Tidbits etc. Update

Joe Crawford
Josh Herwitt of CSTV.com looks at the seniors next year, that need to make an impact.

After losing center Randolph Morris, and despite the addition of Patrick Patterson, Herwitt thinks that Joe Crawford needs to step up and re-establish Kentucky as a national power.

Ramel “Smooth” Bradley
Over at A Sea of Blue, Tru looks at the Past, Present and future of Ramel Bradley.

Sleeper
More information on Garrett Stutz, the sleeper recruit mentioned the other day has come out.

Of note is…

He plans on making a visit to Kentucky during Big Blue Madness. He’s topping 7-1, has a 7-2 wing span and a 9-2 reach.

“This has been a blast for me,” Garrett Stutz said. “(In April), a lot of smaller schools were calling me, and I was definitely thinking I would play at the smaller level, which was fine. But I kept growing and working at it. And when July came a lot of other schools saw me and started showing some interest.”

“Sometimes it’s hard because I sit back and dream about Kentucky or Kansas, going to the bigger schools. I didn’t have those expectations before.”

Lindy’s Sports Annuals
In their 2007-2008 NCAA basketball preview issue, Kentucky receives a ranking of No. 21.

The Apology
FoxSports.com’s Jay Glazer offers an apology for his Kentucky “Hillbillies” rant.

In case you were gone from earth and missed it: FoxSports.com has since pulled it, but you may it here.

Weekly Edition of Hump Links

It’s another slow news week for Kentucky basketball.

Lineups
Over at A Sea of Blue…Tru takes a look at possible starting lineups and how each can be beneficial.

Definite Visit
Aaron’s UK blog provides a link that Courtney Fortson will definitely be making a visit to Kentucky.

Interviews
As mentioned yesterday, The Wildcat Blog will be having interviews with some of the bloggers that cover Kentucky sports. Below are the interviews posted so far.

• Interview with Tru - A Sea of Blue
• Interview with Chris Diggs - Courier-Journal UK Fan Blog
• Interview with yours truly - Go Big Blue Cats

Who Knows what?
Chris Diggs mentions the possibility of a new target for 2008 by the name of Garrett Stutz.

I also seen the chattering on boards about him. He supposed to be around the 7ft and 220-pound mark. It’s said that he’s something of a work in progress, with potential, and needs some added weight.

Chris also reports that John Riek could be making a visit next month and also attending Big Blue Madness.

This sounds good. He won’t know what to think if he did attend. It should make an impression…huh?

Interviewed by The Wildcat Blog

The Wildcat Blog recently contacted some of the Kentucky related bloggers about doing an email interview. Fortunately, I was asked to participate, which I gladly did.

You will be finding out a little info from the people behind the keyboard that bring you Kentucky thoughts, humor, news and more. The interview subjects range from personal thoughts about the program to predictions on the upcoming basketball and football season.

Be sure to check out The Wildcat Blog for interviews of other sites.

You may find my interview here.

Kentucky Basketball: The past few days

There hasn’t been too much going on lately. Mainly some little tidbits here and there.

Most people seem to be gearing up for the College Football season. I’m ready for basketball myself. Who’s with me?

C-J’s Sunday Basketball Notebook
There’s a little story on former Kentucky Wildcat Chuck Hayes, who recently came back to the Bluegrass State.

It mentions the birth of his son, his new contract, and him keeping his Kentucky roots.

While in town, Hayes participated in some pick-up games with some current Cats.

He was impressed with new wildcat Patrick Patterson.

Patrick covers so much space because of his length,” Hayes said. “He can alter your shot if you’re over there and he’s way over here because his length is phenomenal.”

Coaching Clinic
Coach Billy Gillispie will be participating in the 31st Annual John Karsten Tip-Off Clinic on Oct. 7th.

Gillispie is scheduled at 4:45-5:45pm on Kentucky defense.

Don’t giveaway too much

Reports
Slam Online has player reports from the adidas Basketball Experience, which was held in New Orleans and included future Cat GJ Vilarino.

Recruiting
Despite having strong interest for LSU, Terrance Henry will be making some official visits.

The list of schools he’s visiting include Kentucky, Kansas, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Miami.

Some reports have said he has lost interest in LSU.

Hump Links: Short Edition

Coach Billy Gillispie will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Legends game with the West Virginia Power on Monday, August 27th.

Related: Gillispie Set to Throw Out First Pitch

State of Decline
Over at A Sea of Blue, Tru gives his analysis of the decline in shooting in the NCAA.

Trimmed to six
Recruit J’Mison Morgan, a 6-10, 275 pound senior out of Dallas’ South Oak Cliff High, has trimmed his list to six.

He says he will attend either Kentucky, Louisville, Kansas, Alabama, LSU or UCLA.

Kansas is high on his list

Bogan’s Chat
Up on NBA.com, there’s a transcript from a chat between fans and former Kentucky Wildcat Keith Bogans, that took place back in Jan.

Among the questions asked…

Ben (Louisville): Hey Keith, big fan. What was your favorite memory from your time playing at Kentucky?

Keith Bogans: My favorite memory from Kentucky was just the fans and how they embraced us and the program there. The fans were all about Kentucky basketball.

Rain or Shine
Someone has taken yard decoration to a new level.

Jean Redmon, a Lexington resident proudly displays her UK sports memorabilia throughout her front yard.

She’s currently looking for a good picture of coach Billy Gillispie to go up in the yard.

Travis Ford hires former Kentucky teammate Rodrick Rhodes

UMASS coach Travis Ford has hired Rodrick Rhodes as an assistant coach.

Travis and Rhodes played together at Kentucky for two seasons (1992-93, 1993-94).

As noted…Rhodes previously expressed interest in returning to UK as an assistant for coach Billy Gillispie.

Travis helping out a former Cat. Good for him.

Tayshaun Prince makes Team USA final roster

Former Kentucky Wildcat star Tayshaun Prince made the final 12 man U.S. Team roster.

Kevin Durant, along with Nick Collison were cut Monday Night. The U.S. team had to get down to the 12-player limit for the Olympic qualifying tournament that begins Wednesday.

The final U.S. roster includes: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Dwight Howard, Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups, Michael Redd, Mike Miller, Tyson Chandler, Tayshaun Prince and Deron Williams.

Congrats to Tay, make us proud!

Happenings Around the Web

No blues for Gillispie
There’s a nice piece at Aggiesports.com on coach Billy Gillispie. It goes into detail about his transition from A&M to Kentucky. It’s rather lengthy, quote filled, and a very nice read.

History
Tru, over at A Sea of Blue has a story on the single game that changed Big Blue Nation. Do you remember where you were? I sure do!

SLAM Pre-season College Top 25
SLAM ONLINE has their pre-season Top 25 up.

Can you guess who didn’t make it?

Listed
Mason County standout Darius Miller, has included Kentucky among his final list of six schools vying for his services.

The others are Louisville, Illinois, Miami (Fla.), Tennessee and Texas.

Things you may already know
Four-star recruit Dashan Harris committed to A&M.

His list did include Kentucky, Indiana, California, Florida State, Cincinnati and Oklahoma.

also….

Former Kentucky Basketball player Marquis Estill was arrested and charged with DUI.

What’s going on? First it’s Morris, now Estill. Great publicity for the program, huh?

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