Do You Believe in Magic?

Apparently Billy Donovan does. It looks like he’s ready to accept an offer to become the Orlando Magic’s next coach.

This isn’t really surprising (unless your Dickie V). I felt he had that NBA itch and was wanting to scratch it. Some, including myself felt this is the reason why Kentucky wasn’t an option for him. He knew he would want to test the NBA waters, therefore why come to Kentucky (or any other college) if you know you’re not going to be committed for some time. Orlando was an ideal fit for him, with his family and everything already down in Florida.

Time will tell how successful it’s going to be for him. The odds are against him, but he does have some young talent down there to work with.

Now the question will be…what about the recruits that Florida has signed? Will they be allowed to opt out or what? I know some chose Florida because of Donovan. It will be interesting to see what happens down there. I also wonder if Jai Lucas is still happy about his decision now?? Ponder on

Donovan taking big-money deal to coach Magic
Source: Donovan Leaving Gators for Magic
Donovan leaving Florida to coach Orlando Magic

Update: Aaron’s Blog has even more links on the story. Also he points to a story on the Donovan hiring mentioning Kentucky could be a choice for Jai Lucas if he opts out.

Update: Florida-bound Lucas shocked to see Donovan leave

Aww man,” Lucas said several times from his home in Houston. “That’s a big blow, because you know, that’s who I was coming in and expecting to play for.”

Do the Humpty Hump

It’s “Hump Day”…and so I bring you.

2008 UK recruit DeAndre Liggins breaks his foot at the Bob Gibbons Tournament.

Wildcats Thunder Blog has their “Co-Game of the Week” 1975 UK Vs. IU. Did Kentucky win? Go find out.

Over at A Sea of Blue…we are led to SI awarding UK the “Alex Rodriguez Opt-Out Award”. Oh how thoughtful of them.

Brett Dawson lets us know that Scout.com says UK is targeting Matthew Humphrey, a 6-6 forward out of Hales Franciscan High School in Chicago.

Just Cruising Along

There’s not too much happening, so here are some reads for you today.

We have a story from Huliq.com on NCAA Basketball attendance this past year.

Total attendance in men’s basketball went up by almost two million. This broke the record set in 2006.

As already known, Kentucky led the way with 374,737 fans attending 16 games in Rupp Arena. Kentucky’s average was 23,421 per. Syracuse held the two spot and UNC was third. Kentucky has finished number 1 all but one time since 1996. (Syracuse was 1st in 2005)

Over at John Clay’s blog, he has more on Calasan and Thorns from yesterday’s post. He also answers emails he received on the UK and UMass debacle.

Brett Dawson post on his blog about former Kentucky Wildcat Randolph Morris in possible trade talks. The Knicks are looking to land a star player such as Vince Carter.

Also of note…how coach Gillispie may look at Chicago as a recruiting ground. Mentioning his past as an assistant under coach Bill Self.

Lastly, there’s a story from The Denver Post about former Colorado State coach Jim Williams. There’s a quote from his daughter about coach Rupp.

I remember when I was a little girl, Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp came out to Colorado and my dad drove him up to Estes Park,” said Carol Williams, who grew up and went to work in the Nuggets’ front office. “Rupp thought he was on another planet, what with all the big mountains and the wildlife. I remember Rupp telling him: ‘Who the heck lives out here? And why?”

Monday Night News

According to Rival’s CatsPause.com (Subscription required), Hank Thorns (Las Vegas Valley High School) has decided on VaTech. The point guard was recently being targeted by Kentucky.

Also from CatsPause.com (Subscription required)…They have a Q&A with recruit Nemanja Calasan, who just had a visit over the weekend. (It’s being rumored that he was offered a scholarship, but no official word yet.)

Last, but not least (another subscription)… Five-star St. Jude (Montgomery (Ala.) PF Jamychal Green has interest in the Cats, and plans to visit next month. (Class of ‘08 target)

Ashley Judd Tidbit

I found a little Ashley Judd tidbit from a story on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer website.

As many of you know, Dario Franchitti won the Indy 500 yesterday and Ashley Judd happens to be his wife.

So, the question was asked…But did his Indy 500 win outweigh a Kentucky basketball championship?

With the possibility of alienating my fellow Kentucky fans, whose esteem I enjoy … maybe,” Judd said with a big smile. “I cheer at ballgames. This was an emotional volcano.”

Oh come on Ashley, are you serious? (Just kidding) I still love you. Congrats to you and Dario.

The rain coming down on you did make for good TV.

Linking to the Peeps

AAU Tournaments are today, and A Sea of Blue has plenty of great links to all the coverage you can handle.

Aaron’s UK Basketball Blog points to an article about UK recruit Tyler Zeller. Apparently UNC has offered him an scholarship.

Over at Wildcats Thunder Blog they have their “Game of the Week“. It’s the 1981 contest between LSU and UK on senior day.

I also wanted to thank The Wildcat Blog for linking to my site. If you haven’t checked their blog out, you should.

Saturday, Saturday

There’s not too much going on in wildcat land…so I give you some links for Saturday.

There’s an article on Cincinnati’s The Enquirer talking about how the players will be working hard this summer.

Coach Billy Gillispie…

Either they’re lying to me or they’re really working hard, because every time I call them, they’re either sleeping or they’re in the gym working on their game,” Gillispie said. “So I’m sure that’s what they’re doing. That’s it. I do believe them, until they give me a reason not to. I believe that they’re eager, and I think they’re excited about coming in and working hard.”

Wildcats Thunder Blog provides their take on Recruits Nemanja Calasan and Hank Thorns. Is it good or bad? Go see

Aaron’s UK Basketball Blog lets us know that Kentucky has made Chris Singleton’s short list of schools.

That’s all for now folks!

What it’s like to meet Coach Gillispie

Matt Mowery of The Sports Guys posted a story of his meeting Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie. He attended the 15th Annual Staff Appreciation Day and something happened! Did he get an exclusive story? Go find out

I’m sure many have felt the same way at one time or another, including myself.

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