visit to UK?
Josh: “It was probably one of the best experience’s of my life. It was my first time going to a horse race, and everywhere I went people were yelling at me, trying to get me to go to UK. I’m really not used to that kind of stuff.”
Matt: Have you made your decision? Do you know what you’re going to do?
Josh: “Pretty much. I’m just going to tell coach tomorrow.”
Matt will be speaking with Josh tomorrow afternoon. By then, his fate will be sealed.
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April 29th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
1st we arent getting this kid
April 29th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Hopefully Harrellson didn’t have to many conversations with Jasper about family during his visit…
April 29th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
He’s a Wildcat.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Jacobk dont be a fool.
He is a Cat.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
He is not THAT far from home. 5.5 hour drive or so. Jasper is a totally different story. I hope he decides soon. The suspense is giving me a complex.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
If he’s already made his choice, like he says, then those comments sound to me like he’s a Cat….
April 29th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
lose this kid im jumping off the bridge….seems even back to tubby we finish 2nd to someone else in recruit with the exception being Patterson. Always the bridesmaid never the bride!
April 29th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Is anyone else disturbed a little bit by the Vietnamese dating ads we’ve got on this page now? I’m worried my wife is going to walk in and think that I’m trying to seduce Dung Phuong from Ho Chi Minh City.
On a more practical note, we HAVE to get somebody decent to help Perry and Pat. If not Harrellson, then who?
April 29th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Can I watch you jump off!!
April 29th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Sounds like he is coming to UK with the “I realized that I was going to have to leave home sometime.” quote and the “was probably one of the best experience’s of my life”
April 29th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Sounds like we got him!
April 29th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
It sounds like to me the only way we don’t get this kid is if his family lays a big guilt trip on him and he stays close to home because of them. But like #5 said it is only 5-5.5 hours drive from STL to Lex and it is a very easy drive as well as you do is get on I 64.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I think we got him. He is so excited about being a Wildcat. We believe.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
sounds like you guys are fooling yourselves.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
When you think Kentucky, you think Basketball. When you think St. Louis, what do you think?
April 29th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
He doesn’t look like he’d help much at all just from watching the video of him. He’s slow and doesn’t look athletic at all. If you watch the video you’ll see I’m not just being a pessimists. He must be good though if UCLA & USC were looking at him. By the way, a guy on the catspause said he just heard from reliable recruiting analyst that he’s committed to St. Louis. If this guy is a lot better than how he looked on the video than I hope he’s wrong.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I meant to say UCLA & OSU
April 29th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I feel like this is an episode of “Lost”. You get to an exciting build up, and you think something good is going to happen, and then BOOM!! You are totally let down. For some reason I feel like he is just keeping the suspense going for a big announcement.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
to answer #15, I think arch. The only b-ball I relate to St. Louis is Kenyon Martin breaking his leg. Oh, and the 1978 NCAAs.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
When I think of St Louis I think of my sister and all of her moles and it is the headquarters for Budwieser.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Matt: Is being close to home going to the determining factor in your decision?
Josh: “It was at first, but when I thought about it, I realized that I was going to have to leave home sometime.”
Matt: Have you made your decision? Do you know what you’re going to do?
Josh: “Pretty much. I’m just going to tell coach tomorrow.”
Welcome to the Bluegrass state Josh. Those girls really like those Blue and White jerseys….
April 29th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
When I think of St. Louis I think of trash and Busch Light.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
1 thats smooth, nice work. but your dead wrong. bring on the JORTS!!!!!This guy has the personality to become a fan favorite.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
When I think of St Louis the 1st thing that comes to mind is front-butt and a shriveled dong. Its terrifying.
See: http://larrybrownsports.com/college-basketball/rick-majerus-loves-bein g-naked/
April 29th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Okay I know Maggard said that the guy said the rumors were false in the interview, but what else is he gonna say whenever his decision date is supposed to be tomorrow? It’s not like he’s gonna say, “uhhh well ya i’m going to St. Louis”.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/claudia-porras-photos-posted-16179
not to change the subject, but this link is AWESOME. no wonder BCG loves texas.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I’m keeping the faith in hopes that he will be a Wildcat!
April 29th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
i bet the sale of JORTS go up 25% in the bluegrass if he signs!
April 29th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
If he does commit, what do you realistically think UK will get out of him? Is he a double-double guy? Will he contribute as a frosh. What little I’ve seen he reminds me of a Dan Werner. Decent bench guy but nothing amazing. Do you think he is better than that?
April 29th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Josh Harrellson = Dave Bliss with a better jumper and quicker off the dribble. I’ve seen him play personally 5 or 6 times. Kentucky NEEDS his toughness and HE WILL BE CAT!
April 29th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
I hope we get Harrellson, I think he could help down low. Speaking of down low, how is Patterson and Meeks healing? I know coach said Pat was out of his boot now and that Meeks was moving around the day after the surgery. Just curious is anyone has an update on their recovery.
Thanks,
GO CATS!!!
April 29th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Harrellson will be a soph right?
April 29th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I could be wrong, but I dont think his playing in JUCO will count towards his eligibility. Someone correct me if Im wrond but he should have 4 years left.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
30 - I get the comparison, but couldn’t you have done us a favor and come up with someone besides Bliss? That’s like saying Dakotah Euton reminds you of a better rebounding Laettner. Bad form. I do agree that UK could REALLY use his rebounding next season. Patterson can’t be responsible for every meaningful carom.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
29 We already have PPat inside, we just need solid contributors to go along with him and everything seems to point to the fact that Harrelson will be a solid inside contributor and possibly eventually grow into a big-time player. The double doubles will be PPat’s territory next year.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
#32 Yes. He has three years of eligiblilty left.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Josh: stay away from majerus and his exposed dangle!
April 29th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
34- I hated Dave Bliss as well, but he was a hoss down low– no denying that fact. I also think he would favor Mark Pope’s game. Just my opinion though.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Harrelson will be a sophomore and have three years. JUCO, prep school, whatever, counts towards eligibility. See Galloway, Kevin.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
38 - Much better. Even if it’s a stretch, just for my peace of mind I want to envision a poor man’s Pope instead of a rich man’s Bliss. Hopefully he shoots his free throws from a super low crouch like Pope did too.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
“Josh Harrellson = Dave Bliss with a better jumper and quicker off the dribble.”
Sounds like Kevin Love….yes no?
April 29th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
41 THATS the comparison i want to see.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Whoa now. Kevin Love was something really special. If Harrellson proves to be that caliber player, I can’t imagine the love the love the boy will get in Kentucky.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
41) Kevin Love is not just a little bit of a reach….it’s a whole lotta reach.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I’m going to take one for the team and sell my soul to the devil for a great recruiting class. I believe thats what it will take.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
45, we would all appreciate it and could you get McCoy as part of the deal.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
45) If you could…..get us a top tier center in this class….have someone decommit and join UK.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Greg Monroe……
April 29th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
This was reported on in a Cleveland article. It was a dead deal to me on Monday but….
Another junior college player, 6-9 freshman power forward Nicola Kecman of Eastern Arizona, will announce his college choice today. Reports had him headed to OSU, but his coach, Tim Walsh, said late Monday that Kecman has not commited but has narrowed his decision to the Buckeyes and Kentucky.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
49.) Yeh I posted that early this morning but not many people read it.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Sorry, missed it #50. He is OSU bound and we have no where for him to “fit” until Williams transfers. If Harrellson comes, McCoy comes (since Jones is out) the question then becomes– If Kecman and Sutton both wanted to come to UK, which one do you take?
April 29th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
yeah, lots of weird blurbs surrounding Kecman
April 29th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
39. Prep school does not count against eligibility. See Bradley,Ramel or Liggins’Darius.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
53. Who is Darius Liggins???
April 29th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
You must see Tipton, Jerry for your recruiting info.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Liggins, Darius? haha, that attempt at sarcasm backfired
April 29th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
That being said Prep School does not count against you. It amazes me why not all athletes go to prep school. It is by far the best way to get prepared for the college level. Not only do you play against some of the top talent in the nation, but you also get to mature for an extra year, and in Deandre “Darius” Liggins’ case, it may help you get your academics right if you couldn’t do it in 4 years of high school (which is inexcusable)
April 29th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Harrellson can apparently post up inside and also step out and knock down the three. At his size, he reminds me of a Scott Padgette. Scott could do it all and hopefully Harrellson will commit to UK and give us that much needed inside help.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Did Rupp have a problem signing top talent? Did Hall have a problem signing top talent? Did Sutton have a problem signing top talent? Did Pitino have a problem signing top talent? When did the problem start? Tubby Smith had a problem signing top talent all but a couple of years (Prince/Bogans, Rondo/Morris/Crawford). It’s hard to believe that UK Basketball has been brought down this far in the national spotlight to struggle they way we do. Is it because we don’t cheat “anymore” and that is part of the reason? I hate to beat up Tubby, but is that the reason?
April 29th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Personally I think it had to do with pairty & love from the media. But in fairness to the Tubby bashers, he certainly did appear burnt out last couple years. Maybe that had to do with the lack of love from us.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Turkey:
It takes time to reestablish yourself after not being on the recruiting scene for a few years. It doesn’t happen overnight plus it’s a cut throat business and the fact that UK has struggled the past three seasons is being used against the current staff.
It’ll happen but it takes time.
Mark Liptak
April 29th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I haven’t seen the videos of him playing, but does he bear any resemblance to Jared Prickett?
April 29th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I have loved UK all my life, but being realistic I shudder to think how we used to get recruits before the infamous Emory package. Lot’s of $100 handshakes I have heard. Pitino was a whirlwind, but even then we UK fans used to stress over certain recruits we weren’t getting. I think Liptak is correct. It’s going to take a little bit for the High School and AAU coaches to start sending kids our way again. Hopefully that starts next year. I still like the class we have signed though and Harrelson will be a great get to add to it.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Just a random side note, but has anyone noticed that the little boy in the Insight Penny a Day commercial looks like Matt Jones long lost love child?
April 29th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
http://nbadraft.net/2008bigboard.asp
Our boy Crawford is listed at #91
April 29th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Recruiting a player starts before they even hit high school. You form relationships with the high school, prep school coaches which gets your foot in the door to evaluate talent. All of this takes time. BCG had these relationships at A&M now he needs to develop them at UK.
Additionally, players want to see what kind of program (style) he is going to run at UK. This also takes time. Moreover, it was probably hindered a little by BGC not having a full stable last year. The recruits will come. You can’t get them all and you only need a few.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Well said #66. If we can add Harrelson, McCoy, and Sutton to this class, then we will have the needed depth to improve on last year. With improvement on the floor and a more creative offense, the recruits will come easier in the future.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
People forget that as great as the Pitino teams were, he probably only had two really great recruiting classes when he was at UK (1992 and 1995). He brought in plenty of top 100 players (the Jeff Sheppards, Allen Edwards, and Scott Padgetts of the world) and was able to maximize their potential and combine them with a star player to turn the team into a juggernaut. I’d like to see us sign exclusively McDonald’s All-Americans, but that just isn’t necessary for UK to be an elite program. Hopefully the guys he’s bringing in this year will be a great complement to Patterson and then Gillispie can follow that up by brining in a true impact player in the 09 class.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
61 - It kind of does happen overnight. Bruce Pearl’s first recruiting class at the doormat of the SEC resulted in a top 10 recruiting class of Chism, Crews, Ramar Smith, Josh Tabb, and Cameron Tatum. You would think it would happen a lot faster at a place like Kentucky. All I heard after the hiring of Billy G was how great of a recruiter he is. He hasn’t seemed that great to me so far.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Agreed 68 - Count the All-Americans on DOOK. Where does that get them? All-Americans do not translate into championships. Getting a group of kids who are used to being ‘the man’ for the past four years to play as a cohesive unit is what will win games. Sometimes big stars are just big heads and big problems (i.e. Rhodes).
April 29th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
68 Well said. The unbelievable 96 team was made up of great players that weren’t necessarily McDonald’s All-Americans.
Highly rated
Antoine Walker - highly ranked, but supposed attitude problems
Walter McCarty & Tony Delk
Ron Mercer & Wayne Turner
Not highly rated out of high school
Jeff Shepherd
Allen Edwards
Mark Pope
Derek Anderson
Scott Padgett
Nazr Mohammed
Cameron Mills
April 29th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Sports radio here in St. Louis is reporting today that Mom is a huge influence and is pushing SLU hard. They seem to think he is SLU bound.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
#70– You could have thrown Flemmings in there if he would have come.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
69 - no denying Tenn’s talent level but how did they fare when it came time to play team defense? Pearl threw the ball on the court and let them play And 1 ball.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
68 - makes a great point…good post
April 29th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
69 BCG netted PPat & Legion first couple of months, has Liggins, Miller and Galloway and will most likely be adding more. That will be a top 10 class (already ranked Top 20). Go back to UT and whine about your pitiful post-season results with all those GREAT recruits of Pearl.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
68 said it well, the “Unforgettables” was mainly Mash & four boys with a lot of HEART. Not sure if that gets it done in this day & age. But its enough to keep me happy.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
69 - payne - NO ONE HERE CARES ABOUT UT, PEARL, OR YOU. GOT IT?
April 29th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
71,
How you going to leave out Anthony Epps, he was the starting point guard and the glue of that team.
April 29th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
69- Pearl is a proven negative recruiter, which Gillispie is not. Gillispie does not bash other teams or houuund players that have verballed to another school. Pearl does both–he trashes and brings up bad points about other schools and still goes after players who may have already verbally commited.
April 29th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I think we missed the most important part of this post: No free throw picture.
April 29th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
LOFTON IS THE SOLE REASON UT MADE A COMEBACK IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL–NOT PEARL.
April 29th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
59. Not sure about Rupp but all the others had problems except Sutton. Hall lost Sampson, Gary Grant, Terry Mills in one little stretch. Pitino lost out on Stephen Davis who he wanted more than Mash his first year. Also lost morton, Brian Reeves both O Bannons, Osborne and every one he had at midnight madness 96 that went to duke en masse. He did a great job recruiting his last two years the too program in the country lost 8 players his last two years and couldn’t find one mickey d that wanted to come here. That’s quitting on the job. And for the record tubby had more mcdonalds than rick.
April 29th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
payne: If this post was about never making it past the Sweet 16 your input would be invaluable. Alas, it is not. So move along.
April 29th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
There are four things that make a champion, Character, Maturity, Work Ethic, Ability. Pure talent is not one of them. With these four you are never out of the game. When you put people together like this you have a TEAM. These people will do what ever it takes to get better and win. I think we have a coach who is this way and wants kids of the same caliber. That is why Tenn. has never done well when it down to gut check time. This why the 92 team took Duke to the wire. Pitino could understand why the boys were so heart broken. They had those things and they are why we stepped to the front of the pack. We will do it again. Team Team Team.