The New Week

Rotnei Clarke narrows his list
Kentucky recruit Rotnei Clarke has narrowed his list of schools down to 10. Kentucky made the list, along with Arizona State, Arkansas, Gonzaga, Kansas, Memphis, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oral Roberts and the University of Tulsa.

Clarke made an unofficial visit to Kentucky last month.

It was pretty amazing. Incredible facilities and fan base,” Clarke said. ”You get treated like a king down there. I was there during a father-son camp. Coach Gillispie and I went down to the practice gym, where the camp was, and everybody started cheering and clapping and telling me to come to Kentucky. It was crazy.”

He expects to sign a letter of intent some time in November.

Cooling Off?
Rivals says that Rotnei Clarke may have cooled off on Kentucky because of his teammate Willie Warren (Another UK recruit).

Many have felt that the two may be a package deal, and Warren is leaning toward Oklahoma.

Youth Movement
A hot topic of debate lately. It’s Another story on the ‘Never Ending’ recruiting of young players.

This one is by Jody Demling (Courier-Journal), on the heels of the biggest week of the high school basketball recruiting season.

Some quotes from the article:

Scout.com national recruiting analyst Dave Telep…

It’s spinning completely out of control”

Auburn coach Jeff Lebo…

I didn’t even know how to go to the bathroom in the eighth grade, so I don’t know how I could have made a decision on college”

Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie…

If you are going to recruit, you have to recruit early and intensely, and, as soon as you see guys that in your estimation are able to make a difference in your program, that’s when you start getting involved in the recruiting process.”

University of Louisville coach Rick Pitino…

There are so many factors involved, and so many things can change.” “What happens is that it turns out not being in the best interests of the player.”

“In the year 2000″
Tru over at A Sea of Blue looks into the future with his ‘The Gillispie Honeymoon‘ post.

How long will Wildcat fans give Gillispie to get the program back to the top?

I know it’s early to be looking at this, but as Tru mentions, some are already suggesting that Billy Gillispie doesn’t have long.

He takes a look at possible scenarios, which include players such as Patterson leaving early and back-to-back dud seasons.

If Gillispie doesn’t get a team in the Final Four within 5 years, I expect some serious dissatisfaction around the Big Blue Nation.

I would definitely agree with this. Of course there will be some ticked if we don’t get to a Final Four within 3 years.

Comment on this: What’s your take? How long do you give Billy Gillispie?