Is there a Problem?
June 21, 2007
Jerry Tipton has a story on former UK star Dirk Minniefield, who had problems with addictions. It goes on to talk about him smoking pot before an important 1983 NCAA Tournament Regional final game agaist Louisville.
After we smoked, I didn’t give a (hoot),” Minniefield said yesterday during an appearance at an NBA-sponsored camp for star high school players. “I went to my room and smoked some more.”
I don’t know if the marijuana had an impact. I’m not a doctor. Being a player, I’m going to say that (it did).”
You could argue all day if this indeed did cost UK the win.
It made me think
This is unfortunate, and something that still exist with the youth today. You will hear about players being kicked off teams etc. because of the use of marijuana and other drugs.
I think the culture today, among other things play a part of the problem.
You can also take a look at some of the Professional athletes that are known to dabble, or have been linked to drug use. Are they the greatest “Role Models” for today’s youth?
I know many will say things like…
They’re college kids, they are just having fun, or It’s just pot, it’s no problem.
You got to remember that many of these “kids” are student athletes who are getting paid scholarships, and should cherish all the good things college has to offer. Is it worth losing an education, and playing career to get high on drugs?
Addictions can happen, and it’s something you really just hate to see with these young people, let alone anyone for that matter.
The real fact is drugs are drugs, whether it be pot, alcohol, cocaine, legal or illegal. Millions of people across the world have, and are fighting these addictions.
It’s simply not worth it.
My question to you today is…
Are drugs becoming a big problem in High School and College sports? If you feel there’s a problem, how should it be dealt with?
Trolling for Poa pratensis
June 21, 2007
None and Done?
Kentucky assistant Glynn Cyprien is being mentioned as a possible candidate to replace Reggie Theus at New Mexico State.
Will coach Gillispie have to go and already replace an assistant, this before the season even starts?
According to the article, Cyprien makes the most sense.
More recruiting
Chris Diggs writes about the recruiting going on at UK, and the targets they have their sights set on. These include 2008 target Rotnei Clarke, who will be making an un-official visit next weekend.
Win, Win
Luke Winn offers his rankings of this off-season’s winners and losers.
Kentucky came in a winner at #2
No other program altered its momentum in the off-season like the Wildcats did. Athletic director Mitch Barnhart made the year’s best hire by luring Billy Gillispie away from Texas A&M. Gillispie, in turn, lured two elite recruits, shooting guard Alex Legion and power forward Patrick Patterson, to UK. The Wildcats will be SEC contenders in Gillispie’s first season, which should be the beginning of a long and prosperous new era in Lexington.”
It’s always good to be a winner! Lately…it seems one by one we are starting to get the love back.
That’s not Hot
People don’t like us. Apparently UK fans are poll cheaters, dumb losers, and have Passion-Tourette’s.
Well, we have been called worse. Sometimes it’s good to be hated every now and then.
Be careful Billy Clyde
According to Bobby Brockman, Kentucky shouldn’t have taken a commitment from Dakotah Euton.
Hump Links
June 20, 2007
It’s Wednesday and that means it is time for another edition of “Hump Links”.
These are the Days of our lives
So, the Southeastern Conference is planning their own television network.
John Clay gives us his programming ideas:
The Bachelor — Big Blue Edition: Suitors compete for the heart (and paycheck) of new UK coach Billy Gillispie, a man so obsessed with basketball he often forgets to go to the grocery.
Early Commits
A Pudge is a Sandwich writes about UK recruit Dakotah Euton and the early, early commitments of players.
They talk about the downside, and give examples where it didn’t work out well.
Rug Rats
Another story on the recruiting of young players.
David Hawpe says that the Wildcats will next be recruiting “Rug Rats”.
He mentions two sixth graders, who are already ranked top 150 prospects by hoopscooponline.
The hottest Kentucky prospect is Brandon Hatton, a 5-5 guard, from Covington, KY. Indiana’s hottest is Zavier Turner from Indianapolis, standing only 5-2.
Target Rundown
A Sea of Blue gives a rundown on Kentucky recruiting targets. The list include their ranking, class, and commitment status.
The Tubby Motive
Ryan blogs about Tru’s (A Sea of Blue) nice piece on Tubby Smith, and why he bolted to Minnesota.
Through the Ranks
June 19, 2007
Kentucky fan favorite Andy Katz released his pre-preseason Top 25.
Somewhat as a shocker…Kentucky made his list at #16. Here’s what he had to say.
Billy Gillispie’s timing was perfect. He gets the Kentucky job right when there is a major, power-playing talent nearby in Patrick Patterson. Patterson might have gone to Kentucky even if Tubby Smith had stayed, but he’s perfect for Gillispie. He’ll work his tail off rebounding and running the floor for Billy Clyde. That’s great, considering that the Wildcats want to run with a guard-heavy lineup led by Derrick Jasper, Jodie Meeks, Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford. The addition of Patterson makes this team a likely enjoyable watch.”
Perhaps he’s trying to get back in the good graces of UK fans, or maybe he’s seeing the light.
Do you agree with his rankings? If not, here’s your chance to make your own.
From Way Downtown previews their rankings of 16-20 with a rundown on Kentucky at #19.
Gary Parrish gives his Preseason Top 25 (and one). Kentucky was nowhere to be found.
Little brother came in at #5
Monday: Around the Net
June 18, 2007
Kentucky guard Derrick Jasper underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on his left knee last Friday.
Jasper noticed discomfort and swelling in the knee last weekend. An MRI later in the week revealed that he needed the procedure.
UK said that Jasper will spend the summer recovering, and is expected to be ready for practice in October.
Take it easy Derrick…here’s hoping for a speedy recovering
Class of 2010 Commitment
After attending Florida’s Camp this past weekend, and turning down an offer.
Today, Kentucky received a verbal commitment from Dakotah Euton.
Euton and his family met today with coach Gillispie , giving the coach a verbal commitment.
In a interview with The Courier-Journal…
I really love the Kentucky coaching staff. They are really good guys and easy going, but when it comes down to work they are the hardest-working staff I have seen in the country. Plus, there’s no better tradition in the country than at Kentucky. I really wanted to be a part of that tradition.”
Rotnei Clarke
Over at A Sea of Blue…JL Blue looks at UK recruit Rotnei Clarke, and why he has a “recruiting crush” on him.
We did lose one
Aaron’s Blog links to a story on UK recruit Romero Osby commiting to Mississippi State.
We can’t get them all!
Blue News Sunday
June 17, 2007
Jerry Tipton’s notebook contains some nice Lil’ goodies.
Which includes…
The spring-semester grades are in for Kentucky
Men’s basketball was a loser with a 2.56, this after a 3.088 in the fall. Two of the better students…seniors Bobby Perry and Lukasz Obrzut didn’t make an impact overall, as they only needed to graduate one class.
2009 target DeMarcus Cousins’ performance at the Elite Camp impressed Kentucky. Cousins was excited to be there, and also felt the love.
UK recruit Dakotah Euton attended Florida’s Camp Friday. His father said he’s weighing an offer from Florida.
Euton previously attended Kentucky’s Elite Camp.
Also of note is…UK’s assistant coaches will be making enough for some nice Bling, Bling this season.
Glynn Cyprien at $200,000 and Jeremy Cox at $160,000
And also a Happy Belated Birthday! to a former Wildcat, who had “The ‘Stache heard around the world” Gimel Martinez. He turned the big 36 on Thursday.
Tipton also has the others things…including items on “Waffle Boy” down south.
Jared Carter Saga
Jared Carter’s High School coach said that Jared expects to have surgery on his injured shoulder.
This hasn’t been confirmed by UK. A meeting is still planned for Monday with the team physician.
What! a Rumor?
There’s a rumor going around of the possibility that Derrick Jasper will be undergoing off-season Knee surgery.
This is just a rumor and hasn’t been confirmed by anyone from Kentucky.
Jared Carter Update
June 15, 2007
The latest news on Kentucky center Jared Carter is that his injury is minor. He, along with his father are expected to meet with coach Gillispie and the team physician on Monday.
The injury is said not to be the same he suffered last season, but is the same shoulder.
He’s still expected to play next season, and has been practicing with the team.
Over the Hills and Through the Woods
June 15, 2007
It might be bad news again for Kentucky and center Jared Carter. He re-injured his shoulder last week, the extent of the injury is not yet known.
Carter had previously injured the shoulder last season, it was diagnosed then as a dislocation. He did come back, but then had more problems with it.
These types of injuries can have a lingering effect, and something that may effect his playing career.
Hopefully, it’s not too serious and he can recover from this and resume his career with the Cats soon.
Some interesting Tubby news
Tubby Smith was on a Atlanta radio station yesterday where he talked about being offered 6 NBA jobs during his time at Kentucky. He said he actually accepted two, but changed his mind. He wouldn’t mention the teams etc., but did admit to having several talks with the Atlanta Hawks.
It’s kinda surprising that the accepting part was not leaked out somehow. We all pretty much knew teams were calling, and he was listening. This was especially true with the Atlanta Hawks, many at the time thought he may go.
I guess at least he didn’t actually pull a Donovan, go sign, be introduced, and then decide OOPS! I made a boo boo.
From The Wildcat Fan Report - Bud Mackey (Indiana recruit) raises eyebrows by attending Billy Gillispie’s Elite Camp last weekend. He was already verbally committed to IU. Perhaps playing the field…A change of heart?
Former Kentucky associate head coach David Hobbs has expressed interest in the CCU (Coastal Carolina) head coaching vacancy.
This makes Hobbs the second former UK assisant that has interest, Scott Rigot is also pursuing the opening.
Hobbs was also Alabama’s head coach from 1993-1998 and had only one losing season.
