DeAndre Jordan Staying
April 16, 2007
DeAndre Jordan has stated he will remain committed to A&M. Yesterday he met with new A&M coach Mark Turgeon and decided thereafter.
Derby Festival Basketball Classic Wrap Up
April 15, 2007
The Derby Festival Basketball Classic took place last night featuring UK signees A.J. Stewart and Mike Williams, along with DeAndre Jordan, and also Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball Steffphon Pettigrew.
The Black came out on top of the Gold 140-117. Stewart finished with only four points, but had a couple great dunks, Williams had nine points and seven rebounds for the Black team.
The highlight of the night was when DeAndre Jordan was introduced. Fans starting chanting “UK, UK”. After the game Jordan said…
I heard them,” It was fun. I had a good time here. It was nice to be in Kentucky.”
Other Notes: A.J. Stewart won the Dunk Contest, also Steffphon Pettigrew took the three-point shooting contest. Stewart and Williams had some fun with the Cards fans in attendance. Stewart went on the floor holding a UK decal and stuck it on the cardinal at mid-court. Williams also came out with a stuffed cardinal doll and gave it a stiff boot.
DeAndre Jordan is expected soon to announce whether he’ll opt out of his LOI with A&M. If he does, there’s a good chance UK could then be in the mix. The fan’s support, the urging of Stewart, following Coach Gillispie, among other things keeps the odds high.
Steffphon Pettigrew currently has no offers from UK, but this is likely to change with the hiring of Billy Gillispie. He is Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball and Coach Gillispie has made it known he’s looking for some kids in state.
Gillispie picks up recruit for 2009
April 14, 2007
Coach Billy Gillispie received a vebal commitment from High school junior to be G.J. Vilarino (6ft - 160 lb. PG, McKinney (TX) McKinney). He averaged 21 points and 5 assist per games this past season and originally wanted to go to Texas A&M.
35th annual Adidas Derby Festival Basketball Classic
April 14, 2007
The 35th annual Adidas Derby Festival Basketball Classic will be held tonight at 7pm in Freedom Hall (Louisville, KY). It will feature many of the top prep players across the country including UK signees (Jacksonville (Fla.) Arlington Country Day) forward A.J. Stewart and (Alexandria (Va.) Bishop Ireton) center Mike Williams.
DeAndre Jordan is also in town. Speaking of Jordan, he’s expected within the next week to decide if he’s going to opt out of his LOI with Texas A&M or stay. It’s known that if he does indeed opt out that he could possibly follow Coach Gillispie and sign with UK.
Tonight’s game will not be televised, but can be heard Live on the radio stations New Rock 104.3 & 105.1 WLRS.
Updated Blog Features and URL
April 13, 2007
I switched over to the new blogger system. It offers more features, so therefore it’s a little better. I had to get some things in order as the new system changed the layout structure and I had to convert it over etc. Also had to add some old post, I didn’t add the oldest ones from a few years ago though.
Anyway, you’ll notice little difference cosmetically, but the url has changed, it’s now http://bigbluecats.blogspot.com.
DeAndre Jordan would consider Kentucky
April 12, 2007
DeAndre Jordan was quoted in an article…
I can’t say, ‘Coach, you can take me,’ because I don’t think that’s right for Texas A&M,” he said. “If it’s my choice to consider Kentucky, then I will.”
Kentucky Basketball Practice Facility Photos
April 10, 2007
For those who were wanting photos of the Practice facility.
Below is a link to some pics someone was able to take of Kentucky’s 30 million dollar basketball practice facility. Pics can be found here.
John Pelphrey to be Arkansas Coach
April 9, 2007
It looks like Arkansas will finally get a coach. It will be none other than former UK Wildcat John Pelphrey (1988-1992). Pelphrey worked on Billy Donovan’s staffs at Marshall and Florida before taking the head coaching position with South Alabama in 2002-2003. This past season they were 20-12 and won the Sun Belt Conference regular season title.
Congrats! to John. I think he will be a very good fit at Arkansas and turn the program around.
A press conference on the hiring is scheduled for some time this afternoon.
It will be very interesting to see how the SEC is going to play out in the next few years. If you look at the coaches from top to bottom it’s kinda crazy. It’s looking like the SEC will be indeed “THE” power conference again.
