2007 Big Blue Caravan

The annual Big Blue Caravan is rolling around again this year. Information is below, you may also visit the link afterwards for more info.

Big Blue fans get ready — the annual Big Blue Caravan is returning to communities around the Commonwealth.

UK coaches and Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart will join several of our dedicated student-athletes to journey the state and meet the best and most loyal fans in the country.

The Caravan kicks off in Louisville and tours five communities, winding up on May 21st in Union. We will be hosting golf outings and sitting down for fun, casual dinners with the members of the Big Blue Nation and we hope you can be a part of the fun.

2007 Schedule (subject to change)

May 7
The Polo Fields Golf and Country Club; Louisville, Ky.; Tee time-1:00 PM EDT

May 11
University Club of Kentucky; Lexington, Ky.; Tee time-1:00 PM EDT

May 16
Country Club of Paducah; Paducah, Ky.; Tee time-10:00 AM CDT

May 17
Legends Club; Franklin, Tenn.; Tee time-8:00 AM CDT

May 21
Triple Crown Country Club; Union, Ky.; Tee time-1:00 PM EDT

Typical Daily Order of Events
Golf Registration Begins
Boxed Meal Served
Golf Tee Time
Buffet Dinner

More Information can be found here.

Texas pipeline could be a gold mine

An article talking about how G.J. Vilarino (class of 2009) is trying to persuade a teammate of his to come play at UK.

The University of Kentucky has one of the top players from Texas out of the Class of 2009 committed to signing a national letter of intent.

Now that player - McKinney High point guard G.J. Vilarino - is working on bringing another top performer from Texas to Lexington with him in two years…[Full Article]

Expectations high, but so is standard

Here’s an article by Jerry Tipton (LHL) with a mix of things.

How long should the honeymoon between Kentucky basketball and new coach Billy Gillispie last? Something like Nancy Reagan gazing lovingly at Ronald Reagan decades after the marriage ceremony? Or maybe something in a Britney Spears-Kevin Federline timeline better fits UK…[Full Article]

UK Approves $62.7 Million 2008 Athletic Budget

UK approved an athletic budget of $62.7 million for 2008. This includes a $300,000 increase for coach Gillispie and his staff for recruiting purposes.

There is also talk that it’s possible that a plane could be bought somewhere in the future for the program to use. [Full Story]

Welcome to the world of UK basketball, Billy

Here’s a great little article on The Ledger Independant in Maysville, KY.

Welcome to Kentucky.

I see where UK fans welcomed you with open arms and open hearts. No surprise there. That’s the way they are.

What may be surprising is that you haven’t seen anything yet. That’s because the best is yet to come if . . .[Continue to Article]

UK Officially Announces Alex Legion Signing

UK has officially announced the signing (scholarship papers) of Oak Hill’s Alex legion. You can find the article here.

Coach Billy Gillisipie…

I’m excited Alex is joining us at Kentucky,” Gillispie said. “He’s a guy I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to coach. In addition to being an outstanding young man, he’s a really good shooter and scorer, and because of those attributes he fits in well with our returning players. “One of the best things that happened during the process of recruiting Alex was that our current players did a great job of encouraging him to come to UK. They are working as hard as the coaching staff is at trying to improve our roster. All of the guys displayed the team-first attitude that is an important part of any successful program.”

Larry Conley to be inducted into UK Hall of Fame

Announcements were made for this years inductees. Larry Conley, a former UK basketball player and member of the “Rupp’s Runts” will be inducted into UK’s Hall of Fame. The class will be inducted during Hall of Fame Weekend from Sept. 28-29 in conjunction with the football game against Florida Atlantic.

UK career statistics for Larry Conley

Other inductees include…

• Marsha Bond (Volleyball)
• Dom Fucci (Baseball)
• Jim Green (Track)
• Harry Lancaster (Former and AD)
• Moe Williams (Football)

Congrats to Mr. Conley, it’s well deserved for such a great guy. I enjoy his work in basketball, and also the games he calls very much.

Kentucky has Interest in Beas Hamga

Kentucky is looking to land Beas Hamga, a 7 foot center out of Decatur (IL) Christian. Hamga was set to go to Iowa, but with the departure of coach Alford this changed.

He was originally to be out of the 2008 class, but there is word that he may get reclassified, and therefore be available for the 2007 class. (This is reportedly is the process)

He’s primarily known as a defensive beast with comparisons to a young Emeka Okafor. If he is indeed available for the 2007 class and signs, this would be a good pickup for the program.

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